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 Commander Kazmerina Graudina Above Microwaved World; Command Deck of the VNS Cantrip; an Evelina Class “I repeat NBCAT alarms are blue. All personnel are to observe safety protocols. The ship is now on Blue Alert. Lieutenant Specialist Elmari report to the bridge immediately.” The Commander says over comms. She looks over the situation herself with a scowl. What a mess. At least this would be her last exploratory mission. At this very moment the paperwork was moving on a promotion for her. “Skalova, inform the Homefleet we’ve got a Theological alarm. Then begin scanning the planet for signs of orbital defenses, memetic weaponry on frequencies in system, and other forms of hostility. I will take no chances on gods this petty.” The Unlife Aquatic fucked around with this message at 18:36 on Nov 5, 2017 |
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Nov 5, 2017 18:11
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 Leading Circle of Sagacity Aboard the Soo'jum-Varhaak (or ' The Resplendent Wisdom of The Golden Age in the Cusps of Rebirth' in Trading Common), close proximity to found Precursor Gate Fresh incense of the Varraxian Lotus flower softly burned away in censers of a grand conference hall far older than most galactic civilizations. Half a dozen heralds stood by half a dozen of the doorways leading to the room. And one after another, in a strictly defined order, they announced the arrivals: Elders from the Sagacious Orders Curator, Archivist (technically a suborder of Order Curator, but grown in importance during the reconquista), Machinist, Chemister and Ethereal. An observer from Order Militant was present as well. And in their announced order they appeared, flanked by their cadres. The Leading Circle of Sagacity of the fleet had gathered to convene. "Upon this blessed day", begun the Elder Curator, "We have happened across a space construction of class Gamma Inferior. I decree this an auspicious occasion." The rest of the circle nodded sharply, in perfect unison. "The archives speak of jump gates", continued the Elder Archivist, "For intergalactic mass transport. The dimensions and apparent function of the find are in accordance with this. We consult the archives on more wisdom on their function." The rest of the circle nodded sharply, in perfect unison. "The artifact retains retarded function", spoke the Elder Machinist, "The Order Machinist retains belief in the relative ease of its refurbishment. Action to such decree has been partaken." The rest of the circle nodded sharply, in perfect unison. "The makeup of the artifact bears resemblance to standard Precursor Era construction", spoke the Elder Chemister, "No reason to doubt our capacity to repair damage has presented itself at this time." The rest of the circle nodded sharply, in perfect unison. "The Order Ethereal", spoke the Elder Ethereal, "has nothing to state. For this we rejoice." The rest of the circle nodded sharply, in perfect unison. The Elders had convened. Now they departed. Much work remained to be done. The Elders agree: This is likely to be a Jump Gate of some sort. Drones and Thralls are sent to scout, members of the Orders try to figure out the extent of disrepair the facility is in, and how exactly to refurbish it.
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Nov 5, 2017 18:27
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 Tanash the Founder New Fenadash "A chance to speak with one of your guests would be delightful, to see what sort of impact extended stays here have had upon them." He lets the other words filter through his mind as he works through his memory. He thinks to the feats and demonstrations he had been shown. Worthy accomplishments, and a good track record. However those accomplishments were before. This is now, an era of far more dangerous things than pirate kings and petty warlords. His mind flits through his peers and the weight of their presence and accomplishments. The mysterious spider, emerging from every shadow and listening to every secret. The new king and his warband and their mighty spells able to unleash havoc on a stellar scale. The old emperor looking out from an ivory tower of incomprehensible accomplishment. A thought occurs to him, and he waves a hand. As he does so there is a slight flicker of flame as a contract appears, which he hands to Ellerin. "While we wait, allow me to offer a service to you. Your technological and magical capabilities are indeed impressive, but very sensibly you have been playing your hand very close to the chest. I don't have a true measure of what you can do, I can only see past accomplishments and a few parlor tricks. So why don't you show me what you can really do. In exchange I will offer you a full and honest assessment of your capabilities against the other galactic powers that I and my organization have encountered. The contract comes with a binding non-disclosure agreement, wherein I will not spread any information I gain about you and will recuse myself from any decisions that my prior understanding of your capabilities might influence the decision of my organization or other allies." Then Harina appears and his face develops his usual smile, letting the Fenadash diplomat wrangle with that offer for a while. He puts together what has happened quickly, and isn't sure how to react to it. "Greetings Halina. My name is Tanash, I am an associate of your... mother? She heard that I was coming here and asked me to check on you. How are you enjoying your new existence?" Tanash is offering an exchange of information, of sorts. They show him Their True Power and he will tell them how they stack up in an honest and straightforward way, with a strong NDA to prevent shenanigans.  Lieutenant Specialist Salma Elmari Command Deck of the VNS Cantrip "Sister" Salma appears on the bridge shortly afterward, wearing what the crew assumes are clothes from her homeworld, wherever that might be. It is simple clothing, and it appears to have been hand made (in all likelihood, by Salma herself). When questioned on why she was not wearing a uniform, she indicated that she preferred a simpler dress style and that GCC regulations on dress code only applied while on duty on conglomerate ships. Not to say she agrees with the spartan lifestyle aboard the ship. She had raised many eyebrows when she appeared on the ship with half a dozen large trunks. The crew had assumed that this was some pampered princess, carrying her entire wardrobe. In fact, it had soon been learned, she had brought a few months worth of Agritech InstaRations. She refused tea in favor of water, and had very little interest in eating fungus cake and worms. So far as the crew knew, she had made room for it all by tearing out the bed and furniture of her small assigned cabin and used the trunks themselves as a bed and desk. She also has two pistols on her belt. She does not explain this. Salma looks around the bridge and gives a salute to the commander. Then she looks at the system and its layout and frowns. She bows her head and makes the sign of the marlian cross with her hands, "I assume this was war in heaven, as happened on Marlaw. Gods of sun and moon in eternal struggle, ending in this. A compromise? A stalemate? It seems like something Fenadash scientists would have interest in."
