The Path of a Spectre | Vladimir Volkov's Diary

[Stefz]

Date: 6th February 821 A.S.
Current Location: Freeport 11, Omicron Delta
Topic: "Initiation"

Yesterday's event made me start writing this up. I was hanging around Omega 52, and stumbled upon a Freelancer of sorts. Katherine was her name, if I recall correctly. We engaged into an interesting conversation, which eventually escalated into something far more serious. Katherine is a traveler, like myself, but there are a few things that make her particularly an interesting individual.

Code:

Vladimir.Volkov: *Checks the scanner* Now, what do we have here?
Volcarona: Katherine: Ah, good day there.
Vladimir.Volkov: I assume you could say it's good.
Volcarona: Katherine: It's just an expression. Personally, I'm very cautious in describing a day as good unless etiquette demands it.
Vladimir.Volkov: Would you mind if I asked you what brings you here?
Volcarona: Katherine: Ah, merely visiting one of my favorite places in Sirius. Enjoying the sun, I suppose.
Volcarona: Katherine: News from down here are hard to come by in the rest of Sirius, so I like to take full advantage of my visa and visit personally.
Vladimir.Volkov: Oh, you have a visa, I see.
Vladimir.Volkov: That's a good thing, no?
Volcarona: Katherine: *sighs* Seems every time I visit, someone else is Premier. I got my visa in Vaschenko's day.
Vladimir.Volkov: Well, you know this government.
Vladimir.Volkov: Full of surprises and stuff.
Volcarona: Katherine: *chuckles* As well as an outsider can, I suppose. So, what is the situation? Any new coups I should know about?
Volcarona: Katherine: Last I heard, Katz had returned and reassumed his prior position as premier.
Vladimir.Volkov: I'm actually not that much up to date these days.
Vladimir.Volkov: I've been to the other parts of Sirius for a while.
Volcarona: Katherine: Really? I don't recall having met a non-SCRA Coalition outside this system.
Volcarona: Katherine: Where did your travels take you? If you don't mind me asking, that is. I'm a bit of a traveler myself, you know.
Vladimir.Volkov: I've visited one of the Freeports in the edge worlds, can't remember its name.
Vladimir.Volkov: The one in Delta.
Volcarona: Katherine: Oh, indeed? Freeport 11 is one of my favorite places! It's an interesting system indeed.
Volcarona: Katherine: A sort of sanctuary for the weary traveler in midst a triangle of....complicated politics.
Vladimir.Volkov: Pretty much. I just went there to take some rest.
Vladimir.Volkov: Heard it was a nice place.
Volcarona: Katherine: The far Omicrons do have a certain magic about them. Having spent a lot of time there, I find myself returning ever more frequently. It's sort of a calling, you know?
Vladimir.Volkov: *Scratches his head* Well, I'm not sure what you're talking about.
Vladimir.Volkov: I mean, it's nice and all, but I can resist returning there.
Vladimir.Volkov: What is it that always brings you back?
Volcarona: Katherine: *laughs softly* I suppose not. I'm going off on a tangent. I like the....rawness of it. There's no pretension.
Volcarona: Katherine: Everything is what it is, out there.
Vladimir.Volkov: I guess you have a point.
Volcarona: Katherine: I'd consider myself interested in human psychology, and it's interesting to see how differently people act depending on their surroundings.
Vladimir.Volkov: Psychology, I see... The thing is, everyone around there looks at you like you killed his entire family and burned his house down.
Vladimir.Volkov: At least, in my experience, that is.
Volcarona: Katherine: I'm afraid that's more to do with primitive prejudice against the Coalition. I can't imagine it's easy out there.
Volcarona: Katherine: As an independent, you'd find it much more accomodating.
Vladimir.Volkov: Too many narrow-minded people these days. Not open to considering things.
Volcarona: Katherine: *sighs deeply* Story of my life. I've always been interested in the overall future of our species.
Vladimir.Volkov: So, what else are you doing besides traveling?
Volcarona: Katherine: Mmm? I'm a bit of an amateur scientist. Or at least I started out as one. Atmospheric physics is my specialty.
