ST:TTV620 | "The Continuing Search"

Stardate 98168.5

With the Coalition beginning the slow recovery process at Vue En's orbital ring station, a few days R&R quickly pass by for the crew as they soon find themselves back on mission; returning straight to their previously most rimward point of exploration with the assistance of the Observer. All their hopes rest on what awaits them there...

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Keliaya@anncaris:FX | It is morning, but underneath the thick canopy of the forest, darkness reigns. A mist clings to the air, obscuring the view of the distance and any potential way out of the forest. From the - Keliaya@anncaris:- ferns and other plant life around, it seems to be one of the many forests of the New World, and Sin finds herself inexplicably standing in the middle. She can sense a presence nearby, something - Keliaya@anncaris:- powerful Sin@crystyl:can't help but be drawn back in her mind to Belyia by the setting. The sensation only amplifying the memory as her instinct is to reach out in her mind to see through the veils of illusion Keliaya@anncaris:| Her effort seems to push the mist around her back, revealing a strange, dark figure in the distance and the sounds of inhuman voices echoing around her. Among them, Sin hears someone whispering - Keliaya@anncaris:- her name over and over... Sin@crystyl:looks around in all directions, drawn by the sound and trying to figure where it's coming from Keliaya@anncaris:| The figure strides slowly towards Sin, and she can make out that it is a bipedal person shrouded in a black hooded cloak. The cloak flutters with the wind as they approach Sin@crystyl:stands her ground, "Who are you? I warn you if you're looking for a fight, you will regret it" Sin@crystyl:again is driven by instinctive into a prone stance like she often did in battle on Belyia, hands slightly outstretched ready to cast a deadly spell Keliaya@anncaris:| The figure continues to approach calmly, showing no sign of hostility, but also does not lower their hood. A more clear voice sounds, presumably coming from the figure. It is a female voice with - Keliaya@anncaris:- a strange ethereal quality to it, and also some familiarity Sin can't explain, "I come in peace, old friend." Sin@crystyl:squints trying to focus on the hidden face, "You call yourself friend but hide behind that veil. If you are my friend then why do you hide from me?" Keliaya@anncaris:| Sin is not able to discern the face which is completely hidden behind the hood. All she can see are locks of long black hair which extend down from the concealed visage Keliaya@anncaris:| Figure: "It is not yet time. But if any of us are to survive this, I must give you a warning." Sin@crystyl:"Eugh, I'm just a magnet for you types aren't I? What's all this about?" Keliaya@anncaris:| Figure: "The time of the Second Betrayal is almost upon us. He who fell from grace will spread His demon wings and unleash the legions of hell upon this realm. Your new friends will be - Keliaya@anncaris:- the first to fall. It is not you who will save them. You have a bigger role to play. When that time comes, embrace your old self once again. You are one of the few capable of it." Keliaya@anncaris:| Figure: "In order to save your friends, you must first abandon them. You will know when the time has come." Sin@crystyl:"What is it with you creepy sage types and talking in riddles? I don't understand! Second Betrayal? 'he who fell from grace? I don't know what you mean by these things!" Keliaya@anncaris:| Figure: "You will. I would tell you more, but my masters forbid me from interfering with the Final Judgement. This warning is all I can give you." Keliaya@anncaris:| The figure waves her hand and dissipates into a cloud of black mist Sin@crystyl:"It's not enough. What reason do I even have to trust anything you're-... eugh!" she kicks the ground in frustration, "Sages!" Keliaya@anncaris:| Suddenly, the strange sounds come closer and closer. Sin can make out more and more shapes around her Sin@crystyl:looks around, spinning from one way to the next trying to keep her guard up Keliaya@anncaris:| The shapes soon reveal themselves to be Horde thralls, but not just any thralls. They are visibly mutated and misshapen, but they appear to be wearing the tattered remains of Starfleet uniforms, - Keliaya@anncaris:- some with the combadges and Valley Forge patches still visible Sin@crystyl:'s eyes widen before she clamps them shut, "No! I will /not/ be manipulated by illusions!" Keliaya@anncaris:| The figure's voice echos around her, "Run, Sin! Run!" Sin@crystyl:doesn't need telling twice at this point and turns away, running from the illusions Keliaya@anncaris:| The thralls begin chasing after Sin, howling and growling. They close in around her, appearing from behind trees, leaping down from treetops... Keliaya@anncaris:| As Sin runs, she startles awake on her bed in her quarters... Sin@crystyl:looks around in confusion, panting from the haunting vision. As she realises it was a dream she scowls, "Son of a-" Sin@crystyl | Cue sudden fade to black... --- Keliaya@anncaris | Meanwhile, Kelly and the Observer are working away at configuring the wormhole generation in deflector control Keliaya@anncaris seems to pause and stare into nothing... Rianni@crystyl doesn't notice immediately as she works away, *taptaptap*, "There. How's the phase variance looking Commander?" Keliaya@anncaris shakes her head and snaps back to focus, looking over to the Observer, "Hm? Oh yes, the phase variance. One second, just checking now..." she taps away at the console Rianni@crystyl turns, "Commander? Is everything alright? You sound... distracted" Keliaya@anncaris blinks slightly and nods, looking over to Rianni with a smile, "I'm fine. Just felt something...strange for a moment there." Rianni@crystyl takes a step closer, "Strange?" she asks with an inquisitive tone Keliaya@anncaris:"I'm...not sure how to describe it. You know that feeling when you're kind of in between consciousness and unconsciousness? We Denobulans get it when our hibernation is setting in, you probably - Keliaya@anncaris:- feel something similar when you're going to sleep." Rianni@crystyl:"So your hibernation is due?" she smiles, "It's ok, you get some sleep if you want. I can continue here well enough. By all means assign a security escort if you feel it prudent" Keliaya@anncaris shakes her head, "No, my hibernation shouldn't be due for some time. It was /like/ that but not exactly that. I felt...disconnected from reality, but more awake than ever." Keliaya@anncaris turns back to the console, "Like I said, it's difficult to describe." Rianni@crystyl:"Have you ever experienced a sensation like this before?" Keliaya@anncaris:"No, never. That's why I brought up the hibernation, it was the closest thing I could think of." Rianni@crystyl:"It may not be my place to say so, Commander. But I believe your Starfleet regulations oblige you to report for a medical examination upon experiencing any irregular mental or physical conditions" Keliaya@anncaris:"It was just for a split second..." she sighs and nods, "You're right, you know Starfleet regulations as well as any of us, after all." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "I will accompany you" Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, "Thank you. I think we're about done here, anyways." She taps her console again before turning to head over for sickbay Rianni@crystyl joins her, helpfully offering as they walk, "I have a few theories on what could cause such an occurrence if you're interested. There are numerous diseases and natural phenomena..." she trails off - Rianni@crystyl:- as they disappear around the corner Keliaya@anncaris and the Observer enters sickbay and a few seconds later, Zanah steps out from her office, "Commander. Ri- what should I call you, Infiltrator was it?" Rianni@crystyl frowns a little, mostly with disappointment, "Observer" Keliaya@anncaris | Zanah: "Right, Observer. So what can I help you with?" Rianni@crystyl:"Oh I'm fine actually! It's Commander Keliaya" she looks to Kelly, "She experienced... something just now in deflector control. Like she was falling asleep I think?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Something like that. I'm not sure how else to describe it." Keliaya@anncaris | Zanah nods, "Come here and we'll give you a scan." Keliaya@anncaris follows Zanah over to a bed and sits on the edge while the doctor grabs a tricorder and begins scanning away Rianni@crystyl:" that feeling when you're kind of in between consciousness and unconsciousness. That was her exact description at the time" Rianni@crystyl pulls a stool over, feeling quite at rights to sit and observe Rianni@crystyl:"Disconnected from reality but more awake than ever. Was another descriptor used, if that helps" Keliaya@anncaris | Zanah: "Could be an allergic reaction to something. You were down at Vue-En for the meeting, weren't you?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I've been there before, though." Keliaya@anncaris | Zanah looks over the readings with a thoughtful expression, "You're right. I don't see anything unusual at all. It doesn't look like you've eaten for twelve hours though. You could be working - Keliaya@anncaris - too hard and not eating enough. Take some time off-duty and go grab some food." Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Thank you for checking, Doctor." Rianni@crystyl:"This crew has experienced a string of high stress situations without respite. That may also be a factor" Rianni@crystyl:"This ship has also been exposed to a variety of anomalies and energies that may have an artificial influence..." she continues, just sort of rambling through her own thinking Rianni@crystyl hrms, "Oh! And all the telepathy, of course! You have those little implants doo-dads right? All this recent exposure to such a strong telepathic field from the large Horde presence would be a first- Rianni@crystyl:-load test of those systems to such a degree I think. I would also not rule out anything on that front as there may yet be a flaw in your technology that you have not accounted for" Keliaya@anncaris | Zanah chuckles, "Just as enthusiastic as the other Rianni. Don't worry, I'm checking everything, especially neural readings. There's no sign of Horde influence." Keliaya@anncaris | Zanah: "I'll recommend the Captain give some more leave on Vue-En while we're here, but I'm pretty certain she wants us to be on our way as soon as we can." Rianni@crystyl:"If you like, Commander; I can still continue working with one of your engineers on the deflector so you can get some time off to rest" Keliaya@anncaris:"Let's get some food first. We've both been working for some time, after all. And I'm pretty sure you still need food." Rianni@crystyl nods and smiles, "Sounds good to me!" hopping off her stool Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, hopping off the bed as well, "Come on, then." Rianni@crystyl gives a cheery wave to Zanah as they head out, "Thank you for the assistance Nurse!" Rianni@crystyl may or may not have addressed her incorrectly on purpose after the 'infiltrator' thing. Zanah may never know for sure... Keliaya@anncaris steps into the nearest mess hall with the observer, heading over to a replicator and tapping in her selection which materializes on a tray Keliaya@anncaris picks up the tray and steps aside to make room for the Observer Rianni@crystyl follows, stepping in after her and replicating a chocolate milkshake. Grinning happily as she welcomes it with both hands around the oversized treat Keliaya@anncaris smiles at Rianni before looking to the rest of the mess hall, "Looks like there's plenty of free tables at this hour." Keliaya@anncaris makes for one of the smaller tables, setting her tray down and taking a seat Keliaya@anncaris takes a sip from her drink and looks at Rianni's milkshake, "That's one of the drinks you developed a taste for during your time with us, isn't it?" Rianni@crystyl sits across from her, "This is not one of the central recreational areas of the ship". She smiles, "One of the first things I remember experiencing for myself, yes!" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "I don't imagine you've been able to find much of it before you found us? Though I wouldn't be surprised if someone at Underworld had the replicator patterns somehow…” Keliaya@anncaris:"And yes, this is one of the smaller mess halls usually frequented by enlisted personnel. I decided to come here because it was closer." Rianni@crystyl:"They did have a lot of things which reminded me of Starfleet and that Human life, but no chocolate milkshake that I could find..." Rianni@crystyl nods, "That was a most efficient choice. Closer, but also quieter. Which may be better for your prescribed rest" Keliaya@anncaris:"That's the idea. Though I usually prefer busier areas with more people, but I still have your company here." Rianni@crystyl suddenly looks up mid-slurp, "Oh! If you wish, I can try to be louder and more raucus to emulate a larger crowd" Keliaya@anncaris laughs, "No, that's not what I meant. You're good as you are. I'm just used to having lots of people around, having grown up in a Denobulan family in a city and all. But I don't mind a little - Keliaya@anncaris:- peace and quiet once in a while either." Rianni@crystyl:"It is... welcome at the right time, yes. Rather the opposite; after spending the last few years alone in my little ship searching for you all, I am more receptive to being around people than I was - Rianni@crystyl:- previously" she slurps and thinks, "Though... it probably helps that I am just me now. Not me and your Rianni" Keliaya@anncaris:"I can imagine. You can finally be completely yourself around us now after all this time." Rianni@crystyl nods, "It is a very welcome change to the dynamic" Keliaya@anncaris starts eating away at her food, looking to Rianni as she finishes chewing, "What about our Rianni, have you spoken with her much outside of the work we've been doing?" Rianni@crystyl shakes her head, "Not as much as I would like. When we do talk, I still get a lot of mixed feelings from her" Keliaya@anncaris:"Must still feel like quite an odd experience for her. What about the rest of the crew, getting along with them alright?" Rianni@crystyl:"I think most have learned to tell me apart from the other me now. I found that continuing to wear my armour around the ship helps with that" Rianni@crystyl:"That said..." she slurps some more, "... reactions are still a little... uneasy at times, but that is only natural. There is a reason Observers are normally decommissioned after a contact is decided" Keliaya@anncaris:"Decomissioned? Like...what happened to the other version of you?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "It is the reason I first asked for asylum; because I did not want to abandon those I had grown to care for in the face of the Azedi threat" Keliaya@anncaris:"But your Creators are keeping you around now?" Rianni@crystyl:"Yes. After my previous incarnation was decommissioned the situation surrounding Starfleet and the Azedi became increasingly unstable in the eyes of the Creators. Their suspicion of Starfleet grew - Rianni@crystyl:- when they reached out following that battle and claimed to be seeking peaceful coexistence. So, I was recommissioned from the template to serve as an intermediary" Keliaya@anncaris nods, taking a sip from a drink on the tray she replicated, "Speaking of which...have the Junayd decided whether you should be staying with us after we go through the wormhole, or return here to - Keliaya@anncaris:- act as their representative to the Coalition?" Rianni@crystyl:"Negotiating with the Coalition is a primary function in line with my original purpose. However, the Horde threat continues to override all other matters so I will remain with this ship for the time- Rianni@crystyl:- being in order to provide the means of urgent return to the Coalition should conditions require it" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "Thank you. We appreciate it, and you're very helpful to have around in other ways as well." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Yes, I will able to bolster FLT Baelai's flight wing and serve as an advanced scout ahead even of the QanwI' if needed" Keliaya@anncaris:"Those are some good ideas! The wormhole technology must be very useful for scouting." Rianni@crystyl:"If not for that, I would never have been able to catch up to here" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "You're fairly good at personal combat as well, aren't you? I think I remember it was Mana who said you could react almost as fast as Sayu, and Sayu's a specially programmed defense drone." Rianni@crystyl smiles fondly at the memory, "Yes, it is often a side effect of Observer growth" Keliaya@anncaris:"What about this armour you're keeping on to set you apart from our Rianni? How much protection does it provide? How does it even work? I don't think i've gotten a chance to ask. It seems almost - Keliaya@anncaris:- holographic. Is it generated and can be turned on and off, like the new armour the ship has?" Rianni@crystyl:"In a sense, yes. It is most comparable to your photonic technology" Keliaya@anncaris:"But it's solid as well, so it provides protection? Like Mia's avatar?" Rianni@crystyl smiles, "A very good analogy actually, yes! It is reactive energy shielding" Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, "Sounds handy! Does it only shield the parts where I see the armour now, or does it generate something if there's an attack coming for a currently unarmoured part of your body?" Rianni@crystyl:"The energy field is present across my whole form. The areas you see are like reinforced sections" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Ahh, I see. And I assume since it's energy, it doesn't weigh anything and affect your movement at all?" Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Exactly, yes!" Keliaya@anncaris:"Very useful equipment to have for non-combat dedicated personnel. Maybe even the average security officer." Rianni@crystyl:"Very much so. Though I am certain Starfleet must have similar personal protection systems too" Keliaya@anncaris:"Where's the projector for your energy field? I have a feeling our similar equipment isn't as efficient as yours." Rianni@crystyl taps over her shoulder, "This pack serves as the central power unit" Keliaya@anncaris:"Oh, so that's what it is! I suppose ours are about that size as well...maybe your field is stronger than our technology, though. Might be worth checking out sometime." Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "Hopefully I'm not boring you with too much technical talk." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Not at all! I just wish I could share all the details with you" Keliaya@anncaris:"Is it because your Creators don't want you to, or is it too complicated for us to even understand? Or maybe a mix of both..." Rianni@crystyl:"From what I have seen of your people, I am sure you would be able to master a technology when properly educated. No, it is the same reason I am coming with you to provide wormhole functionality - Rianni@crystyl:- rather than simply giving you the upgrade. The Creators own version of the Prime Directive, if you like" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "That makes sense. You can help us to a degree, but giving us the details of your technology would be influencing our natural development." Rianni@crystyl:"Yes, though the Creators' view of such things is probably more akin to the Regulators than yours. They are less concerned with influencing natural development as they are with being responsible for- Rianni@crystyl:- the actions of another species using their technology to harm others like the Azedi did" Keliaya@anncaris:"That's also a very reasonable way to see things. I suppose some of these species would eventually develop technology of their own and still cause harm though. Like the Klingons and Romulans did in - Keliaya@anncaris:- the past. But it would minimize their harm, and give their enemies more of a fair chance to catch up and stand against them." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Yes, so I'm sorry I can't do more here. I will do all I can to help out within the confines of my directive though!" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "No need to apologize, it's completely understandable. After all, we have similar rules like you pointed out. Just having you along is a great help already. It would take us months to - Keliaya@anncaris:- return to those ruins without a wormhole." Rianni@crystyl:"I only hope this proves to be the right course for us" Keliaya@anncaris:"We can't know for sure, but this Iconian facility is the best thing we have. Thank you again for coming along with us on our search." Rianni@crystyl:"I welcome the opportunity to get to know everyone again, but as myself now. It is an unprecedented situation for an Observer, so it should prove very interesting!" Keliaya@anncaris:"I'm sure you'll learn quite a lot for your Creators on this journey! Hopefully they have a better view of us too now after we helped get rid of the Azedi fleet." Rianni@crystyl:"They may eventually come to respect this crew, but I doubt any of us will see the day when they establish official relations with the Federation" Keliaya@anncaris:"Well, this is a step in the right direction I'm sure, and I'm glad we're able to see this at least." Rianni@crystyl:"As am I" she smiles --- NPC@annpc#557 FX | As the VF undergoes repairs, Zytomin calls Mia to the bay where his computer core is stored... Mia@crystyl wanders into the cargo bay, "Allo Zytomin!" NPC@annpc#557 | A basic hologram of Zytomin appears from a holoprojector installed next to the console by the core, "Hello, Mia. Thank you for coming." Mia@crystyl:"It is always our pleasure to assist our guests! What can we do for you today?" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "I am aware that we have arrived at the Arshai capital of Vue-En, and that the Lodzki population has taken refuge here. If I may- I have a favour to ask." Mia@crystyl smiles, "But of course! What do you need of us?" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "I have been looking into your records of Arshai history, which is far more extensive than our own. It appears that the Arshai have not accepted artificial intelligence on their New - NPC@annpc#557:- World until very recently, and even then there are still many who do not look favourably upon beings such as ourselves. Combined with my own people's traditional ideals, I have calculated a - NPC@annpc#557:- 91.86% possibility of an incident occurring were I to be transferred to the New World. Thus, I would like to request to remain on the Valley Forge until it is possible to transport me back to my - NPC@annpc#557:- compound on Czostak or to another such facility elsewhere." Mia@crystyl:"We do not anticipate any problem with that!" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "Excellent. Though I do not have the servers I am used to, I will endeavour to assist you as much as I can. I understand you are seeking a particularly large and ancient facility - NPC@annpc#557:- further rimward from here?" Mia@crystyl nods, "That is correct. It is a substantial facility of Iconian origin and one we believe to be referred to historically as 'The Heart of War'. This facility was our original mission objective as - Mia@crystyl:- it has an active gateway connected to Federation space. We did not know then that it may also be this specialized facility reportedly built by the Iconians to stop the Horde" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "If you present me with up-to-date astrological data on the region, I will use my processes to seek out anomalies and attempt to locate this facility for you. I suspect you have - NPC@annpc#557:- already gone over the data you possess now very thoroughly, but once additional scans come in when we reach the region, I may be able to process it faster and note minute details that could be - NPC@annpc#557:- easily missed by an organic researcher." Mia@crystyl smiles, "That is a most kind offer of assistance, thank you Zytomin! We will make arrangements to establish a link to the astrometrics lab for you. That lab is also equipped with holoprojectors so - Mia@crystyl:- you will be able to interact with the science teams there and collaborate on the search" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin smiles back, "I will do my best to assist you in your search, then. Thank you for allowing me to stay with you." Mia@crystyl:"What of your people? It is only their love for you which led to your being on board in the first place. Do we need to make any arrangements for you to part ways from them?" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "It should suffice to tell them that I am assisting you in your mission, and to learn more about the universe in the process." Mia@crystyl nods, "Very well. We shall inform mon Capitaine and make necessary arrangements" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "Thank you again, Mia. I look forward to seeing what I learn during this journey" --- Issandros@anncaris | Keelah works away in her ready room when her combadge chirps Keelah@crystyl leans back from her console as she taps, "Se'Lai" Issandros@anncaris:<C - TQ> There's an incoming hail from the Guardian dreadnought. Should I put it through to the ready room Keelah@crystyl:"Please do Tee, thank you" Issandros@anncaris appears on Keelah's screen a few seconds later, "Captain Keelah. How's work on your ship going?" Keelah@crystyl:"All is proceeding on schedule. We were more fortunate than most coming out of the battle" Issandros@anncaris:"Due in no small part to the impressive armour your vessel can generate, no doubt. They are far more effective than traditional shields in a battle like this." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed. How about the Guardians? Are your repairs faring well?" Issandros@anncaris:"It will take some time for the more heavily damaged ships, but the Arshai facilities here should help speed up the process. Overseeing the aftermath of the battle has taken up quite a significant - Issandros@anncaris:- portion of my time, along with the usual challenges that come with a transition of leadership. That was why I had only noticed the message I am contacting you about now." Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, "Message?" Issandros@anncaris nods, "From the Rangers. They say they have found something near the Iconian ruins, something they had previously overlooked. They are not certain how relevant it may be, as they have not yet - Issandros@anncaris:- managed to open it. Since you are headed back out in that direction to search for the Iconian facility, it may be of interest to you." Keelah@crystyl:"Did they provide any details on exactly what they have found beyond 'something interesting'?" Issandros@anncaris:"It is not Iconian in origin. They believe it to be Sorobeth. Beyond that, they do not yet know." Keelah@crystyl:"Curious. We will investigate as our first port of call then. It should not take us long to reach the Iconian arms factory, so we will make contact and rendezvous with your Rangers from there" Issandros@anncaris:"Excellent. We will leave this in your capable hands, Captain." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Even if this turns out not to be relevant to our search, we owe it to the Guardians to assist where we can. So that is what we shall do" she smiles Issandros@anncaris:"If it is Sorobeth technology, it could prove to be useful in a variety of other ways, or perhaps it would provide some historical insight. In any case, it is worth looking into." Keelah@crystyl:"Agreed" Issandros@anncaris:"That is all the information I have for you at the moment. The Rangers may be able to fill you in on more. Good luck out there, Captain. Even though we have dealt with the bulk of Horde forces in - Issandros@anncaris:- this area, formerly Horde-controlled territory can still be very dangerous." Keelah@crystyl:"And to you. We'll speak again soon" --- Keliaya@anncaris | The next day, the bridge is filled with activity as the Valley Forge finally leaves the Ring. Most of the senior staff are on bridge consoles, along with the Observer, who had come to assist - Keliaya@anncaris - with the wormhole generation Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "We've cleared Vue-En orbit, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Increase to 1/2 impulse and take us clear of the system ready to open the wormhole" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Aye Captain. Increasing to half impulse now." Keliaya@anncaris:"Deflector systems are standing ready and we're channeling all available power towards it for the wormhole generation." Keelah@crystyl | Observer: "Ready to initiate on your order, Captain" Keelah@crystyl:"Mr. Fisher?" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "All clear now." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Over to you, Observer 93108" Keelah@crystyl | Observer nods: "Coordinates set. Generating aperture now" Keliaya@anncaris monitors the deflector systems and power levels carefully as the Observer generates the aperture Keelah@crystyl | The main deflector flares up before emitting a powerful surge of energy focused on a point just off the ship's bow where the wormhole takes shape Keelah@crystyl | Observer: "Aperture formed and stable" Keelah@crystyl:"Take us in Mr. Fisher" Keliaya@anncaris:"Power drain is still substantial, but we're managing to hold it by ourselves this time." Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher nods and taps at his console, "Here we go again..." Keelah@crystyl mutters, "Never thought I'd be staring down this abyss again..." Keliaya@anncaris | The VF slowly cruises into the wormhole, with the QanwI' following close along Keliaya@anncaris:"Power levels dropping, but it should last long enough for us to get through." Keelah@crystyl | Observer: "There is no need to panic, this is quite normal I assure you" Keliaya@anncaris nods, glancing to the viewscreen now dominated by the wormhole effect Keelah@crystyl:"Enjoy it while you can. You don't get a view like this every day" Keelah@crystyl | Observer looks between the viewscreen and Keelah, curious as to the romanticism about something as mundane a wormhole Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, noticing the Observer, "I suppose it is something you see every day. It's a little more special for us." Keelah@crystyl | Observer: "Even after all this time I still fail to comprehend so much about you people" Keliaya@anncaris:"I'm sure you'll learn even more as you go. Some things are easier to understand once you get a firsthand perspective." Keelah@crystyl | Observer, "Perhaps...". she continues watching curiously Keelah@crystyl glances back and smiles to herself Keliaya@anncaris FX | Before long, the VF exits the wormhole, and the sight of the system with the Iconian ruins comes into view on the screen Keelah@crystyl:"Alright. Systems check first" Keliaya@anncaris quickly turns back to her console and checks, "All systems are still functional. We're going to need some time to get everything back to full power again, but essential systems have enough to - Keliaya@anncaris:- run for the time being." Keelah@crystyl:"Very well, let's begin with a cursory check of the arms factory; comparative analysis with our last visit" Keliaya@anncaris nods, tapping away at her console, "There's more power coming from the structure now, probably indicating more of it is online. There's lifesigns, likely Guardians, and the defense turrets have - Keliaya@anncaris:- been activated again." Keliaya@anncaris:"Also seeing some additional debris in orbit." Keliaya@anncaris | Eva: "We're being hailed, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Continue analysis of the debris" turning to Eva, "On screen" Keliaya@anncaris | The familiar masked and hooded Ranger-Captain Attayal appears on the viewscreen Keliaya@anncaris FX | https://i0.wp.com/torf.mmo-fashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Eternal-Conqueror-Bulwark-Male-Close.jpg Keliaya@anncaris | Attayal: "Welcome back, Captain. An interesting method of travel you're using this time." Keelah@crystyl:"Courtesy of our newest allies the Junayd. It is good to see you again Ranger-Captain, how is life at the arms factory?" Keliaya@anncaris | Attayal: "Mostly just managing day-to-day activity here. We've had a few Anarchist raids, but nothing we couldn't handle." Keliaya@anncaris looks to Keelah, "The debris match the composition of Morving ships and Rider craft." Keelah@crystyl:"Well as long as you're managing ok. We received report of an interesting find out here" Keliaya@anncaris | Attayal: "That's right. We've examined it more closely since we sent the message to Skormir's Chapter- or Issandros' Chapter now. We're pretty sure it's Sorobeth technology and it contains - Keliaya@anncaris:- data within, but we haven't been able to make sense of it. Translating to any known Sorobeth language, including their programming language, doesn't give us anything that makes sense." Keelah@crystyl:"Curious. Issandros has asked us to help you investigate this facility" Keliaya@anncaris | Attayal: "It's not quite a facility, but we can show you where we found it. The device itself is on our ship now, we managed to get the lockbox open since then." Keelah@crystyl:"I see. Very well then, with your permission we shall transport to your ship and study this device before investigating the location you found it" Keliaya@anncaris | Attayal: "We're ready for you now. We suspect it's some kind of advanced encryption, so if you have anyone who knows how to deal with that, you might want to send them over." Keelah@crystyl:"Understood. My team will be with you shortly" Keliaya@anncaris | Attayal: "I'll await their arrival." Keliaya@anncaris | The call ends, and the viewscreen returns to the view of the devastated planet that houses the Iconian arms factory Keelah@crystyl turns to Lennie, "You're up Commander. Take Mia and Lar with you" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie slumps, opening her mouth to protest but restraining herself as she looks back to Keelah. She sighs softly and nods, "Understood Cap'n" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie turns and heads out. --- NPC@annpc#557 | Lennie, Mia and Lar materialize on a transporter pad with Guardian-Captain Attayal waiting in front of them Lendaria@crystyl steps forward, "Guardian-Captain" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "Welcome to the Silencer. Name wasn't my idea, or even my predecessor's. Guardians make do with what we can get our hands on, and this ship was an acquisition, not something we built, - NPC@annpc#557 - so don't be intimidated. We're not assassins, unless you're a Horde thrall. Then I guess sometimes we are." Lendaria@crystyl chuckles, "Never assumed ya was!" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "Anyways, come with me. I'll show you to where we're storing the Sorobeth artifact." Lendaria@crystyl & Co. follow. NPC@annpc#557 | After a short walk, the group enter an area filled with consoles and a screen with a large map display. In the centre of the room, a female figure with similar clothes and mask to Attayal - NPC@annpc#557 - sits, tapping away at a console with a cylindrical tube on top of it NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "Syridin, any progress?" NPC@annpc#557 | The masked female turns, "We're still no closer to deciphering it." NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "This is the team from the Valley Forge. They're going to take a look at it." He looks to Lennie, "I'll let you introduce yourselves." Lendaria@crystyl:"LCDR Lendaria, Chief Science Officer. This' Mia an' Lar" NPC@annpc#557 | Syridin: "Pleased to meet you, and to have your assistance. I'm Syridin, technical specialist. That means I usually work with small gadgets, armour systems, occasionally PADDs and other - NPC@annpc#557:- portable equipment that don't count as weapons. I can work weapons too if I need, but it's not my specialty." Lendaria@crystyl:"I'm-a biologist mainly, but linguistics're also mah thing. Lar's... well, he's got a flair f'ciphers an' codes. Mia's an AI, two AI's technically but tha's one for another time. We'se hopin' - Lendaria@crystyl:- between us we can help crack this lil' puzzle o'yours" NPC@annpc#557 | Syridin nods, tapping on her console and bringing up several readings, "This is what we have so far. We've been able to extract data contained inside the artifact, but not make any sense of it." Lendaria@crystyl:"Raw encryption?" NPC@annpc#557 | Syridin: "I'm not sure. Half the crew have taken a go at it, from the Chief Engineer to comm operators, but we haven't been able to rearrange it in any coherent way. As far as I can tell - NPC@annpc#557:- though the artifact is perfectly preserved and the data hasn't been corrupted at all." Lendaria@crystyl:"Aight Lar, you'se up. Work tha' potato magic big boy!" NPC@annpc#557 | Lar moves up to the console to start his work and Syridin backs away to give him more room, looking to Lennie, "So, you're a biologist? Must be quite interesting working alongside the - NPC@annpc#557:- Guardians for you, then. We have representatives from a variety of species, some of them you won't find anywhere else." Lendaria@crystyl:"True enough. Though I don't exactly gets t'go full xenobiology research on you'se guys for th'most!" she chuckles NPC@annpc#557 | Syridin: "I suppose we're too busy fighting the Horde when we work together, aren't we? Maybe we can give you our own biological database sometime, and if you find something interesting there, - NPC@annpc#557 - you can look further into it. There are many very different biologies among us. I suppose you'd find my people very different, though from our perspective, everyone else is very different from - NPC@annpc#557 - us," she chuckles Lendaria@crystyl thinks on this and smiles, "Well if tha's somethin' y'all're willin' t'share I sure wouldn't say no! We'se learned a lot 'bout folks out here th'last few years, an' more than we expected 'bout - Lendaria@crystyl - ourselves too. So yeah, I'd-a love t'see tha' data!" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "We'll send our biological database over to you, then. Plenty for you to discover in there, I expect." Lendaria@crystyl:"Thanks! If you'se guys're interested in similar research I'm-a happy to share our database too" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "I know at least a few people here who would be interesting, and plenty among the Rangers in general." Lendaria@crystyl smiles, "Then it'd be mah pleasure t'give y'all some new data t'look over. Never know, might find a few surprises of ya own!" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "It's possible. Didn't you discover one of the species among us was actually the descendants of some long-lost expedition from your region of space?" Lendaria@crystyl nods, "Yeah! Guardian-Commander Issandros' species" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "Was that the species? So Issandros is a descendant of that expedition as well?" Lendaria@crystyl:"He is!" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "I imagine he must've found the information quite interesting." Lendaria@crystyl:"Not had much talkin' wit'him mahself on th'matter, but I'm-a sure he did, yeah" NPC@annpc#557 | Lar turns to Lennie and the others, "I do not see any signs of encryption." Lendaria@crystyl looks over, "Huh? How can tha' be?" NPC@annpc#557 | Lar: "Because we are not reading it properly." NPC@annpc#557 | Syridin: "What do you mean, not reading it properly?" NPC@annpc#557 | Lar: "This console does not have the capability to. Think, like..." he thinks for a moment. "Like trying to read an isolinear chip with a duotronic computer." Lendaria@crystyl:"So it's an incompatible interface?" NPC@annpc#557 | Lar nods, "Yes." Lendaria@crystyl turns back to the Guardians, "Th'place y'all found this; any chance of somethin' there wha' can read it?" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal shakes his head, "There was just a single lockbox. We cracked it open and there was this one artifact inside it." Lendaria@crystyl:"A lockbox? Where'd ya find it, on th'planet somewhere?" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "In a collapsed cavern by a rock face near the ruins. The box was lined with a substance that prevents scanning inside it, we only found it by accident when the unstable tectonic - NPC@annpc#557:- activity opened up the cavern system again from the top and two Rangers fell down the chasm." Lendaria@crystyl:"Could be worth further explorin' tha' region f'answers then maybe?" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "We did. No sign of anything except the one lockbox. We only suspect it's Sorobeth because the cylinder makes use of a material we call airon, which is often seen in Sorobeth - NPC@annpc#557:- creations. Airon is quite rare, and there's not much left in the region after the Sorobeth used most of it for their most advanced warbots." Lendaria@crystyl:"Hmm... Mia, think ya can do anythin' t'replicate a Sorobeth interface?" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia considers and shrugs, "Having never attempted to do so before, we are not certain. But we are more than happy to attempt it!" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia scans the device first, "Ok... Levisium shell. Highest density to strength ratio of any material in Federation databases. Not as rare as neutronium, but enough so for it to be impractical for- Lendaria@crystyl:- use. Most common applications are for personal arms and equipment, notably so by some Klingon Houses for their leadership" Lendaria@crystyl:"Klingon, huh? Well see wha' ya can do 'bout forgin' an interface wit' it" NPC@annpc#557 | Syridin: "You say Mia is an AI...or two AIs? The Sorobeth were most well known for their warbots. Maybe this can work." Lendaria@crystyl:"Tha's mah hope. Mia here's the one who first figured how we could speak t'Nuhar constructs. So if she can master them, I'm-a sure she can crack this lil' box!" NPC@annpc#557 | Mia works away at the device...it does not take her long to figure out that she can interface with it, and not only that but she is one of the only ones that would be able to! It seems to be - NPC@annpc#557:- programmed to be linked with an AI's neural net, and that's the only way to interpret the information Lendaria@crystyl | Mia: "We believe we see your problem. This device is programmed to interface with a neural network such as our own" Lendaria@crystyl:"Mia be careful now..." Lendaria@crystyl | Mia smiles, "We are always careful Ms. Lennie!" NPC@annpc#557 | Syridin: "Could that potentially affect your own programming and neural network?" Lendaria@crystyl:"Tha's mah concern" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia: "That is why we are careful to protect ourselves during any such interactions!" NPC@annpc#557 | Syridin: "If you think you can do it safely..." Lendaria@crystyl | Mia: "We have sufficient safeguards in place" she continues to assure while processing her connection attempt NPC@annpc#557 FX | After a little work, Mia is able to interface with the device. It connects to her neural net directly and the information goes immediately to Mia without even needing to be processed. It - NPC@annpc#557 - appears to be a recording, which Mia recalls while connected to the cylinder as if it was a part of her own memory. She would be able to play it for the others using her emitter Lendaria@crystyl | Mia: "Connection established. Ms. Lennie, we have a recording available for replay. Tying in translation matrix and processing through emitter framework now" NPC@annpc#557 | Mia's avatar flickers before it is replaced by that of an unfamiliar looking alien with orange skin, flame-red hair and a large cranium. She appears to be female and quite tall by the - NPC@annpc#557:- hologram's rendition, not Lodzki sized but about the height of Lennie. The alien wears a suit of shining mail with an Iconian energy projector in hand. On her belt, several curved bladed weapons, - NPC@annpc#557:- technological gadgets, and a pistol can also be seen NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://www.themakeupgallery.info/images/fantasy/alien/far/crew/jool/jool3a.jpg NPC@annpc#557 | Alien: "My name is Docha Mu-Heiread. I have left this record in the event that I fail, so that future peoples who take up the mantle of Guardians may continue my mission. As you have noticed, - NPC@annpc#557:- these holo-cylinders are specifically configured so that they can only be read by a Nuhar construct or a similarly advanced artificial lifeform, technology that the Horde has not developed and - NPC@annpc#557:- we believe have no reason to ever research. This is a simple recording and not an interactive program, so do not attempt to communicate with me." Lendaria@crystyl:"Huh. So she's a Guardian" she looks to the others, "Guess this one's marked f'your attention!" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "Yes and no. The Sorobeth were, as she has said, people who took the mantle of Guardians before us, but after the Progenitors and their allies. But they are not the same Guardians we - NPC@annpc#557:- are today, which is why we do not know much of them." NPC@annpc#557 | After a brief pause, Docha continues: "My search for the Heart of War has brought me here, to this old ruin near which the facility was once constructed. It appears that the Iconians attempted - NPC@annpc#557:- to use the weapon but it was unsuccessful in stopping the Horde. I suppose a superweapon to end the war in one swift stroke was too much to ask for. Nevertheless, my mission still stands. The - NPC@annpc#557:- Sphere has the potential to transport vast numbers of warbots and in addition, some of the Nuhar believe that it may contain Foundry technology so that we may build more ships to carry our armies - NPC@annpc#557:- the traditional way. It is the last hope for our survival. The Attentive Watcher has located a rogue planet once belonging to the system containing the sun that was used in the Sphere's creation. - NPC@annpc#557:- We will proceed to that world in hopes of finding some hint of how to find the facility." Lendaria@crystyl frowns, "Rivetin' stuff an' all but ya'd think she'd give some coordinates while she were at it" NPC@annpc#557 | Despite being uninteractive, Docha must have anticipated the question while recording and answers it soon after, "The location of this world as contained on this cylinder will not lead you to - NPC@annpc#557:- it. If you are listening to this not long after my recording it and have sufficiently powerful sensors, you may still detect the world in its vicinity. As a rogue planet however, it could very - NPC@annpc#557:- well have moved far enough away already, which is why I have also given you its current vector. I trust if you are able to read this message, you are more than capable of factoring in the - NPC@annpc#557:- gravitational forces and calculating its location in your time. I will leave my next message there." Lendaria@crystyl smiles, "Tha's more like it" NPC@annpc#557 | The hologram fades and Mia returns Lendaria@crystyl:"Nice work Mia! Ya doin' ok there?" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia smiles, "Of course Ms. Lennie! We are quite well" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia: "And yes, we have extracted the coordinates and vector mentioned in the recording" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "This sounds like it could help you with your search, if Docha did manage to find something more." Lendaria@crystyl:"Even if she didn't, she's given us more knowledge tha's relevant. This's a great find!" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "Indeed it is, and it has quite the historical significance as well. Based on what the message said, this was recorded after the Horde destroyed the Nuhar Foundries but before the - NPC@annpc#557:- Sorobeth were completely wiped out. The search for the Heart of War must have been one of their last desperate measures to turn the tide." Lendaria@crystyl:"We should get this data back to th'Valley Forge" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia nods, "Zytomin is already primed to assist in the search. We believe the search for this rogue planetoid is exactly what he needs to engage with!" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "I'll take you back to the transporter room. You may keep the cylinder, it is more important to your mission than mine." Lendaria@crystyl | Mia: "That will not be necessary. We have all of it's data captured so it may be more significantly held as a relic of the Guardian's past" NPC@annpc#557 | Attayal: "Thank you. We will hold on to it for now and pass it to Issandros' Chapter for safekeeping with the next shipment of weapons." Lendaria@crystyl:"Alright, let's get back f'now then" --- NPC@annpc#557 | Back on the Valley Forge, Mia heads to Zytomin's bay to seek his aid in finding the rogue planet... Mia@crystyl walks into the bay, "Monsieur Zytomin!" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin's hologram appears again from the projector, "Hello again, Mia. I've heard your wormhole generation was successful. Quite the interesting and unusual technology there." Mia@crystyl:"Isn't it just! Very useful too" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "I can imagine. We've traveled quite the distance in very little time at all." Mia@crystyl:"Indeed. And we have further news already!" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "Further news? What might that be?" Mia@crystyl:"We successfully accessed a Sorobeth archive and have a new lead on the Heart of War. One which we require your assistance with" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "Interesting. An archive, you say? I was under the impression we were headed towards an Iconian ruin. Where did you manage to find an archive belonging to a different civilization - NPC@annpc#557:- so quickly?" Mia@crystyl:"It belonged to the ancient Guardians of that civilization. They too walked the path we are now in search of the Heart of War, and it led them to this planet" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "Ahh, that explains its presence here. How may I help?" Mia@crystyl:"The recording indicated a rogue planetoid formerly of the Heart of War's origin system; cast away when that star was used to create the Heart by the sound of things. We have a timeline, starting - Mia@crystyl:- coordinates and a vector. Do you think you can assist in the search to extrapolate this data into a present day bearing?" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "Astrological calculations, those I can assist with. Give me all the data you possess on this rogue planet and the surrounding star systems and known stellar phenomena, and I will - NPC@annpc#557:- calculate its current location." Mia@crystyl:"Would you like us to transfer you to the astrometrics lab?" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin nods, "That will be appreciated." Mia@crystyl:"Please stand by. We will await you there to monitor the projection systems" she smiles, turning to head out with an eager skip in her step Mia@crystyl joins Lennie in the lab a short time later, "Transferring Zytomin's projection now" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin's projection flickers into view in the lab, "All systems look good to me." He nods to Lennie, "Commander Lendaria." Mia@crystyl | Lennie smiles, "Heya Zytomin. Ready t'find a needle in a galactic haystack?" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "With its former location and vector, it should be quite possible to locate the rogue planet. This Heart of War you are searching for is another story, however." Mia@crystyl | Lennie: "We know it ain't strictly linked. But this's our best lead for th'moment" Mia@crystyl:"The recording said that she'd leave her next message there too. Assuming she was also able to reach it" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "Show me the information you have now." Mia@crystyl | Lennie calls up the appropriate data onto the main map display NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin turns to the main display, reading it over, "Do we know the mass of the planet?" Mia@crystyl | Lennie shakes her head, "We know almost nothin' at this point" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "You said she would leave her next message at the planet. That would imply it is at least a rocky world and not a gaseous one." Mia@crystyl | Lennie: "Stands to reason. I don't even know if a gaseous class could go rogue t'be honest..." NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "A good point as well. Fortunately, we possess most other variables. Using the planet's previous position, velocity, and factoring in the strongest gravitational forces acting on the - NPC@annpc#557:- region, primarily the stars, I can calculate a possible location for a small dwarf planet, an average sized rocky world and a large rocky world. The planet you seek will be somewhere within that - NPC@annpc#557:- range, regardless of its mass." Mia@crystyl | Lennie: "Tha's a lotta variables over th'course o'time..." she notes, not envying the calculations NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "While the computer core is not what I am used to, it is capable of handling a few such calculations. Processing now." Mia@crystyl | Lennie chuckles, "Moreso than I am at any rate!" NPC@annpc#557 | After a few moments, Zytomin taps on the console near him, causing three points to appear on a map of the region, "These are three possible locations based on three different planet sizes, two - NPC@annpc#557 - at the extremes and one an average of all known rocky planets." Mia@crystyl | Lennie smiles, "Tha' weren't so hard now! We should be able t'establish a route along tha' trajectory so we can just keep followin' until we find it" Mia@crystyl turns, "How far is the most optimistic projection from our current position?" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "A little under three days at your cruising speed," He taps the console and a curved line connects the three points, "I've done that as well, Commander. There will be some discrepancy - NPC@annpc#557:- due to smaller gravitational forces we are unable to account for, but these variables will not affect the planet's position overly significantly in the allotted span of time. If you follow this - NPC@annpc#557:- route, there is a 97.17% chance that the planet will appear on the Valley Forge's sensors at some point during the course of the journey." Mia@crystyl:"Ooh, only a few days at warp? We were expecting a few years!" she giggles NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "It is not far from here, but I do not expect the Heart of War will still be anywhere near its vicinity. It would not have been so difficult to find if the Iconians kept it near - NPC@annpc#557:- its original system, and in such close proximity to another one of their facilities." Mia@crystyl | Lennie: "Rogue planets don't exactly travel at warp speed now do they!" Mia@crystyl chuckles, "Seemingly not!" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "The 2.83% accounts for known phenomena that could cause the planet's course to deviate more significantly, but it is highly unlikely for the planet to be traveling at warp." Mia@crystyl | Lennie: "Aight, well I'd-a best take this new info to th'Cap'n. Thanks for the help Zytomin!" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "I am glad to be of assistance, and to have the opportunity to partake in your exploration. I have memories of the original Zytomin on expeditions with military vessels, but it was - NPC@annpc#557:- not something I was able to achieve before now." Mia@crystyl:"We shall include you in all we can while you are with us!" NPC@annpc#557 | Zytomin: "Thank you, Mia." Mia@crystyl | Lennie smiles: "Alright, well you kids have fun now. I'm-a off to th'bridge" she waves to the pair, heading out --- Keliaya@anncaris FX | Three days later, the Valley Forge cruises in deep space along the route Zytomin suggested... Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "We're coming up on the second coordinates now. Anything on sensors?" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie shakes her head, "Nadda..." Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "We've been searching for...almost three hours already." Keliaya@anncaris:"We still have half the route to go. No need to panic until we cover the whole area." Keelah@crystyl smiles, "We are dealing with over 100,000 years of stellar drift and gravitational eddies Mr. Fisher. I believe we can afford to exercise a little patience with our calculations" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "True. How do you suppose the Iconians chose which stars they made their dyson spheres from? Sending planets flying across space could cause a variety of effects down the line..." Keliaya@anncaris:"I imagine they chose systems without life or any hope of developing life in the future, at least." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Maybe those wha' they'd already drained o'resources too an' had no further use for. We know they like's their remote mining operations" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Do you think they had calculations for what would happen to all the planets once they took away the star, to ensure they don't cause any unintentional damage?" Keelah@crystyl:"I expect they were responsible enough to at least ensure it presented no danger to any known civilization at the time if nothing more" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "They were quite an advanced civilization, they were probably more than capable of calculating a planet's future course." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Cap'n I got somethin'! Geological body... large enough t'be a dwarf planet... no stars in th'vicinity either! This could be it!" Keelah@crystyl:"Let's not get overexcited now. Even if it is the place we're here to find, there's no reason to believe there will be anything of value to us here. Adjust heading and continue scans" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher nods and taps his console, "Adjusting heading, Captain." Keliaya@anncaris:"Even if there is something there, how do we locate it? The cylinder does use a rather rare metal, but didn't the Guardians say it was hidden in a lockbox that prevents sensors from reading what's - Keliaya@anncaris:- contained inside?" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie nods, "Yeah. Just have t'hope she left it somewhere convenient!" Keliaya@anncaris:"She did want future generations to find it, didn't she? Maybe she'd leave it somewhere that she knows future visitors would search, like how the first one was near the Iconian ruins." Keelah@crystyl:"A logical course of action" Keliaya@anncaris:"Maybe we can find some landmark on the planet where she's likely to leave a recording." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Well at least it looks t'be completely inactive in a geological sense, so no more collapsed caverns" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "I take it there's no atmosphere either. EVA time then!" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie shudders and nods Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "ETA to the planet is nine minutes." Keliaya@anncaris | Soon, more scan data begins coming in and Lennie starts picking up non-natural metal alloys... Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Lookin' promisin' already... even if this ain't our planet, sure has somethin' of interest there. Taggin' potential POI's as I find 'em" Keliaya@anncaris nods, tapping on her console, "That definitely looks artificial. Running it through the database now...and we have a match!" Keelah@crystyl turns, "Iconian origin?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "More precisely, a similar composition in alloys to what we found in the ruins on Forged Earth. No power signatures, though." Keelah@crystyl:"Forged Earth specifically?" looks to Lennie, "Perhaps your theory has just gained some traction" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie grins, "Called it!" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Yeah, definitely looks t'have been heavily mined. Almost no significant content o'useful minerals" Keliaya@anncaris:"The Iconian alloys are all concentrated in one region. A fairly large region, but I don't see any signs of Iconian ruins elsewhere on the planet. If she left a message for us here, it's probably - Keliaya@anncaris:- somewhere among the ruins, especially if her last message was anything to go by." Keelah@crystyl:"What about signs of other visitors?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Nothing I can see on sensors, at least. There's only Iconian structures. I doubt too many people stumbled onto this place, it isn't exactly easy to find after all." Keelah@crystyl:"Let us hope that is the case" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "There's at least nobody down there now s'far as we can tell" Keelah@crystyl nods, "We'll make for standard orbit over the ruins then" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Aye Captain." Keliaya@anncaris | Before long, the VF gets into orbit of the rogue planet on top of the ruins. More detailed scans come in, revealing the presence of subterranean tunnels and structures Keliaya@anncaris | Unfortunately, there is nothing shedding light on a location of a Sorobeth lockbox or data cylinder... Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Looks like we'se doin' this th'hard way then..." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed. Put together a team and prepare for EVA" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie nods, "Aye Cap'n" Keliaya@anncaris looks to Lennie, "You're sure you'll be alright down there?" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie shrugs, "No... But ain't th'first time I had t'suffer a suit" Keliaya@anncaris:"You should probably take Mia with you. She knows what she's doing with these ruins and can read the cylinders. Plus she doesn't need an EV suit." Keliaya@anncaris:"Professor Lycas is the best expert we have, but I'm not sure about sending him first in. Maybe that Bolian archaeologist who helped excavate the arms factory last time?" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni "I recommend a strong tactical escort as well. No telling what awaits in an Iconian facility" Keelah@crystyl nods, "Both excellent suggestions" Keliaya@anncaris:"Stay safe down there, Lennie." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie, "Tha's th'plan. Aight, c'mon Rianni - your idea; your mission" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni grins, not phased at all by the EV suits as she hurries across the bridge to join Lennie in the turbolift. --- NPC@annpc#557 FX | Lennie, Mia, Ziranar and Rianni beam down to the surface of the rogue planet in EV suits (except for Mia of course). They materialize in the midst of the area with Iconian tech readings and - NPC@annpc#557 - find themselves in a rocky, moon-like terrain dotted with Iconian structures. Most of them are still standing and in fairly good condition thanks to the lack of erosion on a planet with no - NPC@annpc#557 - atmosphere, though one structure in the distance seems to have collapsed into a crater formed by a meteor impact NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar: "So much of this facility is still standing. Space really does preserve well, doesn't it." Lendaria@crystyl looks around, "Well it'd better not be in tha' crater. Cos I ain't goin' diggin' if it is" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia meanwhile ripples into view, looking around with a smile and a stretch, "We do so enjoy getting to stretch our legs away from the ship. It is always lovely to feel the freedom of being out in- Lendaria@crystyl - open, even if there is no at... mo... sphere..." she trails off, drawn by the dagger stare from Lennie, visible even through her suit apparently Lendaria@crystyl | Mia, "Oh. Sorry Ms. Lennie!" Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni snickers to herself, safely hidden from view by the EV suit. NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar smirks behind her suit as well, hopping around a bit, "Can you...feel the different gravity here as well, Mia?" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia strolls along beside Ziranar, "Our propulsion unit runs at a different setting to compensate, but it does not affect our avatar" Lendaria@crystyl grumbles as she watches, "Let's get this over wit'" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar turns 360 degrees as she observes the Iconian constructions around them, "If I were leaving a message for future archaeologists to find, I'd pick the largest and most prominent - NPC@annpc#557:- structure. From what remains of the collapsed one it doesn't seem to have been one of the larger ones." NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar points to the largest structure in the centre, "That's the one I would put my message in." Lendaria@crystyl:"Works f'me. Let's head there first" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar nods and begins making her way towards the structure, half-bouncing and half-walking due to the low gravity Lendaria@crystyl follows a little less gracefully, but managing NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar: "Are you alright, Commander?" Lendaria@crystyl:"Fine. Just fine and dandy here, don't worry 'bout me" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia catches up to Ziranar, "Ms. Lennie is... not comfortable in an EV suit" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar: "Oh. I'll do my best to locate the message as quickly as I can, then." Lendaria@crystyl | Mia smiles: "As will we!" NPC@annpc#557 | Before long, they proceed up the ramp into the large central structure. As they enter, there is still no atmosphere nor any form of artificial gravity Lendaria@crystyl focuses on the search to keep her mind off things, going straight for her tricorder NPC@annpc#557 | Lennie sees no sign of any life support or gravity systems, but there is a dormant power generator somewhere in the facility Lendaria@crystyl:"Power systems further in're dormant. Could be worth tryin' a fire 'em up" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar: "It could help us see in this place, at least. Scans so far have shown no sign of defense systems, so we should be safe from any surprises if we turn the power back on." Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni: "We can't afford to let our guard down here" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar looks to Lennie, "Mia and I can try to power it up if you want, Commander." Lendaria@crystyl nods, "Go for it. Me an' Rianni'll search around in th'mean time" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar and Mia head over to tamper with the generator, while Lennie and Rianni explores the station. As they go, Lennie almost trips on something... Lendaria@crystyl curses colourfully Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni turns and hurries over as best she can, "Commander!" Lendaria@crystyl raises a hand, "It's fine Ensign. I jus' tripped on somethin'..." she sighs, shifting and looking to see what it was NPC@annpc#557 | Lennie notices a large piece of crystal that seems to be the same decrystallized dilithium from Forged Earth... Lendaria@crystyl kneels to analyze it more closely, "Huh..." Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni, "What is it Commander?" Lendaria@crystyl holds it up, "This crystal's like Element-One. Th'Iconian refinery by-product Jenni's people use instead o'dilithium" Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni: "Guess that means your theory was right then and this was a cast off mining setup. Drained of everything useful, right down to it's star" Lendaria@crystyl:"Lookin' tha' way" Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni ponders, "I wonder why they didn't do that to the Forged Earth system..." Lendaria@crystyl:"Good question. Maybe tha' were at th'end o'their days an' they simply never got to it" NPC@annpc#557 FX | Lights flicker and turn on throughout the facility as Mia and Ziranar and get the power back. It is still quite dim, but at least the team don't have to rely solely on flashlights to - NPC@annpc#557:- navigate! The illumination also shows several more concentrations of the crystals throughout the area, most of them stored in large open-top boxes Lendaria@crystyl looks around as she stands, "Nicely done guys..." NPC@annpc#557 | Mia notes that the generator has been accessed previously around the time of the data cylinder they discovered NPC@annpc#557 | There's no record of who accessed it, only when, and it seems to have been turned on and off several times in that period Lendaria@crystyl | Mia reports this when they rejoin the others, all surmising that it was likely their ancient Guardian NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar: "I have a feeling we're in the right place to find that cylinder..." Lendaria@crystyl:"Check around f'active databsess. Chances're our guide woulda fired up computers where she could to try an'find out 'bout th'Heart o'War" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar: "Good thinking, Commander." NPC@annpc#557 | A few minutes of searching later, Ziranar announces, "I have something here!" Lendaria@crystyl heads over with the others to join her NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar stands tapping at a console, "This one was active when I turned the power on, looks like it mentions the Heart of War as well..." Lendaria@crystyl:"Sounds promisin'!" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar taps a little more before saying in a less hopeful voice, "Seems like it's just a supply manifest. Records of materials from this facility going towards the dyson sphere construction, - NPC@annpc#557:- but nothing substantial on the sphere itself. We do know for sure that this was an automated mining station, though." Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni: "That usually means automated defenses too..." holding her weapon ready as she continues to look around dutifully Lendaria@crystyl:"Well it's a start, an' seems our guide were 'ere too. Le's grab th'data an' keep goin'" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar: "I think we're safe, Rianni. It says here at the end that all drones were transferred to the Heart of War following the facility's closing. Along with everything else that could be of - NPC@annpc#557:- use, including all active defenses. Everything left here was probably not worth the hassle of moving, and I doubt the Iconians have any interest in defending it anymore." Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni: "Maybe. But they were also strict on their tech not falling into the hands of lesser species, so I'll remain diligent all the same" NPC@annpc#557 | As Ziranar taps on the console to extract the data, Mia's sensors detect something curious...components nearby that seem very familiar... Lendaria@crystyl chuckles, reaching to ruffle Rianni's hair but after a pause, settling to pat her on the top of the EV suit helm. Rianni still seems to slump beneath it all the same Lendaria@crystyl | Mia: "Commander, we are detecting something of interest on our sensors" Lendaria@crystyl:"Whatcha got Mia?" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia: "Elements consistent with Nuhar drone constructs. No power signatures thought, so likely just components" Lendaria@crystyl:"Still worth a look. Let's move" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar finishes copying the data and follows the group over. Before long, they reach a chamber with a device in the centre. In one corner of the room lie a few drone components, as Mia detected Lendaria@crystyl moves to make a closer inspection of the components NPC@annpc#557 | The components seem to belong to a variety of drones and are all broken, appearing to have been discarded NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar meanwhile scans the devices in the area, "Looks like this particular chamber has been gutted of anything useful. Maybe by the Iconians or something who came after, or both." Lendaria@crystyl:"Could be a Nuhar construct salvaged this place f'repairs" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar nods, "That makes sense. The constructs have been around for a long time and wouldn't pass up a place like this." NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni notices one of the devices has a large panel in the centre... Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni investigates more closely NPC@annpc#557 | The panel seems to be an access panel, but scans read a single chunk of something solid inside rather than internal components... Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni looks to see if it can be prised open, or for evidence of it being previously forced open for that matter NPC@annpc#557 | It doesn't seem to have been forced open previously and doesn't appear to have a locking mechanism on it now, and she can easily get it open Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni cautiously pops it open NPC@annpc#557 | Inside, Rianni's flashlight illuminates what seems to be a block of metal the size of a suitcase, but with no visible way to open it Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni, "Commander. I think I have something..." Lendaria@crystyl joins her, "Whatcha- ohhh..." she eyes the case, "Well now, wha' we got 'ere" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar follows over, scanning the case, "Tricorder can't detect what's inside it. I think we have our lockbox." Lendaria@crystyl | Mia: "We shall soon see" joining the others, "We have the sonic sequence used to open the previous box" Lendaria@crystyl:"Go ahead Mia" Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni sets the box down and Mia begins the sequence NPC@annpc#557 | Simply playing the sequence is unable to activate the box, as there is no atmosphere to propagate the sound waves here. However, Mia determines that the same signal can be sent in the form of - NPC@annpc#557 - specific vibrations from physical contact with the box Lendaria@crystyl | Mia changes her approach accordingly, setting a hand against the surface of the box NPC@annpc#557 | As Mia sends the proper vibrations, lines suddenly come into view where they were not visible to the naked eye a moment before, and the box opens up... NPC@annpc#557 | Inside, embedded within some form of cushion foam is a single shining cylinder, just like the one on the Ranger ship... Lendaria@crystyl:"There we go!" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar: "Seems she made it here after all!" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia takes the cylinder out, "We can use the same algorithm as last time to read it's contents" Lendaria@crystyl nods, "Let's see what she has to say this time then" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia sets the cylinder down on top of the console it was hidden in and begins the connection process as before NPC@annpc#557 | As before, the data is relayed directly to Mia, and she is able to play it for the others through a holo-projection... NPC@annpc#557 | Like last time, Mia's image flickers out of view and is replaced by Docha, still in her shining armour with the Iconian projector in hand NPC@annpc#557 | Docha: "My name is Docha Mu-Heiread. I have left this record in case I fail, so that future peoples who take up the mantle of Guardians may continue my mission. As you have noticed, - NPC@annpc#557 - these holo-cylinders are specifically configured so that they can only be read by a Nuhar construct or a similarly advanced artificial lifeform, technology that the Horde has not developed and - NPC@annpc#557:- we believe have no reason to ever research. This is a simple recording and not an interactive program, so do not attempt to communicate with me." NPC@annpc#557 | Docha: "The Attentive Watcher and I have spent 87 days searching this region. We have found another rogue planet and several comets we believe originated from the same system as this one, but - NPC@annpc#557:- we are no closer to locating the Heart of War. Our research suggests that the system was most likely once home to a blue star, which according to my construct friend is hotter than the suns the - NPC@annpc#557:- Iconians usually harvest for their spheres. This is likely the largest and most powerful sphere the Iconians have ever constructed. If only we can find it." NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar: "I wonder if the Attentive Watcher was the one who stripped this chamber of useful technology..." Lendaria@crystyl:"Stands t'reason" NPC@annpc#557 | Docha: "Unfortunately, the sun would've been entirely surrounded by the Iconian sphere, so searching for emissions from blue stars is pointless. That would've been too easy, with the - NPC@annpc#557:- prevalence of red dwarves by the rim, wouldn't it? Still hundreds of potential stars, but at least hundreds would've been better than anywhere this side of the galaxy..." NPC@annpc#557 | Docha sighs, "It seems the remains of the system is a dead end, but the Attentive Watcher may have another lead. It told me of a species in this region called the 'Jossra' which existed - NPC@annpc#557:- near the end of the Iconians' time and were under their protection. We've learned that the species is still around and they apparently respected the Iconians and lived in harmony with them until - NPC@annpc#557:- the end. They are a rare, very peaceful species who never had much ambition for expansion, and their homeworld lies only a little further rimward from here. It is only a small hope that they know - NPC@annpc#557:- something about the Heart of War, but it is the only lead we have left. The Iconians did not usually trust those they protected with their inner workings, but perhaps the peaceful nature of this - NPC@annpc#557:- species made them more trustworthy. As I said...a small hope, but it is better than none." Lendaria@crystyl:"Guess tha's our next lead then..." NPC@annpc#557 | Docha: "The location of the Jossra homeworld is recorded in this cylinder. I will leave my next message with them. Even if they cannot be of any assistance for my search, I am sure a friendly - NPC@annpc#557:- people like theirs will be willing to store my messages for me." NPC@annpc#557 | The hologram fades and Mia flickers back into view again Lendaria@crystyl | Rianni: "Assuming they even exist anymore..." Lendaria@crystyl | Mia: "We have the coordinates of the Jossra homeworld" Lendaria@crystyl:"Le's just hope that even if they ain't around, they did a good job o'holdin' tha' next message" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar nods, "It's a good lead to follow up on, and the message said it was further rimward. We're pretty sure the sphere is further rimward, so we'll be moving in the right direction even if - NPC@annpc#557:- it doesn't amount to anything." Lendaria@crystyl nods, "True enough. Well tha's our objective, so I think it's about time we get back to th'ship" NPC@annpc#557 | Ziranar: "Let's get out of these suits." Lendaria@crystyl:"No arguments 'ere!" --- Keliaya@anncaris FX | Shortly after, Lennie returns from the away mission to the bridge.. Lendaria@crystyl & Rianni enter the bridge, "Mission successful. Well, sorta" Lendaria@crystyl | Keelah looks to her with a perked brow Keliaya@anncaris turns as Lennie and Rianni exit the turbolift, giving her a nod, "Welcome back. Hope it wasn't too uncomfortable down there, Commander." Keliaya@anncaris:"And what do you mean by sort of...?" Lendaria@crystyl:"I'm fine Kel, thanks. Cap'n, we gots th'recordin' but no new data on th'Heart o'War" Lendaria@crystyl | Keelah: "Disappointing, but not unexpected" Lendaria@crystyl:"We /did/ however come away wit' coordinates to th'Guardians next stop. A species called th'Jossra further rimward who she hopes has info on it. Said she'd drop another message there too" Lendaria@crystyl | Keelah, "Jossra? Very well, give the coordinates to the helm and we'll continue down the route we have started on" Lendaria@crystyl works at her station, "Sendin' over now. Don't know how far these folks're meant t'be. She just said they'se friends of th'Iconians an' a peaceful bunch not interested in explorin'" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "These coordinates are a little over two weeks at cruising speed from here. Not too far." Keliaya@anncaris looks to Keelah, "Do you think we should proceed there immediately, or see if there's anything useful we can find in the ruins here?" Lendaria@crystyl | Keelah turns to Lennie, "Thoughts?" Lendaria@crystyl hrms, "Might be worth a little salvage, but not sure it's worth delayin' our search for. There's a stock o'Element-One down, or somethin' similar at least so could be useful. But not much else" Lendaria@crystyl | Keelah: "We can proceed at low warp to progress the search and leave a salvage team here with a runabout then" Keliaya@anncaris:"A good idea, Captain. I'll pick out a salvage team to see what they can take that might be of use. And if we can't take it all at once, the vacuum should do a good job of preserving it if we or - Keliaya@anncaris:- another ship come back here." Lendaria@crystyl | Keelah nods, "This is not a full research deployment, just a thorough salvage. That Element One could indeed be useful with the Forged' expertise on refining it" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I'll keep that in mind for the runabout crew. Lieutenant Baelai might make a good pilot for this too, given her Forged Earth origins and knowledge of Element One." Lendaria@crystyl | Keelah nods, "Absolutely" Keliaya@anncaris turns to her console, "I'll assemble the team and have the runabout ready as soon as possible, Captain." Lendaria@crystyl | Keelah: "Very good. As soon as they're out we'll break orbit and continue on this new heading"