Defending the Delta

[Sombs]

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These log entries are created in secret and aren't available to any other entity.

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Log - Ezrael Vertiga

We went home, and it was still afternoon. I thought Maren and Nancy would do their trip to Gran Canaria, so I grabbed Leon again and took him to the Apahanta, as I really wanted to know more. Time is running, and I want to be prepared for the meeting with Bretonia. So, ignoring all the warnings and Frank's attempt to have me play along their rules, the Apahanta entered Omicron Iota. And it was creepy. No nomad patrols. Nothing. Not even the little ones. Last time the Apahanta was in Iota, we encountered even Irras and Nammus. But nothing. So we went further into their territory, using the central gate that leads to the ravine and there, using the gate to reach Omicron Major. Again, nothing. No Guardians. Last time they decloaked right in front of us. This time, nothing. But, we found something I will never ever forget...

A giant nomad ship, being held by two giant nomad installations that weren't there a month ago. I have no idea what exactly this is and what this has to mean. A ship of that size is probably not out there to be peaceful and say hello. No. I believe, after I saw what Ish'tar was capable of, that monster must be something with the capability to bombard planets. Knowing they potentially have a planet killer, the Apahanta took some footage on it, and then we headed for the jump hole to Omicron Lost, just to be... well, spotted. Frank was stalking us the entire time, calling the Apahanta with the following words:

