Afterworld

[Kauket]

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> ... Re-adjusted integrity of devices.
> ... Significant damage present within the neural controls.
> ... Lessons were learned. Not everyone can be saved.
> ... Neurological damage remaining.
> ...
> ...
> ... Resumed studies. Finding clues.
> ... Sought out assistance with Vagrants
> ... Managed to assert glypths from a tablet retrieved ... I do not seem to recall where such was obtained.
> ... Perhaps I recovered it without making note.
> ... Need to find Xenoarcheologist to assist with translations. A shame Vincent is gone.

⏁⍀⟟⋏⟟⏁⊬ ⍜⎎ ⌰⟟☌⊑⏁
⎎⍜⍀⋔⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏ ⌇⊑⍀⍜⎍⎅⟒⎅ ⍙⟟⏁⊑⟟⋏ ⋔⟟⌇⏁
⟒⎐⟒⍀ ⍙⏃⏁☊⊑⟟⋏☌
⌇⊑⏃⎅⍜⍙⟟⋏☌ ⏁⊑⟒ ⋔⍜⍜⋏ ⍜⎎ ⌇⏃⋏⎅⌇

> ... Will need to explore around for clues in the meanwhile.
> ...
> ...

---

> ...
> ... ERROR: Missing Data Nodes for dates: 04-06 of 829.
> ...
> ... NOTICE: Data has been backed up to an external source, but remains linked internally! Link manifest should be refreshed.

---

> ...
> ... Reminiscing on trip to Gallia.
> ... Recalled the presence of the Order. And interestingly, the increased activity of infectees.



> ... I had been inspired to investigate the Gallic's data libraries.
> ... And that I shall.
> ... The Rogue is interested in coming with me.
> ...
> ... Surprisingly, he has links to individuals in Gallia. Very mysterious.
> ... And even more so, he seems to be aware of the shortcuts present in the area.
> ... There is a lot of hidden history to Wolf. Can I trust him?
> ... I do not know. Though. He has seem to be caring so far.
> ... Or is it a facade?
> ... It does not seem like it.
> ...

---

> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... Having spent some time investigating up there. One subject came to mind during my research in their libraries.
> ... Celluar rejuvenation and manipulation. Stem cell research.
> ... Some conspiracy documentation upon the Gallic Navy.
> ...
> ... Hm.
> ...
> ... I pondered if the Affliction - those 'mindstorms - had an averse reaction to my biology's building block.
> ... Or how the Nomad interaction with the brain affects the biochemistry of the body.
> ...
> ... Maybe through creating an artifical outlet for the trapped energy, perhaps I could drain the affliction out?
> ...
> ...
> ... Although I truly shouldn't - and much to my disgust - perhaps it is necessary to dabble into - ...
> ... Nrrrhhh...
> ... Amalgamations. Hybrids.
> ...
> ... Kimiko mentioned interest in such. To what cause. I do not know.
> ... Perhaps with her assistance, we can obtain more knowledge on the matter. And to perhapss find a way to adapt against the Sentinels.
> ... And in the event that Harbinger is unable to fulfill his agreement, there is now an alternative. Albeit time limited.
> ... What with the Affliction setting an expiration date. Should he withdraw.
> ...
> ... Science requires sacrifice.
> ... And in this case, to dabble with the Nomad building block, is incredibly dangerous.
> ... To be granted such trust is no light matter. I cannot allow any Human to see these studies.
> ...
> ... It appears that Kimiko does have some intention with these Hybrid documentation. I cannot speculate as to what they wish to achieve.
> ... Perhaps they wish to weaponise them. Or to gather insight. It does not matter to me. My intention is purely to gather an understanding. A way to manipulate biology.
> ... But I have agreed to assist her, as she does me.
> ...
> ... I wonder if I can key these clues in to the path to the Ascension... Perhaps it is too dangerous.
> ...
> ...
> ... In the meanwhile. I have discovered that the unusual artifact's first translations start with:
> ... "Trinty of Light"
> ... The rest is indecipherable - for now. Although I hold my doubts of this relics relevance.
> ... Seems to be a clue to some location.
> ...
> ...
> ... Since the return from Gallia. I could not help but notice the distant observations from - presumably - the other Hive



> ... I hope they do not know.

---

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[Kauket]

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> ...
> ... We are prepping up for experimentation.
> ... I have been finding some individuals for stem cell donations.
> ... The Vagrants have permitted a private sector upon Hascosay for the purposes of study.
> ... We have rounded up some gear.
> ... It will be necessary to find some collaborators. My knowledge of biology extends into the depth of augmentation, bio-modification and cyber systems.
> ... Although I still possess some data on neural synergy.
> ...
> ... Keeping tabs on the Sentinels will be necessary to determine where they may be forming next.
> ... However, it seems since the last incursion into the Anomaly - Ego has lost it.
> ... Despite my warnings to tell him to not approach, he had approached regardless and blamed me for it.
> ...

> ... How can I get Vincent back?
> ... Perhaps there may be psychometry with his interaction as the Key and the Triage?
> ...
> ...
> ...

---

> ... Nrehh...
> ... He became hostile. Attacked me.
> ... I dragged him in - he fooled himself.
> ... but... No mental affect. He is still the same unstable /idiot/.
> ... Great.
> ... Now I am trapped here.
> ... With a broken boy.
> ... Who's going to kill me.
> ... Or the Radiation will.
> ... Nrrrhhhhhhhhhh...
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... Ah! The experimental drive may be upon that ship.
> ...
> ... ... aaa-and now he is running away from our only possible escape.
> ...
> ... We lost the wreckage.
> ... Nrhhhh...
> ...
> ... Why did I agree to the Final Journey...
> ... Wrangling idiots isn't my profession.
> ... Nrrrhhhh.
> ... He runs off into the abyss. This fool. This child. Why can't he stay put?
> ... Either the Dark Storm will get him, the Sentinels, or I will.
> ... ...Should have bolted him to the chair.
> ...
> ... My patience is running thin.
> ... Very.
> ...
> ... I have had it. He's -

> ... Is that a Sentinel G-...
> ... Oh no.
> ... Oh no-no-no...
> ... He won't listen. He will never listen. He won't - I can't control him -
> ... We need to leave. I'm taking him down. He's going to get himself killed, and US.
> ... I can't -
> ... NEHHHH. THAT LITTLE -

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[Kauket]

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...writing entry...

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> ... We destroyed each other.
> ...
> ... Well. I did tell Vincent I would destroy him if he lost my gift to him.
> ... I guess I did in a way.
> ... We recovered on Andorra, though...
> ... A brief moment of him had returned in that moment.
> ... He was going to shoot me. In the head. But something within him held back.
> ... Was that him? Or was it the fear of the armed response?
> ... That hatred still boils within him.
> ... He refuses to be around me.
> ...
> ...
> ... No matter.
> ... Having obtained another Hawfinch. With some quick modifications and favours pulled. It was usable.
> ... An unsuspecting guest.