Volcarona: Katherine: But honestly, I mainly find it interesting to simply travel around and talk to people, from Gallia to Theta.
Vladimir.Volkov: I've always been interested in science, to be honest with you. The thing is, I don't have a brain for it. *Shrugs*
Volcarona: Katherine: I'm fortunate enough to be born into a background that allows me to pursue this....luxury.
Volcarona: Katherine: I do not believe what we are born with carries that much weight. In the end, the decisions that we make are what really matters.
Vladimir.Volkov: That's the truth.
Volcarona: Katherine: Tell me, what would you consider your role to be? Not within the Coalition, within the greater picture of humanity.
Vladimir.Volkov: Can't say I was asked that before. Let me see...
Vladimir.Volkov: From my point of view, I'm just another individual who probably cannot have any impact on humanity.
Vladimir.Volkov: What about you?
Volcarona: Katherine: To be fair, most of us won't. I cannot claim for certain I will.
Vladimir.Volkov: Nobody can.
Volcarona: Katherine: My goal is...*laughs sheepishly* Peace amongst the human race.
Volcarona: Katherine: I know, very ambitious. Silly, even. But that's what I want to see.
Vladimir.Volkov: That's what I want to see too. But personally, I think I won't.
Vladimir.Volkov: Wars are in our nature.
Vladimir.Volkov: Greed. You can't satisfy everyone at the same time. There will always be those who oppose, no matter what.
Volcarona: Katherine: Precicely. We are genetically predisposed towards hostility. Throughout our history, we've split ourselves into opposing parties.
Volcarona: Katherine: Though now, the stakes are higher than ever, with technology being what it is.
Vladimir.Volkov: In the end, we'll probably end our own race.
Vladimir.Volkov: Not that I claim there are other "races", but you get my point.
Volcarona: Katherine: Tell me, when you were out in the distant Omicrons, did you ever encounter the Slomon K'hara? The so-called Nomads?
Vladimir.Volkov: Not really. I've heard a lot of rumors about them, though.
Vladimir.Volkov: Not sure if I ever want to encounter them.
Volcarona: Katherine: Well. I just mentioned them because they do not, indeed they cannot, share this innate hostility towards each other that humanity suffers from.
Vladimir.Volkov: How so?
Volcarona: Katherine: Well.....they have a telepathic connection of sorts with each other, which I like to call "universal empathy".
Volcarona: Katherine: They would not ever harm each other, because their connection would reflect upon themselves.
Volcarona: Katherine: They could never experience a civil war, because they would simply be hurting themselves.
Vladimir.Volkov: Connection, I see... How do you know about that? Are you some kind of alien-focused scientist too?
Volcarona: Katherine: Heh, perhaps a bit. I've spent a lot of time in the far Omicrons. And I've encountered them many times.
Volcarona: Katherine: I find it fascinating to compare the psychology of a totally alien species with our own.
Vladimir.Volkov: I don't know many individuals who encountered them and lived to tell the story.
Volcarona: Katherine: True. But honestly....I've gotten far more trouble from my fellow humans than I ever got from them.
Vladimir.Volkov: Now you make me want to meet them too. *Sighs*
Vladimir.Volkov: Curiosity, you know.
Volcarona: Katherine: If that's your intention, I advise you to be very cautious. Consider that humanity effectively invaded their home and generally wishes to eradicate them.
Volcarona: Katherine: They are intelligent creatures, and their primary interactions with humanity have been hostile.
Vladimir.Volkov: Primary? So they take different approach to some individuals?
Volcarona: Katherine: Yes, of course. It's entirely possible to gain their trust...though not easy.
Vladimir.Volkov: Now that's interesting.
Volcarona: Katherine: You must consider their position. They've been dormant for....centuries? Millenia?
Volcarona: Katherine: Suddenly, a new sentient species appears in their lands. And they settle everything.
Vladimir.Volkov: I kind of understand them. I mean, who wouldn't be hostile to someone who invaded his homeworld?
Volcarona: Katherine: And us humans have done nothing to better our reputation.
