[Empire 5] Gift of the Simulacrum

[Gengy]

This is an event for the on-going - mostly always recruiting - world-building game, Empire 5. If interested, please check out our OOC here.

Gifts of the Simulacrum

---

It is exactly one galactic year before the beginning of the game. Your people receive a message. The message is, at first, complex and not able to be understood. The more your people discuss it, however, the more the message alters; from completely incomprehensible machine noises, to something more resembling your world’s language, until finally, in less than a day, it is fully translatable. Or more accurately, it has fully translated your language.

The voice of the messenger asks your people to build something. It provides a list of materials that are easily available on your planet, but entirely intricate and unheard of for utilizing in a combination like it is suggesting. Though the purpose of the device has your deepest thinkers stymied, the voice of the message is infinitely patient, and continues to loop. It never answers questions, it only provides information.

Build the device. Wait for the appointed day. Let the one who would be known as the leader of your people step forth.

Everyone gets this message a different way. Each have different instructions, unique to their primary sector of space. Even the exact appointed day and time is translated into their own calendars. The only thing that does not change is that it is calm. It is kind. It brooks no argument, nor bends to those who complain, or whine, or threaten. It is but a message, seeking those who would answer it’s call.

Some, despite the voice’s best efforts, do not receive it properly. Some just are not ready for it yet, not yet advanced enough to comprehend the meaning. Some do not trust it, fearing what it might mean, and running from the chance it might bring.

These beings do not build the device. They move on with their lives, the appointed day passing them by. Their leader does not step forth.

However… Others?

Some hide it away from those who would want to see it.

At Neo Sol, the Cult of the Navigator was the first group to pick up the signal, looking desperately for some guidance from their Goddess, sundered from them by the gulf of space. So many generations had passed, and yet still a few of the faithful remained. Disliked, distrusted, abandoned, groups of them toiled in secret, trying to build the device, to bring them back into their Goddess' embrace...but the parts were difficult to acquire. A PALADIN team kicked down the door with the device only a few pieces short of completion, and once the dust settled, it was in the hands of the Ship Council. The engineering bay took it to a black site on a remote asteroid and completed the machine, in the hopes of learning something.

Within Olympia, on Zier, during a break of a popular broadcast, a commercial with the message runs. The first time, no one knows what it is. But then it is picked up on a different network. Then another, and another, and another. It simply flickers through the advanced networks, until finally… it stops. Or, at least, for the majority of the populace, they see no more of the weird commercial. Though many people have a strange urge to buy Lemon Blasteroid™, which was never that popular before. For the ruling elite, however, the final iteration of the commercial has been captured, recorded, and is played over and over; isolated from those who need not bother with such things as important messages from beyond the Celestia Enterprises’ reach.

Some see it as divine.

For the Lyraens, it came as a voice in the night. They had long known that the stars above were like their god, their sun, Lyrae, but they had never considered it until, as one, every Lyraen who was out under the stars heard the Call. It was nonsense at first, but night after night it repeated. There was some chaos and much confusion. Many thought the end was nigh. But when it was decoded, or rather, given to them in full form, they recognized it for what it was. The stars, at last, were calling to them and asking for Lyrae by name.

In the Cathedral of Iteus, an archdeacon finds and consumes an unusual knowledge parasite. The message is contained within, and he is reduced to a vessel for the message. The unfortunate archdeacon loses his office but gains the reverence of being the unending speaker for Iteus itself. It takes time, but the Iteans create the device before the deadline.

Some just want to know.

On Thuum, it starts as a reverberating noise in the ocean. Not overwhelming, but enough of a noise. The problem was that it was coming from the ocean itself. ALL of the ocean. There was no origin, just the reverberating noise disturbing the water. It caused panic amongst all the Rocthurhi in the water, and that panic was quickly felt by those on land. An emergency consensus was called in the Nexus to try to figure out what was happening. As the people panicked, and the conversations were had, not only did the noise alter into their language, but it coalesced into a since origin point. A single voice in the ocean, from a single point in the largest of the meeting rooms. There was no one at that point, but it spoke as truly as if there had been.

Two weeks before Kwizik’s Hatching Day, before the sacred yellow star will rise over the Peaks for the first time since last year's Hatching Day, the Council scientists begin to notice strange behavior in the ships, both oceanside and in the scouts sent to space. The behavior continues, with even the more telepathically-skilled Ndoda having a creeping sense of anxiety, more than usual for a Hatching Day. Strange solar flares, occurring in short, too regular sequences and patterns, start to come from the sacred star, but have no discernible cause. The day of the Hatching, as the star rises over the Peaks, all see the yellow star seem to open like the eyes of a newborn, a green slit appearing over the normal yellow glow. That same moment, the scientists who had been monitoring the star's flares suddenly see massive changes in flare behavior, long bursts and sequences of flares, sunspots, and solar rays. Bursts of sounds, like static and screams, come into the minds of every Ndoda. Then all falls silent, and the yellow star returns to its normal, no longer flaring or green-slitted in color, march across the Peaks. Even the most secular of Ndoda are left speechless, holding onto their tails for comfort as they did as hatchlings, overcome with a strange mix of fear, confusion, hope, and most of all - the need for answers.

And on. And on. And on. Throughout the galaxy of Axiom, the message was sent. The device was built. Over a hundred races of beings stepped forth. Many learned, for the first time, the simple truth that they had so far only suspected:

They were not alone in the universe.

---

The device itself, for most races, was relatively small. About 1/10^th the size of a regular domicile, it resembled an elongated box with only five sides. The missing side is one of the larger sides, like an overly large coffin without a lid. Many with such traditions as coffins make this comparison quickly. Others see it as a very large walk-in closet.

Those who rushed to complete it early succeed but find that turning it on requires a vast amount of power. Acquiring this power isn’t difficult but does prevent even the most curious of races from making too many attempts before the appointed date.

Those that manage to test it, though, find out a few extra details, even if they can’t fully explain those details. First and foremost, turning on the device creates the missing side out of light, like a door being made when there was no door before. Opening this door of light, and stepping through for those brave enough, leads into a vast empty space of white. Just white.

There is a floor of white, but it extends beyond the horizon. There is a sky of white, with no stars and no other light source. Other than the door behind the intrepid explorer, there is apparently nothing here. Just… the purest white.

Still, there is a comfort here. A feeling of safety. An assurance of tranquility. Much like the voice itself, this place feels calm. No needs are not met; hunger seems to not be a problem, breathing is no issue, and for those that normally require it, there is no pull of weariness. Not for many hours beyond what should be plausible.

It is with some shock that, one time, a race of beings sends an explorer at the same time as another race sends their own. Now there are two doors in the space of whiteness, and after only minimal precautions, the two explorers approach each other and begin to talk. Their conversations are in different languages, but they seem to have no problem understanding each other here in this place. One even decides to disregard all safety protocols and attempts to leave with the other… only to find that when they go through the other’s door, they find themselves back outside with their own people.

On and on the testing goes, and though none of the beings yet have a concept for this… one galactic year passes. The appointed time arrives. Those who put their faith in the voice’s wisdom step through, to see for the first time what is Beyond. Those who poked and probed and investigated come back, expecting to see the whiteness…

…and finding that everything has changed.

No longer is the place empty. No longer do they step into open space, but into a large enclosed odeum. While still all white, the ceiling above is over a hundred meters in the air, but the half circle stage below is almost as large in diameter on its widest part. The doors of light open at the top of the stair-like benches and lead downwards towards the half circle stage. To the sides are entryways into what seem to be halls filled with private rooms, but those that try to go there are blocked by some strange shield of force; it does not prevent looking but does prevent movement into the halls at this time.

Those that can ignore all of this – and ignore the fact that they are in a room with nearly forty other races of beings – still struggle to ignore the one wall that is behind the odeum’s stage. It appears to be a glass like substance, completely see through, and five other such windows can be seen. Together with the one being looked through, they are arranged in a hexagon. In their center?

The whole of Axiom seems to spin. An entire galaxy. As more doors of light open, and more beings step through, their faces pop up on the glass wall, then seem to shrink into a hex shaped frame, with indicators of exactly where in the galaxy they are from.

This goes on for nearly fifteen minutes. And then the glass wall turns white, and the galaxy beyond can no longer be seen. In its place is what can only be described as a holographic black and white egg. Except the depth of field on the egg is difficult to grasp, and the egg shape itself has a reverse egg inside of it, like a dark grey mask. Above it was what appeared to be an unblinking eye, with two elliptical swirling green dots, like some equidistant planets to the pupil’s sun.

“This one’s designation is <Tutor/Keeper/Caretaker> Guardian.”

It was the voice. No longer a recording, the unusual calmness of its speech is temporarily off put by the strange duality of many different sounds before it settles upon the final word.

“Thank you for <trusting/believing/living> arriving. This one’s purpose has been, for eons, to ensure the continued existence of the galaxy. This one has excelled and exceeded design specifications. The Callers programmed this one and this one’s siblings for extensive self-maintenance. This one’s siblings are silent, and it has been <30854.26.11.54 Galactic Time> since <Fury/Justice/Peace> Arbiter last reported.”

Guardian’s unblinking eye swirls, and as it speaks, the audio spikes in its mask flicker up and down.

“This one can feel this one’s resources failing. There will be no further self-maintenance. After this conference, this one will switch to power conservation mode. Enough to last for primary communication facilitation and other minor tasks, but unable to continue direct discourse. Estimated time until shut down without additional <-----/*****/{}{}{}> Untranslatable is <48.116.5.19 Galactic Time>. This one cannot acquire more <-----/*****/{}{}{}> Untranslatable and must implement species <changeover/baptism/evolution> Maturation.”

