Melusine || Crimson.Veil

[Locksmith]

incoming transmission detected...
signal source identified: crimson.veil
establishing secure connection...
video feed active

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from: Crimson Veil
to: Melusine
subject: Something I must have

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. . .




"...Through the abyss of centuries, I see the ghosts on whose bones we built our sky-striking spires. We have come to immeasurable wealth and power, driven by a thirst for ever greater things, but forgetting what makes us human. And that everything alien and unknown, even the mindless, can strike us in the back at any moment. Especially when it would hurt us most."

"Hello, Melusine. Forgive my frivolous thoughts out loud. I don't just want to chat — though I'd like to think you wouldn't mind. But reality forces us to move toward new horizons tirelessly, because over us hangs the eternal shadow of those who would prefer to see us dead, be they humans or aliens."

"I'd like to ask a favor from you. I recently received word of an interesting shipment that went missing in a very unpleasant location. I'm sure the Order is well aware of it: Omega-58 system has long been a nesting ground for our mutual enemies. I intend to travel there and recover the shipment. It is of interest to my endeavours. More specifically, it is a weapon, a sample of which I believe is too valuable to disappear into the void. I want you to join me on this occasion."

"I'll be waiting in Thuringia for the next several days. Let me know if you can make it."




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connection terminated

[kotyafffsky]

| ..//>comm.software: tth.cmm.upd=1.2.1;
| ..//>comm.date: jan/03/836;
| ..//>encryption_detected: data_hidden;
| ..//>reciever.status: recognised;
| ..//>id.successful; decrypting..;
| ..//>msg.type: video;
| ..//>sender.internal.id: ▋▋▋_▋▋▋_▋▋▋▋;
| ..//>comm.location.id: b.g.c/crnd
| ..//>msg.open.initiated

Communication Incoming... ..//>video_feed_active Sender: Melusine, The Order Reciever(s): Crimson Veil, The Platform Location: Barrier Gate Station, Coronado Priority: MEDIUM Subject: Acquisition

..//>playback.start..

Greed tied with a thrill and rush for prosperity, that are all in nature of us humans. We fall and get up on our way to greatness, we walk on heads of those who fell before us, yet the question is not about if it's right, but if the goal's worth it and if those who paved a path were intending to make it easier or fell for sake of warning to ones to come after. In the end, it is duty of those who can answer to these questions correctly to guide the others and don't let them drown among the dead. Be that of their own lust for power, or the ever hunting other side. Bonjour, It's good to hear from you, truly. And I hope you are in good health, no less. I don't refuse a talk, that you thought of correctly. But the business, as they say, comes first, just not to linger on the question. A shipment lost in ever storming darkness shrouding a wounded, raging star of a violated system, you say? I wonder if those who crawl there already layed their hands on what you seek. That besides, of course, the oddity of shipment running through that revenant of a system. Naturally, I would like some more details about this. Both out of curiosity and out of security concerns. Of course you know what this system is and, of course, of attention that it'll bring upon anyone who enters this cursed space. ..But to linger on it for too long will mean that the whole endeavour will come late and therefore in vain, oui? We will discuss the details later, more or less in person, as I'm already headed for Thuringia. Expect me there today and then we will be able to stage this trip as soon as we'll be ready. Au revoir.

..//>msg_concluded

[Locksmith]

incoming transmission detected...
signal source identified: cologne system
establishing secure connection...
video feed active

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from: Crimson Veil
to: Melusine
subject: Things we face

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. . .




"Melusine, my friend."

"Since the day of our voyage and our shared battle with the monster known as Harbinger, I've been hard at work. Such threats leave little time for rest, and even less room for doubt. The Eye that has turned its gaze upon us is dangerous by its very existence—it sees us at best as entertainment, at worst as pests."

"Soon, I'll have new tools to counter this creature and its pawns. The first of them, you may have already glimpsed moored to the Saverne—a Typhoon-class cruiser, the first of its kind among the Bundschuh. If nothing else, it will buy us more time. Who would have imagined that I would take command of such a weapon... Several months ago, I never imagined I'd ever set foot aboard a gunship."

