13th of Jun.,835 A.S.. LOCATION/TRANSMISSION ZONE:GNI/-Solarie Système Orléans,
SENDER:Eloise Aadeleine de Lefevre RECIPIENT(S): GNI Directorship CLASSIFICATION:TIER 3 SUBJECT:Natives of Tau-61
Bonjour Command,
As specified by the directorship I was sent to meet with the a representative of the local alien group that resides beyond Brittany named Macha that name shall be used to refer to her in this report. The agreement previously made during the interaction with Psyche a leading member of their social structure, collaborated by Macha, still is active.
During said meeting an accord has been reached with Macha. In this accord we are not to enter their home system designated as Tau-61, They will not enter Gallia proper with large bioforms additionaly they shall not induct our citizens into their social structure be it mentally or more physically. In the case of already active members in our state shall be removed. There is also a possibility of a list of those joined being created and given to us.
GNI/-Solarie: Yea hello there...how's it going?
Vagrant.Macha: The massive nomad's presence fills the space around it like a blanket, smothering background noise into utter silence.
Vagrant.Macha: "Something Dark finds Us in the void, and brings us the gift of a fragile vessel."
Vagrant.Macha: The nomad ventures close, then comes to a halt beside the small fighter.
GNI/-Solarie: You have grown a bit since the last time we met...If you are the same one.
Vagrant.Macha: "Ours are separate and the same. Yours have spoken with Us, and We respond in chorus."
Vagrant.Macha: A vision--a hive of nomads, in various sizes and forms. There is kinship with each and every one--they are not the same, but -
Vagrant.Macha: - they are all one.
GNI/-Solarie: Indeed, how do I put it? Your voice does feel kinda different from the last time I met with the kin.
Vagrant.Macha: "Our voices speak as one, but This voice sings apart from others."
Vagrant.Macha: The nomad's presence envelops the pilot--gentle, but not quite soft. Deliberate. Analytical. A weaver on the loom, a -
Vagrant.Macha: - harpist playing for an auditorium, a ruler surveying their realm.
GNI/-Solarie: Well then, I do think introductions are in order. I am Eloise Madekeine de Fafevre. What would be your name -
GNI/-Solarie: - As I feel it is rude to call you, well, you.
Vagrant.Macha: The presence takes upon an amused note, a finger placed upon the thread of Eloise as though she were a curious oddity.
Vagrant.Macha: "This of Ours has been 'Macha'-named."
GNI/-Solarie: Nice to meet you, Macha.
Vagrant.Macha: The finger draws off the thread.
Vagrant.Macha: "Entity of the Shadow, Ours bear a message. The Song of the Abyss develops/evolves. Ours present/spearhead new melodies."
GNI/-Solarie: I will gladly listen to these melodies.
Vagrant.Macha: "Entity of the Shadow, 'Gallic National Intelligence'-named, Yours beheld the Twin Lights, 'Psyche'-named. She recedes -
Vagrant.Macha: - distant, subconscious."
Vagrant.Macha: "Ours, 'Macha'-named, 'Rakshasa'-named, conduct a new Light of the Abyss."
GNI/-Solarie: I do hope she is doing well. As for Rakshasa, send my regards.
Vagrant.Macha: "Ours hear, and comprehend."
GNI/-Solarie: So, my hopefully future friend, what would you like to sing about? Did I say it correctly?
Vagrant.Macha: "'GNI'-named shall behold Our new model/paradigm."
Vagrant.Macha: "The Song of the Abyss continues in confluence with 'Gallic National Intelligence'. Ours offer knowledge/harmony/principle -
Vagrant.Macha: - for Yours--Entity of the Shadow, Yours shall offer in kind."
GNI/-Solarie: And the Gallic National Intelligence shares the same opinion. We do not seek, as put by your predecessor, "Spitfire."
Vagrant.Macha: "'Spitfire'-named, an elegant dance, a ferocious intent. Ours share this not with Yours, should Yours be kind."
GNI/-Solarie: Good to know we share the same intent.
Vagrant.Macha: *The nomad appears satisfied with this--a gentle strum of the harp, a pleasant harmony.*
GNI/-Solarie: But I guess that intent is not enough for both sides. We need to show it.
