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via Cape of Good Hope

The Empire of Tyramon

Roxium wrote:Somewhere near the planet the Aerlanican-Khanian is on.

Through shear chance, a Roxium United Armed Force Macross-class battle destroyer exits hyperwarp in orbit above the camp. It is just barely visible in the sky.

Is the planet with the Aerlanican-Khanian referring to the rp between Aerlanica and me, the planet Du Pou? And, if so, is the ship made of metal or contain more than just trace amounts of metal?

If the answer to these questions is yes as I suspect, then...unfortunately for the battle destroyer, it would be torn apart in transit by powerful magnetic anomalies in space that affect many metals (somehow, including some non-magnetic metals), with almost certainly no survivors.

If it is somehow not containing any more than a trace amount of metal, how big is it?

via Cape of Good Hope

The Intergalactic Federation of Roxium

Tyramon wrote:Is the planet with the Aerlanican-Khanian referring to the rp between Aerlanica and me, the planet Du Pou? And, if so, is the ship made of metal or contain more than just trace amounts of metal?

If the answer to these questions is yes as I suspect, then...unfortunately for the battle destroyer, it would be torn apart in transit by powerful magnetic anomalies in space that affect many metals (somehow, including some non-magnetic metals), with almost certainly no survivors.

If it is somehow not containing any more than a trace amount of metal, how big is it?

Are the anomalies isolated to that system?



via Cape of Good Hope

The Empire of Tyramon

Roxium wrote:Are the anomalies isolated to that system?

No, it is a larger region of space. Not a massive region though. The anomalies are most frequent at that system, but elsewhere they are still frequent enough that space travel with metal is impossible. Such anomalies are sometimes - but not always - marked by a large field of metal scraps floating and moving dangerously.

via Cape of Good Hope

The Intergalactic Federation of Roxium

Tyramon wrote:No, it is a larger region of space. Not a massive region though. The anomalies are most frequent at that system, but elsewhere they are still frequent enough that space travel with metal is impossible.

The Macross-class battle destroyer, like pretty much all other Roxium space-fairing vessels, is entirely made from metal. Atomantine and mythril are the main metals used, primarily in the ship's structural components and armor.

Within seconds of exiting hyperwarp, the magnetic anomalies begin to bend and warp portions of the Macross-class battle destroyer's hull and armor. Alarms go off in the bridge as the anomalies threaten to rip the massive 1210 meter-long ship apart. The shields are pushed to their absolute limits in a desperate attempt at buying enough time for the ship to reenter hyperwarp. Roughly 40 or so seconds later, the ship's hyperwarp drive kicks in. less than a second later, it exits the solar system at FTL speeds.
From Du Pou's surface, a flash of blue is seen before a flash/streak of red light appears around 43 seconds later, the blue flash being the Macross-class battle destroyer exiting hyperwarp, and the red flash/streak being it entering hyperwarp.



via Cape of Good Hope

The Empire of Tyramon

Roxium wrote:The Macross-class battle destroyer, like pretty much all other Roxium space-fairing vessels, is entirely made from metal. Atomantine and mythril are the main metals used, primarily in the ship's structural components and armor.

Within seconds of exiting hyperwarp, the magnetic anomalies begin to bend and warp portions of the Macross-class battle destroyer's hull and armor. Alarms go off in the bridge as the anomalies threaten to rip the massive 1210 meter-long ship apart. The shields are pushed to their absolute limits in a desperate attempt at buying enough time for the ship to reenter hyperwarp. Roughly 40 or so seconds later, the ship's hyperwarp drive kicks in. less than a second later, it exits the solar system at FTL speeds.
From Du Pou's surface, a flash of blue is seen before a flash/streak of red light appears around 43 seconds later, the blue flash being the Macross-class battle destroyer exiting hyperwarp, and the red flash/streak being it entering hyperwarp.

Aerlanica

The anomalies continue to affect the ship in transit, as they permeate many parts of interstellar space in the region. The "metal fields" (i.e. the floating metal shards) are luckily too minor to significantly affect the ship. The fields even permeate several higher dimensions, adding to the anomalous properties of the anomaly.

The effect is less severe in Rift Space and similar methods of transportation, but it is still present and destructive.

via Cape of Good Hope

The Democratic Khanate of Rei Khan

North South North West Kansas wrote:Connie sighs softly. "So do I. I'm sure she'll be fine."

Tyramon They walk into the museum, entering a broad, open foyer with lots of signage and interesting visual displays of things to look at. The place is fairly crowded and there are plenty of options for exhibits, ranging from science-themed areas (including a planetarium and a highly interactive "expedition health" exhibit about human anatomy, among others) to more historically-themed ones, including both Kansan and Augustan history from several different time periods. (If you guys want to learn anything specific about Kansan history I'm up for a little world-building with this, just let me know. Otherwise they could do some science-y stuff, I remember enough about expedition health to make up some of the activities and stuff that they can do so you can decide what you're up for lol)

Max shakes his head with a wistful smile. "Everything she ever did growing up revolved around tennis. All her friends were tennis players, every birthday she asked for new tennis stuff-- she never even really watched normal tv shows or movies unless they were about tennis. She never cared about anything beyond that until you came along. So this... is totally new to her." He laughs softly. "To be fair, I was exactly the same way. Having Macy was the scariest thing that ever happened to me. August knows it wasn't easy at first. But it was also the best thing that ever happened to me, she taught me that there's a world beyond that court. And hopefully you and Michael will do the same for her."

Noelle flashes a reassuring smile. "Of course you can do this. You're my star, just be yourself."

Kira shrugs and takes Kyra's hand. "I have no idea. What do normal people do right after they get married?" She chuckles softly.

"She's already realized what she doesn't know, which is a step in the right direction." Thomas said.

"Yeah, but I've never done this."

"Usually? S*x."

via Cape of Good Hope

The Rei Khans Wife of North South North West Kansas

Tyramon wrote:"Wow, that's really neat. It is really strange though how peaceful the history of Kansas is...then again, I may just be saying that because Tyramon is just the complete opposite."
As they continued on, Corali continued to struggle with reading quite a few words.

Luca shrugs. “Yeah, Kansas is just a strange place, I guess. Though, I suppose I can’t complain, the breakfast is good and I never have to go to war. Plus the weather is pretty nice, at least here in Topanga.”

via Cape of Good Hope

The Rei Khans Wife of North South North West Kansas

Rei Khan wrote:"She's already realized what she doesn't know, which is a step in the right direction." Thomas said.

"Yeah, but I've never done this."

"Usually? S*x."

Max nods. “I’m proud of how far she’s come, even if she does still have a long way to go.”

“Well, there’s a first time for everything. You’re my star, you can do anything. Just go for it, I promise I’ll make you look even better when I edit this together, if that’s even possible.”

Kira blushes and shakes her head. “Well, sorry to disappoint, but we won’t be doing that.”

via Cape of Good Hope

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:-snip-

Tabitha paused in her labours and stood still. She seemed deep in thought, and Vara respected this brilliant mind slowly processing the information. She sniffed briefly, before she remained deep in thought before turning to Vara.

