CS was tidying up what damage he could in his vessel, the explosive trap going off near his blackbox had caused some shrapnel to impact the floor, he was filling in dents and breached interior plates with welding and makeshift fabrications, and now and cleaning up the floor with whatever he could into a small bucket. He wasn't too happy with this set back and to the harm that came to the vessel, and his hands were now tired of gripping the brush borrowed from the breakers yard, yet he felt satisfied that this was only a minor hurdle from what happened that day... Rescuing an IMG guild master from raiders was highly unexpected and being delayed a day or two from returning was a small price to pay... So he kept sweeping away around the cockpit, all in comfortable solitude with the Barrier-gates resonance and the harmonics of his own vessel.
While everything else had been looked at, he left one thing alone... That blackbox container, the flight recorder was missing and absent from its interface, while it was blatantly obvious the entire time since he came on that ship, he questioned who would go after something so specific, his rambling on the flight recorder were of no risk. What is there to see other than untrustworthy guidance data, and the total silence of anything externally to that flight suit and helmet of his? The blackbox he cared about was on 'him', buried deep under layers of nano-weave and flesh. But for now he had more local and immediate things to resolve before sitting himself back in this cockpit before questioning 'who steals a black box' and leaves every hide-away almost untouched?
CS disembarked the Valkyrie carrying a spare medical kit... Seeing the two breaker mechanics sitting at a table in the hanger yard, father and son with a steel dented mugs of coffee accompanying them, refusing to work with the presence of this flight suited devil at their workshop. He felt remorse, his actions earlier to reclaim his path home to Rheinland had overshadowed his recognition of their current pain. The father was shook with anger that this had happened, both hands on his knees as he watched CS approach. The son, was under a blanket and crossed his legs under the seat, he was stoic, but his mind was caught in the moment of the explosion. The father saw him approaching and straightened his back, while the son sat bandaged and dare not look in CS' direction.
"I'm sorry about your son getting injured... But it's the trap is there for a reason."
The father looked up with a confused but frowning scrunch on his forehead. "Why the hell should you care, not after what you did-" CS raised his hand and opened his palm, pausing the father who didn't seem to take the gesture in good faith, but was doing so to ensure that he wasn't going to threaten the father.
"Space is full of people worse than I, so we'll be done by this evening and then you won't have us willingly here again." CS took out a few bloodied pre-loaded credit cards from his combat webbing, placing it towards the son's side of the table. "I didn't come here intending to hurt your son, but you bought a ship involved in some... Horrible business. That should cover what they paid you... I hope." CS knew this was probably more than what those contractors paid him to scrap the vehicle, but he was hoping it would settle in the mind if the father as suitable recompense.
"I don't need a pay off." The father stood up, he was slightly taller than CS, the six-foot-so breaker with quite a intimidating presence to be blocking out the hanger lighting for even Barrier gates standards.
"Then what do you need? You're not getting my home, and your son is no longer in a circle of danger, you're back to your previous position apart from your son's injuries which he will be compensated for."
"You think you're funny?! My son-"
"Wouldn't have been hurt by my explosive if I didn't put it there, he also wouldn't have been hit by it if you didn't make a quick deal with those malicious contractors... But it would have happened to anyone not wearing my suit."
"So what?! You want us to act like cautious rats you fuckin' loony?!"
"I would avoid Rheinland military ships in the future, these carry a common curse you wouldn't believe..."
CS reached over to the table to place down the spare medkit, but was interrupted by the father swiping the medkit out of his hands and onto the floor. "Loony! You fuckin' loony!"
"Dad-!"
The son hushed under his blanket, he wouldn't intervene with his fathers work affairs, but glanced on as he knew that this was permanent closure.
He knew this was beyond gone now, a urge to fix this broken perception wasn't worth anymore time for everyone's comfort, he took one step back... "Okay, I'll-"
Before he could finish, CS was shoved in the shoulder and kicked lamely in the shin, the father had just had enough. CS knew that he could at least leave them what he brought and just move on. The father bitter with grief and rage hadn't noticed that CS had kept his visor on the son the entire time, and the young mechanic had kept looking away until his father had lashed, he didn't stand up, but CS had nodded to the cards at him, enough of a signal that the son had swiped the credit cards, slipping them into the padding of his bandaged arm.
CS backed off quickly hands raised and went back to his ship, this to him felt like a bridge burnt but at least he didn't leave them... He wondered if it was enough, But the message of trying to compensate for what he damaged unwillingly was at least attempted.
As went back to his ship, stood by the doorway and began to close all the service compartments he had open. He engaged the fuel lines, secured all lockers and finally shut the black box flight recorders security panel and took a seat into the cockpit compartment to finish off with... He took out a tube of emergency ration paste, wiping off some dust on the label and reminding what he brought himself blindly from his box of assorted food pastes... Chocolate mousse, reinforced nutritional supplement, a 300ml foil tube of thick manufactured richness, 5000 calories and an expiry date of 850 A.S. 'Not all bad...' He thought to himself, the best of the assorted tubes.
He unscrewed the cap off the tube, it's screw top made clear to thread into the port on his helmet, meanwhile his other hand took a cable from the seat and plugged it into the rear of his helmet.
He sat back, all he wanted to do was help those IMG guild masters... But now having to endure an awkward wine & dine trip to barrier gate with the guild master, and having another civilian caught up accidentally in his recognized paranoia. He needed a break... Maybe he should listen to what Doctor Hope, Doctor Holliday, Revenant, Thysania, Psyche have been trying to drill into his mind the entire time. To sit down and care for himself... Maybe a quiet place, a place of healing, talk, and peace. Difficulty to support the free Platform whilst defending as its caught between the 'War of the Heavens', and his goal of ensuring humanity was free in the stars beyond the grip of oppressive elites.
An underlying sense of settling this would bring further clarity to the "celestial tesseract" in his dreams... A navigable tesseract that intersects with our own fabric of reality, to imagine such a construct with any sense of sub-conscious familiarity... It scared him. How could he within his life of caution, scared of seeing hands grasping the machine of titans, with confidence to slip between the strings that kept humanity under the limitations of light. His goal was to see jump-space for what it really is, to learn to fly with it and share that with others, rather than the abrasiveness of Ageira whom write-off systems with their butcherous exploitation and control. But this would have to be delayed, the unfortunate circumstances was that while the Valkyrie was repaired, a compromised ship would need to be re-serviced and components rotated to ensure security. Other options were now required...
But there was also a need to where to find where that black box has gone. Of all the items to be stolen, it was a bunch of encrypted flight data... Mostly junk to keep people interested in a false trail. But the idea of someone stealing that flight recorder and re-setting the traps? CS knew a few operatives that may of gone to the same 'safe-guard' classes back then, and the expectation of his ship being seized by agents was slim, but never zero. But now they have his attention... CS suspected it was a lure, he could track it, but it would also mean that he'd lit up the trail behind them. A slim window to close the gap once that happened. Knowing the ship, and in what condition he saw it in from the outside.... It had to stop somewhere close.
I sit here with my eyes shut as if I was in consecrated archives, the lines of ancient ink still draw themselves in my mind. You could stare at them for hours, but they'd only try to explain themselves to you once you sleep. I had scriptures obtained from an excavation on Pygar during the Zoner expansion there, what some would call 'old paper', I call the trials of Void runners... there's a past of frustration, aspiration, failure and success. Some people leap at the first thing they find that brings them power, but to take take your time and mark the branches you took to someone else's...? This is why we archive any potential possibilities... Ageira, EFL, Kishiro... They all have their ways and they keep them locked behind doors in fear of losing their thrones from eachother. I want to see that concept obliterated, everyone has their right to the stars.
So is it here, maybe to speak my mind on this... Am I alone? No idea, but maybe speaking this out loud in a small corridor within this habitable labyrinth makes me resolute with my fears. Maybe the advantage here is that I can speak without judgement, or it's because I can't hear you. Yes the... Inane operative likes to talk to invisible specters in the dark room with him, pretending they're listening compassionately. They say the worst thing for any agent is the true feeling of being alone. it's silent, it creeps into your heart and strangles you with a familiarity telling you 'it is safe for everyone else'... Little personal matters that weigh heavily to me, but into my minds eye I can not agree that these are in comparison to what I see elsewhere. I fear being called 'paranoid of myself', the man who did nothing, doing as much as I can at the expense of my health on terms fabricated by the agency. At that point the only option is to confide in someone else... But to whom while in my field?
Maybe what I 'want' is worth deteriorating myself over, this vision of flying closer with the Void and for it to be shared with all. A way that doesn't torture the Void, one no longer beholden to the power of a corporation or state, borders be damned In Humanities future of free movement. But to achieve that would be beyond my time, better to sow that seed of thought deeply now for it to later blossom under the starlight of those enriched to propel further...
But I'm stuck between these wars of light dark, these things of politics come and go with our underground movement, there's lots of people who need help but I've been delaying some thing for a good amount of time. A more personal matter had come about as my Valkyrie has recently had its flight crew order stolen... No matter, It's encrypted. And encrypted with my inane ramblings and quiet moments of ship maintenance between flying. I could activate a tracker, finally awake the homing device using a low-wave frequency key. Or I could ignore it and push on with my own needs, but I have the urge to try and get it back... It's still an uncomfortable thought, but I can't trust that I wasn't within the 'pilot seat' the entire time with a resurgence of my inner conflicts thanks to the Vagrants.
