The Alien Wars 6: Da Capo

Session 638

Session Start: Sun Apr 23 14:58:09 2023
Session Ident: #TAW-Session638
<DeathStar> 5
<DeathStar> 3
<DeathStar> 1
<DeathStar> -0-
<DeathStar> -Prelude-
<DeathStar> Date: 10-654.1.1
<DeathStar> Location: Aquarius
<DeathStar> *Yuki sits on the bridge as the clock hits, just incase something happens, the Aquarius lurking about Yggdrasil. But nothing does happen. Not a peep*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> ... *holds her hands together then steps off then steps off her chair*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Alright, the doomed year has begun and nothing has happened and no sign of Fate. I'll take it as a sign of nothing bad will happen. *As she begins to return to her room, moments later a strange an ominous feeling begins to drift out*
<DeathStar> -Begin-
<DeathStar> Date: 10-654.1.5
<DeathStar> Location: Aquarius
<DeathStar> *for the past 5 days, reports of people feeling uneasy, or ominous feelings across the quadrant have been coming in, but there's been no definite causes as to why people are feeling this way, not has the tree changed*
<DeathStar> *Cloé fiddles with her food at the lunch area*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "It will get cold."
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "I feel like I am forgetting something."
<DeathStar> *Yuki leans back in her chair on the bridge, looking perturbed, especially with Erica never around lately; it looks like she's in a bad mood a lot, probably due to the nasty feelings*
<DeathStar> <Lenny> If it is important, it will return to you
<Jackieness> <Airym> *steps on to the bridge* "Report."
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Airym, whatever is going on is going to lead to problems soon. It's going to lead to mass paranoia
<DeathStar> <Yuki> All races are reporting problems and it's just increasing daily
<Jackieness> <Airym> *looks at Yuki* "PErhaps mass paranoia leading to unrest is the intent." *walks to the captain's chair and sits*
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Hopefully it returns before it causes a problem."
<DeathStar> <Cloé> *makes herself eat the food*
<Alicia> * Akatsuki eats despite any worries, if she even has any right now.
<Jackieness> <Bella> *returns to her own meal*
<DeathStar> <Cloé> I'm not sleeping well lately. I keep seeing things in shadows, but there's nothing there when I look
<Seraphna> Nox> Isn’t this how that demon lady works?
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Hey, I didn't touch your food!"
<DeathStar> <Cloé> I just feel... *shrugs* Weighty lately. *props her head up* Like this is pointless. *peers up at Nox*
<DeathStar> *Yuki considers Airym's words*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Yeah... there is a vibe..." *looks over at Nox*
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Nothing is pointless! Not even writing things on your omurice."
<Jackieness> <Airym> "We have spent the last few years getting ready. However, if we are disorganized and at eah others' throats, those preparations will be meaningless."
<Seraphna> Nox> Now would be the time for her to strike. Make everyone batty right before the serpent strikes.
<DeathStar> <Lenny> It is possible.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> That would be depressing.
<Seraphna> Nox> Basic warfare. Divide and then conquer.
<DeathStar> *Ben turns to Airym.* We got a mission. You might want to gather everyone in the conference room.
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Precisely."
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Ben, send out the word to gather in the conference room." *rises*
<DeathStar> *Ben nods and taps the communications* Would everyone report to the conference room
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Well, that's unusual. This must be the real deal.
<DeathStar> *Rachael stands up and moves for the conference room*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "Much better than waiting with a growing feeling of dread."
<Jackieness> <Moira> "So much for scheduing a massage." *follows Rachael there*
<DeathStar> *Cloé pauses and hurries*
<Jackieness> <Bella> *rushes after Cloe*
<Jackieness> <Airym> *is seated at the ehad of the conference table when evryone arrives*
<Seraphna> **Cookie snoozes on the table, Nox and Kaelan pop in as Nell walks in in her training clothes**
<DeathStar> *Ako and Lorelei arrive and sit down as well; Lorelei folding her hands and Lenny saving a seat for Celeste*
<Alicia> * Celeste heads over, leading Jikuu and Akatsuki
<DeathStar> *Ako works on upgrading an Id, by putting a cowboy hat on it*
<Seraphna> **Nell puts a little Sheriff badge on it**
<ChadWinters> <Id> Please do not accesorize me. I do not want to have to recalibrate my balance.
<DeathStar> <Ako> Of course, Sheriff
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "Howdy, pardner."
<Jackieness> <Airym> *preses a button* "Ben, please proceed with the briefing."
<DeathStar> <Ben> The Universal Group wishes us to meet with the Templars. There seems to have been a situation out in Unknown Space the past few days that they feel requires back up. Despite them not being part of the group, the Universal group feels the Templars are still needed allies and feels we need to help them; we're to learn more when we arrive in this location
<DeathStar> *he taps a button which puts them dead in old Church space*
<DeathStar> <Ben> What little we have, I believe this will likely have something to do with the Church
<Alicia> <Celeste> "This almost feels nostalgic."
