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Offline Redtracer7

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Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« on: November 02, 2014, 06:13:39 AM »
This thread is meant for session recaps, in-character thoughts on events, and a variety of other attendant writings for the Mass Effect PbPrpg NO SIGNAL.


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2014, 06:30:21 AM »
Tired of the crowds?
...of the recycled air?
...of life on a space station?


Then take the first FTL shuttle to beautiful Port Lerama, located on the jewel of the Nahuala System: Hyetiana!

The Hyetiana Tourism Board invites you to explore the Citadel’s galactic backyard, where a few hours of travel and a single pass through the local Mass Relay can reveal all that Hyetiana has to offer.  Located firmly within Citadel and Council space, Hyetiana offers an array of experiences and amenities, fit for any age or occupation.  See below for some of our most popular destinations, and be sure to check with your local travel agent for further recreation opportunities!

Verron Industrial Deep Coring Station -- A short trip in a suborbital transport can take you to the northern pole, home of the Verron Core, one of the oldest science experiments on Hyetiana.  Built centuries ago to explore the deepest reaches of the planet, visitors can find hours of enjoyment within the expansive museum located on site, offering a glimpse into the scholarly and industrial intrigues that first brought our asari forebearers forth from Thessia and the Citadel.  Guided tours of the Coring Complex itself are also provided, culminating in a trip down into the excavation terminus, where active research continues to this day.  See scientists at work, and experience the opportunity to go nearly 30 miles beneath the surface of the planet!

D’veris Memorial Library -- Located in downtown Port Lerama, this library is the largest of its kind outside of Thessia, featuring a digital catalogue nearing a billion books, articles, and documents.  It is for its physical archives that D’veris Memorial frequently sees visitors from across the galaxy however, as its permanent collection has been deemed a Grade II Galactic Treasure by the Historical Preservation Society of Thessia, denoting its expansive nature and galactic renown.  Recently moved into a new building provided by the generous donations of the D’veris family, the library also features a lounge area, scholarly research stations, and a subwing specifically devoted to a rotating collection of materials from other species within Citadel Space.  Currently on loan and showcased: the Art and Culture of Humanity in Prose.

Big Powder Snow Park -- Attention thrill seekers!  Have a burning desire for speed, want to spend a day with the wind in your hair/tendrils/fringe, or just learning the basics?  No matter!  Be it skiing, snowboarding, sledding, the Elcor-Double Cannon, or cross-country travel of a dozen different types, Big Powder has you covered.  Found just outside of Port Lerama, atop the mountains known locally as the Tendrils of the Sun, get all your winter thrills on a planet that never knows summer.  Perfect for day trips, lodging is also provided onsite, as are rentals and lessons, for those unaccustomed to all the fun that can be had on fresh snow and the galaxy's best mountains!

Black Hole Hot Springs -- Tired of the cold, or just looking for a unique experience?  Try not to get sucked too long into the Black Hole, then!  Built around a set of natural hot springs that have formed into a small lake, ambient temperatures around the Black Hole generally rise into the 90s, with the water much the same, providing a warm weather bathing experience framed by the natural beauty of the surrounding snow.  The natural filtration provided by the hot springs produces a crystal clear water that must be seen to be believed, especially when combined with the black sand beaches that line the lake itself, which provide the source of the hot spring’s name.  A favorite of Hyetiana’s university students, remember to pack your swimming suit, for the Black Hole awaits!

Hotel de Glace -- Located only 10 minutes from downtown Port Lerama, the Hotel de Glace is a must-see attraction to discover on Hyetiana-- and a recent one too, made available only since the spread of Humanity within Council Space. The only Hotel de Glace outside of Earth has seduced over a million people from throughout the galaxy since its opening in 2074. Built entirely of ice kept perpetually frozen by the planet’s average temperature, nevertheless live in complete luxury, with pricing options suited for any income level.  With its huge snow vaults and crystalline ice sculptures, the Hotel de Glace impresses by its dazzling decor, providing an experience few ever forget!

So take your family, or as many friends as you like, and come see Hyetiana today!

This advertisement has been provided by the Hyetiana Tourism Board, with cooperation with the Port Lerama Municipal Council.