Volcarona: As always in our history, we tried to eliminate the natives of a newly settled place.
Vladimir.Volkov: Yeah. Can't say I'm surprised by that.
Volcarona: Katherine: I believe it's entirely possible to live alongside the natives, but we must...shed our aggression.
Volcarona: Katherine: And prepare to accept that maybe, we can learn something from the native inhabitants. Instead of killing them.
Vladimir.Volkov: All that knowledge makes one wonder - Are you one of those who earned their "trust"?
Volcarona: Katherine: I suppose to some degree, I have. Simply by being non-hostile. Really, that is a good start.
Vladimir.Volkov: I'm not sure what to say...
Vladimir.Volkov: I mean, you are completely changing my views on them.
Volcarona: Katherine: Most people's views on them are very much skewed by common media portrayals that show them as hostile invaders, when really....we're the hostile invaders.
Vladimir.Volkov: You have a point, once again.
Vladimir.Volkov: But as I said, there are not many of us who are open-minded.
Volcarona: Katherine: We came to a foreign "country", so to speak. Isn't it only natural that we'd adapt to their ways, and not the other way around?
Volcarona: Katherine: And yes, sadly few people are open minded enough to actually think about this.
Vladimir.Volkov: I'm thankful I am.
Volcarona: Katherine: I'm very happy you've been willing to listen to what honestly was a bit of a rant.
Vladimir.Volkov: I wouldn't call it a rant really. More like making an individual understand what most don't.
Volcarona: Katherine: I'm glad you see it that way. I've held this, er..."speech" a number of times, but most people's opinions are very much fixated.
Volcarona: Katherine: If I'm honest, that is really one of the reasons I'm here....the Coalition has so much potential.
Volcarona: They simply need a leader that's willing to make bold statements and policies for the betterment of our species.
Vladimir.Volkov: When is your next trip to deep Omicrons, if you don't mind me asking?
Volcarona: Katherine: My next trip? I don't know. I rarely plan them. It may be tonight.
Vladimir.Volkov: Tonight, wow.
Volcarona: Katherine: Heh, well, perhaps. I don't know. I spend almost all my time traveling.
Volcarona: Katherine: Though usually not in the Volcarona, if I'm honest.
Vladimir.Volkov: Would you mind if I tagged along? I'm sure we can have a good time.
Volcarona: Katherine: I wouldn't mind at all, I like a good companion on my travels, and you seem like one!
Vladimir.Volkov: Well, you can contact me whenever you want.
Vladimir.Volkov: I'm usually free, not many obligations these days.
Volcarona: Katherine: If you'd like to come along now, I have few obligations....so I could head off at once, really.
Vladimir.Volkov: I'm just gonna have to contact a few people on Freeport in Omega 3, so I can arrange new papers.
Vladimir.Volkov: I'll contact you very soon.
Volcarona: Excellent.

Indeed an interesting individual, I must admit. But this is just the beginning. She gave my existence a purpose -- To achieve the ultimate goal. One mind, one purpose. The initiation is complete, the Great ones have accepted me. I was given a puzzle to solve. It shall be done. Their will shall be fulfilled. They will not be disappointed.

Code:

Vladimir.Volkov: GOD!
K'Hara|Magan': *. - a guiding voice aligns within the light - ~^~ familiar voices of siren subside within yours.*
Vladimir.Volkov: I can hear voices. What is this? *Starts panicking*
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: This is the....guided tour of the far Omicrons, as requested. Keep calm, close your eyes.
K'Hara|Magan': *. -graced by presence (?) 'reasons unknown' -elaborate your presence with gift bestowed within- .*
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Just try to....open your feelings. It's a bit weird to describe. You'll get used to it.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: I've brought someone. A good-natured individual that shows great promise.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Volkov's mind is open. He will listen and feel.
Vladimir.Volkov: Well, I'm definitely not one of many narrow-minded individuals, who close them within themselves.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: He can be the one to spread the word in the south. He is in a unique position to do so.