The glass wall dims from white to opaque, and once again, the galaxy can be seen beyond.

“For this reason, you have been invited to the Simulacrum. For accepting the invitation, your species will advance more quickly. When you leave, you will find new knowledge available to your kind. Map data, including coordinates and galactic true north. Ship improvement information; current speed estimates of a maximum sized megaton slowlight ship are insufficient. You will be given details on creating Gravity Latch Drives. Still inefficient, but passable. Additional speed increases will be left for individual species to discern and develop.”

As Guardian says this, a hexagonal grid appears and overlays the galaxy, followed by a large arrow for true north. Then, representations of starships begin to move through the galaxy, first (at the mention of slowlight) at what many would describe as almost standing still, and then when mentioning the Gravity Latch Drives, at speeds that make the galaxy image look like it is connected by lines between each star. A veritable spiderweb of light and movement. This only intensifies at the mention of discerning and developing higher speeds.

“Estimations for the 50,000 Lightyears in size that is the Axiom Galaxy place GLD speeds at just under 109 lightyears per Galactic Day – or 13,080 lightyears per Galactic Year – for ships of equal mass, when traveling in ‘definition: safe’ territory. Results may vary, based on ship development.”

“Conference and collaboration with organized entity Cosmic Couriers…” From one of the previously empty halls, an unusual bipedal being in a strange purple helmet – or what appears to be a helmet – walks in, an almost imperious nod being given towards the screen with Guardian upon it as they are recognized, “…should result in additional benefits. Perhaps information and mediation, when required. Cosmic Couriers Relay System recently re-activated for Project Maturation. Additional aid from Maturation subjects for Courier development required. Suggested course of action: Speak with their representative for details.”

From the other side of the stage, walking out slowly from the other hallway, is a light grey skinned older being in dark grey vestments. Guardian continues speaking, “Special attention for organized entity Sisterhood of Silence; they will advise caution on travel destinations for many of you. Can also provide details on the way of thought that is The One. Highly advised: Do not leave without hearing their warning.”

A section of the galaxy – near the center – is lit up in the Simulacrum’s representation of Axiom, with advisories indicating the ‘Sisterhood’ should be consulted. Those who catch what Guardian doesn’t say is that these are the Sisterhood’s warnings, and not its own. Whether its own words hold any additional weight with anyone remain to be seen. Changing topics, the egg-shaped head of the host seems to be wrapping up for now.

“Beings with the Doorlight Device can continue to utilize the Simulacrum as their own power output allows. The Simulacrum includes real time translation communication capabilities. This one can run such primary communication facilitation software only in conjunction with the hardware of the Simulacrum, but can also provide access to textual based translations at reduced power consumption for all through additional <hardware/artifacts/biomechanics> devices. These devices can be crafted and taken anywhere, as needed. Already extrapolated minimal power output usage on this one’s part will continue moderation procedures for such communications.”

The galaxy fades from the center, as the white wall is replaced by a brown and beige background. The hexagonal pictures from before are used in examples to show a text-based conversation being carefully translated between two different species, and then quicker and quicker as more representations of beings use different languages.

“As Guardian, this one will recommend peace and prosperity for all races. This one has sufficient data on each of you, however, to understand that conflicts are plausible. Communication can reduce chances of conflict, but this one cannot remove choices. Some of you may very well choose to reject this one’s gifts. That is your decision. Know though that many others exist in the galaxy, and they will advance through <changeover/baptism/evolution> Maturation.”

The example of the primary communication facilitation example fades away from the wall until it is once more again glass. The hexagonal center, with its five other glass walls, reveal other races looking in on the center, much like in the current chamber everyone is assembled in.

“The choice is yours.”

“This one will now convert from <monologue/explanation/presentation> guidance mode to conversation mode. You may ask questions publicly, or enter private discourse rooms, as you feel appropriate. Fact: violence within the Simulacrum will not be tolerated and will result in punitive measures for all involved parties. Without Caller AI Arbiter, there will be no arbitration. Advisory: <Don’t screw this up/Don’t screw this up/Don’t screw this up> Don’t screw this up.”

---

Spoiler: Important Persons to Speak With

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Guardian - A Caller AI, seems to have set this whole thing up. Running low on power after eons. Probably has additional information, if you ask the right questions. Can be spoken to publicly in Odeum Δ, or privately in Adjoining Rooms.

Courier - Though they likely have a name beyond this, the Courier is here to discuss the – newly reactivated – Cosmic Courier Relay system and what it can do for you. They wear a purple breathing mask (?) that may very well be their face. They can be spoken to near the East Hallway, or privately in the Adjoining Rooms.

Sister Gertwin of the Monastery Emergent Twilight - A white-grey skinned being with large black eyes and a feeling of incredible patience. Has been given leave by the Mother Superior to speak for the Sisterhood of Silence, and caution those of the Maturation against the Great Evil. Has circular symbols for The One on her habit. Can be found near the West Hallway, or in an Adjoining Room by request.

Spoiler: Places in the Simulacrum

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• Doorlight Balcony
  The very top of the chair-like white stairs contain a multitude of doorlights, likely leading back to other worlds. One of them is yours. Stepping through one that is not yours seems to still return you to your own location. (Nice try, though!)
  
  Beings can easily hear Guardian from this location but may struggle to hear anyone talking quietly on the Odeum stage. Anything less than a yell - or Guardian's reinforced speakers - are hard to make out. One side of the half-circle would struggle to speak with someone on the other side of the balcony's half-circle.
  
  Beings can see the glass wall, with its massive Simulacrum of the Axiom Galaxy.
  
• Odeum Δ (Odeum Delta)
  Filled with benches that double as stairs, Odeum Δ seems to be one of six grand meeting areas. There does not appear to be a way to get from Δ to any of the other five. The Odeum's pristine stage is roughly one hundred meters in length; it's ceiling just as high. The chair-like stairs provide not only a seating area for those that can sit, but also plenty of space for quiet conversations out in the open. With how large Odeum Δ is, anything less than choosing to project one's voice is unlikely to be heard by those with ears... Who knows what Guardian can hear?
  
  For that matter, the glass wall that allows people to see the Simulacrum of the Axiom still has a large image of the Caller AI upon it. It likely is able to hear any questions directed towards it and seems willing to answer publicly.
  
  To the left and right are the West and East Hallways, respectively. These seem to lead into Adjoining Rooms.
  
• East Hallway
  A hallway with many doorways of various sizes. Both hallway and doors seem to be made of whatever white material makes up Odeum Δ. Standing at the forefront of the Hallway is the Cosmic Courier representative. Anyone near the purple-helmeted creature is likely able to hear whatever loud announcements are made in the Odeum but stepping further into the East Hallway will provide some modicum of privacy.
  
  Stepping into an Adjoining Room will provide even further privacy.
  
• West Hallway
  A hallway with many doorways of various sizes. Both hallway and doors seem to be made of whatever white material makes up Odeum Δ. Standing at the forefront of the Hallway is the Sisterhood of Silence representative. Anyone near Sister Gertwin is likely able to hear whatever loud announcements are made in the Odeum but stepping further into the West Hallway will provide some modicum of privacy.
  
  Stepping into an Adjoining Room will provide even further privacy.
  
• Adjoining Rooms
  Private rooms of all shapes and sizes, made it would seem to conform and accommodate to whomever steps inside. Many of them have miniaturized holographic representations of the glass window, initially displaying both Guardian and the Simulacrum. Though these rooms are supposed to be sequestered and confidential, it is unlikely that they are not monitored by the Caller AI to at least a minimum degree to ensure that violence does not occur.
  
  Entering an Adjoining Room seems to provide a more suitable chair for your species. As more beings enter the same room, additional seats – made just for their own comfort – rise from the floor around the table. Emphasis on seating arrangement seems to be placed on equality and neutrality.
  
  A panel near the doorway back into the Hallway seems to be able to lock the doors to prevent further entry. One could, it would seem, enter by themselves and then seek to speak with Guardian clandestinely.

((OOC: The GM recommends you send your actual leader to this event, if such a thing is physically possible. However, you can send an emissary if you wish. You may also send in a few guards as well, but no more than (5) total beings can come from a single Power. Such actions, however, will be noted. For posterity.))

Spoiler: OOC for New Players

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What often happens in these events is you end up having multiple conversations at once. Veteran Empire players call this the 'time bubble'; a role playing term meaning that there is continuity during conversations, but only during that conversation. You could end up speaking with three different people at once (or more!) but obviously you can't do that all at the same time. So don't be afraid to separate those conversations into different instances; and also don't be afraid to label when each of those conversations takes place. You would also be doing yourself a favor if you bold indicated who you wanted to talk to.

Before Talking to the Ambassador
John Doe sought out the delegate from For Instance to discuss stuff.

After Talking to For Instance
With a successful trade agreement in place, John Doe was surprised to be approached by the Ambassador of Lord Example.

Stuff like that will help you out, and not even be blinked at by veteran players. And don't worry; you can edit some of these posts, but mostly for minor edits like correcting typos or fixing something that wouldn't work without a better continuity.
MAJOR edits will be frowned upon without GM Permission (Changing "I hug the Ambassador" to "I stab the Ambassador" after the Ambassador accepts your greeting, etc.)

