To Everlasting Ebb

[Locksmith]

Near Saverne Base, Cologne System —> Omega Systems
02.01.836 AS

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With each passing day since her last visit to Earhart with an agent of the Order, Crimson Veil felt a slowly growing sense of unease. Humanity's overwhelming dependence on technologies they didn't fully understand was concerning enough in itself; however, when the pylons in Earhart suddenly opened fire on Melusine, despite her remaining at a safe distance, it was yet another reminder of the precarious foundation upon which most human civilizations in Sirius had been built.

Overcoming this pernicious dependence required a departure from the established course. The newly opened route to Deep Omegas held the promise of immense potential; a prize humanity needed to seize, piece by piece. Crimson Veil had journeyed there repeatedly, accompanied by other representatives of the Platform, as well as Chevalier. Because these areas were a hotspot for many factions, some of whom were openly hostile to the Bundschuh, they usually didn't get very far; the only exception was a recent flight, during which they managed to reach the planet Timbuktu, traversing a deadly labyrinth. However, a combination of adverse environmental factors and the desperate resistance of Wilde forces forced Crimson Veil to retreat.

In her place, she dispatched one of the figures connected to her past — a Rogue named Sorcha, possessed of near-suicidal courage and a bomber with immense firepower. Crimson Veil's gamble paid off: Sorcha, cursing her benefactor for such a task, managed to break through Wilde's forces. Unfortunately, her bomber was severely damaged in the process, and only the arrival of Bustard with the some of the compassionate members of the Rogue community, to whom she had sent a signal, were able to extract her from this place. And yet, she succeeded: upon returning, Sorcha handed over to Crimson Veil a unique piece of technology bearing the imprint of Deep Omegas. The weapon called RUPTURER. Information on such technology was scarce, and reproducing it seemed impossible... However, the mere existence of this fundamentally different type of technology intrigued Crimson Veil far more than the potential production of this particular weapon. Moreover, Sorcha stumbled upon a path to a black hole lying beyond the deadly labyrinth... This unique object, immediately after its mention, became the object of obsessive thoughts and strange dreams. Crimson Veil's "inner voice", awakened within her after her brother's contact with the alien mind, became especially active, urging her to embark on this dangerous journey.

Seeing this as another step toward humanity's sustainable independence, Crimson Veil once again asked Chevalier to accompany her. This time, however, she has ensured the support of another ally, one capable of bringing a unique perspective. Still distraught and feeling the influence of the "voice", Crimson Veil couldn't even properly express her joy at meeting Chevalier. Although the latter's ship would certainly prove a valuable asset on their journey: the Oder gunboat, bearing the mark of Gallic technology, offered an excellent combination of firepower and mobility.

For the first part of the journey, however, everything proceeded calmly. Even the mapped Omegas were surprisingly devoid of conflict this time.

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