Her mouth open, closed, then finally she spoke.

"If war has...if...if..."

She paused further.

"Why do we and Aerlanica continue to go to war then? haven't we learnt better?" She asked, partly horrified, partly confused and perplexed, like a mother trying to rationalise a destructive action of a child.

******

"No can do, most the ideas I've got involve metal; not much you can do with wood and stone and since I come from a place where metal's used in practically everything...I'm a bit short changed on idea-"

She looked up, seeing the streak of fire and metal in the sky.

"Huh...what was that?" She asked, gesturing to the sky.

******

Iblion watched Delegata, his pride for her slowly growing. Delegata could sense it as well; while there was always love (or at least lust) and loyalty between them, Delegata slowly sensed Iblion growing...impressed, proud, pleasantly surprised. Even he was beginning to take notes, whether genuinely or to make Delegata feel good about herself.

Iblion made sure not to "break" any of Delegata's new "Toys", but did enjoy a little roughhousing. Even the children began to call him all maner of paternal titles, seemingly associating Delegata and Iblion together. Furthermore, he obviously enjoyed the screams and cries of mercy and pain Delegata created during the torture sessions, and almost always after he would force himself upon her, overcome with love and euphoria.

******

Lithalia grabbed the child immediately after the umbilical chord was severed. As the doctor, under the influence of a Succubi's enthrallment, reached for the child to continue her orders, Lithalia reached out with her hand and gave an ever so slight twist. The neck snapped and the doctor collapsed, dead.

"No one is to touch my child without my permission." She hissed viciously, scurrying back into her make-shift nest of sorts in an almost animalistic way.

"Yes Mistress." came the chorus of acknowledgement from the gathered Succubi, all struck with awe as they gazed upon the first child to be born to a Succubi. Many were jealous, hands wandering to their bellys where their infertile organs lay, many were saddened by this fact, knowing they would never experience this joy. However all were filled with excitement; a child was born, and what great things it meant they were sure would show themselves.

As the child began to cry, Lithalia's vicious, narcissistic veil fell away and concern filled her expression.

"Oh...no don't cry, it's ok, Mummy's here...oh you must...maybe you're hungry...here."

Lithalia brought the child's head to her breast, where she made sure it latched well. She let out a small giggle as the crying stopped, and she began to hold her daughter.

"That's right...mummy's here...and I won't ever let anyone take you away from me...not even Master...you're mine...and I'll call you..."

She paused, deep in thought before a thought came to you.
"I'll call you Alyne...thats a good name, right? My beautiful Alyne...welcome to a world which is little more than your playground."

She turned to the succubi.
"Lock down the palace, activate the centurions and cataphracts, double the guard; this palace will become a fortress, a fortress that will destroy anyone who seeks to even lay their unwarranted sight on Alyne...understood?"

"Yes, Mistress Lithalia." they murmured.

"You five, stay here, you'll help me raise and care for Alyne."

North South North West Kansas wrote:Connie sighs softly. "So do I. I'm sure she'll be fine."

William nodded.
"So? what now?"

"Well, I need to pick up Miss Darcy and make my way to some tribals to apologise...but...other than that my schedule's free."

******

Tyramon

Eastrid tilted her head to the side. She was having trouble reading as well, but was pretending to read and understand the words Kenji was saying.

Roxium wrote:-snip-

CEVA

"Well that seems very inefficient, what if you have to tell them something really important?"

Azalea sighed and shook her head.

"You little people are very strange, I don't understand any of it. Also, why are they so secretive? What do they have to hide?"

"Giant cyborgs grown from the blood of gods."

"Valid argument, I retract my statement."

She sighed.

"What exactly...is Cicadia? Like...what does it do? Whats it's mission statement?"

Cicadia Black Site

It appeared to be "so far so good" with CEVA-00 Mk2. No sentience was gained, and upon the S2 core entering the CEVA it did not, in fact, awaken and go bezerk. It was looking to be, on the surface at least, a resounding success.

However, after some time the sensors within the CEVA began to grow...fuzzy. The equipment wasn't reading things properly, nor was it signalling through consistently. Inspection of the equipment showed little of note, however upon visual inspection everything seemed fine.

One such investigation was wrapping up; a sensor was blaring that the CEVA's armour had been breached, and they were currently in the process of checking the seal. With a nod, the maintanence crews saw no imperfections asside from sineu attaching the body of the CEVA to the armour, and slid of the collossus, heading for their lunch break, complaining that the gantry felt a bit more unstable than the day prior, and commenting to place it on the to do list.

As they did so, and unseen to them, the metal rippled and from it's surface an Eye appeared. It flicked left and right, noted that the humans were gone, and slowly slipped back within the metal.

Monsone wrote:

Alena pursed her lips.
"Well...I'm not sure if I know anyone who could give you a direct lead to Iblion that hasnt already been captured, or who is currently in a hospital room recovering..."

She grimaced.
"But...if we're going for...I can not believe i'm even suggesting this but...as you say desperate times calls for desperate measures."

Alena lent forward.
"Several months back, there was...a man...who moved into the ruins of the New Franco Science Centre...No one really knew who he was but he claimed he was a powerful wizard. People say he rambled every day, doing the most outrageous of actions and saying the most outrageous of things. Everyone thought he was just a madman until he collapsed an entire building on a person who said he "looked funny".

"Then, anomalies started appearing; rain fell upwards instead of down, it snowed in the middle of summer, gravity ceased to exist for an entire month, perpetual motion machines and optical illusions made real...and so, we started calling him 'Mad Alex', or 'Alex the Mad'...Azerian, when he was still around, deduced he may have connection to some larger vat of power, or something similar...but the end result is he's got a bit of strength under his belt, probably more than I do. He may either point you in the right direction, or try to kill you, depending on what exactly his mood is or how exactly you treat him."

Alena lent back.
"Alternatively...my colleague, Hogan, may still be able to pull some leads from our network of informants across the Cape...we know at least one suspect."

"Who?"

"A sorceress called Delegata...she used to wear blue robes in my prior dealings with her, but shortly before Azerian vanished she wore red, crimson red, as in Iblion crimson red...problem is she's in the wind."

Alena sighed.
"I apologise, honestly I do...I just...well..."

She buried her head briefly in her hands before rubbing her forehead and looking back at Ta'lhqejk.

"I just...wish I could do more...I'm in the unenviable position of having a great friend and her apprentice most likely captured, a boy who just wanted a normal life hospitalised and thrust into this situation and my lord paralysed with no way to directly retaliate, fight back or even stalemate him...I feel useless..."

She wrung her hands together.
"We were charged to protect Augusta, to preserve it...and we couldn't even win in our first big assignment..."

She shook her head.
"I have hope...that we can win this but...it is hard to hold onto that hope...even harder when every single minor victory you achieve is immediately followed by a near crushing defeat."