<DeathStar> <Ben> This is one organization that has always been able to do some damage to the Aquarius do their strange ability. *Seniga muses, taking Tora's place at the meeting*
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> We never got their leaders did we?
<Jackieness> <Airym> "We shall have to be on our guard, relying upon evasive maneuvers ovr direct confrontation."
<DeathStar> *Rachael looks annoyed*
<Seraphna> Kaelan> Not a fan of their racism, but I understand that’s mostly among the apostates.
<ChadWinters> <Id> Do we have any other information on them?
<ChadWinters> <Id> On the situation that's been happening I should clarify
<DeathStar> <Ben> Over the past few years
<DeathStar> <Ben> From what I understand, the Church has made no sightings
<DeathStar> <Ben> The Templars have taken over all of their old territories and been making progress with the races and Dark Ones that remain there
<DeathStar> <Rachael> So if the Templars are the new players in town, what's up?
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Have they provided any other information?"
<DeathStar> <Ben> Not until we arrive
<Jackieness> <Airym> "What is our ETA?"
<Seraphna> Kaelan> They play things closer to the chest than Chad.
<Alicia> <Akatsuki> "I didn't think that was possible without them being implanted."
<DeathStar> <Ben> Not too long, Mireille is taking us in with the Tiger Engines
<DeathStar> *Lenny glances at Celeste*
<Jackieness> <Airym> "In that case, everyone make ready. Dismissed."
<Alicia> <Celeste> "I'm not sure what's going on either."
<DeathStar> *Cloé hurries out; Yuki heads to the bridge where they find themselves back in space already* <Mirelle> I've detected some ships already
<Jackieness> <Airym> *returns to the bridge, sitting in the captains chair*
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Do you have an ID on them?"
<DeathStar> <Mireille> Templar ships
<DeathStar> *she brings them up on screen; they appear to be up ahead, in formation, around what looks to be a planet of some sort*
<Jackieness> <Airym> Hail them once we come into range."
<DeathStar> <Mireille> Of course. As they get closer, the Templar ships appear to be Templar Command Ships; massive ships that dwarf their's. Mireille hails them and Cersei appears on screen* <Cersei> Hail, Captain Airym of the Aquarius. Commander Yuki.
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Greetings. We are here in answer to your request for assistance."
<DeathStar> <Cersei> We are glad to have you. Come aboard my ship, talking face to face is more secure. I will send the coordinates to your teleporter. *She signs off. A moment later, Mireille turns* <Mireille> The teleporter has been given coordinates.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "Well, lets go."
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Indeed.
<DeathStar> *Lenny follows Celeste*
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Affirmative. Ben, you have the conn." *stands*
<DeathStar> *Ben nods*
<DeathStar> *Lorelei waits at the teleporters*
<Jackieness> <Airym> *heads to the teleporter*
<ChadWinters> *Id floats towards the teleporter*
<DeathStar> *Yuki follows,*
<Seraphna> **Nell and Nox follow**
<Jackieness> <Moira> *heads to the teleporters too*
<DeathStar> *Mireille teleports them over to the Templar ship; where Templar officers with their helmets up greet them* <Templar> Follow us, please. *they begin to lead them through the fancy hallways to the bridge*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Feel back at home?
<DeathStar> *To Celeste*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "I did already, but this feels like home too."
<Seraphna> Nox> Pretty fancy.
<DeathStar> *they arrive at the bridge and are then led to a side conference room where Cersei waits; the templars that led them there moving to stand guard*
<DeathStar> <Cersei> Welcome. *she stands* Thank you for coming. It is good to see you, Celeste. He would be happy to know you're well
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Greetings once more, Cersei. You know most of my crew, correct?"
<DeathStar> <Cersei> I do. *Rachael waves, Lorelei bows her head, Lenny nods, taking a seat*
<Seraphna> **Nell takes a seat while Nox looks over the room carefully**
<Jackieness> <Moira> *takes a seat, as does Bella*
<DeathStar> *Cloé peeks out all cat like*
<Jackieness> <Bella> "Comeone, Cloe." *pats the seat next to her*
<DeathStar> <Cersei> *folds her hands* Alright, I'll get down to business; the Church has been hidden out on this planet. They used their abilities to hide themselves, making it looks like it was an abandoned world. But then recently that facade faded
<DeathStar> *Cloé gets on the seat*
<ChadWinters> <Id> Any idea on the catalyst to that happening?
<Jackieness> <Airym> "That is my query as well."
<Seraphna> Nox> I wonder if they’re feeling the discord too.
<ChadWinters> <Id> One of two possibilities I can see, they are either confident enough to defend themselves that they no longer need to hide. Or something has taken away their ability to hide themselves.
