RP: The Silent Horizon Mission 0.0 - Dream Her Wide Awake

Shuttle

Not for the first time since the shuttle had dropped from orbit, Atae promised any deity out amongst the vast expanse of the cosmos that was witnessing his mental plea that should he survive this excursion he would spend a not-insignificant portion of his limited free time in the simulators. Clearly, his mediocre piloting skills were not quite up to the demands being placed upon them and this was just a simple orbit to surface drop. Aside from the care needed to keep the crash appellation from attaching to their landing, it was about as basic a piloting operation as you could have. Atae found it mildly frustrating to be found so wanting, but acknowledged that prior to this experience there had been no need to develop his skills beyond the minimum required to retain his certifications. As he'd once told a work colleague by the name of Dhaamyt Jhymm: "I'm an analyst, not a field operative."

Thankfully though he wasn't the pilot on this little jaunt so mostly he just supported Ryllae's actions and kept an eye on the system readouts. Between the turbulence and the rain though, it meant there were a lot of varying data points to keep a track of though. Who would have guessed that calmly flying in a straight line through clear skies would have been so much simpler by comparison? Oh right, everybody who had ever piloted, ever. Suffice to say that by the time the shuttle was hovering over the assigned landing pad, Atae was feeling more than a little stressed by the whole affair. Not that he was gauche enough to show his distress, mind you, but he certainly felt it.

Fortunately the landing checklist took just enough time that the young Norian had recovered his mental balance by time he was ready to secure his station and retrieve the weaponry he had earlier stowed. He snorted lightly in amusement at Ryllae's words to the group and sent a short blast of gratitude in response to her vespered comment. Atae couldn't resist adding a wryly amused vesper to the rest of the team as he checked nothing had come loose during the turbulent flight. //"Please remember to ensure your nose filters didn't shake loose during the flight - we here at Air Alyelume would like to thank you all for choosing us for your journey today and hope you will fly with us again in the future."// Reaching out mentally via his symbiote as the analyst donned his helmet, Atae triggered the shuttle's main access to cycle open and stood ready to follow the others out.

When Atae vespered his comment Ryllae almost snorted with laughter. //You want to check mine to make sure they're in? After that comment I am worried they might have been inhaled. Might as well check for anything else up there if you get that close to me.// she reached out to Atae through vesper with mild amusement.

Shuttle to Hell?
As Ilae sat in her seat, she was the epitome of calm innocence. This was however, untill the shuttle reached the planet and made its entry. She looked out the view screen/ports as she saw the thick grey clouds. That made her realize they were flying in some kind of tropical storm. She saw rain pelted the armor of the shuttle, and felt the turbulance. But jumped when she saw the lightning the first time, but that was only because of how sudden it was. The next times didn’t make her jump as she saw them as the shuttle went down to its sent coordinates.

However, unlike her brother who was praying to some kind of diety, Ilae wasn’t doing that instead, she was squealing with glee and joy at the ride she was having. This was because the little nut had complete faith in Rylae and Atae’s piloting. She believed that they could take them down too their destination safely.

But she was able to stop herself “Rough ride, yes” she said as if she wasn’t squealing with glee moments ago. However, when her brother vespered Ilae was giggling again, as he started acting like he was a commercial steward or something. She sent her brother her own vesper, with added feelings of glee and amusement. “your funny Atae, I love you” She then turned her attention to Ryllae, and spoke to her. “Thanks this is an…interesting planet. I’m looking forward to making new friends, are you?’ she asked ryllae unaware whether Ryllae had been on Njord or not.

Ilae got up and made sure her Zol’rausir was secure in its case, which was soon secure on her back, before she made her way to the shuttle entrance.

Alyelume - Nola​

"The super level user is not in the crew manifest. Superuser is identified as "Eitan, Haeun - Volaer(Princess)." The mindhive projected an image of Haeun from her military service record when she had done her mandatory tour in the UNN. "I am only able to track the subject for safety and medical purposes, it would be against regulations to track a member of the Imperial Ysi for any other reason," the mindhive continued to answer Nola's questions as they seemed to probe deeper and deeper into the situation at hand.

The mindhive returned on the second part of Nola's inquiry. "I will transmit the log as requested, however you will not be harmed. I have a duty to protect my crew even if that means from each other. It is the least I can do since no one here has broken the accord." The mindhive of the leviathan hybridized into the ship had obviously communed with other members of its own species as word about Vaelaris and his enslavement of their kind had begun to circulate through their population.

Finally to the last inquiry of the specialist, the Alyelume replied, "All log requests for deletion and modification were made by, Jol'Aestaesys Tetsuya Eitan." She then projected an image of Tetsuya, a platinum blonde haired Norian with gold eyes to Nola. "Jol'Aestaesys is currently listed as deceased. This was updated on the thirteenth day of the forty-sixth year on the Yamataian calendar. All modifications were made prior to that date. He is also was the son of the current captain."

Njord, Skaditown - Tacho​

Tacho mumbled, at least the similar complaints from Nara were similar to her own. She continued to follow the grandmaster, between the idiotic moves of knuckleheads and the anticipation of more of her kind being present, the rain was just another annoyance. They had already hosted the crew of the Aylerion for the better part of a week. She had taken a bit of an interest in one of the members of that crew, their Admiral appeared to be different than any she had encountered before. "I hope this miserable weather ends before nightfall, last thing we need is people wanting to sleep inside," she said to Steiner, as that most of the Norians had been camped out on the outskirts of town since they landed. Space in the settlement of modified freight containers was at a premium.