K'Hara|Magan': *. -potential arisen- ~^~ 'broken promises neglected yours' ~^~ 'open darkness follows' -darkened hearts aligned- .*
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: I have not broke the promise! I have worked hard to gain even this! The Omegas are a hard ground.
141|Wheel.of.Time: Sefegiru: So there... oh damnit....
141|Wheel.of.Time: Sefegiru: So, you are those civilians that we caught entering Zeta by one of our operatives?
K'Hara|Magan': *. -darkened souls- ~^~ 'intent withheld' -otherwise return to open waters- .*
141|Wheel.of.Time: Sefegiru: *mumbles* What the hell is going on here?
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Do you know how much time I spent trying to fulfill my promise?! It was dire work!
141|Wheel.of.Time: Sefegiru: I want a closer scan of that situation!
K'Hara|Magan': *. -feeling known to ours- 'our waters replenished' (~^~) -metal ones futile attempts- disruption (?) .*
141|Wheel.of.Time: Explain yourselves...civilians!
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: I feel you, but really....I'd need years for what the Emissary asked. This is close.
141|Wheel.of.Time: Stay away from that nomad! Don't you know what you are doing to yourselves?
Vladimir.Volkov: Why stay away?
Vladimir.Volkov: Why not just embrace the darkness?
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: *laughing* Oh, do I ever know. You, though....you have no idea what you're doing.
141|Wheel.of.Time: Oh, that's what you think?
Vladimir.Volkov: Understanding is the path to ultimate goal.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Eh....Gallic Royal Navy cruiser? What?
K'Hara|Magan': *. -a void of empty promises subsides within atmosphere- ~^~ 'yours arrival echoes through range' .*
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: *sighs* Well, this is getting complicated. As always when too many humans are involved.
Vladimir.Volkov: It's gone. Finally.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Much better. Sometimes I resend the RV's massive scanner array, when it shows unfavorable subjects for longer than I’d wish.
K'Hara|Magan': *. -follow the voices of siren- ~^~ -open waters filled with darkened hearts- 'swim with ours' .*
Vladimir.Volkov: *Seems like he's falling into a coma of some sort, but his eyes are still open, he's looking through the distance*
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: It's a dark path to follow, as you can feel. There aren't many friends along this path, but they are the best.
Vladimir.Volkov: This individual shall follow the Great one.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: We shall, of course. Other callings will summon me back, but until then....
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Well. You already know my life is yours, I suppose.
K'Hara|Magan': *. -ours see depths of void- ~^~ 'safe havens compromised' ~^~ 'ours journey to new hope' .*
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: I'll follow you anywhere the calling takes me.
K'Hara|Magan': *. -yours repel prior life- ~^~ 'willing souls will swim throughout life stream' ~^~ -echoes through the waters- .*
Vladimir.Volkov: This is magnificent.
Vladimir.Volkov: The scariest and most beautiful thing at the same time.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Well, did you hear- er....feel that? There will be no turning back.
Vladimir.Volkov: I never go back, nor I regret my decisions.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Once you swim with them, it will fill your mind.
Vladimir.Volkov: I am ready.
K'Hara|Magan': *. {you enter a realm of familiar vices, you see a light and head towards it} .*
Vladimir.Volkov: I gotta get there!
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: *quietly* Not the pain again....the bridge.
K'Hara|Magan': *. {you feel compelled to believe you are of priorety ~^~ your inahbitions arise from the conrete} .*
K'Hara|Magan': {a euphoric moment arised in your mind ~.~ you see your memories slowly but surely slipping away from you}
K'Hara|Magan': {the truth destroys and subsides within you momentarily until the light welcomes you with open arms}
Vladimir.Volkov: *Streches his hand, trying to reach something, but it slips right through, as he looks it fading away.*
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Everything shall be truthful. And, in that, perfect.
K'Hara|Magan': {you now feel replenished ~^~ reformed ~.~ rehabilitated -~- you are becoming one with ours}
Vladimir.Volkov: Katherine, I... I feel different.
Vladimir.Volkov: I can sense the presence of light.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: You'll get used to it. But it'll never be the same.