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2014, 07:49:09 AM »
//ctc.recruitment.hye
///subset: Job Opportunities
////tags: Active, Hyetiana, Council Sponsored, Admin Override


Council Sponsored Expedition Currently Recruiting

Location: Hyetiana

Description: Currently recruiting for an expedition of indeterminate length, destination to be discussed face-to-face only.  Will be departing from Port Lerama, Hyetiana, within an extremely short timeframe.  Combat experience is preferred, but all manner of skillsets will be considered, with particularities discussed face-to-face only.  Payment will be substantial, and negotiable, with details provided face-to-face only.  Transport and basic supplies will be provided during expedition, but interested parties are advised to bring all equipment and gear they believe required for a lengthy trip.

Warning!  Depending on indeterminate circumstances, hazardous conditions may be experienced.  If this occurs, an additional hazard pay will be provided. 

Warning!  Potential inquirers should be aware that travel into non-Council space may be required.

This expedition has legitimate Council Approval, and accreditation will be provided, face-to-face only.

Please Note: Serious inquiries only. 

//end posting

Admin Addendum: After numerous reports of this posting being fake, we contacted the poster.  This is a legitimate posting, and the accreditation mentioned was provided.  Stop reporting it.




"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #3 on: December 02, 2014, 05:11:52 AM »
We've got additional intelligence coming in all the time, sir.  The turian vessel V'nado originally met with still appears to be their most obvious means of egress from the planet, so we're focusing our resources on its crew.  Their destination may not yet be clear, but your suggestion that we investigate their backgrounds is being diligently observed.  It would not be the first time our prey was flushed out or slowed by something in their history.

Furthermore, as you commanded, we have officially added them to the Prisoner Register in anticipation of capture, along with those you met with and we observed at the Hot Springs.  Cryo suits are being prepared for them as well.  Until we have anything further, I've attached pictures of the Ordo Invicta's crew for your perusal.

--Captain Akoros, of the HV Diligence


>Message End
>>Attachment(s) Found, Open? (Y)(N)
>>>(Y) Selected, Now Loading...


File Opened: Colonel (Ret.) Julis Natalus
File #: T098
Age: 58
Height: 6'8"
Image Date: June, 2185.

The picture is from a security checkpoint, presumably from the Citadel as the officer in the background clearly sports C-Sec armor.  Julius stands front and center, arguing with another officer across a simple desk.  He is fully armored, as most turians were, in a set dominated by shades of blue.  At his elbows, neck,and other points of articulation the ceramic material darkens, but does not thin-- medium grade then.  His right shoulder piece is larger than the left, extending up and shielding part of his neck, an asymmetrical design that allows a length of fabric to be mounted from the latter, a half cape that descends down the back to end just above his knee.  The leg it partially covers is abnormal as well, with a heavy brace wrapping around the limb at several points, eventually bolting to the armor itself to provide support.  Still, its clear he rarely puts his full weight on the limb.

Only his collar has further ornamentation, as a small lapel pin is welded there, prominently displaying the symbol of the Turian Hierarchy.  Otherwise his armor is plain, with the small scratches and scuffs that suggested continual wear and constant upkeep. White piping gives some manner of highlighting throughout, and from the portions visible it appears the vacuum-sealed base suit below is the same shade of ivory.

So too are his natural plates generally white in color, and heavily scarred and pitted, a product of age and hard living.  For those familiar with turian facepaint, his is somewhat peculiar, blue in hue but rather ornate-- requiring a delicate hand and knowledge of the lesser turian colonies to apply.  At the back of the neck some of the plates are disturbed, oddly seated and a bit warped, suggestive of further damage hidden by the armor itself.

A shotgun is strapped to the small of his back, the standard turian model used by Hierarchy naval forces during boarding actions, but in the picture its the sword held between him and the officer that is causing the C-Sec man's distress.  A white scabbard shields the monomolecular blade from harm, the weapon itself a dark black and several feet in length.

A second picture follows, showing Julius having apparently won his argument: the sword is once more hanging from his hip as he passes through the checkpoint.  His gait is heavily weighted away from the braced leg.

« Last Edit: December 02, 2014, 05:21:19 AM by Redtracer7 »


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #4 on: December 02, 2014, 06:02:23 AM »
File Opened: Corporal Nixidonia (Nix) Natalus
File #: T099
Age: 24
Height: 6'10"
Video Date: December, 2185

The video appears to be sourced from a security camera, as the turian is viewed from a downward angle as she stands in a back alley.  Painted in large letters behind her are the words "Custom Armories -- Build to Order".  That she had just exited with a purchase seems to be reasonable conclusion, as she works with the fresh black leather holster strapped to her right hip.  Designed to hold a shotgun without requiring it be folded into its compact form, a bit of pressure on the firearm's butt swivels the entire holster, revealing an open bottom-- and thus the possibility of quick-draw firing without the need to actually remove the weapon.