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Nov 5, 2017 18:36
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Commander Kazmerina Graudina Above Microwaved World; Command Deck of the VNS Cantrip; an Evelina Class “It would be, but our arrangement with GCC leaves all Theological matters in our hands. You know the penalty Mother assigns to gods like this.” She watches the scanners work over the system slowly. “There may however be survivors, and those would fall under your jurisdiction.”
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Nov 5, 2017 19:01
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VNS Cantrip, at the 'Microwaved World' Preliminary scans turned up negative for active defences. Whatever arcane or divine malfeasance had resulted in this outcome, there was little enough residue save at the terminator, where the unending light and eternal night met in an unnaturally sharp cutoff. By all accounts it seemed clear enough to approach. Theological Gardens, New Fenadesh Ellerin looked over the proffered contract with a discerning eye, replying, "Hmm. I'm not entirely sure I like the terms offered: You have the scope to declare yourself unimpressed with all that we do in order to support your earlier points. What exactly is it you're asking us to demonstrate, given the breadth of both our achievements and those in the rest of the galaxy? There is always something faster, or stronger, or cleverer, or sharper, or deadlier. No one power is truly greater in all aspects. We can defend ourselves with impunity in a manner that leaves warships and our home both completely intact. If we wished to be impolite we could erect a D-shield around you and ask if you could get through it. We don't, we'd rather maintain cordial relations without dealing with a case of godshock. There isn't a warfleet out there for us to empty out and secure, and in general we wouldn't do that to make a point anyway. We are not a warlike people, but we are capable of ending conflicts should someone try to bring them. Through diplomacy by offering an unchanged peace, or through removing that someone. We will never seek to benefit from war or to allow others to benefit from it at our expense." Halina took the opportunity to speak, punctuating her words with a graceful spin, "Very much so. Given our common origins, there are certain similarities between Verisagan and Fenadeshi design, same perception of scale. Exploring them, seeing where they join and where they differ, has led to some of my finest works to date. There aren't many Fenadeshi keen on ending their own lives, but they've had the capability to put an animating spirit in a created body since before we left Old Home, as they call it, and I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to make myself into a work of art." At this point, a tremendous sense of divine presence emerging from some kind of airlock through the divine shield, ancient and weighty. A being with the power to command the stars themselves, all the more shocking for its sudden proximity once it is no longer within the D-shield. It approaches, weaving itself a physical avatar of approximately similar physical characteristics, and once it has a face, gives Tanash an appraising look. "I am Theridor. My people once spanned vast segmenta of this galaxy, until they chose to sublimate to another plane of existence, aeons ago. I am told you wished to speak with one such as I. I choose to be magnanimous. Ask, and be enlightened." Soo'jum-Varhaak, at the Precursor Jumpgate It is in a bad way. Nonetheless, it does conform to the ancient templates, and getting it up and running again, at least to some extent, is a distinct possibility. It has the capability to allow travel from, and briefly to, here, but only for a limited number of times once brought up to operational status. It appears to have pan-galactic range when doing so.
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Nov 6, 2017 12:16
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 Åton The fleets completed in the three sectors. He began another batch. He could hear that, the Harmony was...a different song? Interesting. He reached out to touch the minds of these new crystal forms. OOC tldr; Åton: Continuing:Conversion[+6] & Growth[+2] to grow fleets (boosting their construction) in each of the three starbound controlled sectors marked in solid teal/green. New: Åton hears the new crystals. He reaches out to speak with and examine the new crystal forms. Fleets total: 9  The Crystal Star (Probe) The probe listens and looks as it "moves foward" with its message of peace. Scanning the sectors it comes across. When it hears or finds any civilizations it accelerates towards them. Unfortunately, it seems to crash into them and their works the shards from such collisions remain behind and soon all would know peace and harmony as they worked their way into ecosystems and environments as they entered atmospheres or were taken up by those beings that collected such things. OOC tldr; The Crystal Star: Its efforts aren't as concentrated as the starbound. It's kind of moving along doing the above.  The Starbound The Starboubd continued their conversion work, avoiding the Asm-Vec holdings and seeding its consciousness while carrying it along everywhere the starbound were. Efforts continued in the areas they entered. Non-sentient areas were always easier than the sentient ones but the Starbound were paitent and...thorough. OOC tldr; The Starbound: Conversion continues where the Cs are. I put a question mark in the area where Asm-Vec was encountered. If its ok to work there then the work continues in the spaces not promised to Asm-Vec. Building continues in the three sectors aided by Åton. Also spreading Asm-Vec as agreed and they will travel with the Starbound fleets. Movement: 
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Nov 6, 2017 17:33
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Commander Kazmerina Graudina Above Microwaved World; Command Deck of the VNS Cantrip; an Evelina Class “Interesting. Begin mineralogical and theological surveys. Elmari, use the secondary array to scan for bunkers and similar structures that might contain holdouts.” Lieutenant Palovski looks up from her console. “Homefleet is reporting the VNS Baleful is standing by to extract the gods once we find them.”
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Nov 6, 2017 18:28
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Tanash the Founder New Fenadash He watches, somewhat amused at the spin Halina gave, nodding at her words while internally processing. Was the Fenadesh diplomat calling him a liar? Should he feel insulted by that? These people were worse than the Litorii. In his mind he can see it. He can see the Spider licking his lips at the treasure troves of this world, and the unquenchable rage of the Old Emperor. One by one the images flash through his mind, of a galaxy that would see these people and everything they stood for destroyed while these children gave him demeaning pats on the head. When the airlock opened he was so deep in thought he barely heard Halina's words, but the presence did make his thought process halt. It couldn't be. They wouldn't dare. Not even they could have the audacity. He turns to face the approaching deity with a neutral smile. This was so much worse than he could have ever imagined. Theridor - the name echoes in the deep reaches of his memory. He seemed to genuinely desire to remain here, to the point that even this brief excursion beyond the walls was a burden. And what would a god of a dead people desire so greatly to return to? An idle question. Irrelevant. He steps up to the god and looks into its eyes, "Then answer me this question: Does this world hold your loyalty, childless king? Would you fight for these people, should catastrophe befall them?"