Alena waved her hand.
"But no matter, we must not naysay...I'm sorry I cannot do more...truly, I am."

via Cape of Good Hope

The Empire of Tyramon

North South North West Kansas wrote:Luca shrugs. “Yeah, Kansas is just a strange place, I guess. Though, I suppose I can’t complain, the breakfast is good and I never have to go to war. Plus the weather is pretty nice, at least here in Topanga.”

Corali eventually got to the point where she gave up trying to read and just asked others to read for her. It was clear that this was make her quite frustrated and a bit scared.
"Luca...what is the environment of Kansas like in general?"

Aerlanica wrote:Tabitha paused in her labours and stood still. She seemed deep in thought, and Vara respected this brilliant mind slowly processing the information. She sniffed briefly, before she remained deep in thought before turning to Vara.

Her mouth open, closed, then finally she spoke.

"If war has...if...if..."

She paused further.

"Why do we and Aerlanica continue to go to war then? haven't we learnt better?" She asked, partly horrified, partly confused and perplexed, like a mother trying to rationalise a destructive action of a child.

******

"No can do, most the ideas I've got involve metal; not much you can do with wood and stone and since I come from a place where metal's used in practically everything...I'm a bit short changed on idea-"

She looked up, seeing the streak of fire and metal in the sky.

"Huh...what was that?" She asked, gesturing to the sky.

******

Iblion watched Delegata, his pride for her slowly growing. Delegata could sense it as well; while there was always love (or at least lust) and loyalty between them, Delegata slowly sensed Iblion growing...impressed, proud, pleasantly surprised. Even he was beginning to take notes, whether genuinely or to make Delegata feel good about herself.

Iblion made sure not to "break" any of Delegata's new "Toys", but did enjoy a little roughhousing. Even the children began to call him all maner of paternal titles, seemingly associating Delegata and Iblion together. Furthermore, he obviously enjoyed the screams and cries of mercy and pain Delegata created during the torture sessions, and almost always after he would force himself upon her, overcome with love and euphoria.

******

Lithalia grabbed the child immediately after the umbilical chord was severed. As the doctor, under the influence of a Succubi's enthrallment, reached for the child to continue her orders, Lithalia reached out with her hand and gave an ever so slight twist. The neck snapped and the doctor collapsed, dead.

"No one is to touch my child without my permission." She hissed viciously, scurrying back into her make-shift nest of sorts in an almost animalistic way.

"Yes Mistress." came the chorus of acknowledgement from the gathered Succubi, all struck with awe as they gazed upon the first child to be born to a Succubi. Many were jealous, hands wandering to their bellys where their infertile organs lay, many were saddened by this fact, knowing they would never experience this joy. However all were filled with excitement; a child was born, and what great things it meant they were sure would show themselves.

As the child began to cry, Lithalia's vicious, narcissistic veil fell away and concern filled her expression.

"Oh...no don't cry, it's ok, Mummy's here...oh you must...maybe you're hungry...here."

Lithalia brought the child's head to her breast, where she made sure it latched well. She let out a small giggle as the crying stopped, and she began to hold her daughter.

"That's right...mummy's here...and I won't ever let anyone take you away from me...not even Master...you're mine...and I'll call you..."

She paused, deep in thought before a thought came to you.
"I'll call you Alyne...thats a good name, right? My beautiful Alyne...welcome to a world which is little more than your playground."

She turned to the succubi.
"Lock down the palace, activate the centurions and cataphracts, double the guard; this palace will become a fortress, a fortress that will destroy anyone who seeks to even lay their unwarranted sight on Alyne...understood?"

"Yes, Mistress Lithalia." they murmured.

"You five, stay here, you'll help me raise and care for Alyne."

William nodded.
"So? what now?"

"Well, I need to pick up Miss Darcy and make my way to some tribals to apologise...but...other than that my schedule's free."

******

Tyramon

Eastrid tilted her head to the side. She was having trouble reading as well, but was pretending to read and understand the words Kenji was saying.

Vara shook her head.
"It would seem that people are not very good at learning from mistakes. People all too often do the same thing over and over again no matter how much it damages them."

******

The sergeant saw it as well.
"Hmm...must have been the enemy, although I've never seen them look like that..."
He turned to a guard.
"You, call it in."
The soldier nodded and ran off. The sergeant sighed.
"We may be out of time. Our own warships should be arriving soon. They are mighty vessels. A one is even made of new armor plates, so the enemy won't know where the cannons are placed."

******

Given the after effect of the torture sessions, Delegata began to do more and more of them. The children were slowly becoming demonic as they were mischievous and evil. One particular boy already had small nubs of horns growing and a one-inch reptilian tail, and Delegata let him try torturing a couple of people.

(Were they gonna go on tour of the succubi and incubi manors or something like that?)

******

The child continued to grow quickly. By the end of the day, it already looked to be a few months old and perhaps a year old by the second day. However, it didn't really look like Lithalia, as though it really wasn't her child, and it bore no horns or tail or other succubus feature - it was not a succubus, that much was clear. It was also very hungry but seemed to be healthy.

via Cape of Good Hope

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:

Tabitha sighed.
"Apparently so...apparently so..."

"Anyway, let's finish up this experiment preparation and get ready for the other girls."

******

Rare nodded slowly.
"I hope you're right...for our sakes...I'd hate to be pummeled before our guys get a chance to set them aflame."

******

(They were going on the tour of the Succubi and Incubi establishments...but I sorta want to do that after Tabitha and Vara to avoid any confusing time stuff. We could always timeskip for Vara and Tabitha if u want. and I can do a TLDR)

******

Lithalia was extremely upset that her child looked nothing like her. However, she still cared for her religiously.

Now, through the grounds of the palace, colossal titans made of black iron and stone marched, while more guards swarmed the main thoroughfares and arterial pathways. The Palace was locked down and on high alert.



via Cape of Good Hope

The Empire of Tyramon

Aerlanica wrote:Tabitha sighed.
"Apparently so...apparently so..."

"Anyway, let's finish up this experiment preparation and get ready for the other girls."

******

Rare nodded slowly.
"I hope you're right...for our sakes...I'd hate to be pummeled before our guys get a chance to set them aflame."

******

(They were going on the tour of the Succubi and Incubi establishments...but I sorta want to do that after Tabitha and Vara to avoid any confusing time stuff. We could always timeskip for Vara and Tabitha if u want. and I can do a TLDR)

******

Lithalia was extremely upset that her child looked nothing like her. However, she still cared for her religiously.

Now, through the grounds of the palace, colossal titans made of black iron and stone marched, while more guards swarmed the main thoroughfares and arterial pathways. The Palace was locked down and on high alert.

Vara nodded and finished setting up.
"Well, I think we should be ready then. Do you need help during the experiment?"

******

"Well, let's get back to training. If we are needed, command will send for us."
The trainees slowly got back to work making and throwing bottles. The sergeant stopped them.
"Let's...focus on making them for now. We can throw them more later."

******

(Nah it's all good. No need to rush.)

