incoming transmission detected...
signal source identified: crimson.veil
establishing secure connection...
video feed active from: Crimson Veil to: Civil Servant subject: Trust
. . .
"CS..."
"I always knew the time for this conversation would come. And I know that I can trust you, given everything you've done for me. Yet, some things are difficult for me to reveal because my greatest strengths are also my vulnerabilities. I will try nonetheless, because it is true that we cannot achieve our goals without understanding and trust."
"I will strive to ensure that we have these things."
"There is, however, something I'm still unsure about. I'd like to discuss it in person. Here, I'll describe what's likely troubling you and the rest of our family the most. Specifically, how I obtained the information; from whom; and why I think I can trust them."
"As you already know, I was changed by Ageira's experiments. You know that I can reach other people's minds with my own; you know that I am capable of perceiving these things more sensitively myself. What you don't know is that these scientists, once again dabbling with Forerunner technology, bound me and the other children who were their lab rats with unbreakable chains... As far as I can tell, these bonds are somewhat reminiscent of those of the Nomads. Which is perhaps unsurprising, given that Ageira specializes in copying technology."
"I am the heart of this connection. In my dreams, I feel my brothers and sisters. I see their triumphs and defeats, joys and losses. I learn the skills imbued in their hands. I share in their aspirations. I know their fears."
"They don't sense me the way I sense them. Some of them still don't know about me. But I can send their way emotions and desires, gently nudging them where they belong. At least sometimes, among other things, closer to me. For their changed bodies would wither without me. There are those who have already fully felt this curse, in one form or another, being too far away from me for too long. I try to help them as best I can, but I still don't fully understand what I can and can't do."
"My source in the Core is one of the people I have this connection with. One of the few who isn't a loner, and so her position is both useful and especially vulnerable. I strive to protect her, for she is also part of my family. Which is why I do not reveal her name carelessly."
"I can tell you more about her, if you deem it necessary, in person. And there is much more I should tell you."
Name: "Civil Servant" IFF/ID: The Platform Encryption access:[ERROR] Location:[ERROR] Subject: And faith
"CV, I think you'll be taking part of more of these anomalous events without my input, so I the least I can do is ensure you're prepared for what the future may throw at you.
"I try not to drag people into this work, we have a worryingly high mortality rate compared to other Platforms. But compared to those outside of our cell caught in the crossfire between the fighting Choruses? They lose everything of themselves and around them.
"I don't tell you as much of myself as I should. Man in a space suit, worships the Void, somehow nowhere and everywhere, deals with things others won't willingly touch. And it's a lot more effort maintaining that seclusion then telling the truth, as you said, our greatest strengths are also our greatest vulnerabilities... So I feel obligated to teach you how I was hurt, what I was taught, and how I got here.
"After what you've said, Its clear to me that we must talk about our motives for being here... I'll let you know of a time and place. But rest assured that I will be coming alone, so I ask you to do the same, don't whisper if you see anyone else around.
"And bring what remains of the shattered artifact, although please keep it away from any unstable or collapsed jump holes from here on our."
Regards - "Civil Servant"
Cell of the 'Damnatio Memoriae'
Perseverance in desperation
incoming transmission detected...
signal source identified: cologne system
establishing secure connection...
video feed active from: Crimson Veil to: Civil Servant subject: While you sleep
. . .
"CS."
"I know you haven't recovered yet. Others might say it's more of an 'if' than a 'when,' but I have no doubt in your strength of spirit. Even after contact with that... Thing. Because of the isolation protocol, I can only see you for now... From a distance. Breaking through the thorns. They scratch me and make me bleed, but I hope I'm helping you in some small way."
"There are things worth saying in the meantime."
"First, an update on the destroyer's status. We successfully installed new equipment: a jump drive, a cloaking device, and special thrusters more compatible with the vessel's current design. You can find a bit more information on that in the attachments. After the Coalition's men departure, I also conducted a thorough inspection of all remaining sections of the ship. This included the room where our guests needed some privacy—as you might recall, I sealed that room off. I ensured that all unnecessary things, down to the most microscopic, were eliminated."
"Secondly... We need to talk. This concerns your message to the Platform. Don't worry, I won't try to dissuade you from taking radical action and am prepared to make every effort necessary. However, if the ambitions of the Platform in particular and Bundschuh in general are destined to come true, you too may have to do something that isn't entirely in keeping with your nature... Bundschuh's disunity has its strengths, but to have any hope of winning the war, we will need to consolidate our efforts."
"But, one way or another, all this will have to wait until you've fully recovered."