Njord, Skaditown - Uaeso​

Uaeso cursed as the rain came pouring down and he and several of his crew members worked to cover the containers of weapons and gear with tarps to try and keep the moisture out, not that it worked much when the wind had a tendency to blow hard enough to make the rain go sideways. A lot had developed in the days it had taken Adrin and his crew to arrive, the first being the shocking reveal of Morg'goh with Sylix that shocked everyone, and the second being the restoration of Vespa Lakara as the capital, it made their ships military again rather than rebels, something that likely needed to be discussed as things went forward, not that command with interfere with him - he had a record that proved his worth to them, even if he was a half breed.

"You three might as well get inside, get some tea and into some air conditioning. I doubt water in those suits feels wonderful," he said before he looked over at their temporary shelter, there was only one and those who were not camped out in tents would likely have to tolerate a full house until the rain stopped or go back up to the Aylerion and put up with the noisy sounds of repairs as the ship received the love it needed after they had a few unfortunate encounters with the enemy prior to their transit into the Kikyo Sector.

The Prince didn't need a suit, cooling or otherwise -- he was only half norian as that his mother was minasan., as he had been reminded by those that had hated him almost all of his life. Being the son of an outsider, even with his title had not been easy. He leaned up against one of the containers and looked up at the sky, his white undershirt had already soaked through, he figured he might as well enjoy the feeling of the warm water as it washed over him. //"Uaeso to Naika, did you make into shelter?"// he asked over vesper, it being bumped into communications through the mindhive in the nearby shelter. Thankfully they had left their child on the ship with the other children under the care of one of the caretakers.

Alyelume - Engineering​

Curunir shook his head when Tenea offered to do things in exchange for him telling Aphelion how he had managed to be on the ship before everyone. "You're a crafty one, I need to keep an eye on you. I will say what I need to when I am ready and not before." He had already appeared to have lost interest after they had witnessed what they had, he had played off being surprised as they had - for now that was the way it had to be. He was already quite uncomfortable, the new universe denied him access to his abilities it was the first time he had been unable to grasp them.

The mindhive replied to her, "Isolated logs have been forwarded, for more information I suggest contacting the specialist, she just finished reviewing my logs."

"There is logs from things like diagnostics of conventional systems, the rest is LUMEN and Mindhive stuff, its likely only that specialist woman, wherever she is can understand." Aphelion then opened a communications channel to Nola, she had already forgot her name. "Hey specialist lady, care to come back to engineering? The ship is showing weird projections again and it is creeping us out." She muted the channel after she spoke, "Maybe she has figured something out?"

Shuttle - Njord​

When they landed Adrin stood up, and put his helmet on. He didn't want to get soaked by the rain. He opened the storage compartment and pulled his QPP and holstered it, then proceeded to clip cartridges for both it and the PMR that was still on the clip on his back. "This place looks real homey," he said sarcastically as he looked toward the stacks of modified cargo containers. "I wonder where the welcoming party is? Must be taking shelter from the rain," he moved around Ryllae and stepped outside.

"My helmet is staying on for now, I will worry about the nose filters when we get in somewhere that is a little drier..." he said to his grandson.

As he stepped out, a beetle about the size of a small car harmlessly walked out of the jungle and began to dig its mandibles into the soil and devour small worms that it had managed to fine. Its black chitinous body had bright blue markings on its legs and back, "They were not joking about the Megafauna, this bug is big enough you could put a saddle on it and ride off," he joked as he stepped out onto the muddy landing pad. The combat suit had been a good choice, this place didn't exactly appear to be a luxury hotel - hopefully the other planets in the sector were a little less hostile. He had been to Yamatai after the Hive Wars once, but he didn't remember a lot of it.

Njord

Skaditown

Alex had slipped in amongst the group that had assembled upon the gantry that Nara had taken him by without interruption or introduction. A nod in the direction of Nara, though it seemed she had her hands full - literally - but he assumed she had made the relevant parties informed of his being here. He listened as they spoke, the figure in the intimidating Mecha spoke with an experienced weary resignation about the folly which brought the Norians to Njord, and those around them seemed to attend to the words with respect and assent. Alex for his part lacked the knowledge to make an assessment on whether the Norians were forgetting their recent history, after all in the face of oblivion - which it seemed is what Nara described them facing - many things thought unthinkable become suddenly reasonable. Desperation creates its own rationality he had found, especially amongst naturals.

Eventually though it was time to depart, and Alex fell into step at the rear of the group - a deferential position, acknowledging he was a guest, and not the host receiving the arriving shuttle and its occupants. The humid air of Njord which had been thick and cloying when he had arrived not long ago had surrendered at last to rain properly, to the annoyance of the Norian - he suspected at least - with the cybernetic eye. There was, Alex thought, a general sense of concern just below the annoyance at the weather - maybe he was reading too much from sensor data - and it felt like more than simply receiving relatively unknown guests. It was noted but he didn’t say anything, either about that or the rain, as he walked onwards seemingly untroubled by it. In truth it just felt so insignificant, so quiet, so… Much less. But then so did everything in this body. His eyes glanced down to a foot sinking into the mud and lifting out, his foot, and the motion felt less natural than the glide of sub-light engines.

Alex returned his focus to the task at hand, and onwards he walked, listening, watching, and while not seemingly unapproachable - there was no scowl or frown, indeed his face held a noble serenity in its countenance that was inviting - he made no effort to engage with others first. Socialisation was always a secondary thing to purpose, and here his purpose was to meet Adrin and decide if he was convinced as Nara seemingly was.