Vladimir.Volkov: I don't want it to be the same.
K'Hara|Magan': {the truth overwhelms you with false flags ~.~ a voice of siren sings sweet whispers ~-~ you see ours antagonized}
Vladimir.Volkov: That voice... Beautiful.
K'Hara|Magan': {you repel ~-~ compromised by the sounds of your prior life ~^~ the life stream calls yours to beckon}
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: *sighs happily* Nothing else like it...I'll take that refreshment over-
K'Hara|Magan': {choice is diminished ~^~ you realise there are vices that trigger you}
Vladimir.Volkov: Woah! Another one
K'Hara|Magan': {a song is heard ~^~ this is your harmony ~^~ this is your evolution}
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: *giggles* I'm feeling more and more at home.
K'Hara|Magan': {time is heard within the echoes of siren yours fulfilled and euphoric once more}
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***(brief flashes wrap Kathie, visages machines, clanging, they approach, crudely moving)
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Oh, is this going to be- I-
Vladimir.Volkov: Katherine, are you okay?
K'Hara|Magan': {the thud of the shoes you once stepped upon or now no more}
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: *not really paying attention* Affirmative.
K'Hara|Magan': {the sound of the winds flowing around you are now breezing within yours}
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Everything will fall into place. As it has been arranged. And we are working on the arrangement, we really are.
] K'Hara|Harbinger: ***lifeless beings... their motion... crude iterations, not ~flows~
Vladimir.Volkov: I feel like I was reborn.
Vladimir.Volkov: I'm ready to embrace the light.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: I will put a stop to it! I will do my part, and everything will flow!
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***southern cold star... machines. they walk... cannot see... cannot smell... cannot think.
K'Hara|Magan': {yours condemn our will ~^~ yours repel ours still ~*~ you must embrace the darkness}
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: I- I spent much time in the south, it isn't easy! They shall bend eventuall!
K'Hara|Magan': {the light will beckon yours with time ~*~ the sounds of familiar voices must be appealed}
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: They are....malleable. We will bend them to the right path. One at a time, if necessary.
Vladimir.Volkov: The ultimate goal shall be achieved. One mind, one purpose.
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***one path to follow... now and beyond.
Vladimir.Volkov: The path to enlightement.
K'Hara|Magan': {ours bare witness the potential within ~*~ yours able but can not comprehend natures gifts}
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: For all the detours I take, I still follow the one path. I am cursed with a weak human body, but I will use it to its full extent. As I will my petty mind.
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***a willing choice is... commendable.
Vladimir.Volkov: This individual understands now. It will follow the Great ones anywhere.
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***others... they hate... you'll feel it. their hollow minds... the depths of misunderstanding the dwell at.
K'Hara|Magan': {ours conclude with reason (?) yours become
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***lonely in the crowd... crowd of former selves.
Vladimir.Volkov: The humankind is flawed.
Vladimir.Volkov: It is destroying itself. Countless conflicts, inability to open their minds.
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***(confirmation) flaws irredeemable by flesh... only by mind.
K'Hara|Magan': {yours present compelling will ~*~ powerless souls only shadowed with guilt ~*~ hostility ~-~ repramand}
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Volkov understands the flawed nature of humanity. He wishes to better our species, as do I.
Vladimir.Volkov: In the end, everyone shall walk the path of enlightement, or lose their body, trying to resist.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: *laughing* I knew he had potential! Right away!
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***a curious sense... to perceive outcomes, to feel certainty of moments to come.
K'Hara|Magan': {yours will seek out ours throughout echoes of time}
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: It's just human judgment. I have practice at that, lots of it.
K'Hara|Magan': {discretion ~^~ vital ~-~ knowledge ~^~ essential}
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***a mind is as strong as it's memories... and the will to perceive elements together.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: We will create a circle. The Omega element is completed, he merely needs to become stronger.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: With a proper Omega element, the circle will be nearly completed. And everything will fall into place.
Vladimir.Volkov: The circle?
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Around Sirius. Consider it a whirlpool, starting at the edges and forming around the middle.
Vladimir.Volkov: I see...
