ST:TTV705 | "The World Tree"

Stardate 98330.7

Keelah must once again negotiate with Nuhar Constructs as the Architect attempts to turn them against the Coalition, but soon learns that they are only the beginning of the fallen Progenitor's nefarious plans. The infiltration team works on a plan to retake a weapons facility from Horde thralls without revealing their presence to the enemy...

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Keliaya@anncaris FX | The Valley Forge moves on its intercept course with the last known heading of the Nuhar Constructs, now in normal space and traveling at warp Keliaya@anncaris | As they travel, Lennie picks up ships on long-range sensors... Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "We'se got somethin'! Jus' comin' into sensor range now" Keelah@crystyl looks over, "Is it them?" Keliaya@anncaris | Closer examination quickly shows that the signatures are not Nuhar but are bearing Guardian IFFs Keelah@crystyl | Lennie shakes her head, "No, it's... it's th'Guardians" Keelah@crystyl:"Tee, open a channel" Keelah@crystyl | TQ nods and hails them Keliaya@anncaris | A Renlore in Guardian armour appears on a static-filled screen, "Valley Forge...is that you?" Keelah@crystyl:"It is. We were not expecting to see Guardians out here" Keliaya@anncaris | Guardian-Captain: "We're patrols from the Command Post. Everything was quiet, and then suddenly our sensors and comms went down, and next thing we knew we were being hit- from what we still - Keliaya@anncaris - don't know. We lost a ship, and our remaining two are disabled." Keelah@crystyl:"I fear I may know who, or rather what, is responsible..." Keliaya@anncaris | Guardian-Captain: "Who's that? We heard the news of the Architect taking control of the Horde. We suspect he might be changing the Horde's tactics." Keelah@crystyl:"Correct. But I suspect this to be the action of a renegade group of Nuhar Constructs who have been duped into following the Architect" Keliaya@anncaris | Guardian-Captain: "You think the /Nuhar/ attacked us?" Keelah@crystyl:"A breakaway group led by the Relentless Hunter were heading this way to join the Architect after falling for his propaganda" Keliaya@anncaris | Guardian-Captain: "That would explain the sudden systems failures. You have to get to the Command Post. If they've taken us out, they're likely headed for the Command Post, especially if they - Keliaya@anncaris - know the Coalition is using it is a gathering point for incoming reinforcements." Keelah@crystyl nods, "We are trying to reach them and talk some sense into them, so we are heading that way already" Keliaya@anncaris | Guardian-Captain: "We've already warned the Command Post, but they may not be able to defend against whatever cyber-warfare was used on us. Last we heard the reinforcements will be here soon. - Keliaya@anncaris - You must protect the Command Post- if the Nuhar can take control of its systems, it will be a deadly trap to unsuspecting Coalition forces emerging from wormholes." Keelah@crystyl:"We will do whatever it takes" Keliaya@anncaris | Guardian-Captain: "We'll manage here. Get to the Command Post as quickly as you can." Keelah@crystyl:"That we shall. Stay safe Captain" Keliaya@anncaris | Guardian-Captain: "You as well, and good luck against those Nuhar." Keliaya@anncaris FX | The comm channel closes Keelah@crystyl:"What is our ETA to the Command Post?" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "We can get there in about 4 hours at maximum warp." Keelah@crystyl:"Then let's get to it" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher nods, "Aye Captain." He taps his console and the VF jumps away to warp Keliaya@anncaris FX | https://youtu.be/cjaejG-LDAQ --- T'Lana@anncaris | With Mia back, the infiltration team has little trouble in reactivating the remaining Foundries. After finishing up with the fourth and final facility, the team (and their new Iconian friend) - T'Lana@anncaris - gather back in the shuttle Mischa@crystyl:"Well, I did not think we'd do it. But that appears to be all of them" T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed. While it is only a handful of Constructs, knowing the strength of an individual Construct and the element of surprise from striking within the Sphere, I am sure they will be quite - T'Lana@anncaris:- effective once the battle begins." Mischa@crystyl:"Which begs the question... why hasn't it begun yet...?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Amassing reinforcements is no easy feat. I am sure they will arrive as soon as they are able. Besides, the Constructs need time to be completed, and if they arrive now, what we have managed will - T'Lana@anncaris:- be of no assistance to them." Mischa@crystyl:"True enough. I guess I just expected more of Keelah and this Coalition" T'Lana@anncaris:"I am certain Keelah is doing all she is able. It is very likely the Architect is doing more than simply reinforcing the Sphere. While this may be his priority, it would be logical for him to - T'Lana@anncaris:- conduct efforts to hamper the Coalition to also weaken the strength of his enemies." Mischa@crystyl:"And given how good he is at that, you can see why I'm worried about the time taken for us to respond" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "It is certainly troubling-" she pauses, raising a brow as V'Elo stoops over her, brushing aside some of her hair. "What are you doing?" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "Your ears are different from the others?" Mischa@crystyl can't help but smirk a little, knowing that picking on Vulcan ears is a time honoured tradition even for the Iconians T'Lana@anncaris:"I am a different species from Commander Leveson-Scott and Ensign Tierno, just as you are a different species from us." T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "But you look more similar to each other than I do to you." T'Lana@anncaris:"Differences between species can be more minute or more extreme, depending on the species." T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo nods, stepping over to Mia and leaning over her, "Why is your projection based on the round-ears and not the pointed-ears?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia smiles, "Because we are the avatar of our creator!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "Your creator was the same species as the round-ears, then?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Yes, that's right. Well, the creator of our avatar at least. The creator of our droneshell is Arshai, and she has pointed ears!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo takes a step back as one of Mia's hairs brushes across her forehead. She reaches forward with a hand, brushing it through Mia's hair, "Your avatar is...I can feel it?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia giggles, "oui! Our avatar began life as a hologram, but we evolved since networking with the drone shell AI. Now our avatar is much more like the physical body we remember" Mischa@crystyl smirks, "With a few improvements I bet. Come on, what girl wouldn't pass up the chance to firm up a little, hm?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia flushes, "Maybe..." T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo pokes Mia's shoulder curiously Mischa@crystyl | Mia smiles, "Rather than photons and forcefields, our avatar is more akin to replicated matter" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "A very detailed avatar!" She turns her attention to the drone, "And it is all coming from the drone?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia nods, "That is... us, in a very real sense. The drone replicates a kind of mobile emitter-" she taps at her chest, indicating it inside her, "-so that we only must remain in range of our - Mischa@crystyl:- datalink, and not rely on line of sight like a holoprojector" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo waves her hand between Mia and Miadrone to test, "Mia is very well designed!" Mischa@crystyl | Mia smiles proudly, "We have spent a very long time working towards it, so thank you for noticing!" Mischa@crystyl:"Yeah, she threw such a curveball at Starfleet they had to give her her very own lifeform classification" she chuckles T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "Interesting. What kind of lifeform are you classified as?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "They call us an Isomorphic Amalgamation. But we prefer 'Iso' for short" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo smiles, "Iso. I like it. Mia is certainly much more than a drone, and very different from the Preserver!" Mischa@crystyl:"No arguments there" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni smiles, "I must say V'Elo, you certainly have the curiosity of an explorer it seems" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "There is so much to learn!" T'Lana@anncaris:"She is new to the universe after all, and has only been given the bare necessities of information by the Preserver." Mischa@crystyl:"It is only unfortunate that it was under such circumstances.'' To V'Elo, "I just hope these experiences don't sour your view of the galaxy you've been awoken into" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo shakes her head, "Not at all! I am sure the galaxy has always had its dangers, but you are all very nice people, and I am glad to be in your company." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni smiles wide, "And we are glad to be in your company as well V'Elo! This is the first time I've ever met an Iconian, as I'm too young to have been in the war. But you're a lot nicer than - Mischa@crystyl:- they said those Iconians were!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "There are other Iconians? I thought my people were extinct." Mischa@crystyl sighs softly, "They were... are. Well, sort of..." T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo looks to Mischa with a tilt of her head, "What do you mean?" Mischa@crystyl:"The Iconians did go extinct with the exception of a literal handful. They disappeared from the galaxy and over the last 200,000 years have evolved into something... not quite like you anymore" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "So they are...no longer Iconian?" Mischa@crystyl:"They became twisted by betrayal and spent those eons seething in negativity. When they re-emerged a few years ago, they declared war on the galaxy. We... helped them rediscover their identity, but - Mischa@crystyl:- they now exist in isolation far from any populated area of the galaxy as they try to reconcile what they are with what they once were" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I see. They sound like very...unfortunate people." Mischa@crystyl:"What happened to them was indeed tragic. I am sorry you had to learn about it like this, I had hoped to wait until all this was over so I could educate you properly with all the data from those - Mischa@crystyl:- events" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni feels a cold shiver and doesn't have to look to know Mischa glances daggers at her for the slip T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "It is alright. Though i am curious to see all the data on those events, once we are able to access them." T'Lana@anncaris:"Speaking of which- shall we see if there is anything else we are able to turn to the Coalition's favour in the Sphere while we are here, or return to the Latenter to check the status of - T'Lana@anncaris:- the Coalition and their reinforcements?" Mischa@crystyl:"I don't think we should give up the advantage we hold in being here. There is a whole sphere out there, so there must be more we can find to turn into an advantage" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I agree. Ferry- are there any other facilities we may be able to use against the Horde?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "Iconian probes are not produced with the Nuhar drones and Constructs in the Foundries, but in three other orbital facilities." Mischa@crystyl:"Hmm... Could be worth a look, assuming we can find a way to isolate them from the systems controlled by the Architect" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "They are not directly linked to the control station and possess their own programs, though they are very rudimentary ones and not considered true artificial intelligence. These - T'Lana@anncaris:- facilities are mostly automated, but meant to run with some input from Iconians or their Heralds." Mischa@crystyl:"Now an army of Heralds, that would be useful" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "The Genetic Archive is likely capable of cloning Heralds as well. However, without the weapons facilities, they will have no armaments for combat." Mischa@crystyl:"Weapons facilities you say...?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "That is where the probes are produced as well." T'Lana@anncaris:"Not unlike the arms factory discovered by the Valley Forge..." Mischa@crystyl:"So we could get probes and weapons into production, then look at adding Heralds" T'Lana@anncaris:"Probes and armed Heralds will provide additional support to both Coalition ships and forces on the ground." Mischa@crystyl:"My thoughts exactly. The Constructs will be a big help in the initial push, but when it comes to ground combat we don't really have much. So let's go for that" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni half mutters, "At this rate we won't need even the Coalition reinforcements..." Mischa@crystyl glances with a smirk T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "I will head for the nearest weapons facility." Mischa@crystyl:"ETA?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "Fifty-two minutes." Mischa@crystyl sits down, stretching her legs out, "Time for more show and tell then, V'Elo" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo smiles back, "I look forward to learning more!" --- Issandros@anncaris | Three hours into their journey, more ships appear on long-range sensors, this time 12 contacts instead of 2... Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "More contacts jus' comin' into range. An' before ya say, I'm-a still verifyin' th'ID. Sec..." Issandros@anncaris | Once again, Lennie sees that they have Guardian IFFs! Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "S'more Guardians" Keelah@crystyl:"Tee" Keelah@crystyl | TQ: "Hailing now" Issandros@anncaris | The hail goes through, and the now Guardian-Commander Issandros appears on the viewscreen, "Captain Keelah. I was told you were heading for the Command Post from the Sphere, but I expected you - Issandros@anncaris:- to be arriving from the other direction." Keelah@crystyl:"It's a long story. Has there been any sign of the Nuhar yet?" Issandros@anncaris:"They're already ahead of us. Command Post is in trouble. We're reinforcing our computer systems now, but the Guardians at the Command Post are being held hostage by their own defenses." Keelah@crystyl:"Stars... I was really hoping to reach them before they did anything stupid" Issandros@anncaris:"You think you can talk them down?" Keelah@crystyl:"I think I've got a better chance of talking them down than shooting them down" Issandros@anncaris:"Agreed. I have twelve ships, plus your two. There's nine Constructs from what the Guardians trapped in the Command Post said, which is already a tough fight, but with the arsenal of the base on - Issandros@anncaris:- top of that, it's not one we can win. With the base's systems under their control, we can't even contact the Coalition." Keelah@crystyl:"You said the Command Post is being held hostage to its own defenses?" Issandros@anncaris:"I don't have the details, but last I heard the Nuhar took control of the station's systems, and there's no way out." Keelah@crystyl:"Interesting..." Issandros@anncaris:"I don't know if the Constructs plan to use them as negotiating chips or just to taunt us. I suppose we'll see." Keelah@crystyl:"Either way, one does not follow such a course without a specific purpose. Whatever it is, they want something" Issandros@anncaris:"Agreed- but something is wrong. I don't know what, but I have a feeling they're not just holding them to bargain." Keelah@crystyl:"I too find this doubtful. We must proceed with caution" Issandros@anncaris:"Join up with us. We might not have the numbers to take the Command Post by force, but at least we'll be able to cover a retreat if things go poorly." Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, we're forming up" Issandros@anncaris:"I'll let you do the negotiating once we're there. That's what you're famous for, isn't it?" Keelah@crystyl:"So rumour has it" she manages with a faint smile while dying inside a little Issandros@anncaris:"We'll be here to back you up if fighting breaks out, then. Good luck, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"And to you" Issandros@anncaris FX | A little under an hour later, the Command Post comes into view on long-range sensors. Issandros' report seems to be accurate, as sensors read nine Constructs around the station, along with - Issandros@anncaris - one other unidentified ship with no IFF signal Keelah@crystyl looks over as Lennie reports this, "One anomalous reading..." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie cuts her off, tapping away, "I know, I know, I'm-a on it! I'll-a tells ya soon as I got somethin'" Keelah@crystyl smiles quietly to herself Issandros@anncaris | It seems to be a small ship, a scout or raiding vessel of some kind. Reading is definitely not Nuhar Keelah@crystyl | Lennie frowns, "Well... least I can tell ya it ain't Nuhar. But tha's about it" Keelah@crystyl:"No matches at all to configuration or metallurgy? What about lifesigns?" Issandros@anncaris | Still too far to discern lifesigns, but metallurgy is fairly standard duranium hull plating! Configuration is unknown, however Keelah@crystyl | Lennie relays this Keelah@crystyl:"Keep on it" Issandros@anncaris | As they come closer to the Command Post, Lennie is able to read the lifesigns on the mystery ship, and it seems to be a mix of a variety of species, many of them highly hybridized between - Issandros@anncaris:- species, to a degree only seen among Horde thralls Keelah@crystyl:"So it looks like a Horde ship. Curious. Any reaction from the Constructs to our presence yet?" Issandros@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "They are forming into defensive positions around the station." Keelah@crystyl:"Tee, general hail. Let's see who chooses to speak for them" Keelah@crystyl | TQ nods and gets to work. Issandros@anncaris | TQ's hail is accepted by the Relentless Hunter! Keelah@crystyl:"Relentless Hunter. I had a feeling you would be the voice of the group" Issandros@anncaris | The Nuhar's voice echoes in through the comm feed, "I presume you have come to convince us to stand down." Keelah@crystyl:"You presume correctly" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "As I have told you before, my loyalty is to whoever holds a Foundry facility. Your Coalition vowed to recover the ones in the Heart of War, so I fought alongside you." Keelah@crystyl:"And you believe the Architect now holds it because you listened to his propaganda" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "Your very crewmember spoke before the Coalition, stating that he has seized control of the Sphere." Keelah@crystyl:"Control of the /Heart of War/. That is not the same as controlling the sphere and everything within it" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "Do you mean to say that your people can freely access the Sphere with him and his thralls patrolling inside its walls?" Keelah@crystyl:"No. I simply stated a point of clarity as to what the Architect actually controls. We may not be walking freely there yet, but neither is he. Do you not see? He has lied to you all through his - Keelah@crystyl:- desperate message" Keelah@crystyl:"That fact alone should cast doubt on everything he says and does" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "And you think he is the only one capable of lying? Lies are rampant throughout the Coalition. You do not know what the Guardians have become in order to obtain their - Issandros@anncaris:- immunity from the Horde. The Arshai still produce infiltration clones based on existing people behind closed doors. The An- do you truly believe they constructed a massive multi-generational - Issandros@anncaris:- Mothership solely for the purpose of exploration? The Regulators withhold technology that can help end this war, if they were willing to share it. I have been a right hand of the Scryer for four - Issandros@anncaris:- of your decades. I know every one of your galactic powers are rife with lies- even your beloved Federation has something dark buried deep beneath its surface." Keelah@crystyl:"Nobody is disputing any of those facts. But we work together in spite of our differences, and even you can not deny the results of recent months. I know the Architect threatens the future of the - Keelah@crystyl:- Constructs if you do not support him, But do you honestly believe that conflict with your fellow Constructs will lead to the most promising future for you? Has the Architect actually made any - Keelah@crystyl:- gesture to reinforce his claims of controlling the foundries? Invited any of you inside, or sent new Constructs out to support you? Tell me; what happens when the few of you stand face to face - Keelah@crystyl:- against the full strength of the Coalition fleet when it arrives? Compare that to what could happen when the Coalition fleet arrives at the sphere with you still proudly at its heart against the - Keelah@crystyl:- relatively few Horde forces that have amassed there. Tell me, which outcome shows the highest number of surviving Constructs?" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "His Horde forces are arriving by the subspace tunnels he now has access to. There may not be as many vessels in the Sphere yet, but his support will arrive sooner than the - Issandros@anncaris:- Coalition's by my calculations. And even if we suppose that the Coalition can defeat his forces, his access to the Sphere means he can destroy the Foundries before you take back control of the - Issandros@anncaris:- Sphere. If the Foundries are gone, how many of us remain is irrelevant. There will only ever be less of us, as they are the only facilities capable of producing more Constructs." Keelah@crystyl:"Your logic is flawed" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "Imagine you are one of the biological species that relies on a queen entity to breed. If all the remaining queens of your species are being held captive, then would you not - Issandros@anncaris:- acquiesce to the demands of the one holding them? It is the logical option if survival is your goal. Fighting is far too great a risk when the fate of your kind rests in the balance." Keelah@crystyl:"Your logic is still flawed" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "How so?" Keelah@crystyl:"You assume that the foundries within the Heart of War are the last remaining in existence" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "The collected knowledge of the remaining Constructs above the Waystation was only able to locate these Foundries. If others exist, the only hope of finding them now is by - Issandros@anncaris:- chance, and as large as the facilities are, the chance of simply stumbling upon something in the vastness of space is very low. Would you have found the Heart of War if you did not have a heading - Issandros@anncaris:- and blindly wandered the galaxy?" Keelah@crystyl:"No, because if we had not learned of it then we would never have known it was there to search for. The same goes for additional foundries. We know the Heart of War is not all that remains. We know - Keelah@crystyl:- that more exist within reach of here. And we /know/ that we can discover them and master them within even our meager biological lifetimes" Issandros@anncaris | Kelly looks to Keelah: "I don't mean to interrupt, but...ironically, the first dyson sphere the Federation discovered /was/ by accidentally stumbling upon it. Twice, in fact, as the - Issandros@anncaris:- USS Jenolan found it first but did not manage to leave to report its location." Keelah@crystyl:"A fair point, but not one I think our Nuhar friend will be swayed by" she glances back with a smile Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "And how is it you know that other Foundries exist? Were you able to access data from the Foundries inside the Sphere?" Keelah@crystyl:"No, because we have already done so. Or... already-will-have-done so...? I apologize my friend, I forget sometimes that not so many outside of this ship have met the newest additions to our crew. - Keelah@crystyl:- Perhaps introductions are in order?" Keelah@crystyl signals TQ to mute, "Get Baelai's squadron ready to launch. Now" Keelah@crystyl | TQ nods, relaying the command Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "What do you mean?" Keelah@crystyl:"They will be out in just a moment. Just stay your weapons, this is /not/ an attack. Just a demonstration, ok?" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "Very well. Any attack you make is no threat with the forces we have at hand." Keelah@crystyl | A few moments later, VF hangar doors would creep open allowing Eon and the Nuhar squadron to swarm out. They would fly in formation to RH then take up a protective multi-arrayed orbital pattern - Keelah@crystyl:- around the giant Construct Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter is quiet for a moment before speaking again, "These craft were a mixture of our technology and your own, but my scans indicate they have true Nuhar AIs. They are not mere - Issandros@anncaris:- applications of our components, as biological vessels with Nuhar technology usually are. How is this possible?" Keelah@crystyl:"I am afraid I do not know all the details. Only that they were built in a future that no longer exists. Built in collaboration by my own crew with the Nuhar to provide capable Construct support craft - Keelah@crystyl:- in a lifelong battle against the Horde. But you see; the fact that these Constructs were built - regardless of the specific design they were built to - means that there is more out there to be - Keelah@crystyl:- rediscovered, and that we are capable of doing so even if the Heart of War were lost" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "And you are certain that in this future, the Heart of War /was/ lost?" Keelah@crystyl:"The Horde still exists in that future. If the Heart of War existed, then the Coalition would have continued to locate and use it" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "Send me all the data you possess on this supposed future. I will judge whether this is a ruse." Keelah@crystyl:"Very well. Would you like to continue acclimatizing to our squadron as well, or have you seen enough?" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "I have seen enough, but send me your analysis of them. I would like to see the results of your own research into their origins." Keelah@crystyl:"It will be included in the data packet. I will await your response" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "We will analyze this data closely." Issandros@anncaris FX | The call ends, and a minute passes with no reply... Keelah@crystyl | The bridge sits mostly quiet - on a knife's edge - all but the sound of Lennie's claws drumming on the console Keelah@crystyl slooooowly turns that way Keelah@crystyl | Lennie straightens, "Sorry..." Issandros@anncaris | Another minute passes, then another, before Vrolmacht suddenly announces, "The Nuhar are powering up weapons!" Keelah@crystyl:"Some response... red alert, raise shields!" Issandros@anncaris | The red alert alarms ring out and the bridge lighting changes when Vrolmacht suddenly says, "Captain, they are not locking on to us." Issandros@anncaris FX | On the viewscreen, all nine Constructs fire on the single small scout ship of unknown design. There isn't even an explosion as the craft, including all the antimatter in its warp core, is - Issandros@anncaris - completely obliterated. The scout ship is wiped clean from existence, leaving behind not even a speck of debris Keelah@crystyl blinkblinks Issandros@anncaris | TQ gets another hail from the Relentless Hunter Keelah@crystyl | TQ: "He's hailing us" Keelah@crystyl:"I should hope so as well. Let's have it" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter's voice echoes across the bridge once again, "Your logic is sound. We are relinquishing control of the station now." Keelah@crystyl points to Vrolmacht to stand down red alert, "I am pleased to hear it. Does this mean you will again stand with the rest of the Constructs and join us in flushing the Architect from the Heart of War Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "I shall do so. If my last communication with the Coalition is correct, your vanguard will arrive within the next hour. I will join their efforts against the Horde and - Issandros@anncaris - share this new data with other Constructs." Keelah@crystyl:"That is indeed reassuring news. It would have been a sad day had it ended with all our hard work of recent years falling apart with Constructs once again in conflict" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "I have verified the validity of your information and believe that you are most likely correct in your speculation that other ways to create additional Constructs remain. - Issandros@anncaris:- That makes the risk of retaking the Sphere acceptable, and the Horde's ways of sowing internal conflict is known to us. With our kind's survival at a lesser risk, there is no longer any reason to - Issandros@anncaris:- support the Architect, especially as the majority of Constructs have chosen to continue supporting the Coalition." Keelah@crystyl:"I know how difficult such a decision can be. For what it is worth; I will personally do all I can to ensure a secure future for your kind" Issandros@anncaris | Relentless Hunter: "I will hold you to your word, Captain." Issandros@anncaris | Lennie detects a wormhole opening... Keelah@crystyl:"I know" she gets in abruptly before the comm can close Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Cap'n, I'se got an incomin' wormhole" Keelah@crystyl:"That must be the Observer with the reinforcements" Issandros@anncaris FX | The wormhole quickly becomes visible on the viewscreen as the Observer's ship emerges from it. Several larger wormholes begin to open behind it. From one of them comes the massive - Issandros@anncaris - silhouette of one of the Lodzki dreadnoughts, from another the elegant hull of the Thana Vaneri, followed by the smaller Kayeri Vaj and a few less ornate OSN ships, as well as smaller Lodzki - Issandros@anncaris - classes such as the Wyverns. A handful of other ships, including Colonial Fleet vessels, a few smaller Constructs and the Lander One appears as well Keelah@crystyl | Lennie double takes, "I know tha' ship... Tha's th'Thana!" Issandros@anncaris | A few Junayd ships come through at the end as the wormholes close, forming a sizable vanguard force, though still far from the Coalition's full might Keelah@crystyl | Lennie doesn't even think about it, putting the image of it on the main screen Keelah@crystyl:"So it is. Quite unexpected. Perhaps our luck is finally about to turn around" --- T'Lana@anncaris | Meanwhile on the shuttle... T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "I have a wide range of clothes I am able to replicate based on Iconian physiology.” T'Lana@anncaris | A catalogue of different Iconian clothes appears on the interface above the replicator T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "That is a wide range indeed..." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni squeezes in for a better view, "Ooh Iconian fashion!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "Your species was among the ones I primarily serviced when the Sphere was being constructed and used against the Horde." T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo steps aside, giving Rianni a good view of the different outfits on display, "What do you think would be a good one?" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni, "Um... well since you're kind of the only one around at the moment, I guess there's not really any benchmark for what is optimal..." Mischa@crystyl smirks from the corner, putting on an over the top 'darling' voice (surprisingly easy for her...), "Out of season is /so/ back in, this season!" T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow at the remark T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I have no knowledge on the fashion of my people, so I shall choose whatever you think is best! You're the only ones travelling with me, anyways." Mischa@crystyl seems to sense the raising brow, remarking over her shoulder, "Oh, don't look at me in that tone of voice. I'm just having fun with them" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni smiles, "Well in that case, why don't you see if you can find something similar to what we're currently wearing? This isn't exactly sociable fashion. But rather tailored to our current - Mischa@crystyl:- mission. You might find something more practical works best here" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "That is good advice." She looks around at the team carefully before scrolling through the console and choosing a suitably dark set with red highlights, "This one has many similarities." Mischa@crystyl:"Don't just go by looks. See what it says about functionality; Storage pockets, breathability and such" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "This outfit isn't the most practical, I suppose..." she continues scrolling, settling on a red and white one, "This one seems to be more functional." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni looks and gives a nod of approval, "I think it will suit you nicely!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo smiles and selects the outfit, which promptly replicates. She takes it out of the replicator and begins putting it on T'Lana@anncaris | As she dresses, the others notice the shuttle slowing to a stop, but with no facility outside the window... Mischa@crystyl looks around, "Ferry? What's going on?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "Sensors detect two vessels outside the facility and lifesigns within." Mischa@crystyl:"Lifesigns?" she moves up to check the readouts, "This is an unwelcome complication..." T'Lana@anncaris | The readouts do confirm what Ferry has announced! T'Lana@anncaris:"You said these weapons facilities have only limited programming, correct?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "That is correct." T'Lana@anncaris:"Then it is likely not too difficult for the Horde to gain access to their functions, and weapons are something that they would seek." Mischa@crystyl:"Bugger..." T'Lana@anncaris steps over to view the readings with Mischa, "The ships appear to be armed transports. We cannot engage without revealing our presence, but the lack of an escort with these craft likely - T'Lana@anncaris:- indicates they do not expect danger from within the Sphere, meaning they must not yet be aware of what we have accomplished so far. That is at least a good sign." Mischa@crystyl:"Well if we can't have weapons, I don't think it's fair for them to have them either. There must be a way we can sabotage their operation without exposing our hand" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I am certain we can come up with a plan." She looks down at the readings, "One of the ships is leaving. As they appear to be transports and not guards, we may be able to find an opening - T'Lana@anncaris:- to approach and land." Mischa@crystyl:"Then let's find us an opening" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "I will watch for one to land." T'Lana@anncaris:"Does the facility have automated defenses like the others?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "It does, according to my records." T'Lana@anncaris:"Any detailed records of the facility?