"The second tool was the reason we made our journey. An experimental weapon that, I hope, will eventually destabilize the beast's favorite tactic—its gaseous form, invulnerable to conventional weapons. While it's unlikely the prototype will be immediately successful, it will be the first step toward our victory."

"I would like to maintain regular communication with you about this creature, in order to coordinate our information and efforts. Please let me know if it will make another appearance elsewhere."

"...There is one more thing I would like to share."

"Most recently, the Cologne system, where I frequently reside due to work on the cruiser, has become the site of increased activity by a group calling itself Noth. While our political enemies seemed similar to me at first glance, their overall behavior was...disturbing. And my most recent encounter with their leader has forced me to completely reconsider my position on this group."

"This man, whoever he truly is, clearly displays two characteristics: absolute indifference to the value of human life and an extreme dislike of the Order's technology. In short, I received death and robbery threats because of my Anubis craft when we accidentally encountered each other. I have little doubt that if not for the timely appearance of Civil Servant, this glorified murderer named One would have certainly attacked me."

"While I have a fair amount of patience for people who throw around all sorts of big words, I find disregard for human life unacceptable. Indifference to one's own kind is a cancer that must be cut out."

"Keep these people in mind, Melusine. I suspect they'll be even more aggressive towards you. Let me know if they become a problem. If necessary, I'll try to enlist the support of the rest of the Platform and... our other friends."

"Including AI, if necessary. So far, despite everything, Novak has proven himself a reliable ally against many threats. I'm confident that together we can become a hammer and anvil, capable of crushing the skulls of these weeds of the human race."




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---

connection terminated

[kotyafffsky]

| ..//>comm.software: tth.cmm.upd=1.2.1;
| ..//>comm.timestamp: jan/23/836;
| ..//>encryption_detected: data_hidden;
| ..//>reciever.status: recognised;
| ..//>id.successful; decrypting..;
| ..//>msg.type: video;
| ..//>sender.internal.id: ▋▋▋_▋▋▋_▋▋▋▋;
| ..//>comm.location.id: null/prvnc
| ..//>msg.open.initiated

Communication Incoming... ..//>video_feed_active Sender: Melusine, The Order Reciever(s): Crimson Veil, The Platform Location: -, Provence Priority: MEDIUM Subject: Within and Without

..//>playback.start..

Bonjour, mon ami. I appreciate the warning of Noth being around. As the talks of my colleagues went, their group tend to operate in the Omegas and into the Omicrons. Looks like we can add Cologne and, possibly, Rheinland to the list. They've shown agression towards the Order before, also were suspected in being compromised. However, no concrete proof of that was delivered that is not what you've said and what differs from yet another smuggler from the Edgeworlds. Still, infected or not - sometimes fellow humans are not betteour than aliens, unfortunately. ..Harbinger is... Odd. Some say that It doesn't act without a greater plan, some say that It is sometimes as petty as any human. What I suppose the latter is less likely to be true, however - It has enough time on Its "hands" to act however it pleases, but never in my life I would even assume that It acts without malice. That situation in Cologne after our return from the Omegas can be a proof, I suppose. It can take interest in humans, observe and communicate, that is certain. Speaking of the AIs. You've said that A.L.I.C.E. could manipulate your ship through your enhancements. And I suspect that Harbinger did the same afterwards. I won't lie, this draws concerns. If Harbinger can control even what's not organic, it would mean other Nomads can be able to do the same. It casts a grand shadow on trust we can put upon the Gammunians. I would not like a killing machine to stab me in the back, if you ask me. ...And with business out of the way, there are my congratulations. Stepping in to command a cruiser of your own is a great achievement by itself, but the effort you've put into it is making it even greater. And it is great to know that this kind of craft is in good hands. I also hope that your weapon you're developing will achieve the effect expected of it - not everyday and in not every place of Sirius one can find a couple of battleships and stars know how much lesser capital ships needed to fend off a thing beyond our understanding, oui? Good luck and stay safe, Au revoir.

..//>msg_concluded