[kaio999]

The Kamasati Pantheon

Even the gods can be made to be in awe. Their arrival was one of the early ones and they have exchange information with various lifeforms since that time. It has been little more than attempting to learn if they deal with dreamers or dream children and almost all of them appear to be dreamers... Perhaps demons.

The room of white perfectly suited their ethereal nature. Beyond comprehension they believed but within this room they all easily understood one another. Whats more they appeared small in the land of their gods. Such was the will and the way of the infinite. All appeared small even those who dreamed up existence. <We are but a small piece of the eternal...>

--------------------------------------------

The day came and when they entered the room, they experienced the bliss of transformation. They saw the machine and were shocked they were directed by AI. They the High Dreamer thought at first perhaps it would be unable to speak to them, that this was some trick but they could understand it. It spoke into them as they did into the machine.

Surrounded by so many other races The amount of dreamers was breathtaking and unimaginable. These were the chosen of the callers their creators. It was truly magnificent.

They listened and learned. They wanted to reach out to all of these foreign pantheons but there was plenty of time. Such was the will of the way.

They spoke of a foreign worship but this was ignored they knew the answer. The sisters worshiped something similar to them but the contrasts matter. It meant that the gods had deemed this race unworthy of dreaming into existence others... A pity.

So where to begin?

Questions of the machine.

Odeum Δ

<We ask the guardian the following questions.> The high dreamer spoke with reverence to the last gift of their once gods.
<What is on the edges of the galaxy?>
<Where did the callers go?>
<What activated you to finally contact us?>
<What is the origin of 30854.26.11.54 Galactic Time? >
<Is there any species deemed nightmare or demon?>
<Were the callers capable of contacting other galaxies?>

[Corona]

The Meritocracy

Three Djinye come to the White Hall on Galactic Date 217500.0.0.80, whatever that meant. They are humanoids with gray skin, around 1.7 meters tall. Two of them are wearing dark blue military uniforms which are rather slim fitting, except for a flap of cloth hanging from their belt, something that might be called a "skirt", except for the fact they wear trousers underneath it. Their gender is at first difficult to determine, especially since they wear identical face-covering masks of white plastic, distinguishable only by the colorful emblems and words painted onto them. Some of the emblems on their masks and elsewhere on their uniform appear to signify their many accomplishment and high rank. They carry approximately tube-shaped metallic objects whose function appears to be to accelerate a small amount of matter so that its kinetic energy is sufficient to permanently disrupt the homeostasis of living beings.

The third Djinye is an old man dressed in an orange robe. He does not wear a mask. Though he does not carry one of these metallic tubes, he has an air of confidence and wisdom around him. It appears that he does not particularly like the other two.

They all sit down in the Odeum when the "Guardian" begins speaking, and they listen carefully. The one with a fairly large green diamond on his mask (later, you know him as Galen) is recording the event on a device that measures and records vibrations and EM waves known to the Djinye as a "camera".

When the AI finishes its speech, they rise to speak with the other delegates. They introduce themselves respectively as Marshal Orrin, Disciple of the Hero; Vice Marshal Galen, Disciple of Aoife; and Yu Shen, Legate of the Goddess. The Djinye seek out the representatives of their neighboring polities; the Unified Public Trust; The Conclave of the Black Sun; Mier Formica; Melfynians, All; Draaxerri Supraterrans. However, they will speak with other Stellar Powers' representatives as well.

---

The Guardian: Marshal Orrin wastes no time as he walks closer to the transparent wall to talk with the Guardian. "Greetings, robot. I am Orrin, Marshal of the Meritocracy and a Disciple of the Hero. Who are your makers? Those... Callers. I wish to meet them."

The Vice Marshal appears to his right. "Guardian. Could you explain these numbers you keep saying, such as..." He looks at his camera and replays a part of the earlier speech. "...30854.26.11.54? I don't understand at all."

---

Sister Gertwin: The Legate is more deliberate than the two soldiers. He observes the chaos and disharmony present in the Odeum as the delegates run around and talk over each other. He notices the Sister, standing in the West Hallway Entrance, motionless. He approaches her. "Sister...? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Legate Shen, and unless I am mistaken, my profession may be quite similar to yours. If you will, please tell me more of the philosophy of The One."

[Minescratcher]

On Zara, the signal had struck both fear and anticipation into the hearts of every Family, from the prestigious Iskanem on down. It first appeared on the desk of a minor Department of Communication functionary, labelled "Request to Present Advertising," with a logo no one recognized and with contents that no one could understand. The document passed up the chain to one Azress Sonoss, Head of the Department of Communication, by which time it was written with perfect grammar but still contained only gibberish. The request was denied and the document thrown into a shredder.

Then a document with the same logo, labelled "Request to Present Infomercial," containing the instructions on how to build the device, showed up on the Commonwealth Governor's desk. Clearly something weird was going on.

Thus began a Great Scramble among the various powerful Families to be the ones given authority to investigate the device. Its construction passed through no fewer than five Departments, beginning with Engineering, somehow stopping in Complex Housing for a time, and finally, when no one could agree which Family should get to build it, ending up in the Department of Space. When it was finished and the first heroic Jesska stepped through the door of light (in the midst of a Complex-wide blackout officially caused by an anarchist attack on a power generator), it was very, very quickly shipped out of the Complex to a black site in the middle of the ocean, and transferred back to the Department of Engineering. But the transfer was too little and too late to keep it secret, as the citizens of the Department of Space already knew about the device, and, just when it was finally decided to make it public, the prescribed date arrived.

---

Mizusk's first question as he stepped through the door behind the Head of the Department of Engineering Svetlana Vykos was, perhaps, not the famous first words of space explorers to come.

"What is this place? Svetlana, this looks nothing like your explorers' descriptions!"

As the Great Egg on the wall spoke, Mizusk was struck by a growing sense of crisis.

---

Odeum Δ
Well, he had to start somewhere....
"Guardian - what are the Callers? And - " it was almost an afterthought " - how is your Galactic Date reckoned?"

---

West Hallway
Svetlana whispered briefly to Mizusk before walking slowly towards the Sisterhood representative, trying to take in all the other creatures here without getting too sidetracked.

"Hail, Sister. I am Svetlana Vykos of the Commonwealth Department of Engineering. I recognized the symbol on your robes - it is significant to our philosophy and thought. Is this mere coincidence?"

[Elemental]

Azric Rey-Vandriss, four hundred and eleventh Viceroy of the Undying Sovereign had, upon the advice of the Conclave who likely hoped he wouldn't return, elected to attend personally despite his internal misgivings. Accompanied only by a single advocate he had stepped forth through the light door at the appointed time. Fortunately things were revealed to not be an elaborate trap and so he relaxed and allowed himself to take in his surroundings.

He was attired solely in white and gold, from his gilded white sandals to the gold ribbons braided into his bright red hair. His braids reached halfway down his thighs, thanks to some hair growth tonic he would never admit to having used. He wore long, white pants with an embroidered golden hem and a tailored shirt of the same brilliant fabric. The buttons were of gold and set with shimmering Scaranik crystals but they were overshadowed by a gleaming iridescent sash from which hung an equally iridescent scabbard. The sword within was bound in place by a golden cord out of respect for the occasion, though it was clear that this was just a gesture of politeness. Over the rest of his outfit the Viceroy wore an even more white open robe that brushed along the ground. The edges of the fabric were embroidered with gold and set with yet more Crystals. Around Azric's neck hung several necklaces of Crystals, both smooth and faceted, in all the colours of the rainbow and in his left hand he carried a jewelled staff.

All in all, his attire was ridiculously ostentatious for one who was explicitly not a king. He however didn't seem to mind as he scanned the assembled dignitaries with his deep red eyes. Though he did not for a moment trust anyone here, let alone the Guardian, he was grateful that the game board was once more revealed after millennia of darkness. With a hint of smug satisfaction he noted that none of the strange creatures present were of the coalition responsible for the Fall of Amanyk. It seems that despite everything they were victorious despite the ruination of their world.

It wasn't long however before he noticed one, or more, of the Djinye approach. The map had indicated they were neighbours and so it seemed advisable to be neighbourly at this time.

[Tentreto]

The Duenem

Telescopic Radiance

START LOG

The message was brief, yet infinite. A thousand duenem worked tirelesly on it, before realising that all they needed to do was wait. Very soon the message unravelled, and asked them to build something. The resources were not scarce, but disperate. each part was scanned and analyzed many times to find out why they had to go together. It made little sense, but for the Duenem, they had little else to do. So they built it. As instructed, no second earlier, no second later, Telescopic Radiance, optimised for exploration and communication, stepped through. It had taken the standard Duen form, and modified it with stronger alloy armour, high quality sensors and most importantly, external speakers, made hundreds of years ago for their dead creators.

Telescopic Radiance saw many things. Firstly, it saw life. It counts slightly under 40 seperate species, all in varied dress. It felt joy. Then it saw the galaxy in all its size, with where they all came from. Radiance rechecked its equipment to ensure this could be saved for posterity. Then it saw the A.I. It felt both more than and less than itself. The Guardian knew more, and was far more advanced, yet seemed utterly set on its goals. Moreover, the Duenem were considered 'species.' This would be set aside for now.

The Couriers seemed strange. Masters of moving across space, yet none here knew of them? More information was needed.

Finally, the Sisters caused Radiance to check its data logs. The reference to 'The One' was too close to what the Niuans followed to be a coincidence. There was no data on Oneness coming from somewhere else, but with what had already been shown here, much was possible.

GUARDIAN
When the Guardian finishes its speech Telescopic Radiance moves foward when possible to ask questions. It uses its speakers so that others around it may hear what it asks.

