The Duality Wars: The Alien Wars 6

Session 5

<DeathStar> Date: 4.17.5990
<DeathStar> Location: Hapian Castle
<DeathStar> <Narrator> After speaking with the officals and Advisor Malfoy, the group had been waiting most of the day, with evening approaching - Princess Celes having only stopped to speak and drink with her cousin for a few hours on her break while overseeing a meeting dealing with a spirit incident involving their spirit realm, the castle being one of the few placex that touches the spirit realm
<DeathStar> <Narrator> So far she has not returned to hear their request
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen plays with her hair in their dining hall/meeting room that is on their hall for all of them to have tea, and talk. Couches and fancy seats about
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia sits with Alita, reading
<SuperKoala> *Commodus is nodding off in a chair
<Tabetha> * Alita leans against her, turning the page of a book.
<DeathStar> 6* Mayde walks in. "Would you all follow me?"
<DeathStar> 6* She has her hands folded together in front of her, looking sleepy
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia puts her book down and stands up
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *closes the book that she was reading and rising from where she was sitting*
<Tabetha> * Alita looks up a bit after turning a page, blinking. She rises and puts the book away. "You look tired..."
<SuperKoala> *Commodus rises, stretching and moves over
<DeathStar> 6* Mayde leads them out into the hallway; as they step out, they see the maid who escorted Sasha, Alita, and Ceilia being escorted away by some guards, the maid looking confused; Mayde leads them the other way. "It has been a busy day. Please follow me." 6* She leads them into the maze of hallways. Gwen hurries along
<SuperKoala> *Commodus follows, blinking at the guards
<Tabetha> * Alita moves along as well, tilting her head a bit.
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia blinks
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Nevermind that."
<DeathStar> 6* Mayde hums a little as she walks; they begin to enter an area with no one around, the part of the castle looking a bit dusty until they reach a door which Mayde knocks. "They are here, m'lady." 6* A familiar voice speaks. "Let them in, Mayde."
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Hm... what is this...
<Tabetha> * Alita peers around curiously.
<DeathStar> 6* Mayde opens the door to a room, with a shelf of books, and portraits of past Hapian rulers, including a few that haven't been on the walls in other parts. There is a bed that looks like it might be used on occassion, and beautiful chairs. There are a few statues of beauty and other things put away in here, including nice plants and items
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia looks around
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *moves on inside* "We are here, Celes."
<DeathStar> 6* Celes looks over from the shelf, sitting in a chair, a bottle of wine beside her and a glass, her hair down, looking to be recent, since she put it back up when leaving Sasha; with it down she looks very much like Sasha, since it's not curled up
<SuperKoala> *Commodus looks over the portraits
<DeathStar> <Celes> Welcome, Sasha. Shut the door after the, Mayde. We can speak freely in here. There are spirit wardsd. 6* Mayde shuts the door as they all walk in. Gwen looks around - the last few portraits show the current Empress and another woman that looks related to her and related to Sasha, then Celes, Sasha, and Eve
<DeathStar> 6* Strangely the other woman is no where to be seen in the main palace
<Tabetha> * Alita studies them, tilting her head. "That one... is she your mother, Sasha?"
<DeathStar> <Gwen> What a pretty place. <Celes> It's my refuge. I thought to only bring Sasha here, but the way Mayde spoke I did not feel comfortable speaking anywhere else
<DeathStar> 6* She sips her drink, her red tie on the bed and her dress top open a bit.
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Makes sense.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Lucera Hapian, the younger sister of the Empress.. and yes, my mother."
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy bows to Celes. 1"Thank you, princess."
<Tabetha> Alita> "Mmm... I see the ties to your beauty."
<DeathStar> <Celes> So why did you all call upon me? 6* She nods to Vyvy, motioning her to take a seat. "Want a cup?"
<DeathStar> 6* She seems to have a few bottles and some snacks in here, likely figuring this might take a while, so she had Mayde bring them all stuff
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen pours herself a small cup and sips the strong drink, nibbling a fruit
<Tabetha> Alita> "You said Mayde said something that made you wary?" *she says, as though her mind is a little behind the conversation*
<SuperKoala> *Commodus sits, letting Sasha lead with her cousin
<DeathStar> <Celes> She said you all had something to ask of me. That always makes me wary.
<DeathStar> <Celes> *smiles wryly* Especially after the day I had
<Tabetha> Alita> "Mmm... she looked threadbare... you appear tired yourself."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Likely the topic I broached with you earlier... concerning the private digs."
<DeathStar> <Celes> *nods* So you all really wish to know about the private digs.
<DeathStar> 6* Celes folds her hands together
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "We have reasons to feel suspect..."
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy accepts some tea, listening quietly.
<DeathStar> <Celes> You realize going into such, Sasha, you will not makes friends with the Hapians in general?
<Tabetha> Alita> "The digs we saw felt a little... too ordered."
<DeathStar> 6* Celes finishes her glass, studying her cousin carefully as she pours her glass
<SuperKoala> Commodus> It is what we were sent to investigate.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *closes her eyes* "...something is wrong here, cousin."
<DeathStar> <Celes> True. But they can make Sasha's life hell - they are her benefactors. Well, I suppose the way your academy system works you can get jobs from whoever trains you. But you all still have loyalities from where you come from. Hapians can be vindictive to say the least. I should know. *She murmurs*
<DeathStar> <Celes> I will look into the private dig sites. Wait here
<DeathStar> 6* She rises. "If you want, Sasha, you can take them through the secret passage to the garden."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "...can it be done without endangering you?"