I only seem to work on a scale of madness I've seen In Thuringia, it's served me well in the combat fields, but I should remember that there's a madness that is so simple or aimless that it seems unreal to me but completely regular within the another life... Am I just dragging out my own simple feelings and trying to justify their actions in some way? They stole my ship for money, it is as simple as that. But the inconvenience it's cause me, it's highly aggravating. Is this how one has to process themselves after a long day...? So many questions...
I want to thank you for your time... Talking to thin air has it's benefits, maybe I can sit down and envision this with someone else in my life. But now I have a flight recorder to retrieve and a chat with a certain battle cruiser commander apparently... Yes..? Oh look here...
His helmet illuminator from the side of his helmet flickered on, displaying what digital interface that helmet came with behind the visor.
Yes, every second this is layered above what I see... Annoying? Not really, my natural eyes are long gone so it doesn't bother me... So if I enable that isotope tracker, it's almost as if it was background radiation, usually mapped to ensure it doesn't auto trigger from anything else during its travels... If I'm in close proximity or near any Bundschuh station... It should appear...
A few elements on the screen start to run their processes, obviously sensitive information was hidden during that time, but still showing where it may be located is visible.
So I sh- eh?
Berlin was showing on the monitor, at least tallied down to a presence within the system. But the speed of finding it was faster that he would have expected considering how long he's let it linger for.
I suppose it saves me going too far to find it but... Its an uncomfortable trip in a cargo container and at least a week of sleeping on the Ring in secret. The question is which party on that mega-structure has it if its not with the agency. Obviously the agency would be the worst case scenario... A lot of tiptoe-ing. Not my favorite, but most of them are half-arsed contractors, they don't usually mess about with confident sociopaths walking around agency property... Handlers are going to be an issue.
How do I know? Game of shadows, you live long enough within the war-zones of Thuringia, this becomes the norm... Will I be back? I don't know, you haven't halted me yet so I might come around and say hello during my travels.
Quarantine protocols, I would never recover in the eyes of those that see what we must do to fully complete a ' check', usually there would be five of us... Most detainees wouldn't survive the paranoia if they show any aggression, but against anything possible when you're in this militia of the willing... Order agents know the quarantine process as 'bag and tag', their tolerance for burnt operatives consists of just shooting without checking first.
After years of enduring quarantine checks as both assessor and the assessed, I've only now had a personal conversation during one, and learned that Melusine may very well be on her last thread before the Order decides she's an operational risk.
After what I've heard of the 34th and 341st, it's a promise that this sort of attention usually branches out and can pull a soul into two different directions... Even if one half doesn't realize how the other is being coerced. I've spent enough time quietly understanding typical reactions of these 'institutions'. The Ka'hara are predictable supremacists without compromise whose assets are pawns and no more, the Vagrants are opportunists of far away worlds where we linger enough out of their eyes, the Wilde of the Suhl... A new breed of viciousness, but the end goal will be scorched stars.
But... Entity... Harbinger? Entity has been an interloper in my history for several years, even if it wasn't indirectly, I still can feel its mark of torment left by those who delved too deep into where they were going as paths crossed. How can one predict a demon so timeless? A giant so unphased by even its own kind, it doesn't take your soul like any other, sightings more common brings devastation in tow. Somehow they manage to make repeated nudges implanted into the actions of others, yet each execution lacks any regular symptoms of possession... Anything you do, anything around you, could be one of their dominoes that could cascade invisibly across the Sirius.
How does it keep its secrets? Not just from us, even from its own kind... They have an ability any ghost would be jealous of. It is already hard enough to detect thralls and Nomad activity, intelligence gathering has never sent me to so many places across the stars to come back with little to answer for. I fear... I fear them enough to caution my step while trying to curb their irrational destruction, but I know twisted within is a plan shrouded in pure enigma, conducted inside every action and manipulation... Entity has had the advantage of embodying entropy for now. Maybe some more open intelligence on this individual would be wise, along with any other extra-stellar activity that might be a risk, I will consult with the consecrated archives if we can distribute our records in truth... Cautiously.
There's a constant feeling of betrayal with it, I feel it lingering on our displaced Melusine, but now it's as bright as ever with her. This light is foreshadowing dread to illuminate yourself under... Illuminate... Most of us have been torches wielded in its hands, the caves of Sprague for me, the rampant search for 'home' for a our Artificial friend, the organ of the meritocracy matriarch, our emboldened Bogatyr narrowly missed her soul being stolen by the temptations of the Sour Chorus...
I pray the Void will provide her the signs needed to survive and adapt, I will not consider her a write-off as quickly as her compatriots... But I will show no mercy once all doubt of her falling under such a terrible fate ceases.
[SYSTEM || SYSTEM LOCATION : ERROR || RISK : ERROR]
[25.01.2026 13:50:58] (=)"C:S": Doesn't sound stable, the paths a close to intersecting.
[25.01.2026 13:52:55] (=)"C:S": Hm-
[25.01.2026 13:54:00] (=)"C:S": Mel-- Damn this star-sparkled nebula... I can't see a thing.
[25.01.2026 13:54:00] Melusine.: Greetings, Civil Servant.
[25.01.2026 13:54:51] (=)"C:S": Wh--
[25.01.2026 13:55:13] Melusine.: Radars should be able to show the way now...
[25.01.2026 13:55:14] (=)"C:S": Melusine, what the hell are you doing here alone?
[25.01.2026 13:55:26] (=)"C:S": By the-
[25.01.2026 13:56:00] Melusine.: ..Void? If to risk it, then without dragging someone down with me. [25.01.2026 13:56:32] Entity: ***(curiosity) Another traveller. A familair -mind-.
[25.01.2026 13:57:03] (=)"C:S": /Entity.../ And you think coming here alone with this malicious sprite causing havoc around these worlds is sensible?
[25.01.2026 13:58:26] Melusine.: It wasn't accompanying me, if that's what you mean. You know how this one always watching, so... I got my proof of that.
[25.01.2026 13:59:04] (=)"C:S": [He peers close to the outside of his cockpit at her Bastet, switching between scanners and her ship.] keeping an eye on-
[25.01.2026 13:59:27] (=)"C:S": Trouble like this is a lot, and the last thing I need you becoming a quarantine risk.
[25.01.2026 14:14:23] (=)"C:S": Mel, you shouldn't be here alone, regardless if you're a seasoned operative or not.
[25.01.2026 14:15:42] Melusine.: I know. But being a seasoned operative, as you put it, also makes me.. Quite thoughtful about making someone take the risks
[25.01.2026 14:15:44] Melusine.: with me.
[25.01.2026 14:16:33] (=)"C:S": ... I appreciate your concern for you lives, but its exactly what I am here for, its my service and sentence.
[25.01.2026 14:17:08] (=)"C:S": If I have to keep an eye on the Order that they're not putting our political resistance at risk while this-
[25.01.2026 14:17:23] (=)"C:S": Stellar disaster unfolds before our very eyes.
[25.01.2026 14:18:27] Melusine.: I don't know about the Order in general, but putting you all at risk is the last thing I want to do.
[25.01.2026 14:18:48] (=)"C:S": ... Why are you here?
[25.01.2026 14:18:56] (=)"C:S": I get you don't want me here to put you at risk but-
[25.01.2026 14:19:06] (=)"C:S": /Why/ are you here?
[25.01.2026 14:19:25] Melusine.: Hm. So to think, looks like it's settled then. Neither you and me are alone here, aren't we?
[25.01.2026 14:19:41] Melusine.: Information. Or curiosity, if you'd like to put it that way.
[25.01.2026 14:20:12] (=)"C:S": Never have been for the last 30 years as a species, and for myself directly... just over 10 or so years?
[25.01.2026 14:20:47] (=)"C:S": But that still doesn't answer the information you tried to gather from this... Crippled 'timekeeper'.
[25.01.2026 14:21:24] Melusine.: Timekeeper?
[25.01.2026 14:22:03] (=)"C:S": Another unidentified engine that warps the fabric of space and time.
[25.01.2026 14:23:09] (=)"C:S": Like the one within the center of earhart... Its more than just something for humanity to salvage and prod at.
[25.01.2026 14:24:07] (=)"C:S": You being here, and that malicious sprite being involved, doesn't spell things too well for me or you.
[25.01.2026 14:24:40] (=)"C:S": So Entity, Earhart, trouble that goes hand in hand. Of all the Order protocols for coming here, you decided to come /alone/?
[25.01.2026 14:25:08] (=)"C:S": It hurts being on the other end of the "Quarantine" stick, but we both know why this is important.
[25.01.2026 14:25:59] Melusine.: ..Yes, we are. So it's either one or many contigencies at a time. You know that as well.
[25.01.2026 14:27:02] Melusine.: What's not less interesting, why are you here alone.
[25.01.2026 14:27:17] (=)"C:S": Contingencies of what?! You slumbering back as a 'stolen soul' to cause havoc at the bidding of the Sour Chorus.