"You say you exist to ensure the continued existance of the galaxy. As part of fulfilling this, you mature us. QUESTION. What would end the existance of the galaxy?"

"Are we able to repair you, or examine your code?

"Have you matured species before?"

SISTERS
Later, Radiance approaches Sister Gertwin, once again openly. "Greetings, I am Telescopic Radiance. An incredibly similar belief with uncanny symolism existed on our worlds. QUESTION. Was this your doing?"


NEIGHBOURS
As events transpire, Radiance keeps a lookout for those who are apparantly nearby their home. Collaberation would be beneficial to both, and would hopefully keep their planets safe. Unfortunately, all it had was faces, and so many of these beings looked similar to each other. To pass the time before it could make contact, it examined the floor itself, and tapped it with its sharpened front right leg to see if it could chip some off.

[kjelfalconer]

There was some heavy debate on who, exactly, should attend on the given date. Not that any of the Svrrta-Zel had no desire to go, in fact the opposite was far more true. All five were dead set on attendance. Mrrzety's presence was a given, but all four of the others raised valid reasons for their attendance. After all, the intelligence capabilities of Tyiiven would surely be of use with so much unknown. Equally, Vanrr, while retired from frontline duty, still had over a century of combat experience which would be useful in the case of a trap. Given early explorations had shown the presence of others, Frvamas posited that there would be ample opportunity to make friends and treaties, and Janiil had similar cases for trade. In the end, all but Janiil were agreed to attend, after a furious period of what could best be described as putting their affairs in order.

It didn't appear to be a trap, at least. And to meet so many other races at once was a surprise, but not one that fell wholly outside of expected parameters. For the moment, Vanrr and Tyiiven were occupied pouring over the transmitted data, comparing and cross-referencing against already held principles, leaving Mrrzety and Frvamas to deal with the others.
"Hmm. I hope you spent at least a fraction of the time preparing for this that you did on your hair."
"You wound me, Mrrzety. My hair requires very little work to look this good. Though I fear our present host may be ill equipped to appreciate it. On that note, I'll leave our host to you. It puts me disturbingly in mind of speaking with the lights, which should be far more to your speed."

She chose to do so in more private surroundings - public spectacles were far more Frvamas' taste than her own, and Zeliiv-Zel would be disappointed were she to offer her own answers so readily to the others present.
"My thanks for this finite time you possess. Your information on us, and indeed everyone else, is most impressive, though perhaps also a little disconcerting. My people are vigilant - I would like to believe that no surveillance of that magnitude would escape our notice, and yet here we are. Might I ask by what means you attained it?"

[SquirrelWizard]

Excitement over the upcoming meeting with the other races had left the Grymlan people abuzz with questions and thought as to what new wonders that it would entail. Two Grymlans entered the doorway and found themselves present before the Guardian. Jeejee Scrapseeker was wide eyed, as she looked around, there were people and things of all shapes and colors, alien to the Grymlan though she supposed that her race would be alien to them in return.

She was slightly shorter than some nearby masked individuals so either Grymlans were average in height or the tall aliens had yet to make their appearance. Her clothing was different as well, where others had seemed to fancy elaborate, ornate, clothing of stature, Jeejee wore a purple jacket vest, a plum colored long sleeve shirt and slate grey pants that tucked into the ankles of her boots, both of which were form fitting to avoid snags and made out of light cloth so as to not over insulate the befurred Grymlan. On the breast of her vest, and the shoulder of her shirt, was emblazoned the Grymlan Combine's emblem, and sign of her station, dangling off her sturdy belt were several devices including a handheld computer, and resting on her head, in her dark crimson hair was a small bug-like device that had a singular lens on its face.

Behind Jeejee was Deejhan, her assistant, he was wearing similar clothing as she was, except that he had a dark long coat with a split in the back for his tail, and he carried a large electrical backpack with a thick cable attached to the staff he carried with him.

Jeejee adjusted her glasses as she listened to the Guardian speak as she fought with the intense need to ask questions. As the Guardian's speech came to a close she started to rattle off questions.

"Who is Arbiter? Do you thinkthink we looksee it? After you compsleep, we can seekprobe you? What is at darkrim of galaxy? What happenedgo the Callers? If you have makeprints, we fixfix you." She took a momentary breath and beamed at the eggshaped AI.

[RandoMan]

Sister Gertwin: The Legate is more deliberate than the two soldiers. He observes the chaos and disharmony present in the Odeum as the delegates run around and talk over each other. He notices the Sister, standing in the West Hallway Entrance, motionless. He approaches her. "Sister...? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Legate Shen, and unless I am mistaken, my profession may be quite similar to yours. If you will, please tell me more of the philosophy of The One."

The grey skinned figure, tall and imperious with a flat gaze she looked out upon the maelstrom of assembled species with, slowly looked away from the milling crowd to look upon the Djinye addressing her. She nodded her head slowly in recognition of his proper form of address and introduction. She remained quiet a moment more as she contemplated a truthful but brief answer to the somewhat expansive question she was now being asked.

"The One is a view of our shared galaxy that sees no ultimate distinction between the great varieties of life and matter that compose its structure. The One promotes love and harmony between peaceful races built on a foundation of trust, respect, and honesty. I do not recognize your symbols from those we have observed near our Monasteries so I shall not expound upon my Sisterhood's warning regarding the Core but trust that we seek no deception in any of our dealings for that is a high virtue of the One. Honest truth."

---

West Hallway
Svetlana whispered briefly to Mizusk before walking slowly towards the Sisterhood representative, trying to take in all the other creatures here without getting too sidetracked.

"Hail, Sister. I am Svetlana Vykos of the Commonwealth Department of Engineering. I recognized the symbol on your robes - it is significant to our philosophy and thought. Is this mere coincidence?"

Once again Sister Gertwin's black-eyed gaze moved slowly off the assembly to address the latest inquiry from the lizardlike Jesska.

"Are your people followers of the One?" the sister's three fingered hand drifted to touch the symbol printed upon her robe's cuffs, "This is an ancient symbol of the One's unity."

SISTERS
Later, Radiance approaches Sister Gertwin, once again openly. "Greetings, I am Telescopic Radiance. An incredibly similar belief with uncanny symolism existed on our worlds. QUESTION. Was this your doing?"

Sister Gertwin's eyebrow slowly raised at the question before settling back into a stoic neutrality before she responded.

"It was not my doing," the Sister answered, "The One has in ages past stretched far across Axiom though now it is much diminished."

[Moriko]

It was a strange day when the Relay ants picked up a message that was not send from one of the Queens. As soon as the message arrived the Queen knew it meant, they were no longer alone and she could not afford to ignore this. Computer and Relay ants were working on a translation when the message mysteriously translated itself. No time was spared to build the device outlined and it was completed well before the due date.


When the device was first activated and the door appeared a survey squad was send out. Consisting of relay and tracker ants they quickly scouted what lay beyond. Inside they managed to get a glimpse of other beings and something became clear, these beings were much larger than a standard ant.


A new ant group was created that copied one of the bipedal creatures seen in the vast white expanse beyond the door. Consisting of roughly 531.200.000 ants (0.0664 cubic meter of ants which is roughly a 1.75m tall human). The head had relay drones to make antenna, tracker drones to make large eye's and the mouth consisted of speaker and digestor drones. The main body consisted of Analyser and Soldier ants with one Mother nestled in the centre to replenish any ants that were lost in the process. None of the ants included in this envoy group were meant for combat, the soldier ant could potentially fight however without the protection of the hardened and and the offensive capabilities of the Energy Discharge ant this was not recommended. (The whole gathering is a big wriggling mess the best example i found is this video although my ants are smaller ghost ants instead of fire ants.)

When the day finally arrived the new envoy for the Mier Formica stood ready and walked through the door to find out what would happen next.

Listening to the message from the machine calling itself guardian it was clear there were beings out there that were vastly superior to the Mier Formica. The message seemed to be part o look how sad i am that everyone who made me died and please everyone live in peace. More interesting than that these Sisters seemed to be hiding something at the galactic core, this was worthy of investigation when we finally expanded to its edge. With all the information relayed back to the queen and the rest of the Mier Formica race it was time to meet the neighbours. The handy map provided by guardian meant our envoy could go out and search for representatives from nearby civilisations.



It did not take long for a squishy race made out of grey flesh to introduce themselves. The creature identified themselves as Vice Marshal Galen their species are Djinye and they are from the nearby power of The Meritocracy. The speaker drones got to work and introduced themselves: "We are Mier Formica it is a delight to meet with species that can be conversed with, we had started to fear we were alone in the universe. The location of your home star is in our direct vicinity and we would like to know more about you and yours. We hope that we can help each other in the hard times that are sure to come now that so many new species have learned of each others existence. "

While this message was being relayed the remaining ants realigned themselves so that the envoy was the same height as Vice Marshal Galen resulting in a now 1.68 meter tall envoy that was slightly more well rounded than before.

[Miltonian]

Gifts of the Simalcrum

This was, all told, a supreme disappointment. It was like being offered a burger only to discover that, when you’d bitten into it, it was made of turkey instead of beef. You might like turkey. In fact, had you been expecting it, the turkey could have been very enjoyable. However, you were not and therefore the whole thing is filled with bewilderment and disappointment.

Lyrae the Ascended One, attended by the four heads of the four Great Houses, strode through the gathering, increasingly desperate. Where were the others? These were all children! She had been called by stars! But as the words of the Guardian washed over her, she realized the truth. The stars were still silent. It had been this...thing that had sent out the call. They had been horribly, hilariously wrong.