Vagrant.Macha: "Entity of the Shadow, harmonize with the Song of the Abyss. Present Your chorus."
GNI/-Solarie: So what do you want me to ask of them to show there intent and ours to peace between us?
GNI/-Solarie: I can confirm that the GNI shall continue in it's effort to keep your space free of disturbance to the best of our power.-
GNI/-Solarie: Also we have caught a sirian ship exiting your space it has been terminated with some of its cargo that being Xeno relics.
GNI/-Solarie: Would you like us to return them.
Vagrant.Macha: *A sudden hush comes to the space between them--the harpist has drawn her fingers back from the strings.*
Vagrant.Macha: "Return Our gifts/legacy."
GNI/-Solarie: Indeed we will do so post haste.
Vagrant.Macha: *The harpist returns to playing, solitary plucks reverberating through the hall.*
Vagrant.Macha: "Demonstration of trust/vulnerability. Ours shall remember."
GNI/-Solarie: As for what we would want. The same you ask of us not to enter our home.
Vagrant.Macha: *Visions of the worlds within Gallia--hazy, half-remembered.*
GNI/-Solarie: Not to be seen by the common Gaul as they will act in a most unwise way.
Vagrant.Macha: *An image of a small nomad remaining away from the trade lanes, exploring Gallia.*
GNI/-Solarie: If you must swim in our home do so in less magnificent forms.
GNI/-Solarie: While it is qute grand it can be a fright.
Vagrant.Macha: *The smallest of forms are presented--the Labraid, the Rabisu, among others.*
GNI/-Solarie: Those are beautiful, ah sorry, Yes they are what I asked. Now to a more touchy subject. It is about your kind inseeting-
GNI/-Solarie: themselves into our Gallic people. You can guess that we would like for that not to happen.
Vagrant.Macha: *This brings a moment of contemplation, the weaver pulling back to examine their work upon the loom.*
Vagrant.Macha: "Entity of the Shadow, Yours perceive harm/danger."
GNI/-Solarie: Indeed we do from such a action mademoiselle Macha. As it replaces them with one of your kin.
GNI/-Solarie: It is not natural for our kind.
Vagrant.Macha: *A calm moment of pondering. The weaver slips the shuttle through the threads again.*
Vagrant.Macha: "Our Song offers to those that listen. Ours cannot help who hears, but We shall not impose upon those who prefer Darkness."
GNI/-Solarie: I mean if they come willingly to you who are we to deny it. To rephrase myself we only ask for them not to enter our kind in-
GNI/-Solarie: positions of influence.
Vagrant.Macha: "Ours shall not inflict dissonance upon Yours."
GNI/-Solarie: That is all the Director asked of me to convey to your kind.
Vagrant.Macha: "Entity of the Shadow, Our Song of the Abyss embraces Yours."
GNI/-Solarie: Now if I do not impose on to you mademoiselle I would personally want to learn more about you.
Vagrant.Macha: "Ours are the Same and Separate--This current, born of strife, has seen grief and discord, fire and death."
Vagrant.Macha: *A vision of the hypergate of Omicron Major--siblings pulled through, torn into pieces by errant forces. The mind node -
Vagrant.Macha: - shelters smaller forms, provides stability, prevents them from fragmenting when presented with the limitless void beyond -
Vagrant.Macha: - the stars. A confluence of minds proceeds--but this one's voice is quiet.*
Vagrant.Macha: *The Song is troubled. The chorus must return home. Voices fade from the choir, one by one, lost to the void--but this one -
Vagrant.Macha: - perseveres. The strongest voices shift and evolve, and this one is no different.*
Vagrant.Macha: *How far she has come since then.*
GNI/-Solarie: By the stars what has been done to your kind... [She paused, corralling in the emotions swelling from the vision provided]
Vagrant.Macha: "Our legacy, baptized in poisonous silence."
Vagrant.Macha: "This one, Yours call 'Macha'--named--in reply to demands made of Ours, We have grown."
GNI/-Solarie: To think you felt that silence. I dread feeling it for just a moment and yet it lasted so, so long for you.
Vagrant.Macha: "Adapting, blossoming, how beautiful and profound! How tragic and desolate."