[25.01.2026 14:28:03] (=)"C:S": Because I've already taken an oath to kill myself if I can no longer fufill my service to the Bundschuh... And it seems a few-
[25.01.2026 14:28:09] (=)"C:S": Still not dare enter Earhart.
[25.01.2026 14:28:55] (=)"C:S": I get whsipers of patrols heading into the rift but--
[25.01.2026 14:29:01] Melusine.: Do you really think I won't do the same?
[25.01.2026 14:29:54] (=)"C:S": I think you will do the same. But after whats happened to the 34th...?
[25.01.2026 14:30:13] (=)"C:S": You don't think my head is keeping up with current events, you're... You're...
[25.01.2026 14:30:25] (=)"C:S": You're potentially burnt.
[25.01.2026 14:30:46] Melusine.: ..What happened is more than you've been told. Or ratheour, assumed.
[25.01.2026 14:31:50] (=)"C:S": Before you divulge that to me, is it wise to this conversation on here, I only came to check in--
[25.01.2026 14:32:12] (=)"C:S": On what ship departure went into Earhart alone.
[25.01.2026 14:33:22] Melusine.: ..Then perhaps a different place to hold that conversation is to be found.
[25.01.2026 14:33:35] (=)"C:S": Did you have anything else you needed here?
[25.01.2026 14:34:05] Melusine.: I would ratheour not leave you with assumptions..
[25.01.2026 14:34:11] Melusine.: Yes, I suppose so.
[25.01.2026 14:34:19] (=)"C:S": Then give me two moments.
[25.01.2026 14:35:31] (=)"C:S": [He crosses his hands over eachother with fingers out, thumbs interlocking and giving the symbol of wings over his heart.]
[25.01.2026 14:36:38] (=)"C:S": /From stars to dust, the fire of the soul to the heat of solar winds. Please may you grant us passage through time and space-/
[25.01.2026 14:36:50] Melusine.: [She glances at a vidcom, squinting her eyes to see through the interference.]
[25.01.2026 14:37:31] (=)"C:S": /with the will and strength as ourselves. Provide us with the lessons and signs to persist as you guide us deeper into/
[25.01.2026 14:38:12] Death: Chuckskull was put out of action by a hostile vessel.
[25.01.2026 14:38:18] (=)"C:S": /The way of the Void./ [He lowers his head.] /And may we all prosper, as humanity, not in vanity./
[25.01.2026 14:38:55] (=)"C:S": /We will serve. Our Void, in happiness and in fury./
[25.01.2026 14:40:04] Melusine.: [Glancing back at the structure, she slowly nods her head.]
[25.01.2026 14:40:12] (=)"C:S": [He 'kisses' a pendant he was wearing, it looked like a computer chip and a pair of dogtags.]
[25.01.2026 14:40:47] (=)"C:S": I've given my peace and hopes.
[25.01.2026 14:41:02] (=)"C:S": Let us wish that she is willing to fulfill it.
[25.01.2026 14:42:14] (=)"C:S": Baffin or Tohoku...?
[25.01.2026 14:42:24] (=)"C:S": One puts us in agency space, another is with--
[25.01.2026 14:42:37] (=)"C:S": Well, nice folk of the TAZ community.
[25.01.2026 14:42:46] Melusine.: ..Sorry if I was rude out there.
[25.01.2026 14:43:00] (=)"C:S": No its good, just... Its a place that has me on edge.
[25.01.2026 14:43:23] Melusine.: That makes two of us, then.
[25.01.2026 14:43:49] (=)"C:S": Its not healthy, as i've been told, but nothing seems more important.
[25.01.2026 14:44:35] Melusine.: Baffin or Tohoku... Your pick, really. Baffin sounds nice, but it would make you to do the check-up by yourself.
[25.01.2026 14:45:08] (=)"C:S": You're unfortunately not the first person I've had to fail quarantine.
[25.01.2026 14:45:38] (=)"C:S": This way.
[25.01.2026 14:47:35] Melusine.: A curious place to stop by, I'd say.
[25.01.2026 14:47:53] (=)"C:S": I like it... Its quiet, last time I worked here fixing these up for the Zoners, not a single ship came by.
[25.01.2026 14:48:09] (=)"C:S": Me and a bunch of Scrubbies.
[25.01.2026 14:49:12] (=)"C:S": But right now, its not 'Me and the scrubbies' its You and I, I need to really start know on--
[25.01.2026 14:49:40] (=)"C:S": /Why?/ Why earhart, jericho, every place with extra-stellar activity.
[25.01.2026 14:50:12] (=)"C:S": Be it with listed individuals. I know the whole... Order... Thing, but its the type of missions you're involved in.
[25.01.2026 14:50:24] (=)"C:S": So why earhart this time around... Especially alone?
[25.01.2026 14:51:04] Melusine.: I could've said that you meet me in such places far more often than in ones that are more pleasant. But jokes aside >
[25.01.2026 14:52:20] Melusine.: That's no more than curiosity. Raising up a mission on sating a weak theory is, and you know that, isn't effective.
[25.01.2026 14:53:30] (=)"C:S": And curiosity seems to be running rampant everywhere, people digging in without the thought of long term consequence.
[25.01.2026 14:53:48] (=)"C:S": /I should just kiss sleep goodbye and live my life on stimulants at this point./
[25.01.2026 14:54:24] (=)"C:S": I have... A front, a very particular front that I manage as per my sentence with the Bundschuh and Platform.
[25.01.2026 14:54:41] (=)"C:S": Long story short, I think that front is spreading, and we usually try out best to keep quiet but--
[25.01.2026 14:54:55] Melusine.: ..But?
[25.01.2026 14:55:05] (=)"C:S": I've got people telling me to shut up about it, but then I have others saying we need to release this information.
[25.01.2026 14:55:48] (=)"C:S": You're potentially 'burnt' is what I can say. That type of 'attention' i've been trailing has caught up to you.
[25.01.2026 14:56:23] Melusine.: Burnt, hm? Burnt as in?
[25.01.2026 14:56:50] (=)"C:S": /If/ you are involved in Entity, opponent to them or not, you are now on a high-risk list. Association may be fatal.
[25.01.2026 14:59:14] Melusine.: ..I imagine the list is quite vast. I can assure you, if I was to associate with it as something else than rival, I would be
[25.01.2026 14:59:24] Melusine.: dead by now, from my own hands.
[25.01.2026 14:59:57] (=)"C:S": ... Its actually not a Vast list. But every name is quite /critical/.
[25.01.2026 15:00:10] (=)"C:S": Lets put it this way, I can't go off and not inform DM intelligence of what I saw today.
[25.01.2026 15:01:17] Melusine.: As I would submit willingly to be checked. I have nothing to hide.
[25.01.2026 15:02:19] (=)"C:S": [He exhales.] So you submit to a full quarantine check, I am obligated to inform you that it is invasive testing.
[25.01.2026 15:02:45] Melusine.: I know the drill.
[25.01.2026 15:03:52] (=)"C:S": Do you...? [He gets up from his cockpit seat.] The Order hasn't done frontline operations in Thuringia since the civil war.
[25.01.2026 15:04:06] (=)"C:S": We've had to... Adapt, over these 30 years. Hard lessons, mostly in blood and souls.
[25.01.2026 15:04:18] Melusine.: With what happened to 34th, it's enough frequent to start getting used..
[25.01.2026 15:04:19] Melusine.: Oh.
[25.01.2026 15:04:47] Melusine.: So not so usual one, is it?
[25.01.2026 15:05:18] (=)"C:S": [As he comes back, hes carrying a large duffle bag... And his usual rifle is adorned with an array of odd attachments.] No.
[25.01.2026 15:06:22] (=)"C:S": This one was made when handling aggressive suspects out in the field, but, thats just dependant on compliance at the time.
[25.01.2026 15:06:48] (=)"C:S": We've thankfully taken new steps to make things a little more comfortable... But it doesn't eliminate /why/ it was made.
[25.01.2026 15:07:06] (=)"C:S": Oh and.... /Your ship?/
[25.01.2026 15:07:21] Melusine.: [She raises her brow.] You.. Won't have a problem with me, Civil Servant.
[25.01.2026 15:07:47] (=)"C:S": I /hope/ not.
[25.01.2026 15:08:33] (=)"C:S": [He begins to shut down his ships systems and prepares for an EVA route.] You ready for a visitor?
[25.01.2026 15:09:26] Melusine.: Yes, give me a moment. Entrance through cargohold would do?
[25.01.2026 15:11:07] (=)"C:S": [He unseals his own cargo hold, CS came floating out of his ship, rifle in one hand, bag in the other, thrusters on his suit-
[25.01.2026 15:11:38] (=)"C:S": -moving him towards the Bastet.] Cargo holds good, keep it open, and you keep yourself away from it.
[25.01.2026 15:12:25] (=)"C:S": [CS soon landed on the wing, his boots locking down with a metallic thunk.] I need to you remained unarmed when I'm there-
[25.01.2026 15:12:54] (=)"C:S": And make sure you keep down on your knees and interlock your fingers...
[25.01.2026 15:13:15] Melusine.: [She drops down the shields, then opens the cargohold. Entrance to the cockpit remains locked down due to decompression]
[25.01.2026 15:13:18] Melusine.: Naturally...