Delegata showed her new demonic form to Iblion. In addition to the eyes and nails from before, she added horns with inlaid, spiraling gold and ruby. She decided to change their shape often. She also added not one but three tails, which again she would change in style often. She was considering also adding wings, spines, extra arms or tails to her back, but she wasn't sure. She felt that her back needed some sort of ornament, something going on, but she couldn't decide what.

She didn't always take that form, and sometimes even just was plain human, sometimes even in her old blue robes.

******

The child grew further and within a few days was able to walk and talk. Its hair was extremely curly and reached just past the shoulders. The child was quite talkative, curious, and social.

via Cape of Good Hope

Monsone

Aerlanica wrote:-snip-

Kemptburge, Shingukai

An idea flashed in Ta'lhqejk's mind after hearing Alena's plight. It wasn't a particularly well-formed idea, and it certainly wasn't an idea most people would consider simply due to its implausibility. However, it was certainly worth a shot in Ta'lhqejk's opinion. At the very least, it was worth proposing it to Alena once she had been given some reassurances and support. A notable change in facial expression occurred around this time on Ta'lhqejk's face. Gone was their confidence, replaced in turn by a sense of pity and empathy.

"Don't beat yourself up about this." They sighed while reaching over to place a hand on Alena's shoulder. "I understand your anguish, I know wholeheartedly what you mean. Feeling powerless is a horrible feeling, especially so when you are burdened by a sense of guilt. Alena, for what it is worth, I am sorry that you've had to endure this. An inordinate burden has been placed on you by the universe; let me help you shoulder it."

"Thank you," Alena said with a sigh as Ta'lhqejk placed their hand on Alena's shoulder.

"Don't thank me just yet. I want to help you get out of this mess, I want to help protect what is fundamentally my home as well. But I am well aware of the perils that this will entail." Said Ta'lhqejk. "Alena, I need you to very carefully listen to me. The fate of this universe may well balance within the answer you provide. Thus, think carefully about the answer, and do not jump to an immediate conclusion. Can you locate where Azerian is? It doesn't need to be an exact location, general will suffice."

As soon as the question was posed, Alena seemed to have an answer in mind, but Ta'lhqejk preempted any answer by simply pausing momentarily before continuing to speak.

"Do not get frustrated if you can't. I do not hold that against you. Merely, I ask because an opportunity may arise if this is possible." As they said this, Ta'lhqejk noticed that Alena's body language noted an inability. It seemed that detecting Azerian was not something Alena could do. Thus, Ta'lhqejk sighed and paused to give another moment of silence.

"I understand, truly, I do," Ta'lhqejk told Alena, hand still firmly on her shoulder. "Dear, don't lose hope and don't despair. You are too wise to fall into the pitfalls of life and not fight back for what you consider to be right. From your eyes, I can tell you are resilient and strong. Hold onto that resilience and that strength."

Ta'lhqejk rose from their seat, and let go of Alena's shoulder.

"Everything you've told me has been incredibly helpful, and I am forever in your debt. Thank you for your time and assistance, Alena, Priestess of Azerian. May you have the best of luck and good fortune in your adventures." They said while reaching into a pocket, and pulling out a flip phone.

"Make sure to call me if you need anything. Telepathy works as well, but it is nice to have a warning before people come checking in with me." Ta'lhqejk said while grabbing their cell phone, and placing the flip phone on the table next to Alena.

With that, Ta'lhqejk walked away from the table, and towards the exit of the cafeteria. They donned their sunglasses to regain some sort of anonymity and then walked through the exit's doors. Seemingly, they had disappeared into thin air.

Seversvik, Monsone

Erich's choice of venue was completely within character. Of all the places to keep a letter in case the worst were ever to happen, one would not expect a gourmet food store to top that list. Thus, Ta'lhqejk found themself standing at a cheese counter as a letter was presented to them by a woman who was clearly the owner of the shop. With a respectful nod and words of thanks, Ta'lhqejk took the letter and opened it in a precise and gentle manner.

Inside the envelope were two keys--one golden and one silver--as well as a letter, and a large and hefty golden coin of sorts with inscriptions in Latin accompanying a strange chest of sorts. Ta'lhqejk unfolded the letter and began to read it.

Ta'lhqejk,

If you are reading this, I am almost certainly lying drunk somewhere, dead, or some other combination of the two options. Regardless of the circumstances under which you are reading this letter, the contents are significantly more important. You will find enclosed in the envelope, two keys. They are for a safe deposit box at the Bank of Seversvik's headquarters on Ildščeler Avenue. One key (the one that is gold-colored) is for the box itself, and the other (the silver-colored one) is for the vault in which the box is kept. It is important that you do not mix up the two keys.

Inside the safe deposit box, you will find anything you need for the adventures you are about to undertake. I implore you to take everything in the box as it is all for you. When you are done using the box, please return both keys to the bank teller who assisted you. Those keys are bank property and thus must be returned to their owner.

The coin you find enclosed has no face value because it is not a piece of currency. Whatever you do, do not spend or trade it! It is a token of membership in the Imperial Society. Keep the token hidden, and use it in your time of need. Using it will open many doors, some of which will result in more trouble. Others will result in beneficial assistance and support. Use it wisely.

That is all. In the case I am dead or otherwise incapacitated, the envelope will also include my last will and testament. Regardless, good luck and godspeed.

Erich

Ta'lhqejk placed the letter back into the envelope, and then placed the envelope into their interior suit pocket. A few steps lead them out of the store and onto the street. Now, off to the bank.

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

With a towering stone facade, the Bank of Seversvik headquarters were housed in an elaborate building dating to the later years of the Monsonian Empire. With statues and ornate embellishments, the facade eluded opulence and grandeur that added to the power--both real and perceived--of the banking institution. Ta'lhqejk had never been inside the bank, let alone in Seversvik before the previous month or two. And so, taking a step into the bank led to an overwhelming experience. With ornate fixtures made of precious metals and gems, the interior of the bank glimmered in the gentle light of the crystal chandeliers hanging from the roof. It was like being in a palace.

A few words and a glimpse of the Imperial Society token resulted in Ta'lhqejk being led into the vault where the safe despot box is kept. The keys were inserted and turned, and then the box was taken into a separate room with Ta'lhqejk in tow. A door swung closed, and Ta'lhqejk found themself in a silent and ornate room designed for privacy while opening a safe deposit box. They inserted the golden key and then opened the box's lid. Inside were passports, identification cards, dictionaries, stacks of currency, assorted credit cards, and a plethora of cell phones. All of the objects were for Ta'lhqejk, even if the personal documents had different constructed identities.

They took everything out of the box and emptied it all into a briefcase. Once the box was seemingly empty, a small platinum band ring was found sitting at the very bottom of the box, along with a letter. Ta'lhqejk grabbed the ring and placed it on the room's table. Then, they grabbed the letter and opened it. Inside was merely a slip of paper, which they unfolded to reveal a very short letter.

Wear the ring, it's a gift from me to you. I know platinum is your favorite.