<DeathStar> <Cersei> We have ideas. We came here and began to pick up scans of them using their creation abilities to make massive changes to the world the past few years, clearly planning to make a come back, but then then suddenly it seemed they redirected that plan because our scans picked up them a creation in the center of their structions, with massive malignent dark energy. We thought it Dark Ones, despite their hatred, and so Commander Thomas went in but he's gone MIA and our scans hve become blocked since
<Alicia> <Celeste> "That's worrying..."
<DeathStar> <Cersei> And recently many in our crew have begun to go insane and turning on each other, becoming paranoid more so than in the beginning of the year; believing they are hearing voices to kill each other. Some even have.
<Jackieness> <Airym> *looks at Cersei* "What dta about this dark energy wer you able to collect?"
<ChadWinters> <Id> Hmmm. Do you have a the readout of the scans of that dark energy?
<Seraphna> Nox> When did this change occur?
<DeathStar> *Cersei nods and brings it up; the dark energy looks some what familiar, yet at the same time it's not really true "Dark energy"
<ChadWinters> *Id compares it to everything he has on database*
<Seraphna> Nox> That’s not really Dark Energy… more like… Negative?
<DeathStar> <Cersei> I say sometime yesterday. We debated what we wanted to do and decided help was needed
<ChadWinters> <Id> It matches the scans I took from alternate reality of the creature that's been working behind the scenes.
<DeathStar> <Cersei> Creature?
<Seraphna> Nox> Her?
<ChadWinters> *Id creates a holographic display of it for Cersei*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "What sort of creature is that?"
<DeathStar> <Yuki> UGh. *Cersei studies it* Just looking at it gives me a headache
<Seraphna> Nox> We find it best not to invoke the name directly.
<Seraphna> Nox> If you’re familiar with the expression, “Name the Devil…”
<Jackieness> <Airym> "The reports describe it as an eldritch being."
<ChadWinters> *Id drops the display* It seems to be working behind the scenes to create chaos of sorts that matches the descriptions of what happened here.
<DeathStar> <Cersei> *muses* What about Commander Thomas?
<ChadWinters> <Id> That's hard to say. He has most likely succumb to it's effecfts.
<Seraphna> Nox> Or just gotten captured.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "Effects?"
<Seraphna> Nox> If they’re worshipping this thing or helping it… that’s very very bad.
<ChadWinters> <Id> It most likely offered them a deal that they couldn't pass.
<Jackieness> <Airym> "It is also possible that they tried to capture it as part of the crusade, and got in over their heads."
<DeathStar> <Cersei> ... What is the threat assessment?
<Jackieness> <Airym> "If it is what we believe it to be, threat assessment, universal."
<Seraphna> Nox> Universally Apocalyptic.
<ChadWinters> <Id It would be best eliminate and or stop what it's causing. It will only spread farther and farther out.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "That would be a very bad thing."
<DeathStar> <Cersei> I will bomb the planet then
<DeathStar> *she rises*
<Seraphna> Nox> Imagine everyone in the universe going mad and killing each other.
<ChadWinters> <Id> Hmmm. That may not stop it.
<DeathStar> *Lorelei blinks*
<Seraphna> Nell> No way to get Thomas out if there?
<DeathStar> <Cersei> If it's as bad as you're talking about, what would you have us do?
<Alicia> <Celeste> "We'd have to find him first."
<ChadWinters> <Id> Hmmm. This ability the Church had to affect things. Is it based on an item?
<Seraphna> Nox> Like one of those books?
<DeathStar> <Cersei> Commander Thomas went through their stuff; only the high priest knows for certain, since they claim it's their faith, but if they're lying it might be a relic of some sort they have on them
<DeathStar> <Cersei> But if that is the case it would have to be more than one
<DeathStar> <Cersei> Or one large enough to reach long distances
<ChadWinters> <Id> Than damaging it may cause more damage than intended. It would be wiser to head in to find out and retrieve it.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "That way, we can hopefully rescue Thomas too."
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Id, can you retrieve the records on past encounters with this entity?"
<Seraphna> Nox
<Seraphna> Nox> I disagree on size. Power isn’t bound to size.
<DeathStar> <Cersei> I just was going off what Thomas said.
<ChadWinters> <Id> I can, yes. Regardless. I do not recommend trying to nuke it. If something that can affect reality is suddenly broken. It is impossible to tell what the repercussions could be.
<DeathStar> <Cersei> So are you all planning to go to the planet then?
<Seraphna> Nox> So the old strike team going down and kicking butt maneuver?
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> It is seeming to be the case.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "I'm for it."
<DeathStar> <Lenny> I will back up Celeste.
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Do so. See if there is anything we can use."
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Lorelei, take you team down. The second team will remain on the Aquarius as reserve."
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Alright, lets go. *She heads for the teleporters; Cloé lets out a breath*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "What's wrong?"
<Jackieness> <Moira> "Alright. Looks like we're up, Rachael." *stands and follows Lore*
<DeathStar> *The Templars offer armor and guns at the teleporters*
<Seraphna> **Sera’s characters accept upgrades**
<Seraphna> **Nell puts a Templar Helmet on Id**
<DeathStar> *it engulfs him*
<DeathStar> <Ako> I made the Sheriff hat special.