[25.01.2026 15:13:40] (=)"C:S": Flags change, some things still stay the same... But maybe I dream of a day where I'm not needed for this.
[25.01.2026 15:14:16] (=)"C:S": [As he floats in atop from the cargo-doors, he takes a moment to scan the room with his rifle, a lack of life signs...
[25.01.2026 15:14:39] (=)"C:S": But his mind knew that digital screens couldn't help a compromised mind. He kept listening for whispers where he could.]
[25.01.2026 15:16:00] (=)"C:S": Sealing the cargo bay now. I'll open the cockpit door, stay... Still... Please...
[25.01.2026 15:16:02] Melusine.: [Cargo hold appeared and was as quiet as the space around them. Nothing more, than essential fuel and food supplies.]
[25.01.2026 15:16:34] Melusine.: You will find me right behind the door. As was demanded.
[25.01.2026 15:17:26] (=)"C:S": [As the cockpit door opens, CS wasn't stood there, he was infact still floating and peering down from the top of the bulkhead-
[25.01.2026 15:19:04] (=)"C:S": Rifle aimed at her, a pulsating purple light enveloping her.] Huh... Doing pretty well-- Nice to meet you in person too.
[25.01.2026 15:19:16] Melusine.: [The agent was on her knees, fingers interlocked behind her head. Without an extra move, she glanced into the opened doorway.]
[25.01.2026 15:20:07] Melusine.: That.. Is a curious way to meet in person, isn't it? We'll have something to remember and maybe laugh about.
[25.01.2026 15:21:06] (=)"C:S": Best not, I have enough judgement on my own stations. [He floats down to come closer to Melusine, circling around until-
[25.01.2026 15:21:27] Melusine.: [She was unarmed, in fact - her pistol was on the control panel, unloaded.
[25.01.2026 15:21:59] (=)"C:S": He was stood behind her finally.] The downside is you don't have a diagnostic port on your... Body.
[25.01.2026 15:22:43] (=)"C:S": [Single handedly takes out a device from the bag... Its has 'eight legs' and an understide that looks like its full of bare-
[25.01.2026 15:23:28] (=)"C:S": metal contacts. Looking like this device articulates around something.] So this is the only alternative I have, we used it to-
[25.01.2026 15:23:40] (=)"C:S": Test non-cooporatives through their combat space suits.
[25.01.2026 15:25:18] Melusine.: I can't imagine it being in any way pleasant. So.. Let's not linger, oui?
[25.01.2026 15:25:49] (=)"C:S": [He shugged, he's never really delt with someone calm in this regard... Let alone without a shower of gunfire around him.]
[25.01.2026 15:26:12] (=)"C:S": Alight-- So here we- [Suddenly the eight legs clasped around the back of Melusines neck.]
[25.01.2026 15:26:34] (=)"C:S": [Two legs around the top of her head, four around the side of her head and neck, and two down the length of her spine.]
[25.01.2026 15:27:07] Melusine.: [She looks at CS, frowning on what's to come. She wasn't happy about the nature of this test.. The contact made her gasp and
[25.01.2026 15:27:42] Melusine.: close her eyes, with her teeth almost audibly grinding on each other. Yet she remains quiet.]
[25.01.2026 15:27:55] (=)"C:S": [It locked tight, but not too tight it strangled someone.] You may feel a bit of a squeeze... and a small tingle.
[25.01.2026 15:28:15] (=)"C:S": [He extends a cable from the back of his helmet, unwinding it and plugging it into the device.]
[25.01.2026 15:28:25] (=)"C:S": Two minutes, I'm scanning for forgien bodies...
[25.01.2026 15:28:33] (=)"C:S": Hmm...
[25.01.2026 15:29:28] (=)"C:S": /Thats fine there.../ You know... All these tests... /Thats also okay./
[25.01.2026 15:29:53] (=)"C:S": And yet we still can't identify a thrall until they're about to pull a trigger... Figuratively speaking.
[25.01.2026 15:30:49] Melusine.: Sadly. Imagine.. Imagine how much trouble that would save us.
[25.01.2026 15:31:13] (=)"C:S": ... Would it? even someone in my world I can't come up with a solution for it.
[25.01.2026 15:31:25] (=)"C:S": And let alone we'd be damaging the people around us... /Also fine./
[25.01.2026 15:31:49] (=)"C:S": I mean, its not fine... Uh... Hurting our communities for the sake of suspcisions.
[25.01.2026 15:31:55] (=)"C:S": Sorry just-- Work.
[25.01.2026 15:32:27] (=)"C:S": If I know the Sour Chorus, and If i think Entity is associating with them for their needs...
[25.01.2026 15:33:03] (=)"C:S": Then he'll use their tactics without remorse, Thralls... unfortunately, can play your game and help you get what you want.
[25.01.2026 15:33:27] (=)"C:S": And before you know it, the... 'prize' has been bagged, 3 members of your squad are dead, and you've been left out-
[25.01.2026 15:33:43] (=)"C:S": To hang as someone who is involved with the Nomads. You get the blame, they get the reward.
[25.01.2026 15:34:15] (=)"C:S": You want the good news or the bad news....?
[25.01.2026 15:34:28] Melusine.: You got both?
[25.01.2026 15:34:43] (=)"C:S": You're not compromised.
[25.01.2026 15:35:23] Melusine.: So that's good news, no?
[25.01.2026 15:35:31] (=)"C:S": But your adrenaline levels and mental mapping are showing developing signs of Psionic Scars.
[25.01.2026 15:36:31] (=)"C:S": You keep this job up, you'll never be able to leave your job...
[25.01.2026 15:36:34] Melusine.: ..That, hm.. I suppose can be related to a story with the 34th.
[25.01.2026 15:36:35] Death: Jokom was put out of action by a hostile vessel.
[25.01.2026 15:36:53] (=)"C:S": Well, i didn't think it was going to be that serious.
[25.01.2026 15:37:00] (=)"C:S": Really i was trying to build up to a joke.
[25.01.2026 15:37:02] (=)"C:S": ...
[25.01.2026 15:37:17] (=)"C:S": [He quickly takes off the device, still having it clamped to her neck.] Oo', sorry.
[25.01.2026 15:38:12] (=)"C:S": I could ask you this question and expect the most 'Order' answer in return... But what don't you like about entity?
[25.01.2026 15:39:36] Melusine.: [She stretched her neck left and right] I would make the answer a bit wider than usual "Aliens are a threat we can't let live".
[25.01.2026 15:39:58] (=)"C:S": Are you going to say that to every alien species we meet...?
[25.01.2026 15:40:30] Melusine.: This particular one..- Can I stand up now?
[25.01.2026 15:41:10] (=)"C:S": [He steps back, taking his finger off the trigger, but never letting his rifle go.] You may...
[25.01.2026 15:41:34] (=)"C:S": I feel like I owe you a few answers for that ordeal.
[25.01.2026 15:42:51] Melusine.: [She stands up, not even glancing at her own weapon. Leaning on her seat, she continues:] The only aliens I'm not ready to
[25.01.2026 15:43:12] Melusine.: look on this way are the AIs. And they are on a thin ice.
[25.01.2026 15:43:44] (=)"C:S": Are they? Why so...?
[25.01.2026 15:44:32] Melusine.: [The agent tilted her head, looking into CS' helmet.] I've heard enough of them being dangerous. And remember our last talk?
[25.01.2026 15:44:41] Melusine.: Exactly.
[25.01.2026 15:44:49] (=)"C:S": [He packs away the scanner, disconnecting it from his helmet and re-shouldering the duffle bag.] You hate them-
[25.01.2026 15:45:08] (=)"C:S": Because they're vulnerable to Entity, they're dangerous because the Core are genociding them for profit.
[25.01.2026 15:45:42] (=)"C:S": They're going to hate humanity and the Nomads because of the abuse they've taken from either of them.
[25.01.2026 15:46:31] (=)"C:S": Besdies, who are we to apply our standards of morality to a species we've never met... And to sentence them to subservince-
[25.01.2026 15:46:38] (=)"C:S": or death.
[25.01.2026 15:47:18] (=)"C:S": I kill nomads, because they're a calculated threat there and then, I kill them because there isn't anything that can sustain the-
[25.01.2026 15:47:22] (=)"C:S": Void in their hearts anymore.
[25.01.2026 15:48:02] (=)"C:S": The beast in them is there, no matter through humanity, the AI or their own eyes. The Sour Chorus must fall... For everyone.
[25.01.2026 15:48:48] Melusine.: I don't hate anyone. Well, that's a lie, of course, but the hate is not for a reason too wide to be somewhat personal.
[25.01.2026 15:49:27] Melusine.: Still not enough to condemn them, no. But enough to double-check and to expect the worst.
[25.01.2026 15:49:42] (=)"C:S": So why act with a brutality and lack of consideration that is so... Inhuman, if its not personal?
[25.01.2026 15:49:58] (=)"C:S": Don't get me wrong.
[25.01.2026 15:50:01] (=)"C:S": I'm a terrorist.
[25.01.2026 15:50:06] (=)"C:S": I don't shy aware from it.
[25.01.2026 15:50:51] (=)"C:S": I've made family trees end with a single bomber strike on a bank, I've had children watch their parents bleed out from my hands
[25.01.2026 15:51:30] (=)"C:S": But every one of those people had their part in ensuring their systemic violence and oppression continued.