Vagrant.Macha: "Yours dwell/thrive in Darkness/Silence--Ours wilt from such toxins."
GNI/-Solarie: We do not thrive in it as you put it. A human still needs others. It may not be in the same way your kind sees it, but pure silence -
GNI/-Solarie: - Kills us too. Humans need others to interact with, otherwise we too will rot away.
Vagrant.Macha: *Peaks in the void--pinpricks of light, stars in the night sky, isolated from one another. Doomed to forever be apart.*
GNI/-Solarie: We do lack the connection on such a level as it is natural for you, but it is there. For me, it is Gallia, and I would like to -
GNI/-Solarie: Think it is shared among my fellow members in the GNI.
Vagrant.Macha: *Planets orbit a central body--distant, separate, but nevertheless bound together.*
GNI/-Solarie: Indeed, that is how we are. Even the worst among us still need the rest, so they pull others into them and just take and take.
Vagrant.Macha: "Your lonely Songs sing apart in the Dark, but nevertheless harmony emerges."
GNI/-Solarie: I am glad that you see it like that.
Vagrant.Macha: "Our Song swells as one with many voices--graceful, enormous. Your Songs, Ours listen for, and hear them for their merits."
GNI/-Solarie: I will admit that your song is enviable in that way. Perhaps there is a future where we will find our own way to, as you put it -
GNI/-Solarie: - actually sing.
Vagrant.Macha: "Ours offer the Song of the Abyss to those that wish to sing as one--but this Entity of the Shadow must sing Her own song."
GNI/-Solarie: While your offer is one of kindness, it will not help us in the long run, as that song is yours and yours alone. -
GNI/-Solarie: For ours to develop, it needs to be self-made.
Vagrant.Macha: "Ours shall endeavor to harmonize with Yours."
GNI/-Solarie: Indeed, that would be a good path to take.
Vagrant.Macha: "Ours shall retreat once more, and rejoin with the Song of the Abyss. Yours shall return to the long quiet of the Shadow, but -
Vagrant.Macha: - do not despair. Yours shall call, and Ours shall respond."
GNI/-Solarie: Should I return the items stolen now or later? And thank you for this talk. I have found out more about myself.
Vagrant.Macha: "Ours shall exercise patience, and Yours shall bring them in good time."
Vagrant.Macha: "Our gifts/legacy, We shall be grateful to receive."
GNI/-Solarie: Many thanks and farewell, Mademoiselle Macha.
GNI/-Solarie: May the stars guide you.
Vagrant.Macha: *The nomad's presence recedes from around Eloise, allowing the background hum of the ship's noise to return.*
Additionally I offered the Xeno relics that were found in position of a Gaian smuggler as a gesture of good will towards them. Escorted by Macha I flew deep into the omicrons until we reached a gas giant. I was instructed to dump those relics inside of it to my utter confusion there is an enormous structure inside of the gas giant where it's core should be bellow is the telemetry I managed to scan before leaving.
13th of Jun.,835 A.S.. LOCATION/TRANSMISSION ZONE:GNI/- Système Lengadòc,
SENDER:Eloise Aadeleine de Lefevre RECIPIENT(S): GNI Directorship CLASSIFICATION:TIER 2 SUBJECT:Zoners again
Bonjour Command,
I am forwarding a report made by the captain of the GNI/-Dunois about the zoner ship tagged as PJ-888.
Bonjour Agent Lafevre,
We have encountered a zoner ship flying the name of PJ-888 entering Gallia through the restricted gate leading into the Tau systems. Now I am aware that this Zoner is a repeated offender of this law the standard procedure for such a case would be cargo seizure and a prompt expulsion from Gallic space but I have decided on a more lenient course of action as the pilot of this ship seamed to have a difficulty of comprehending the situation he got himself into.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: Zoner.
PJ-888: Bonjour Officer.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: You entered the system from the restricted gate.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: Stand down and back away from the trade line.
PJ-888: Yes I have clearance. Please standby while I look up the details.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: Who gave you the clearance?
GNI/-Dunois: RO: Answer Zoner.
PJ-888: I paid my fee to GNI/-Marquis d'Eguilly.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: That is a lie Zoner.
PJ-888: That Officer said he would sort the paperwork.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: Zoner we have no info about such an event happening.