Leuchtfeuer in Major

[14.08.2016 18:57:13] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: You know, Vertiga, the thing about human engines is that they leave trails.
[14.08.2016 18:57:42] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I had hoped you wouldn't be here, Frank.
[14.08.2016 18:57:45] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Seriously, though: Do you think that's cool? Do you think you're being cutting edge here?
[14.08.2016 18:57:54] Cloaking device off
[14.08.2016 18:58:21] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Truth is better than rumors.
[14.08.2016 18:58:38] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Why are you so arrogant, Vertiga?
[14.08.2016 18:58:52] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Am I? At least I know the truth now.
[14.08.2016 18:59:02] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: What truth?
[14.08.2016 18:59:25] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You know it very well. I think that thing over there isn't just to look cute.
[14.08.2016 18:59:52] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: It's just a bigger Marduk, really. And the colonies are well aware of it. You are gaining nothing here.
[14.08.2016 19:00:23] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I wasn't aware of it. Now I am. I knew it was a good idea to come here more often.
[14.08.2016 19:00:34] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Despite that: I am not here to hunt you.
[14.08.2016 19:00:51] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: But excuse me for now, I have to talk to someone.
[14.08.2016 19:01:14] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: I do sincerely hope you're happy. Not even sarcastic here.
[14.08.2016 19:01:51] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I don't know if there's a reason to be happy. When human build ships of that size, it's never a good thing.
[14.08.2016 19:02:31] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: It's just like Ishtar. Responses. Regardless of what we do, your kin will always be better at waging war.
[14.08.2016 19:03:19] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Who are you even talking about? Talk to whom?
[14.08.2016 19:03:28] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Do we have something similar to this? I wonder what it is capable of. Destroying planets?
[14.08.2016 19:03:41] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Now that's just wild conjecture.
[14.08.2016 19:04:16] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Come on, don't try to fool me. The bigger, the better. I once fought Ish'tar and Inanna in Omicron Delta. I pretty
[14.08.2016 19:04:23] The.Apahanta: much know what Ish'tar was capable of.
[14.08.2016 19:04:38] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So what is a giant thing like that capable of?
[14.08.2016 19:04:53] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Yeah, but destroying planets? Are you even aware how physically impossible that is?
[14.08.2016 19:05:21] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: As impossible as dreaming of things and making them being.
[14.08.2016 19:05:45] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Surprised?
[14.08.2016 19:06:05] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: A bit. Still, this ship is hardly strong enough.
[14.08.2016 19:06:23] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Would be pretty cool, though. We'd win within days.
[14.08.2016 19:06:41] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So what is it's purpose then, if not the annihilation of mankind?
[14.08.2016 19:07:04] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Do you know about the Cold War on ancient earth?
[14.08.2016 19:07:39] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Bigger and bigger till it collapses, I know that very well. I thought you'd follow the attitude of Ish'tar.
[14.08.2016 19:07:51] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: They say it's to intelligent to fight.
[14.08.2016 19:08:03] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: However, seeing that makes me question it.
[14.08.2016 19:08:16] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: We are on the brink of annihilation. We fortify, with no means to break the cycle.
[14.08.2016 19:08:49] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: This will be a deterrent.
[14.08.2016 19:08:51] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I hope very much you're right.
[14.08.2016 19:09:48] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: You should go. Go and delight at the genocide of us. We'll hardly get to finish this thing.
[14.08.2016 19:10:18] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: It is not finished?
[14.08.2016 19:10:30] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Go in your flying ship made of our flesh. And no, do you see it moving?
[14.08.2016 19:10:57] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Just because it doesn't move right now doesn't mean it can't.
[14.08.2016 19:11:12] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: My ship isn't firing now. Doesn't mean it can't.
[14.08.2016 19:11:14] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: It's like the husks near Dur Shurrikun. Lifeless. It needs time. Time we don't have anymore.
[14.08.2016 19:11:33] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You think so?
[14.08.2016 19:11:43] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: What makes you think you're running out of time?
[14.08.2016 19:12:09] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: You've made your choice. You'll be one of those sneering once we're all dead, and your kind finally hold our heritage.
[14.08.2016 19:12:25] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: That's not true.
[14.08.2016 19:12:44] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Pff. Don't lie to me. You loathe us.
[14.08.2016 19:12:50] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I am looking for coexistance, but yet there is so much reason to not trust each other.
[14.08.2016 19:13:19] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Such like this thing there. Two months ago, it wasn't here. I am the one that feels fooled by your kind right now!
[14.08.2016 19:13:25] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: On a whole, there will likely never be peace. We are a source of money and technology for your kind.
[14.08.2016 19:13:47] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: That can change!
[14.08.2016 19:14:06] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Mankind can find alternatives to nomad technology.
[14.08.2016 19:14:07] Don't use F1 or disconnect when interacting with other players.
[14.08.2016 19:14:10] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Ooooh, can it? Do tell me your brilliant plan.
[14.08.2016 19:14:12] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I'm certain of it.
[14.08.2016 19:14:37] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: You are just one man! We are being systematically annihilated now!
[14.08.2016 19:14:47] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Look, I'm not the one with the plan. I'm the one that has to decide between waging war against nomads or taking the
[14.08.2016 19:14:51] The.Apahanta: path of the Oracles.
[14.08.2016 19:15:03] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: To do so, I need to know the truth of both sides.
[14.08.2016 19:15:27] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Then why this clandestine bull*hit!?
[14.08.2016 19:15:53] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: All you need to do is approach people and ask! But instead you only do that when it's not us.
[14.08.2016 19:16:17] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: What do you mean? I can't expect you to just invite me here. In fact, in past that didn't work that way.
[14.08.2016 19:16:42] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: And I suspect you politely asked an Oracle or someone else to accompany you, huh?
[14.08.2016 19:17:24] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Well, the last Oracle I saw is dead now. You sure heard about Tatsori?
[14.08.2016 19:17:45] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Auxesia killed the her and I guess Reena will regrow?
[14.08.2016 19:17:50] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Yes, their path is a dangerous one as well. She did, however, decide to die on her own.
[14.08.2016 19:18:07] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: I don't know. The Nomad can just decide not to.
[14.08.2016 19:18:07] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: A stupid, unneccessary death.
[14.08.2016 19:18:34] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You mean, it's possible for Reena to be permanent dead?
[14.08.2016 19:18:54] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Still, all it would've taken is to contact the Oracles for something like what you wanted. That's all it would have took
[14.08.2016 19:19:24] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Sadly I didn't know that earlier. Now I'm here, spotted.
[14.08.2016 19:19:30] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Well, it can decide not to assume a spaceborne shape anymore and just exist within the Mindshare.
[14.08.2016 19:20:07] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: As I said, I am not here to hunt you. I am just really fuc*ing disappointed that you pull this spy act here.
[14.08.2016 19:20:24] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: However, you should know I don't have hostile intentions as long as you let me and the people I care for live.
[14.08.2016 19:21:36] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: You seem to not understand how we work. Are any of you actively participating in our exploitation?
[14.08.2016 19:22:25] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: None of the people I care for. In fact, one of them convinced me to do the right thing and stop it.
[14.08.2016 19:22:58] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Then we really don't care. These spy acts are what gets us going, however. It has never yielded anything-
[14.08.2016 19:23:02] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: but suffering.
[14.08.2016 19:23:26] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Not my spy acts! A cloaked ship can't harm anyone.