> ... Aria. Daughter of mine.
> ... I thought I had lost her.
> ... She seems to be residing in the old place on Honshu.
> ... Her purpose for remaining around here seems to be that she is interested in assisting these Anarchists.
> ... Training them, defending them... Though she is only here temporarily.
> ... I was invited to their home on Honshu. They require my help with something.
> ...
> ... Oh. It explains that. They have failed to keep maintenance upon the facility.
> ... And a Vault that requires my input. Related to Leviathan.
> ... May be of interest to investigate.
> ... Though I would not want to have any of the Dawnbreaker project fall into any other living creatures hands. Especially not Harbingers, I did swear to Leviathan to never allow them to take it.
> ... ...Before attending this invitation, some errands will need to be undertaken first.
> ...
> ... For now. I will resume gathering the necessary materials, and er ... 'volunteers'.
> ...

---

> ... Re-entered Liberty to find some suitable volunteers and donors.
> ...
> ... Surprisingly, one Liberty Police pilot did offer their cooperation. Albeit for a price.
> ...
> ... I ran into Adimari too. He was interested in making a quick trade of some of my gathered materials for captured pilots. I agreed.



> ...
> ... Although. Liberty seems to be rather more... calmer than usual.
> ... Very confusing.
> ... Nevertheless, I had left with the gifted volunteers, as well as some other ... gift from Evans.



> ...
> ...
> ... Returning up North to head back to the Vagrant hives, I came across an Order Logistics Vessel. With the recent irritation of Ego's ... lack of self, I had lashed out at it.
> ... Though, unfortunately, the horrific Xenophage in question had backup from a Crayter.
> ... I took a moment to experiment with these unusual weapons that had missing restrictors against the Order vessel.
> ...



> ... Having received allied assistance, we took it down and left the Crayter Warship to itself.
> ...
> ... Relieving myself of pent up anger was ... liberating. Very much so against those who corrupt and destroy.



> ...
> ... Fortunately, the trip back to Hascosay was quiet.
> ... We deposited the materials.



> ...
> ...
> ... Small steps. But caution should be heeded for this research project into Hybrids.
> ... Anything can go wrong.
> ... More prep is needed.

---

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[Kauket]

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...writing entry...

---

> ... Been assessing data. Getting used to this more... primitive set up in the Labs on Hasco.
> ... Ideally. I should modify this lab. But at least, here, there is relative peace.
> ... A very peculiar thing I have noted with the interaction of flesh and crystal.
> ... It is as if the flesh interacting with the samples became necrotic.
> ... Destroyed. Overtaken.
> ... Celluar infusion seems to be the way to bind it.
> ... Hybrids. As it appears. Obviously need a compatible host. Modified molecular structure of the flesh.
> ... But the crystal sample provided is depressive.
> ... A catalyst will be needed to stir the reaction.
> ... And perhaps attempted tweaking of the biological makeup.
> ... Hard to determine. Perhaps they used Incubi to adapt the makeup to their bidding?
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... I have put these machines to the test. They will analyse some Sentinel samples within the meanwhile.
> ... Approximation will be a week at least.
> ... Wonder what happens if you try to infuse flesh with Sentinel samples.
> ...
> ... For now. I will leave it running.
> ... Then I shall return.

---

> ... Empress again.
> ... That vile killer, snooping around in Bering. It seemed to act ambivalent, posturing around that they will do what is necessary to protect Humanity.
> ... Even to cull some elements of the race is inevitably required.
> ... Yet all it appears to me, is that Humanity is doomed to repeat its flaws.
> ... It is adamant on lingering around...
> ... Oh stars. Agents entering the area.
> ... Abusing the opportunity to snoop away...

---

> ...
> ... Oh.
> ... Fascinating.
> ...
> ... Ego is here. And he is not happy.
> ... At all.
> ... Wonder if he can be convinced.
> ...
> ... I failed him last time.
> ... I need to try again.
> ... He cannot be left alone.
> ... He cannot be controlled.
> ... I need to act.
> ... The many last times. I did not. I gave him space.
> ... And he corrupted because of it.
> ...
> ...
> ... No - he can't be convi-...
> ... Aa-and now he is trying to kill me.
> ...
> ...
> ... I miss Vincent.
> ...
> ... I cannot believe I failed at the gate.
> ... I - I do not wish to fail again.
> ... I should - I need to help him.
> ...
> ... Neh! The engines were shot ou-
> ... Please. Vincent. Please be in there.
> ... Failed. Ag-... Again.
> ... That snake. That degenerate. That AS-

> ... CRITICAL ERROR: Host damaged detected. Vessel connection lost. Bio-data reports subject loss of consciousness.
> ... Alerting nearest Uplink Node.
> ...
> ... WARNING: Failed to contact node! BioSg is disabled. Please report to your nearest Neural Technician for immediate refit and repair.

---

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[Kauket]

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...writing entry...

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> ... His goons had recovered me. A certain Mistress, who facaded loyalty to the Wolf.
> ...
> ... Although my effort to escape was valiant. I could only handle ten of them.
> ... Within interest of not enraging the missing Wolf, they were merely but stunned.
> ... The viper held me once more. Her intentions were of malice.
> ... To usurp the throne of the Wolf.
> ... And she knew I was close to him. But to what regard, was not known to her.
> ... She had initially intended to use me as bait.
> ... To lure him in through my death.
> ...
> ... I convinced her otherwise. A deal was made
> ... Gazing down the gun barrel.
> ... Narrowly escaping that end.
> ... But she intends to hold on to me for a bit longer.
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... Locked down under guard. Even the Rogues' bar are crude manifestations.
> ...
> ...
> ... There was one female who caught my attention.
> ... A swashbuckler by the name of Hera.
> ... She was riveted by my tales of old, how I used to be a monster.
> ... Completely in disbelief.
> ... It was quite endearing to see her humored.
> ...
> ...
> ... Another unnerving 48 hours.
> ... I had suspected she may have thought twice on the deal.
> ... She has gone through with it. Suspecting that I will confirm if the Wolf is alive.
> ... I'll do that. But I will not reveal his whereabouts.
> ...

---

---

---

> ... several memories made.
> ... time goes by.
> ... some regrettable mistakes made.

> ... fatal even.
> ... too many close calls.
> ... yet such is the chaining nature of one's instinct.
> ... the indulgence of chaos is an intoxicating experience
> ... despite its deadly means
> ... such addiction will be the death of me.
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... but I will indulge regardless.
> ... could I ever break that part of me?
> ...
> ... certainly not.
> ... an expedition arises.
> ... we detected a disturbance of dark matter beyond the Carina nebulae.
> ... perhaps sentinels?

---

---

---

> ...
> ...
> ... the perils of the mortal state prevail once more
> ... discovered an unknown system
> ... encompassed entirely with stellar matter. akin to a barrier. impenetrable. unpassable.
> ... fascinating
> ... several eyes. akin to visions I once
> ...
> ... we will return to the sector with a solution.
> ... Perhaps this was a red herring.

---

> ... Fascinating!
> ... A way in. A hyperspatial fissure.
> ... Stable enough for the TRV-Scylax.
> ...
> ... Several bodies detected within the solar sector.
> ... Perhaps we may find the source of the disturbance afterall.

---

> ...
> ... this expedition is tiring...
> ... oddly so...?
> ... retrieved the artifact
> ...
> ...
> ... hearing voices.
> ...
> ...
> ... what was that? -
> ... an explosion?
> ... we're looping in the jumping sequence?!
> ... ho--! ... that is not optimal...
> ... why do I feel so w-
> ... ao?a??go?rey
> ... containment field failure?!
> ...
> ... did I just see an incubi scuttle in-... vent -- ... gettin- dark - power fluctation.
> ... what is happening!
> ... cannot see the consol-
> ...
> ... df??ih?je?t?
> ... hyperspace is going to rip apart the sh-
> ...
> ... oh oh - oh - WHAT IS TH-?!
> ... W???F-!!
> ... IT'S COMING! HOW DID IT GET ONBO-
> ... can't br??the-??
> ... WH-?