<ChadWinters> *Id creates light shield around it and pushes the helmet to the ground*
<Alicia> <Celeste> *pauses* "...I'll take the best you have."
<DeathStar> *Celeste is Templared*
<DeathStar> *Lorelei teleports them down; they arrive in what looks like an abandoned prestine city block, that gives off an eerie feeling. It looks all dark, light it's night*
<DeathStar> *like
<ChadWinters> *Id scans the area as they arrive*
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...not creepy at all."
<DeathStar> *dangerous things seem to lurk in the dark*
<Seraphna> Nox> It’s extra creepy that it feels creepy to me. I’m literally Darkness.
<ChadWinters> <Id> I am detecting....it is hard to put a descriptor to. But there are things that bump in the dark around.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "It's not as easy as just switching on lights then."
<Jackieness> <Moira> "Right. Could be what's left of the locals."
<DeathStar> <Rachael> *forms fire, but it doesn't light up*
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> I take it just walking forward won't help
<DeathStar> *something begins to move in the shadows*
<DeathStar> <Lenny> Prepare yourselves
<Seraphna> **Nox starts bending and twisting shadows into weapons**
<DeathStar> *something swipes at them; it looks like a horrendous hideous monster with thousands of eyes, but it holds templar sword, slashing at them; though it has no mouth, one can hear screams of insanity in their heads*
<DeathStar> *Lorelei's fox ears appear, rare for her as she makes a face*
<Seraphna> **Nox narrows her eyes and drives a dark spear at it’s “head”**
<DeathStar> *The shadows Nox makes begins to pause, then begin to attack Nox*
<DeathStar> *driving at her head*
<DeathStar> <Lenny> Down. *She pulls Nox down*
<Seraphna> **Nox flares with a suddenly light and hurls hyperspace out at it as she goes down**
<Alicia> <Celeste> "What happened here?!"
<Jackieness> <Moira> *draws her sword and moves to deflect the Templar sword attacks*
<Alicia> * Celeste joins Moira in deflecting blows, too stunned to attack, but not to defend
<Seraphna> **Nox sent out moonlight, not hyperspace drugged Sera.**
<Seraphna> **Nell forms a barrier around the group**
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Something bad
<Jackieness> <Moira> "Obviously!"
<DeathStar> *Moira and the Templar Shadow Creature struggle while Nox takes out her shadows*
<Seraphna> **Nell punches the ground and sends stones up at Moira’s opponent**
<Jackieness> <Moira> "And I hope this thing isn't Thomas!" *deflects with her sword*
<DeathStar> *The templar creature goes down and the screaming dies down in their heads; the stuff dies down from it's body to reveal Templar armor*
<DeathStar> <Lenny> Terrifying
<DeathStar> <Rachael> So this is what happened to Thomas and those who came down with him?
<Jackieness> <Moira> "At least to one of them."
<ChadWinters> <Id> Possibly.
<Seraphna> **Nox checks for an identity**
<DeathStar> *it seems...to be a normal Templar guard*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "...so, it's possible to remove the influence, at least..."
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> I think he's dead CEelste.
<DeathStar> *she's kneeling checking the pulse*
<Seraphna> Nox> No glasses, so not the nerd.
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> We need to becareful; I'm not sure we did the killing blow here.
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> They might already be dead
<Alicia> <Celeste> "In which case, we would definitely be freeing them."
<Seraphna> Nox> Ooo, zombies?
<ChadWinters> <Id> Perhaps burn the body.
<DeathStar> *Racheal complies, kneeling and using fire*
<DeathStar> *well, lightning to make fire*
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Alright, we need to press on. *she stares ahead, ears twitching* It's still so damn dark
<Jackieness> <Moira> "I can still see okay-ish. Probably my ancestry."
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> If you can see better than me in this complete darkness. *Her fox eyes twitch, shining a bit* Take the lead
<Alicia> <Celeste> "Yes, please."
<Jackieness> <Moira> "I should be on point anyway... long sword and all." *steps forward*
<DeathStar> *Lorelei steps back, pushing Moira forward; up ahead, the street looks to be solid darkness, as if it was complete muck in front of Moira. As she takes steps, the muck seems to slide to the side, revealing more street and buildings to the side*
<Seraphna> Nox> People can’t see in the dark?
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Not most.
<ChadWinters> *Id floats along* No. It's not a common trait
<Seraphna> Nox> Weird.
<DeathStar> *Her eyes are shining, clearly using her fox abilities to the fullest*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> I'm feeling insulted here
<DeathStar> <Lenny> There. There.
<Seraphna> Nox> I mean… none of you are spirits.
<DeathStar> *muck suddenly grabs at Moira to pull her away; probably this is what happened to Thomas and his people; the muck begins to try to eat Moira*
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...this isn't just a lack of light. The air is alive."
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Ack - I see that.