Corridor

hearing the identity of the superuser Nola had a few questions, why she had greater access then the captain, was one, as the information came up on who altered and deleted logs things became a bit clearer, unless a inter family coup was about to take place some time soon she doubted it would be a major issue, but best to bring this up to the captain regardless, as to the other information about the accord that was good to know. At the very least that meant none had tried to do something THAT stupid. "Thank you for the reassurance Alyelume, With that as the case I please transmit my communication to the captain I need to inform him of my findings, and my hypothesis on the images that have been projected previously on the bridge" she replied to the ship.

As she walked she waited for the connection to be made, as that was happening she got the Vesper from Aphelion, asking her about more projections. But she would include her later first she had to inform the captain of the security findings first and get his okay to share them since it was his ship and apparently his family that was messing with the files.

Once the communication was established with the captain she began "I have identified what might be causing what you perceive to be glitches, but first of all, Captain are you aware that you have a lesser Security access code then your Granddaughter?, it seems she was granted a Super user designation, allowing her greater access to the systems then even you sir, I am Unaware of what the security measures of the ship are so that is why I have decided to tell you this finding as you asked me to report anything out of the ordinary, continuing on that note she has locked several of the bulk log files. Your Son also seems to have altered or deleted several bulk log files, including the initial activation date of the ships Breach drive one full year before the official launch date, indicating it was used for Transuniversal travel at that time with the coordinates hidden and locked, going by the code attached to the file it would seem you would need Super user access to unlock them."

As she walked she slowed her steps for the time being as she continued to vesper her info to the captain "I believe the Images we are seeing are remnants of the deleted logs, or parts of the Locked logs, Events that were not fully erased or are partially sealed, We would know more if we could have access to those locked logs and had some means of recovering the deleted ones, thankfully there is a means to retrieve them however it will take time. I reported to you first as you are the captain, I thought it best to inform you before I informed anyone else incase there was any information you would rather I not share as of yet. Also it would seem Tetsuya has a IDE back up on the ship though he is listed as deceased, as they have made use of tank oh seven on board time index forty-six point two slash two, I was unsure if this was known or not so I thought to inform you of this as well, I would also suggest adding your granddaughter to the current crew manifest as she apparently does not appear on the list. and with all the locked and altered files I suggest a full security check on any and all people not on the list, myself included of course, at your discretion".

Engineering

Nola then walked into the engineering section and looked at those gathered, her eyes narrowing at Tenea before she began speaking "Please refrain from sitting on the consoles while they are not quite that delicate I think, as they are parts of Alyelume that we interact with, they deserve at least to not be used like common furniture" she then walked over to the console that Aphelion was looking over.

"As for the images you seen, what was it? I can try to cross reference what I have"

she had noticed that the Mindhive had not answered some of her questions, likely the information requested was some of the locked or deleted files, meaning Alyelume ether couldn't or wouldn't tell them, but something was making the phantoms of those logs show up, so the former was more likely, some part of her may want to let them know, but it was hard to say honestly if any of that was true. after all, they were essentially talking about Alyelume's memory.

Engineering

Tenea had every intention of getting off the console to go stand by Aphelion until Nola mouthed off. If the ship had a problem with what she was doing, it would have said so. Anything she did was with the consent of the ship. The surgeon tilted her head to the side. "You are under the assumption I am disrespecting the ship? You are a scientist who knows nothing of the culture which you are a species of. If I were you, which thank the gods I am not. I would not assume how it is people are treating things without asking them their intentions." she said digging her nails into her thighs as she still sat in front of Curunir. "I suggest if you enjoy breathing, do not speak to me again in such a manner. Do not ever presume to tell anyone what to do with their body or make such assumptions in my presence, ever. If you intend to do so or actually do so again, I will kill you myself."

Engineering

Nola looked back to the woman "I assume because I have seen others treat their Leviathan partners Callously, not out of malice but out of ignorance, the only way to combat that is with vigilance, reprimand, and education. it would seem such an assumption was wrong in this case, however I am not privy to everybody's relation to Alyelume, and asking would be a rather impolite question, as such I only speak up when I think I should such was the case here, however people are quite able of being incorrect. I do not know you, you do not know me, however unlike yourself I am willing to learn about you rather then threaten your life for a simple mistake. had I reacted like you are acting now this situation would no doubt be far worse off, as we would both be at each others throats, instead I simply asked you not to sit on a console, a simple request with a disapproving undertone, which you returned with vitriol, a personal attack, and then a threat on my life.. I would suggest to you to take some time to recollect yourself and think if you would really go that far for a slight reproach, mistaken though it was, considering the reason that reproach was made in the first place. this is our first proper meeting, I do not know if you have acceptance or not to do such things, and so in respect to Alyelume I simply gave a request." Nola's tone was flat, monotone as always as she looked at the woman with the same look of disinterest she always had on her face, the threat seemingly not even phasing her.

Engineering- GM Post

The surgeon blinked at the sheer audacity with which this woman spoke. Without a thought she sped off her perch and snapped Nola's neck. She watched as the woman's lifeless corpse sank to the ground. "What a shame that her IDE back up did not make it." Tenea said sharply then left Engineering to head to medical for corpse removal equipment. It really was a shame that the woman had to be that way, they could've been great friends. "I will be back to take care of the body shortly." she vespered to Aphelion.

"I will transmit the log as requested, however you will not be harmed. I have a duty to protect my crew even if that means from each other. It is the least I can do since no one here has broken the accord."

Click to expand...