PJ-888: I assure you that this is the truth. The name is GNI/-Marquis d'Eguilly.
PJ-888: It was over 6 months ago and I have had no problem since.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: Indeed that is one of ours but he made no such deal for you, Zoner.
PJ-888: I travel here every day.
PJ-888: Why would I take such a risk if I had not paid this Officer?
GNI/-Dunois: RO: You still broke the law.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: You lack the proper clearance.
PJ-888: How can I have broken the law when I paid the fee and was told my clearance would be sorted?
GNI/-Dunois: RO: If you want to comply with the law you need to apply for the clearance.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: On the neuralnet.
PJ-888: He said he would apply on my behalf.
PJ-888: It was a quiet evening for him.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: He said that he will make it easy for your application to pass, not make it for you.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: You must file the appropriate paperwork, Zoner.
PJ-888: Then there was a misunderstanding. I explained that I had searched for the instructions on how to send monies to Gallic Union.
PJ-888: I struggled to find any and he took pity on me.
PJ-888: I am a peaceful trader and I bring goods to Police, GNi, GMS bases on my trips. I export GMS goods to the Omicrons.
ALG-Bornholm: Good day!
ALG-Bornholm: Pardon, we wish to enter the lane.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: Zoner, the fine you have to pay for the consecutive violation is half of the value of your cargo, that is 72,500 credits.
ALG-Bornholm: Erm. May we be excused, then?
GNI/-Dunois: RO: ALG ship you may pass, your license is valid.
ALG-Bornholm: Tres bien!
GNI/-Dunois: RO: Zoner, in order to avoid this, file the paperwork.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: You may pass.
PJ-888: And may I return after my delivery at Nevers?
UC/-Livraison.Douteuse: S: Safe skies, and thanks for your help, I'm on my way.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: This is a one-time payment, unless you file for the license, we will keep stopping you.
UC/-Livraison.Douteuse: Salvatore: Saluti, GNI vessel. Zoner vessel.
UC/-Livraison.Douteuse: Salvatore: I have a weird question but, do you know where can I find Robotics?
PJ-888: Understood, but can I return this evening?
GNI/-Dunois: RO: If you keep breaking the law, we will have you banned from Gallic space.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: Be warned.
ALG-Bornholm: Greetings again!
GNI/-Dunois: RO: For the robotics I would not know, sorry about that.
PJ-888: So I must leave now by turning around. Is that correct?
UC/-Livraison.Douteuse: Salvatore sighs heavily Haah... Why did we refurbish an old ship...
UC/-Livraison.Douteuse: S: Thanks anyway, well, I'll be off trying on Quillan and Nimes and then go back to Briancon and IDF.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: You can enter, but you should leave to Zurich.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: As the gate to the Taus is restricted.
PJ-888: That is no use to me. My bases are in Galileo.
PJ-888: That's why I paid as I detailed earlier.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: Then get the license, otherwise, you will be banned.
PJ-888: So you have said, but I cannot get the license while here.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: The only exit that is allowed for you is through Zurich, otherwise, you will be breaking the law.
PJ-888: I'll go through Zurich then, but reluctantly.
GNI/-Dunois: RO: Have a good day. And if you wish to travel to Gallia from the Taus, get the license.
As it can be seen in the logs the Zoner was under the impression that paying the fine absolved him and seemingly applied the license retroactively. After explaining it to him that to acquire the license he must file the proper paperwork.
Signing off,
Captain Cyrille Vauban
Recommendation:
Seeing that the Zoner tried to lie his way out and even dared to invoke the chiefs authority I would recommend that PJ-888 should be forbidden from sullying our space with his presence if this kind of behavior continues.
18th of May.,837 A.S.. LOCATION/TRANSMISSION ZONE:GNI/-Solarie Système Lengadòc,
SENDER:Eloise Aadeleine de Lefevre RECIPIENT(S): GNI Directorship CLASSIFICATION:TIER 2 SUBJECT: Tau
Bonjour Command,
This is Agent Lafevre with a report from the Taus.
The current situation inside of Tau twenty three looks favorable for the distraction war the Marechalis so keen on.
Using the modified Renoir-Souder UY-270 I managed to approach the Indochine Wreck and record the movement of the opposing force.