Erich

Ta'lhqejk donned the ring and took the letter. Then, they closed the box and returned it to the bank teller. Once all the dealings at the bank were done, Ta'lhqejk turned on their phone and sent Erich a brief text notifying him of their intentions to go to New Franco.

Who Knows Where

Erich was laying on a sidewalk, half awake and half asleep. After a week of partying and traveling the entire globe, he now was laying on a sidewalk somewhere. Suddenly, a ping on his phone jolted him awake. He glanced at his phone and saw the message from Ta'lhqejk along with a message from the Bank of Seversvik. It was clear that Ta'lhqejk had followed through on his instructions. Knowing this, he replied to the text.

"Let me know if you need me." He sent before laying back down onto the sidewalk. A faint smell of curry ketchup filled the air, making Erich feel the sudden urge to eat.

via Cape of Good Hope

The Rei Khans Wife of North South North West Kansas

Aerlanica wrote:William nodded.
"So? what now?"

"Well, I need to pick up Miss Darcy and make my way to some tribals to apologise...but...other than that my schedule's free."

******

Tyramon

Eastrid tilted her head to the side. She was having trouble reading as well, but was pretending to read and understand the words Kenji was saying.

Kiki nods. "Now that Nate's out of school for the day we're pretty much free as well for the rest of the day. And Blue should be up from her nap soon, too."

Kenji takes the time to slow down and explain things to Eastrid, showing her how to read some of the words and explaining whatever she doesn't understand.

Tyramon wrote:Corali eventually got to the point where she gave up trying to read and just asked others to read for her. It was clear that this was make her quite frustrated and a bit scared.
"Luca...what is the environment of Kansas like in general?"

Luca tilts his head. "Well, there's a pretty wide range. We're in what Ace calls "the mid-latitudes", so it really depends on where you are in the country," he explains. "Down here it's generally pretty warm, it snows like, once a year and the weather usually just looks like this," he gestures out the window to the sunny blue sky and warm temperatures. "Up north on the coast near the capital, it's usually a little chillier and they get some rain or decent snow in the winter, and once you get further inland it tends to be pretty cold most of the time. The summers are nice, though there are some places higher in the mountains that have snow on the ground year-round. In the winter up north, they get some pretty crazy snowstorms. And the whole middle of the country is mostly protected forests and river valleys and stuff, a lot of national parks and open spaces and things like that. The Queen is pretty big on conservation and eco-friendliness all that."

via Cape of Good Hope

The Empire of Tyramon

North South North West Kansas wrote:Luca tilts his head. "Well, there's a pretty wide range. We're in what Ace calls "the mid-latitudes", so it really depends on where you are in the country," he explains. "Down here it's generally pretty warm, it snows like, once a year and the weather usually just looks like this," he gestures out the window to the sunny blue sky and warm temperatures. "Up north on the coast near the capital, it's usually a little chillier and they get some rain or decent snow in the winter, and once you get further inland it tends to be pretty cold most of the time. The summers are nice, though there are some places higher in the mountains that have snow on the ground year-round. In the winter up north, they get some pretty crazy snowstorms. And the whole middle of the country is mostly protected forests and river valleys and stuff, a lot of national parks and open spaces and things like that. The Queen is pretty big on conservation and eco-friendliness all that."

Corali tilted her head.
"Big on...conversations? Or what did you say? Cons...conv...cov...conserv...oh, conservation, right, yeah. I know what that is. Nevermind."
She shook her head, a bit annoyed with herself.

via Cape of Good Hope

The Intergalactic Federation of Roxium

Monsone wrote:*SNIP*

Tyramon wrote:*SNIP*

Aerlanica wrote:*SNIP*

Shingukai

The LIDARR array seemingly found nothing... It did however detect an extremely subtle, nigh-invisible "Distortion" that appears at random, but always vanishes milliseconds later. Unfortunately, pointing the telescope at where the "Distortion" was detected showed absolutely nothing. It was almost like the ship was a ghost. At some point while they were watching the LIDARR, the "Distortion" seemingly begun moving, never staying in the same place for more than a few moments. Its movements are highly unpredictable, but it seems to be remaining within a certain radius of Kemptburge, more specifically, the hospital Spencer is in.

Magnetic Anomaly

After several harrowing minutes, the now damaged Macross-class battle destroyer exits hyperwarp in Roxium-controlled space a few lightyears away from the edge of the anomaly.

The region of space the anomaly is in, known as the Jin-Rya Cluster in the Roxium Federation, is not very far from the front lines of a war that has been raging for around a year at this point. The war in question is between the Roxium Federation and a communist rival faction called the Kaizen Empire. The battle destroyer was part of a Roxium United Armed Force fleet group task with hunting down a very notorious Kaizen fleet. The battle destroyer was moving through the Jin-Rya Cluster in an attempt at flanking the Kaizen fleet, but the Anomaly forced it to abandon the mission.

When the battle destroyer arrived in Roxium-controlled space, another RUAF fleet nearby initially thought it was attacked by Kaizen forces attempting the same flanking maneuver, which does happen every so often. After the battle destroyer's captain explained what happened, it was decided that investigation of the Anomaly was needed.

Within a matter of hours, word of the Anomaly, now called the Jin-Rya Magnetic Hazard, had spread throughout the RUAF and reached both the highest levels of Roxium government and Cicada. As a precaution, RFASA (Roxium Federal AeroSpace Administration) established a No-Transit/Access zone that encompasses the entire Jin-Rya Cluster, effectively banning all GU civilian aerospace traffic from entering it, both by conventional and FTL means. Because the Jin-Rya Magnetic Hazard is in proximity to an active war zone, all on-field research is required to be under RUAF protection at all times.

Several theories about the Jin-Rya Magnetic Hazard begin springing up, with a few of them speculating that it has something to do with Celestials.

CEVA

(The test with CEVA-00 Mark II has not been done yet.)

"Cicada can best be described as the Roxium Federation's foreign intelligence gathering and black/covert-ops unit. They're generally tasked with gathering intelligence on foreign entities the Roxium Federation has deemed potential threats, and to eliminate said threats if necessary. A lot of what they do can be... questionable to say the least, so they keep their activities a secret, both to avoid tipping off who or what ever their target is, and to make sure classified information does not end up in the wrong hands. A large reason why they're keeping the CEVA Project a secret is because if Iblion finds out about it, it would lead to... potentially apocalyptic problems." says Risato.

via Cape of Good Hope

The Rei Khans Wife of North South North West Kansas

Tyramon wrote:Corali tilted her head.
"Big on...conversations? Or what did you say? Cons...conv...cov...conserv...oh, conservation, right, yeah. I know what that is. Nevermind."
She shook her head, a bit annoyed with herself.

Luca tilts his head, concerned. “You doing okay?”

via Cape of Good Hope

The Empire of Tyramon

Roxium wrote:Magnetic Anomaly

After several harrowing minutes, the now damaged Macross-class battle destroyer exits hyperwarp in Roxium-controlled space a few lightyears away from the edge of the anomaly.