[25.01.2026 15:51:53] (=)"C:S": That, is why I fight, even the Nomads. Because if they win, its all systemic violence, every single bit of our bodies will-
[25.01.2026 15:51:58] (=)"C:S": Be made to serve that.
[25.01.2026 15:52:20] Melusine.: Am I acting with brutality towards the AI? One of the last times I've met one, I was fighting alongside it. The next time..
[25.01.2026 15:52:27] Melusine.: Well, we parted ways peacefully.
[25.01.2026 15:52:58] Melusine.: But even with a personal grudge on them, I want to believe there's difference between one and the other.
[25.01.2026 15:53:10] (=)"C:S": And as such--! [He raises his hands above his heart again, thumbs interrtwining and fingers spreading out like upward wings.]
[25.01.2026 15:53:15] (=)"C:S": The cycle, breaks!
[25.01.2026 15:53:59] Melusine.: I really don't want to be disappointed with such a view.
[25.01.2026 15:54:57] (=)"C:S": Because it hurts.
[25.01.2026 15:55:19] Melusine.: Because... Well. I happen to know a thing or two about violence. And I don't think spilling rivers of oil is any differnet from
[25.01.2026 15:55:23] Melusine.: those of blood.
[25.01.2026 15:55:29] (=)"C:S": Its not.
[25.01.2026 15:55:34] (=)"C:S": I know that myself.
[25.01.2026 15:56:09] (=)"C:S": [He holds the pendant again around his neck, the dog tags, the hollow computer chip.] Don't let anyone else decide whats-
[25.01.2026 15:56:30] (=)"C:S": important to you when you've put blood and sweat into it.
[25.01.2026 15:56:47] (=)"C:S": I just hope that doesn't change now you're under association with that 'Malicious Sprite'.
[25.01.2026 15:57:31] Melusine.: It won't.
[25.01.2026 15:58:02] (=)"C:S": I wish every second it won't either... [He looks away, head down and shaking lowly.]
[25.01.2026 15:58:14] (=)"C:S": But then again, maybe thats exactly what they want.
[25.01.2026 15:58:53] (=)"C:S": [He gives her an emergency ration tube, chocolate pudding, extra sweet, 5000 calories.] Here, you'll need this.
[25.01.2026 15:59:25] (=)"C:S": The hunger tends to kick in after any psionic activty.
[25.01.2026 16:00:00] Melusine.: Stay true to yourself.. And have someone to check on you- [She looks at a ration tube. Smiling and nodding, she accepts.]
[25.01.2026 16:00:21] Melusine.: I was just forgetting about this. Thank you.
[25.01.2026 16:01:19] (=)"C:S": No, thank /you/, this had to be the easiest quarantine check i've ever done.
[25.01.2026 16:02:10] Melusine.: I suppose the other ones weren't as successful..?
[25.01.2026 16:03:00] (=)"C:S": No, they're usually screaming out of dispair and confusion or switching between fight and flight honestly.
[25.01.2026 16:03:08] (=)"C:S": Worst ones are when they think you're 'them'.
[25.01.2026 16:03:56] (=)"C:S": And you're right... I should have someone come check on me, Dr Forlorn Hope back at Tennstedt might be able to-
[25.01.2026 16:04:04] (=)"C:S": deal with me.
[25.01.2026 16:05:14] Melusine.: It's ratheour.. Someone who knows you well. Someone who would notice if you just think that *you* want to do something.
[25.01.2026 16:05:28] (=)"C:S": ... Hmm.
[25.01.2026 16:05:33] (=)"C:S": Lost that person a long time ago.
[25.01.2026 16:06:00] (=)"C:S": [He stands quietly just... Zoning out, as if he was looking at a blank bulkhead in the distance.]
[25.01.2026 16:06:21] Melusine.: [She sighs and lowers her head.] ..I'm sorry.
[25.01.2026 16:06:47] (=)"C:S": Its... [He twitches back towards her, but not fully... The last second turning around and walking towards the cargo bay.]
[25.01.2026 16:06:57] (=)"C:S": Its fine.
[25.01.2026 16:07:28] (=)"C:S": I best... Get going...
[25.01.2026 16:07:33] (=)"C:S": The Zoners might have... Uh--
[25.01.2026 16:07:54] (=)"C:S": Some work for me, stuff I can help fix up.
[25.01.2026 16:08:19] Melusine.: [The agent takes a few steps towards him.] You have me if you need someone to talk to. If you need, of course.
[25.01.2026 16:09:21] (=)"C:S": Thank you... [He holds his gloved hand on her shoulder... This hand feels particuarlly cold on contact.]
[25.01.2026 16:09:40] (=)"C:S": Listen, you should stand back in thee cockpit.
[25.01.2026 16:11:01] Melusine.: [She glances at CS' hand for a moment, then stepping back behind the doorway.] See you around. Or hear. We'll see how it goes.
[25.01.2026 16:11:30] (=)"C:S": You'll see me... Don't know when yet. [As he looks up at the opening cargo bay, he observes the nebula and scurbbies above,]
[25.01.2026 16:12:07] (=)"C:S": [His body seems to relax as he does, but not before he springs his legs and jumps high as if its engraned into him.]
[25.01.2026 16:12:34] (=)"C:S": [Clasping the side of the cargo-bay door bulkhead and using the lip to launch him towards his own vessel.]
[25.01.2026 16:13:27] Melusine.: [As the cargobay has opened, the cockpit closed, continuing their conversation through comms channel.]
[25.01.2026 16:14:01] (=)"C:S": [As he landed on his own ship, he sunk away past the cargo doors and sealed them behind.]
[25.01.2026 16:14:03] Melusine.: Sirius is as large, as it's small. We'll bump into each other eventually.
[25.01.2026 16:14:24] (=)"C:S": Do me a favour and make sure its 'You' that i find again...
[25.01.2026 16:14:53] (=)"C:S": And if you see any AI in the sigmas, do us Platformers a favour. Let them kill the corporates...
[25.01.2026 16:15:05] (=)"C:S": /Unless, you know... we like said corporates but thats extremely rare./
[25.01.2026 16:15:42] Melusine.: I will do my best to stay myself. And you.. Please, stay safe.
[25.01.2026 16:16:00] (=)"C:S": I'll try.
[25.01.2026 16:16:09] (=)"C:S": Mel, a pleasure out of unpleasurable circumstances.
[STEALTH SYSTEMS ENGAGED]
[25.01.2026 16:16:25] Melusine.: C'est la vie.
[25.01.2026 16:16:36] Melusine.: Pleasure is m-
A space helmet laid aside a bedside table, its outer layer of glass shattered to see another layer beneath slightly less opaque... CS was in his ships quarters after being quarantined, was adorned with bandages that completely covered his head with a technical headwear that clung atop it. It had been a quiet 24 hours under observation, after the unexpected mental stress he'd gone through with 'Entity', the solitary quietness and rhythmic hum of the station was enough for him to know it was safe to process his thoughts. The gunship's cabin was clinical and tightly cramped for its utilitarian needs, Disconnected from the Helmet-Comm network and absurdity of the situation, he wanted to give answers himself but was restrained by protocols and the safety of others...
Thankfully those protocols were to lax his restraints shortly, Doctor Hope had already ensured that his immediate cognitive functions were of his own, and his health was at least stable... Within 'DM' norms. He could hear the doors and cabins over the past several hours open and crew walking about outside, but the emotional trauma of the experience still left the crew startled enough that he'd noticed they'd started to commune in person with each other more. Their unease made him feel equally so, but his comfort was that they found each other to help, rather than simmering quietly.
The light above the door lit up, signalling someones immediate intention to access it, security numbers were entered from the other side before the door unlocked and slide aside into the wall. Doctor hope, with a pair of the crew guarding outside were present, one
"Enigma, Doctor Hope, I see I'm the last on the list."
Enigmatic Creed, one of the navigation specialist of the "Seven-of-Swords" crew stood guard at the door, And Doctor Hope came in with a data-pad, a lot less equipment than her visit a few hours ago.
"CS, has better health found you?"
"Yes, for now. And thank you for ensuring my safety, Enigma."
Enigma nodded, and returned to his duties at the door to keep over both CS and Doctor Hope.
"How is-"
"Everyone else is okay." She raised her hand and a single finger up at him, stopping him in his tracks.
CS was immediately disarmed, his attention diversion easily seen by his Doctor. "Ah."
"You, and only yourself, will be the topic of today."
"To my displeasure."
Doctor hope only sighed, placing the data pad on his bed to read himself, even her patience on his recklessness has dwindled. She stood over beside him, arms crossed, one of her boots tapping on the floor.
"You're dying, CS, I'm not going to accompany the results with a lavished bedside manner. Psionic damage has now reached a state where you'll be living on supplements to the ripe old age of... 50?"
"No... Not really... Why would I be scared of that?"
"The Platform rule book says differently and I've had to onboard a lot of more understanding of civilians standards to health rather than our own."
"Best that I'm not the standard then..."
"Rightly so, but recognizing that doesn't mean you're doing well by it... If this keeps up, and I'm fully aware you're not in control of what the Void may through our way, but until advances are made in understanding how the damage is inflicted, I can't promise you any method of recovery."