As the event unfolded, the Leviathan made its move. As Nola's body dropped to the floor, the leviathan's flesh began to push through the deck plating. Tendrils of pink flesh wound about Nola's form, and the Leviathan's own blood filled her orifices. The flesh cocooned itself around Nola and began to work quickly to address her wound, a loud crack would be heard as bone was shifted into place, and the leviathan stem cells raced through Nola's system, differentiating into the different tissues to be repaired. Since it had all just happened it was easier to fix, easier to reverse. The snapping of the neck would of merely left her with the air she had in her spiral lungs from her last taken breath, so death would not of came instantly. A surge of energy moved through the tendrils, sending shockwaves into the girl's hearts to bring her back from the brink. Alyelume did as she had promised, and protected her crew. Within moments the flesh unfurled from the girl, and the damage had been undone, and breath restored to her.

The lighting in engineering flickered, "Access, denied. Superuser has diverted all command functions to the bridge." As Tenea moved through the corridor, doors would close and seal, until there were no more to go to. At the opposite end of the corridor, as the lighting flickered she would of likely seen that familiar form, pink hair and black eyes peering through her like she had turned into some kind of ghost. Ves whispered, and the ship made it pass through it's communication system so it would sound as if it was all around Tenea, "You are requested to immediately proceed to the bridge...Your access and permissions will not be restored until you do..."

Haeun had been watching them, all of them. "Crew of the Alyelume, allow me to introduce myself." Haeun's voice echoed through the ship which at this point had but a skeleton crew. "I am Volear Haeun Eitan, daughter of Tetsuya Eitan and this ship is now under my control until it's captain returns. Please proceed to the bridge, and note I will have Alyelume scanning you. Any attempt to bring weaponry to the bridge will result in imprisonment, and who knows how many days it will be until your Capitan returns." Now all the bulkheads were closed, doors sealed, she had Alyelume only open those that led to the bridge, and the lift waited at the end of the corridor where Tenea had been. By the time Haeun had finished speaking, Ves had seemingly disappeared, after all she knew every crevice of her form.

Apparently, all the investigations and questions that led to the unfortunate incident had triggered all of this. The Alyelume whispered through vesper to Nola, //"While they proceed to the bridge, you are to go to deck thirty six, section eight, room twenty alpha."//

Tenea stilled as the environment around her began to shift. It seemed that her actions had pissed off the ship. To which she felt no remorse for her actions, only that it affected the ship. Her blue eyes spotted Ves at the end of the corridor as the woman's voice swam around Tenea. "I will report as ordered," sensing the seriousness of the situation.

Her slender ears twitched when the voice of Haeun touched her ears once more. "Shit," she thought to herself. Tenea had no weaponry on her, but had a feeling that she should have let someone else, something else do a job that would inevitably have happened anyways. The way Nola talked was not only disrespectful, it was daring and dangerously stupid. Nola's respect for the Alyelume was based off her own perspective, not that of any other norian. To have responded to such a remark as Nola had told Tenea that the scientist had zero social skills or intelligence.

As she made her way to the bridge she shook her head, "Next time she dies, its at the hands of someone else. I will be avoiding her if I survive this." Tenea thought. When she arrived to the bridge she paused after entering, "Volaer Haeun Eitan, Tenea Drenai reporting as ordered." she said aloud offering an open hand salute as she was a civilian. Tenea held the salute and waited for further directions from Haeun.

Engineering

Nola could see the movement and Tenea moving towards her, her survival training gave her many advantages granted, and she took a moment to take a deep breath, remembering the words Alyelume had told her, so she didn't even bother going for her gun, it wouldn't make a difference anyway her Combat training was basic at best and she just remembered she never left it loaded an oversight on her part this time, so as her neck was snapped and she passed out from the pain she placed her trust in Alyelume. Her expression hadn't even showed shock or fear, merely what seemed to be acceptance

She had no clue how long she was out, but considering the type of attack she had been subjected to it couldn't have been long, especially with the fact that she wasn't in a IDE tube but rather in her original body and laying on the floor, she heard the announcement as she lay there. As she had surmised, the one with the Super user clearance had in fact been aware of the investigation and the goings on on the ship, it made sense, she was not allowed to be tracked except under specific circumstances however as a super user she could track everyone else without such exceptions.

Sitting up and watching the others leave first Nola made a mental note that none had tried to aid her, or reprimand Tenea, this was something she was going to remember. she then got up and vespered to Alyelume "Thank you" she then headed out of the Engineering and made her way down the corridors and lifts, to get to the appointed room, weather it was to be imprisoned or not she had no clue but at the moment resisting was pointless, and she trusted that it wasn't anything dangerous after all it was Alyelume that had told her were to go.

Deck 36 section 8 room 20 Alpha

Arriving at the designated room Nola walked in unsure what she would find there but it was what told to her and once more given the situation on the ship she really had no choice in the matter.

Njord, Skaditown - Naika​

It had taken some hefty convincing from Uaeso for Naika to leave Arkos behind with caretakers on the ship. After everything that had gone down with Vaelaris she thoroughly checked into the backgrounds of everyone on board. With what she was able to find it still took a lot of reassurance from her husband. It was an interesting experience having alone time like this again, though they were not really alone. Naika had just stepped inside their temporary shelter to check on the others when she received her husband's vesper, then the rain started.

A smile graced her features that were covered by her helmet as she turned around heading right back out. Yes, it would be uncomfortable. Though for a moment like this with her husband, she did not even think about the discomfort. She walked over to him, the discomfort of a now wet suit did not even register for her at the moment. The view in itself was worth it as she stopped next to him and took her helmet off, clipping it to her waist opposite of him. Drops of rain wet her hair making her nose wrinkle just a touch. "I did," she leaned in close and whispered into his ear with a hint of mischief. Naika shook her head, strands of her wet black hair sent droplets flying before she leaned back against one of the containers and looked at the sky.