The region of space the anomaly is in, known as the Jin-Rya Cluster in the Roxium Federation, is not very far from the front lines of a war that has been raging for around a year at this point. The war in question is between the Roxium Federation and a communist rival faction called the Kaizen Empire. The battle destroyer was part of a Roxium United Armed Force fleet group task with hunting down a very notorious Kaizen fleet. The battle destroyer was moving through the Jin-Rya Cluster in an attempt at flanking the Kaizen fleet, but the Anomaly forced it to abandon the mission.

When the battle destroyer arrived in Roxium-controlled space, another RUAF fleet nearby initially thought it was attacked by Kaizen forces attempting the same flanking maneuver, which does happen every so often. After the battle destroyer's captain explained what happened, it was decided that investigation of the Anomaly was needed.

Within a matter of hours, word of the Anomaly, now called the Jin-Rya Magnetic Hazard, had spread throughout the RUAF and reached both the highest levels of Roxium government and Cicada. As a precaution, RFASA (Roxium Federal AeroSpace Administration) established a No-Transit/Access zone that encompasses the entire Jin-Rya Cluster, effectively banning all GU civilian aerospace traffic from entering it, both by conventional and FTL means. Because the Jin-Rya Magnetic Hazard is in proximity to an active war zone, all on-field research is required to be under RUAF protection at all times.

Several theories about the Jin-Rya Magnetic Hazard begin springing up, with a few of them speculating that it has something to do with Celestials.

The theories that relate it to Celestials seem to be the most promising. The anomaly doesn't fit any known natural explanation, and the scale suggests that someone or something put a lot of effort into setting it up. If it is natural, then it is odd that no similar occurrences have been found elsewhere in the universe. Whatever the explanation, research is difficult, as research can only be done from outside, or with single-use probes that Roxium is okay with not getting back - unless they can develop a nonmetallic starship or probe.

North South North West Kansas wrote:Luca tilts his head, concerned. “You doing okay?”

Corali nodded.
"Yeah, I just...I don't know...maybe I'm just tired."
She didn't really look tired.

via Cape of Good Hope

The Federation of Aerlanica

Tyramon wrote:-snip-

"Always need help, depends on whether you want to be a subject or a record taker." She said frankly.

She picked up a thermometer and rolled up her sleeves. Soon, she began placing a hand just next to the side of these barrels and began to hold the thermometer into the water. Vara watched the temperature drop to match the temperature written on the barrel.

"Wait, can't you test it yourself?"

"Self-tests are liable to be both subject to self-bias and self-experience; who's to say I may have some anomalous health defect or mutation that renders me immune to heat? you must test on several people, and remove any chance of personal interest. That is why i'm trying to prove myself wrong with my hypothesis."

******

"Just keep the bottles coming."

They continued to make firebottles as Rare made idle conversation with the gathered Du Puoians, asking about thier culture and social norms.

*******

Almost immediately after Iblion saw Delegata's demonic form he placed a passionate kiss on her lips.
"Darling...what did I ever do to deserve such a treat..."

He caressed her.
"Look at you, you're practically perfect like this."

Iblion began to more and more lurk around and behind Delegata as she conducted her experiments, and often ferried drink and snacks for her and, on occasion, the children, who were looking less and less like humans.

*******

Lithalia began to try and raise the child to be her definitive daughter; she told her of her station and how important she was to her, likewise, she informed the child of her name; Alyne.

Lithalia kept Alyne confined to the "nest" for most the time, except when nature called. This was due to the fact that Lithalia now looked at nearly all her succubi with suspiction, and only ever allowed Alyne to be brestfed for her early infancy until she was certain no toxins or poisins would kill her.

Lithalia tried to rear Alyne in a way whereupon she shared many mannerisms of Lithalia, but carried a defference for her "mother". But this was not to say Lithalia only ever sought to indoctrinate Alyne; upon their raised dias, Lithalia played many games, read many books and told many stories to the girl.

North South North West Kansas wrote:-snip-

"Well...howabout we go for a trip to waffle falls? a bit of an excursion?" Harold asked, "It's important to give a sense of wonder and curiosity to children early on, as while Augusta has persisted for many many years there is still so little we know about it, hidden societies, long forgotten civilisations, maybe a rare creature or two.

"Besides, i'm sure no one would be against having a visit from their most noble leader." Harold stated, gesturing to the Queen.

******
Tyramon

Eastrid looked sideways to Corali and frowned, suspecting something. She tapped her head as she turned to Kenji.

"How do you say in your language ah...brain slowly becoming not there."

"Uh...what?"

"Like...wood gets old and not strong, all weak, broken, like...soft..."

"Oh...yeah like...rotting."

"yes! yes, rotting, she has brain rotting."

"Like...Dementia?"

Eastrid tilted her head to the side.
"Who is Dementia?"

Monsone wrote:Kemptburge, Shingukai

Alena watched as Ta'lhqejk left, and she slowly slid the phone into her pocket. She finished her meal, downed the last of her coffee and cleaned up her mess giving a polite nod to the hospital staff as she went to the toilets.

Walking in, she looked about the pristine, santisied room and confirmed that there was no other individuals within the establishment. She took a stall, locked her in, and sat on the porcelan throne.

Can you locate where Azerian is?

She could, but not without the same pitfalls that would befall her if she searched for Iblion. Besides, she would have to rake the entire galaxy, and such an action would tax her greatly. But as Ta'lhqejk herself said, it could assist them in their fight. It could help.

But it would be risky.

Alena paused, wringing her hands together, before she tood and exited the stall. Grabbing some paper towel, she clogged one of the drains in the sink before running the water, filling it up into a makeshift basin. She tied her silver-brown hair back into a messy bun and placed her hands on either side of the now filled basin.

She hesitated, on the precipice. In her prime she would dive in (metaphorically of course) but now, she was weak. Not only weak but she had overexerted herself in trying to heal Spencer. It was more risky now than ever.

But finding Azerian would make a week of recovery pass by in a single minute.

He paused, a growing knot of uncertainty in her stomach; Ta'lhqejk told her not to do anything stupid, at least that was the paraphrased version of her instructions, but still, Ta'lhqejk said an opportuinty may arise from it. Then again she also dismissed it and claimed that it was ok that she could not, that the answer was out of her reach, that her help was already useful.

And yet she still felt useless. She swallowed as she grimaced, remembering back to when she was helpless in the streets of New Franco. Emaciated, flinging herself into the arms of any man or woman who would give her another hit of whatever cocktail of drugs she craved. The itch, the yearning, the poison filling her veins for a few seconds of euphoria after she let whatever individual she found use her however they pleased. Some pitied her, others laughed at how helpless she was.

Her fists clenched as their faces morphed into Iblion, as he shattered Spencer's body, as he tortured Witta, as he ripped the world asunder. He could hear his laugh in theirs...and she hated it.

But Ta'lhqejk said her duty was in protecting Spencer, and Spencer needed her. But she couldn't bear to sit an wait. Ta'lhqejk needed all the help she could get and that was the mission; save the world, even at your expense.