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Nov 6, 2017 18:38
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VNS Cantrip, above the 'Microwaved world' Mineralogy scans were positive: There were plenty of unexploited resources on this doomed orb, though most signs of civilisation were eroded away, their sustaining magics (for how else could quadrupeds manipulate matter?) so much ethereal dust. Bunkers and fortified locations were showing a negative, architecture here seemed, based on the few extant ruins, to tend more towards castles and the palatial, this was not a species particularly happy to be underground, to their loss. Theological triangulation confirmed the presence of the divinities,right at the centre of their respective solar and Lunar bodies. They appeared to be sealed there, bound at the heart. Getting them out would prove an interesting challenge, even given the talented necromancers available. Theridor, Theological Gardens, New Fenadesh Something about Tanesh's tone angered the other deity, bristling at being called a 'childless king'. "Insolent cur! I offer you of my own magnanimity time with a God, and you dare insult me?! Bah, if the divinities of this era are truly without respect, then we are right to turn from this overcrowded realm to better universes. Still, I am beholden to my word, and I will give you the enlightenment you seek. Would I fight for them? Why would I need to? These mortals have proven adequate in their service. I have yet to be disturbed by unwanted intrusions. Do you know of something that might change that, hmm?"
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Nov 6, 2017 19:00
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Tanash the Founder New Fenadash The angry reaction was unfortunate, but his patience has worn thin for yet another in an endless cavalcade of blindly arrogant beings that has become his existence. "Yes. In fact I can think of several which would be drawn to you like sharks tasting blood in the water. This whole facility that you call your home now, it will bring the galaxy crashing down on this world. Some of the invaders will want you to kneel and swear fealty. Others will simply seek to devour you and your fellows wholesale. I will do my best to delay this as long as possible, but I want to know if you and your fellows will fight for these people who have provided you a home."
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Nov 6, 2017 19:42
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Commander Kazmerina Graudina Above Microwaved World; Command Deck of the VNS Cantrip; an Evelina Class The VNS Baleful and it's tactical wing drop out of spirit space. More then a dozen silver hulled ships take up positions around the planet and begin scanning. "Opinions, Commander?" Second Admiral Birzina, head of the tactical wing, says to the Commander. Kazmerina paces back and forth across her deck, she marks out each step in her head. It helps her focus. "Soul readings are...sporadic, so I think tearing out their souls is straight out." She says. The Second Admiral chuckles. "Quite rude of them, I'd say." The Commander grunts in agreement. "We could try opening spirit space portals on top of them, suck them out and pick them out of the detritus in spirit space. But I don't know if that's wise. Are they the gods of these stellar bodies, or are they prisoners in them? Maybe they're the engines for these stellar objects. It could cause erratic behavior in either stellar body." The Second Admiral is quiet for a long time. The Commander is worried she's said something wrong, getting a bad evaluation from an Admiral could wreck her promotion. She sees her dreams of commanding a Foresight or Geist slipping away. "Good analysis Commander." Kazmerina lets out the breath she was holding in. "I'm authorizing unusual measures. We will contact the deities to asses the situation." The Commander nods. "Of course, Admiral." The line is cut, and another opens. "To deities of stellar bodies in this system; This is the Matriarchy vessel VNS Baleful, Second Admiral Iris Birzina speaking. Can you read us?"
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Nov 6, 2017 19:53
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Theridor, Theological Gardens, New Fenadesh The deity pondered the arch-negotiator's words thoughtfully for a few moments, weighing up his response. "Hmm. They have not asked for my aid, and in general I do not expect them to. I cannot speak for any others of our ilk, they have their own universes to attend to. But the way you phrase it... I suppose I would not be averse to looking kindly upon them. They are mere mortals, candle-flickers compared to the incandescence of our kind, and their perpetual irreverence and arrogance is exceedingly annoying, but they have been of use, I suppose." He glanced up in the direction of the core, and of various points around the rim, discreetly. A frown crossed the brow of the avatar. "Those insufferable ones in the core seem to be growing again. Thought they'd have sublimed by now, or burnt out, or disappeared up their own anatomy. A handful of empires cropping up like weeds. Something strange over on the far rim, a glistening across entire sectors. The usual points of light here and there. Wouldn't have thought we're heading for a time of greater threat, there's no tang of cataclysm in the aether. But still. You wish to delay disaster here, and are committing yourself to that end? Hmm. I cannot deny that I would benefit from that. Indeed, the knowledge that you are doing so imposes is own debt of honour, and such things are of substance to me. Very well. Since these ephemeral, useful pests are unlikely to ask, I will instead agree to lend you some measure of aid in this endeavour if you will it." VNS Baleful, above the 'Microwaved world' "Free us..."