Njord, Skaditown - Nara​

Nara saw the crew before she heard anyone speak. After a few moments her gaze was drawn to a large bug that made its way out of the jungle. She watched unphased as the event unfolded, her ears twitched when she heard Adrin speak. Normally if the remark about it had been made by a stranger she would not have said anything. However, it was made by Adrin. Someone she knew of well enough to provide commentary. "Only if you give it a kiss first, otherwise ol' boy might eat you like you were one of those scrumptious worms." she said with mild amusement. "The Operator I found for you has agreed to take this on. Though he will likely be making his own analysis of the crew. He is not a giant bag of ass, that much I can say" she vespered to Adrin. She came to a stop a short distance away from him. "Welcome to Njord." she greeted the crew she said in a flatly professional tone while waiting for the others.

​

"Those mechs are not always the easiest of machines to operate," He commented as he watched the pair disentangle themselves. "Nor the most reliable." He made a note to double-check the next time that Tacho wanted to make such a large-scale purchase, and to ensure that the product in question was on the up and up when he made the authorization. Checking one of his rear-ward cameras and zeroing in on the Operator, made a note of him, and sighed-sounding almost like a buzzsaw in some ways as the rain began it's usual bout of torrential downpour. Giving his mech a slight shake as the shuttle made its landing he looked down toward Tacho at her comment about a lack of space. "We have the underground facilities; if worse comes to worse we can arrange for the additional room if needed."

As he listened to Nara give her greeting, and debating if he should crush the beetle or not-but decided against it as at the moment it was no real danger. "Greetings Adrin." He called, his deep, robotic monotone echoing across the landing site, "I am Grandmaster Albert Steiner, and I bid you welcome to Njord." He gave a deep bow as the rain hammered against his chassis, "I apologize for the-" The hissing, snarling roars of thruoks filled the air as a large, slender, twisting insect suddenly burst from the foilage with a squad of rough riders hard on its tail-it's legs pumping madly as it attempted to flee its dogged pursuit. Seeing the opportunity to bring home more fresh prey it surged towards the landing pad-the yeomen began to mount a hasty defense as the sudden downpour had occurred right in the middle of the changing of the guard; but Steiner acted first.

----

Balruc cursed as he saw exactly where his sergeant had led them-in their pursuit the creature they'd accidentally brought it back to base. ("It's going for the shuttle-after it-NOW!") The sergeant shouted; they readied their lances-they'd already tasted its blood once-only for it to slip away but not quite shake them-that when he saw the huge form barreling towards it...

-----

With a snarl that had more in common with a failing transmission than the usual monotone of "Ancestor's Damn it!" The mechanoid charged forward, moving with a grace that belied his bulk-churning up the thick, stick mud in the process; slamming into the creature with a resounding crash of armor on cuticle as it attempted to make some purchase on his thick armor. The grandmaster heaved, sending the feature sprawling and planet a heavy foot on it's abdomen as it attempted right itself. A large hand seized its middle, and with a mighty tug he wrenched upward, sending ichor and followed it up with a blast from the twin 35's mounted under it. Tossing the now lifeless corpse aside he trampled on the rest-grinding it into the mud with a number of wet crunches, and ensuring to give its head a good stomp in the process as he made his back over. "Threat neutralized, please ensure that in the future you do not inadvertently chase such creatures into Skalditown or any other settlements." The sergant nodded, and his squad turned and galloped out of the base. He turned back to their guests, paying no mind to the ichor, exoskeleton and mud that adorned his frame. "Now, as I was saying, I apologize for the rather disorganzied state of things-the weather tends to turn foul at a moment's notice-come along-we will speak more once we get inside." He indicated that they should follow, and he trundled back down the path that led to the interior of the town proper.

The Beetle remained unperturbed, content with its meal of worms as it paid the ruckus no mind...

Adrin - Njord​

Adrin observed Steiner's approach with a measured gaze, his expression carefully neutral but his thoughts engaged. His dealings with humans on Ayenee had taught him their remarkable diversity ~ not only in their appearances and temperaments but also in their capabilities. This one, Steiner, carried with him an air of confidence tempered by experience. Adrin noted the man’s stride, his demeanor ~ a leader accustomed to command. Trusting Tetsuya’s judgment in aligning with Steiner and his people had been an unusual act of faith for Adrin, but one he had decided to honor. His research en route, bolstered by Aphelion’s insights, painted a picture of a formidable "company of men" whose strength extended well beyond mere militaristic might.

The presence of Nara and Tacho among Steiner’s ranks gave Adrin pause. For a moment, surprise flickered across his otherwise composed face. Other Norians? That was unexpected. Nara, the one he knew about was a fluke, but the other, that made it significant. He quickly masked his reaction, his mind racing to process the implications. These Norians, clearly integrated into Steiner’s fold, suggested a change ~ one Adrin quietly deemed for the better. The sight brought him a subtle sense of reassurance, a feeling tempered only by the awareness of the “complicated” dynamics playing out in front of him. Even as he witnessed the unfolding drama of hierarchical tensions among the groups, he continued as though it were a minor curiosity.

Adrin stepped forward to greet Steiner, inclining his head slightly in a gesture of respect. "Thank you for the warm welcome, Mister Steiner," he began, his tone polished and cordial. "An interesting introduction to this universe, indeed. There’s no need for apologies on my account. I’m more accustomed to alien environments than some of my companions, though I suspect that’s a common theme for you and your people as well." His gaze was steady, his words precise, an acknowledgment of shared adaptability between their groups.