---

---

---

> ... ERROR: Subject lost consciousness at Location #TRV-SCYLAX:HPR-2
> ... Alerting nearest Uplink Node.
> ...
> ... CRITICAL ERROR: Cannot read neural activity. No external devices connected. Skipping writing.

---

---

---

> ...
> ...
> ... can't remember...?
> ... the seven eyes?
> ... nightmares?
> ...
> ... unconscious

> ... psionic outbreak? whispers of a fungi. specimen.
> ... containment team reported hostile pathogen.
> ... makeshift cure created by chemistry.
> ... still suffering side effects.
> ... severe atrophy suffered from the outbreak.
> ...
> ... fascinating!
> ...
> ... vague voices. familiar?
> ... memories still impeded.
> ... focusing...
> ... recalling. glimpse of memory returning.
> ... vessel trapped within hyperspace.
> ... unusual side effect upon the hulls. vast decay. internal structure failed.
> ...
> ...
> ... stranded in the middle of nowhere.
> ... unconscious for months.
> ... unacceptable parameters.
> ...
> ... refusing to be a burden on resources. we are limited, stranded.
> ...
> ... offering engineering solutions, despite motor limitations from atrophy.
> ... thankfully atmospherics and majority of cargo survived.
> ... head of medical assumed command during the blackout.
> ... held everyone together. engineering juryrigged remaining equipment for contact.
> ...
> ... riveting times.
> ... would be unfortunate to prematurely terminate His deal.

---

---

---

> ...
> ... returning back to the Citadel within the coming day. a year in seclusion.
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... might just cry.
> ... can't stand listening to karaoke night again.
> ... oh no the thought is entering my mind again:
> ...
> ...
> ... nogetoutofmyhead-
> ... aughhh
> ...
> ... why didn't the hyperspace field rip apart the bar
> ... surviving without technology.
> ... my personal hell.
> ...
> ... one quiet admission.
> ... quite a humorous controversial song choice one of the contractors made.
> ... 'in your heaaaad, in your heaaaad, zaaaambie, zaaambiiieee. '
> ... angered the head of security.
> ... hysterical.
> ...
> ... may be another few months before I can regain lost strength.
> ... would not wish to open the Vault as an undead creature of the night.

---

---

---

> ...
> ...
> ... Years have been unkind to this fragile host of a body.
> ... If only I could manipulate my very own building block.
> ... But at long last, I have trained my biological status to an above-optimal state.
> ... Curious side effect.
> ... Energy levels affected. Presumably genetic damage?
> ... Closer studies required.
> ... However, the focus must remain on the research.
> ... Particularly now that the mistakes of Humanity have caught up.
> ...

> ...
> ... Chaos always provides.
> ...

> ...
> ... Fascinating.
> ... But perhaps the Anchor may be worrisome.
> ... He did mention a ticking mechanism.
> ... It is always calculating.
> ... Yet it is damaged.
> ... The containment field in the third substation is flawed.
> ... No one left to maintain it.
> ... The side effects have yet to manifest. But eventually, it shall.
> ... No point in idling. Such an advantage should be abused before it is gone permanently.
> ... It is worth attempting to stabilise the generators.
> ...
> ... All in time. There is still some yet.
> ...
> ... Vincent...
> ... Tried to kill himself.
> ... I could not hold it together.
> ... He blamed Harbinger. I believed him. Almost wished to curse Harbinger to death.
> ... To lash out at all of them. For wasting my time. For hurting him.
> ...
> ... Now that I have had time to meditate. It does not add up.
> ... Why would Harbinger desire that?
> ...
> ... Vincent's state was damaged. Corrupting. Decaying.
> ... He may wish to defy Harbinger. As his last words were.
> ... Unbelievable. He tried to kill himself before I could speak my heart out.
> ... To tell him to not give up, that he held the advantage.
> ... I cared for the little fool. He was humorous. Yet, shockingly strong.
> ...
> ...
> ... The orange critter.
> ...
> ... Ever so defiant.
> ...
> ... I can not appreciate the Caliban personality.
> ...
> ...
> ... I must let go of them all.
> ... Move on.
> ... Even if it is possible he may have failed, I must seek an alternative to the Key regardless.
> ... Fallback plans are mandatory here.
> ... I need to ensure Harbinger succeeds here.
> ...
> ... Humanity will never understand the mistakes it has made.
> ... But it needn't be put to extinction over it.
> ... It does not mean they cannot take a little, or even severe, beating however.
> ...
> ...
> ... Patience.

---

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[Kauket]

...logging into user.[Revenant]
...authorised.
...input accepted.
...writing entry...

---

> ... I find myself in a peculiar circumstance.
> ... The timing of these warps is oddly convenient.
> ... I do not believe in destiny.
> ... Yet the timing is uncanny. Not one... Not two... But six different sites of newfound knowledge?
> ... The universe is quite humoring.
> ... A lot to learn. Yet, so little abled bodies who can help tackle all of it.
> ... The most important retrieval yet.
> ...



> ...
> ... Dark Matter, compressed within an energetic field.
> ... The energies are of yet to be fully comprehended.
> ... Oh... How I adore the Kavash's intricate designs. Such excitement.
> ... No pun to be made here. But it most certainly can become excited if interacted inappropriately with manipulation tools.
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... I've analysed some of the data that Viper found herself concerned with.
> ... I remain skeptical of how afraid, how pressured they are to wrapping this up.
> ... And my suspicions were not unfounded. The Sentinels are attacking once more. Likely drawn to the hyperspatial disturbance.
> ... She will jump right into their maw unknowningly. Or perhaps knowingly.
> ... I did warn her.
> ...
> ...
> ... For now. I will heed Harbingers advice. A sane one.
> ... To observe from afar and have a hyperspatial rift drive at the ready.
> ... We will see the effects of this ripple.
> ... Perhaps it will give more insight.
> ... Or perhaps we will be struck down by the Sentinels.
> ... Time will tell.
> ...
> ...
> ...



> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... Caliban appears to have made new friends.
> ... Supposedly this one is supposed to be recognised by me.
> ... There are no patterns that are associated with any of my previous documentation.
> ... Hunted by automation. Amalgamation of Human-Gammu AI.
> ... There is a few individuals that qualify for such status.
> ... But this one in particular desires to be a hero.
> ... To hunt down all the Nomads and infectees.
> ...
> ...
> ... When will people ever grow out of this phase?
> ... But alas, they are irrelevant.
> ... For now.