[14.08.2016 19:23:54] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Oh, would that apply to Order scouts as well?
[14.08.2016 19:24:16] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I'm not related to the Order.
[14.08.2016 19:24:25] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I'm not even related to the Core any longer.
[14.08.2016 19:24:34] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: See what I mean, though? Knowledge can be dangerous outside the right hands.
[14.08.2016 19:24:54] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: What are you going to do with what you've learned? Wanted to sell the info?
[14.08.2016 19:25:16] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: To whom? You said mankind already knows about _that_.
[14.08.2016 19:25:31] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: As I said, I wanted to know the truth about both sides.
[14.08.2016 19:25:41] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: You didn't know that before I told you, though.
[14.08.2016 19:25:59] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Who was that person who convinced you to do the right thing?
[14.08.2016 19:26:24] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I'm not going to tell you that.
[14.08.2016 19:26:58] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You have to trust my word that this person is very ambitious to find a balance for both sides, as I do.
[14.08.2016 19:27:07] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: At least, now that I know that is possible.
[14.08.2016 19:27:21] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: I am going to assume that this one is in some way affiliated with us. If so, why didn't you take -
[14.08.2016 19:27:37] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: that person by the hand and ask him to show you around?
[14.08.2016 19:27:48] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Two reasons.
[14.08.2016 19:28:12] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: First, I'm a hunted person and would never allow that person to be possibly harmed by being with me.
[14.08.2016 19:28:34] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Second, that person asked me to not go here, as it would be my unavoidable death.
[14.08.2016 19:28:55] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: It's a she, isn't it? Your she.
[14.08.2016 19:29:07] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Do you think so?
[14.08.2016 19:29:39] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Your two reasons imply at least a deep friendship.
[14.08.2016 19:29:58] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I owe that person one. That's all.
[14.08.2016 19:30:18] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: *He rolls his eyes* Sure, of course.
[14.08.2016 19:30:33] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Why would you even care?
[14.08.2016 19:30:43] CONSOLE: Possible cheating detected: poor
[14.08.2016 19:31:08] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I'm surely not the only person that ever dared to try the diplomatic way.
[14.08.2016 19:31:11] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: More or less.
[14.08.2016 19:31:18] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: You'd be surprised.
[14.08.2016 19:31:51] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Now that you know everything, how do you feel?
[14.08.2016 19:32:19] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Misplaced. I still don't know what to think of all this. I need time for it.
[14.08.2016 19:32:36] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: However, I appreciate that you're not calling the Guardians.
[14.08.2016 19:33:00] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Reacting and counter reaction. Parry and riposte. That's how it's always been.
[14.08.2016 19:33:24] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: You want to extend the olive branch, and it is appreciated. Yet this here didn't go a long way to gain trust.
[14.08.2016 19:34:31] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Well, in this situation, I wasn't here to extend the olive branch but to learn the truth. As I said, I couldn't
[14.08.2016 19:34:38] The.Apahanta: promise to not come here.
[14.08.2016 19:34:49] Discovery Freelancer is a role-playing server. All attacks must be the result of some form of role play. Shouting "Engaging" or "Halt" is not sufficient.
[14.08.2016 19:34:50] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: And I didn't expect you, especially you, to find me.
[14.08.2016 19:35:03] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: I might have never left you out of my sight.
[14.08.2016 19:35:05] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: However, you said our cloaking systems aren't perfect.
[14.08.2016 19:35:29] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Is that so? So much about gaining trust.
[14.08.2016 19:35:33] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Cloaking is also ineffective against telepathic creatures. We don't have eyes or use sensors.
[14.08.2016 19:35:35] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Stalker.
[14.08.2016 19:36:00] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Right...
[14.08.2016 19:36:03] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: It was for your own protection. If it weren't for me, /then/ there would be guardians.
[14.08.2016 19:36:25] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So I have to be thankful.
[14.08.2016 19:37:09] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Don't make me a traitor by letting you go just for you to turn on us again.
[14.08.2016 19:37:48] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: You know my conditions. As long as you don't make me regret things, we should be alright here.
[14.08.2016 19:38:24] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: To remain neutral in this conflict, all that must be done is let things happen. They don't concern you, as long-
[14.08.2016 19:38:34] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: as you're not part of the exploiters.
[14.08.2016 19:39:12] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: It's not that easy. Just because of my hope about coexistance, the Battlegroup Auxesia suspects me already to be
[14.08.2016 19:39:18] The.Apahanta: infected. As well as another person.
[14.08.2016 19:39:44] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Or, in fact, the entire crew. Just twenty loyal people, but still...
[14.08.2016 19:39:51] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Then seek help.
[14.08.2016 19:40:04] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: My god, that's what I do, damnit.
[14.08.2016 19:40:17] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Auxesia is fanatic about killing your kind.
[14.08.2016 19:40:24] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: I'm well aware.
[14.08.2016 19:40:41] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I need some proof, something that convince them to stop.
[14.08.2016 19:41:00] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: They know the Shrine, most likely. If that can't convince them, what else can?
[14.08.2016 19:41:05] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: But with a thing like that, that's very unlikely. Auxesia surely knows about it, am I right?
[14.08.2016 19:41:19] Za'Ghul: Human *prescence* ~detected~
[14.08.2016 19:41:27] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: I have no idea whether they know. The houses do.
[14.08.2016 19:41:43] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: But how?
[14.08.2016 19:41:59] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Hello, little nomad.
[14.08.2016 19:42:12] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: They came here. Don't ask how, I don't know.
[14.08.2016 19:42:23] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: All of them!?
[14.08.2016 19:42:33] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: All of them. All four houses.
[14.08.2016 19:42:59] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Even Bretonia?
[14.08.2016 19:43:12] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Even Bretonia. Their flagship was here.
[14.08.2016 19:43:21] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: The Dauntless, I guess.
[14.08.2016 19:43:31] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Correct.
[14.08.2016 19:43:44] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: So they know about that giant monster over there?
[14.08.2016 19:44:02] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: It's not a monster, Vertiga. And yes, they are well aware.
[14.08.2016 19:44:16] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Well, you still didn't tell me what it is then.
[14.08.2016 19:44:35] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: It's it's a ship. Like a Marduk, just bigger.
[14.08.2016 19:44:52] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Just a ship? You're not trying to fool me?
[14.08.2016 19:45:24] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: It's just a ship. One that can disable entire battleships with one shot, yes.
[14.08.2016 19:45:40] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: Disable or destroy?
[14.08.2016 19:45:58] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Depends on how gentle it is being right now.
[14.08.2016 19:46:39] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: That Void Archon. I guess you asked it to not attack me, right? So that must be true.
[14.08.2016 19:47:04] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: You are drawing attention of the greater lights, however. You should leave.
[14.08.2016 19:47:16] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I agree.
[14.08.2016 19:47:29] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: It was a pleasure, Frank.
[14.08.2016 19:47:36] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Have you at least learned everything you wanted?
[14.08.2016 19:47:46] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: More than I expected.
[14.08.2016 19:47:46] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Can't have all this be for nothing, right?
[14.08.2016 19:47:58] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: I understand.
[14.08.2016 19:48:12] The.Apahanta: Vertiga: We're leaving, don't worry. Apahanta, out.
[14.08.2016 19:48:14] Wilde.Leuchtfeuer: Frank: Well, I'm going to take a shower. What happens now is out of my hands.