Thankfully adept at multitasking, he also responded to Nara's vesper, though he had made her wait for it. A rather strange, and observable breach of etiquette, //"I look forward to meeting your Operator, and even if he was a bag of ass as you put it - sometimes those are needed."//

With a slight, almost imperceptible wave of his hand, Adrin signaled Ryllae, Atae, and Illae to fall in line behind him. He followed Steiner with a composed stride, taking in the surroundings with a practiced eye for detail. "Quite the settlement you’ve established here," he remarked, his voice conversational but laced with keen observation. "Your people seem remarkably adept at adjusting to varied conditions, and I mean that in more ways than just the physical environment." He gestured subtly toward a group of workers nearby. "I couldn’t help but notice the subtle inconsistencies in equipment between your forces stationed elsewhere and those here. Adaptation like that speaks to a pragmatic resilience ~ not a quality every organization can boast. Though it is always entertaining when underestimated, a hand you play very well from what I have heard."

Adrin’s tone was light, yet every word carried weight. Aphelion had armed him with key talking points, but Adrin’s knack for diplomacy was innate. Decades of navigating complex interactions with statesmen, conquerors, and everything in between had honed his skills. Yet, beneath the polished exterior, there was an undercurrent of quiet introspection. Why is it that these exchanges always came more naturally to me than family? The thought lingered briefly before he cast it aside, focusing fully on the man leading him into this new chapter of interaction.

“You’ve clearly carved out something significant here, Steiner,” Adrin continued, glancing briefly at his companions as they moved through the settlement. "It’s not just a settlement; it’s a statement of intent. Tell me, how has your journey to this universe shaped the philosophy that guides your people?" He leaned slightly forward, the faintest trace of curiosity in his tone ~ a conversational tactic as much as a genuine interest.

Uaeso - Njord​

Uaeso shook his head slightly as he caught sight of his wife approaching through the rain. The downpour seemed to be no deterrent as she stepped confidently toward him, her form illuminated briefly by a flicker of lightning in the distance. She joined him by the pile of weapon crates, the rain soaking her as it had him. For a moment, he watched her, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. There was something grounding in her presence, a reminder of the priorities that truly mattered to him.

“Did you see the broadcasts?” he asked, his voice tinged with amusement as he adjusted the crate beside him. Droplets of rain slid down his face, but he didn’t seem to notice ~ or care. "It looks like the military is reassembling. Should be interesting to see the Vespans in charge again. Maybe they'll realize they should’ve never handed power to my father in the first place."

His words might have sounded cutting to an outsider, but the nuance was clear to someone who knew him well. There was no malice in the statement, just a pragmatic acceptance of who his father was ~ a man driven by love, whether that love was true or imagined. Uaeso had long since come to terms with it. Standing here, beside the woman who had become his center, he understood that kind of devotion all too well. For her ~ and for their son ~ he would do anything. Anything. Even if it meant setting himself against the rest of his family. His loyalty to Naika and their child superseded all else, and he wore that truth unapologetically, even if it sometimes felt like an act of rebellion.

He glanced at her, studying her expression briefly. He didn’t bring up the invasion of the homeworld; the articles and broadcasts had already painted a vivid picture of the situation. He trusted she had seen the reports. The thought of Noria as "home" was still a tenuous one for Uaeso, though. The half-Minasan prince had never truly felt like he belonged anywhere, not fully, though he couldn’t imagine leaving, either.

The memory of his mother—both her final act and the bitter aftermath—flashed unbidden in his mind. He swallowed hard, the sting of her name a persistent ache even now. His father’s futile attempt to restore her had only deepened the wound. The safeguards had prevented it, of course, as everyone had known they would. But the knowledge hadn’t lessened the anguish. Uaeso hadn’t returned to Minatu Prime since childhood, and he doubted he ever would now. The thought brought a sharp pang of resentment, one he quickly shoved aside.

He tilted his head back, letting the rain splash against his face and trickle down his skin. "Do you think you'll go back to work?" he asked, breaking the silence. His voice was softer now, the question directed at her with genuine curiosity. "Or are you still planning to focus on other things?" He flicked a glance her way, the faintest smirk crossing his lips. "I'm sure Katara will be calling soon enough."

He opened his mouth slightly, catching droplets of rain on his tongue like a boy trying to forget the weight of his responsibilities, if only for a moment. The simplicity of the act belied the complexities swirling in his mind ~ questions of duty, family, and a future still unfolding before them.

"I would not go so far as to say we are playing a hand." Steiner replied at his comment on them adapting and it being underestimated, leading them towards his own personal gantry, "The equipment disparity is more a case of making do-a lot of our home universe's technology base was badly degraded over generations-whether by the long wars, nature or the simple passage of time-not to say that there were not rebuilding efforts after all." He hit the activation lever for his gantry, and the twin doors opened outwards with a great grinding of gears and hissing of pneumatics. "Some areas suffered less than others, and therefore were able to preserve and even in a rare few instances improve upon their technology, while others degraded so badly they regressed to the point of pre-spaceflight, if not pre-industrial." It was something that most people tended to forget-inured and sheltered as they were in the society they found themselves in and its advancements; all it took was a war, a disaster, or even as stated the simple passage of time could see technology and the vital knowledge to preserve it lost to the oceans of time.