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "Unfortunately not. I only possess its external layout for landing purposes and the existence of automated defenses, though that is universal for any facility of importance." T'Lana@anncaris:"I suppose we will have to decide exactly what to sabotage when we arrive. Turning the defenses against the Horde is an option we may be able to perform, but it will likely do little more than take - T'Lana@anncaris:- down a few thralls before they regain control, and the Horde have no shortage of individual thralls. Perhaps we may be able to introduce faults in their weapons, like your crew did at the torpedo - T'Lana@anncaris:- factory," she looks to Rianni. Mischa@crystyl | Rianni thinks a moment, "Makes sense. But I've no idea where to start. I mean, there it was easy because we knew what they were making and how it worked. But here... I couldn't even begin to - Mischa@crystyl:- fathom how Iconian weapons actually work. We'd have to lay hands on schematics, maybe even examples, to analyze for a weakness first to do the same here" T'Lana@anncaris:"We will have to enter the facility first and learn more of it. But perhaps Mia's knowledge of the arms factory you have been to could come in use here. It does seem to manufacture at least two of the - T'Lana@anncaris:- same products- probes and weapons." Mischa@crystyl:"True, but as the Ensign says; Iconian small arms are typically a long way from standard issue phasers. It wouldn't hurt to explore other options; preferably those that hinder their plans while - Mischa@crystyl:- leaving the plant intact for us to reclaim" T'Lana@anncaris:"Agreed. Do you have any idea, Commander? Or should we improvise as we know more?" Mischa@crystyl:"I'm thinking... if we could override those automated defenses; make it appear that the Horde triggered something and leave it appearing unsafe to return" T'Lana@anncaris:"An excellent suggestion, Commander. We will have to see to the specifics once we are more familiar with the facility and what the Horde are doing there, but it is an excellent goal to work towards." Mischa@crystyl:"Either way, we must keep our options open" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Let us see if we can come up with alternative options while we await an opening to enter the facility." --- Issandros@anncaris | On the bridge of the Valley Forge, Keelah is on comms with the Lodzki Admiral Celestina of the Cidrian Empire Issandros@anncaris | Celestina: "Some of our crews are still getting the implants, a few of the ships who participated in the last battle are still getting or waiting for repairs, and there's not enough room - Issandros@anncaris - through the wormholes to bring too many dreadnoughts through anyways, so we brought what we could." Keelah@crystyl:"It's a good start Admiral, there's no denying it. What we must now do is determine how best to utilize this vanguard" Issandros@anncaris | Celestina: "Just how large is this Sphere? Theoretically it would have to encase the space of almost half a solar system, from what my scientists tell me." Keelah@crystyl:"Pretty much" she nods, "I'm sending you all the data we collected before we had vacate" she points to the side for Lennie to act, and she does so Issandros@anncaris | Celestina nods, reviewing the data, "We don't have enough of a presence yet to face the Horde head on. We could run interference outside the Sphere and try to hamper additional reinforcements, - Issandros@anncaris - though if we're able to gain entrance, there should be more than enough space inside to maneuver. Getting inside the Sphere may do more damage overall to the enemy, but it's also riskier. If - Issandros@anncaris - they seal the door behind us, we'll need to find a way out before we're overwhelmed, assuming we can get the door open in the first place." Keelah@crystyl:"You're assuming that they have favourable numbers already then? Despite the failed desperate attempt by the Architect to recruit the Nuhar" Issandros@anncaris | Celestina: "We only have a fraction of the Coalition's forces here. The rest are still undergoing repairs, getting implants or patrolling subspace corridors. Once all our ships are in the - Issandros@anncaris - area, we might be able to take the Sphere, but they're getting continuous reinforcements from the subspace corridors while we've only managed to get a single large group here so far." Keelah@crystyl:"Blockading the corridors and turning this into a war of attrition will only work to solidify his foothold" Issandros@anncaris | Celestina: "So you suggest getting inside the Sphere and attempting to gain a foothold there while we await the bulk of Coalition forces to make the final push?" Keelah@crystyl smiles a little, "I'm suggesting that we have already done so. Tee, patch in the Latenter. Let's get some accurate information to work with" Issandros@anncaris | As she does, TQ receives an urgent message from the Guardian Command Post requesting Keelah's presence. Keelah@crystyl | TQ: "Sorry Captain, but your presence is urgently requested on the Command Post" Keelah@crystyl frowns a little at the timing, "Apologies Admiral, we will have to continue this after" Issandros@anncaris | Celestina nods, "This sounds important. We'll review your data on the Sphere and discuss methods of battle inside such a facility in the meantime while you tend to this." Keelah@crystyl nods and stands to head out, "Vrolmacht, you have the bridge" Issandros@anncaris | Keelah materializes in a transporter room in the Command Post, where an armoured Guardian awaits her, "Captain. We're glad you could make it. Come with me." Keelah@crystyl:"The message I got said it was urgent?" Issandros@anncaris | The Guardian nods, "That's right. Easier to show you. The Commander will explain anything that needs explaining." Keelah@crystyl perks a brow and nods, "Very well, lead on" Issandros@anncaris | The Guardian turns and leads the way through the station. It still looks very much like the last time Keelah was here, only with the Guardians significantly less casual at the moment. There - Issandros@anncaris - are also a few Guardians here and there wearing the signature red-and-black of Issandros' personal battle group, rather than the blues and purples more common among the local Guardian Chapter Issandros@anncaris | After a short trip in a turbolift, the Guardian leads her down a hallway where she notes the presence of blast marks and blood stains, the only signs of battle on the station so far Issandros@anncaris | They turn a corner into what appears to be a sickbay. The first thing Keelah sees is the presence of huge aliens she had never seen before, easily taller than a Lodzki but with the muscle mass - Issandros@anncaris - of a Lupan. They are dressed in armour of the same red hue as Issandros' troops, with two of them standing by the entrance and another two flanking the Guardian-Commander in the centre of the - Issandros@anncaris - room, with his two rifles across his back and an assortment of close quarters weapons on his belt Issandros@anncaris FX | Aliens: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/halo/images/7/76/JumpPackBrute.png/revision/latest?cb=2009110404283 Issandros@anncaris | There are a number of dead Guardians on the beds around the room, and she spots two distinctly thrall bodies still on the ground of the sickbay Keelah@crystyl gives the brutes a curious look as she approaches, "Commander. What is the situation?" Issandros@anncaris | As she approaches, she notices the central medical bed has been raised vertically, and a thrall that bears some resemblance to a member of the Vex species, but clearly mutated by Horde - Issandros@anncaris - hybridization, is restrained on the bed Issandros@anncaris | Thrall: "Keelah. I thought you would join us." Keelah@crystyl perks a brow Issandros@anncaris:"The Architect has assumed direct control of this thrall to taunt us." Keelah@crystyl smiles a little, "I must say Architect, this latest war of yours has left you looking less than your best" Issandros@anncaris | Thrall: "As do you. I may no longer be able to read your mind, but I made you, Child. Do not think I have not noticed the war's effects on you at our last meeting." Keelah@crystyl:"So to what do we owe the pleasure of your company this time? More idle threats? Or perhaps some more fabricated propaganda. That's always fun" Issandros@anncaris | Thrall: "My threats are not idle, Keelah. I told you that you would regret your interference. Do not think you have won a victory here. I expected you to be able to talk them down. They have - Issandros@anncaris - served their purpose." Issandros@anncaris:"I don't think he's exaggerating. Take a look around." Keelah@crystyl:"Say what you like, but you will not cast doubt on our actions here. Now how about you surprise us all and actually say something meaningful instead for a change?" Issandros@anncaris | Thrall: "Release me and I will show you- like old times, Captain." Issandros@anncaris | The two aliens behind Issandros actually move to release him Keelah@crystyl:"Commander, we can safely assume that anything he says and does through this thrall is purely to his own advantage. I calculate a 4.76% chance that this indulgence will be in any way fruitful" Issandros@anncaris:"I want to see how much he knows. This isn't a Psionic thrall. He's no threat." Issandros@anncaris looks to the thrall, "Try anything, and the Gardeners can crush your skull with one bare hand." Issandros@anncaris | The thrall takes a look at one of the huge aliens looming over him as he is freed, "I can see..." Keelah@crystyl mutters to herself, "...'Gardeners'...?" Issandros@anncaris | The thrall steps away from the bed and moves towards one of the beds with the dead Guardians, all four 'Gardeners' following him intently with their gaze Keelah@crystyl watches from a distance Issandros@anncaris | The thrall begins tapping on the medical bed, "Come take a look, Captain. Unarmed, this basic thrall is no threat to your Vulcan physiology." Keelah@crystyl:"I can see perfectly well, thank you" Issandros@anncaris | The thrall brings up a reading of a neurological scan, "Signs of influence, but not Horde. This is how the Guardians have been resisting control. Because their mind is already joined, with - Issandros@anncaris - another entity. The Horde cannot control that which is already under the control of another." Issandros@anncaris:"That's not entirely true." Issandros@anncaris | Thrall: "Yes, it is a mutualistic relationship, but how much choice do you really have? Did you ever explore other options? If you did, why did the Coalition have so much alternatives where - Issandros@anncaris:- you provide none?" Issandros@anncaris:"We were busy fighting you. We already have our defense. Why fix what isn't broken?" Issandros@anncaris | Thrall: "Even if it comes at the cost of your individuality? Of revealing your deepest, darkest depths and joining with a collective? And it goes both ways, you know. Your hatred must also - Issandros@anncaris:- influence this ancient entity, twisting it-" Issandros@anncaris:"We're not here to discuss philosophy and morality. Get to the point." Issandros@anncaris | Thrall: "Little of my former colleagues' knowledge remains after their fall- after they became the Horde. But I was able to use my expertise to trace the signal back to its source." Issandros@anncaris:"And where is that?" Issandros@anncaris | The thrall walks over to a different console, bringing up a map of the quadrant and highlighting a system much further into the Alpha Quadrant, but still near the rim Issandros@anncaris nods, "As I feared. You'll never take it." Issandros@anncaris | Thrall: "Won't we? Before the Coalition, your Guardians have not even manage to stop a Horde advance in the thousands. The Horde might have drained their ships in this region for their most - Issandros@anncaris - recent advance, but there's many more thralls further along the rim, close to your precious entity. Many that can be rallied into a force that you cannot stop- and the Coalition is too far and - Issandros@anncaris - too preoccupied with-" Issandros@anncaris | There is a flash of red as Issandros activates one of his energy daggers. The dagger flickers out and returns to the Guardian-Commander's belt in one fluid motion while the thralls head - Issandros@anncaris - topples from its neck and rolls along the floor, followed a mere fraction of a second later by its body crumpling to the ground Keelah@crystyl folds her arms, "I told you so" Issandros@anncaris:"He talks too much. But this is bad. I suppose you'd want an explanation." Keelah@crystyl:"I'll admit a certain cultural curiosity. However despite his bravado on the matter, I think I need context for threat assessment" Issandros@anncaris:"I'll explain everything." he says as he leads the way out, the four Gardeners falling into line Issandros@anncaris leads Keelah into the Commander's office on the station, which still has Skormir's old decor in the room. Two of the large aliens stay outside, while two follow him inside Issandros@anncaris:"Want anything to drink?" Keelah@crystyl:"I am fine, thank you" Issandros@anncaris nods and takes a seat, "So...where do we begin?" Keelah@crystyl:"I will assume that what the Architect described is accurate given your reaction. Why don't you start by explaining to me what exactly it is that he claims to have located" Issandros@anncaris:"We call it the World Tree. It's not something we usually reveal to outsiders, but given the circumstances, I've been allowed to reveal it to you. The Architect is correct in its nature- the World - Issandros@anncaris:- Tree is a primeval entity, and ancient even among them. It was one of many born at the beginning of the universe, its roots reaching deep into the fabric of reality, where it is intertwined with - Issandros@anncaris:- the roots of a fungal entity. I'm no scientist, but every Guardian has a rudimentary understanding through our connection to the Tree and all other Guardians by extension." Keelah@crystyl leans in, tilting her head a little, "You speak of the Mycelial network?" Issandros@anncaris shrugs, "If that's your name for it. Like I said, I'm no scientist. It's through the roots of these fungal lifeforms that we're able to communicate with one another instantaneously. That's how - Issandros@anncaris:- the Guardians trapped here were able to update me on their status despite the comms being controlled by the Nuhar- until the Nuhar began releasing some subspace interference, which was why my - Issandros@anncaris:- intel was limited." Keelah@crystyl:"Well I may not know of this World Tree, but the fungal subspace network is known to us. What about the threat posed to it here?" Issandros@anncaris:"Better communication for teamwork or to bypass comm outages is only a side benefit from our link with the World Tree, and not one we make use of all the time, unless you're a Gardener, that is. - Issandros@anncaris:- It's our link to the World Tree that prevents the Horde from controlling us. The Architect's also right about that, though our connection to the Tree's far from malicious, it also prevents the - Issandros@anncaris:- Horde from getting a hold on our minds. If the Horde finds and destroys the World Tree, we lose our protection. All Guardians, everywhere, at once." Keelah@crystyl:"So the threat is serious. How likely is it that he actually knows it's location, and not just existence?" Issandros@anncaris:"That map he brought up- he definitely knows its location. The Guardians and the Horde are spread much further along the rim, and I don't think he's bluffing when he says he can get a large enough - Issandros@anncaris:- fleet to overwhelm our defenses there. We haven't seen a significant advance in that region for some time, unlike here. My Chapter can always fall back, get your Coalition's implants, but in a - Issandros@anncaris:- lot of these regions, the Guardians are all that stands between the Horde and countless civilizations. If the World Tree's gone, they'll all be helpless." Keelah@crystyl:"You realise he has planted this seed now in order to distract and delay us from retaking the sphere" Issandros@anncaris:"Of course. I don't expect the Coalition to send troops to assist- the World Tree's too far away, and what you can bring there using wormholes or what other technologies you have at your disposal - Issandros@anncaris:- probably won't be enough anyways. But if the World Tree falls, we'll be delayed anyways, as all the Guardians- Rangers and my Chapter alike, will have to fall back to get implants." Keelah@crystyl:"Then how do you wish to proceed?" Issandros@anncaris:"I'll continue to work with the vanguard force that's just come in. This is what I'm good at. But the Gardeners'll never forgive me if I don't even ask for ideas, anything that can help save the - Issandros@anncaris:- Tree. I doubt we'll be able to muster enough forces in the region to fend off a direct push, but I hear you managed to save a pre-warp world from the Horde without a fight. And if rumour is to be - Issandros@anncaris:- believed, half your crew are scientists and you're good at...unconventional solutions." Keelah@crystyl:"Actually is more like 2/3 of the crew, if you count the engineering professionals as well" Keelah@crystyl:"With your permission, I would like to consult some of our specialists who know more about this primeval form of life" Issandros@anncaris:"Go ahead. Get the Arshai in on it if you like, the time for secrecy's over now that the Horde knows the World Tree's location." Issandros@anncaris:"I'll let my scientists know to tell you whatever you need." Keelah@crystyl:"I will exercise discretion and only bring in those able to contribute" Issandros@anncaris:"Thank you," he glances back at the large aliens, then back to Keelah, "The Gardeners give their gratitude as well." Keelah@crystyl glances back, "At least the name has a little more context now. We may need to better understand the nature of the Guardians' connection with the World Tree. Would your Gardener's be permitted to - Keelah@crystyl:- assist with this, if it becomes necessary?" Issandros@anncaris nods, "They're willing. They don't talk, never developed verbal communication, you see. They evolved on the World Tree's planet, drank its sap, are linked to it from birth. Their species never - Issandros@anncaris:- had the need to speak using words. Any Guardian's able to interpret for them, though." Keelah@crystyl:"I surmised as much. We will get to work as soon as I get back to the ship. Meanwhile, we still have to strategize for retaking the sphere" Issandros@anncaris:"That, I can do more to help with." Keelah@crystyl:"Have you had a chance yet to review the situation?" Issandros@anncaris nods, "Well, what I've heard from the Coalition meeting, at least." Keelah@crystyl:"We need to get the latest information from the sphere. Can you patch in a channel back to the Valley Forge?" Issandros@anncaris nods and taps on his computer, patching back to the VF Keelah@crystyl:"Tee, can you try again to reach the Latenter and patch it through back to the Command Post here for me please?" Keelah@crystyl | TQ: "No problem, Captain. Just a moment" Issandros@anncaris | A few seconds later, Victoria appears on the computer screen Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Hello again Commander. I need an update on Horde numbers at the sphere" Issandros@anncaris | Victoria: "Our count puts the current numbers at 1369, a significant number, but by our calculations, still no match for the full strength the Coalition is able to rally. Especially - Issandros@anncaris - considering that the Horde rely on numbers and individual ships are rarely able to stand up to Coalition vessels one on one. The rate of reinforcements are slowing down now, we're observing - Issandros@anncaris - between ten to twenty per day. It's likely they have to pull ships in from beyond the reach of the Carran subspace corridor network, or the paths the Carrans have mapped so far at least." Keelah@crystyl:"I see, thank you. That may indeed be more than our vanguard can handle at the moment" she looks across to Issandros Issandros@anncaris:"That's true, but if they're only coming in between ten to twenty a day, seeing what the Coalition's accomplished so far, I think we've still got a few months to get additional reinforcements here - Issandros@anncaris:- before the numbers become too much to handle. The Horde'll have to start pulling ships from further and further away, and the speed of their reinforcement'll only slow over time. Eventually we'll - Issandros@anncaris:- reach a point where we can't get out ships fast enough compared to them because the Horde /build/ faster than we do, but with the size of Coalition forces in the area, I think we've got some time." Keelah@crystyl:"You seem to share the Admiral's laid back approach to this problem. This needs to end in days, not months" Issandros@anncaris:"You've seen the state of the Coalition fleet after the last battle. Even with the Arshai's Ring, there's not enough room for all the repairs going around. We stopped a fleet of several thousand - Issandros@anncaris:- and depleted the Horde's numbers in this region, but it came at a cost to us as well. Trust me, I want to finish this as much as you do, but rushing ships that're barely holding together into - Issandros@anncaris:- battle won't help us." Keelah@crystyl:"I know" she sighs, "But we can't allow this to continue" Issandros@anncaris:"Agreed. The Architect is hatching new schemes and enacting new plans every day. We need to go on the offensive." Keelah@crystyl:"We brought this vanguard out here to do just that. Not to wait here for months while the rest catch up instead of waiting back at Vue En. So what do