---

> ...
> ... I have found myself mesmerized with the sample we retrieved.
> ...
> ... Its weight defies conventional understanding—both heavy and light.
> ... The mass measurements register inconceivably, oscillating between orders of magnitude, challenging the very fabric scientific comprehension.
> ... Quantum properties oscillate beyond maximum paramters, lingering dimensions outside the grasp of conventional spatial metrics.
> ... Energy signatures exhibit peculiar fluctuations, resonating at frequencies beyond the limits of our spectroscopic instruments.
> ... The specimens properties defy our most sophisticated analysis tools derived from the Gammu.
> ... Entropy readings reveal anomalies in the temporal fabric, suggesting a resonance with dimensions yet unexplored by contemporary physics.
> ... The more we analyse the intricacies of this dark matter core, each running computation only deepens the mystery.
> ... Pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible in the realm of scientific knowledge.
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... The more I assess and calculate it.
> ... I cannot help but feel...
> ... see
> ... hear
> ...
> ... -
> ...
> ... Hm.
> ...
> ... Such an enthralling spell to see a multitude of impossible numbers.
> ... Each time I walk away.
> ... Something calls me back.
> ... A beckoning.
> ... That feeling returns.
> ... An urge to never leave it.
> ...
> ... Could it be madness?
> ... But yet, there is meaning to it.
> ... Such an object holds the keys to boundless knowledge. A transformation of our limited comprehension of reality itself.
> ... A bridge to another world.
> ...
> ... Of course I should be entitled to glee!
> ... The craving to understand this enigma cripples my soul.
> ... Perhaps I should indulge.
> ... Afterall.
> ... Science will not progress by itself.
> ... And there is limited time.
> ...
> ...
> ... It... won't hurt to run a few more cryo-experiments to see how it interact with it...
> ...

---

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[Kauket]

...logging into user.[Revenant]
...authorised.
...input accepted.
...writing entry...

---

...fatal error: user critical damage detected. link disrupted.
...system suspended.
...
...detected rejuvenator connection. systems restoring.
...rebooting...
...reading next entry.

> ... Ahh... That is how the Keys are made.
> ... Psychic ... imprinting -- ... from... certain power -
> ...
> ... - ngh...
> ...
> ... Why did I risk my life for this?
> ... Visions of blinding light.
> ... Dying.
> ... Attempting to prevent the mindstorms taki-
> ... &~$%^@p
> ...
> ...
> ... Most unfortunate.
> ... The impermanence of organics is most...
> ... Mildly inconvenient.
> ...
> ... Rascal informed me. My suspicions were true at least.
> ...
> ...
> ... Psychometric imprints.
> ... They all blame Harbinger.
> ... Perhaps he had a part to play.
> ... More so likely that the power cell bonded onto his weak willed mind-
> ...
> ... ngh...

> ... Many 'Heros' perished today.
> ... They never learn.
> ... Never listening.
> ... None of them do.
> ... Humanity is arrogant as ever.
> ... Humorous. But the data will help us configure weapon data.
> ... At least I do not need to send Harper to get the performance data.
> ...
> ...
> ... At least Lazurith is safe, for now.
> ... I will attempt to get as much psychometric data from him.
> ... On the positive side of things. We have a better idea of how keys are made. And that the scan data on the cores revealed something of interest.
> ... The TRV-Astraxia moved into place for the Thuringia observation.
> ... The drive is at optimal condition.
> ... Good.
> ... However.
> ... The latest episode of Mania from Lazurith may impede my ability to analyse the data on site.
> ... Not good.
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... I wonder if the medical team realises they are overcooking me in this rejuvenator pod.
> ... Oh.
> ... Right.
> ... I can just override the control panel.
> ... The mind still bleeds.
> ...
> ... Playing with death.
> ...
> ... Should I perhaps indulge on trial and error and attempt to modify my own biology with silicate matter?
> ... I may not be able to survive the journey without some degree of further modification.
> ...
> ... This episode may warrant a visit to the Gardens. Possibly.
> ... I wonder if Harbinger is there.
> ... Few queries to be ha-
> ...
> ... &##3$^&)((@@
> ... &^&~~##!?*& @~}}*(%
> ... &^$%%~~***

> ....
> ... Stop it --- Stop --- Stop dying --- must endure -- Do not perish - Do not falter...-- So bright...
> ... Need to drain this excess psychic energy.
> ... may need to trade in a favour with him...
> ... perhaps.
> ... Energy level deplete rapidly with each spike.
> ... need to know what to do with this new-found knowledge.
> ... to know if this is his doing and what he desires from it.

---

---

[Kauket]

...logging into user.[Revenant]
...authorised.
...input accepted.
...writing entry...

---

> ... The queries are made.
> ... I am more than satisfied.
> ... The corruption of fear is too eluding. Too strong. Even I fell victim to it.
> ... And that is simply the reality of it.
> ... Minds, swollen within their own ego, projecting their desires out. To make someone a villain to justify their own selfish means.
> ... But Lazurith...
> ... He still fears him. Why?
> ... Always running away.
> ... Running to the ones causing him harm.
> ... Always allowing them to weaken his will. Empowering his insecurity. Seeking that thrill of lust, trying to escape from reality.
> ... Nothing more than a sweet short-time appeasement. Catering to his Human desires.
> ... Neglecting the task ahead. They would rather all live in ignorance.
> ... To no surprise...
> ... He ran away. Refusing to listen.

---

> ... We had arrived at the Shrine the night prior.
> ... I wished to escape the disgusting, the pitiful, display of pure Human arrogance. To think, that some believe these great apes were long evoluted out of the gene pool.
> ... Here, we desired to take the moment of peace to teach Lazurith on how to proceed for psionic training.
> ... To center his own spirit.
> ... To understand his inner mind.
> ... I had desired to access it. The artifact the Cultists once used. It was still present.
> ... With exceptional quantities - I am usually adverse to exploring the means of the psychic plane, especially not with the mindstorm.
> ... I had even invited Imogen. I was quite excited to see both of their progress.
> ... However...
> ...
> ...
> ... I...
> ...
> ... An elder. A Nomad. Of the main hive.
> ...
> ... Hammurabi.
> ... It was curious.
> ... Thoroughly investigating Lazurith.
> ... He kept panicking, causing undue pain. There was no calm, no serenity, no control.
> ... Pure fear.
> ...
> ...
> ... The corrupting stench of Humanity.
> ... Wisp.
> ... He had faltered to Caliban. Somehow.
> ... Caliban arrived. Vowing to cause trouble as always. Demanding things go his way.
> ... I took Lazurith inside, expecting Gestalt to follow.
> ... She was adamant on ... doing something.
> ...
> ... I assume she was attempting to commune with the Elder. She was while it interacted with Lazurith.
> ...
> ... Then the signal was gone.
> ... Then came the lies on the comms.
> ... Deception.
> ... The betrayal.
> ...
> ...
> ... There he was.
> ... Guiding him out.
> ... A collaborator of the enemy.
> ... It had not been a full cycle before my warning, that those who work with him, will perish by my hand.
> ...
> ... Like the pathetic traitorous dog that he is...
> ... Caliban abandoned his new acolyte.
> ... Allowing them to perish at my hand of retribution.
> ... Oh. Fate will have much in store for him...

SHE'S GONE.


> ... Lazurith.
> ...
> ... Once more.
> ...
> ... A pathetic liar.
> ... Ensnared in the pitiful lies of Caliban.
> ...


HE DID NOT CARE.