As the doors finally finished with a great boom-the sentinel likely could've simply opened it himself but decided that it would give him time to say his piece. Stepping inside, the interior consisted of the aforementioned tool bench, a great chair that he could sit in for whatever reasons, a pair of scaffolds with great robotic arms, and what seemed to be the outline of a platform that could be raised but instead served as a desk or table of sorts. Using his fabber to create several chairs for his guests and the trio of soldiers he sent a signal to the aforementioned table to raise slightly as he sat down. He indicated they should sit as well. "As for my journey, or more accurately the Company's journey? It has been a case of wrong place right time, then again that seems to be the one consistent theme of our misadventures." A few drones fetch several bottles of the rarer liquors they distilled, including the vaunted slayer's mead and series of metal cups-the best he could offer at the moment on such short notice. "Guiding principals are really dependent on who you ask-one could say that we as mercenaries a part of what we do is motivated by what some would say to be the purest motivation there is-cold hard coin." He sent a message for food to be brought up-bread, cheeses and various fruits, along with some freshly slaughtered thurok that had been cooked for those whose palates leaned more towards meat consumption. "One has to have a skill to sell in order to survive no matter the universe, and as much as I loathe to admit it one of the biggest chief products in the multiverse is war, and there are no shortage of individuals who desire, and are more than willing to pay for those with the ability to provide them with this service, be it strong and skilled men, or the material to wage it."

It would help keep the effects of the drink at bay.

"Others would say that being a mercenary is a dishonorable trade-and not without reason mind you as I am sure you have heard the stories about those with few qualms being willing to get their hands dirty." Even they'd occasionally had to take on a few less than savory jobs-mostly the odd industrial sabotage job but at times it was necessary. "Of course, I have also often found that those who dislike our trade are some of the biggest hypocrites out there-the only difference between them and some of the worst units out there is the fact they operate under a nation's flag." And wasn't that just an inconvenient truth? He snorted before continuing. "As for the guiding principle of the company, not necessarily the whole of the Valhallans was a set of laws laid down some over a century ago known as the Tenants of Iron-quite original of our founders." He chuckled, an awful sound before continuing, "But it governs the behavior of the Company to various degrees-emphasizing virtues such as duty, vigilance, honor, and discipline-though as with all things though the passage of time can result in deviation-and I would be a liar if I said that these have not been violated in the past." Warfare and politics were a messy business, and even the most honorable of warrior may occasionally have to choose expediency versus what was right, or at the very least figure out what lines they were willing to cross.

"At the very least, the Tenants do serve to give us guidance and purpose," He finished as the food arrived, being set on the table, a humble spread of dark bread, various fruits and cheeses, and meats, "And has served to help curve the worst of our excesses over the years, though some would also question just what we consider that to be at times."

Wasn't that the truth-then again sometimes that excess was just what was needed to combat some of the threats they faced...

Njord, Skaditown
Auli’I had almost forgotten she was still holding the hand of her big sister, it was because of how comfortable she was with her personally adopted big sister. At the release, her hand lowered as she watched and listened. The fox didn’t have an opinion on the new Norians arriving, mostly because the two of the most important had left a good impression. But it was well known the feelings mama Tacho and Nara had for them. As others began moving to greet their guests, the fox followed as she was intrigued. While Steiner and Adrin spoke, the fox turned her attention to the others in the group. her main focus was on the white haired woman off to the side. While the others did have a weapon, like her, she had another item at her back. “what is that, on your back?” Auli’I asked. Ilae.

Ilae smiled through her mask and everything else covering her. She lifted the Zol’rausir’s case off her back. “it’s the case for my musical instrument, the Zol’rausir.” She said with a smile. “I plays a beautiful music, if its alright, I wouldn’t mind playing it later on.” She said not noticing Auli’I’s reaction. Auli’I was familiar with Nira’las, and she knew the Trade translation for Zol’rausir, which was causing some amusement, and forcing her to stifle her laughter, not wanting to be rude or disrespectful. Auli’I glanced to her family, for their response, if they were listening before she looked back. “sounds..interesting, I cant wait to hear it, I hope it isnt too loud.” she said.

Njord, Skaditown - Naika​

"Mhm, I saw them," Naika said with a hint of amusement in her voice. She closed her eyes as she let rain wash over her face trying to get used to the sensations brought. One fell directly on the tip of her nose causing it to twitch as if trying to shake it off. Little moments like this spent with her husband reminded her of what really mattered in this life. When Uaeso spoke about the throne changing hands and his father she tilted her head to look at him

A thoughtful expression overcame Naika's face, "Perhaps," she said in a loving tone. There was malice in her words, in the time that she had come to know Tetsuya the same conclusion had been reached. As she looked towards her husband she saw what made her whole. Naika's universe revolved around the man next to her and their son who was being watched over on the Narsho. They were her family, staying together with her family was primarily important to her. So many families had been torn apart for various reasons, causing them to drift or grow without one another. That was not something Naika could do, not even something she would dream of. Home was wherever Uaeso and Arkos were, end of.

When she saw Uaeso swallow hard she reached her hand over to give his a comforting squeeze. She did not know what all he endured in the depths of his own thoughts. There was one thing she did want him to know, one thing she would always reassure him of. She would always be by his side to support him. Naika knew him well enough to know there emotional wounds that tugged at him regarding his mother and how that ended with his father. She released his hand, leaving hers just a breath away from his as she looked into his eyes.

"Mmmm, I go where you go" she said with a playful lilt while leaning her head back for a moment. As if rain would wash away any consequences of a decision she had made months ago. Naika flicked a playful glance at him with a smirk. "My work is here with you now, looks like you are stuck with me love." she sealed the deal with a mischievous little wink. The message clear, she intended to stay with him to focus on other things and if something were to change they would decide on it together. There was no question in her mind, this was her path now, here with him and wherever that may lead. A soft chuckle left her lips, she knew Katara knew her choice on the matter. Just like Naika understood Katara's calling was not exactly a phone call, but she was as far out of that line of work as one could get for the time being.

Naika tilted her head up to the sky like her husband had, sticking her tongue out to catch a few drops. A few moments of bliss forgetting the weight that now rested on them as a couple. "Agh, gross. Why" she coughed out while she tried clearing her tongue of the horrid taste that came with the raindrop. Her tongue flicked in and out of her mouth as if she was hoping her lips would cleanse it, which only made things worse.