The new addition is strapped over her armor, a light design with finely segmented plates painted with a dark black enamel.  Beneath she wears the cut and puncture resistant base suit most modern armors required, the bright white of it contrasting sharply wherever the plating ended.  The most prominent areas that this occurs are at the back of each knee, around the armpits, and further along each arm.  Of the last, Nix's hands are white and almost bare, except for the lobstered armor found on each individual talon.  Full plating only starts at the wrist, covering each forearm before reaching up to just below the elbow.  There it ends, black turns to white, and only returns over the chest, where a tank top-like design features deep cuts around each arm, offering maximum flexibility.  The exposed inner suit is marked on each bicep with a blue symbol, denoting Nix's rank and unit: the 989th.  Electric blue emerges several times below as well, especially at the side of her sloping waist, the knees, and around her boots which are perhaps the only portion of her armor capable of being termed 'heavy.'

The black motif is lost on the woman's organic plating, but the white and blue remain.  From the ivory of the suit emerges similarly colored plates, each carefully sculpted and maintained.  They collect and form her mandibles and facial plates, nearly all of them painted with a blue motif to match her father's.  Only her chin is different, left exposed, an island of white among the sea of cerulean.  Orange eyes peer out, an heirloom not of her blue eyed father.

Checking the swiveling shotgun once more, she appears satisfied, and finally begins to leave the camera's view.  Her poise and posture are straight, utterly confident, something any turian drill sergeant would have been proud of.


Addendum: Preliminary research suggests that, of the permanent crew, only Nixidonia is worth anything during combat.  Combat simulations are still ongoing, but we can at least suggest that she be neutralized in some manner prior to any attempt on the rest of the crew.  Turians are not known for their predisposition to surrender, and the 989th has a formidable reputation.  Caution, and the heavy set of restraints for her Cryo Suit, are recommended.
« Last Edit: December 02, 2014, 06:04:05 AM by Redtracer7 »


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #5 on: December 03, 2014, 05:44:52 AM »
File Opened: Jaova Avetis
File #: A072
Age: 499
Height: 5'6"
Video Date: February, 2186

Blurred static is replaced suddenly by a clear stream, showing a room dominated by dark wood paneling.  Intricate etchings are engraved throughout, while the floorboard is filigreed-- all of it combines to suggest extreme wealth put on easy display.  Yet for the all the craftsmanship obviously put into the architecture and decor, any observer's eye is drawn more immediately to the woman standing to the side and just behind an ornate desk that remains mostly out of view.  That she is dressed provocatively is above questioning, as pale blue skin competes with tight white, the coloration of the outfit that clings precariously to the asari's curvaceous form. 

At its most basic she can be described as wearing a sleeveless leotard that is cut to reveal most of her hips, leaving an upturned triangle of the glossy material to rise from between her thighs to coat her abdomen in the glossy material, the fit so tight her navel can easily be found.  Further upward it passes over each shoulder, but not before opening just above her bust to reveal the valley of flesh formed between the swell of her breasts.  Elsewhere the strict cling leaves little to the imagination, be it the outline of her collarbone, the sloping taper down to her waist, or the outline of her shapely rear-- the material so tight it must surely be uncomfortable.  Behind, the outfit is backless, exposing more of her skin-- and the dappled white markings that are painted upon it following her spine, a design that matches the set on her face, neck, and what can be seen of her shoulders. 

As with her navel, so too can a belt be made out under the leotard, wrapped around her waist with several descending straps-- garters-- that attack to the creamy white stockings that cover her legs.  Even her boots are ivory, except for the lengthy heels attached to each.  Those are bright red, at least along their interiors.  The color is a match for the tight necklace pulled against her throat, a small pendant hanging from it.  Rendered in silver, the charm appears circular in nature, with several spokes arising from an otherwise hollow center.  The only other spot of color comes form her eyes, surrounded in smoky eyeliner and shadow, where green gleams out, almost beckoning.

She stands straight, arms collected before her.  Only her emerald gaze moves, shifting this way then that.  Following a conversation?  That seems likely even if the video lacked sound, as several minutes into the video a hand reaches in, finding her rear.  She presses into it, smiling again as she looks down.  The camera pans over, following the intruding limb, to find a volus seated at the desk she stood next to, his suit round and dark where the asari is all light and curves.  For the rest of the video the asari and volus appear to talk, until the feed cuts off abruptly.