<Jackieness> <Moira> "Its got me!" *tries to slash her way free*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "I figured it was more than just darkness." *cuts at the muck with her sword*
<ChadWinters> <Id> It may be wise to stay a bit closer to each other. Or atleast in pairs.
<DeathStar> *Lorelei tries to use her powers, attacking the muck*
<DeathStar> *so far all attacks are resisting*
<DeathStar> *pulling Moira further in*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> We're about to lose her and going to have Muck Moira
<Seraphna> **Nell muses and starts pulling Moira up magnetically by her armor**
<DeathStar> *Moira is yanked out with some clothes missing*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Yeah this feels like old times
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...seriously?!"
<Seraphna> **Nox muses** Mom was right you do somehow get hotter when your clothes are torn off.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "I don't think that's what we should be focusing on..."
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Right
<DeathStar> *helps Moira up*
<Seraphna> Nox> I can multitask.
<DeathStar> *jumping ahead a little*
<DeathStar> *Moira leads them through the streets of the empty city, finding it full of the Templar shadows*
<DeathStar> *roaming*
<DeathStar> *As they make it toward the center*
<DeathStar> *Where they can feel the strange darkness and insanity feelings lurking*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> I think we know where we have to go. *the center seems to lead down into what looks to be a basement area of a castle*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "Right.."
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...yeah, I'm just dressed for the occassion."
<Seraphna> Nox> Yeah you are~
<Seraphna> Nell> Let’s push in then.
<DeathStar> *Rachael whaps Nell*
<DeathStar> *Lorelei begins to walks down he steps slowly; torches lit on either side as they go down*
<DeathStar> *Lenny walks with Celeste*
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...so the one place where the lights are on..."
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Interesting isn't it
<ChadWinters> *Id floats beside Lorelei, creating a lit itself to help illuminate*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "I wonder why."
<DeathStar> *they arrive at large wooden doors*
<Seraphna> Nell> Hey!
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Sorry, I heard the push in after Nox's comment and I thought it was a lewd joke
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Hand moved before I could stop it
<DeathStar> *she eyes the doors*
<ChadWinters> <Id> The dark energy that has been eminating on this area, has been getting stronger the closer we get to this door.
<Seraphna> **Nell pouts, then pushes the door in by pushing it’s hinges away from them**
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...well..."
<Seraphna> Nell> Let’s say hi then.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "Prepare for the fiend..."
<DeathStar> *The door jerks, stopping; something on the other side is blocking*
<Seraphna> **Nell puts out two hands pushing more**
<Alicia> * Celeste also pushes
<DeathStar> *the door strains, block stuff squishing through toward them*
<DeathStar> *Black
<Jackieness> <Moira> "BAck!" *moves to slash at the muck*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "...does it burn?" *jumps back, slashing at muck as she does*
<DeathStar> *The black stuff is cut and falls; clearly it is what is blocking the door on the other side*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Great.
<DeathStar> If we bust through that shit is going to fall over us. *She eyes some of it coming under it*
<DeathStar> <Lenny> We might have riled it
<Seraphna> **Nox lights tendrils in moonlight and sends them out at the dark stuff**
<DeathStar> *The moonlight destroys some of the dark stuff oozing under the door*
<Seraphna> Nox> Let’s see if I can burn it… yep!
<ChadWinters> <Id> It would appear it does not want anyone in there.
<Seraphna> Nox> Then we’re going the right way.
<Jackieness> <Moira> "Maybe the darks tuff is being created bu their creation relices, which are now udner the control of the you-know-what!"
<ChadWinters> <Id> It is possible. But unless we can find a way in to retrieve the source of this. We're stuck.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "If only we could take the relics away, but we can't get close enough to..."
<Seraphna> Nox> From now on we are referring to her as Frank.
<DeathStar> *A voice laughs a bit on the othr side, the gunk stopping*
<DeathStar> *it's clear, being this close, they can feel an eye on them*
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...well..someone thinks you're funny, Nox."
<DeathStar> *and it hurts*
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Ugh
<Seraphna> Nox> Frank for goddess sakes put on shades!
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Alright we need to break the door down no matter what happens. Hit it with your strongest attack
<Seraphna> **Nell hits the door with whatever is behind it, magneto style**
<Alicia> * Celeste prepares said strike, waiting to hit at the same time as Moira
<Seraphna> **Nox sends out a blast of moonlight**
<Jackieness> <Moira> *readies her sword...then gives a vertical slash*
<DeathStar> *The door shatters and the black substance goes flying at them*
<DeathStar> *some of their attacks driving it back*
<DeathStar> *Rachael hits it with lightning*
<Seraphna> **Nox keeps up the moonlight**
<DeathStar> *Lenny using her god attacks to strike*
<Jackieness> <Moira> *aslshes any of the much that gets too close*
<Alicia> * Celeste tries to cancel eldritch effects while slashing with her sword
<Seraphna> **Nell picks up chucks of stone and hurls them**
<DeathStar> *Lorelei uses her wing form and taps into her powers to try to crush it, the stuff slowly being widdled down by the attacks until nothing is left, revealing the basement where Thomas is chained to a pillar and a door behind him*
<DeathStar> *his body has strange stuff all over it and he looks unconscious*
<Jackieness> <Moira> "OK, this is weird..."