Njord, Skaditown - Ryllae​

"Friends, uh...I," thankfully her response to Ilae was cut short by a signal from Adrin. On Adrin's signal Ryllae fell in line behind him behind all of the others. She did so to make sure the younglings did not get lost amongst the jungle or eaten by whatever creatures saw fit to exist on this hell hole. Her eyes looked around like cold orbs merely analyzing the situation on Njord. Ryllae listened as Adrin spoke, she agreed with each sentiment he expressed in regards to Steiner's handling of things. She stayed relatively close to Adrin as the other's began to disperse, "Let me know if you run into trouble and need me," she vespered to Atae and Ilae. Though given her brief discussion with Atae, she had a guess that he'd be fair at handling things on his own.

Nevertheless she offered her support to both Eitan children. The other Eitan with her was a grown ass man who knew to reach out if he needed her for whatever reason. She picked out each of his tactical moves made throughout the conversation Adrin held with Steiner, mildly amused to see this level of interest. It was probably the most she'd seen from him since Adrin had called her up. Ryllae followed Adrin noting the tool bench as she entered the interior, her eyes looked around at where she now found herself. After a full look over her eyes fell back to Steiner, who had just signaled them to sit. Ryllae took the chair next to Adrin, watching as drones buzzed about with bottles of liquor.

When the food was brought out she was reminded just how hungry she was, her hips doing a little wiggle she hoped no one else noticed. Ryllae looked around for Ilae sending her a short vesper, "Are you coming? The food is being brought out." Ryllae's slender ears twitched when she heard Steiner's awful chuckle, her gaze shown that she was otherwise intrigued by his conversation. Thankfully the food arrived, her eyes looked over the delicious spread, some of which she would not be able to eat.

Njord, Skaditown - Nara​

Nara had noticed that Adrin had answered a verbally spoken conversation before her vesper. Though to her it was of no issue, given that Steiner's conversation bore more importance than her notification. Which was a viewpoint many norians might not agree with. //Indeed.// Nara vespered in response to Adrin's comment about bags of ass occasionally being a necessity. Perhaps her lack of issue with his breach of etiquette was a sign of its own. She watched on the sidelines as the others mingled about, not wanting to make happy conversations as the rain made her miserable.

When they set off Nara looked around for Alex to see if he was following with the group. She suspected food was next and knew that he might pass on the gathering given that he did not need the same sustenance as the rest of them did. As they walked Nara toyed with one of her daggers playfully tossing it in the air, watching it spin, catching it by the hilt and repeating until they got towards their destination. Once they arrived she slipped the niranium dagger back into its sheath after drying it off, entering along with the others. The rain had made it a fun challenge to keep her skills in practice. As those who chose to eat settled in she sat across from Adrin, but a few seats down. After casting a short glance around the table she decided to look over the delicious spread Steiner had brought out.

Njord
Skaditown

Alex fell into step at the rear of the group as they had set off from the landing pad, neither party keen it would seem to remain in the rain with beasts like the one whose ichor and viscera adorned the body of the Mech, understandably. He listened as the exploratory questions, compliments in search of an ear to flatter, statements of capability or experience sought to establish status, flowed like the slick rain between the imposing figure of the Mech and the Norian with spear-like eyes. It would be easy to allow them to eclipse all others, but Alex’s eyes moved carefully over each figure in the arriving crowd: the Norian with the white hair had caught the attention of the Fox, and the two were amusedly discussing an instrument? The dark haired Norian meanwhile, the one who had forestalled a conversation when they had arrived, was observant as they walked - though he didn’t fail to notice that they turned that observation on the spear-eyed Norian with an edge of something that seemed brighter than the cool attention to the town and others. Nara looked his way, and for her he broke the impassive still silence of his walk with the group, a gentle incline of the head. Acknowledgement but he did not interject conversation amongst the rain and the words of the two figures who eclipsed their entourage.

There were those in his cohort who would have barely contained the roll of their eyes at the fact that a meal was the first thing after landing. ‘Of course the naturals would want to indulge, call it courtesy but really it’s just an excuse to rest and eat and drink, and call talking purpose. They should be looking over contracts, planning logistics, and beginning…’ On and on they could have gone, Alex thought not without sympathy for their position, but he understood the activity as having a purpose. It was a medium of exchange which allowed for them to optimally test the mutual capacities, resistances, and encourage useful connections. It was a… Ritual, and he had seen its merit in the past. Of course, it was a difficult ritual for him to partake in as the consumption at the heart of it was entirely unnecessary for him - though he could eat and drink it served little to no useful function, so felt to him a pantomime and insulting to the ritual. Therefore as he took a seat, as bidden, leaning back a little with one leg outstretched, the other tucked under the chair, and one hand falling to his lap while the other rested against his jaw in a posture unconsciously consular, he quietly bid the drones to ignore serving him.

‘The only difference… is the fact that they operate under a nation’s flag.’ Alex had heard that line before, read it before, had seen it before in the cocky arrogance of a ship moving in the void and again in the mercenaries that had disembarked, and so was hardly surprised to hear it here. It was a convenient truth, it soothed worried consciences, as if outcomes were all that mattered for deciding the rightness of an action. Outcomes had an element of chance, they were unpredictable no matter how much thought and control was placed into achieving them, and so were poor foundations for choosing the rightness of an action. But intentions? Intentions were what mattered, if they inspired action of course, an intention which did not lead to action was less than worthless. Alex said nothing, he watched and listened with that statuesque stillness that had characterised him since he had been with the group.