> ... How can he feel nothing at that?! He knew her for as long as I did!
> ...
> ... I wanted to strike him down.
> ... Make him suffer untold amounts.
> ... H-how could he do this?! That WEAK FOOL.
> ... HE DOES NOT REMEMBER THE ALTERNATIVE TO THIS?
> ... The entire sector will suffer for his frail insecurities. Being utilised as a damn puppet.
> ...
> ...
> ... I - ... I do not know if I can hold it back.
> ...
> ... I can not - ... compromise the deal.
> ... Harbingers quest.
> ... My quest.
> ... The Path to Ascension.
> ... We cannot chase those Gammu artifacts, if we do not accomplish this.
> ...
> ... I deeply desire to strike them all down.
> ... But he needs them alive...
> ... Those keys...
> ... That force of chaos.
> ...
> ...
> ... The moment he decides they are not necessary.
> ... The wrathful beast within me will be satiated. Greatly.
> ...
> ... But I need to listen to him.
> ... Now more than ever, the careful, graceful touch is necessary.
> ... Parameters, these permutations, one wrong ripple within the ocean of probability, and it may go all wrong.

TRAITORS DESERVE NO QUARTER.
WHY DID I LET THEM GO?

> ... The blanket of wrath is slowly consuming me.
> ... Traitors all around.
> ... Sheer idiocy.
> ... Corrupted by the vile faults of Humanity.
> ... He is gone.
> ... Back to them. Scheming. Plotting. Lying. Deceiving. Harming. Murdering.
> ...
> ... They say Harbinger is the monster.
> ... I only see otherwise.
> ... That they demonstrate their worst qualities.
> ... Always lying. Deceiving. Becoming the monster that they claim others to be.
> ... Always within their own selfish, short sighted interests.
> ...
> ... Failing to provide how Harbinger is this 'great evil'
> ...
> ...
> ... No.
> ...
> ... It is Humanity that is flawed with their foul monstrous depraved atrocities.
> ... The bitter irony of it.
> ... They tried so hard to convince me to go against him.
> ... Yet they have only succeeded in persuading me to stay close.
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... Imogen...
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... After so many years.
> ...
> ... I finally dropped tears.
> ...
> ...
> ... No matter the great suffering. No matter their foolish intents.
> ... I have to push on. We have to push on.
> ... I cannot allow the cycle of atrophy to continue.
> ... For Gammu.
> ... For the Nomads.
> ... For the Path to Ascension.
> ...
> ...
> ... I am so sorry, my dear. I failed you. I am so close to failing myself too.
> ... I do not know how I am going to hold it together. Even the neural restraints are faltering.
> ... All that I know is that the persuit of knowledge, of betterment, of progress is not a pain-free one. I must keep walking, even if I must die for it.
> ... All I can hear now is the static, of both Wisp and Gestalt. Blood was drawn. At what cost?
> ... Vengeance yet to be struck. Caliban. Lazurith...
> ... I must do everything in my power to not permit wrath to blind me.
> ... But who can I trust?

---

---

[Kauket]

...logging into user.[Revenant]
...authorised.
...input accepted.
...writing entry...

---

Pathetic.
It was just that easy.
To return the torment.
They'll never learn.
None of them.
He's gone too, swayed by their pathetic little lies.
Another one was under his spell, another male mercenary.
Typical.
But the thirst for vengeance continues, it isn't enough.

Too bad about the boy.
To rely on him is a folly.
I should have ended that wretch too.
I know their games.
They don't deserve redemption for treachery.
The collective suicide they all crave for.



> ...
> ... a few solutions come to mind regarding our little outing to Viper's experiment
> ...
> ... I do not know what to do with him.
> ... our little rodent problem.
> ... hopping around the sector.
> ...
> ... I wonder what He thinks of him. He was his mentor afterall.
> ...
> ... Perhaps I could.
> ... Perhaps there's a way.
> ... I need him.
> ... I am missing my part.
> ... I need to reunite.
> ... If we are ever to come out of this stronger.
> ... More... and more bleeding.
> ... I can't hold it back.
> ... The wrath.
> ... The temptation to cause undue suffering.
> ... For all the wrongs I've faced.
> ... To never taste the fruit of rights.
> ... I have only tasted the illusion of hope. Of optimism. All will be well?
> ... Or is this chaos punishing me for trying to opt for the 'quiet' and 'calm' path?
> ... Why does fate damn me to eternal torment?
> ... Why does Humanity not wish to be redeemed?
> ... Fools. All of them.
> ...
> ... Starlight Jester.
> ...
> ... It really must be that entertaining for them.
> ... Hmm.
> ...
> ... Maybe I can reconstruct the mindlink.
> ... The mindstorms are worsening.
> ... Ever since I tried to find him, something broke. Something went worse.
> ... I have felt many feelings.
> ...
> ... Rebuilding it...
> ... The device the Nomad Elders made mention of once.
> ... But I do not recall the requ-
> ...
> ... Oh, truly, I am a fool.
> ... There is indeed a way.
> ...
> ... I could just simply visit him.
> ... But there is little time. I cannot rebuild it.
> ... I want to remember...
> ... It is all coming apart... isn't it?

---

... connected to occular subsystem. encoding visual data...
...recognised connection to simulation-unit
...recording neuralband...

---

Entering the virtual realm after discreetly utilising a backdoor code slotted into the machine itself, she loaded a memory, a distant one, finding themselves now existing upon a cold metallic atmosphere. The Eidolon Wraith, within orbit of Elgin.

A sigh was released, dejected in spirit, but ultimately finding the spark of curiosity guiding them. Gazing down upon her palms, she noted that she was indeed donning her much older robes.

She made her way to their quarters, almost collapsing to the ground in overwhelming pain. Those wretched mindstorms, the heavy burden of recent loss. She kneeled down, clasping the head of her helmet.

"Oh... Oh stars. "

The door to the quarters slid open only a brief moment later. A shadow cast into the room from the entryway, as audible metallic footsteps slowly approached Raven's side.

There was no mistaking who it was - or at least what the simulation was creating: Joshua Hunt. The towering figure kneeled down and placed a hand on her back.

"The floor is no place for a rest, my dear."

Hunt's simulated voice was as clear as day. The whirs of his joints as they articulated. All familiar sounds from a long bygone time in Raven's past. But there he stood, she could not do anything but bow in shame, laughing in soft endearment of how painful it was to remember, to embrace it all. She knew she had to link certain memories together, to hold onto thoughts, ideas, memories - as she recalled from Harbingers guidance to resolution. That shocking, painful yet alluring taste to commit to living a false life, a sheer facade. It was hard to resist the golden apple, a sweet succulent taste that would lead to one's eternal downfall of eternal repetition.

A sharp inhale was head as she still bowed her head down in pitiful guilt.

"I - ... "

Almost gulping upon their own words, "I have an admission. And I seek your counseling. "




Standing now before her, Hunt's faceplate tilted back slightly as he drew back his hood. "Oh?"

The towering figure of the long-dead Keeper cast a small shadow upon her. "And how can I be of assistance?" He asked, playing into the formalities. But, she kept cracking, the composure was completely fractured. Kneeling before a long dead man, a facade, an amalgamation of synthetic interpretation, predictions and analysis of his journals, his machine interface, and his records.


"I've struggled to live on my days without being next to you. I have done some things I do not know if - ... I am unsure if it is the right thing. If I have made the right path to walk down."

The figure let out a prolonged sigh as Hunt's shoulders relaxed. He kneeled down again to meet her, face to face.

"These formalities aren't necessary, my love. Tell me what ails you, and together let us seek a resolution." He said in a reassuring tone, placing a hand on the cheek of her helmet. There was a croak in her voice, softly letting the helmet sink into his hands. Ever desiring that connection, that unity back. They were a Yin without their Yang.

"I want this to be real so badly... " - she quietly admitted under her own obscured breath.