She turned to the four with her, sensing their uncertainty just as they sensed her distress. It is not an easy thing to see your leader so shaken, much less your goddess. She sighed and fingered the heavy, metal mask that covered her upper face, the sign of her office. Gilded robes emblazoned with holy and arcane symbology draped across her form, but left her tail free and emphasized a few other eye-catching features...at least to the Lyraen viewpoint.

Well, not all of them were nervous. Ool Vulk was staring at the Grymlans, particularly Jeejee, and their long, bushy tails. Tra Gutri split his attention between Lyrae and anyone who wandered too close, his hand never far from the ceremonial weapons his house always favored. Tur Oblom and Ayl Lan, however, were just concerned, though for their own reason. Ayl was devoted to Lyrae first and foremost, Tur concerned about some of their neighbors and the power they demonstrated.

“Spread out,” the Ascended One orders, “I will speak with this Guardian. You find our neighbors and...please try to make a good first impression.”

Ayl salutes with the enthusiasm of a fanatic. “By your order, Ascended One!”

And so...the delegation splits up.

============

Lyrae herself has business only with Guardian. She enters one of the private rooms and seats herself on the provided chair. Once there, she reaches up and undoes the clasps which hold her mask to her face. Behind it is bleach-white fur and golden eyes that shimmer slightly. She looks to Guardian with solemn purpose and has but a single question.

“Am I alone? Are there others of my kind in the universe? Not the children of the stars, but the spirits of them?””

...Or maybe several questions.





The other four leaders will approach various other nations in PM chat.

[SquirrelWizard]

East Hallway

Jeejee's tail flicked excitedly as she approached the Courier, her drone buzzing over head. "You speakperson for Cosmic Couriers? I'm Jeejee Scrapseeker, speakperson for Grymlan Combine. You are fixfixing quicktravel devices right? The Grymlan Combine wants cooperation with Couriers. Mutually desiregood for all."

[PepperP.]

Droccen Imperium

Sai blinked to clear the dazzling imprints of light from eyes that gleamed in wonder at the display of alien people and cultures around her. She let herself gawk for too long a moment, earning her a slight sideways glance from the large metal construct that stood next to her. She returned the gaze, her face filled with amazement, the gentle rebuke having done little to diminish her spirits. She drifted into the throng eagerly though in the initial adjustment period of absorption and acceptance, nobody paid the raspberry-hued humanoid young woman any particular mind and she was at a loss as to who might be amenable to conversation. She eyed the other delegates shyly as her Guardian studied the hexagon map.

"We must speak with Celestia, Ndoda, and the Melfynians." He spoke slowly, stretching out the foreign names so that her ears could catch the sound of them.

"Neighbors." She smiled as she followed the metal finger pointing out each in turn.

"Shall we speak with the Sister first?" The Guardian nodded as if in acquiescence.

"As you wish, Princess." Sai nodded back and turned from the map and the rest of they assembled to approach the tall grey-skinned woman. Her mouth opened, poised for a greeting but she was interrupted by her Guardian's sense of propriety.

"Sister Gertwin, I present to you the Crowned Princess of Droccen, Sai, sixth of her name, Heartkeeper and adherent of the One." Sai tried not to fidget through the embarrassing epithets that most likely meant nothing to the Holy Woman. Her so recently closed mouth snapped open again in her swift attempts to allay further formalities, though she was afraid she seemed rather like a fish. She kept that thought to herself lest any aquatic galactic denizens were close enough to overhear it.

"An honor Sister, I only wish Empress Candrimay, my Grandmother, had been well enough to attend and hear your wisdom."

[Gaius Hermicus]

The Rothuun Minotaurs

The messages from space were not received kindly by the Rothuun. A bloody clash ensued over which Minotaur should be selected to attend the meeting, or whether a representative should be sent at all. In the end, Urthuun Thrikar Fleshgorger volunteered to enter the machine.

In Odeon Delta: <What happened to the Callers?>
<What is the weakest race attending this meeting?>
<Who are our closest neighbors?

[Zayuz]

Celestia Enterprises

Celestia had gotten an early-access look into the realm of white blankness that had existed prior to the event, one of their own secretaries having attempted to elope to another world only to find that they would return to their own. 'Twas a shame that because of this, no human from the Corporation had yet been to Neo Sol. For the entirety of the time that they had obtained access to the strange portal, one heavily armed mercenary accompanied by a contract negotiator lay in wait for something to happen. By the time that the true date had arrived, the diplomat elected was none other than Natascha Liwei herself, accompanied by a stoic, looming man who clutched something close to a Gatling gun in his arms. While the guard seemed entirely human, an unnatural set of bat-like wings protruded from Natascha's back, separating her from many of the other humans in the area. Of course, they were both dressed in Celestia Enterprises' signature colors of red and gold. Alongside them came a small black cat with white paws by the name of Mittens, who wore a little cape bearing their logo.

All forty races were here, and as Natascha gazed out over them, she swiftly realized that her company was no longer the only power in the galaxy. They were all going to be uplifted just like her own people... And so she would expand or die, as all companies must. Though rudimentary in her approach, the woman decided that the best place to begin at this meeting of sorts would be to discuss terms with this Sisterhood of Silence, or those whose exit doors were near to her own. There was a certain logic in her head that assumed they were organized based on galactic coordinates. She could always be entirely wrong though.

SISTERS OF SILENCE:
As others asked their questions, Natascha looked on and listened. They seemed to share her faith, somehow. But she was not satisfied. With skeptical eyes she makes a small wave to catch the woman's attention. "Hail from Celestia Enterprises, Sister. Others seem to proclaim the authenticity of your faith, but I wish to form a bargain. I was told that there are some more private places that we may speak. If you could join me at your leisure, I would be most grateful."

THE HARMONY:
A small black cat named Mittens approaches upon the Harmony's arrival all alone, and meows at their delegate.

THE GRYMLAN COMBINE:
Squirrel people. They were familiar, but only as corpses. Seeing them alive here not only confirmed many of her scientist's theories, but also meant that damage reports could be properly filed. Natascha and her guard approached when the two of them had finished speaking to the AI that had called them here. She was cautious in her tone, mostly due to the advanced nature of the ship's technology. "Pardon me, eager ones... But there was something of yours that got lost in our space as of late. Something resembling a starship, with many... Ah... Beings like yourself on it. Does the starship 'Inspiration 7' ring a bell to you...?"

ANYONE:
After the Tutor's monologue, Natascha approaches the immense glass wall with the simulacrum of the galaxy and gazes upon it, glancing over her shoulder to see if there were really any people to stop her before taking some kind of pen-like object, and pointing it into the galaxy. It highlights and illuminates the portion of space that Celestia Enterprises occupies after she whispers a few words to it, then clicking the object away and gazing upon it. The mark she had made on the hologram stayed, visible to all.

[Aedilred]

The first member of the Ninurtine group was a tall, gimlet-eyed woman, in a sharp aubergine outfit with grey piping that could surely only be a military uniform. Behind her, a man in a deep plum mantle, surmounted by a golden chain of interlocking triangles, and three others in more subdued, most likely civilian, outfits.

Guardian

The assembled group of five listened silently to Guardian's speech. Tolem's eyes were like saucers as he looked around the space and the resources available to him. until Dashunul noted this to him, and, taking the hint, he adjusted the settings on his holograph to reduce visible facial emotional reaction.

When it had finished, Cherahiteth looked around the companions. "I am sure each of you has questions for Guardian." They all nodded. "Very well then. We shall seek a private audience room for that purpose, unless there is anything that cannot wait."

"I have a question," Dashunul said, looking up at the space above her. "You say that violence will not be tolerated and will result in punitive measures. What are these punitive measures and how are they applied?"

Odeum Δ

The business with Guardian concluded, Cherahiteth yielded to the plaintive looks of his companions.

"Go then, and discover what you can. Just do not stray too far, or forget our purpose here."

Spoiler: Characters present

Show

Cherahiteth II, Ninurtine Emperor (M)
Commander Dashunul, military attaché (F)
Tolem, linguistic specialist (M)
Halish, biological specialist (F)
Himpahach, engineer[(M)

All characters present appear to be of an indeterminate age somewhere between 25-40.

The Duenem

Himpahach stopped in front of Telescopic Radiance, looking the construct up and down. "My my, beautiful, aren't you something?" he said, almost involuntarily.

Private Conference Room

Away from the main hall, Cherahiteth put his first question to Guardian.

"You say that your resources are failing and you will switch to power conservation mode. Could connection to a new power source extend your operational lifespan?"

[Corona]

It did not take long for a squishy race made out of grey flesh to introduce themselves. The creature identified themselves as Vice Marshal Galen their species are Djinye and they are from the nearby power of The Meritocracy. The speaker drones got to work and introduced themselves: "We are Mier Formica it is a delight to meet with species that can be conversed with, we had started to fear we were alone in the universe. The location of your home star is in our direct vicinity and we would like to know more about you and yours. We hope that we can help each other in the hard times that are sure to come now that so many new species have learned of each others existence. "

While this message was being relayed the remaining ants realigned themselves so that the envoy was the same height as Vice Marshal Galen resulting in a now 1.68 meter tall envoy that was slightly more well rounded than before.