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Yeah, I'd rather not get you in trouble.
<DeathStar> <Celes> There is always danger in Hapian politics. But I would rather do it then let one of you. The incident earlier they are seeking blame and one of my maids is being singled out. If I do this, I can course correct it, perhaps, toward Byrion-whatishisname
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Very well then, cousin."
<DeathStar> 6* Celes pours herself a little more wine and finishes it, then puts on a cloak, keeping her hair down since she is rarely seen without it
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen tilts her head
<Tabetha> * Alita frowns and tilts her head, glancing at her twin.
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia shrugs at her sister
<DeathStar> 6* Celes steps out and motions Mayde inside
<DeathStar> <Gwen> So she is on our side?
<SuperKoala> Commodus> It would seem so.
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen moves around, eyeing the book titles and picks one out, History of Kingdom Lineages, and flips through it - it has various Kingdoms listed and their lineages inside
<Tabetha> Alita> It would appear so... she is going out of her way for us.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *waves a hand* "This way." *moves to a wall and opens a hidden panel*
<DeathStar> <Gwen> *She grabs a few books and steps through it. Mayde gathers the wine bottles and snacks, following*
<DeathStar> <Gwen> So you used to live here, Sasha?
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia hmms "She could also just be trying to gain our trust
<SuperKoala> *Commodus follows
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia follows Commodus
<Tabetha> * Alita follows, fixing her hair a bit.
<DeathStar> 6* The hidden passage path is long and winding; the door begins to close behind, Vyvy left behind
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Yes, I did. The empress is my aunt." *takes the lead as they go through the passage*
<DeathStar> 6* They find themselves moving along downward and soon coming out not quite at bottom level, but emerging at a beautiful garden, with flowers and trees and a wonderful breeze, the area enclosed by walls
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen blinks at the huge area, looking around. Mayde sets the items down she gathered
<Tabetha> * Alita tries to rope Vyvy along before she's lost.
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Ack!
<DeathStar> 6* Alita ropes Vyvy and drags her along
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> What a pretty garden.
<Tabetha> * Alita walks along with Vyvy being dragged along behind her.
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> H-Hey... I was just drawing it...
<DeathStar> <Gwen> *She moves through the book and sees the Hapian lineage* I see the names here.
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy sulks slightly with her muted expressions, glancing around with her one eye, setting the journal away.
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen holds the book, which looks ancient, pointing at Sasha's name
<Tabetha> ALita> "Yes but you would have been left behind. I am your saviour."
<SuperKoala> *Commodus sits, having some snacks
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "The garden has been sealed off from the main passages. We are quite safe here."
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> As a result you owe us favors. 6*She nods at Alita
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen moves to glance at Celes' father's name, but it's smudged, blinking, and rubs at it, but it looks like magik is sealing the name. She tries to look at Sasha's father's name
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Weird
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "...not really..."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> How so?
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> I see....
<DeathStar> 6* She looks up. Mayde moves around, pouring drinks and standing by, head down as if she isn't listening
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I do not remember my father's name. It has been plucked from my mind."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> I see... So you and Celes' fathers are missing. *She turns her back and moves to look up another kingdom quietly
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Alita... maybe we can try to clean it.
<DeathStar> 6* Ears twitching
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen rubs her forehead, closing the book
<Tabetha> * Alita peers over. "Mmm?"
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen tosses it down and picks up another book, reading about old magik instead
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Mayde, prepare the drinks."
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> The name is magically smudged, right?
<DeathStar> 6* Mayde moves and pours Sasha drinks
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *takes her glass and sips from it*
<Tabetha> Alita> "I suppose... though I don't know a proper dispel yet. I can cleanse some curses though...?"
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Try that?
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I would appreciate it if you did not tamper with the record of my lineage."
<Tabetha> Alita> "I... mm. Yes... I think we should abide by Sasha's wishes. I'm not good with complicated spells yet anyway. I wouldn't want to ruin it."
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Yeah, fair enough.
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen sits, peering at Vyvy
<DeathStar> <Gwen> So what were you drawing?
<DeathStar> 6* She has casually put the lineage book in her backpack duiring the talking, flipping through the spells book, studying it
<DeathStar> 6* Mayde sits, playing with a pretty white flower. Time seems to pass, and soon Celes comes down, undoing her hood
<DeathStar> 6* Celes moves over, taking a glass and refilling it herself casually. She glances at the group, then reaches into her cloak and pulls out a folder, tossing it down on the grass
<Tabetha> * Alita is peeking over Gwen's shoulder at the book.
<DeathStar> <Celes> There
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> The room and architecture... the garden is also pretty, however.
<SuperKoala> *Commodus picks it up and looks it over
<DeathStar> 6* The spell book shows various healing spells and casting techniques of olden times; many make no sense in the language
<Tabetha> * Alita looks over at Celes, blinking at the gesture of tossing the folder.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *waves for Mayde to fill up her glass again, her third so far*
<DeathStar> 6* Celes sits down, running her hand through her dark hair, her red eyes gazing off; the papers have maps of many sites all over the Dynasty, six red out of the 25 sites. There seem to be reports and notes on the next page
<DeathStar> 6* Mayde moves and refills it. Celes drinks her quickly herself
<SuperKoala> *Commodus looks over the reports and notes "Who did you get this from?"