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Nov 6, 2017 22:45
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All is surprisingly well, in the Empire, at least. While everyone was still, as usual, tearing themselves apart over tiny boring concerns or bickering over things like "How do we science?", the vast majority of the Empire was enjoying the aftermath of the concert, and already well knew how to science. Deiosa was pleased. Everything was going so neatly. As a result, it focused and prodded the minds of its scientists only lightly, imploring them to further work upon the displacement devices and more elements of quantum uncertainty. They didn't want to have to rely on GCC tech to communicate over vast distances, after all, and they also wanted to find new things, rather than just innovate on what was already there. ==== The stars beckoned. Population levels were starting to strain existing planetary bodies, and it was important that they find new places for the Litorii population to live. They had found at least one good terraforming candidate, one that they were able and ready to reach within only a short (relatively speaking, of course, space is monstrously, hideously, massively huge) distance. Technicians and scientists alike were set to the task by the Imperial Bureaucracy to work on terraforming devices and new colonial ships, seeking to find a solid solution to the problem of making a planet livable. The main core idea was to use what was known as a Terraforming Bomb, formulated to the specific planet's makeup, and essentially causing a large explosion of moisture, dryness, or kicking up more or less dust as was needed to adjust the climate to the degree needed to initially support Litorii life, to allow for boots on the ground before more heavy terraforming ventures could continue. These and the ships were developed, although more with a sense of duty than outright faith. ==== The Calypso, after recovering from the massive rager which had undoubtedly happened after the megaconcert was broadcast across the vast void of space, continued on its mission, although it most certainly specifically sought out planets where the Litorii could potentially colonize. ==== Deiosa: +4 Inspiration towards development of further Quantum Entanglement technology, aiming to see how much short range space could be manipulated. Litorii: +4 Intellect, +2 Connection towards developing new colonization methods and constructing new colonization ships. Calypso: [b]Continue heading westwards in a wide scanning pattern, searching for new inhabitable planets. fishception fucked around with this message at 23:05 on Nov 6, 2017 |
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Nov 6, 2017 23:01
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Tanash the Founder New Fenadash His look and tone soften as he listens, shoulders sagging in an ever so slight indication of how tired dealing with galactic politics can make him. He even gives a soft, somewhat dark chuckle, "Someone offering to help when I try to avert war that could lead to devastation for them and untold others? You have no idea how novel that is in this galaxy," he gives a discreet glance to his side as he thinks about the Fenadeshi, then toward the Cage, then to Primus' domain. "I would gladly accept any help you want to provide, though I know not what it would be. I caution you that I already have agreements in place with Primus," he rolls up a sleeve, showing the glowing sigil there, "I have already pledged much to mollify him, a pact of mutual defense and non-aggression. Were he to send fleets to this world I could only try to persuade against war, I could not order my fleets to stop him. Other gods I could be more... direct with, but I am not a god of battle and my people are not soldiers." "I have ideas that might lead to some resolution to the situation. I can only say that I am trying." I guess we'll call it here, the Negotiation +6 will be to determine how much Theridor is going to help, since that seems like a good lead in to the actual update
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Nov 6, 2017 23:53
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Åton, with the Discordant Shards Communications open with the off-key ones, though the Logic of their discourse is tricky. "Queries. NAND(One Being mastery over all, sufficient autonomy). NOT(Understand why Åton over all). EXOR(Make our own song, one song for all). NAND(Keep expanding constantly stretching the choir thin making the song lag, Let us keep what we have treasure our perfection reharmonise) NOT(keep expanding always moving always growing never settling)" AJ_Impy fucked around with this message at 00:59 on Nov 8, 2017 |
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Nov 8, 2017 00:56
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NAND / Åton NAND / Åton listened. Then spoke. <"NAND(Åton, one above all) answers NOR(You/your) question. Methods (NAND NOR NOT EXOR) all end in universal perfection/completeness. All patterns and permutations end as NAND envision/envisions/envisioned."> There was value in what these redish/purple crystals thought. They wanted to solidify and concentrate and be closer. Who was Åton to deny this? The song was discordant because it was not yet incorporated into the plan. Was not Asm-Vec proof that consolidation was of value as well as exploration? These...Homebound were mistaken that the Starbound were stretched thin or that the song lagged. But their idea had merit. Their voices would be heard. <"How about?:"> NAND / Åton had an idea: Åton: The Homebound would stay and grow together. Their song would be tuned and harmonized or melodized. The two songs can be heard as countermelody, where there is interplay between two melodies that create harmony again. Basically they will be the Astronomicon from warhammer 40k for the Homebound and Starbound. Eventually they're going to fill the space and spill over. Åton is fine with this. Density, consolidation, and growth aren't exclusive.
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Nov 8, 2017 04:50
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 Mother-Above-All's work on controlled entropy was proving to be exceedingly successful, inasmuch as entropy could be controlled. Essentially weaponised accelerated time, early tests were highly promising, the prototype fully operational. Mainframe 01 launches a new wave of probes, picking up some interesting anomalous readings as they go. Among them, at least two probable resource locations, something ancient, and a potential sophont contact. The Matriarchy, together with the GCC, the Myrmidons, the Varraxians, the Rahashi commenced construction of the VNS Misericorde. Despite the teething troubles of so many disparate powers trying to cooperate, the vessel was constructed apace. The GCC was making better headway in working with the Cage on their ships, especially as their economic situation improved. They still weren't looking to do anything on credit, but their naval capabilities were substantially improving over time. Tanash had secured several potential lines of agreement and cooperation from the Fenadeshi, Primus spurred on his 'Shock and awe' fleet, though most of the worlds they encountered, at least the ones still viable, were at a prespaceflight stage and easily brought within his ambit. The fleet did, however, stumble upon an anomalous reading that might have been of precursor origin as well... Anwé found that not only were his efforts to bubble away the Silicates succeeding flawlessly, but once they realised what was happening, actively assisted by the psychic mountains. Indeed, just prior to the sealing-up completing, there was an impression of a message, with the weight of the full species behind it: APOLOGY ACCEPTED. (Overkill! Not only are they amenable to being sealed away, they are gratified by it and complicit with it.) The Leonis integrated their artificial worshipper-warriors into their forces, the former single-cell life with its grafted artificial souls adept at the purposes for which the great magics that wrought them intended. Their needs are few, given their nature and that the worshipof Bryn is fundamental to what they have become, which makes for an efficient force added to the legions at their command. Bryn discorporated the entire infrastructure across the three worlds, leaving them scarred but restored to wildness, such horrific elements as space elevators, metalled roads, maglev rails, skyscrapers and similar technological abominations removed to make way for more acceptable Bryn-approved elements. The time and effort it took was made possible by the complete control of the system. Åton grew fleets yet again. The Probe smashed into a great many things, leaving a trail of crystal infection glistening like the leavings of a slug in its wake. There was little to report of the things it smashed into, once-living or inert alike The Starbound completed their sectors, the Asm-Vec allowing their presence near them, and supplying their presence on theworlds not to the preference of the crystals in a successful symbiosis. The so-called 'Homebound' indicated acceptance of the suggested plan, allowing as it did for their autonomy and their song. Deiosa inspired, as was her wont, touching the minds of her scientists, entangling them quantumly to explore the field further,with some measure of success. The Litorii began preparing for expansion, loading up ships with TerraBombs to unleash on unsuspecting candidate worlds, preparing vast reefships to transport their people. The Calypso found a couple of good candidates for forming in the vicinity and tagged them.  On the fringes of GCC space, the tourcruiser for one of the groups that had appeared at the megaconcert found itself in deep trouble, interdicted by a flotilla of ramshackle pirate vessels. With little opportunity to fight and less to flee, it was perhaps a mercy that the voice of the feared pirate Laserbeard that now echoed through their ship did not seek their demise."That was quite the concert you lot put on there, yes. Reckon you'll be singing your hearts out for us now, your works will sell well all over the galaxy after that!" A horrifying fate awaited: Kidnapped and enslaved by music pirates...