<DeathStar> *the stuff looks to be black lines*
<Alicia> * Celeste runs over, trying to clean off the black stuff if possible
<Seraphna> Nell> That’s those marks some of our people have.
<Jackieness> <Moira> "So what do the marks mean?"
<Alicia> <Celeste> "They don't look good."
<Seraphna> Nox> Maybe I can help then… **she frowns and starts praying a blessing over Thomas**
<DeathStar> *The gunk seems to stick to Celeste, almost like leeches, trying to do somthingto her now*
<DeathStar> <Lenny> Celeste!
<DeathStar> *she grabs her, glowing*
<Seraphna> Nell> Keep it off!
<DeathStar> *Getting it off her armor*
<Alicia> * Celeste pulls back from the gunk
<Seraphna> **Nox keeps trying moonlight purification**
<Jackieness> <Moira> "Its like an infection."
<DeathStar> *The black lines slowly begin to withdraw, moving up toward his head*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Ew.
<Seraphna> Nox> **holds it and starts a secondary prayer of sealing**
<DeathStar> *As it reaches his head, an eyeball opens up on top of his head that is not his own, staring at them.*
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> That's not good.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "...how dare you."
<DeathStar> *The eye, if at all possible, seems amused*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Is this eye ...mocking us?
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...I could try poking it out."
<Seraphna> **Nox holds up a finger and sends a moonlit tendril slowly at it**
<DeathStar> *the eye closes for now; who knwos if Nox 'scared' it or what, but the eye seems to vanish*
<DeathStar> *Thomas dropping from the pillar*
<Seraphna> **Nell catches him**
<Seraphna> **Nox completes her seal on Thomas, pulling out a paper seal and tapping the back of his head**
<Alicia> <Celeste> "He really needs some kind of treatment..."
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...is there even a treatment for this?"
<DeathStar> *Lorelei checks* He's breathing.
<Seraphna> Nox> **taps comms** Ben. We found Thomas covered in the seal. It may try using the others marked.
<DeathStar> *Comms crackle*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Great... I don't think we have a signal down here
<Seraphna> Nox> Fuck. We’ll have to get word out somehow.
<DeathStar> <Lenny> Do you want me to carry him?
<Alicia> <Celeste> "We'll have to get out on foot."
<ChadWinters> *Id scans more to see if the dark energy has weakened or if it's stronger towards the next door*
<DeathStar> *it seems there is no dark energy anymore; however, the way out hhas been blocked by more dark sludge*
<DeathStar> <Lenny> .. I will carry him for you, Celeste
<ChadWinters> <Id> I do not sense any dark energy anymore. Odd. *Id scans to see if he picks up an reality-esque signatures or any other odd energy signature*
<DeathStar> *she eyes the exit, lifting Thomas, who seems to be mumbling incoherantly about many faces thousand forms of chaos and gods*
<Jackieness> <Moira> "Maybe it bounced now that it was done here."
<DeathStar> *There does seem to be a reality signature going on further down past this door*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> I think Thomas is boken
<DeathStar> *broken
<Seraphna> Nox> Give him time, and maybe a strong telepath.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "Well, I did say he needs treatment."
<ChadWinters> <Id> Interesting.
<ChadWinters> <Id> I believe the relic is beyond that door.
<Seraphna> **Nox nods and moves tendrils out as Nell works in the door again**
<DeathStar> *the door opens and reveals a hallway going down*
<Jackieness> <Moira> "We should probbalys ecure the relic before some mischief is released later."
<DeathStar> *this time this hallway is full of sludge; the torches in it out*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> I think we need to run
<ChadWinters> <Id> Away or towards the relic?
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...this doesn't look like it will be easy..."
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Toward it
<Alicia> * Celeste rushes to grab the relic
<DeathStar> *The sludge begins to rise up, toward them in this room*
<DeathStar> *Celeste charges toward the sludge*
<DeathStar> *and..
<ChadWinters> <Id> Than we need to clear a path.
<DeathStar> *bashes pst it*
<DeathStar> *before it can stop her*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> That's one way
<Jackieness> <Moira> "So much for a plan. Charge!" *draws her sword again and charges*
<DeathStar> *Lenny hurries along carrying Thomas*
<ChadWinters> *Id floats after*
<DeathStar> *Moira hurries and bashes past too, without losing armor this time*
<Alicia> * Celeste looks for the relic, hurriedly, trusting the others to help her return
<Seraphna> **Nox stares burning her way through**
<Seraphna> **Nell pushes it back with barrier shields**
<DeathStar> *Nox is caught up a bit, losing some articles as she has to struggle to the end*
<DeathStar> *Nell's barrier is broken to bits as she reaches the end, having lost a lot of armor*
<DeathStar> *Lorelei arrives, in bad shape herself*
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> YOU KNOW US AT THE END ARE GOING TO FACE LARGER SLUDGE
<Seraphna> Nox> **huffs, sexy like Moira**
<Jackieness> <Moira> "I didn't tell Celeste to charge!"