we do?" Issandros@anncaris:"How viable is it for us to take the fight into the Sphere without having the numbers for a face-on confrontation?" Keelah@crystyl looks to the screen again, "Feel free to chime in Commander. You're a part of this discussion too, and you have the information we don't" Issandros@anncaris | Victoria: "I suspect Mischa would welcome the company, having been behind enemy lines all this time. The Alliance has managed to fight multiple engagements against Voth and Undine within the - Issandros@anncaris:- Spheres in the Delta Quadrant. There's more than enough room to move about without having to clash directly with the bulk of the Horde, and I don't think the Architect would hit us with all he - Issandros@anncaris:- has if we go inside. He's more interested in protecting himself and the Control Station, as we saw when our ships were in the Sphere. He might have the numbers to beat your vanguard, but if you - Issandros@anncaris:- don't attack the Control Station, he won't send his full numbers against you, not without exposing himself." Keelah@crystyl:"A fair assessment. What of Commander Leveson-Scott's team, has there been any word?" Issandros@anncaris | Victoria: "We've heard back from them not long ago. There were some complications, but they've managed to get all four Foundries producing Nuhar Constructs now, though they will need time - Issandros@anncaris:- before the Constructs are ready. They had a number of confrontations with drones, but so far no indication that the Horde is aware of them yet." Keelah@crystyl:"They have reactivated /four/ Nuhar foundries? That's incredible! What about the team, are they alright still?" Issandros@anncaris | Victoria nods, "They're all well, last we heard from them. Apparently they cloned an Iconian who is travelling with them as well now. You can ask them for the details when they get back." Keelah@crystyl blinkblinks, "Wait, please repeat your last. There must be subspace interference, for a moment it sounded like you said they had cloned an Iconian..." Issandros@anncaris | Victoria: "That's what Mia's communication said...like I said, you'll probably want to ask them about it when they're back. Or when you go into the Sphere." Keelah@crystyl:"Your Commander never did do things by halves did she... Alright, well if you have any specifics on what they have in motion there, please send us the details. We have a vanguard fleet here and are - Keelah@crystyl:- preparing for our next move" Issandros@anncaris | Victoria nods, "I'm sending you all we have." Keelah@crystyl:"Thank you, and if you speak to the away team again please pass on my gratitude and congratulations on their successes to date. Reassure them that we are coming" Issandros@anncaris | Victoria: "I'll be sure to do so, Captain." Keelah@crystyl looks back across the desk as the comm ends, "Well..." Issandros@anncaris:"It sounds like your people have already gained a foothold in the Sphere. That's good news, at least." Keelah@crystyl:"Good is putting it lightly. Four active Nuhar foundries and living Iconians? This is unprecedented" Issandros@anncaris:"If these Foundries have defenses, we might be able to fortify them. The production of new Nuhar Constructs can't go under the Horde's notice forever, and they've already threatened the Foundries - Issandros@anncaris:- to get to the Nuhar here. If we hold them, that's another source of reinforcements." Keelah@crystyl:"So what are you thinking; push into the sphere and establish a beachhead at the foundries?" Issandros@anncaris:"Seems to be our best option. We could try to block the entrances, prevent their reinforcements from coming in, but that's just wasting our reinforcements on theirs, and the Horde'll always have - Issandros@anncaris:- more ships to throw away than we do in the long run. Besides, such a big Sphere probably has more than four entrances, so securing the four Foundries is a more manageable start." Keelah@crystyl:"Perhaps some of the vanguard fleet can be despatched to lock down the subspace corridor entrances as well" Issandros@anncaris nods, "It could be worth doing, especially as they're coming in smaller groups now, though we can only go after the entrances we see the Horde using right now. The Carrans have pledged to assign - Issandros@anncaris:- navigators to the Coalition that could help out, once they're equipped with implants and ready to go." Keelah@crystyl:"The Latenter has been monitoring their movements in the region so already has the position of the nearest corridor entry points" Issandros@anncaris:"Excellent. We'll be able to cover those points and hopefully hinder their reinforcements as well. Now that I've reached the Command Post, I'll also put out a call to the Rangers, get as many of - Issandros@anncaris:- them here as we can. Some of them are probably busy sabotaging Horde production already." Keelah@crystyl:"We should inform the other fleet Commanders that we have now a strategy" Keelah@crystyl:"And I need to get my people working on your World Tree problem" Issandros@anncaris:"I'll update the other commanders in the vanguard. You get your specialists briefed and see what you can do about the World Tree." Keelah@crystyl nods and stands, "Alright then, let's get this plan in motion" Issandros@anncaris stands as well, "Thank you again, Captain. I hope you find something that can help." Keelah@crystyl:"As do I" she gives a final nod and heads out Issandros@anncaris | The two Gardeners outside begin to walk as Keelah exits, evidently leading the way for her... Keelah@crystyl looks between them, "Oh, thank you..." Issandros@anncaris | The Gardeners are of course as silent as ever, leading her into a lift and to the main level of the station. As she passes through with the two in front of her, she notes that the other - Issandros@anncaris - Guardians they walk by seem to regard the Gardeners with a great deal of respect, with just about everyone looking to them as they pass by and a good number of Guardians inclining their heads - Issandros@anncaris - towards the large armoured aliens. At least they seem to be directed at the Gardeners, as Keelah didn't get this attention on her way in... Issandros@anncaris | The two Gardeners soon lead Keelah back to the transporter room she arrived in Keelah@crystyl glances to them again, "Thank you, again" and steps onto the pad Issandros@anncaris | The two Gardeners both give Keelah a nod as she turns to them. The Guardian transporter operator behind them taps away at the console, beaming Keelah back to the Valley Forge Issandros@anncaris | She materializes on the VF's transporter pad, with Katie at the console Issandros@anncaris | Katie: "Welcome back, Captain." Keelah@crystyl heads back to her ready room, "Computer, is Ensign Ralde back on board yet?" Keelah@crystyl after totally not missing the line from Katie and greeting her in kind... Issandros@anncaris | The computer confirms that Emma is indeed back on board! Keelah@crystyl | taps her combadge as she enters the lift, "Se'Lai to Lendaria, please join me in my ready room and bring Ensign Ralde with you" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Aye Cap'n" Issandros@anncaris | The lift soon arrives on the bridge, and Vrolmacht updates her on the situation as she heads for her ready room, "Captain, the Regulator vessel serving as primary contact with the Coalition - Issandros@anncaris - has...appeared in the system. In addition, Blood Covenant packs in the region are also responding and will be joining the vanguard soon." Keelah@crystyl:"That is good news indeed. Come, we have much to catch up on" Issandros@anncaris | Vrolmacht nods and follows Keelah@crystyl takes her seat with Lennie and Emma arriving just after them Keelah@crystyl:"Ok first a quick tactical update; the Horde have just short of 1400 vessels in the sphere. Commander Leveson-Scott's team is progressing well however; they have activated four Nuhar foundries which- Keelah@crystyl:- now creating new Constructs. And they have cloned an Iconian to help them as they continue to work within the sphere. Everyone was alive and well when they last checked in" she notes at the end, - Keelah@crystyl:- knowing Emma will be more concerned with Rianni than the mission Issandros@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Four Nuhar Foundries...and an Iconian? These will be significant contributions to our efforts." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed. Now onto the matter at hand. Ladies, we need to figure out how to protect something called the World Tree; an anchor into this plane of existence for the mycelial network. It is the core - Keelah@crystyl:- of the Guardians' protection against the Horde" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I should have guessed... it was a toss up between mycelial mess, or OSN politics when you summoned both of us" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "Seems I owe ya a strip o'latinum..." NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "How does it protect the Guardians? The Ensign still requires implants to prevent Horde control, and was influenced like the rest of us when the Architect betrayed us." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Keelah: "Something to do with consumption of sap from the tree. I'm afraid I don't know the science behind it, but the Guardians have introduced me to their 'Gardeners' - a species native to the - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- World Tree's planet. They have expressed a willingness to assist our efforts" Emma Ralde@crystyl snorts at the name reveal Emma Ralde@crystyl | Keelah wants to eyeroll, but knows it's no better than her own reaction NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "And what exactly is wrong with their tree? Or is it at danger of being overrun by Horde?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Keelah: "The Architect has revealed that he knows it's location and threatens to send Horde forces there" she nods NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "We do not have the forces to both defend their planet and take the Sphere. We are already scrambling to assemble enough for our battle here." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Keelah: "Which is why we are exploring alternatives to help the World Tree. Even if we wanted to, it is far too out of range for us to be able to react" NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht nods, "Like Lennie managed with the pre-warp planet. I understand." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie looks between the two, "Yeah, but we was still, like... close to th'place there so we could do stuff" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Keelah raises a hand, "I did not say I expect anything from you. But we owe it to our allies to make every effort to find a way to assist them" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "So it's a brainstorm, I can do tha'" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Keelah: "Pull whatever resources you think will help - from within the crew, or outside" NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "The Regulators may be able to get close with their ship. If I am not mistaken, it is the same vessel that first came to work with us, which you and Kelly inspected," he looks to Emma Emma Ralde@crystyl | Keelah looks to Vrolmacht: "Commander, I have the tactical details from this latest update along with our current proposed strategy, if you'd like to stay behind a moment so we can review" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie nods to Vrolmacht's suggestion, and takes her cue from Keelah, "We'll reach out to 'em f'sure. C'mon Em, ya don't wanna get drawn into this wishy washy tactical stuff" she flashes a smirk- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- and playfully nudges Vrolmacht in the side as she turns to head out Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles a little, turning to follow NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht nods and takes a seat while the Orions head out --- Emma Ralde@crystyl FX | A short time later, the pair are brainstorming ideas in Lennie's office while they await the arrival of the invited Regulators NPC@annpc#557 | The door to Lennie's office opens and the Regulator Supervisor steps in, followed by the familiar Elachi Navigator. Emma Ralde@crystyl turns, smiling to see the familiar face, "Navigator! Good to see you again" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Likewise, Emma. We were told you needed assistance with something related to the mycelial network?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We think so, yes" NPC@annpc#557 | Supervisor: "Give us the details. We will do all we can to assist." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "In short; we'se been told 'o somethin' called a World Tree wha' exists in this reality but is some kinda anchor for th'Mycelial Network" Emma Ralde@crystyl adds, "What we /think/ is the Mycelial Network. The Guardians have a different name for it I think, but the description fits" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie nods to that, "It's a long long ways from 'ere, an' we'se gotta figure a way t'protect it from th'Horde as it's th'source o'Guardians defense against 'em" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Your assumption is correct. We are familiar with this, though we have not seen nor studied the tree for ourselves. The inhabitants of the mycelial network are familiar with their - NPC@annpc#557:- presence and call them the NirTess trees, though we did not know of the Guardians' connection with them until recently." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"So it is a part of everything. The brief said they believe it is as old as the galaxy itself and consider it a Primeval lifeform" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "That would be an accurate classification. It does exist in your reality, but its roots reach into subspace and are intertwined with parts of the mycelial network. That is what - NPC@annpc#557:- allows the NirTess tree and all connected with it to maintain contact with one another regardless of the distance." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "Do ya got any clue how it protects th'Guardians from Horde influence?" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "The NirTess have tenders- smaller, more mobile beings like ourselves. The tenders usually help the tree on the planet which it grows from, but they have also been known to act as - NPC@annpc#557:- protectors, scouts and emissaries of the trees. The Guardians appear to be tenders, but on a much larger scale than we have ever seen before. From what we have observed, they drink the sap of - NPC@annpc#557:- their particular NirTess tree, which binds them to the tree. This connection apparently makes it impossible for the Horde to control them." NPC@annpc#557 | The Supervisor steps up to Lennie's desk, picking up two random isolinear chips and plugging one into the computer Emma Ralde@crystyl & Lennie share a knowing look to one another, surmising in unison, "Gardeners!" NPC@annpc#557 | Supervisor: "The backdoor the Horde use is like an access port. The NirTess have already plugged into it." She taps the second chip in the place where the first chip is inserted. Of course, it - NPC@annpc#557:- does not go in. "Now, the Horde are unable to access the mind because the port is already occupied." NPC@annpc#557 | The Navigator tilts his head curiously at the two, "Gardeners?" Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "There are some on the Command Post apparently who have offered to assist us. They sound like the tenders you describe!" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Technically, every Guardian is a tender, as they are all connected to the NirTess. But it is likely that there was a particular species who began the tradition, the original - NPC@annpc#557:- tenders who inhabited the planet of this particular tree." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie, "Aye, that's who they say they got there!" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Most NirTess tenders are usually exclusively species from the planet of the tree. It is not unheard of however for some trees to...branch out, acquire additional tenders, or turn - NPC@annpc#557:- those who visit their world with spacefaring vessels into emissaries or scouts to communicate with the wider universe. It is, however, unheard of for a NirTess to create such a vast number of - NPC@annpc#557:- tenders and utilize them in the fashion that the Guardians operate. Perhaps the NirTess feels threatened by the Horde, or perhaps the Guardians struck some deal with it and its original tenders." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Maybe these Gardeners will have more insight" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "Is an interestin' question either way" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"The other interesting question is; can the NirTess be reached through the Network if needed?" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Just about everything can be reached through the Network, but yes, I am able to locate a NirTess and travel to its location." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well. That's the hard part of the problem sorted then" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "I dunno... I think protectin' it's gonna be th'challenge still" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "From the Horde, I assume?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie nods: "Aye. Th'Guardian's got numbers out there, but so's th'Horde. An' they'se threatin' t'move on th'NirTess" NPC@annpc#557 | Supervisor: "They've found its location, then?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"So the Architect claims anyway. Apparently the threat's real enough for the Guardians to take it seriously at any rate" NPC@annpc#557 | Supervisor: "We only have a few vessels with Elachi Navigators and a crew equipped with implants to protect against Horde control. We could send then, but it may not be enough to turn the tide - NPC@annpc#557:- of a large battle." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "I think we oughta see wha' we can learn from these Gardeners first anyway. No point racin' out there without a plan" NPC@annpc#557 | The Navigator nods, "You say we will find them on the Guardian Command Post?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Apparently so. Want to head over there now with us?" NPC@annpc#557 | Supervisor: "Let us proceed to the station, then." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie stands to lead the way, with Emma falling in at the rear of the group --- T'Lana@anncaris | In a gap between Horde arrivals and departures, Ferry manages to land on the weapons facility and the infiltration team disembarks... T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "Be careful. I am still detecting lifeforms inside the facility, though ships are not present in the vicinity." Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you, Ferry. Keep yourself out of sight as well. We'll contact you when it's time to leave" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "I will ensure my presence is not noticed." Mischa@crystyl moves out, looking for any less obvious route forwards T'Lana@anncaris | Like the Superintendent facility, there are small access hatches for drones, which would likely circumvent much of the interior spaces occupied by thralls Mischa@crystyl looks to Mia, "Any chance we can pretend you're a local drone and head in that way?" T'Lana@anncaris | Mia can indeed mimic the signal of a Nuhar drone! Mischa@crystyl | Mia smiles and nods, "Oui! Follow us" and makes her way in T'Lana@anncaris and V'Elo follows in, crawling through the tight spaces of the tunnels meant for drones T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "This is a very small passageway..." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni giggles, "It is meant for Iconian drones, not Iconians!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "That would explain it, yes." Mischa@crystyl:"A necessary evil and one of the less glamorous realities of subterfuge, I'm afraid" T'Lana@anncaris | Soon, the team come upon an exit, but Mia detects Horde lifesigns in the chamber it exits to Mischa@crystyl | Mia scans for an alternative route T'Lana@anncaris | There are an entire network of tunnels for the drones, and Mia soon finds an exit into an empty room far from any Horde lifesigns Mischa@crystyl | Mia moves on, slowly and quietly T'Lana@anncaris and V'Elo continue following, trying to be as quiet as they can. Soon, they reach the exit into a thrall-free part of the facility... Mischa@crystyl | Mia continues to scan as she leads the way in T'Lana@anncaris | Inside, they find a large chamber lined with Iconian probes, almost identical to the probe hangar found in the Iconian arms factory, only with the doors releasing the probes being located on - T'Lana@anncaris - one of the walls of the chamber rather than the ceiling above, giving it a more conventional shuttlebay-like layout Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, we need to get into the systems of this place if we're going to find any way to drive the Horde out. Mia" Mischa@crystyl | Mia nods, rippling from view as Miadrone wooshes away to go searching T'Lana@anncaris | There are access ports in the hangar, but they seem to be little more than manual controls for the doors of the facility Mischa@crystyl | Mia returns and reports this Mischa@crystyl:"I feared as much. We'll have to push deeper into the facility then" T'Lana@anncaris nods, checking her tricorder, "We should be clear to proceed into the hall beyond." Mischa@crystyl:"Lana, take point with Mia. I'll cover from the rear" T'Lana@anncaris steps forward to take point as they proceed further into the facility. Mia soon detects rooms with thralls up ahead, but also a few empty ones that can be explored T'Lana@anncaris | In one of the unoccupied rooms, the team finds a number of consoles and additional drone access ports Mischa@crystyl:"Let's take a moment here and investigate again. Look around, and stay sharp" T'Lana@anncaris steps up to one of the consoles, tapping away, "As I suspected. The Horde appear to have recently brought this facility's production back online." T'Lana@anncaris | Mia meanwhile is able to gain a lot more access through the ports in this room, including the ability to redirect the facility's drones Mischa@crystyl:"Any data on the drones' fabrication could be useful if we have to fight them" Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "We have the capacity to redirect the facility's drones, Commander" Mischa@crystyl peers over, "Good work Mia. See what you can find out about the defense systems" T'Lana@anncaris | In addition to the drones, the facility possesses an array of turrets and the hangars of probes which it can all direct. It's no Federation space station, but it does have the firepower to - T'Lana@anncaris - take out the Horde transports Mischa@crystyl:"So we could activate those defenses to drive the Horde off. But can we isolate ourselves from their targeting?" T'Lana@anncaris | Mia does not seem to be able to alter the drones' IFFs from a central control, just like the drones in the Control Station. They will have to be altered individually, though Mia is able to - T'Lana@anncaris masquerade as a Nuhar drone to evade the targeting, and V'Elo should also be safe Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Well we will be ok, as will Ms. V'Elo. As for the rest of you... there is nothing we can do" Mischa@crystyl hrms, "Not ideal. But I suppose we could activate them, drive the Horde off. And then let you come back in once it's clear to reset them" Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "We can do it Commander! You do not have to worry" T'Lana@anncaris:"We should be safe inside the shuttle, as it is a recognized transport and AI within the Sphere. However, we will still wish to time it with the Horde's actions somehow to convince them that they - T'Lana@anncaris:- were responsible for triggering the defenses. It cannot be through simple weapons production, as they have been doing it so far without triggering defenses." Mischa@crystyl:"No Mia, worry is exactly what I have to do about you all. Remember, I used to serve under Keelah's husband. I know what happens when you got on that little Vulcan's bad side and I'm not going there- Mischa@crystyl:- any more than I already have" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni smiles at that, regardless of how true it actually may or may not be Mischa@crystyl nods to TL, "Therein lies the challenge now, doesn't it? We need to get a better picture of their movements here I think" T'Lana@anncaris:"Shall we attempt to gather more data in the production areas of the facility?" Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds reasonable. Lead on" T'Lana@anncaris begins leading the way further into the facility. Before long, they near the production areas, but there doesn't seem to be any space free from thralls in there... Mischa@crystyl:"Alright Mia, time for your solo act. See if you can get through and access the information. Maintain comms though and call us at the first sign of trouble" Mischa@crystyl | Mia nods, "We will do our best!" T'Lana@anncaris | Miadrone is small and able to evade the notice of thralls. The production area also appears largely identical to that of the Iconian arms factory, and Mia is able to access data with ease! Mischa@crystyl | Miadrone returns when the task is complete, "We have the data Commander!" Mischa@crystyl:"Let us return to a less exposed position to review then" T'Lana@anncaris nods and heads back into one of the side rooms Mischa@crystyl | Once inside, Mia relays it all through a free console for the group to review T'Lana@anncaris:"It appears the Horde began production at safer levels, but has begun steadily increasing production over time. They will soon be surpassing the recommended maximum energy consumption levels." Mischa@crystyl:"How soon is soon?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Fourteen hours and twenty-seven minutes." Mischa@crystyl:"Fourteen hours is a long time to wait to act, but given the circumstances I think it is worth it" T'Lana@anncaris:"Agreed. It will give a suitable explanation for the sudden hostility of the facility's systems and hopefully convince the Horde that it is not safe." Mischa@crystyl:"Then for now, we should fall back to the Ferry and get somewhere out of the way. We don't know when we'll next get such an opportunity for rest here" T'Lana@anncaris nods, turning to return to the Ferry --- NPC@annpc#557 | Emma, Lennie, the Supervisor and the Navigator beams down to the Guardian Command Post, materializing in its transporter room where an armoured Guardian mans the console Emma Ralde@crystyl looks around curiously Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie steps forward, "Hey. So, we'se here t'meet these Gardening fellows?" NPC@annpc#557 | Transporter Operator: "I'll notify them that you're here. They'll meet you on the central level." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie nods and points to the door, giving the operator an inquisitive look as to say 'this way, right?' NPC@annpc#557 | The transporter operator nods, "Just go straight ahead to the open area, and someone'll meet you there." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie flashes a warm smiles, "Thank'ya!" Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles to herself, wondering how Lennie gets away with it all the time. Maybe it's that smile... NPC@annpc#557 | The central level of the Command Post is emptier than usual, though a few Guardians can still be found in the mess hall areas around them. As they look around, they notice a shadow passing - NPC@annpc#557 - overhead them... Emma Ralde@crystyl looks up, still taking in all the new sites NPC@annpc#557 | Something flies over the group, circles around, dives and comes to a landing right in front of them. It appears to be an avian alien, this one with less avian features than the rest, - NPC@annpc#557 - possessing a relatively human face, but with feathers instead of hair. It has long, feathered wings in place of arms however and its legs are distinctly avian. Its chest, back and parts of its - NPC@annpc#557 - legs sport red pieces of armour of the same shade of some of the other Guardians here NPC@annpc#557 | Avian: "You are here to see the Gardeners?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie nods, "Aye, tha's right" NPC@annpc#557 | Avian: "I'm Akasunerrah. You can call me Aka for short. Issandros asked me to interpret for you." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Interpret? Don't universal translators work for these guys or something?" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "The Gardeners don't exactly speak. They can vocalize and communicate, but these two aren't one and the same, unlike with us. Their vocalization is rarely used, mostly to frighten off - NPC@annpc#557:- aggressive wildlife and not to speak." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "Huh... well now I kinda wanna hear it more... anyways, lead on!" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka nods, leading to one of the mess hall areas, "The Gardeners have bonded with the World Tree for as long as can be remembered, and every one of them takes the ceremony immediately after - NPC@annpc#557:- they are born. Through the World Tree they are connected to every other member of their species this way, and they've never had need to develop a spoken language when they can communicate their - NPC@annpc#557:- thoughts directly with each other." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "Almost like naturally evolved telepathy" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Reminds of what I saw with the ancestors..." NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "Your species is telepathic?" Emma Ralde@crystyl shakes her head, "No. But recent evidence came to light suggesting that we once may have been, though I have my doubts. It could just as well be a more distinct form of our inherent pheremonals" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "Neither is mine, but all Guardians are connected to the World Tree as well. Any Guardian can interpret for you, but I have spent more time among them than most here. Issandros of course - NPC@annpc#557:- is the most familiar with them, but he is preoccupied with planning the operation to come." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Do you have a particular interest in them then?" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "Well, yes and no. Every Guardian greatly respects the Gardeners. This group was specifically chosen by the World Tree to serve as an elite unit under Issandros. I am, you could say, one - NPC@annpc#557:- of his proteges, so I work with them more closely than most." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"So the NirTess /does/ have a will of its own..." NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "The NirTess?" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "That is our name for your World Tree." NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "Your people must have known of it beforehand to have your own name for it." NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "We did. My people originate from the mycelial network, so we are familiar with the trees, to an extent, at least." NPC@annpc#557 | Aka leads them into one of the mess hall areas, where two of the Gardeners are sitting on the floor. They rise to their full heights as they approach, easily towering over anyone else here Emma Ralde@crystyl watches and gives a weary sigh as she looks up at them Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie smirks, patting Emma on the head Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I thought we'd agreed that our next outing would be to the planet of the midgets..." she pouts NPC@annpc#557 | Aka gives a sweeping, rather grand bow with her wings as the Gardeners stand, before turning to face the team, "So, what do you wish to ask of the Gardeners?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie, "Well I guess first's protocol f'this. I mean, should we address them or yaself?" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "They're not ones for formalities, actually. The bow is more of something from my culture," she smiles. "You can simply call them Gardeners- they don't have a name for themselves or their - NPC@annpc#557 - species. Gardeners are simply what the Renlore called them when they first encountered the species, and the name stuck for those of us who do use spoken language." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "Fair enough. So where t'start..." Emma Ralde@crystyl steps forward, looking up at them, "You are connected with the World Tree. Is... it(?) aware of the threat now posed to its survival by the Architect?" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka nods, "It is aware of everything we Guardians have learned, yes." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well that's something I guess" she looks back up, "Is the World Tree currently taking any action in preparation to defend itself?" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "Of course. The Guardians were formed to ensure the Horde will not reach the World Tree, among other things. There is a stronger Guardian force near it than anywhere else, and we are - NPC@annpc#557:- calling any Chapters in range to respond." NPC@annpc#557 | Aka adds after a moment, "However, our speciality is in guerilla warfare, not facing the Horde head-on." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "So tha's why Issandros asked f'our help" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka nods, "Besides, even if we could hold off an initial assault, the Horde have much greater numbers than us. Previously we relied on distracting, diverting and hampering the Horde, but now - NPC@annpc#557:- that they know the World Tree's location, they will likely bear their full force to bear upon it, as they did here with your Coalition recently. We've never managed to stop that kind of advance - NPC@annpc#557:- before, and unlike civilizations, evacuation isn't an option for an entire planet." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "I know this's a silly question, but I gots t'ask; can th'World Tree be moved?" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "No." NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Theoretically." Emma Ralde@crystyl slooowly turns at the contradiction NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "The sap of the NirTess contains P. stellaviatori DNA through its connection to the mycelial network. Theoretically, it could navigate the network to a different location." NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "The Gardeners are unaware of such a feat being possible." NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "The NirTess have never been known to do so before, at least not to those residing within the network either. The tree may not know how to do this, but in theory, it is possible." Emma Ralde@crystyl turns back to the Gardeners, thinking /Can you feel my presence, or the Navigator's, like you do each others?/ NPC@annpc#557 FX | No response... Emma Ralde@crystyl pouts at the long shot not working Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie gives Emma a quirked look, "Em?" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka gives her a similarly curious look Emma Ralde@crystyl "I thought perhaps their native communication might extend to the Navigator and I, given our shared connection to the Network. But apparently it is derived purely from the World Tree" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "You are right- to an extent. The NirTess tree uses the network for communication with its tenders, but through very specific channels. The network is vast. We may be able to access - NPC@annpc#557:- their communication, but doing so blindly is akin to intercepting a specific broadcast by inputting random frequencies." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I guess. Just would have been much easier for them to see what we know of travelling through the Network" NPC@annpc#557 | The Navigator nods, "The NirTess will need to learn to navigate through the Network...somehow." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "Let's call tha'... plan B, f'now yeah? There's other options t'explore still" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "What other ideas do you have?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "Well, we managed t'hide a planet from th'Horde before; civilization an' all" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "That is still an option, but the Architect knows of the World Tree's location and your previous actions. If the Horde arrive to find nothing there, they will likely conduct a variety of - NPC@annpc#557:- searches for it." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, this isn't the same Horde after all" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie slumps a little, "Right..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"What if... what if we could move it without moving it?" NPC@annpc#557 | Supervisor: "Please clarify..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"So maybe teaching the NirTess to navigate the network is a bit much. But it's already connected to it, right? Simply... rooted in this galactic plane. Now bear with me here, it's been a, um, long - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- time... but back when I first became connected to it myself, there was an incident where a Spore drive bridged the gap between this plane and the mycelial network. For a short time; a starship - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- was sort of... half submerged in it. So what if we could use the tree's natural connection to pull it all the way through in the same way? Transpose it's roots that are here into the Network and - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- out of harm's way, then back again when it's safe?" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "That...is a much more viable plan. While moving the planet is theoretically possible, it's not only difficult to teach the NirTess to do so, but I'm not quite sure what will happen - NPC@annpc#557:- to its roots. It's not called a 'tree' because it's meant to move, and it may have to regrow its roots, which would cut it off from the Network and its ability to communicate with tenders far - NPC@annpc#557:- away, perhaps for some time. That could have the same effect of nullifying the Guardians' protection anyways. But if we simply pull the planet into the Network for a time, it will still be rooted - NPC@annpc#557:- to the same place." Emma Ralde@crystyl doubletakes, "That... actually made sense?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie smiles, "No need to sound so surprised. Tha's why Keelah wanted ya on this!" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Exactly. It is a much better plan than what we have so far, and hiding the tree /within/ the network was not something I thought of, as it usually belongs in your reality." Emma Ralde@crystyl looks to Aka, "The question remains; is it something we can feasible strive for...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "The Gardeners know much about the tree, but little of the place it connects to. We will have to defer to your expertise, but the Gardeners know that the World Tree is a strong entity, - NPC@annpc#557:- and it should be able to survive within this mycelial network for a time." NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "And as it has P. stellaviatori DNA, it is not entirely a foreign entity and should not be regarded as such by the Network's inhabitants." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"So the theory is sound. But there's still the application. We would have to figure out a way to, um, I guess... educate this tree?" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Perhaps if we can find the right channels it is using, we may be able to commune with it..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"And how do we go about doing that?" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Short of ingesting the sap ourselves...perhaps we can study it, and the Guardians." NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "Maybe the Architect's study may help. It is still stored in our medical computers here..." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "It's worth a look at least. C'mon then, let's see whatcha got" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka nods and begins leading the way, with the two Gardeners following NPC@annpc#557 | Aka and the Gardeners lead the way into the Command Post's sickbay, where the Guardian and thrall bodies have already been cleared. She steps into an area on the side with a number of - NPC@annpc#557 - consoles, tapping on them with clawed fingers on one of her wings, "Here it is. The data from whatever experiments the Architect was conducting here." Emma Ralde@crystyl steps over with Lennie to get a good look NPC@annpc#557 | It is quickly apparent that the experiments were far from ethical. The Architect appears to have used nanites to monitor their minds while forcing them to call for help, using the signals they - NPC@annpc#557 - send as a way to find and retrace the connection with the World Tree. There were a number of failures before he managed to trace the signal, and though he was interested in the destination, - NPC@annpc#557 - there is data on the entirety of the path taken by the signal through the mycelial network Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "Goddess... he put y'all through this?" NPC@annpc#557 | Aka: "Most of the ones he experimented on did not survive. Fortunately, he did not have much time, but it was apparently enough for him to learn what he needed." Emma Ralde@crystyl looks to the Gardeners sympathetically, "I'm so sorry..." NPC@annpc#557 | The Gardeners lower their heads, remaining as silent as usual NPC@annpc#557 | The Navigator meanwhile steps up behind Lennie, "Is there any data on the paths the NirTess use to communicate through the network?" Emma Ralde@crystyl doesn't need a telepathic link to sense their sadness and promptly follows up her remark by hugging the pair. At least as much as she can given the proportions, and the length of her arms... Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie doubletakes at Emma, "I... um, lemme check..." NPC@annpc#557 | The Gardeners hug Emma back, surprisingly gently for the huge aliens, one of them patting her on the back NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile, Lennie is able to pull up the information from the Architect's final results Emma Ralde@crystyl rejoins the room after her moment of empathy just as Lennie starts reviewing the data NPC@annpc#557 | The Navigator looks over the data as well, "It seems the Architect's own research may indeed help us prevent him from using what he has learned. I will attempt to contact your NirTess tree - NPC@annpc#557 - through the same paths." Emma Ralde@crystyl watches curiously NPC@annpc#557 | The Navigator's Regulator helmet slides over his Elachi head as he stands still for a good minute. Then, his helmet draws back, "I believe I am using the proper path, but the NirTess tree has - NPC@annpc#557:- not responded. It may be a result of my nature as a being of the mycelial network. I have never known the NirTess to communicate with inhabitants of the network during my time there. While I do - NPC@annpc#557:- not know exactly how they work, their signals have to pass through the network, which is filled with life such as myself. Perhaps it naturally filters out such life as 'noise,' like you would - NPC@annpc#557:- with comm static, otherwise any communication between the NirTess and their tenders could be interrupted by native inhabitants of the network." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie: "What about Emma then? Maybe it'll listen t'her since she ain't of th'Network, but still linked t'it?" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "That's what I was hoping. She did manage to navigate our vessel back to Terminu, though finding and choosing a specific path to the NirTess is...more difficult." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Oh joy..." Emma Ralde@crystyl sighs with resignation, "Alright, what do I have to do...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Supervisor: "Perhaps the equipment on our vessel may be able to assist. If we utilize the reaction chamber..." NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "We can feed the NirTess sap as coordinates!" NPC@annpc#557 | The Supervisor smiles, "Precisely." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie looks between the pair, not understanding their tech NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Just make sure the drive isn't online so we don't accidentally jump halfway across the quadrant." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"And just make sure you only feed it to your engine. No offense to anyone here, but I've got enough voices in my head already without adding another" NPC@annpc#557 | Supervisor: "Don't worry, we'll be sure not to accidentally make you a Guardian. And I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to have voices in your head..." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie chuckles, "She's just kidding" looking to Emma, "You are just kidding..." Emma Ralde@crystyl gives a playful smile, "That's for me to know" poking her tongue to Lennie to show she really is just playing Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie, "Emma 'ere has a habit o'makin' light o'things when she's nervous. Not tha' she'd ever admit it" she pokes her tongue back. Touché Emma Ralde@crystyl grumbles, not really having a comeback to that NPC@annpc#557 | The Supervisor's helmet folds over her head, "We will prepare our technology. We will also need some of your sap," she looks to Aka, "I presume you have plenty around to facilitate the joining - NPC@annpc#557 - of additional Guardians." NPC@annpc#557 | Aka nods, "We do. I shall provide you with a barrel. Will that be enough?" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "That will suffice." NPC@annpc#557 | Supervisor: "Come with us to our vessel, then." Emma Ralde@crystyl mutters to Lennie as they head out, "Remember the good old days when I was just another Orion conscript and not an immortal walking P. stellaviatori spore. Ahh the good old days..." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie smiles more sympathetically, holding an arm around her shoulder, "Oh Emma, you was always tha' person. Jus' know ya lettin' yaself explore it!" Emma Ralde@crystyl grumbles, "Or letting everyone else exploit it..." half-jokingly Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie chuckles, patting her on the shoulder, "Tha's th'spirit!" Emma Ralde@crystyl continues to grumble far less lady-like comments in Orion as she follows the group out Emma Ralde@crystyl just won't admit that she does actually enjoy it. Probably --- T'Lana@anncaris | Back in the Sphere, fourteen hours soon go by as the team waits in the shuttle, and soon it is almost time to turn the drones on the Horde... T'Lana@anncaris:"It may be better for us to remain in the shuttle so we are not attacked by the facility's defenses." Mia@crystyl | Mischa nods, "That's the plan" T'Lana@anncaris:"What about V'Elo? She should be safe from the defenses, but Mia may be more mobile on her own." Mia@crystyl:"Ms. T'Lana has a good point there" Mia@crystyl | Mischa nods, "Alright Mia, this one's all on you. Again. Sorry for that" Mia@crystyl chirps, "Do not worry Ms. Mischa! We are happy to be able to help!" T'Lana@anncaris:"You should have 16 minutes and 32 seconds until the optimal point of activation, more than enough time for you to reach the room through the drone tunnels. Good luck, Mia." Mia@crystyl nods, "Thank you. We will commence at once!" Mia@crystyl ripples out of view and Miadrone wooshes away excitedly T'Lana@anncaris | Using the drone tunnels, Mia is able to navigate the facility without running across any Horde thralls, and soon she finds herself back in the room where she was able to access the facility's - T'Lana@anncaris - defenses earlier! Mia@crystyl awaits the optimal activation time T'Lana@anncaris | The minutes tick by until the optimal activation time arrives... Mia@crystyl gets to work at the perfect moment T'Lana@anncaris | As she activates the defenses, Mia registers a surge of activity in the drone tunnels around her, as well as energy fire throughout the nearby areas of the facility! Mia@crystyl monitors activity and continues her work until it's time to leave T'Lana@anncaris | She gets all the facility's defenses back online and attacking the Horde thralls. Now all they have to do is wait until the thralls are cleared out and incoming ships driven away before - T'Lana@anncaris - turning the defenses off again Mia@crystyl settles in to watch and wait T'Lana@anncaris | Mia watches from the facility's data readouts. A few minutes later, a Horde ship begins approaching the station, an escort vessel by the looks of it and not a usual transport, likely to - T'Lana@anncaris:- investigate what is happening. The hangars of probes launch and begin attacking immediately as the escort comes into range. It manages to shoot down three probes, but as it pushes closer to the - T'Lana@anncaris:- facility, the turrets begin to open fire. As it becomes clear that the escort won't make it through, it turns back around and flees T'Lana@anncaris | Not long after, the readings of thralls inside the facility begin quickly dwindling until no lifesigns remain, and there doesn't seem to be any further Horde ships attempting to approach, even - T'Lana@anncaris:- well past the time gap between transport arrivals and departures as the team has observed so far. They don't seem to be coming back, at least for now... Mia@crystyl determines that it is a good time to hit the reset button and sets the defenses back to normal Mia@crystyl:<C> Commander Levesson-Scott, you will be pleased to hear that there is no more Horde activity in range, and the facility has been reset" Mia@crystyl:<C-Mischa> Excellent news Mia. We will join you shortly then T'Lana@anncaris | Soon, the rest of the team join Mia in the room, coming across a number of dead thralls and a few disable drones along the way T'Lana@anncaris:"Good work, Mia. It seems the facility's defenses were indeed sufficient to dissuade the Horde from further occupying it." Mia@crystyl beams proudly, "Thank you Commander! We are pleased everything worked as planned" T'Lana@anncaris:"As am I. Hopefully, we will have this facility to ourselves to supply any heralds we create." Mia@crystyl | Mischa: "Indeed. So let's get to work on this place" T'Lana@anncaris nods, turning to make her way further into the facility T'Lana@anncaris | They enter the once Horde-occupied main areas, which much like the arms factory discovered by the Valley Forge, are lined with replicator-like devices, each one filled with an Iconian - T'Lana@anncaris:- antiproton projector T'Lana@anncaris steps over, taking one out. A second one doesn't appear and she quirks her brow, "Interesting. The Horde must have paused production in an attempt to ward off the defenses." Mia@crystyl:"Give us a moment. We will attempt to reconfigure the production line" T'Lana@anncaris | Mia is easily able to restart the production, and as she does, another projector soon forms in the alcove T'Lana took hers from! T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo curiously steps up, taking one out as well and weighing it in her hand Mia@crystyl | Rianni joins her, taking one from the adjacent unit, "What do you think?" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "It feels...familiar." Mia@crystyl | Rianni smiles: "It should do. It is the staple personal defense of your people. At least I think it is... Be careful now, don't want to accidentally fire it" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I will make sure not to accidentally damage anything. Can I keep it? It is an item of my people, after all...and you all have your own defenses." Mia@crystyl | Rianni giggles, "Well technically this entire place is an item of your people!" she looks to Mischa T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "True, but I can't take the entire facility with me!" Mia@crystyl | Mischa nods, "I will feel a lot more comfortable knowing that you have the means to defend yourself. But you should take time to learn how to wield it confidently; lest you do your enemy's job - Mia@crystyl:- for them Mia@crystyl | Rianni smiles to V'Elo, "It's not something I'm exactly a professional in or anything, but I've done my share of combat training. I'd be happy to help you find your way!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo nods, giving the weapon a test whirl. She spins it around surprisingly adeptly and widens her six eyes, looking a bit surprised at her own display T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow as well, "The movement information the Preserver gave you must have included some elements of usage of your traditional weaponry." T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I don't know how to fire it, though...just spin it around." Mia@crystyl | Mischa, "Perhaps you do know how to do more. You just don't know that you know" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo nods, "Perhaps..." Mia@crystyl | Rianni: "We should find a safe place away from the production area to practice in" T'Lana@anncaris | From the facility's data, Mia knows of a few testing rooms! Mia@crystyl | Rianni's tricorder beeps. She checks it and looks to Mia, "Thank you Mia!" Mia@crystyl smiles, "Our pleasure Ms. Rianni! These areas appear to be designated for testing, so you should be quite safe to train in there" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Let us proceed there, then." Mia@crystyl:"We should remain here to monitor production" T'Lana@anncaris:"You may wish to check the probe production as well. The Horde may have also put a stop to that if they have halted the production here." Mia@crystyl | Mia nods, "We shall multitask to the maximum capacity of our processors!" Mia@crystyl | Mischa smiles, "Why do I get the feeling we're not the ones getting the fun part of this assignment..." Mia@crystyl | Rianni giggles, "Mia is getting her own workout while we train!" --- NPC@annpc#557 | Beaming onto the Regulator ship. the Supervisor and Navigator lead Emma and Lennie to the control room for the drive, where Emma had briefly navigated the ship previously Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Never thought to be seeing this place again" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "The Guardians will be delivering the sap soon. You will not be navigating the vessel, so hopefully it should be less...taxing than your last experience." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Didn't you say before that this will be more difficult..." NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "If you needed to navigate through the network manually, which I doubt I will be able to teach you in a short time. However, the sap should guide the spores along the appropriate - NPC@annpc#557 - path to the NirTess tree. All you need to do is let them guide you and commune with the tree." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"And here I thought Starfleet was beyond the 'just ride the magic space mushrooms" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "It is a...little more complicated than that, but I suppose the technicalities are less important than what you will need to do. It will be like last time when you navigated the - NPC@annpc#557 - ship, only you won't be connected to the drive and- actually it'll be quite the opposite. Instead of focusing on a destination, try to clear your mind, not think of anything at all, and let - NPC@annpc#557 - the sap do the work. Once you get in contact with the tree, you will feel it." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I hope you're right... alright, the sooner we get this started the sooner it's done" NPC@annpc#557 | The door slides open and a Regulator steps in, carrying a barrel that seems heavy, though the Regulator has no trouble at all with it. The benefits of Regulator suits... NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Excellent. The sap is here. I will prepare it. Step inside the chamber whenever you are ready." Emma Ralde@crystyl takes a deep breath and steps over, hesitating as she looks over the infernal machine before stepping in once more NPC@annpc#557 | The Navigator meanwhile opens the barrel, revealing a thick glowing blue liquid within. He pours out some of the liquid into a tank connected to the chamber before sealing it NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "You know how to meditate, I presume?" Emma Ralde@crystyl watches at first, but the knotted feeling in her stomach makes her regret it and she closes her eyes. Wincing one open to respond, "Do I look like I've got pointed ears?" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Most Regulators know how to meditate, and your species is remarkably similar, with the exception of skin pigmentation and a few other minor differences." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"How hard can it be? Just got to close my eyes, deep breaths, and not think about..." she frowns, "Dammit!" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "This will not harm or hurt you in any way. Clear your mind as best as you can." Emma Ralde@crystyl takes a forced deep breath and tries her best to not focus on all the fears of doing this again NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Ready?" Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Sure" NPC@annpc#557 | The Navigator gestures with his hand, and spores begin to fill the chamber, emitting faint glows. Emma feels her mind being carried along, drifting away as if out of consciousness... NPC@annpc#557 | Soon Emma begins hearing what seems to be whispers of other voices growing more and more frequent until thousands of overlapping voices become an almost indistinguishable static NPC@annpc#557 | Then she feels it, something so vast that there's no words to describe it. Maybe this is what being connected to the Borg feels like, but this is definitely not a Borg collective. Even having - NPC@annpc#557 - never experienced this before, it's unmistakable that she's sensing the World Tree Emma Ralde@crystyl focuses on it, reaching out and willing herself towards it NPC@annpc#557 | She gets a sense of welcome from the ancient entity. Clearly, she's been expected. It doesn't seem to be able to communicate with words, rather thoughts and feelings directed right at her Emma Ralde@crystyl feels warmed by the welcome and gets stuck momentarily on the humorous thought of hugging the tree. I mean tree-hugging, come on... NPC@annpc#557 | She senses a momentary confusion from the tree before something that feels like a plea for help Emma Ralde@crystyl can't help but think in words and tries to tell it that they have come to help and to reassure it NPC@annpc#557 | It doesn't reply in words, but it either understood the words or at least the intent behind it, and seems gratified. She gets a sense that the tree is ready to learn Emma Ralde@crystyl starts by trying to see if the tree understands where she is, as in the Mycelial Network, and how it is different to where the tree is whilst being connected NPC@annpc#557 | The tree seems to understand, though it also radiates a curiosity about Emma specifically Emma Ralde@crystyl is somewhat tickled by that sentiment, "Oh, I wish I could explain the enigma that is me. But I don't think either of us lives long enough for that" she thinks, subconsciously drawing on contextual - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- imagery that likely goes further than she realizes to said explanation NPC@annpc#557 | She senses understanding from the tree again before it wishes to learn more again Emma Ralde@crystyl tries to show it how she is connected through the Network, even though she physically exists in the 'normal' galactic plane like the tree does. Plant the idea of being from one, yet in another NPC@annpc#557 | There is more understanding, combined with more curiosity directed at the Network. There is a sense of danger, then another plea for help, then openness to learning again Emma Ralde@crystyl reassures that the reason she is here is because they know of the danger and want to help NPC@annpc#557 | The tree radiates gratitude again, then a desire to learn more Emma Ralde@crystyl starts trying to explain how the tree can come into the Network like she has. There it will be safe from the danger NPC@annpc#557 | There is more curiosity, focused on transportation into the network and a slight skepticism on whether it can be done Emma Ralde@crystyl can't deny that she shares the skepticism, but tries to focus on the optimism - reinforcing the possibility through memory of what she is doing right now NPC@annpc#557 | She senses more gratitude from the tree, along with a willingness to try Emma Ralde@crystyl reassures that she will stay and help, and tries to open up her memory for the entity to gain more direct insight into the mechanics of it all NPC@annpc#557 | She senses the entity probing through her memories, studying everything relevant before there is a flood of gratitude Emma Ralde@crystyl grows worried that it will get over zealous and shows great concern that it doesn't understand the risks involved NPC@annpc#557 | The tree gives her reassurance this time, adding the sense of danger and urgency and seemingly trying to reassure her that it will only do this to escape danger Emma Ralde@crystyl expresses a desire to be here to help it when that time comes, but regret that the possibility is not likely because she can't commune with it otherwise NPC@annpc#557 | The entity replies with more gratitude and hope, likely hoping that the knowledge she has given will be enough Emma Ralde@crystyl expresses a clear willingness to stay with it as long as it takes for the entity to be prepared NPC@annpc#557 | The tree reassures Emma again, giving the belief that it has enough, and will be careful when attempting the transition Emma Ralde@crystyl expresses confidence in the entity and a strong desire to return to it after the danger has passed NPC@annpc#557 | The entity returns the desire and gives the sense of welcome again, as if welcoming any future communications Emma Ralde@crystyl leaves at that, parting with a final feeling of hope and anticipation of another dialogue after it's safe NPC@annpc#557 | She feels a final sense of gratitude before she feels her mind gliding back to her own body NPC@annpc#557 | Before long, everything seems to be back to normal again, and she can no longer hear the other voices or sense the entity Emma Ralde@crystyl slumps as the spores leave her drained NPC@annpc#557 | The door to the chamber opens and the Navigator steps inside, checking on her, "That was not as bad as last time, was it?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well I... I'm still conscious so... yay me..." she grumbles Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie smirks, "Yeah, she's good!" NPC@annpc#557 | The Navigator nods, "Did you manage to make contact with the NirTess?" Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "I did. It worked" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator: "Excellent! I hope your plan will be enough to protect the tree. I suppose we will have to see in time..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We can only hope. It seemed to understand what we proposed, and was willing to try. But all we can do now is wait" NPC@annpc#557 | Navigator nods, "Indeed. But thank you, for communicating with it. We've done all we can, the rest is up to it." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We should report back to-..." she wobbles, holding her head Emma Ralde@crystyl | Lennie grabs her, "Yeah, leave that t'me. Least I can do somethin' useful in this lil' venture. You'se on bedrest, tha's an order!" Emma Ralde@crystyl doesn't even put on a faux grumbling complaint this time --- Keliaya@anncaris | Three days later, the VF remains docked with the Guardian Command Post, finally fully completing its repairs with the station's facilities. The crew enjoys the brief moment of rest before the - Keliaya@anncaris - Coalition vanguard sets off back towards the Heart of War... Keliaya@anncaris steps into the lounge, strolling over towards the counter, "Hey Jenni." Jenni@crystyl:"Hey Kelly, managed to squeeze in some down time?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, sliding into a seat, "Repairs are all done, the teams are just wrapping up and making some final checks now. How about you? Not much activity while we're docked, I imagine?" Jenni@crystyl:"Yeah... not a lot of flying to be done just now. But it's always nice to spend time bonding with the squadron!" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "I can imagine. I was hoping to run into you actually, but things have been pretty busy of late." Jenni@crystyl:"Oh? Something I can help with?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Maybe. But mostly just a few questions of curiosity." Jenni@crystyl smiles, sipping her drink, "Intriguing! So what's on your mind?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Well, it's about the neural interface technology you use in the Eon. I'm curious about pretty much all your technology really, like your transporter network, but the neural interface is relevant - Keliaya@anncaris:- to something I'm working on now. How much have you experimented with the technology outside of interceptor craft, if at all?" Jenni@crystyl shakes her head, "I'm afraid tech fiddling isn't really my thing, I'm more of a user than a developer so I've never thought to explore anything of it" Keliaya@anncaris:"Have you heard of your people doing more research with it? I assume the Eon is the state-of-the-art of that technology from when we departed Forged Earth." Jenni@crystyl nods, "Yeah Eon is as good as it gets, so the neural interface never really went beyond it as far as I know. No doubt some R&D boffins somewhere were working on crazy new ideas, but that was above - Jenni@crystyl:- my paygrade. What is it that you've got in mind exactly? I may not have experimented, but I know my ship well enough" Keliaya@anncaris:"Well, we've been working on a little side project. By we I mean a few of us in Engineering and the MACO team engineer, with a little help from Vulture, our Regulator representative. We haven't - Keliaya@anncaris:- done anything with it since we found the Sphere, but with repairs complete and the Regulators showing up, well, we thought we'd start work back up again." Keliaya@anncaris:"The idea is to create...basically a mock Regulator suit using our own technology. We're using MACO armour as a starting basis and adding functions to that, functions that are similar to what - Keliaya@anncaris:- Regulator suits can do but not quite." Jenni@crystyl:"As long it doesn't end up blowing up in my face like the last little experiment we did, I want to hear more!" she teases about the failed Eon warp trial Keliaya@anncaris:"Don't worry, we're working with more familiar technologies here. Sorry about that, by the way." Jenni@crystyl chuckles, "You kidding? I'm still looking forward to the next test when I know it will work!" Jenni@crystyl:"But yeah, Regulator suits then. I don't suppose that includes the whole black magic thing they do?" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "We'll make sure it does! Speaking of testing...I know you're not a tech, but you are more familiar with neural interfaces than most. If we do get around to incorporating that in the - Keliaya@anncaris:- suit, think you'll be up for testing it?" Jenni@crystyl grins, "Damned straight! I might even take it is a personal insult if you ask anyone else to be the test pilot" she laughs Keliaya@anncaris laughs, "In that case I'll definitely come to you! It'll be a long while before we have something like that implemented, probably once we can get back to Forged Earth and have your R&D - Keliaya@anncaris:- specialists' expertise on hand. We might not include it in this current iteration of the suit, but controlling all the suit's different functions isn't easy without a neural interface." Jenni@crystyl hrms, "It should be within your capability to develop. I'm happy to pull the specs from Eon's interface, and we can likely get the base tech in place. But I'm afraid it's beyond me as to how to - Jenni@crystyl:- make it communicate different information. Maybe it doesn't even need that kind of adjustment as long as the hardware is set up right. I just don't know" Keliaya@anncaris:"The specs would be useful! We'll look into it- it's not urgent or anything, just a pet project. I don't expect the suit to be practical- without Regulator tech, the power consumption's an issue - Keliaya@anncaris:- and the suit probably can't be powered for significant periods of time. It's more of an experiment to see if we can manage similar things with our technology, and maybe components of the suit can - Keliaya@anncaris:- be implemented into other equipment down the line. I doubt MACOs will have much practical use for limited graviton manipulation, but armour with a neural link that feels like a second skin, that - Keliaya@anncaris:- might improve their field performance." Jenni@crystyl:"It's certainly an option worth exploring. I mean, it's not like you need to translate body movement into flight plans or anything. So in theory it could be a lot simpler of an interface" Keliaya@anncaris:"That's a good point. We're already used to moving our own bodies, so that aspect should be easier with a suit than an interceptor. The part I'm concerned about is the size of the technology, and - Keliaya@anncaris:- whether we can fit something like the Eon's interface inside a small suit." Jenni@crystyl:"The specs will tell us. I know the pilot side is - like - nothing. But I don't know off hand how much it contained within Eon's subsystems to handle it" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "We'll check them out and see if it's possible to implement in the suit. It's already bulkier than the Regulator suits as is, mostly because they draw the majority of their power from - Keliaya@anncaris:- around themselves, while we have to rely on power sources. Not to mention that much of what they do comes from manipulating these energies and we have to incorporate actual systems to do the same." Jenni@crystyl:"Too bad they won't just show us how to manipulate those energies for ourselves..." Keliaya@anncaris:"You know what they're like with their technology. It does make sense though- now that we know that kind of technology is possible, we can focus more research towards achieving it ourselves, but if - Keliaya@anncaris:- they just give it to us, we won't really understand it and its limits and things are more likely to go wrong." Keliaya@anncaris:"Of course, things go wrong over the natural course of development too, but at least we learn the problems firsthand, and usually before accidents become too large-scale." Jenni@crystyl:"I guess they are least helping you. Even if it is just to keep an eye on your work" Keliaya@anncaris:"Vulture's been more helpful than I expected. She's mostly just providing us with details on what their suits are capable of, which we then try to imitate with our technology if possible, but she's - Keliaya@anncaris:- given a few pointers here and there on the engineering of the suit too. Minor improvements to our tech that doesn't involve giving away her own, of course." Jenni@crystyl:"Do you have a specific function in mind for your theoretical suits, or is it purely trying to mimic the all-round capability of the Regulators'?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Well this first iteration is mostly to mimic the most well-known capabilities of the Regulators- object manipulation, shielding, suit with incorporated utility functions and such. We'll - Keliaya@anncaris:- see how things turn out and we might try to create something more practical for a second iteration. This one's already mostly assembled, we're just working on the most optimal power source - Keliaya@anncaris:- implementation. You can give it a test if you like- it doesn't use a neural interface yet, though." Jenni@crystyl smiles, "Sure! Would be interesting to get involved. Out of interest, what are you using for power at the moment?" Keliaya@anncaris:"At the moment, the shield generator is just a standard shield generator with power cells. The main suit is actually plugged into the ship at the moment while we figure out the optimal portable - Keliaya@anncaris:- power source, as the amount of standard power cells necessary will make it a little on the unwieldy side. We plan to keep the shield generator running on its own power cell, but able to tap into - Keliaya@anncaris:- the suit's main power source in case of emergencies, but the main power source won't draw from the shield power, so the wearer is always protected." Jenni@crystyl:"Maybe you should be looking at more than Eon's interface" Keliaya@anncaris:"We're definitely looking at everything we can think of, like using the MACO suits as a starting point. You have something in mind?" Jenni@crystyl:"Well just think about Eon's main power supply. It's no warp drive, but still achieves at sublight proportionately far more than your impulse drives do. And they theorized that we barely tapped the - Jenni@crystyl:- potential of Element One. Plus, now we know where it comes from and with the sphere and all... I don't know, but it feels like you're missing a trick if you don't explore that too" Keliaya@anncaris:"Good point. It could be a more effective power source than standard power cells or a micro-generator for sure. And there's no way we can fit a warp drive in a suit, but an Element One crystal - Keliaya@anncaris:- chamber could work. A small one, at least." Jenni@crystyl:"Remember that Element One is just that; an Element. It's not like you need a fuel tank or anything. The refined crystal is about the size of your fingernail, if that" Jenni@crystyl:"And I'm pretty sure a personal suit wouldn't need as much as Eon carries to support long term flight" Keliaya@anncaris:"Certainly not, and the crystal could be the most effective source we have in terms of size to power ratio. A great suggestion, Jenni!" Jenni@crystyl grins, "Glad to be of help!" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "We'll definitely welcome any other advice or tips you can give if we'll be working with Element One. We've looked into it but you've worked with it more than any of us." Jenni@crystyl:"I'll get right on!" Keliaya@anncaris:"Thanks, Jenni. Want to take a look at the suit as it is now, or?" Jenni@crystyl:"Of course!" Keliaya@anncaris:"Come on then. Whenever you're ready!" Jenni@crystyl quickly finishes her drink, "Right behind you" Keliaya@anncaris stands and leads the way. Keliaya@anncaris arrives in one of the engineering labs. The suit stands facing outwards from one of the walls, the entire front of it hollow and looking quite different from MACO armour - Keliaya@anncaris - aside from the similarity in colour scheme, but also very much unlike a Regulator suit either, most notably with the presence of the back of the helmet, which is unseen on a Regulator suit - Keliaya@anncaris - except when the suit is occupied and the helmet active Jenni@crystyl:"You weren't kidding when you said this version's almost done were you" Keliaya@anncaris:"We started work on it not long after we first left Vue-En. It was Taizam-Dur's idea, actually, he first brought it up while we were discussing Regulator technology. The frame was ready for some - Keliaya@anncaris:- time, but we didn't get the graviton generators right until recently, when we got a little help from Zytomin." Jenni@crystyl:"A real team effort! I like it" she smiles Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, "That it certainly is! It's not as close fitting as Regulator suits so a dedicated undersuit isn't necessary to get into it, though it is more comfortable when you do have one." Keliaya@anncaris:"Would you like to have a try, or just see a little demonstration of what it can do?" Jenni@crystyl:"I think a demonstration by someone already familiar with it would be a better starting point" Keliaya@anncaris steps up to the suit before backing up into it. As the front of the suit closes around it, the similarities to MACO armour become more apparent. The Starfleet delta on the chest comes into view - Keliaya@anncaris - though the entire suit is covered in plating, giving it a much bulkier look Keliaya@anncaris:"We're hoping to make it smaller if we develop a second iteration, but this is what we have now." Jenni@crystyl:"Looks... intimidating" she smiles Keliaya@anncaris | The faceplate extends down from the back of the helmet, closing the entire suit, though it remains transparent, allowing Jenni to see through to her face, "We kept the helmet more like MACO - Keliaya@anncaris:- armour, to hopefully make it less intimidating, though there is an option to polarize it." Jenni@crystyl:"Ooh. So how's the movement with it currently? Keliaya@anncaris walks forward, making the cables currently connecting the suit to the ship apparent as she does, "It doesn't feel exactly like walking normally, but it's a powered exosuit, so I don't feel the - Keliaya@anncaris:- weight of it either. It's just a bit...different, like working in an EV suit. That's one of the things we hope to eliminate if we can manage a neural interface." Jenni@crystyl:"Elminate EVA's? You mean to use it like an avatar then?" Keliaya@anncaris:"That's...a pretty good idea, actually. I was just thinking to make it feel more natural with controlling the suit directly with your mind, rather than moving your body and then having the suit - Keliaya@anncaris:- respond to that movement. It's not a problem for EV suits, but when the suit is powered to take weight off you, there's a certain awkwardness to it." Jenni@crystyl nods, "I imagine so. There's also the time delay between your muscles moving, and the suit registering the movement, then reacting. It may be milliseconds, but that will be enough to throw off the - Jenni@crystyl:- senses of the user" Keliaya@anncaris:"Exactly! That's why it takes a little getting used to, though if you spend more time with it, it becomes less of a problem. The main thing I'm hoping for a neural interface to help with is the - Keliaya@anncaris:- graviton manipulation. It's not easy to control that from inside of the suit. Currently we have it triggered by a button in the hand, then controlled with gestures, but we have to program in - Keliaya@anncaris:- which gesture does what and the overall functions are much more limited than the wide range of things you can do with gravitons. If that function is wired directly to mental control, then we can - Keliaya@anncaris:- use it for a lot more than moving a few objects and levitating.” Jenni@crystyl:"Can I see it in action?" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "Of course!" She holds out her hand to the central table and makes a sweeping gesture upwards. Two power cells sitting atop it levitate up into the air Jenni@crystyl smiles, "Nice" Keliaya@anncaris sweeps downwards and the cells slowly settle down on the table again, "It's actually much more direct than what the Regulators do. We're manipulating gravity directly through gravitons, while - Keliaya@anncaris:- the Regulators influence the behaviour of gravity using dark energy, but they also draw dark energy as an energy source, so even though it's a more roundabout way, it all comes back to the same - Keliaya@anncaris:- core capability for the majority of the suit's functions, which makes it more efficient." Keliaya@anncaris:"For example this suit's shielding is standard energy shielding, while Regulators' shielding is yet another application of dark energy manipulation." Jenni@crystyl:"It always circles back to this black magic voodoo doesn't it..." Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "That it does. To mimic what their suits can do, we have to use a variety of different systems, hence the significant energy consumption. It's also why this suit's far from practical, - Keliaya@anncaris:- though it's a good experiment to see which systems fit well together so we might be able to create technology down the line that's more practical and less about seeing how close we can get to - Keliaya@anncaris:- what the Regulators do." Jenni@crystyl:"Makes sense. So do you have any other functionality built in yet?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Well, the graviton manipulation can also be used to do this," she jumps up into the air and...remains there Jenni@crystyl:"Ooh, very nice!" Keliaya@anncaris slowly hovers back down, "There's also the built-in scanner, but that's nothing impressive. It's sealed and fully functional in vacuum like Regulator suits are, and there's the energy shielding, - Keliaya@anncaris:- but the graviton manipulation is definitely its most unique feature so far." Jenni@crystyl:"Well I'll get those specs so we can start working out the hardware side of the interface. I'd suggest it may be worth roping in someone from science, if you have anyone on board with good neurology- Jenni@crystyl:- knowledge as that will likely be needed to aid signal interpretation" Keliaya@anncaris:"Good suggestion. Taizam-Dur and Vulture are both experts with implants so they know a thing or two, but it'll be better to have a neurology expert along." Jenni@crystyl:"Well then, I'd best go and start downloading some specifications!" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "Thanks again for agreeing to help out the project, Jenni. We'll be sure to keep you updated on any progress we make." Jenni@crystyl:"You kidding? Thanks for thinking of me!" she chuckles, waving as she heads out with newfound purpose --- T'Lana@anncaris | The infiltration team, minus Mia, make their way to the testing room, a large open space in the facility with a few consoles by the one entrance Rianni@crystyl checks the map Mia gave her, "Yep, this is the place" T'Lana@anncaris steps over to a console, investigating it, "There are options to generate targets from these consoles." Rianni@crystyl:"Ooh, like the holo trainers we have on the ship!" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "It appears so." She taps the console and a Horde thrall ripples into view in the centre of the room Rianni@crystyl watches V'Elo, more interested in her reaction T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo leaps back as the thrall appears before curiously stepping in to get a closer look, "It looks...unnatural. Like the bodies we saw on the way through the facility. I assume they're - T'Lana@anncaris - the same thing?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "Yes, this is a training simulation of one. It is likely based on the Horde thralls as they appeared in your people's time, I guess?" she looks to TL T'Lana@anncaris nods, "The console does name this to be a Horde target." T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo steps closer, giving the thrall a wary poke with her projector. It shifts backwards, but doesn't seem to react, being a fairly rudimentary hologram Rianni@crystyl:"It's like the holographic avatar you met when you first woke up, so it can't be injured. Or injure you, if it's anything like our holo's and has safeties that is. But let's not assume for now" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo cautiously steps back from the hologram while T'Lana checks the console further T'Lana@anncaris:"You are correct. I do not believe it is capable of retaliating at all. I believe the name 'testing room' means it was intended for weapons testing and not training. I do not see any programs - T'Lana@anncaris:- behind these holograms; they are merely solid projections most likely intended for targeting practice. There are only options to set them at different ranges or to have them move in set patterns - T'Lana@anncaris:- across the room." Rianni@crystyl:"Sufficient for you to start playing with V'Elo! We can get you comfortable holding the projector and moving with it, then work on training together" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo nods, shifting the projector's weight in her hand a little, "It already feels very natural for me. But you mentioned something about firing it. You...do not happen to know how, do you?" Rianni@crystyl draws her own, inspecting it briefly before giving it a test herself T'Lana@anncaris | The weapon definitely feels balanced for use in close quarters. Near the top of the projector, a section of the shaft can be turned, and there are two 'buttons' along the shaft, though they - T'Lana@anncaris:- look more like symbols than actual buttons that can be pushed Rianni@crystyl gets comfortable with the weapon then steps forward to test fire each setting T'Lana@anncaris | The default setting with the section unturned seem to be some form of safety setting, and nothing happens at all when she presses the button on that one. Turning the shaft seems to steadily - T'Lana@anncaris:- increase the strength of the beam, which also glows a darker shade the more powerful it gets T'Lana@anncaris | Following Rianni's example, V'Elo turns the dial before firing at the thrall hologram. Her shot hits it in the chest and pushes it back Rianni@crystyl turns and smiles, "Wow V'Elo, you're a natural!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo smiles happily, "It seems so! I just...knew how to position it." T'Lana@anncaris:"As I suspected, the Preserver's data must have included information on how to use these weapons." Rianni@crystyl:"Let's try some more fixed targets at different ranges" T'Lana@anncaris:"Several at once at different ranges, or shall I set up a single target and gradually increase the range?" Rianni@crystyl hrms, "Let's bring up a collection. V'Elo and I can start with the nearest and work our way back" T'Lana@anncaris nods, bringing up a series of targets staggered across the room at different ranges, from the middle of the room all the way to the far wall T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo positions her projector before firing, managing to hit the closest Rianni@crystyl let's V'Elo set her own pace, following each ranged target once V'Elo has attempted it Rianni@crystyl:rolls 10 (1-100_ T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo manages to get the first five targets. Rianni hits the first target easily, but her shot on the second target hits the thrall's leg, quite a bit lower than she intended as aiming a long - T'Lana@anncaris - staff-like weapon. On the third, she overcompensates and her beam flies by beside the thrall''s head T'Lana@anncaris | There is a flicker as the beam hits the wall; there must be some form of shielding across the room to prevent excess damage from stray shots Rianni@crystyl pauses and pouts, "In fairness, I was always better at close quarters..." T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I believe these weapons are suitable for use in close quarters as well. Otherwise I would not feel so familiar with swinging them as well as aiming them..." Rianni@crystyl:"I believe so yes. Why don't you try and finish the ranged targets first. Make sure you don't follow my example" she smiles weakly T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo smiles back, "Your own weapons look very different from mine. May I give them a try?" Rianni@crystyl:"By all means" she smiles, passing it over T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo holds the projector in one hand while she raises the phaser, doing her best to aim it before firing. The shot flies past the first four holograms, landing somewhere on the ground between - T'Lana@anncaris - the fourth and fifth. The ground flickers as it absorbs the shot, and no mark is left on the surface like with Rianni's missed shot T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo hands the weapon back to Rianni, "See. I cannot hit accurately with something I am not familiar with either." Rianni@crystyl:"Got to love that genetic memory, right" she smiles, holstering the phaser and practicing more with the projector T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo smiles back, aiming the projector and firing again. She hits the fifth and sixth thralls, though not straight in the centre like before, and her shot only glances the seventh, the bulk - T'Lana@anncaris - of the beam ending up being absorbed by the wall Rianni@crystyl:"Nicely done" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo aims again, adjusting her stance and managing to hit the seventh properly, "That's better!" T'Lana@anncaris | Rianni meanwhile manages to hit the one she missed before with some effort on aiming! T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo smiles, "And you are doing better as well." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Now we're both improving!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "Indeed!" She gets to work on the next target, missing her first shot agagin, "They are getting more difficult at this range..." Rianni@crystyl:"Yeah... that tends to happen" T'Lana@anncaris:rolls 77 (1-100) T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo manages to get it with her next shot, which she takes much more care in aiming Rianni@crystyl:"Brilliant! Now how about we try some moving close range targets?" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "Let's see how we do!" T'Lana@anncaris:"Setting up the targets now. They will be mobile, but they will not retaliate or attack you in any manner." Rianni@crystyl readies herself for another round with V'Elo T'Lana@anncaris | The longer range targets flicker out to be replaced with a few closer thrall holograms who are running around T'Lana@anncaris:rolls 9 (1-100) T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo aims and misses, the shot going straight across and hitting the wall T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "This is different. I'll have to try and anticipate where they're going..." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Watch their movement and aim at where they are going to be, not where they are" she tries to demonstrate... Rianni@crystyl:rolls 70 (1-100) T'Lana@anncaris | Though less familiar with the weapon, Rianni is more familiar with hitting moving targets and gets one of the moving holograms in the side as it runs by! T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "You got it!" Rianni@crystyl smiles proudly, "Don't worry V'Elo. You might have the knowledge of how to use the weapon, but there's no way that can give you the experience of judgements like this. You just need to keep - Rianni@crystyl:- practising and learn to anticipate the movement" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo nods, aiming her projector and trying again... T'Lana@anncaris:rolls 17 (1-100) T'Lana@anncaris | She misses a few more times before finally getting one of the running holograms, though it may have been more luck than aim... Rianni@crystyl:"That's it!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo smiles, "I will certainly have to practice more. I do not have the experience you do after all!" T'Lana@anncaris:rolls 25 (1-100) T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo's aim is still not great, but she's getting there as she tries to predict their movement and shoot ahead of them. With a few more tries, she hits another hologram! Rianni@crystyl:"See, I knew you'd get the hang of it! Want to keep on with the shooting or try something different now?" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I think I will need the practice, but let us see how we do at something different first." Rianni@crystyl:"Ok. So let's try some melee defense, after all sometimes enemies can sneak up close so you don't get a chance to shoot them" T'Lana@anncaris:"I will set up some mobile targets in close-quarters range." T'Lana@anncaris | The running holograms flicker out, only to reappear close to the two and moving in different patterns Rianni@crystyl first demonstrates, shifting her grip on the weapon to hold it like a two-handed staff in a defensive position T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo watches, shifting her own stance to copy hers Rianni@crystyl sidesteps around, letting the enemies close in and attack before moving for a simple block and counter T'Lana@anncaris | Rianni manages to knock own the simple thrall hologram with ease! T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo follows suit, doing the same, except she seems to sweep the projector around more elegantly, cutting down the thrall with a sharpened curved tip Rianni@crystyl:"You see V'Elo, it's not about speed or strength or power. It's all about momentum and centre of gravity. You may have noticed already, but I'm not the largest built of people. But with the right - Rianni@crystyl:- technique, I am still able to comfortably evade even large and powerful attackers as close range T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo nods, "Indeed. You use the weapon very effectively at close quarters!" Rianni@crystyl:"I've had a lot of practice" she smiles, "But most opponents - even Horde thralls - won't be as mindless as these holo's, so you have to be flexible and reactive" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo turns, easily dispatching another holo with the projector, "I think I am familiar with how to use this projector for melee defense, though no doubt I will need more experience to have - T'Lana@anncaris:- more flexibility and better reactions." Rianni@crystyl:"Do you want to try a live opponent?" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo nods, "That could be more helpful practice than the holograms." Rianni@crystyl smiles and turns to her, "Ok, ready yourself. We are only doing blocking and evading here, we're not out to hurt each other" T'Lana@anncaris meanwhile turns off the holograms, "Be careful." Rianni@crystyl:"Of course" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I understand. I will be careful not to hit you." She turns the dial down, also shutting off the beam firing capability of her projector Rianni@crystyl ensures to do the same before taking up a similar stance and beginning to prowl ready to feint an attack T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo prowls as well, holding the projector in a defensive stance Rianni@crystyl picks her moment and makes a very pronounced lounge for V'Elo to block T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo immediately moves to knock Rianni's projector aside and parry the attack Rianni@crystyl lets the parry connect and allows the move to swing her weapon out wide, spinning around and narrowing her grip to quickly bring it through a 360 spin and swing low at V'Elo's legs, stopping short - Rianni@crystyl:- of making actual contact T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo quickly shifts her projector around to block the swing though she manages it much too late if this was an actual fight. She gives Rianni an impressed glance with all six of her eyes T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "You are good at close quarters!" Rianni@crystyl relaxes her stance back, "As I said, I've had a lot of training, from... different sources. Let me show you some simple blocks and throws that give a good demonstration of the points we've covered" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo nods and smiles, "I am pleased you are here to teach me." Rianni@crystyl smiles, also enjoying the novelty of being the teacher for once. She sets her weapon down and approaches V'Elo, walking her through various positionings