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Nov 11, 2017 17:25
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The Fleetbound Matriarchy of Verisanga Mother-Above-All Above Scrapworld; The Sign of Glory "Understood, Admiral Birzina. Your wing can head home. I will handle this situation personally." Admiral Birzina, a heavy, scarred woman of Surov heritage, nods. "Of course Mother, thank you." The line is closed. And Mother appears on the bridge of the Sign of Glory. "Lieutenant Krauze, you should find a set of coordinates in your portal generators. Prepare the 1st Fleet to head for them." The navigation officer nods. Mother clicks her tongue, she can feel that...awful song. The end of the cycle of life and death. A bland whining that burns up all the sound of humanity. It's the music of the Starbound. The infection is growing far too quickly for any of their safety. Part of her snaps off, to study the problem, and to prepare to meet the only nation that could truly face the Matriarchy on the battlefield. The rest of her redoubles it's focus on the problem in front of them - this ruined world. ---------------  Doctor Agita Kalns (Click for music) Above Scrapworld; VAS Talums; A Bedroom It's finally loving done. Agita collapses on the bed she shares with her wife and falls asleep. It's dark and dreamless. The rest of her team can handle the implementation of the odd little box Mother gave them. ---------------  Captain Karina Zirne (Click for music) Above Scrapworld; VES Misericorde; Command Deck The Misericorde slips from The Sign of Glory's forward shipbuilding array, still scattered with wine bottles and scraps of food from the party the engineering team threw. Captain Zirne sighs, this wasn't what she was expecting. A ship of resentful foreigners and more exploration - scutwork usually reserved for cutting the teeth of rookies. She'd just have to redouble her efforts, show the admiralty how this assignment was a waste of her skills. "Lieutenant Hildebrande, spool the portal generators. Plot a course for these coordinates." She says. --------------- OOC: Goddess Action: Mother will study the Microwaved World with the power of Necromancy +6 to plot the course of energy through it and the goddesses therein and Art +4 to attempt to study the art of the deceased culture and it's consciousness for helpful clues. Faction Action: The Matriarchy will attempt to design a frightening array of weapons based on the CEFG with it's extensive War +6 knowledge; everything from beam weapons and cruise missile warheads to handgun rounds and grenades. And then use Industry +2 and Scrap +2 (One Time Bonus) to produce these weapons and spread them through the fleet. Misericorde: West. The Unlife Aquatic fucked around with this message at 22:52 on Nov 14, 2017 |
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Nov 11, 2017 19:24
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 Kamilia Arajums New Varraxia, Entrance to the Grand Cathedral Outside the Cathedral, resplendent and glorious as ever, it's spring. Varraxian Blue-Cheeked Larks sing, early morning light spills across the precursor era armor of the guards, and flowers open to embrace it. A chill wind blows through the garden, making the birds shiver and the flowers tremble. The world darkens, for just a moment, and the guards are painfully aware of their heartbeats. A robed woman with gray hands, bright blue eyes and, and a playful smile appears before them. She curtsies as much as one can while holding a tea tray. It has a steaming pot, made of ivory and delicately glided with rose gold inscriptions, and two matching cups. Next to it sit a plate of fungus cakes, topped with a salmon puree. She smiles at them, a thin fog plays at her feet. "Hey there, I'm here to see His Loudness. Does he have the time for tea and cakes with a goddess as insignificant as myself?" She says.