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Actually I think it's better we don't know that.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Don't ask too many questions."
<DeathStar> <Celes> *She shows her teeth in a smile*
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *tips her glass back as she drinks this one down in one gulp* "...just don't ask."
<SuperKoala> Commodus> Nevermind then
<DeathStar> <Celes> Once that gets out, people will lose their jobs anyway and the Hapians will not be pleased. At all
<DeathStar> 6* Celes gestures. "I would wait to do it until after you get the flying carriage."
<Tabetha> * Alita peers at the map, committing it to her memory.
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia reads it as well
<Tabetha> Alita> "I would think we'd wait to use this till we're well away from here..."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "We will see the NAturalists next anyway. It will be some time before we are able to attend to this, if ever."
<DeathStar> 6* The notes indicate the red sites are sites that the Kumens run alone, with little overseeing, in return for a lot of Kumen technology. They are considered Kumen sites only and the Hapians do not go in because they do not want to know. The Hapians put on a show of being considered and keep a soldier presence nearby in case they need to bust them. There are suspicions of spirit deaths but they make sure to do more spirit fossil in the other sites to make up for it. The Great Light Spirit seems aware of it and moves the spirits around conversely (cont)
<DeathStar> 6* There are also notes on levels of consumption of spirit fossil rise lately, which is up compared to 5 years ago, and that they are building new items that are classified in their cities that construct such (see the Hapian site). They are also buying Kumen tech that is classidied
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia hmmmms
<DeathStar> <Celes> Tomorrow you will be making your report to the Tamae presence in the city. Good luck
<DeathStar> 6* She stands up to go, dusting off
<SuperKoala> Commodus> Thank you Celes
<DeathStar> <Celes> If you don't stick around for the dance, I will understand.
<DeathStar> 6* Celes moves to go
<Tabetha> Alita> *watches her quietly*
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia looks at Alita
<DeathStar> 6* Celes makes a hand gesture to Mayde, then peers at Sasha, offering her a smile, and a wave, then moves up the passage
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "...I was invited."
<DeathStar> <Mayde> If your business takes you away, you have an excuse to leave, my lady.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "We will see."
<DeathStar> <Mayde> If you wish for your item back from the empress, I will have it in your bags before you leave. Celes will be upstairs to talk to you about it for a few more minutes if you want to hear it from her, if not she gave me a note to hand to you as well
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> The dance might be fun...
<DeathStar> <Gwen> So do we turn this into the Tamae tomorrow?
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> I will be...
<Myaomi> 6She notes honestly.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I will speak with her directly."
<Tabetha> Alita> "I do worry what happens if we sit on this knowledge too long." *she muses*
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "This information must be used intelligently. We should not rush to report it until we have some more solid evidence."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Do you trust Celes, Sasha?
<Tabetha> Alita> "How long were you intending to wait...? We're supposed to meet with the Tamae tomorrow."
<DeathStar> 6* She peers at the folder; it looks offical. The amount of material is listed, the names of who run it are there, including Leer and Byrion, and Corporation names attached
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I do."
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen moves for the stairs, chewing her lip, carrying her books in her sack she has, sipping her alcoholic drink, looking tipsy; her ears wiggling
<Tabetha> * Alita watches her carefully, walking along behind her.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Um, did anyone's tamae say not to turn this in? I know I got approached but I didn't know who they were so I told them no thank you.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "But the Kumen sites are ignored while pockets are filled. The Tamae may be among the benficiaries."
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia follows Alita
<DeathStar> 6* Of course she wouldn't know if male Gwen got approached or what he would have accepted
<SuperKoala> *Commodus rises and moves upstairs, putting the folder in his bag
<DeathStar> 6* But she's been female most of the trip
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Mine isn't...
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *heads back up as well*
<Tabetha> Alita> "Not mine."
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> I was asked to investigate this to begin with...
<DeathStar> 6* Upstairs, Celes is there, looking at the paintings, having undressed a bit, wearing just the white part of her outfit and not the black, and having lost some of the frills
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Oh.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Celes, let us speak..."
<DeathStar> 6* She turns, nodding to them. She waves Sasha over
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Isn't our dealings with our Tamae supposed to be secret?
<DeathStar> <Gwen> I-It is?!
<Tabetha> Alita> "If it's deemed to be, yes."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> No wonder that scary man chased me around
<Tabetha> * Alita blinks a bit. "Scary man...?"
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen's distorted memory
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Mine did not say I needed to keep it secret, just to be discreet..
<DeathStar> <Gwen> He showed up as I was swimming and asked to take me somewhere secret so I swam away
<Tabetha> Alita> "Umm... perhaps that was a good move."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> He wore all black. Sinister.
<DeathStar> *She nods*
<Tabetha> Alita> "I would require hand puppets to explain why, but yes, that sounds like one you should avoid while naked in a pool."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Everyone, head back to your quarters. I'll be along later."
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen nods and moves to follow Mayde out.
<Tabetha> * Alita walks along.
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Yes, ma'am
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy tails Gwen and Mayde
<Tabetha> * Alita considers hand puppets.
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia walks with Alita
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> We'll make some back in our rooms.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> *Rubs her head* Gwen will go to bed early tonight, head hurts a bit
<DeathStar> 6* She muses where to put her rare books
<DeathStar> <Celes> *She watches them go, peering at her missing books* That female girl, the nymph, took my lineages? Curious. *She muses*\
<SuperKoala> *Commodus moves to his quarters
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> So he's coming...