Alena closed her eyes and breathed in, and out...

...the water slowly began to cloud up...

...in, and out...

...sparks shimmered across the fog...

...in, and out...

Alena's eyes opened showing a mirror of the foggy expanse in the makeshift basin as she reached her weary consciousness out, searching along the weak, faint tether that kept her connected to Azerian. Like a diver crawling along a distance line to the surface, Alena slowly pulled her way, searching for Azerian, however unlike a distance line, the tether weaved and twisted, distorted by distance and a poor connection, a poor connection causing pain to begin to grow.

She pushed futher, her mind reaching far beyond the expanse of Augusta as she felt a pain building in her chest, hurting her lungs. She pushed further, beyond the inner arms of the galaxy and further outwards. She grimaced as distanced heightened the pain and still she was growing closer.

Alena sensed a strengthening of the presence as her hands clenched into fists; the pain was searingm and yet she was so close, just...just a little further...just a little more time...

She shuddered as the pain began to grow unbearabe and, with a split second decision more anguishing then the pain she felt, she tore away. Her body shuddered as the pool of water grew clear and her eyes returned to their cloudy appearance. Alena stumbled away from the sink and into the nearest stall as a pressure built up within her body. She collapsed to the floor in front of the toilet and retched thice before she threw up. She threw up for some time, shuddering as she did before she was left weak and feelbe on the floor She sniveled, blood streaming from her nose as she curled into a ball and wept.

After what seemed like forever, but was little over fourty minutes, Alena slowly composed herself and dragged herself to her feet. She was pale, and looked much more sick than she once did. Supporting herself on the stall wall, she sent a message to Ta'lhqejk.

"Azerian is Somewhere in the outer rim of the galaxy. Not as percise as I wished, but somewhere there, Hogan or Alex could get you a better reading."

She sighed and lent against the wall, her breathing laboured, her clothes and skin damp with sweat as she wiped away the blood from her nose.

A vibration; it was Ta'lhqejk.

"Are you alright?"

Alena looked to the toilet and saw the blood filling the bowl and shuddered again. She closed her eyes, a final tear escaping them, before she looked to the phone. She grimaced, and sighed.

"Of course! don't worry!

She flushed the toilet, and stumbled out of the bathroom.

******

Spencer looked up to watch a heavily exhausted Alena stumble into the room and collapse into the chair. Spencer, concerned, looked up and frowned.

"Alena? Are you alright?"

Alena gave Spencer a weak smile, and she nodded.
"Just...bad hospital food..." She said, forcing a laugh.

Spencer looked to Alena and frowned, He looked to the door and back at her before sighing.
"If...you...say so?"

He was not convinced, but didn't wish to push the envelope.

Roxium wrote:-snip-

(Whoops...well ah...just pretend that happens in the future, sorry, I can retract that if u want.)

"I'm going to hazard a guess and say that between me falling out of the sky and Iblion corrupting that other CEVA...he probably knows. Besides, it seems like the Cicada, the SIM and the COURIER just...seem to be a bit full of themselves; cant they see we all want to work together to try and save the world? why do they want to gain soft power from this? shouldn't we be working with one another not trying to get an advantage?"

Azalea sighed.

"Going back to that other CEVA...is the pilot ok?"



via Cape of Good Hope

The Empire of Tyramon

Aerlanica wrote:"Always need help, depends on whether you want to be a subject or a record taker." She said frankly.

She picked up a thermometer and rolled up her sleeves. Soon, she began placing a hand just next to the side of these barrels and began to hold the thermometer into the water. Vara watched the temperature drop to match the temperature written on the barrel.

"Wait, can't you test it yourself?"

"Self-tests are liable to be both subject to self-bias and self-experience; who's to say I may have some anomalous health defect or mutation that renders me immune to heat? you must test on several people, and remove any chance of personal interest. That is why i'm trying to prove myself wrong with my hypothesis."

******

"Just keep the bottles coming."

They continued to make firebottles as Rare made idle conversation with the gathered Du Puoians, asking about thier culture and social norms.

*******

Almost immediately after Iblion saw Delegata's demonic form he placed a passionate kiss on her lips.
"Darling...what did I ever do to deserve such a treat..."

He caressed her.
"Look at you, you're practically perfect like this."

Iblion began to more and more lurk around and behind Delegata as she conducted her experiments, and often ferried drink and snacks for her and, on occasion, the children, who were looking less and less like humans.

*******

Lithalia began to try and raise the child to be her definitive daughter; she told her of her station and how important she was to her, likewise, she informed the child of her name; Alyne.

Lithalia kept Alyne confined to the "nest" for most the time, except when nature called. This was due to the fact that Lithalia now looked at nearly all her succubi with suspiction, and only ever allowed Alyne to be brestfed for her early infancy until she was certain no toxins or poisins would kill her.

Lithalia tried to rear Alyne in a way whereupon she shared many mannerisms of Lithalia, but carried a defference for her "mother". But this was not to say Lithalia only ever sought to indoctrinate Alyne; upon their raised dias, Lithalia played many games, read many books and told many stories to the girl.

******
Tyramon

Eastrid looked sideways to Corali and frowned, suspecting something. She tapped her head as she turned to Kenji.

"How do you say in your language ah...brain slowly becoming not there."

"Uh...what?"

"Like...wood gets old and not strong, all weak, broken, like...soft..."

"Oh...yeah like...rotting."

"yes! yes, rotting, she has brain rotting."

"Like...Dementia?"

Eastrid tilted her head to the side.
"Who is Dementia?"

Vara nodded.
"Makes sense. Well, I can help with record taking. Or testing if that is needed more. Just tell me what to do, anything at all, and I'll do it."

******

The bottles did indeed keep coming.

Their culture was a religious-based one. Other than that, there wasn't a whole lot. They ate whatever they could find and cooked it however it tasted best. Their clothes were simplistic and somewhat colorful.

They believed that everyone was pretty much equal on a basic level. They were all of the same race, so racial equality was not even possibly an issue, though they treated the Aerlanicans well. Over time, women had come to gain an equal footing on most matters. There remained some minor inequality - about one third of the military was female, women tended to prefer healthcare and education jobs more than men, etc. - but it wasn't due to any rules or rampant discrimination, merely personal choice and tradition. Marriage was between one man and one woman - they had never thought of any alternatives - but the sergeant did say same-sex relationships did exist, and as long as nobody was getting hurt or forced to do something they didn't want to do, authorities didn't get involved.

Greetings were generally quite personal, with friends or even acquaintances hugging or cheek-kissing upon seeing each other. Such greetings were less common in more formal settings. There was only one holiday, the annual celebration of the founding of their civilization, but it was a rather major affair, with two weeks of vacation for most people.

(Anything else they ask about?)

******

Delegata also added on accentuated canines, the roof-of-mouth retractable venomous fangs of a viper wolf, and a forked tongue. For her back, she tried adding four spider-leg-like appendages that ended in a sharp point, which could be used for walking but which would probably just be used for intimidation and torture. She asked Iblion for input, as it was a tad experimental.