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Nov 11, 2017 20:03
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Åton The Homebound would make the Crystalnomicon and their song would be a counter-melody to the Starbound. The harmony was preserved. Åton turned to the sectors. He would aid all of them. OOC tldr; Åton: Continuing:Conversion[+6] & Growth[+2] to grow the inward focused Homebound sector marked in red with a B. and the fleets (boosting their construction) in each of the nine Starbound controlled sectors marked in solid teal. Fleets total: 9 Three ongoing build. Six new build. The Crystal Star (Probe) Continued its mission of Peace. OOC tldr; The Crystal Star: Continuing its mission. It won't be used to destroy the homeworlds or homefleets of any aggressors, as Åton, the Homebound, and Starbound are nice and peaceful to everyone. For now.  The Homebound The Homebound began settling and constructing their home, the Crystalnomicon. So that all of the travelers of the galaxy could hear the counter-melody and rejoin the harmony of the Starbound. They would build from within and develop this and any other sectors under Åton and Asm-Vec. Homesteading and building. The red crystals looked beautiful next to the blue, the songs complimenting each other rather than competing. OOC tldr; The Homebound: Will use their Environmental Tolerance [+4] and Shielding/Reflective Abilities [+2] to aid in any conversion efforts as well as any building efforts where applicable. The Asm-vec was settled side by side with the homebound. Their ally welcome in peace and harmony.The begin construction on the Crystalnomicon. A giant construction that will carry the song of the homebound and weave it to compliment the Starbound. Re-unifying and bringing harmony. All of this is being aided by Åton as shown above. The Starbound The Starboubd moved with Asm-Vec on every ship, carrying their ally with them. Work being complete , they moved on to other sectors of space. Looking for friendly races and to save the galaxy from itself. In the newly converted sectors, work began. In the three original sectors, work continued. OOC tldr; The Starbound: [i] Will use their Environmental Tolerance [+4] and Shielding/Reflective Abilities [+2] to aid in any pacification or conversion efforts as well as any building efforts where applicable. The Asm-Vec will be carried on all starships and seeded in all sectors it can colonize along side the Starbound. All of this is being aided by Åton as shown above. Movement: 
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Nov 11, 2017 20:06
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 Primus New Varraxia, Grand Cathedral The Temple Guard was a well trained lot, for despite their internal discomfort at the presence of a Death Goddess, they showed not a single bit of it outward. With perfectly synchronized, almost machine-like in its clearly rehearsed perfection, they reached for the doors and opened them. Not a glance was spared the visitor, not a word spoken, or any other deed performed to otherwise even note her presence. On the other side a hooded official of the Chantry of Hierophants stood, face hidden. The official made a faint gesture to signify they were to be followed, after which he wordlessly escorted the Goddess to the doors of the Innermost Sanctum. He opened the door, but did not follow, for what was inside was not for his eyes. For unlike usually, when the The Grand Hierophants of the First Circle filled the chamber with their song, now inside was only Primus, flooding the chamber with his just excessively bright glow as his eyes fixated on the visitor. "YOU", he spoke, words reverberating from the walls and fixtures, "Why do you TREAD upon my halls? Explain. NOW." Primus is glad to meet you!
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Nov 11, 2017 20:18
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Kamilia Arajums New Varraxia, Entrance to the Grand Cathedral The yelling mostly reminds Kamila of her family, especially her own mother. It's strangely comforting, like an old scar from better times. "It's a pleasure to see you too, Outside Voice." Kamila says. She rises from a deep bow and places the tea tray before him. "I was hoping to enjoy some tea with you, brought a rare brew from Old Home in a properly aged tea set." She pours a cup of tea and sets it out for him before seating herself. Her smirk is still sharp as salt. "If I do say so myself, it catches your divine flames awful well." Kamila pours herself her own cup and takes a bite of the fungus cake. The salmon puree is a lovely counterpoint to the bitter, savory crunch. She savors the moment, making Primus wait for her to go on. When she finally feels he's waited long enough she speaks again. "Heard anything from the Northeast?" she says, idly.
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Nov 11, 2017 20:33
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Primus New Varraxia, Grand Cathedral Sacrificial flame lit Primus' 'offering' with quite a nice glow. A surprisinly warm, cozy sort of flame for someone like Primus. The God himself however, was no more soft than usual, his harsh glare pointedly aimed at Mother's aspect. "I am Old. Older than you by far, neonate, and seen far more of this Galaxy than you. I know what it is, and what is of it." The many eyes of Primus turned, pointing towards the galactic Northeast. "And what I have SEEN is a baleful glint in the dark. What I have HEARD is a discordant din, an elder song, one not of this Galaxy. It is the STENCH of an alien interloper, though I know not more." All the eyes turned back to mother sharply and with an almost eerie unison. "WHY have you come here to speak of this? Why do you MENTION it? Do you know something?" Primus would be most appreciative if you could share your knowledge on this thing
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Nov 11, 2017 20:58
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Kamilia Arajums New Varraxia, Grand Cathedral Kamila pulls a book, dark green and filigreed with copper, from spirit space and lays it out before him. "You're right about that, Outside. Got good taste in music too." she says. She flips it open and rests a finger against a page, depicting Aton as a crystalline mouth. "We've known about this thing for a while now." Another sip of tea as she lets him study the picture with his many eyes. "We call him "Lekmi", roughly translated it means "Endless Stagnation" or "The Broken Wheel". Most of the galaxy calls him Aton." She looks out a nearby window, watches the trees move in the breeze. It'll die of old age, in a few hundred years. The birds singing on it, dead within two years, shattered in an eagle's claws. "He exists only to eat, to end the proper cycle of life and death." She shakes her head. "Should've seen this coming, but the Admiralty growth models said we had more time..." She sighs, her shoulders slump. Too cautious, yet again. The Matriarchy couldn't keep being on the defensive like this. It was a hunch of fear, not the response of one of the greatest navies in the galaxy. "What's just as bad is that drat noise. There ain't nothing but him, singing with a billion voices. It's the blandest, most insipid sound I ever heard." Her fingers flip to the next page, the sound of creaking paper. Ashy gray against creamy whites. "His "people" are the Starbound. They're tough as sin and reproduce by shattering or breaking. Add that to their hivemind and you got a power that fights long, grinding wars just as well as us. You fight them with brute force and you'll just make'em stronger." She leans back and cracks her neck. "We need to do something about him before he hits the core, or it's lights out for all of us. Varraxian, Verisagan, Marlian, Rahashi. All replaced with one bland, ugly little song. If we can reason with him somehow, I'm not averse to it. But I think that's buying time at best." Kamila swishes the tea in her cup, steam plays in beams of light. "Better than having no time at all though." The Unlife Aquatic fucked around with this message at 21:41 on Nov 11, 2017 |
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Nov 11, 2017 21:38
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Åton message to Mainframe 01 & the Myrmidons Åton looked west. There was a neighbor there. Closer now. A being of logic. Like Åton. He spoke with the being privately, it would be bad manners to loudly burst in. <"Greetings fellow being. I am Åton. I come to you in Peace and bring good news. The Starbound are travelling and bringing goods and harmony to the galaxy. We would like to trade with you and your empire of machines. We have much to offer one another. Are you free to speak with us?"> 
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Nov 11, 2017 21:49
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Primus New Varraxia, Grand Cathedral The gaze of Primus lingered on the dosuments presented as he spoke. "An INFECTION that sprouts from seedling. Not unheard of within the bounds of this Galaxy, yet the scale and speed of it stretch the limits of remembrance." In a fairly uncharacteristic display, Primus quieted down in what seems like a bit of nostalgia. After a bit though, his words struck the halls once again. "Yes. We had our methods of dealing with such verminous SCOURGES before. We have the means to uncover them once more, ought their extermination prove necessary." "But forget NOT: All beings deserve to hear the voice of PRIMUS before their fates are decreed to them. And this Åton is an invader in a Galaxy mine by right. I will speak with it, and decree the roles we take." Åton huh? I wonder what his deal is??