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy sulks and heads to her room
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "The names of our fathers were removed."
<DeathStar> <Celes> Yes. I know. I studied the lineages a lot.
<DeathStar> <Celes> Since I never remembered them - both supposedly died when we were young I was told - I looked up the name and nothing
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I have no recollection at all. Just... blank."
<DeathStar> <Celes> Same here. That book may come in handy. It is a magic book from the Magi Order era. I do not know how we got it
<DeathStar> <Celes> It keeps track of births of famous, or important people. Their lineages are traced in the book, retroactively. So if a person becomes important, their lineage will appear
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Interesting..."
<DeathStar> <Celes> You can find information on most people you will meet in there
<DeathStar> <Celes> Anyway. As mother said, that relic is great power - it will boost your magik over time and even give you new, powerful Light spells despite your body not being ready yet. It will make you a very, extremely strong Saboteur Mage over time if you wear it. But there is a serious side-effect, Sasha. She can hear your words with it whenever she focuses your way. It is her tool. And her infuence will slowly spread to you, like it did with Eve. Subtlely, but it will. Her eye will be on you, especially where the Light touches.
<DeathStar> <Celes> If you still want it, ask Mayde for it. You can seal its influence away by putting it in lead boxes, but it takes up space lugging such around
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen enters Vyvy's room with her blanket and other things, half naked and lays on Vyvy
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<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I understand... and for appearances, it would be best if I did take it else the empress would know I was not dancing to her tune."
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<DeathStar> 6* Celes hugs Sasha tightly. "Becareful then. If I do not see you tomorrow, know you are in my thoughts."
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Ack.. Gwen!
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen mmmm. *she cuddles Vyvy*
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Head hurts, want to hold Vyvy
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> ... Alright. If it helps.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "And you in mine. I'm not ready to tell the Tamae what we just learned... not without knowing what the Kumen were doing firsthand."
<DeathStar> <Celes> *she nods* If you want a carriage to go out there, I will have one waiting. But your meeting time is early tomorrow. You should wake the others up early
<DeathStar> -TIME JUMP-
<DeathStar> 4.18.5990 CE
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen holds Vyvy, snoozing
<DeathStar> 6* Sasha's pendant is on her table, in a lead box.
<DeathStar> 6* Mayde walks in on Commodus and hands him a letter, giving him a time to meet with the Academy's building in the city, not far from the castle, with their appointment time to report in - about 2 hours from now.
<DeathStar> <Mayde> Here you go, sir
<Tabetha> * Alita is up early, musing over what they know.
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia is up with her, brushing her hair
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *knocks on the frame of Commodus' Mayde-opened door, already dressed*
<DeathStar> 6* Princess Eve pops in their floor
<DeathStar> <Eve> Hello everyone. I hear you have to leave to report in soon - since you have nothing but good news, I hope you all will come back in time for the dance. I know you all had so much fun with dinner and the picnic. 6* The blonde princess smiles at everyone, having opened every door to speak all at once. Gwen jerks awake, rubbing at her eyes
<Tabetha> * Alita blinks and looks over, but makes no move to cover her lack of clothes.
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy makes a face, half-naked herself by this point
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> I hope we can go to the dance... 6*She leans in and whispers in Alita's ear
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen sits there, not fully dressed but decentish. Eve looks over them in their various state, smiling impishly, peering at Sasha as if it were a shame she missed her like that
<AquaKoala> *Commodus nods and moves out
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "...cousin."
<AquaKoala> Commodus> Hello Princess Eve
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Ah..!
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen dresses, having her clothes over there and wiggles into her armorish clothes. Eve smiles at Sasha. "Yes? If you are just going to the Academy building, would you like me to accompany you all? I can keep you company and listen to your report when you go. It's in two hours, yes? Perhaps I can keep you entertained until then. Would you like to join me for a royal breakfast
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy shifts to cover herself, pursing her lips.
<DeathStar> 6* Eve offers her hand to Commodus, smiling at him warmly
<AquaKoala> *Commodus is fully dressed, looking like he's already been up for an hour
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen opens her mouth to say something, then shuts it, that strange knowing look on her face that appears oddly, regally holding herself, then slouches behind Sasha like her servant all in a flash
<AquaKoala> Commodus> I'm not sure if it would be proper to bring a member of the royal family when we make our report.
<AquaKoala> Commodus> It might appear that we have a conflict of interest.
<DeathStar> <Eve> Oh pah. Well, at least join me for a royal breakfast. I can keep you entertained for two hours then. I would enjoy hearing more about you
<DeathStar> 
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "...of course, cousin."
<AquaKoala> Commodus> I don't see a problem with that.
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Al...alright then.
<DeathStar> 6* She smiles, keeping her hand out to Commodus still, then smiles. She lets it drop since he didn't take it to kiss
<DeathStar> <Eve> Then let me get it prepared. I will send my maid down to get you all in 15 minutes
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "You will have to forgive him, cousin. The Legion does not practice such pleasantries."
<AquaKoala> *Commodus nods "We don't, I apologize."
<DeathStar> 6* Eve nods her head. "I would forgive a lot. He is quite handsome."
<DeathStar> 6* She moves along. "Perhaps we could get Celes to spend time with him and she could stop breaking hearts left and right."