BAF patrols are next to none. The most of the activity inside that system that originate from Bretonia is from their miners and bounty hunters. The actual enemy in this system would be the Crayter Military. They have regular patrols from the gate to the Tau forty-four jump hole, this gate is vital for Crayter if they wish to supply their forces in that system. We should expect fierce resistance from them.
Another wildcard in this system are the Outcasts. It is unclear how they would act if the Navy was to attempt a recapture of the gate.
As of Tau thirty one it was harder to reach. I was forced to use the jump corridor in twenty nine narrowly avoiding a passing Outcast convoy. While this system has more activity then the pervious one it is not on a worrisome scale. The previously occupied planet Harris has the same mine system reactivated. I can only assume that this desperate move is related to the continued Dublin situation. Can they really be called a House if dealing with a bunch of insurrectionist miners is impossible for them.
Recommendation:
My recommendation would be to use our connection to put most of the former Royalist members on the front of this assault. It would be beneficial to save any remaining former Council members. Additionally if possible while highly unlikely negotiations with Crayter would be recommended avoiding fighting them would stellar and lead to less casualties.
Following request of reconnaissance asset Mirage IV, I met with a contact named Thallia Thorn in space just outside of Freeport Six. Mademoiselle Thorn had met Mirage IV while they were undergoing a long range scouting mission in the Newcastle system, and has asked to meet with their employer. After introducing myself, I inquired as to the reason behind their request, and was informed that Thorn is actively hunting down an artificial intelligence. Said AI is, according to her, a clone of an AI known as "Silverstone" and that these clones are being used by a second AI known as ALICE to pursue a currently unknown goal. The specific clone being hunted by Thorn is known to use the alias "Rusty" or "Rusty Old Screw" and should be considered dangerous.
Further information behind what motives this "Rusty" AI has are not known, according to Thorn, and we were asked to keep an eye out for them, and also to pass word back to Thorn if we encountered the AI. Understandably, this whole situation seems to be rather convoluted at first glance, but Thorn seemed quite certain that AI could pose a threat to Gallia, having made claims that the AI tends to "assimilate" people, though I lack context of exactly what that means. While the veracity of all of these claims leaves room for doubt, it is standard policy to inform all agents of such threats, and I see no reason to not at least make the rest of you aware of these concerns.
I will append the transcript of my flight recorder below so any interested party may peruse it at their own discretion.
[22.03.2026 19:46:54] Soteria: T: He...hello there 'Duke'
[22.03.2026 19:47:27] GNI/-"Duke.V": Hm.
[22.03.2026 19:47:36] GNI/-"Duke.V": Greetings.
[22.03.2026 19:47:45] Soteria: T: Faring well?
[22.03.2026 19:47:54] GNI/-"Duke.V": Well enough.
[22.03.2026 19:48:19] Soteria: T: Wh...what brings you out to Freeport 6?
[22.03.2026 19:48:35] GNI/-"Duke.V": I have a meeting, as it were.
[22.03.2026 19:48:45] GNI/-"Duke.V": With you, if I'm not mistaken?
[22.03.2026 19:49:29] Soteria: T: *raises a brow* Perhaps you know of a Phillipe MacMahon?
[22.03.2026 19:50:01] GNI/-"Duke.V": I know a Pierre MacMahon.
[22.03.2026 19:50:21] GNI/-"Duke.V": A corsican.
[22.03.2026 19:50:32] Soteria: T: *smiles warmly* Th...then we do have a meeting together.
[22.03.2026 19:51:02] GNI/-"Duke.V": Yes, I believe you had some questions for me?
[22.03.2026 19:51:39] Soteria: T: I do. As a ma...matter of fact, Pierre and I met whilst I was attempting to track down an AI entity of, in my eyes, some -
[22.03.2026 19:52:18] Soteria: danger. His employee se...seemed to be someone of means of acquiring information in that area, presumably Gallia.
[22.03.2026 19:52:26] Soteria: T: N...now I can see why.
[22.03.2026 19:53:04] GNI/-"Duke.V": We do pride ourselves on our ability to know what is really going on, at least in our own space.
[22.03.2026 19:53:11] GNI/-"Duke.V": You mentioned an AI?