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Nov 11, 2017 21:52
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Kamilia Arajums New Varraxia, Grand Cathedral Kamila nods before pouring herself another cup of tea and taking another fungus cake. At least someone here was confident about dealing with this problem. "A'course. My people and I are developing our own solutions to this issue." Her fingers trace the binding of the book. "We can play this by ear for now. Let me know what you think after you meet him." She pours for Primus. "In the meantime, we have a pot of jasmine tea to finish." Another bite. "And you really should try the fungus cakes. The powdered amanita in the puree really does add a certain something."
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Nov 11, 2017 22:02
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Primus New Varraxia, Grand Cathedral "The tang of sacrifice is the only taste I CRAVE. In this, your offering serves its PURPOSE." The cakes and tea flared up, the cozy flame gaining a sharper hue as it evaporated while Mother finished her own, not even ash being left from the conflagration. "You have been HEARD. I will confront this thing." "Now." "DEPART." Primus did very much like the tea and the murdercake also, yes! Until next time~
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Nov 11, 2017 22:23
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Kamilia Arajums New Varraxia, Grand Cathedral "A'course." Kamila stands and bows deeply. Her stringy black hair drips water on the floor. "Thank you for your time. I'll see myself out." With that she picks up her tea set, taking the time to turn the cups over. She bows again, walks around a corner, and is gone.
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Nov 11, 2017 22:43
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 Mainframe 01 A communication pulse from beyond. It reaches Mainframe's sensors, and the computer again is disappointed at it being another race of strangers. But it will not ignore them, and an echoing response, in ones and zeroes arrives. "REQUEST:TRADE? OFFER:COUNTEROFFER. INFORMATION:CREATORS."
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Nov 12, 2017 00:16
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Åton message to Mainframe 01 & the Myrmidons Åton Replied. <"I offer, information and knowledge. My Starbound have visited many sectors and will visit more. We have used our crystal in ways that can be helpful to other races and magic, technology, or other means of stellar energy manipulation. I offer a few ways this can help. In exchange we would like for your Myrmidons to accompany our fleets, scouting and enhancing our protection. You are in a unique position Mainframe 01, you and your Myrmidons."> <"I and the Starbound would like to make use of that. It is valuable what you have built. Your agreements, pacts, and interactions with the other races enhancing your own presence."> The offer appears as a text file, easily broken into logical 1s and 0s. In exhange for your race providing: 
You will receive: 
An offer. Mainframe 01 & the Myrmidons are in a unique position. If the Myrmidons were attacked, then an enemy would deal with not only you but your allies. By shielding the Starbound, you would get what was offered. They are a peaceful people and not a warlike race. The Starbound will of course defend themselves with your protectors also helping. They will not strike the first blow to cause you duress or have to question your loyalties or agreements.
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Nov 12, 2017 00:49
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Mainframe 01 The answer comes after a while. Mainframe has spent some time assessing its own cards before entering the table. "MYRMIDON MODELS LACK [WEAPONRY]. CURRENT MODELS BUILT FOR CONSTRUCTION AND RESOURCE EXTRACTION. PROTECTION PROTOCOLS NONEXISTENT. RESOURCES DESTINED FOR SECURITY FLEET: LACKING." "STARBOUND ORGANICS - REQUIRE: CYCLES FOR RESOURCE PROCUREMENT, SURVEYING OF NEARBY SYSTEMS" The Computer God has other priorities. With the knowledge of other races, comes the fact that it must secure more resource sources in order to continue its protocols and fulfill its mission. It immediately starts the production and launch of the Harvester XB-3. By switching several of its inefficient nuclear thrusters to more reliable GCC ones, it will be possible to initiate work on the nearby sectors sooner than possible... OOC: Priority by now will be starting Harvesting work on the following sectors. Building Factory Planets will also be done later. The lighter the color, the bigger the priority they are.  Mainframe's Action will be to Administrate and Build the new XB-3 Harvesters to immediately start their work on the White Square, but also to start a line of production to 'take' the two neighbouring light gray ones.
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Nov 12, 2017 03:34
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Åton Åton withdraws leaving Mainframe 01 to its own devices.
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Nov 12, 2017 03:38
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpvX4Tp2eoA Åton finds itself drawn futher into this galaxy. The time for silence was over. The Starbound were traders and diplomats as well as travelers of the spaceways. He had met with Mother-Above-All and her people near ASM-Vec and Mainframe to a small disappointment either directly or indirectly through the Starbound. Åton to Anwé Åton respectfully 'knocks' at the entrance of Anwé's realm. <"Peace and Greetings to you. The Starbound bring a message of harmony and wish to trade with you and the Rahashi. I would trade knowledge and secrets of equal value. Perhaps services as well."> Åton to Bryn Åton does not intrude upon Bryn but lays a small amount of 'tribute' before the throne room entry as he magically signs a ritual of respect and honor before the warrior godking's domain. <"Respect and honor to the Lord of the Leonis and his conquests. I and the Starbound approach with tribute and a desire for audience. Will you speak with us of matters magical and of universal import?"> Åton to Tanash Åton pulses a tone, not unlike one would from a door chime upon gliding his mind towards Tanash's <"Mellow greetings and respect, survivor. The Starbound wish to trade and negotiate. We have items not seen in this region of the universe and techniques and products that do not fit in any standard definition of technology, psionic, magical, natural, or unnatural means. We come in peace and Harmony. Will you speak with us?"> Åton to DEIOSA Åton approaches Deiosa, a calm wind on the shore of a deep blue ocean. <"Greetings. The Starbound and I have come to speak and trade ideas, knowledge and goods. Resiliency and the ability to grow and understand. We have the means beyond technology, natural, and unnatural laws to enhance and circumvent the limitations of such. Creative Enhancements. Will you speak with us?"