So, the nomad knew it when I was there, no matter if I was cloaked or not. They were playing games with me, and probably Valery knows about all this as well. However, I can't say I'm not pleased with the results of all this, as I know much more now. Not only about the potential planet killer, but also about Saturnia, Ish'tar and the possibility to reach all of them via neural net. I, however, don't know if I really want to contact them, yet. I don't want to waste their time, and I think it's too dangerous in general. No, that's not how we do it...

I didn't see Nancy yet. Maren and me had the opportunity to make some love in our bed, which isn't that easy, now that Nancy is sleeping in our bed aswell. For the time being. We had some... interesting nights so far, however, I'd like to have different circumstances. It's nothing more than tempting to have her that close to me. I don't know what's going on right now. Maren, Nancy, Sombra, Thallia, all of them are giving me signals. It's like torture, to be honest. I had a date with Thallia on Curacao a week ago. Just a formal one, since Thallia missed all the fun we had on Curacao with Leon, Maren and Nancy, and Sombra. So I asked her out for a dinner, and we went clubbing a bit, and she took the opportunity to get drunk horribly, as usual. She said she would give me a shot if I wasn't with Maren, being very touchy all the night. Poor girl, she really has not luck with men. She still isn't over that Locklear guy, and she really could need someone to make her more stable. Someone with backbone. Someone that isn't just using her for her skills and traits. Too bad I can't pull off a thing like with Nancy, as Leon is the only good boy I know.

Anyway. I heard Auxesia is being hunted by the Bounty Hunters now. Maren told me about it, and then Raven too. I can't say that's not good, as it will slow down their efforts on the nomad hunting, I guess. Last night, Maren and me met Raven at Barrier Gate, talking to her for a bit. Little chit chat, nothing more. Tried to find out if she and Hunt are a couple, but she didn't tell. I still think so. She had trouble with her stomach, according to her it was about curry. She had to poop two times during our conversation. Funny girl. She even remembered our first encounters in Delta. Looks like I'm not a noname to her after all. I just don't know if that's good or bad. However, this time, she didn't say anything wrong to Maren, no suspissions and such. It was... okay?

I don't know. I need more time to think about all this. With that potential planet killer, everything changed to me. And the houses know about it. They know...

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