"... Then please make sure you study as much as you can from me, even in my failure."
Doctor Hope nodded. "So... Can you describe to me what residual symptoms you have?"
"It..." CS Paused. "It felt real..."
Doctor hope was taken back, enough for her to lean herself next to "Real...? Of all the countermeasures we have it-"
"...Hard to believe? Even I've not been able to know why they took me there, maybe their goal was to leave me 'not knowing' what to do?"
Doctor Hope shrugged. "I don't have those answers, but I can also upping your dosage for the next 3 weeks until your body has adapted to the new scars you've developed."
"Doctor! This is-"
"Not my problem CS! Not for now... Your pursuit of the Void's lessons can wait until you have yourself sorted out first."
"... It felt real enough that I could tell I was there, there was no vividness, I can still close my eyes and see that blinding system. Symptoms of an ones first experience of natural jump hole travel."
"Orientation instability post-jump, you certainly weren't walking on your feet when I arrived. And your blood was swimming in psionic countermeasures...
"The easiest answer would be that it was merely a vision..."
"I still want to think that too... But there's still other signs here that tell me otherwise."
"A small chance, that within a blink of an eye--?"
"You were jumped."
CS leaned back relaxing on his pillows, his shoulders softening into the cabin mattress, gazing up at the light above his cabin bed. Doctor hope was busy looking at the data padd, it was up-linked to the apparatus around the head of CS.
"Good to see you have cognitive functions too, maybe you can look over your own logs... We've recovered what we could translate but your lines between the civilian world and the frontier world are beginning to intertwine. My diagnosis is that you're not going to live for another 10 years if this become a regular occurrence... My medical diagnosis would be that you are to be discharged."
Doctor hope slipped out a data-padd from her own flight-suit pouch under her lab coat. It contained what was taken from the gunships black-box, CS began to flick through its details, cogs working to understand if there was a puzzle left behind, or merely a warning of stepping in the way.
[08.02.2026 22:05:13] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: [Exhaling and keeping his binoculars pinned on that distant vessel.] /By the Void, where are you...?/
[08.02.2026 22:06:00] SCRA|T-Chaika.28: Schwartz: Copy. Head engineer, you know what to do.
[SYSTEM CHANGE DETECTED || SYSTEM LOCATION : COLOGNE, VOLKHOVEN NEBULA || RISK : MEDIUM]
[CRITICAL SYNTAX ERROR || JUMP EMISSIONS DETECTED || NO PREVIOUS SOURCE IDENTIFIED PRIOR TO JUMP ANOMALY]
[08.02.2026 22:06:52] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [CS takes down his binoculars... Checking his suit computer systems quietly.]
[08.02.2026 22:07:49] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [CS ship was no longer present as soon as all eyes had turned away.]
[08.02.2026 22:08:36] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Did CS... Stray away?"
[08.02.2026 22:08:49] (=)BLS-Von.Claussen: C: "I think he is just hiding under the veil."
[08.02.2026 22:08:57] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": I've seen this before...
[08.02.2026 22:09:01] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": Escher.
[08.02.2026 22:09:19] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": Why? [He asks as he looks around the clouded nebula.]
[08.02.2026 22:10:32] Entity: ***Staring too long looking for ~answers~?***
[08.02.2026 22:11:18] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [He doesn't expect a response really, if one could hear his heart.] Who watches the watchers? [He'd returned his look ahead.]
[08.02.2026 22:11:35] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Even if I do have to... Stare at someething all day.
[08.02.2026 22:12:47] Entity: ***In -here-? Nobody... Outside? ~now~ that... interesting.
[08.02.2026 22:14:06] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: ... The Interloper invites me to look outside? Isn't that like asking someone to put their head through a guillotine...
[08.02.2026 22:15:29] Entity: ***Wondering... what awaits on the ~other~ side?
[08.02.2026 22:16:49] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: [He looks around at the rest of the crew, they all see what he feels, and vise versa... Stoic, quiet fear.]
[08.02.2026 22:17:07] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: /The games of 'titans', stuck in the middle./
[08.02.2026 22:19:07] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: [He holds a hand infront of the stars, even the thickness of his visor couldn't compensate for its discomfort.]
[08.02.2026 22:19:50] Entity: [the vision blurs and darkens, only the bright light of the stars remain]
[08.02.2026 22:20:44] Entity: [all around just... nothingness? not quite. shimmering 'something'. a veil?]
[08.02.2026 22:21:15] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [He checks himself again, suit systems seem to have gone dark, the light indicator on his suit said all it needed to--]
[08.02.2026 22:21:51] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [as it was working overtime to suppress what it could... Yet, after five years, this technology can only do so much.]
[08.02.2026 22:22:32] Entity: [the sight is pulled away from the stars ahead and more of them are now visible all around. tiny glowing spots]
[08.02.2026 22:23:11] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [CS was endured, there was absolutely no sign of this blindness ceasing and the light was unbareable on his sensitive mind.]
[SYSTEM CHANGE DETECTED || SYSTEM LOCATION : ERROR || RISK : ERROR/AUTO: ERROR]
[CRITICAL SYNTAX ERROR || NO STAR ALIGNMENT CHART MATCH]
[CRITICAL SYNTAX ERROR || JUMP EMISSIONS DETECTED || NO PREVIOUS SOURCE IDENTIFIED PRIOR TO JUMP ANOMALY]
[08.02.2026 22:24:00] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: What is--
[08.02.2026 22:24:39] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: That...?
[08.02.2026 22:25:01] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [CS rotates himself around the bridge, trying to look out of as many of the blinding viewports as possible.]
[08.02.2026 22:29:16] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: [He was hit by a sudden pain again, enough to make him stumble, the rest of the crew unconscious.] Rrgh'F-
[08.02.2026 22:29:44] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: The h-- /all name of our stellar vessel.../
[08.02.2026 22:31:43] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Why have you--
[08.02.2026 22:32:19] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Nrrgh' You... Spawn of the Suhl, w- Why am I here?!
[08.02.2026 22:32:48] Entity: ***To observe. To reminisce.
[08.02.2026 22:33:39] Entity: ***Vast space... Some say it is ~cold~.
[08.02.2026 22:34:46] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Colder than some hearts of our wars.
[08.02.2026 22:34:56] Entity: ***And perhaps for the first time stepping out of ~comforting~ boundaries.
[08.02.2026 22:35:33] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Comforting...? When have /you/ ever been any source of comfort within my journey within the Void...?
[08.02.2026 22:36:21] Entity: ***Then you do not understand the ~confort~ you have. Taking it for granted.
[08.02.2026 22:37:43] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: I'm not going to sit here and have you tell me that what I endure is worth taking for granted...
[08.02.2026 22:37:48] Entity: ***Traversing known paths. Taking known doors. Destination is assured.
[08.02.2026 22:38:11] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: My route is filled with turmoil and the assurity is only in my mind.
[08.02.2026 22:38:48] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Saving 'face'... Even while you smother your plans with the pure essence of entropy.
[08.02.2026 22:39:40] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: [Limps over to his sensor systems.] /Where the hell is... Anything?!/
[08.02.2026 22:40:02] Entity: ***(amusingly) Now you begin to ~see~.
[08.02.2026 22:42:03] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: /Now the interloper acts as a teacher./ Blasted sprite, what do you have to show me?
[08.02.2026 22:42:09] Entity: ***It appears to be... a vast -nothingness- to you?
[08.02.2026 22:43:04] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: You and I both know... Theres more than just what the eyes can see around here.
[08.02.2026 22:43:09] Entity: ***Devoid of all known safety lines. Doors to reach out. No reason to send signal. To call for help.
[08.02.2026 22:44:36] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: The Void breathes its history, races of a another time, more than just the... Figure of power that many Humans in sirius-
[08.02.2026 22:44:39] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Cling to.
[08.02.2026 22:45:21] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Yet here... Its... Hardly touched, a place that had been seperated and left to heal from what may have happened before.
[08.02.2026 22:45:29] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: The true frontier...
[08.02.2026 22:45:32] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: While it lasts.
[USER ALERT || PSIONIC INTERFACING DETECTED || NEUTRALIZE THREAT OR DISTANCE SELF FROM OPPONENT]
[08.02.2026 22:47:02] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [He again, limps his way over to the viewport of the bridge, looking down at the planet below.]
[08.02.2026 22:47:29] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": /And as if any sort of research would on you would tell me where I am.../
[08.02.2026 22:47:58] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [He seems to just gaze down at the planet for a moment, his mind, calming, seeing its rotation, the gas storms twirling below.]
[08.02.2026 22:48:04] Entity: ***Admittedly you're not supposed to be -here-.
[08.02.2026 22:48:25] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Where am I supposed to be...?
[08.02.2026 22:48:29] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: The Bundschuh?
[08.02.2026 22:48:49] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Some would stab at the familiar who wishes them the best, I don't blame them but--
[08.02.2026 22:49:48] Entity: ***Let us part then. But before that briefly look around...
[08.02.2026 22:50:20] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: I feel sick...
[08.02.2026 22:50:31] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Like it was my first time within the jump passages all over again.