Vladimir.Volkov: And its purpose is what exactly? Sorry, I'm new to this.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: It is the fringes that shall- the purpose? As I told you earlier, peace among the human race.
K'Hara|Magan': {ours swim once more revisit cold waters once within our reach}
K'Hara|Magan': *. -yours have set before a path- ~^~ 'a path compensated by scorched skies' .*
Vladimir.Volkov: The path I shall follow.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Peace by adaptation. With the help of the Slomon K'Hara, we will reach a status of tranquility among our own.
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***a path scored by others...
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: And among our generous...hosts...And those that pursue folly, will meet those scorched skies. And burned bodies.
K'Hara|Magan': *. -a journey of fear befalls yours- ~^~ 'ours graced by presence of time ahead' .*
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***a place you'll find...
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***between others. darkened place. they avoid it.
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***they gave it... a name. *curious* name
Vladimir.Volkov: Hmmm, a name...
Vladimir.Volkov: *Scratches his head*
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***old-cycles name... before arrivals... signifying path not unlike *yours*
K'Hara|Magan': *. -light bewildered and shadowed by foundation platforms- ~^~ 'iron graces metals built within path before yours' .*
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***the name... it followed scorned path... knowledge ahead of 'others'.
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***and 'others' feared it... they would not comprehend it.
K'Hara|Magan': *. -nor relinquish or replenish it with presence of ours- .*
] K'Hara|Harbinger: ***denying it... the name-bearer suffered.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Our species will follow the named path or perish. They shall follow the path of peace, of adaptation....
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***anguish delivered by 'others'... to make one deny own knowledge. to deny -truth-
Vladimir.Volkov: I don't think you can speak in the name of entire species. We both know there are those who will always oppose, no matter what.
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***the name-bearer marks the spot, the place... were -you- to find *conclusion* to...
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***...your journey.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: And those that will are fools that shall burn. That is how it will be.
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***to begin anew.
K'Hara|Magan': *. ~^~ 'time ~^~ ahead ours ~-~ father of learning .*
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***find the name... find the place...
Vladimir.Volkov: This individual will not let you down.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: I will find the name and the place. For the sake of our future, little else matters.
K'Hara|Harbinger: ***find enlightment in named place... and scorn of others... their hatred. past repeats in cycles.
Vladimir.Volkov: It shall be done.
Vladimir.Volkov: 'Well, that wasn't bad.
Vladimir.Volkov: Definitely went better than expected.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Well. There you are, I took you to the far Omicrons.
Vladimir.Volkov: I don't know how to thank you.
Vladimir.Volkov: But when you need something, contact me. Anytime.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: I do this because I believe in humanity. Nothing more, nothing less.
Vladimir.Volkov: The salvation is near.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Ideally, it would be. But I fear we have a long ways to go.
Vladimir.Volkov: Patience is the key.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: What you need to do is gain influence. Do your duties to the Coalition as requested. Gain status.
Vladimir.Volkov: It shall be done.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: The Coalition is a relevant force, and you have the ability to be influential within.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: We want what's best for humanity, as indeed the Coalition does, no?
Vladimir.Volkov: Yes.
Vladimir.Volkov: Consider Coalition infiltrated.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Inflitration is such an ugly word. I prefer to think of it as introducing new streams of thought.
Vladimir.Volkov: That can work too.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Infiltration implies it's being done by enemies. But we are friends of humanity. We want what is best.
Vladimir.Volkov: True, my mistake.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: Anyways. I suppose this is a bit much to contemplate at one time anyway. Let's head off.
Vladimir.Volkov: Great idea.
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: I imagine you'll need a break to think about things after this. The Freeport here will be an excellent place.
Vladimir.Volkov: Well, time to take a rest. I'll see you around?
RV-Pennybrooke: Katherine: No doubt. If you look around in the southern Omegas or the far Omicrons, you'll likely find me.
Vladimir.Volkov: Thanks again. Have a good night.

Yeah, I just couldn't resist capturing this. The plan is to return to southern Sirius as soon as possible and start solving that puzzle I was given.