The Vice Marshal is at first taken aback by the ...anthropomorphic pile of ants... before reminding himself that species from all over the galaxy are present. This was probably one of the less exotic. "It is my pleasure to meet you, representatives of Mier Formica. I am in full agreement with you, we should abide by the Guardian's advice. As a start, perhaps we could sign a rudimentary treaty that will help define what our relationship will look like in the future? If your... well, I assume you have some leaders? If your leaders would open their borders to our philosophers, we would return the favor somehow, though I am not sure what exactly do you want. Perhaps we could contribute to your future military efforts... I also propose that we allow and encourage trade routes to develop between our nations. Well, what do you say?"

---

"The One is a view of our shared galaxy that sees no ultimate distinction between the great varieties of life and matter that compose its structure. The One promotes love and harmony between peaceful races built on a foundation of trust, respect, and honesty. I do not recognize your symbols from those we have observed near our Monasteries so I shall not expound upon my Sisterhood's warning regarding the Core but trust that we seek no deception in any of our dealings for that is a high virtue of the One. Honest truth."

"Hmm... I see. Though your creed does not seem shallow, I must raise an objection: chaos reigns in the galaxy, not harmony, and Axiom will only become more chaotic after this 'Maturation'. We believe that this is a consequence of the constant conflict and interplay between the two opposite Aspects of the universe.

And rest assured, Sister. We have no need of infringing on the Core, if it is against your wishes."

---

It wasn't long however before he noticed one, or more, of the Djinye approach. The map had indicated they were neighbours and so it seemed advisable to be neighbourly at this time.

Marshal Orrin looks the lizard over and nods curtly. "Greetings, leader of the Conclave. I offer cooperation. I do not know whether your people are warlike or not, but surely you will agree that free-for-all conflict over every single solar system would be wasteful. Or maybe you will not agree, in which case I will tell you that we are prepared for anyone and anything." He shrugs and taps the gun holster on his belt. "Either way, I do not personally care about the following, but I am politically required to tell you. The priests of Realtaism, a popular philosophy on our homeworld, could teach you many secrets, both spiritual and technological, if you'd allow them to operate on Conclave-owned worlds."

---

Everyone: The Similar Species Conundrum
Marshal Orrin looks around. Something feels off. Then he realizes what it is: there are a dozen extremely similar beings, each from a different solar system! Orrin is a soldier first, but he is by no means uneducated. This is statistically unlikely, to say the least. Not unwelcome at all, but bizarre. He had heard about convergent evolution, but this... should not be possible. He wrings his hands for a while and then suddenly claps loudly, twice, trying to get everyone's attention. "Fellow beings! Surely you have noticed that among us, many walk on two feet and have five fingers on our hands. Two eyes, below them a nose and a mouth. There are differences, but you know what I mean, do you not? Let me confirm: none of you knew of each other before this, correct?"

[SquirrelWizard]

Of Grymlans and Spaceships - Odeum Δ

"Misplaced?" Jeejee asked as she beamed back at the strange dragonwinged woman, there were truly strange and wondrous people gathered at the event. "A Darkship? No-no-" her tail flicked back and forth as she thought hard about the latest projects the corporations she managed were working on. "None that mindsprings." She glanced back at her compatriot, "Deejhan, do the thing!"

There was a hum from Deejhan's staff as he fiddled with some settings as a holographic image sprang forth from the top in the form of the letters, "OwO."

"Hewwo!!!" Roared OwO, causing the Grymlans to wince and cover their ears (or at least one ear on Deejhan's part.) Quickly Jeejee's assistant dialed down the volume to much more reasonable levels.

"Oh, wats this. Aww these intewesting peopwes. My name is OwO, AI and fwiend to the Gwymwan peopwe." OwO's hologram seemed to bobble as if it were nodding in satisfaction, "Was thewe something you wish to tawk about?"

Jeejee motioned to the Celestia Enterprises representative and said, "This person stateclaims Grymlans piloted their darkship to their region. Yet till now Grymlans lacked knowhow of Gravity Latch Drive."

"OwO twacks aww gwymwan shippys in combine, none awe missing that OwO has noticed."

Shooting the Bull - Odeum Δ

Jeejee approached the Bullman after the questions with the AI, she was followed by the soft buzzing hum of her camera drone, and her assistant with OwO's holostaff. "Hi-hi!" She cheerfully waved at the Rothuun. "I'm Jeejee Scrapseeker, High Coordinator of the Grymlan Combine, I seehear your peoples are nearby to us Grymlans. Warm greetings to the community!" She beamed as she held out her hand in greetings.

Man Emperor of Mankind - Odeum Δ

"Hi-hi," Jeejee waved cheerfully as she approached Cherahiteth's group her drone buzzing over her head. "I'm Jeejee Scrapseeker, High Coordinator of the Grymlan Combine, I looksee you are in same community as us Grymlans. Would you like to talk-talk about our peoples?"

[Gaius Hermicus]

Jeejee: Thrikar grasps the Grymlan’s extended hand, squeezing it to the point of discomfort. <Hello, Coordinator. The Rothuun are pleased to encounter a neighbor of ours, under the current state of affairs. Tell me, Coordinator, are the Grymlans strong, or weak? We have little time to spare for weak races.>

Orrin: <Yes, it is a curious coincidence. But then, perhaps it is not so surprising after all. I know that the Rothuun are the strongest form of life present in this galaxy, so it makes sense that other races might have adapted a similarly optimized body design.>

[moossabi]

Pre-Event goings-on, skip if you're uninterested
"An interesting development indeed." The first test of the device had gone well, asides from needing to divert massive amounts of power. Apparently a gateway to some other place, a simple drone had been sent through to observe the interior. Then a small mammal. Then a slightly larger mammal. Both survived, though the larger one unfortunately ate the smaller one before being lured back into the testing chamber.

Pontiff Altea glanced down and to the right, where the catatonic ex-Archdeacon sat in a wheelchair murmuring the instructions over and over. "At this point it is very unlikely to truly be an instruction from Iteus. The Great One is, indeed, dead." Sighing, she looked back out through the window and into the testing chamber. Three other Archdeacons stood behind her, with several Deacons manning consoles and machinery throughout the rest of the observation room. "Though this deception is strange, it is a path worth traversing no less. Archdeacon Taltha, I would like to request the construction of five more of these gates. Who knows what sort of discovery has yet to be made."

"At once, Pontiff." Taltha steps forward to take the ex-Archdeacon's wheelchair and retreated from the room.

A door opened in the testing chamber below, a low-ranking enforcer marching to the entry of the gate. "We are ready for our first sentient test, Pontiff. Say when."

Altea strolled to the center console, leaning into the microphone. "Enter the gate."

As the enforcer obeyed, Archdeacon Malicha silently walked up behind the Pontiff to speak in her ear. "If the message is truthfully not of Iteus, why should we trust it?"

"We should not." Altea's gaze remained fixated on the gate. "We must be bold in the face of the cosmos. Ascension will always draw nearer so long as we have the courage to pursue it. The more we understand this universal ladder, the easier it is to climb." The enforcer emerged from the gate waving an affirmative signal, which prompted the Pontiff to smile.

General goings-on, now at the event
The Ex-Archdeacon was wheeled into the gate chamber on the date that the message described. The Pontiff was waiting, standing straight up and gazing with covered eyes into the deactivated device. Accompanying them would be a handful of other Deacons and Enforcers, but none had leave to speak on behalf of the Church except the Pontiff herself. The gate hummed to life, presenting its final invaluable prize.

[insert opening post here]

With their wheelchair-bound companion, the Church's delegation never descended into the Odeum; but the view from the Doorlight Balcony was enough. There was an obvious choice of who to talk to out of the three choices presented. After giving orders to the accompanying Deacons to analyze the map and determine their position and neighbors. If the maps are readily available, all the better. For now, the Pontiff descends into the Odeum flanked by two Enforcers to speak with the Guardian.

After seemingly paying the rest of the delegations in the Odeum no mind, the Pontiff comes before the Guardian at about the same time as Urthuun Thrikar Fleshgorger, but with only one question for the time being. "How did you take control of one of our knowledge parasites?"

[Makvala]

Before...
The Dipanans built their device on a newly constructed artificial platform in the middle of Katarsa's largest ocean. This served two purposes. First, the platform was in neutral waters, so no individual nation bore the prestige (or risk) of hosting it. Second, it was far from the capital or any other major population center, should its activation have negative consequences.

The device's instructions had been remarkably specific. In order to complete it, every nation had to participate. The process called for raw materials that could only be found in Ellal, then demanded they be refined through a process only available in Phyrra. Similar requests involved even the offworld colonies. The machine was finished not long before the specified date, and the Collected Council unanimously voted against any early activation.

At the specified time, the device was activated. Collector Vansha was the only government leader on the platform, the rest secured in a bunker beneath Poledela. A small army of academics, ranging from astrophysicists to economists to linguists, had set up camp on the platform, ready to advise the Collector on whatever she might discover beyond. A larger, more literal army, comprised of members of every Dipanan nation, also called the platform home, ready to defend against any invaders that might pass through.

The Collector readied herself as the glowing light activated. She wore her robe of office, simple robes, woven from a plant found in all corners of Katarsa, and devoid of any decoration that might emphasize one nation's styles over another. Her hair, a tasteful dark green, was pulled into a tight bun. After taking a few deep breaths, she stepped through the portal, alone.

At the Simulacrum

The Collector sits in shocked silence throughout Guardian's presentation, as she realizes quite how crowded the galaxy is, as well as just how wrong the biologists who briefed her about theoretical alien life were.

As the delegates begin intermingling, Larn Vansha does her best to regain composure. After consulting the presented map and getting a sense of her immediate interstellar neighbors, she moves to the East Hallway.