<DeathStar> *the group stands before what looks to be a large reality device in an empty room; the device already looks to be faded*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "...what...?"
<Seraphna> Nox> Frank sent this stuff here from somewhere else I think.
<DeathStar> *As if the faith creation is already dispersing on it. As Celeste stares, a woman steps out, looking tall like a Dark One, wearing Templar like armor, black hair and burning red eyes, stares at her* Oh? I'm sorry. Did you miss my congregation?
<ChadWinters> *Id begins scanning it*
<DeathStar> *the device is barely there due to anyone praying for it*
<Seraphna> Nox> You used them as a sacrifice…
<DeathStar> <Woman> Sacrifice? Why would I sacrifice my Church? They'll do great things in the coming months.
<Jackieness> <Moira> "Coming months? Everyone down here is dead."
<ChadWinters> <Id> It would appear she sold her soul to get what she wanted.
<DeathStar> <Woman> Soul? I never had a soul to sell.
<Seraphna> Nox> You’re… Frank!
<DeathStar> <Woman> Hm. Cute name. But I've been called many things
<Seraphna> Nox> So is this the part where you announce your pointless conquest of the galaxy?
<DeathStar> <Woman> *stares blankly, moving over as the device by now is not even solid, waving her hand through it*
<ChadWinters> <Id> Interesting.
<Seraphna> **Nell focuses on the area of the device and forms negative ions, attempting to pull the device’s natter, whatever is left**
<ChadWinters> <Id> Are you holding back or is this really you.
<Seraphna> Nox> She’s holding back. We haven’t gone loopy.
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...what now?"
<DeathStar> <Woman> This is really me. I don't always drive people insane upon talking to .... "people". Especially those who interact with.... *she turns her head at a strange angle* What do you call "it". Fate? The one from the upper realm? *Nell pulls but she finds she's pulling air practically, grasping at nothing*
<DeathStar> <Woman> Why would I break you when you have value still.
<Seraphna> Nox> Why break anything?
<DeathStar> <Woman> Hm. *appears and rubs her hands along Nox's head*
<DeathStar> *leaning foward to touch foreheads*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "Can you not?"
<Jackieness> <Moira> *steps back and away from Nyarl*
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...don't let her touch you."
<DeathStar> *Rachael jerks back*
<ChadWinters> <Id> Interesting.
<Seraphna> Nox> I see.. it’s just your nature.
<Seraphna> Nox> You’re a Spirit of Discord.
<DeathStar> <Woman> *smiles, her face spilting a bit* <Lorelei> Nox, you're going to make yourself a target.
<DeathStar> *she steps back* <Woman> I delayed you all long enough
<DeathStar> <Woman> My Church is now setting up. I'll go now. Enjoy my gift, Spirit of Darkness.
<DeathStar> *she vanishes*
<Alicia> <Celeste> "She's annoying."
<Jackieness> <Moira> "What's the play now?"
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Nell
<Seraphna> **Nox sighs** We should get back to the ship.
<Seraphna> Nell> Mmm?
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> No way to reform the device?
<ChadWinters> <Id> Interesting. I believe she found a way to co-opt the Church to make it one that serves her needs only. This will be a problem.
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Otherwise we can't get to the church
<Seraphna> Nell> There is a way.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "I hate that."
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> How?
<Seraphna> Nell> It wasn’t ever real. We need to pray for it. Believe in it.
<Seraphna> Nell> She was certain she delayed us till the prayers on the other side were done. But if we can will it it will be real. Like Gods.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "Then, lets bring it back over."
<ChadWinters> <Id> Hmmm. I don't think it's that easy.
<DeathStar> <Rachael> If the Church has the faith relic
<Seraphna> **Nox muses, and prays for the book to return**
<Seraphna> **device**
<Seraphna> Nell> Well we’ll only know if we try and stop doubting.
<Seraphna> **Nell tries too**
<Alicia> * Celeste tries to bring it back too
<DeathStar> *Lorelei shrugs, but attempts; Rachael tries*
<Jackieness> <Moira> "Ok..." *gives it a go*
<DeathStar> *The device partially forms*
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Okay, so we could teelport after them. But do we want to risk it
<DeathStar> *She eyes the reality*
<Seraphna> **Nell focuses on it and begins to try and get it stabilized as she keeps believing in it**
<Seraphna> Nox> If we can secure it. It’s a back door.
<DeathStar> *it remains usable, but shakey*
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Hm. *she studies the reality* I think I recognize this reality. One moment.
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Reality 11.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "Which is that?"