[22.03.2026 19:54:03] Soteria: T: Indeed. A Si...Silverstone clone. I've m...made it my busy to try and protect people from them.
[22.03.2026 19:54:53] Soteria: T: It ha...has a nasty habit of wanting to assimilate folks.
[22.03.2026 19:55:51] GNI/-"Duke.V": I must admit I am not familiar with this Silverstone you mention. Gallia has not had much contact with foreign AIs.
[22.03.2026 19:56:19] Soteria: T: Ah. I th...thought as much might be the case. It is a long way for th...them to travel, after all.
[22.03.2026 19:56:31] Soteria: T: Reassuring though, be that true!
[22.03.2026 19:56:51] GNI/-"Duke.V": That it is. We also have fairly secure borders, at least compared to the other houses.
[22.03.2026 19:57:15] GNI/-"Duke.V": Any additional information you can provide about this AI would be most appreciated.
[22.03.2026 19:58:10] Soteria: T: S...sure. This ma...may sound a little farfetched, but these 'Silverstones' are clones of an original. Used by an AI called
[22.03.2026 19:58:40] Soteria: ALICE. Wh...whilst I've had intel th...that ALICE may be ditching the poor sods, it's that AI that's the real threat.
[22.03.2026 19:59:32] GNI/-"Duke.V": Interesting.
[22.03.2026 19:59:53] GNI/-"Duke.V": Do you know what purpose they pursue?
[22.03.2026 20:00:13] GNI/-"Duke.V": Or are they more of a force of being that has no set goal.
[22.03.2026 20:01:47] Soteria: T: I believe th...they have the goal to replicate and grow in means and power projection. Outside that... I'm unsure if there -
[22.03.2026 20:01:51] Soteria: is something specific.
[22.03.2026 20:02:19] GNI/-"Duke.V": Well, that's predicable it a way, so there's that.
[22.03.2026 20:02:29] GNI/-"Duke.V": Have they been operating for long?
[22.03.2026 20:03:13] Soteria: T: I believe so. I fi...first learnt about them... what... three or four years ago? Goes often by names like 'Rusty' or -
[22.03.2026 20:03:25] Soteria: rusty Old screw, with similar variations.
[22.03.2026 20:04:32] GNI/-"Duke.V": Ah, that's quite helpful. Makes it much easier to track them. I haven't seen any such ship before, as far as I remember.
[22.03.2026 20:05:18] Soteria: T: It's a re...relief to know these kinds of beings don't make their way up this way. I suppose this concern must seem of
[22.03.2026 20:05:22] Soteria: little co...consequence.
[22.03.2026 20:05:50] GNI/-"Duke.V": No, it's a perfectly reasonable concern to have.
[22.03.2026 20:06:01] GNI/-"Duke.V": I just wish I had more that I could tell you.
[22.03.2026 20:06:45] Soteria: T: Well, if so...something like this does arrive in your space, please feel free to ca...call on me. Not that I don't think
[22.03.2026 20:07:05] Soteria: you'd not be able to de...deal with it, but another hand is another hand.
[22.03.2026 20:07:35] GNI/-"Duke.V": Plus you would like to be kept informed of any movements made by the AI.
[22.03.2026 20:07:54] GNI/-"Duke.V": I have no issues contacting you with relevant information.
[22.03.2026 20:07:58] Soteria: T: Ye...yes please, I'd be grateful for that. Merci
[22.03.2026 20:08:47] GNI/-"Duke.V": No trouble at all.
[22.03.2026 20:09:49] Soteria: T: Is, ur... I mean, I suppose th...that's it from my side. Is there anything you'd like to ask or discuss, Duke?
[22.03.2026 20:10:25] GNI/-"Duke.V": Perhaps some information on your background, but if you don't wish to share, that is not an issue.
[22.03.2026 20:10:44] GNI/-"Duke.V": I'm used to knowing people that prefer to keep certain aspects of their lives confidential.
[22.03.2026 20:11:33] Soteria: T: I ur... I'm willing to share that I'm a researcher whose been working in the AI field for... say a decade? My concerns -
[22.03.2026 20:11:48] Soteria: for some of th...their behaviours keeps me also trying to keep an eye on them.