Delegata welcomed Iblion's presence but insisted on caring for the children herself. She let Iblion spend a day with her "most developed" child, who now sported small bovine horns, thin reptilian scales, small claws, and a lengthy tail.

******

Alyne constantly asked to be let out to explore the world. Lithalia often caught her peering out of the windows. Alyne enjoyed the games, books, and stories. Alyne did as Lithalia asked, but Lithalia was unsuccessful in having a major impact on Alyne's mannerisms. The lack of time most likely was a sizable factor; within a little over a week, the child was nearly ten years old.

via Cape of Good Hope

Monsone

Aerlanica wrote:-snip-

Roxium wrote:-snip-

Kemptburge, Shingukai

What Cicada had accomplished, was pissing the Imperial Air Force off. By now, news of this event had reached the high command in Kaohai, resulting very angry response laced with expletives and generally derogatory language which was aimed at all parties involved. It was very clear that the air force's higher-ups were demanding results from their subordinates. Simply doing nothing was absolutely out of the question because it was ordered that the pest in the sky be dealt with accordingly. Whatever had to be done, was to be done.

Simply taking the object out was not an option due to its location over Kemptburge, and well, the general inability to target let alone destroy the object in question. Furthermore, there was a fear that sending a radio transmission would result in the object simply disappearing without a trace. Thus, there was only one option left. The high command decided to test the anti-ballistic missile defenses around Kemptburge by firing off a massive salvo of training missiles. With the limited information that the Imperial Air Force had, the incredibly low-yield warheads of the training missiles were set to detonate at a height of 1,800 kilometers. Their explosions would destroy the missiles they rode on, and hopefully scare the object into either leaving or surrendering. Perhaps, if the training missiles got lucky, they might even manage to take out the object.

Soon after the decision was made, nearly one-hundred missiles were fired into the sky. Leaving white streaks in their wake, they climbed into the sky rapidly in a simulated attack pattern to test the theoretical ability to hit an incoming ballistic missile swarm. The object would very clearly see the missiles given from where they were launched, and from where they were headed.

New Franco, New Franco

Ta'lhqejk felt obliged to change the moment they stepped foot in New Franco. The blue suit was just too much for New Franco's ambiance. It screamed formality and a degree of order that simply wasn't as obviously present here. Given that, it took them little hesitation to make the decision and snap their fingers after stepping aside into a seemingly empty alley to make the switch. Suddenly, the blue suit disappeared and was replaced by a fairly plain and subdued grey tunic suit. Pleased with their new choice in clothing, Ta'lhqejk went a step further and replaced their black Wayfair sunglasses with square horn-rimmed glasses that were tinted and polarized. Not quite as concealing as sunglasses, but they matched their outfit significantly better.

Having dealt with the appropriate wardrobe decisions, Ta'lhqejk looked up the New Franco Science Center on their phone. Predictably it claimed to be closed despite being a ruin that was not fit for its former purpose. After a quick sigh, they pressed the button for directions and began to follow them through the crowded streets of New Franco. A far cry from Seversvik, the cityscape of New Franco felt odd to Ta'lhqejk; it lacked a balance between nature and humanity. Things were built one on top of another, there were practically no open spaces, and the streets were chaotically planned with seemingly no consideration given to their usability. Still, the liveliness of the city and its people held some allure to Ta'lhqejk. The ambiance was not as cold and formal as that of Seversvik, or the Varlokiri Empire when it still existed. A rigidity lacked from the city's ambiance, which felt oddly relieving.

About halfway to the Science Center's ruins, Ta'lhqejk received Alena's text. Pausing at the side of the busy street, they glanced at the screen of their phone, and read the text. Sensing that something was wrong after reading the text, Ta'lhqejk asked if Alena was alright, to which the reply was only too predictable. It simply made the Varlokiri goddess roll their eyes. Still, Ta'lhqejk didn't have the willpower to lampoon and harass Alena over doing something that would imperil her health and wellbeing. After all, this wasn't a matter worth intervening in given that at the end of the day, it was Alena who made the decisions and nobody else.

"I am heading towards the ruins of the Science Center. Do you know where Hogan is in case Alex turns out to be a nutjob? I'd like a backup plan in case things don't work out on one end."

"Thanks for your help, by the way. Very much appreciated."

After sending the two texts, Ta'lhqejk resumed their course to the Science Center.

via Cape of Good Hope

The Rei Khans Wife of North South North West Kansas

Tyramon wrote:

Corali nodded.
"Yeah, I just...I don't know...maybe I'm just tired."
She didn't really look tired.

Aerlanica wrote:

"Well...howabout we go for a trip to waffle falls? a bit of an excursion?" Harold asked, "It's important to give a sense of wonder and curiosity to children early on, as while Augusta has persisted for many many years there is still so little we know about it, hidden societies, long forgotten civilisations, maybe a rare creature or two.

"Besides, i'm sure no one would be against having a visit from their most noble leader." Harold stated, gesturing to the Queen.

******
Tyramon

Eastrid looked sideways to Corali and frowned, suspecting something. She tapped her head as she turned to Kenji.

"How do you say in your language ah...brain slowly becoming not there."

"Uh...what?"

"Like...wood gets old and not strong, all weak, broken, like...soft..."

"Oh...yeah like...rotting."

"yes! yes, rotting, she has brain rotting."

"Like...Dementia?"

Eastrid tilted her head to the side.
"Who is Dementia?"

Kiki smiles. “That sounds great! Waffle Valley is beautiful. And I’ve been meaning to meet up with Zera again for a while now, too.”

“Dementia’s like, where your brain doesn’t work as well when you get older, you start seeing things that aren’t there and forgetting stuff.”
Luca shakes his head. “But it usually affects people who are old.” He looks at Corali. “I mean... how old are you?”

via Cape of Good Hope

The Empire of Tyramon

North South North West Kansas wrote:Kiki smiles. “That sounds great! Waffle Valley is beautiful. And I’ve been meaning to meet up with Zera again for a while now, too.”

“Dementia’s like, where your brain doesn’t work as well when you get older, you start seeing things that aren’t there and forgetting stuff.”
Luca shakes his head. “But it usually affects people who are old.” He looks at Corali. “I mean... how old are you?”

Corali tilted her head.
"Well...that depends on how you count...you could say I'm fifteen...or you could say a little over two hundred...I've been asleep - sort of - for a couple of centuries."

via Cape of Good Hope

The Rei Khans Wife of North South North West Kansas

Tyramon wrote:Corali tilted her head.
"Well...that depends on how you count...you could say I'm fifteen...or you could say a little over two hundred...I've been asleep - sort of - for a couple of centuries."

Luca raises a brow. “Asleep? What, like sleeping beauty?”

via Cape of Good Hope

The Empire of Tyramon

North South North West Kansas wrote:Luca raises a brow. “Asleep? What, like sleeping beauty?”

"Well...there wasn't anything beautiful about it...I was a skeleton in a floating coffin. It...hurt getting into that state."

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