<AquaKoala> Commodus> I think that would be above my station.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "...of course." *spoken flatly*
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen watches her move out of sight, then speaks once confident. "If I didn't know better, I think she is trying to delay us."
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Commodus breaks hearts for a living. 6*She jokes
<Tabetha> <Alita> If only he wasn't so shy...
<AquaKoala> Commodus> That's because she probably is.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *leans in to Commodus* "Further investigation will have to wait. We need to play our parts in this play."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Once we get a new assignment, we cannot investigate more, can we?
<AquaKoala> Commodus> I'm in agreement, we will keep the information until we are away from the capital at least.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Our next assignment is with the Naturalists. They have an interest in the mining operations as well."
<Tabetha> Alita> "Gwen has a point."
<Tabetha> Alita> "Yes but are we sure that we're going to be in a position to give the information, or even actually working on the mining issues still?"
<DeathStar> 6* A glowing spirit hovers nearby. Gwen snaps her head to watch it - this one looks brighter than normal, despite it just floating about like it is normal
<Tabetha> * Alita quiets as it comes nearby.
<AquaKoala> *Commodus eyes the spirit
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia smiles at it
<DeathStar> 6* It wiggles tiny boo hands, floating through to another room
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Bye bye!
<AquaKoala> Commodus> Everyone get ready for breakfast.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Drop the topic for now. We have two hours to think of soemthing. I suggest you use it."
<Tabetha> * Alita nods and gets herself fully dressed.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Yes. And becareful. I am not a summoner, but I can feel... that spirit is stronger than a lesser spirit
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Hello little one.
<DeathStar> 6* She likely can tell because male Gwen is a summoner
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy tilts her head at the spirit.
<DeathStar> -TIME JUMP-
<DeathStar> 6* As the breakfast begins, Eve regals them, when Celes walks in, sitting down to join them. Her hair back to normal
<Tabetha> * Alita eats quietly, listening.
<DeathStar> <Celes> You did not invite me, Eve. I am terribily upset. <Eve> It slipped my mind. Well, now that you are here - Celes, meet Captain Commodus. Perhaps you two could meet up at the dance tonight and spend time together. You throw men away so callously after all
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Eve, Celes is old enough to make her own decisions."
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Don't do it Celes. He'll break your heart.
<DeathStar> 6* Celes smiles, a little icily, and looks at Commodus. "I am a man-eater, she is right. Forgive me if I do not invite you and break your heart." 6* She says it somewhat sarcastically, insulting herself more than him
<DeathStar> <Eve> *She looks at Sasha, and bows her head* You are right.
<AquaKoala> Commodus> I can take it I would think.
<Tabetha> * Alita looks at Ceilia and smiles. Man eaters. Fufufufufu.
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia smiles back and squeezes Alita's leg
<DeathStar> 6* The table begins to get served, when Mayde enters. "I have the carriage ready, my lady, for your date with Sasha and her friends." <Celes> Date? <Mayde> Yes my lady - Lady Sasha and her friends promised to take you shopping while they were here before they left and you promised to show them the rare sights of our city before they left. <Celes> Oh my. You are so terriblely right, Mayde. I forgot all about that, Eve. And right during your breakfast
<DeathStar> 6* Celes looks horriblely upset. "I feel so bad. I must cancel with you all. I could not intrude on Eve's time." <Eve> No. *She smiles gracefully* If you all made plans first...
<DeathStar> <Celes> Are you certain, sister? *She looks at them* If ytou would rather not go
<AquaKoala> Commodus> I apologize, it slipped mind as well.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Ah, I had not realized that the plans would go forward. Perhaps a pre-dance cocktail, Eve?"
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen munches on the pre-breakfast treats
<DeathStar> <Eve> Of course. I would look forward to that very much. 6* She smiles, looking at Sasha like she plans a lot during that
<DeathStar> <Eve> Maybe we can have special experience. I would like to catch up
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Indeed." *rises*
<Tabetha> Alita> "That does sound nice, then we get to spend time with both of you."
<DeathStar> <Celes> I will go to the carriage bay and wait for you all. I, too, will join you if you will have me, Eve. <Eve> Of course, sister. *She smiles, rising and setting her napkin, curtseying gracefully to them all*
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy rises and bows to Eve.
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen blinks and rises, bowing, taking a few snacks for her and Vyvy, and follows after Mayde aned Celes*
<AquaKoala> *Commodus rises and kneels "It was a pleasure Princess Eve"
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *looks at another maid* "Have some of this packed for us forour ride out, would you?"
<Tabetha> * Alita rises, her tail snagging a loaf of bread as she does and setting it in her bag. "Yes, breakfast was delightful."
<DeathStar> 6* Celes and Mayde walk along, and enter a lift, something they haven't taken since first arriving, looking like something from Kumen except this seems to be made from a giant leaf, with mechanical platform edges
<DeathStar> 6* The maid curtseys and prepares it
<Tabetha> * Alita then follows the others.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *then walks out after Celes* "...Eve will retaliate in some way."
<DeathStar> 6* After a bit, they are descending on the spirit-tech leaf lift, with a picnic basket of food. Mayde and Celes standing on either side
<DeathStar> <Celes> Of course - but I knew you wanted to do your jobs. If I assumed too much forgive me
<AquaKoala> Commodus> We will do our best to delay the impact.