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> We have an Alliance with that Reality
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> That Erevis is a Protogenitor Mage.
<Jackieness> <Moira> "They must be there to sabotage an ally."
<Seraphna> Nox> Or conquer that reality.
<ChadWinters> <Id> Well it has been active in other realities. So that's not a surprise.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "Either way, we have to stop them."
<Seraphna> Nell> Now that we know which we can regroup and go in ready.
<Jackieness> <Moira> "What about Thomas?"
<Seraphna> Nell> Exactly. We need medical assistance first.
<DeathStar> <Rachael> Well this might not last long enough but we can ask the Universal Group to send us to Reality 11
<Seraphna> Nell> Well yeah. And if we go in now we have no way back,
<DeathStar> <Lenny> Then let us return
<Seraphna> Nell> We need to warn others about the marks too.
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Nox
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Before we go back
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> Strip
<Seraphna> Nox> Mmm? **she does so** She mark me?
<Jackieness> <Moira> "So... do we want to tell Cersei to go ahead and drop the nukes?"
<DeathStar> *unlike the other Marks, this one is more advanced already - matching the other Marks that took years to advance along*
<DeathStar> *This has has the crest, head, and 4 arms*
<Seraphna> Nox> Oh well. I kinda figured.
<DeathStar> <Lorelei> This is highly advanced
<Seraphna> Nox> Yeah… confirms my fear. The marks weren’t advancing individually.
<Seraphna> Nox> They’re all linked I think. And on a timer.
<ChadWinters> <Id> That or she just had longer contact with you.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "So, who got marked?"
<DeathStar> <Rachael> With all the sludge..
<Seraphna> Nox> Me, Thomas, Jaime, Luci… a bunch of others. Oh now?
<Jackieness> <Moira> "...let's get back to the ship to do this...sheesh."
<Seraphna> **Nox tries to warp them back**
<DeathStar> *They arrive on the ship in front of Cersei*
<DeathStar> <Cersei> ... *she begins to bark orders to take Thomas to medical*
<DeathStar> <Rachael> We're back
<Seraphna> **Nox sighs a bit** So yeah… we have a lot of news.
<Alicia> <Celeste> "You should... probably keep a guard around Thomas, just in case."
<Seraphna> Nox> And a therapist.
<DeathStar> *Cersei sighs, touching her forehead* Fill me in on everything
<DeathStar> -TIME JUMP-
<DeathStar> Date: 10-654.1.6
<DeathStar> Location: Aquarius
<DeathStar> *Yuki stares out the viewport, eyeing the medical report - a few mild reports of marks on those sludged*
<DeathStar> <Yuki> Dammit
<Seraphna> Kaelan> Nox seems relaxed all considering. But I guess when you grow up among Demons and Gods this stuff isn’t as scary.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> I suppose
<DeathStar> *Ben arrives with a report* I have bad news
<ChadWinters> <Id> What sort of mark was on Thomas during his exam?
<Seraphna> Kaelan> So normal news we get a lot of then?
<DeathStar> <Ben> I'll have to ask the Templars, but as far as Reality 11. When we dialed in...
<Seraphna> Kaelan> Nothing?
<ChadWinters> <Id> The information will help us determine what sort of mental degration we can expect.
<DeathStar> <Ben> It was a complete disaster. The world was being attacked and destroyed. We don't know how long it had been going on. We got as many people out as we could. The survivors seemed quite... shaken.
<Alicia> * Jikuu sighs. "We will do what we can."
<Seraphna> Kaelan> Do either it’s already unsyncing and time is going much faster there… or this enemy is truly terrifying.
<Jackieness> <Airym> "It could be the use of the reality relic."
<DeathStar> <Ben> Well..there might be one more layer of bad news
<DeathStar> <Ben> Taiga suggested we check on a few more realities. A few of them were similiar hellscapes, but in aftermath states. Some were still okay. This enemy seems to be able to be everywhere. I'd almost rank them as more terrifying then the serpent. *he turns to go* I'll check on Thomas
<ChadWinters> <Id> Opportunistic it seems. I wonder where it's allegiance lies with the Serpent.
<Jackieness> <Airym> "It may be acting on its own."
<ChadWinters> <Id> Than the Serpent succeeding would be bad for it.
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Where can we look for more information on how to fight that thing?"
<DeathStar> <Yuki> I'd think Fate
<ChadWinters> <Id> Fate seems to be the most knowledgeable. But I have been going through the history of every available planet seeing if I can find mentions of it.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> I think...it's time we have a talk with the mysterious Fate.
<ChadWinters> <Id> Do you think that's wise?
<DeathStar> <Yuki> She's been going on and on about this final year and we're at it.
<DeathStar> <Yuki> It's time we see what she can bring to the table
<Alicia> <Jikuu> "Why would it not be wise?"
<DeathStar> -END-
<ChadWinters> <Id> I suppose we will see how willing she is .
* Jackieness has quit IRC
Session Close: Sun Apr 23 23:06:33 2023