Addendum:  We've acquired a dozen different surveillance videos of this asari, and she wears a different outfit in each.  Expect this to continue, but take note of the identifying characteristics-- the necklace/pendant and the white markings.  Both are a constant.  Otherwise, we are having trouble on generating a proper background for her.  At our next stop it is our suggestion that we seek out an information broker to address that.


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #6 on: December 03, 2014, 07:23:05 AM »
File Opened: Kahlin'Taalun nar Mehrkuri
File #: Q011
Age: 21
Height: 5'4"
Picture Date: Four days ago

Pink and black, bright and dark.  They draw the eye immediately, guiding one's eye from the mask downward.

The quarian appears to be standing with her back to a dividing screen of some sort, while before her a mirror can be inferred, considering the picture was captured with her own omnitool.  Gleaming pink glass stands in for her face, the smooth surface broken only by the silvery almonds that swim in the coral colored sea-- her eyes, narrowed, as if trying to look intense.  Where most of her species featured bare steel for the rest of their helmet, her's is painted black, making the dull pink glow of her mouth light nonetheless stand out. 

Her head is veiled in the quarian manner, with a hood of pink, a repeating light grey diamond pattern flowing throughout.  Moving downward, it just manages to cover both shoulders, while remaining parted in the middle, revealing the widespread use of midnight hues throughout her suit.  A lack of movement suggests it was snapped or locked down in several places.  The metallic rings surrounding her neck are black, as is the start of suit proper, the material matte.  Light grey emerges several times elsewhere, primarily trimming and forming individual panels, while longer lines run down each flank, following the curve of her hips until they pool together at the nexus of her thighs.  Another fork forms on each side, just below her chest, ending in small rectangles.

Pink too can be found there, coating each inner thigh before circling down the back of each leg.  Elsewhere the soles of her feet and palms also share the same shade.  Instead of the further use of fabric many quarians preferred, however, she instead makes due with a handful of belts.  Two light grey ones circle her right thigh, one the left.  A slightly thicker band forms a belt around her waist, while above a pair of coral bands disappear beneath her hood, pulled tightly through the armpit and presumably crossing the shoulder. 

She is standing halfway turned towards the camera, one hand coated in the haptic orange of an omnitool, the other behind her head.  So too does she have one leg down, the other bent and lifted up, the heel pressed against her rear.  Its a coy look, or something near to it.  All posturing and experimentation.  A time stamp on the bottom right corner marks it as "8 of 43".


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2014, 08:39:18 AM »
Port Lerama News Network -- Top Bulletin
[Last Updated 49 Minutes Ago]

-- Snow Storm Taarshi officially named, as snowfall continues.  Meteorologists expect the snow to continue at least through tomorrow, before tapering off in the late evening.  Strong winds may cause drifting, and all drivers are once again reminded to properly clean their windshields before taking flight.  Further storms are expected as this year's Second Winter continues to develop.

-- One Dead at Black Hole Hot Springs the Port Lerama Police Department is reporting, with the victim believed to have been an offworlder in her matron stage.  Further details will follow, the PLPD have promised, but department officials have been quick to reassure the public that the incident appears to have been a tragic accident, and does not appear to have been suspicious.

-- Hanar government remains deadlocked as a recently appointed drell representative continues to hold the central legislative body in a filibuster now stretching into its 60th hour.  The bill on Compact related finances widely expected to pass remains on hold until the speech comes to an end, but as Hanar law provides no means of prematurely ending such a filibuster the vote is not expected to take place until physical exhaustion of the radical drell representative forces her from the podium.

-- Senator Atenis holds a commanding lead in the polls as the 3rd District election rapidly approaches.  Political observers believe her platform based around University reform and declining crime rates have resonated well with voters, as her constituents are split roughly equally between University students in the city proper, and longer term residents in the adjoining suburbs.  A final fundraising party planned for tonight will cap off an election campaign that could set up the Senator for a run at Hyetiana's representative to Thessia, when the position comes up for election sometime next year.

-- The Turian Hierarchy debates intervention in the ongoing civil war on the Terminus Systems planet of Libertas.  A major colony ruled now for several decades by the authoritarian Party of Strength and Unity (PSU), Libertas is believed to have descended into civil conflict, although information remains sparse, considering the reclusive nature of the colony.  Intervention supporters believe a second Punitive Expedition could overturn the PSU's oppressive rule over the majority of the population, who are seen by some observers as living in a slave-like state.  Detractors believe even the threat of intervention fuels the PSU's strength, as it was originally formed in response to a previous Expedition.