Hunt chuckled, perhaps the simulation had a mind of its own, blissfully unaware of reality itself,

"And what about this is so fake to you? I'm here with you now. I always will be."




He placed his other hand on the opposite cheek of her helmet, holding her head in reassurance. Ever so easily swoon, her palms reached up, holding his arms. Still craving the golden apple. Wouldn't it just be so easy to live within a dream forever?

"I have missed you and dearly. But..."

Her left palm reached over to his helmet in a returning gesture, gently cupping it in a caress - even if this was a false reality, there was still a sensation of respect and care. Does a simulation have a soul? Even if it was false, it most certainly had an impact on the psyche.

"... I need your thoughts on a problem that I have."

Hunt leaned in and rested his forehead to hers, lowering his voice a little.

"What might that problem be, hm?" He inquired, changing his tone to a joking one. "Is it how to get off of the floor?" Hunt was doing what he can to make light of whatever was wrong.

He pulled his forehead away and readjusted his hands position to her waist, offering with a nod to help lift Raven to her feet. She accepted his offer, as such, she stood up, chuckling quietly at his antics. But, that humor washed away quickly as it came, the sorrow within, a grave reminder that this will never come to be.

She stepped closer to him, wrapping her arms around his solid semi robotic self in a warm embrace, simply trying to immerse herself within the facade, placing her head against his torso. The beats were there, yet the spirit, the true kinship and warmth was lacking. This isn't real. It was cold and barren. It could not replicate it all. But perhaps it may be enough to calm the virtual clone, it is still another reality - where all actions can affect the outcome. Even simulated, the passion of one for the other echoed from the algorithmically produced emotions. Whilst only a replication, it felt like home.

"I... Have a task. But you may not like it. I have faced a complication in my path."

"We have bested innumerable struggles together. What is it this time?"

She tested the waters with her vague approach and closeness, now slowly opening up in admission, softly humming - knowing very well he completely despised that Elder in question, "Mmmm... I made a deal with Harbinger. "

Pausing for a moment, she assessed him silently, "Nothing terrible. Perhaps. Well. I am dying regardless. I help him open a Vault to grab an archive, he heals me. But, I'm facing a dilemma. Imogen Jau, she was killed, murdered by one of our own friends. Lazurith - he does not care. He runs away to this man, this boy -- I... "

She broke off, huffing a sigh, stepping back to go over to the furniture as he had a moment of shock, hurt by the news. "I knew of this old deal. Unless you speak of a new one you made without my knowledge." He said, his tone wavering back to shock. There was an element of shock to her too, she had made a deal with him before? A vague memory came back regarding it, how she bartered with him in Omicron Delta all those years ago. But ultimately, it was nothing more than a blur.

"- But Jau? Killed by Lazurith? They were both some of my best students!" Hunt exclaimed with surprise, taking a moment to process the news.

"How did this happen?" He asked, watching as she walked to the couch.

"When? I thought I had seen Jau not half an hour ago." Hunt went on to explain as the boundaries of the simulation were stretching into more predictive responses.

"I -- " There was a sense of panic, her breathing elevated as the emotions took over, the neural chip failing to surpress it. The moment relived over and over again at the Shrine. Her palms began to tremble, clasping upon herself. She couldn't understand why she was being subjected to an overwhelming amount of sensations, almost being choked to death by it.

"The -- I --- This --- This is a new --- A new --- circumstance -- I ... Lazurith --- he... he keeps... running off to the one that killed her, the one that keeps trying to kill me. The... one trying to destroy the deal. --- "

Hyperventilating, there was a sense of anger that brothed beneath the grave sorrow, clenching her palms, becoming infuriated at the inability to express her thoughts.

"A-another one of ours, a newer one, allowed her to be struck her by this... this person who I used to care for dearly. "

There was a pause, trying to center herself. A sigh came through as Hunt tried to understand it. He raised his hand to grasp at the chin of his faceplate, taking a moment to contemplate.

He soon noticed the struggle that Raven was undergoing, once more lowering his guard and approaching her. He sat beside her and wrapped an arm over her shoulder in effort to calm her down.

"Relax. You're home now." He said calmly. "Breathe, Bird. Start from the top, one at a time. We have all night."

Raven wheezed out a sigh, trying to push the boundaries of the simulation by dumping information on it. Though careless in approach, she still tried to pathetically cover it up to ensure it did not crash upon itself,

"This deal, with Harbinger, it is a new one. You -- I... well. This is hard to explain, but it will all be done in the future. This is happening in the future. I'm here, now, in the past. My affliction, our connection to the mindlink will falter, it will go away, forever. It will leave behind scars within us, and overtime, it will grow worse. Causing these mindstorms. "


"I made a deal with him, to open up a DK vault. Protected by these automations, these guard dogs, called Sentinels. To ensure that I survive a little longer, and to ensure I was keeping true to my self, I let him infest me. It is an observer, it is inactive. I am fully - well... me. It will help me restore my mind after we finish the deal. "

"Had I declined, I was due to die within nine months from the storms. There was no other way to hold back these psychic storms. "

Hunt sat and listened as the simulation did its best to process the input it was receiving. There was a long pause, as the simulation soon shook its head.

"The future, huh?" He said, in somewhat disbelief. The program struggled to comprehend with what limited data to generate an accurate response it had access to, defaulting to skepticism.

"With Harbinger, of all the Nomads you could've cut a deal with..." Hunt continued, looking down his side at her. "You picked the one that wanted to kill me." He sighed, yet no motion came from his body. This revelation was causing some ripples in the smallest parts of the scenery in the VR as the apparition of Hunt continued to try and process the info.

The limitations of the simulation were showing, but there were inclinations of questions - questions for more input.

"So - Wait a second." The figure readjusted his position, not out of discomfort but out of expression.

"The link - It breaks. You're going to die, which is why I built the obelisk which fails?" He continues as the simulation pulls from accessible Keeper records. "And we both are going to die?"

She quietly elaborated, deflecting upon the statement regarding his possible demise, avoiding the initial confrontation that he is dead already.

"Harbinger doesn't care about Humanity, only finding answers to his creators. He seems to take issue with those who really stand in his way, so you must have done something quite special to really be annoying. It appears he usually occupied by unknown mythical matters majority of the time... "

"The obelisk. Do you remember much of it? How can it be replicated?"

Hunt tapped his metal fingertips together in contemplation. "If you recall, it was biomatter related. Much like when I first designed the Dawnbreaker - It felt like pure luck." He explained.

"It was what got me in trouble with them in the first place, and got half of O'Howell's crew killed in Alaska." He went on, recalling briefly the events of his first meeting with the Cincinnati in secret.

"There is a way to sustain the bio-matter via L-Cardi, with a constant supply and the correct voltage to replicate the energy frequency of the living being the matter came from." He rested his hands on his knees.

"Using material we pulled from Kansas that day - when you uh..." The simulation gestured with his hands and neck as though he was being hung, emulating a choking noise in reference to a suicide attempt. "I built a containment chamber on the Wraith, and matched the frequency to that of the matter we had left over from the Nomad responsible. All that data should be in the database still."


She had no particular memory of that incident, but there was a moment of shock, taken aback by a brief glimpse of rememberance. Forgetting how painful the initial decay from the affliction was, to be left to madness of the void from a lack of a link. Trying to avoid the subject - if not entirely trying to erase it from memory, she simply acknowledged him, very quickly moving on.