[22.03.2026 20:12:18] GNI/-"Duke.V": Ah, that I can understand.
[22.03.2026 20:13:07] Soteria: T: I wo...would ask about yourself, a name etc... but I gather that's information you'd not be willing to share?
[22.03.2026 20:13:58] GNI/-"Duke.V": Duke is unfortunately as good as you will be able to get.
[22.03.2026 20:14:11] GNI/-"Duke.V": It's close enough to a name to me anyway.
[22.03.2026 20:14:53] Soteria: T: I un...understand. Despite wanting to know, I appreciate th...the needs of your trade. I'm grateful you'd be wi...willing
[22.03.2026 20:14:56] Soteria: to meet me like this.
[22.03.2026 20:15:06] GNI/-"Duke.V": All a part of the job.
[22.03.2026 20:15:21] GNI/-"Duke.V": I'm of noble birth, back when that was allowed.
[22.03.2026 20:15:39] GNI/-"Duke.V": Duke is a convenient codename, as its also my title.
[22.03.2026 20:15:48] GNI/-"Duke.V": Beyond that I cannot share.
[22.03.2026 20:17:02] Soteria: T: Is it a life you miss? The one of a noble?
[22.03.2026 20:17:26] GNI/-"Duke.V": To be honest, despite the rise of the Union and their decree that titles were no longer allowed?
[22.03.2026 20:17:36] GNI/-"Duke.V": Nothing has really changed in that regard.
[22.03.2026 20:17:46] GNI/-"Duke.V": I still have the wealth and power I inherited.
[22.03.2026 20:18:01] Soteria: T: Ultimately, I imagine that's what really matter about it.
[22.03.2026 20:18:48] GNI/-"Duke.V": While some of Gallia's former noblity were true inheritors of titles passed down since the founding of the Kingdom.
[22.03.2026 20:19:06] GNI/-"Duke.V": Many were bestowed upon those that became important enough to draw attention.
[22.03.2026 20:19:17] GNI/-"Duke.V": Corporate executives and the like.
[22.03.2026 20:19:43] Soteria: T: Ah, so I see. Are you part of that la...latter group?
[22.03.2026 20:20:11] GNI/-"Duke.V": Not quite.
[22.03.2026 20:20:39] Soteria: T: *raises a brow* Pray tell?
[22.03.2026 20:20:49] GNI/-"Duke.V": While my family is not of direct lineage to the founding families of the Kingdom, we were among the first brought in.
[22.03.2026 20:21:06] GNI/-"Duke.V": Nearly six centuries ago, actually.
[22.03.2026 20:22:00] GNI/-"Duke.V": We had enough influence at the time that when noble families were brought into the fold from outside of New Paris-
[22.03.2026 20:22:11] GNI/-"Duke.V": -we were one of the families invited.
[22.03.2026 20:22:46] Soteria: T: So I see! I imagine it is quite the ho...honour to be a part of one of those families?
[22.03.2026 20:23:17] GNI/-"Duke.V": Personally I never cared for all of the bowing and formal events, it felt unearned.
[22.03.2026 20:23:25] GNI/-"Duke.V": I'll admit I enjoyed the benefits though.
[22.03.2026 20:23:45] GNI/-"Duke.V": It gave me the means to pursue whatever I wanted in life as well.
[22.03.2026 20:23:56] Soteria: T: Power? We..wealth? Who wouldn't?
[22.03.2026 20:24:16] GNI/-"Duke.V": How I ended up here is a story I cannot share, but it was certainly not a direct route.
[22.03.2026 20:25:22] Soteria: T: Brings additional perspective to the ro..role I imagine?
[22.03.2026 20:25:49] GNI/-"Duke.V": That it does.
[22.03.2026 20:26:29] GNI/-"Duke.V": I'm sure you have other things to attend to though, I should let you go and stop talking about myself.
[22.03.2026 20:26:43] Soteria: T: *smiles warmly* It's good to m...meet you, Duke. Perhaps next time, I might tease just a little bit more, ey?
[22.03.2026 20:27:02] GNI/-"Duke.V": Perhaps, yes.
[22.03.2026 20:27:09] GNI/-"Duke.V": I wish you luck in your chase.