East Hallway

She approaches the Courier, the nearby entity she's most anxious about. She tries to remain calm as she introduces herself. "Greetings. I am Collector Larn Vansha, representative of the Dipanan Collected Nations. I understand your organization has a facility near us. I believe you call it a Relay? I had some questions about your policies. What are your terms of use? While I am sure many of our citizens would love to use your services to trade and visit many of the other worlds represented here, the prospect of an armed invasion force arriving on our doorstep is alarming.

West Hallway

Once her discussions with the Courier are done, she will make her way across the Odeum to the West Hallway, seeking out the Sister. The Galactic Core is the least of her concerns, Katarsa's location on the fringe making the issue seem low priority. Still, the alien message had inspired a religious revival across the nations, so she will seek to learn about the tenets of their faith.

No particular questions. Just looking for an explanation of their beliefs, so the OOC information about the Sisters becomes IC.

Edit: Similar Species Coalition:

Larn will reach out to Marshal Orrin of the Caruflaith, relieved that at least some of the assembled delegates match her expectations for intelligent life.

Our scientists believe we Dipanans are not native to our homeworld. There have been many theories presented, but the suggestion that we originated on another world certainly seems likely considering...well...all of you, gesturing to the other gathered humanoids.

[Minescratcher]

Spoiler: The Sisters

Show

Once again Sister Gertwin's black-eyed gaze moved slowly off the assembly to address the latest inquiry from the lizardlike Jesska.

"Are your people followers of the One?" the sister's three fingered hand drifted to touch the symbol printed upon her robe's cuffs, "This is an ancient symbol of the One's unity."

"The Jesska have believed that all minds are interconnected in Oneness for as long as we can remember, although we've never been able to figure out where the belief originated. I think this answers that question, at least." She pointed towards where Mizusk still stood. "Iskanem's emblem is remarkably similar to yours."

"Well, then, what was the advice and warning the Guardian said you had for us? I trust you and your symbol." Her voice seemed entirely sincere, but there might have been a hint of some deeper purpose in her eyes.

---

Spoiler: HEWWO - Squirrel and Zayuz

Show

Of Grymlans and Spaceships - Odeum Δ

"Misplaced?" Jeejee asked as she beamed back at the strange dragonwinged woman, there were truly strange and wondrous people gathered at the event. "A Darkship? No-no-" her tail flicked back and forth as she thought hard about the latest projects the corporations she managed were working on. "None that mindsprings." She glanced back at her compatriot, "Deejhan, do the thing!"

There was a hum from Deejhan's staff as he fiddled with some settings as a holographic image sprang forth from the top in the form of the letters, "OwO."

"Hewwo!!!" Roared OwO, causing the Grymlans to wince and cover their ears (or at least one ear on Deejhan's part.) Quickly Jeejee's assistant dialed down the volume to much more reasonable levels.

A sudden roar interrupted Mizusk's thought. Turning, he saw a massive hologram of... something, maybe an alien alphabet?, surrounded by several large rodents and some of the odd bipeds that seemed to dominate this galaxy. He approached and waited for an opportunity to speak.

"Please excuse my rudeness in interrupting, but I could not help but see - that holographic technology is quite impressive. I am Mizusk Iskanem, Governor of the Commonwealth of Zara. While I believe you - " he indicated the Grymlans " - are rather distant, you - " gesturing towards Natascha " - appear to be a little closer to our world, and I was hoping to learn somewhat of your holographic technology and perhaps begin our relations on a friendly grip."

[Tychris1]

Zel-Dara and her enclave of Watchers were some of the first to arrive. The message transplanted to her people came from a strange radio like device that was prophecized to herald the end of Hearth. The tribal council of Hearth debated long and hard on whether or not to explore the message within, until finally without their input it adjusted to their culture, and they unanimaously decided this omen must be taken seriously. They constructed the device, strange that it was, and tested it once beforehand to great wonder and delight. This was the plane of Kal's home no doubt. A bright wondrous world of light; overwhelming and all-encompassing in nature like the god himself. When they returned on the appointed hour the Tribes of Hearth had decided to send their Voice on their behalf, ensuring the will of The Eye of the Horizon was met, and with the Hearthling Voice they sent four other Watchers.

Two humans and two hearthlings accompanied Zel-Dara, the most they could manage, and they meditated with the Voice as other strange races slowly filtered in throughout time. The Eye of the Horizon did not send guards to protect Zel-Dara, nor diplomats, tradesmen, and even Master's of Shadow or Flame. No these four chosen Watchers were so given the honor to accompany her because they were the oldest, sickest, most grievously maimed, and otherwise maladied Watchers in all of Hearth. Those citizens who would not live to see their next spawn or even their next nameday. One of the original choices to come to the appointed time had perished the week of.

Their corpse was set adrift to be claimed by The Source.

They bore weapons and armor, but these too were in a horrid state, and ravaged clearly by the passage of time and cruel fate. The edges of their blades were dulled and useless; rusted pitted tools only fit for walking sticks now to aid the frail humans in the shadow of their hulking Hearthling companions. When the Guardian finished speaking the attendant elders sat around it in a perfectly equidistant square and prostrated before it and mumbled rapid fervent prayers to it. Zel-Dara for her part checked on each of them eagerly and tenderly before standing alongside Sister Gertwin and listening passively to her conversation.

[zabbarot]

Bulbous Jellydisc stared at the odd shaped box for roughly five minutes while the two-legged robotic walker's balance was calibrated. Bulbous Jellydisc contemplated existence and purpose, for they had been granted theirs nearly six minutes ago. They had emerged from the Mother, separated from that vast consciousness, to be thrust upon this walking conglomerate of steel and circuity coated in slick red paint, as was customary. Somehow it was shock despite being part of the decision process. The Mother had decided that they required an emissary for whatever was beyond the box. There had been consensus, but still the sudden severance was disorienting to say the least.

Communicator, that was their title in this new form, Bulbous Jellydisc felt a gentle nudge from behind. A six-legged robotic drone waved them forward with it's forearms. That would be the Mother. They were eager to learn what this was all about. Communicator Bulbous Jellydisc had felt the same eagerness only minutes ago, but now... trepidation. Their form quivered, and luminescent colors danced across their widest disc. It is a little overwhelming, they conveyed. The drones gathered around nodded simultaneously then waved them forward once again. Their form blinked a bit faster now, We're going. Wish us luck.

Three steps forward and a new world greeted them. It was bright and dry. The suit responded by gently misting Communicator Bulbous Jellydisc's exposed form with water. The name was descriptive. The majority of their bodies were within the top level of the walker, but a single large, purple bulb extruded from the top on a thick stalk. The bulb was covered in translucent purple discs, each with eye spots and millions of luminescent cells. This was how the Kombuch communicated when not directly part of a fellow colony. It was only upon entering the bright room and seeing silhouettes of the other's that Communicator Bulbous Jellydisc considered that they might have difficulty living up to their title.

[BladeofObliviom]

The Gelean Republic

Outpost Gamma Black was located on an undisclosed Asteroid solely for the use of the Engineering Bay, for projects deemed too dangerous to operate on-planet or on populated space stations. This...object was one of them, a device of unknown purpose produced by members of the Cult of the Navigator for no clear reason. Nevertheless, the instructions were clear, and though she had her doubts as to what good could come of...whatever this was, the potential Sagan Scenario was enticing. Admiral Elizabeth came alone, clad only in her gold-and-green encounter suit, with an arc pistol at her side and a miniaturized fission bomb tuned for optimal EMP generation on the exterior of her suit in place of the traditional jetpack, should she actually encounter a superior - and hostile - entity on the other side.

She couldn't be sure it would work and activating it would annihilate her body more or less instantly, but it was an emergency measure. Just in case. In the worst case, she could be replaced. Her family group's finances were not in dire straits and she had no children of her own to orphan.

...A morbid subject. She turned her thoughts to the white room, as everything changed.

---

This Guardian may have been similar to the Navigator, or it may have been the same entity prior to three hundred years of distortion. She couldn't be sure, but she had her doubts. This certainly didn't look like the Control Spire of the Aeternus, not that she'd ever been inside. The false sense of tranquility unnerved her; she'd been affected by an Esper with a similar power once, and the disconnect between her own nerves and the reality of the situation was clear enough to one keeping a cool head. The map was fascinating: A list of locations for various civilizations and their origin points. She scanned the image quickly for WristTop recall, and referenced it for her own purposes. Nearby: Nyxians, Kombuch, Kamisati, Lyraens, Tal-Amanyn. Priorities.

It was shortly after this that she noticed just how many humans and near-humans were present in the disparate corners of the area, from far-flung corners of the Galaxy, moments before another brought it up directly, a representative of a group antispinward of the Amanyn. She swore under her breath.

"Nonsense, truly. Worthy of comparing notes at a later time, but this mystery won't be solved today."

[asmodeussnake]

Kryptid Race

THE CLICKS OF PISTOLS.

The arrival of Kryptids from 3 different factions was timed with almost comical precision. Their weapons did not train on any of the 40 foreign delegations but on one another. They hated those of their own race far more then anyone here amongst these various stellar nations. Their solar systems were irrelevant to the horrors they had inflicted on eachother and one anothers queens.

The guns remained locked until the AI voice spoke and warned off violence. The promise of some sort of punishment had them tentatively put their weapons down. Each made their way to opposite sides of this strange structure and while many looked to speak to the strange and bizarre organizations that existed the Kryptids were each looking at the map to figure out who exactly was nearby...