<DeathStar> 6* Celes checks her watch, powered by the spirits. "You have an hour and 30 minutes. If you use a carriage, you can make it and back in time - maybe. You may be late. I will have to go with you sadly to maintain we are going on the town."
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia nods
<Tabetha> Alita> "We best be on our way then."
<DeathStar> 6* Celes shrugs. "I am a prisoner of this place, Commodus. And to my mother's whims. The impact will come, sooner or later, no matter. You heard my sister's jabs. You just did not get the meaning."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I, sadly, did get their meaning."
<DeathStar> 6* They step out in the carriage bay, Mayde having gotten one ready already and Celes gets into the front to drive, looking a little excited to get out of the castle. Gwen gets in and Celes motions any who want to learn to sit up front
<DeathStar> 6* Celes nods to Sasha, smiling a little sadly
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *climbs into the carriage*
<AquaKoala> *Commodus sits
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia sits
<Tabetha> * Alita gets in.
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen shifts up front curiously
<DeathStar> 6* But is small enough someone else who is smallish can also fit
<DeathStar> 6* Celes begins to fly out - Mayde gets in with the snacks, pulling Vyvy in
<DeathStar> 6* Celes hovers along, talking outloud how it works - the more spirit fossil fuel they burnm the faster or higher they can go if they wish, pointing at the two levers - one being faster, the other being altitude
<DeathStar> <Celes> If you go to high, you stall out though. You can't reach the height like dragons can for instance or Kumen flying vehicles they call shuttles
<AquaKoala> Commodus> I've heard about this, it's because the air is thinner
<DeathStar> 6* She borrows the map from Commodus, driving along the main city, avoiding other carriages, the rich area full of them, the building tall and majestic, tall and made of pipes where the spirits fly along in, playing and powering the buildings, pipes on the outside in the design of old Victorian England minus spirit pipes
<DeathStar> <Celes> We can barely make this one. Hold on. I will be burning a lot of fuel - we need to steal some on site. 6* She passes the Academy building in the area, flying fast. "Also a warning, there are a lot of Hapians in the Academy here - be careful who you talk to. Try to find the neutral people in there. You can tell them apart due to how they look. Each tamae will be represented I am sure, like at your academy, but the Hapians are the majority here - I am sure it's the same in every kingdom."
<DeathStar> -TIME JUMP-
<DeathStar> 6* 1 hour and 10 minutes later, Celes touches down in a plains area. There is a huge, three times the size of the others, mining op, with a huge fence around it, built with Kumen tech - the walls looking to be made of concrete
<DeathStar> 6* The wall is about 25 feet tall and goes around - the equipment can still be seen a little over it, and the sounds of drilling and equipment are loud as hell. The ground looks dead even on their side of the wall
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia goes hard faced, serious looking
<DeathStar> 6* Celes lands, waiting for them to tell her what to do. Gwen peers at the wall
<AquaKoala> Commodus> This is certainly a change from what we were shown
<Tabetha> * Alita frowns, staring, she then makes notes and starts a quick sketch.
<DeathStar> 6* The area feels void of spirits, more so than the others
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "The Kumen operate here without oversight. That is contrary to what the official line is."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I do not see a way inside though..."
<DeathStar> <Celes> Yes. But don't think it's not sanctioned either. The Great Light Spirit could stop this if she wanted. She allowed the mining thousands of years ago
<DeathStar> <Celes> I could fly over, but we'd be spotted.
<Tabetha> Alita> "We'll need fuel to get back, right?"
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "...and why would the Great Light Spirit allow it?"
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Wow...!
<DeathStar> <Gwen> The Light spirit...allows this... <Celes> Yes. Of course. Why do you think all the other spirits in the area do it.
<DeathStar> <Celes> I don't know, Sasha, you would have to ask the Great Light Spirit directly. And I told you before the only ways to get in contact with her
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> That wall..
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "I know, the empress."
<DeathStar> <Celes> Summoner pilgramage, or to be like mother and be part of mom's inner group
<DeathStar> <Celes> I think mom would stop the summoner pilgrammage if she could, too, but that would cause a lot of problems
<DeathStar> <Celes> And yes, ALita
<DeathStar> <Gwen> How does one do a summoner pilgrammage? <Celes> Many never get to Light and Dark. They are high level, Gwen. They have to first master a summon of the four levels, then master the other elements - not necessarily summoning wise but inside. Then when they get access to light or dark, they can try to do the trial of Light or Dark
<DeathStar> <Gwen> What is the plan, Captains?
<DeathStar> 6* She peres at Commodus and Sasha, then the wall
<DeathStar> <Celes> I would have gotten you a battle carriage but that would have looked suspicious, sorry
<AquaKoala> Commodus> We could try the front door, unless someone can climb the wall
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *looks at the twins* "We may have need of your talents."
<AquaKoala> Commodus> Otherwise we have to fly over
<Tabetha> Alita> "Talents...?"
<DeathStar> 6* She flies around the wall, avoiding the main gate, and there is sizeable crack on the wall near a thorn bush
<AquaKoala> Commodus> The crack.
<AquaKoala> Commodus> Land here.
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> On it. 6*She starts to adjust her robes to show more clevage
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "And it appears we may not need thos talents now. Good eyes, Commodus."
<AquaKoala> Commodus> I will try to break it.