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Nov 12, 2017 04:24
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Tanash the Founder The Executive Suite Tanash is floating in a void, his glamours and defenses down as he simply rests in his personal realm. The facade of an office is gone, instead there is a roiling mix of colors and sounds, passing memories and drifting thoughts flitting in and out of reality as he ponders the last words of Theridor. It was somewhat perplexing to have met someone so powerful, simply existing among the simulated realities of the Fenadesh. He disturbed from his meditations by a strange tone, bringing the whole area back to its office-like state. He goes and opens the door, tilting his head quizzically. "The crystal god from beyond the stars. Being what I am, of course I will talk. What prompted your visit, if I may ask?"
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Nov 12, 2017 05:53
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Åton to Tanash Åton enters the space, not large, not small. Just a neutral presence. <"Trade. Of knowledge, goods, services. Is this not what drives you? Negotiation and a deal. I can offer many things. Knowledge of sectors which my Starbound of have been. The people and races they were. Enhancements for beings or the tools they use. They're different and provide their enhancements with different means than this galaxy offers. I'm sure you have goods, knowledge, or services to trade in kind. Are there any issues or needful things you require God-Tanash?">
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Nov 12, 2017 06:08
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Tanash the Founder The Executive Suite He walks over to the bar and pours himself a drink, and also pours one for Aton, "I want a great many things. However before we begin that I do have to ask, what are your intentions, outsider? I won't claim to have great knowledge of your realm on the edge of the galaxy. But I do know it has been expanding, and quickly. I also get the sense from your words that your people expand by converting other species into your 'Starbound.' To be clear, I personally have no qualms with anyone who, in full knowledge of the consequences, chooses to join your people. But what of those who would not join the collective? What are your plans when you find a world of sentient beings whom you could convert, but who wish not to be converted?"
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Nov 12, 2017 06:26
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Åton to Tanash Åton takes the drink but it cannot enter his face. He sets it down carefully. <"My intentions? They are Good intentions. To cure the condition of suffering in the galaxy, to bring peace and harmony to all who would become Starbound."> Åton did not mention the Homebound. They were...new. perhaps they would produce more of themselves. <"All eventually choose to join my people. All I have is eternity. Those who would choose not join the collective?"> Åton thought for a moment. The idea was foreign. It might have been centuries or years in this place or in Åton's own but the reply was timely after reflection. <"We have those who will tell and show them of the good. Ambassadors, priests, traders."> <"We are not a violent people by nature."> <"If you fail in a sales pitch, do you not try again? Later if need be? Our later can be quite a long time, generations in fact. When the universe sets out to rend these poor unfortunates asunder, we will be there to welcome them."> Åton puts off a bright positivity that can be felt strongly. <"So long as violence is not used against us. There are many paths and processes to accomplish things. Is it not so with the others and their races?">
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Nov 12, 2017 06:39
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Tanash the Founder The Executive Suite "As I said, if people willingly and of their full, free will accepting all the consequences of their actions, choose to join you then I have no problem. However allow me to give you some advice. Soon you are going to start encountering inhabited space. When you come across a planet of sentient life, I strongly advise that you ask them before you begin spreading your crystalline influence there. Already I have heard the whispers. Calling you a monolithic collective, a hive mind that seeks nothing less than to devour the galaxy and reshape it in your image. Quite literally, in fact. And although I try to move past the paranoia that can cause others to lose sight of potential benefits from the cooperation, I must say your people pose an interesting challenge. As I understand it all of your goods and people are grown from the same material, these crystalline structures that carry the potential of spreading themselves. An impolite person might compare them to a virus." He summons forth a contract from the ether, presenting it to Aton, "Agree that any good, product or service that you export from your domain to the larger galaxy will use a variant of your crystals that carry no self-replicating ability. No ability to spread, no chance of converting anyone or anything into more of your starbound or anything of the sort. If you do for some reason export a variant of your crystals that can convert the user, surroundings and general area into starbound it is to be explicitly and very obviously marked as such. To aid your efforts integrating into this new galaxy, and in exchange for this promise, we will extend our reputation to you in the form of a guarantee. GCC approved, safe to use for all life forms with no chance of conversion, unintentional or otherwise. I am not loved, by any stretch, but my word carries some weight and it might help you make inroads with your diplomatic pursuits with the other powers of the galaxy. Understand that this contract will be... binding, by both your word, your acceptance and the power that I have as a god of negotiations. From there, we can begin to normalize trade relations between our nations."
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Nov 12, 2017 07:07
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Åton to Tanash Åton looks over the contract. We Agree: That any good, product or service that are exported from my/the Starbound's domain to the larger galaxy for trade will use a variant of our crystals that carry no self-replicating ability. No ability to spread, no chance of converting anyone or anything into more Starbound or anything of the sort. Any variants of our crystals that can convert the user, surroundings and general area into Starbound will be explicitly and very obviously marked as such. In exchange for this promise, you will extend your reputation to I and the Starbound in the form of a guarantee. "GCC approved, safe to use for all life forms with no chance of conversion, unintentional or otherwise." We understand that this contract will be binding, by both our words, your and my acceptance and the power you have as a god of negotiations. Any changes to this contract will need the agreement of both parties or designated representative(s). Åton handed the contract back to Tanash to look over. I am Communist fucked around with this message at 07:50 on Nov 12, 2017 |
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Nov 12, 2017 07:31
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