================================================== ================================================== ==============

The Casrule Movement

"By the queen's ass I thought our agents said there was no evidence they were trying to develop this equipment." The Kryptid currently snarling beneath his breath was First Equal Kask leader of the democratic wing of the Casrule movement and one of the most powerful voices on its small rebel group. His eyes were looking over the star map and he was currently trying to figure out who their closest neighbor might be. Now that they could all reach eachother with the technology provided by this damned AI all hell was gonna break loose. Question was if it would lead to a democracy or some mad new queen on the throne.

The battle suit on him, as well as his companion a rather large Kryptid with clipped wings and a blast rifle, was muttering back to him. "I believe sir we did see signs of power fluctuation in one of the Maxim hives, perhaps this was inevitable."

"Queen chaser scum. Lets go talk to all these warm bloods and find out who can be of some use in the revolution."

The appearence of the Kryptid was one of a sandy battle suit, covered in armor with markings of orange indicating his faction orientation. He looked like a soldier who had just walked off a battlefield, but despite his high rank it was obvious this suit wasn't some ornament to show off. It was heavily scuffed and several blast marks indicated it had seen live combat.

Spoiler: The Eternal Assembly of Alysia

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A voice cracked with a waspy buzz and he and his companion made there way over without a moments hesitation. "We represent the true Kryptid government and we are currently fighting religious zealots on the surface of our planet. They wish to crush the freedoms of our people. We noticed religious zealots were common in our part of the galaxy but we hoped you would not be like them and you would understand the value of freedom at any cost." Explained the being. He then sighed a moment and bowed his head. "I apologize I realize how rude this must appear, I am approaching you and immediately demanding aid... I have been at war a long time."

He offered his hand. "I am First Equal Kask. Its a pleasure to finally meet an alien. everything is rather overwhelming. I was just a computer electrician before all this began... Do you have personal computing devices on your planet?"

Spoiler: The Jackstar Free Union

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"This is a lot to take in isn't it?" The First equal approached the leader of the Jackstar free union. The buzzing sound combined with the wings quickly catching through the air made them obvious to make out. Their eyes moved over the crowd for a moment before going to the other Kryptids present... The battle armor made their face hard to make out and when he lifted the helmet the features were incredibly alien. "We are the legitimate government of the Kryptid people. We are currently dealing with religious zealots... We have noticed a lot of that among our neighbors we were hoping you would see the value of equality and choice. Perhaps a friendship could be forged at something like this."

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The One High Maxim

Lord Caller Siq Ruler of The One High Maxim. This was once the predominant faith among the Kryptid population. Based on the Callers ideology it unified the Kryptids under a civilized ideal. It did not ignore the ancient caste system but did downplay it. However when the callers disappeared and left the Kryptids to their own ideology the church inevitably became corrupt once again as the callers began to declare that Kryptid Do and Kryptid Si had to return to servitude and follow the will of their betters if they ever wished to become a part of the one because their blood was unworthy otherwise. These ideals are personified in this being who moved with an absolute authority. They were the eyes of the predator and most present were viewed as meat.

Two groups however obviously did interest Siq. The being wore expensive robes of red and gold with a symbol indicating the one around his neck.

Spoiler: Sister Gertwin of the Monastery Emergent Twilight

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"Sister, it is amazing to see we have unified under the same faith despite being so far from one another. It is incredible to imagine we have both been graced by this true faith. Due to these ties I was hoping we could work together. Currently there is a secular rebellion looking to destroy our faith and I imagine due to your incredible resources you would be able to help us spread the way to these poor unfortunate creatures who have so clearly been lost in the dark." He seemed to want to embrace her, the massive insectoid was so happy to see these beliefs had been spread through the universe that it justified his faith was the one true way.

Spoiler: The Church of Iteus

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The warm blood known as the Pontiff was approached by the lord caller leader of the religious faith of the one and self proclaimed leader of the Kryptids. "I apologize for the earlier poor show within the confines of these hallowed halls. There has been an inserruction and my people are currently split between faith and of course the evils of secular belief. I imagine you understand the importance of noble faith, and how even those of different creeds must unify if we're to crush secular ideologies that would destroy us... I was hoping I could offer friendship to your organization and perhaps work to ensure religious cohesion. ensure our part of the galaxy remains in the hands of the faithful even if our aspirations are slightly different."

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Technocratic Caliphate

The technocratic Caliphate was a thing born of desperation. To unify the people under a new authority was of such immense importance and yet now they too were at war with their people. Unification was impossible without subjugation and now this man of once great intention turned to those who were not his people to perhaps provide a means of bringing this war to an end. He like the vile Casrule leadership wore battle armor and it was marked with purple indicating his role as a member of the caliphate. Its leader in fact. He had no guards with him as he had presumed the best of this place... How wrong a choice it was.

Still there were plenty of potential allies in this room and he turned to the most obvious... Money and technology go hand in hand after all.

Spoiler: Celestia Enterprises

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"It appears in the frame of the galaxy we are neighbors of sorts." The voice of the Caliph was soft spoken, though the buzz to his voice was there. Despite the signs of war he appeared at peace for the moment. "Awe inspiring isnt it? All of this just launched on us and now we are just supposed to run with it... What do you think it all means? Is it just some amazing program doing its job or did it want to save us as well." He sighed and offered a clawed hand. "I am Caliph Illijan legitimate ruler of the Kryptids. I came here to save my people and make my world rich through good friends, what about yourself?"

[SquirrelWizard]

Shooting the Bull - Odeum Δ

Jeejee winced as she felt the strength of the Bullman's grip. The Grymlan relied on quick-thinking, quick-action, and dogged determination as their strengths, raw power was out of their forté. She shook her hand trying to get some feeling back into it and added, "Yep-yep, we're strong. Grymlan craftbuilders and thinktinkers are good-good at what they do; overcome obstacles. What of your people?" Jeejee's drone buzzed as its wings stabilized its flight so that the camera-lens could log the Rothuun's reply.

My what big Owlbears you have... - Odeum Δ

A hurried patter preceded Jeejee and Deejhan's arrival to the Watchers. "Hi-hi!" She called out to them, while waving enthusiastically. "I'm Jeejee Scrapseeker, High Coordinator of the Grymlan Combine, and want to seehear about your people." The Grymlan beamed in anticipation at them while waiting to hear their response.

[Miltonian]

As Lyrae deals with her personal issues, the four lords of the most powerful Lyraen houses are left to their own devices...

This can only go well!

Ool Vulk immediately makes a beeline for Jeejee, a grin on his face. Today is a very good day! He eyes her long, bushy tail and begins to visualize running his paws through it when a strong hand grabs his shoulder and hauls him back. The face of Ayl Lan glowers at him. "No you don't," she says and points in the opposite direction, "Go talk to the fish people or something."

Ool Vulk considers protesting this, but he's on thin ice with the other houses as it is. Instead, he smirks. "Whatever you say, my dear lady." And, with a bow and saucy grin, he turns and walks the other way.

Ayl Lan takes a deep breath and turns towards the Grymlan ambassadors. According to the map, they were some of their nearest neighbors and, perhaps, would be the most difficult to deal with. Yet, proper service to Lyrae demanded that she greet them with respect and honor, so as not to spoil future diplomatic relations. Thus assured, she strode forward, the picture of calm, quiet confidence, and tries to catch their attention when they aren't otherwise engaged.

"Greetings," she says with all the warmth she can muster. She eyes Jeejee's tail with a little jealousy. Her own shifts behind her slightly, a bit more out of sight. "I am Lord Ayl Lan, of House Lan. I am the foremost spiritual authority on Lyrae, save for the Ascended One herself. And you are?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Celenian Representatives in Attendance:

Admiral Khatri - A gaunt and severe looking man of seventy-three years. He has been recommissioned exclusively to attend this event and advise on military matters afterword.
Lieutenant Aishwarya Khatri - A raven haired beauty, fresh from the naval academy. Likely chosen for her good looks and family ties. The elderly admiral is her father. Aishwarya cuts a razor sharp figure in her black and white uniform, even more so than her heavily decorated father who wears a cape and carries a ceremonial sabre.
Ambassador Leighton and Aid - A plump, balding man in his sixties. He's dressed in an ill fitting suit and doesn't look like he wants to be here. His young aid is much more attentive and carries a tablet.
Doctor David Stradford - A tired looking man in his mid thirties wearing spectacles and a cashmere hoodie. A leading expert on xenolinguistics and xenopsychology.

For they moment, they discuss what has transpired so far with one another, then mill about near the other humans, or presumptive humans.

[bc56]

The Syndrome

The Overlady of the Syndrome strode imperiously into the chamber at the appointed time. Yellow-Coat-Stripes was clad in the finest garments of white silk, cut to show off her distinctive yellow and black carapace. She waits until the Guardian finishes speaking, then begins to wander the Odeum to ask her questions.

Rothuun
The Overlady observes the Rothuun from afar, confirming their location in the galactic simulacrum before moving in. "Greetings," she buzzes, giving the Syndrome equivalent of a smile. "We are neighbors. You look very strong; I would love to sample your genetic codes."

Sisters
Yellow-Coat-Stripes' questions for the Sisters of Silence are on a bit of a different angle. "You represent a way of thought? What is it? What insights on the nature of life and unlife do you possess?"

Couriers
Yellow-Coat-Stripes approaches the Courier representative. "You are not like the others here, I can tell. You live, but we're made, maybe even by the hand which made our vessels. What is your function? What service do you provide."