<kalonZombie> 6*She shrugs, not adjusting it back
<DeathStar> 6* Celes lands
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen holds out, trotting over with her gun and eyes the huge thorn bush; the crack is enough for most people to get through that aren't big built
<DeathStar> <Gwen> A sword can take the bush out - I do not want to use my gun
<Tabetha> Alita> "Commodus might get stuck."
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy nods to her and draws her ornate blade, slashing at it
<DeathStar> 6* The bush dies a horrible death
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Hmmm...
<AquaKoala> Commodus> I will not be able to get through that.
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen eyes the crack and puts her gun to the crack, firing several shots, busting the crack open
<DeathStar> 6* A few chunks fall down
<DeathStar> <Gwen> There we go
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> That works.
<AquaKoala> *Commodus nods
<Tabetha> Alita> "Thankfully it's so loud out here..."
<DeathStar> 6* The gun seems to fire off magical spirit blast, so it is not loud like a normal gun
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen checks the cartiage of spirit fossils, putting it back in. Since the area has no spirit energy, she has to use spirit fossils
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "And in we go..."
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen slides in. Celes follows, hair down like Sasha now, both of them looking alike - Celes has left her princess clothing back and is dressed in an outfit like Sasha's
<DeathStar> <Celes> What is your code name, Sasha?
<AquaKoala> *Commodus moves in
<DeathStar> <Gwen> I am Striker!
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia follows Commodus
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Lady."
<Tabetha> Alita> "Bliss."
<DeathStar> <Celes> *nods* Okay, Lady. You can call me Gambler
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "My aren't we getting into the cloak and dagger now."
<DeathStar> *she smiles, and as they enter, they see massive Kumen drilling machines, brought down and assembled from Kumen, drilling into the ground; massives holes where they are pulling out spirit fossils. There is also a large machine that has captured and contained spirits
<AquaKoala> Commodus> This is certainly not what they want out.
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Tranquility.
<DeathStar> 6* The Kumens have a third large machine that is infusing the land with a tiny portion of material to give back to the land to regive life, but not near to the limits they should. They have a glowing boo like lesser spirit that watches, and glows over the material they leave behind, which makes the land glow for a bit and look healthier
<DeathStar> 6* Celes kneels, narrowing her eyes a little, watching the spirit. "Do not let that see you."
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia nods
<AquaKoala> *Commodus crouches
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *stays low*
<Tabetha> * Alita gets low.
<AquaKoala> *Commodus looks around for a fuel depot
<DeathStar> <Celes> Some think that is the Great Light Spirit herself, but I think it's mother. The reason they think it's the former is the glow - and how it's re-energizing the land there since the Kumenites aren't
<DeathStar> <Celes> By glowing the land, spirits can be reborn one day
<DeathStar> 6* There is a stack of spirit-fossils, which is what they run on, nearby that they can take
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia gets low as well
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy tilts her head.
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen lays on her stomach
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Gambler, huh?
<DeathStar> 6* The amount they are taking, and taking spirits directly, it seems hard to believe the land can recover fast, even with the Great Light Spirit, or the Empress, doing this
<DeathStar> 6* But it is hard to tell how much a direct glow from such a source will do
<DeathStar> <Celes> So do you have your evidence now? Your meeting is in 50 minutes
<Tabetha> * Alita nods.
* Jackieness` has joined #Duality
<DeathStar> 6* Celes nods to Vyvy
* Jackieness has quit IRC (Killed (NickServ (GHOST command used by Jackieness`)))
<AquaKoala> *Commodus nods "This will do" *He gathers the fossils
* Jackieness` is now known as Jackieness
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> I'm Fairy.
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "...we can discuss later. Just get the spirit fossils so we can return back."
<DeathStar> 6* The glowing spirit nears them, and a patrol with heavy weapons, gun rifles that can blast hard, appraoch
<DeathStar> 6* Celes back out crawling, not wanting to stand up, for the crack
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen turns and shimmies for the exit
<AquaKoala> *Commodus moves for the crack quietly
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia quietly moves for the crack
<kalonZombie> 6*Staying low
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *places soemthing in the ground near the spirit fossils and then moves with the others for the crack*
<Tabetha> * Alita stays low and moves for the exit.
<DeathStar> 6* Farheineit style, it goes split screen, showing the patrol and spirit nearing them in the left screen and them crawling in the right
<DeathStar> 6* Celes crawls out first and rises, then the others crawling out. Sasha in last and Vyvy still in place as the patrol nears her
<AquaKoala> *Commodus grabs Vyvy as he goes in
<DeathStar> 6* The glowing spirit pauses at the noise of the grab and flies in their direction. Spend an Action Point to move quieter?
<AquaKoala> *Commodus burns the point
<DeathStar> 6* Celes leaps into the carriage and waits for Commodus who has their fuel. The spirit moves back away and soon all of them are out
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *climbs into the carriage*
<Tabetha> * Alita climbs aboard.
<AquaKoala> *Commodus loads the fuel and climbs up
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia climbs in
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy quietly utters. 1"I wonder if I summoned if it would remove the spirit guard presences..."
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Get us back to the city."
<DeathStar> 6* Celes nods. Gwen sits in the front, ears shaky
<DeathStar> <Celes> You would just alert mother or the Great Light spirit to us
<DeathStar> 6* She lifts up, right as the patrol is pointing out the crack, wondering if it was always that big
<DeathStar> 6* Then drives off, pushing the lever for speed, getting out of sight, peering back - the wall still in sight. The patrol begins to step out of the crack, peering around, not looking their way yet
<AquaKoala> Commodus> Can we go any faster?