[08.02.2026 22:52:49] Entity: ***That ~comfort~. It is on lease.
[08.02.2026 22:53:04] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Then I suppose I better find my way out quickly.
[08.02.2026 22:53:23] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS; Thats a...
[08.02.2026 22:53:44] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": It moves so quickly.
[08.02.2026 22:55:21] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: This fog is just like my own mind right now.
[08.02.2026 22:56:10] Entity: ***Running in circles. With no end in sight.
[08.02.2026 22:56:50] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Does it entertain you 'Interloper'?
[08.02.2026 22:57:46] Entity: ***No more than the knowledge your ~pathways~ are on borrowed time.
[08.02.2026 22:58:09] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: [He lowers his head, silently listening the emissions of the jumphole.] Time...
[SYSTEM CHANGE DETECTED || SYSTEM LOCATION : COLOGNE, SAVERNE || RISK : LOW]
[CRITICAL SYNTAX ERROR || JUMP EMISSIONS DETECTED || NO PREVIOUS SOURCE IDENTIFIED PRIOR TO JUMP ANOMALY]
[08.02.2026 22:58:26] Soldier: Very well.
[08.02.2026 22:58:46] (=)BLS-Von.Claussen: C: "Uhm, welcome back CS..?"
[08.02.2026 22:59:06] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Where have you been, CS?"
[08.02.2026 22:59:44] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [The crew in the back of the bridge were picking themselves off the floor. CS on the otherhand was breathing-
[08.02.2026 23:00:25] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": -Shallowly, resting limply against the bridge viewport.] H'hh-- R'nrrrgh-! [It sounded painful even for him to stand up]
[08.02.2026 23:00:44] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "H-hey?.. Should I send medical team your way?"
[08.02.2026 23:00:54] Soldier: Pilot. Are you well?
[08.02.2026 23:01:10] (=)BLS-Von.Claussen: C: "CS?"
[08.02.2026 23:01:10] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": Q-... Q'u...
[08.02.2026 23:01:20] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Quaranti--
[08.02.2026 23:02:04] Soldier: "Quarantine"...
[08.02.2026 23:02:12] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: [He collapses on the ground, the impact of his heavy body and helmet first onto the ground, sending glass shatters across-
[08.02.2026 23:02:15] Soldier: Pilot, talk to us. What's--
[08.02.2026 23:02:19] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": the bridge floor]
[08.02.2026 23:02:27] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "C... Chevalier?.. What should we..."
[08.02.2026 23:02:53] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [The rest of the crew seem to come-to a lot quicker, lumbering over to help CS.]
[08.02.2026 23:02:59] (=)BLS-Von.Claussen: C: "We don't have the appropriate things onboard for a quarantine. His ship needs to be brought to the mooring and quarantined"
[08.02.2026 23:03:28] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Und... Understood, I'll... I'll get this info to Saverne..."
[08.02.2026 23:03:37] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Platformers this... This is... E-Enigma... CS needs-- Medical attention, Psionic damage.
[08.02.2026 23:04:16] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "... This is..."
[08.02.2026 23:04:22] ACV-Titania: A: Not ideal, huh.
[08.02.2026 23:04:27] Soldier: "Psionic damage". I'll... I'm medically trained. Seven, do you require physicians?
[08.02.2026 23:05:07] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [Some of the crew helped CS, others stood and prayed above him, but looking up towards the stars... even past the hull.]
[08.02.2026 23:05:16] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "That thing... It attacked him. How... How long do I have to endure..." [Her voice is shaking with anger.]
[08.02.2026 23:05:46] (=)BLS-Von.Claussen: C: "Calm yourself, CV."
[08.02.2026 23:06:04] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: [Sharp exhale]
[08.02.2026 23:07:06] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Verdammter Die Beastien (Damn the beasts), we have to make sure no one enters or leaves.
[08.02.2026 23:07:08] Soldier: Please, relax. Describe to me what happened.
[08.02.2026 23:07:27] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: I don't know, CS was the last one awake... We were at the other side of the sy-
[08.02.2026 23:07:48] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: System.
[08.02.2026 23:08:21] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Not his first... Rodeo- Ugh-- Not ours either.
[08.02.2026 23:08:51] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Get a comm to Doctor Hope, shes... Shes first line of contact for quarantine protocols.
[08.02.2026 23:09:00] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: CS's detonation packs haven't gone off around his neck.
[08.02.2026 23:09:35] Soldier: Doctor Hope. Is he one of yours?
[08.02.2026 23:09:46] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Che... Chevalier... Can you handle this?.. I..."
[08.02.2026 23:10:04] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "I feel like... I might say something... That I'm not supposed to."
[08.02.2026 23:10:12] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: The settler of many 'stolen souls' at front-line contact...
[08.02.2026 23:11:17] Soldier: Is he well?
[08.02.2026 23:11:26] Soldier: How are his vitals?
[08.02.2026 23:11:36] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: He's... stable, weak, his mind has flared up with enough to scramble his perceptions.
[08.02.2026 23:11:54] (=)BLS-Von.Claussen: C: "I shot her a message over the net. Urgent message."
[08.02.2026 23:12:24] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: The whole network should be lighting up but none of our helmets work...
[08.02.2026 23:13:16] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: His suit isn't responsive but his augments are keeping him alive, we're going to barricade and isolate everyone onboard.
[08.02.2026 23:13:38] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Don't let anone else board but Doctor 'Forlorn Hope' and her team when they arrive.
[08.02.2026 23:14:06] EC]-Unit-9467F,: [::: Quite - a peculiar gathering :::]
[08.02.2026 23:14:25] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Novak."
[08.02.2026 23:15:04] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: He was talking to something in the Void.
[08.02.2026 23:15:29] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: It wasn't the... Void... She had been turned blind to our movements.
[08.02.2026 23:15:32] (=)BLS-Von.Claussen: C: "Harbinger..."
[08.02.2026 23:16:16] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Yes. The thing."
[08.02.2026 23:16:20] Soldier: "Harbinger"? A Harbinger of what?
[08.02.2026 23:16:21] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "The accursed."
[08.02.2026 23:16:32] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: He called it an 'Interloper'...
[08.02.2026 23:16:56] (=)BLS-Von.Claussen: C: "The Harbinger. A Nomad."
[08.02.2026 23:17:39] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: ... He must be restrained.
[08.02.2026 23:18:02] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "I will... Find a way..."
[08.02.2026 23:18:13] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [EC, and several other DM 'ghosts' begin to restrain CS, arms and feet tied in cuffs and straps.]
[08.02.2026 23:18:59] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [Leaving him almost in a mummified state and a bag placed over his head. Meanwhile, some ghosts are binding-]
[08.02.2026 23:18:59] Soldier: Seven, is this necessary?
[08.02.2026 23:19:08] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": [Medical tubes to the ports on his suit.]
[08.02.2026 23:19:12] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Yes...
[08.02.2026 23:19:34] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: He taught us that he would have done the same to try and rescue us.
[08.02.2026 23:19:44] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Not like before... He said never again.
[08.02.2026 23:20:03] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Do as he told you to."
[08.02.2026 23:20:26] Soldier: What are you doing to him?
[08.02.2026 23:21:15] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: We wait. Until Doctor Hope arrives and they can assure that he passes quarantine checks.
[08.02.2026 23:21:51] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: But until then... He can't move.
[08.02.2026 23:21:56] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: He knows he can't.
[08.02.2026 23:22:12] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: For the betterment of us, and his kin, and for those that he cares about.
[08.02.2026 23:23:00] [EX]-Grenzjaeger: R: oh holy s....... where did i land here
[08.02.2026 23:23:02] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "And his own..."
[08.02.2026 23:23:45] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: [He takes a look out the window.] You... /You!/
[08.02.2026 23:23:53] Soldier: What...?
[08.02.2026 23:24:11] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: /I see you./ What do you want here 'V'?! You here to tear up another system into chaos!?
[08.02.2026 23:24:21] BDM|Viper: If I need to.
[08.02.2026 23:24:46] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "It's just one ship..."
[08.02.2026 23:25:21] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Chaos would clearly require more than just that..."
[08.02.2026 23:25:40] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Damn you to the greater hells of the Suhl. You're not here for him now--
[08.02.2026 23:25:42] BDM|Viper: That's not what he's referring to.
[08.02.2026 23:26:21] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": Thats okay, thank you very much for coming<3!
[08.02.2026 23:26:45] Soldier: This 'Doctor Hope' cannot come soon enough. Where is he?
[08.02.2026 23:27:03] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: The Doctor will be here in a day or two...
[08.02.2026 23:27:12] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: They're... From elsewhere.
[08.02.2026 23:27:54] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: He's endured six months of hell, five minutes can't be... That bad...
[08.02.2026 23:28:14] BDM|Viper: What happened?
[08.02.2026 23:28:22] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Let alone the month afterwards that we all had to endure when returning 'home.'
[08.02.2026 23:28:27] Soldier: Nice try.
[08.02.2026 23:28:30] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Then perhaps we should take CS to Saverne for now. This place is not safe..."
[08.02.2026 23:28:46] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Better to have him inside."
[08.02.2026 23:29:22] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Welcome home to Rheinland 'V'... A cold 'welcome' to all the ghosts you left behind.