"I... see. Thank you. "

"This... - yeah, the device eventually fails, and I have broken - vague pieces of memory that we had a Nomad Elder help us set that up. "

Sighing, there was much on her mind, and she indulged on this so-called hypothetical.

"There was a young man, Vincent. I quite adored him, but, he became a psychic key from playing with some ore from the Dyson Sphere. We met these Sentinels, they became problematic, hunting us down. Memetic threats, we were marked. The Order facaded interest, pretending to offer assistance to work together. They stabbed my back, they tried to assassinate me. I was left to die in Colorado, but one of Harbinger's 'comrades' had saved me from a guaranteed death in that wreck. "

Pushing herself upright, correcting her posture as she began to explain further, trying to get as much detail out from the years in short notice, whilst under the influence of a worn down, wearied, mind with lesser focus.

"And they killed Vincent. They backstabbed him. The Xenos and the Order together. Treated him as a friend. We barely saved him from the wreckage, his mind was in pieces. Barely saved him with augments. But he became a new person. Caliban. A monster. He wanted to kill us, blaming us for what happened, he blamed Harbinger. He had a psychic presence in his mind, psychometry - energy transferred from the messing around he did with artifacts."


Leviathan shook his head, chuckling lightly. "You do always have a special talent for finding yourself in the wildest situations, my dear." He commented endearling, once again attempting to lighten the situation a little.

"The Order and their treachery has been known to us since the days of roaming Coronado with our little fleet." He placed a cold hand onto Raven's lap. "This... Caliban. Dabbled in artifacts, you say?"

"Before as Vincent, and still does to this day as Caliban - his reincarnation. He was the one that killed Gestalt -- er -- Imogen. Another member of ours, Wisp, let him do it. Even tried to help him escape - lied to me about her being fine. I struck him down, I relished in destroying the traitor. As for Lazurith - he ... He keeps wanting to be Calibans friend. He is naive, getting swoon by idealism. His partners, he told them everything of my deal with Harbinger. A silly boy called Levan, endangering us all by yabbering aloud. I do not know why Lazurith wants to run off with these people who are against us.

Lazurith didn't even care that deeply that she died! He tried shooting me when I was striking down the traitor. Eventually gave up when he realised it was futile. "

Hunt sighed once more. "Ohh, Lazurith. You naive fool. Perhaps I should talk to him myself." The simulation continued to struggle with grasping the reality of the situation that was presented to it. She perked up, realising that there could be effectively two Lazurith's within this reality. "I'm sure I can change his mind in this future you speak of."

Raven began to wonder, thinking of how to carefully inquire for his opinions, for his desire.

"I wonder if I can really bring him, uh... - well - Hmm. "

She was afraid of bending the simulation, of needing to reset it.

"... Hunt?"

Slowly, she glared over to him.

"If... something terrible happens, such as one of us dying. What should we do? What would you do? What do you think I should do? I'm afraid of being alone, Hunt. " - She accidentally slipped her mind, revealing her inner desires in a mental slip.

"Loss is something we have discussed many, many times. We've come up with failsafes, plans, contingencies..." He trailed off, looking down at Raven, pausing for a moment as the simulation reflected over what recorded history it had been provided.

"The most important thing is to know that neither of us are ever truly alone. You will never truly be alone if I'm gone. I live on," Hunt raised a finger and tapped the forehead of her helmet. "- in here. A little cliché, I know." The simulated man chuckled.

"We have records, audio logs - failsafes. If you know where to look, you will always find me. My guidance, my mind and my soul will live on in you, just as I would carry your memory to the end." He sighed, relaxing once more into the couch.

"Perhaps capture it, somehow. Grandiosely." Hunt paused, thinking on what he meant. "Artistically? A world without you isn't one I like to consider, truthfully. I'd never give up building what we have, though. The pursuit of knowledge extends beyond the coils that bind us here."

As he poked her forehead with the little tap, "...but that is just it, my dear. My memory is faltering. I... I was told by Harbinger, if I wish to help restore myself, I need to think upon my fondest memories, strong ones. Bind it all together again. I don't wish to forget any of this. I don't want to lose you. Or the secrets we've made. "

Hunt looked over towards the bedroom behind their shoulders. "My datapad should still be in there. As should your book of records you once showed me. Combined, you might piece together what you're missing." He explained, notioning towards the extensive records the two kept.

"I kept logs, dates, recordings, events - as far back as only a couple months into our meeting." He looked back over at her. "Key data for my workshops, too. If it'll help, the login for my journals is there." Hunt nudged her playfully.

"Oooh all the secrets~! All the thoughts about you that I had when we first met. All the recordings of those calls while we lampooned the locals from the Omegas up to the Sigmas." He clasped his hands together. "Such juvenile fun we had."

"I have forgotten a lot of things. I wonder if there's something I should not remember. "

They both chuckled from the banter they shared between them, a common activity they once played many years ago.

"Only if you want to forget how often I drove you crazy when I came chasing after you on your little escapades." Hunt added.

"... Amongst other, more sensitive things. BUT ANYWAY." He imitated the sound of clearing his throat - which, of course, he didn't have.

"Level with me, Saffir." He took a moment to think about what he was trying to say. "This... Future. Reminds me of those dreams you have sometimes..." He trailed off once more, as the program continued to calculate what to say.

"Am I alive in it? In this... Whatever it's supposed to be. I can't r-really..." There was a slight glitch in his voice as the simulation continued to struggle to process its own existence.

Realising she had lead it too far into the questions, she grimaced under the mask, shuffling to her side of the sofa, trying to deflect it once more...

"Uh... Hypotheticals. Just ideas. I could die. We might get stranded apart... "

The simulation wasn't quite satisfied with the deflection, taking a moment to calculate where to go from here. "There is... Always a way to find each other again." Hunt said, seemingly shuffling his glance around.

"These hypotheticals start getting to me sometimes, hah." He chuckled nervously, an indication of tension.

"Do you remember when we first travelled to Honshu together? Just to check the place out and get a break from what was going on back in Coronado."

"My memories are vague, spread out... Hm. How would we find a way to be together then?"

Her head tilts in curiosity, reaching out. Even though this world is a facade, there was a sentiment of care, stressing the programme - and him - out. The illusion had to be kept, to keep the program genuine. To stop it from breaking upon itself. To respect the spirit.

Reaching out, her palm offered to the side of his helmet,

"Oh... darling. I didn't mean to burden you. "

Hunt leaned into Raven's hand and placed his own overtop of hers. "It's fine." He seemed to relax a moment. "I imagine... Like always. One finds the other, somehow. Even in death, there are always whispers and shadows to find." He explained.

"They may not always give the answers we're looking for, but as I said - the pursuit of knowledge knows no limits. We have been together in many aspects. With our bodies, our work - even our minds when we'd find ourselves medically bound to a bed somewhere. We are never alone." Hunt reached up with his free hand and lifted Raven's from his cheek, clutching it gently.

"Our bond transcends this existence. Mortality has been beneath us for some time. Part of our purpose with melding technology and organics." Hunt continued, with some passion under his tone as he spoke of his creation and transferring into the body of Leviathan.

"The answer has been in front of you the whole time. Technology, memories, imprints, ideas, personalities - quantifiable. Recordable."