<DeathStar> 6* Celes shakes her head.
<DeathStar> 6* However, by the time the patrol looks, they are just a dot in the skyline
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Do your best, cousin."
<DeathStar> <Celes> Okay, lets get to your meeting
<DeathStar> -TIME JUMP-
<DeathStar> 6* 15 minutes late, Celes is back in her outfit and her hair still down, has parked outside the fancy Academy building and waits, not going in. Mayde waiting with her
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia scoots everyone along "C'mon, we're late enough as it is!
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *steps out of the carriage* "We'll get our bags later."
<AquaKoala> *Commodus rushes inside
<Tabetha> * Alita nods and rushes inside with Commodus.
<DeathStar> 6* As they are brought up, there are many hallways about; a few Hapians are approaching them from the left, yet up ahead looks to be the meeting hall. The Hapians call out. "We have been waiting on you - we'll take your mission briefing." 6* Do they stop and go with the Hapians, or continue to the mission hall
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen frowns a little, recalling what Celes said
<AquaKoala> Commodus> Aren't we supposed to report to the mission hall? *Commodus continues along
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Yes. 6*She keeps heading for it
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen follows. The Hapians frown, annoyed, following. "Captain, you do not wish to look bad on your first offical missi--" 6* Stepping out, Lu waves.
<AquaKoala> Commodus> Hello Lu, sorry we are late.
<Tabetha> * Alita waves to Lu.
<kalonZombie> <Ceilia> Hi Lu!
<DeathStar> <Lu> Hi!! Welcome, everyone! Come on in! 6* She walks on into the meeting hall and sits down, with one from everyone Tamae. The Hapians scowl, one walking in. The mutated fox sleeping in there. Their next assignment is in an envelope
<Jackieness> <Sasha> *nods as she enters the hall with Lu*
<DeathStar> <Lu> I missed you guys. So, what do your reports have to say?
<AquaKoala> *Commodus sits
<DeathStar> 6* Gwen sits down, hands on her lap. Peering at each of them. The Hapians stare at them, clearly wondering if they are going to report like they said they would.
<AquaKoala> *Commodus looks to Sasha
<DeathStar> 6* The Daemon represented looks at Vyvy expectantly, while the Magi tamae looks pleased as punch, half paying attention, nodding to themselves. The Legion Tamae just nodding at papers, signing things
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia nods to the Magi Tamae
<Tabetha> * Alita smiles softly.
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy bows to the daemon respectfully
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Honored representatives, we are pleased to report that the operations directly overseen by the Hapian Dynasty are operating in-line with expected standards.
<AquaKoala> Commodus> From the joint operations we have visited and the officials we have spoken to all seems well.
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy muses, tilting her head, presenting a letter with her own findings to the daemon.
<DeathStar> <Lu> Well, that is good then.
<DeathStar> <Lu> So everything is above board
<DeathStar> 6* The Daemon representive reads the letter, peering up at Vyvy, then the others
<AquaKoala> *Commodus checks the envelope
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy shrugs slightly, bowing her head in regards to the others.
<DeathStar> 6* If Commodus is checking the folder, everything is still there
<DeathStar> 6* That Celes gave him
<AquaKoala> (No the mission envelope
<DeathStar> (Oh, they have that)
<DeathStar> (Lu will give it after they are done)
<Tabetha> * Alita looks at Commodus and Sasha quietly.
<DeathStar> <Lu> So you have nothing else to add?
<AquaKoala> Commodus> Nothing to add at present
<DeathStar> 6* The Hapian representive looks pleased
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "We are, however, concerned that without open oversight, any potential Kumen-directed operations may not operate within our standards."
<DeathStar> <Lu> Oh?
<DeathStar> <Lu> *she glances at her notes* To my knowledge, the Hapians do not let them have such
<Jackieness> <Sasha> "Potential operations. I recommend further monitoring to ensure that we do not suffer from Kumen infiltration."
<DeathStar> <Lu> *she nods* Alright. It sounds like things are on the board so far then. On to your next mission
<DeathStar> 6* She hops up and hands them the envelope
<DeathStar> <Lu> Your next mission is to go the Naturalist Faction and see if they are okay with the results of your mining operation reports. But most importantly, we wish you to learn about the secrets of training dragons. Each faction has their own dragon type and color, but none of us can tame dragons like they can. We want you to get them to help work with us, despite being in the Academy, they do not wish to give up this and we might need dragon training on a wild scale. Plus if there are any internal problems, we would like to know. There have been a few reports of walled up villages and other strange reports from there lately. Whatever you can see or investigate, let us known.
<Tabetha> * Alita frowns a little and peers down.
<Myaomi> <Vyvy> Dragon training...
<Myaomi> 6Vyvy peers down, frowning a little.
<DeathStar> <Lu> Be prepared to leave tomorrow. We will give you the papers to hand to the Naturalist tomorrow regarding your report
<kalonZombie> 6*Ceilia rubs Alita's back
<DeathStar> <Hapian> In light of this news, we will be glad to lend you one of our carriages to make the journey easier
<DeathStar> 6* Lu blinks, then nods. "That is most kind of you."
<DeathStar> 6* Lu's ears wiggle.
<DeathStar> <Lu> Good luck, all of you
<DeathStar> -END-

Session Time: Tue Mar 17 00:00:00 2015