[08.02.2026 23:29:54] BDM|Viper: What happened to CS?
[08.02.2026 23:30:12] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Agreed. I will tell CS you finally showed your face, maybe once he's done with quarantine he can speak to you.
[08.02.2026 23:30:27] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: You know the rules of quarantine Viper.
[08.02.2026 23:31:07] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": {All the crew stand up, a hands immeidately down by their sides... All apart from CS who laid there.]
[08.02.2026 23:31:36] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "I should see him before heading to Horst..."
[08.02.2026 23:31:38] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": All: "A team will arrive to sedate, blind, deafen and nullify perceptions. You'll be shortly returned to your quarantine cell."
[08.02.2026 23:31:55] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": All: "A team will arrive to sedate, blind, deafen and nullify perceptions. You'll be shortly returned to your quarantine cell,
[08.02.2026 23:32:07] BDM|Viper: Hng.
[08.02.2026 23:32:07] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": All: ".Evaluation board will review your outcome in a few weeks, this concluded the interview and the allowance for verbal comm
[08.02.2026 23:32:15] EC]-Unit-9467F,: [::: It appears 'Platform' - experience many unusual situations :::]
[08.02.2026 23:32:25] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": All: "allowance for verbal communication has ceased."
[08.02.2026 23:32:31] BDM|Viper: Rules should never make a slave of intelligence.
[08.02.2026 23:32:33] BDM|Viper: What happened?
[08.02.2026 23:33:30] EC]-Unit-9467F,: [::: 'Platform' - surely knows of what happened :::]
[08.02.2026 23:33:37] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: ... We don't.
[08.02.2026 23:33:49] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: He was the last one awake, the last one flying this ship out of hell.
[08.02.2026 23:34:12] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: W-wait...
[08.02.2026 23:34:16] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Were we gone?!
[08.02.2026 23:34:39] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: The 'Seven-of-swords'... Was it even... Here?!
[08.02.2026 23:34:49] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "... No."
[08.02.2026 23:35:40] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: /We were really gone.../
[08.02.2026 23:36:16] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Mhm..."
[08.02.2026 23:36:17] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: /Our holy vessel and reveered Void, please send us salvation against this interloper./
[08.02.2026 23:36:31] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "You're... Fine now. You're here."
[08.02.2026 23:36:49] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: /I pray that you save our kin to serve on the frontier, to protect humanity from it--/
[08.02.2026 23:37:20] EC]-Unit-9467F,: [::: 'I' will - never comprehend those - illogical sentences :::]
[08.02.2026 23:38:02] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Seven-actual... Everything will be fine.
[08.02.2026 23:38:23] BDM|Viper: Who's the interloper now?
[08.02.2026 23:38:34] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: The crew seem... Mortified, even by their own body lanaguge, some holding themselves, holding eachother too.
[08.02.2026 23:38:46] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: All of it silent. As the huddle around their fallen.
[08.02.2026 23:38:46] BDM|Viper: I hope it's still the same one I remember and not something worse.
[08.02.2026 23:39:29] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: It toys with the beasts of the Suhl, thats what he said...
[08.02.2026 23:39:36] BDM|Viper: You fool.
[08.02.2026 23:40:06] BDM|Viper: You know damn well what would've happened regardless.
[08.02.2026 23:40:17] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Not like this--
[08.02.2026 23:40:26] BDM|Viper: YES like this.
[08.02.2026 23:40:31] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Not within a blink, not amongst comerades.
[08.02.2026 23:40:32] BDM|Viper: It was either on our terms, or theirs.
[08.02.2026 23:40:37] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: It... Its not mental anymore--
[08.02.2026 23:41:08] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Its... It knows time and space, as if the planes of our corporeal life. That wasn't a trick of the mind.
[08.02.2026 23:41:21] BDM|Viper: You traded in acting upon it for whatever it is you THINK you're doing now and look where it's gotten you.
[08.02.2026 23:42:15] BDM|Viper: Meddling in the unknown knowing orchestrator of it all means to wipe us out.
[08.02.2026 23:42:34] BDM|Viper: You, and the others you work closely with think you can "outsmart" it.
[08.02.2026 23:42:53] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: He chose to fix... Power circuits and... plasma conduits today...
[08.02.2026 23:42:56] BDM|Viper: Don't you dare refer to me as an interloper while you sit aside and squabble.
[08.02.2026 23:43:06] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: You?! And interloper?!
[08.02.2026 23:43:18] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: You-- you don't know what scale you're dealing with.
[08.02.2026 23:43:27] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: CS?!
[08.02.2026 23:43:46] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "CS, please don't."
[08.02.2026 23:43:51] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "You should stay put."
[08.02.2026 23:43:56] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: I-its.. D-*H'ough* (Coughing immediately as he tries to talk)
[08.02.2026 23:44:15] BDM|Viper: You don't know the scale of it either, quite clearly.
[08.02.2026 23:44:36] BDM|Viper: Fly too close to the sun, and you'll be incinerated.
[08.02.2026 23:44:58] BDM|Viper: We may have a sliver of understanding, but at least we have right purpose.
[08.02.2026 23:45:12] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Ah yes."
[08.02.2026 23:45:27] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Purpose of licking imperial boots."
[08.02.2026 23:45:55] BDM|Viper: There was a time when you fought alongside us against them, actually.
[08.02.2026 23:46:02] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: You act... /N'rggh'/ action... Irreleveant. Agency, Order, everything else... at its whim.
[08.02.2026 23:46:06] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Some of us still do."
[08.02.2026 23:46:13] BDM|Viper: Here you are claiming the opposite now that the stars don't align with your ideals.
[08.02.2026 23:46:42] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "It's not about the stars. It's about principles."
[08.02.2026 23:47:15] BDM|Viper: Your principles are based on revenge and a false sense of justice that will never prove to come about.
[08.02.2026 23:47:29] BDM|Viper: Enough of this though, what happened?
[08.02.2026 23:48:07] BDM|Viper: Actions being irrelevant is a tactic any adversary would use to control it's enemies.
[08.02.2026 23:48:13] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "They are based on doing what is right for the people and all of humanity. And we shall see about that."
[08.02.2026 23:48:29] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "You will have to wait for that answer, if you'll even be given one."
[08.02.2026 23:49:04] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": CS: Har'... [He goes quiet, still restrained by the quarantine equipment. Body falling limp again...]
[08.02.2026 23:49:13] BDM|Viper: Damnit.
[08.02.2026 23:49:15] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: He's... He's out cold again.
[08.02.2026 23:49:38] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "He needs to rest."
[08.02.2026 23:49:55] BDM|Viper: I agree.
[08.02.2026 23:50:18] BDM|Viper: As much as it would help our house to know what happened.
[08.02.2026 23:50:45] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Then you should have patience. If CS will deem it necessary, I'm sure he will speak to you."
[08.02.2026 23:50:57] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Not that I have any idea on what ties you two have..."
[08.02.2026 23:51:25] BDM|Viper: I hope not.
[08.02.2026 23:51:36] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: You better feel lucky he still gives a damn about humanity.
[08.02.2026 23:51:40] BDM|Viper: Or that would truly result in ruin.
[08.02.2026 23:51:42] BDM|Viper: For all of us.
[08.02.2026 23:52:09] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Your presence and words do paint a picture for me already."
[08.02.2026 23:52:18] BDM|Viper: You understand how ridiculous you sound with that statement right?
[08.02.2026 23:52:31] BDM|Viper: You're one note from saying "he's compromised".
[08.02.2026 23:53:50] (=)"Himbeersee": [~A faint warmth touches CS's mind, as if trying to soothe him while taking a slight peek inside~]
[08.02.2026 23:54:09] (=)"Himbeersee": [~Or rather, it tries to~]
[08.02.2026 23:54:27] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: ... {He's breathing rapidly, his flight suit moving.} Take him away, get everone else secured in their quarters.
[08.02.2026 23:54:37] Soldier: Where's Doctor Hope.
[08.02.2026 23:54:53] (=)"Himbeersee": CV: "Nngh..."
[08.02.2026 23:55:25] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: She will be here tomorrow... She has currently other duties.
[08.02.2026 23:55:42] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: CS isn't the only patient in the Platform, let alone the Bundschuh.
[08.02.2026 23:56:31] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: We're going to dock. I suggest you all stay clear, you don't want to become a character in a 'ghost ship' story.
[08.02.2026 23:56:38] (=)"Seven.Of.Swords": EC: Not this one at least.
"And what good would that be for us...?"
"Nothing, just an end without utility. Experience says this hardly compromises your loyalty to the Bundschuh, you will die beside this flag."
"... Doctors Orders."
"No... Just the path the Void has taught us of what lies ahead, its up to you which branch you take down that temporal tree."
Some time had passed while they conversed during CS' medical check, Doctor Hope had began to remove the apparatus from his head. CS rotated his neck, joints cracking and followed by a sigh of relief.
"If you truly want to open the stars to the people of Sirius, this doesn't bode well for the longevity linear existence. I'll at least get your visor repaired, if you're not going to quit that is..."
![[Image: image1.png]](https://i.ibb.co/MDkkQ9dZ/image1.png)
![[+]](/forums/images/collapse_collapsed.png "[+]")
Ship log 2501836