There it was. The click in the brain. The answer truly was there. Why gamble for strangers who do not know much? Who do not carry ambition? For a moment, she briefly returned the squeeze, holding his palm tightly, trying to deeply assess this. Whether it was dangerous or not. She remembered that both of them were exceptionally dangerous at their lowest peaks, unchained. And the augmented self, further fuelled by an artificial lifeform that held no bounds that the Human mind did, was vastly more powerful than either of them could ever hope to be.

"Would it truly be you though...? If I were to recreate a ... virtual copy? I-... I do not know, Hunt."


He chuckled. "I already am a copy. Just pieces in a shell." He responded softly. "You have done this before, with me." With the tip of his finger, he tilted her chin up to face him.

"If the link is doomed, then we can exist without it as we do now." Hunt said plainly. It seemed the simulation had picked up on the lack of mental stimulation from psychic activity.

"Even a copy of myself is preferable than being lost to history. At least then, I can continue to be of use to you, my beloved." He said so endearingly. Raven trembled, nervous, almost cautious if she had him insulted, or his very dead spirit disrespected. She came clean with the truth, noticing it did not collapse,

"Oh... You figured it out... How... Wonderful. I -... y-yeah... this... You are dead in reality. I am losing everyone, Hunt. Everyone is turning on me. I don't know what to do. I don't know why. "

She admitted, there was great sorrow in her tone.

"I thought I could... find comfort here. "


Suddenly, the walls of the simulation faded until all that was left was a blackened void, which they floated upon whilst sat on the couch. "It... Took a lot, but when I couldn't feel you, I knew something was wrong." - The simulation admitted, realising that psychic energy could not truly be emulated.

He wrapped his arms around her in a gentle embrace of comfort and affection. "I would do as you did. Probably to an unhealthy degree. But..." Hunt took a moment to pause. "Remember, not all is lost. There is family, there is still a future. Stay the course."

Raven hastily returned the gesture, seeking that further counselling, speaking faster in worry,

"How do I make sure Lazurith comes back? He's always betraying me, always running off to those manipulating them. Suffering from Cognitive Dissonance. Corrupted by Outsiders. Please. What do I do? Do I just end this deal?"

Pleading for information as the world began to decompile.

The voice sounded ever more distant as the memories destabilized. "Remind him who he once looked up to, and the dangers that an outside influence can lead to. Share these memories, too."

"He knows who his mentor once was." The voice fell silent on those words, as the apparition of Leviathan began to pixelate into obscurity. Yet, the sensation of being held remained, as he did not let go until the final moments of the simulation. Even generated by predictive algorithms, Hunt had pieced together much more than the simulation could handle. Her palms reached out in rapid pace, trying to swipe at him, as the pieces of the simulation simply sifted through her fingers as it faded into the void, fearing once more as she was slowly returning to reality, crying out in desperation,

"N-no... C-come back! Please!"

---

> ... I know what I need to do now...
> ... The answer was always there.
> ...
> ... And it could never hurt to have more assurances to ensure the path to ascension is not threatened.
> ... For a guarantee that you can rely.
> ... Someone to trust.
> ... Someone who could never turn.
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... It will take some time to reach it.
> ... But I must make haste if I am to observe Viper's game.
> ...
> ... A tear within space, the bleeding wound of hyperspace.
> ... Another gamble of life. Of death.
> ...



> ...
> ... Perhaps it's a good thing that He does not always watch.
> ... He would die of a heart attack from my recklessness.
> ...
> ... This must be done.
> ... I won't allow them to get in my way any longer.
> ... The deal has to be done.
> ... Can't let them kill Him either.
> ... His death, will be my death.
> ... And Lazurith forgot that.
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ...
> ... But I suspect that Lazurith is going to get himself killed.
> ... We'll see if this works out.
> ... Caliban still scheming Harbinger's demise, to open the Vault to destroy it from within.
> ... Idiocy.
> ... It may be worth finding another subject.
> ... Time is too limited. Many are losing hope. Their drive. Their ambition.
> ... Too many lives lost too.
> ... There will be retribution.
> ... In due time.
> ...
> ... I won't be able to hold back if I see any of them.

---

[Kauket]

...logging into user.[Revenant]
...authorised.
...input accepted.
...writing entry...

---

> ... A journey entailed. The rift was stable enough to sift through.
> ... Indeed, it is perilous exploit to chance, but a necessary risk.
> ... The way to the Research Station, TRV Ascension, is a long one. Beyond the depths of Kusari, bordering the Omicrons. First erected under my rule, a shadow faciliy to discern veracity of directed genesis. The way forward. It is never clear. Clues, may be keyed, from the remnants of old in Sirius.
> ... But it has been too many years since I last set foot here. I ponder if they will recognise me.
> ... If they are still alive there.
> ... Perhaps my little 'guest' within my torso may pose a problem with security.
> ... The mesh sheltering it may not be sufficient. I fear even our oldest generation of technoloy is potent enough to detect it... We will overcome that issue as it arises.
> ... It is an old school facility, still hiring ragtags to do the menial work, just like in our battlegroup days. But the head of personnel whips them into shape. And then they fall down the pipeline, a slow conversion. But they operate on the old ideals.
> ...

> ... Finally present. The dense fields posed quite an annoyance. Fortunately, my Keeper authentication is still valid.
> ... Perhaps concerningly so. I cannot help but stress their current status, it has been many years so far.
> ... If they are performing at an optimal state, their assistance will be invaluable for my plans.
> ... Unfortunately, it has been so long that I do not remember their last assigned task when I was truly Keeper. I believe they were undertaking some of the XB materials interaction with organic life.

> ...
> ... But here we are.
> ... Hmmm.
> ... They've stopped maintaining my bay. And it seems someone dumped a load of junk in here. Why, I wonder. Perhaps I should consider bringing out my side arm, who knows what could lay beyond the door? Yet, the energy restoration terminal seems to be operational, matter is flowing through the supply line.
> ... Hm. Better get Rascal to slice into a terminal, see what is going on. Oh, Rascal. Would you ever cooperate for once? Would it kill you to learn by my side? No... of course... You little deviant. But I wonder if your mischief was a part of a little plan of your own. Perhaps you're trying to teach me to be self reliant.

...RVNT-RASC-01}:: no

> ...
> ... Mmmhmmm. Naturally. I wouldn't expect less from you.
> ... However, you have no choice in this matter my little friend. You are going to assist me in my task if you'd like to make it back to the Sector.
> ... Go forth now. Be my eyes and ears.

...RVNT-RASC-01}:: fine. investigating panel. connecting via directorate encryption.

> ...
> ... What do you see?
> ...

...RVNT-RASC-01}:: airlocks functional. primary generator is active. lights are active. atmospherics online. ai remote control is active. service panel for hangar cameras are operable. the corridor is empty. station status is on yellow, no ongoing crisis. heightened security response. last changed fifteen minutes ago.

> ... So the AI is still active, atmos' still running, engineering is flowing. That is a good sign... I hope.
> ... Are you able to pull any active crew signatures on the station comms?

...RVNT-RASC-01}:: last activity ten minutes ago from security. sudden activity change noted on camera feed; movement outside, friendly. it's security investigating the recent hangar access.

> ... Keep eyes open for me and keep a tab on my ships comms.
> ... I suppose we'll see who is leading the welcoming party today.
> ... Before you get any ideas... Don't you even dare to think about electrifying it. Don't even play with the bolts.


...RVNT-RASC-01}:: sad.

---

---

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