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-