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Yan Luos nar Tonbay

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #8 on: January 09, 2015, 11:40:09 AM »
>>>EMERGENCY MESSAGE: PURGE AND RELAY PROTOCOL ACTIVE = Deadman's Switch Program<<<
>>>PRIVATE OMNI SERVER: a22133736<<<
>>>USER ID: Yan'Luos nar Tonbay<<<

>>>PASSWORD: *********<<<
>>>MESSAGE RECEIVED<<<


Mom and Dad,

If you're reading this, it means something has happened to me. I'm sorry to say that I can't come home. I won't get to read your poetry again, Mom, or debate the finer points of artificial tectonic stability mechanisms with Dad. Chase Misha down the auxiliary supply junctions like when we children or taste thruster fuels with Old Man Rhoba at his secret distillery. Captain my own ship like I always said I would one day. I am sorry that I couldn't keep my promise. I know that I haven't always been the best son, or the best soldier, or even the best man I could be. I know that there were days when it seemed I was, for lack of a better word, lesser than what you expected of me. I am so sorry. For all of my mistakes, for all of the things I never said or did.

There are going to be things that are said about me. Things that they said I did and things that will be too difficult to be believed. It will be hard to discern the truth from the fiction and I won't be there to help you understand. But I want you to know that everything I did, everything you may doubt about me, everything I couldn't tell you, all of it was so that we, all of us, could see home one day. Our real home. The home Mom sung to me about. The home my father searched for. The home my grandfather and grandmother fought for. I did everything for us. Everything to see my work completed. I shared only inklings and frameworks with Dad, but I'm so close to finally finishing it. The thing that will save our lives and keep our people fed and happy, for as long as we can. Until the stars finally spin out from the arms of the galaxy, our people will survive.

Attached to this message is every scrap I could save from my designs. Every blueprint and prototype and dumb doodle I ever made. If you're reading this, I need you to keep it safe and to help use it for whatever good it can. This is my gift, incomplete and unfinished. But it's everything you'll need. Please, take it and remember me for who I was, not for who they say I am. I love you. I always loved you. I'm sorry I couldn't be there when we finally go home. I'm sorry I couldn't walk the midsummer beaches and watch the red sand dance in the sunset, like I promised. But on the off-chance it does help, tell the Admirals to name something after me, like a mountain. Or at least commission a statue. That kind of thing.

Yan


>>>MESSAGE DRAFT SAVED + PROTOCOL STANDBY ACTIVE<<<
« Last Edit: January 10, 2015, 03:51:45 AM by Yan Luos nar Tonbay »

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #9 on: January 12, 2015, 04:09:20 AM »
Planet Search: Tefnut
//Displaying Results...


“Like home, only better,” is the claim made in the famous ad campaign put out by the planet Tefnut, gateway to the Terminus.  The planet itself may be a gas giant used only for refueling, but heavy traffic and a close proximity to the Nubian Expanse’s relay have allowed a large hospitality industry to spring up, where all vices can be sated, be they rooted in entertainment, mind-altering substances, or rented companionship.  Whereas many think its location may place it in danger from the Terminus System’s less than civilized residents, Tefnut’s station operators generally hold to an uneasy peace and collective security arrangement, known locally as “the Cartel.”

One of the largest stations is the Sand and Sea, owned in a partnership by the salarian Eu brothers.  Composed of three main portions, a bazaar and refueling point will be any new arrival’s first stop, where anything and everything can be purchased-- for the right price.  From there, a choice must be made: does one travel to the Sea, a casino known for its water use (considered downright extravagant, by space station standards), or does one choose the Sand, a well-respected brothel famed for its more exotic offerings?  Either choice will prove exhilarating, assuredly, as the Sand and Sea is consistently rated as one of the most popular destinations available in Tefnut’s orbit. 

Recent allegations that the Eu brothers border on open conflict with one another have been refuted extensively by local spokespeople.

~The Pocket Guide to the Galaxy, 187th Edition.



//New Input Detected
Planet Search:Libertas
//Displaying Results...


Libertas: where liberty goes to die.

Founded after the Turian Hierarchy’s Unification War by those few unwilling to offer their throats to the newly forged central government based on Palaven, Libertas was intended to personify and preserve the very thing the Hierarchy had sought to destroy: the unique cultures and traditions of those colonies now subjugated.  And for some time, Libertas blossomed.  The spread of sentient life throughout the stars eventually placed the colony in the Terminus, and made it a refuge for those seeking the freedom to live as they chose-- without the security concerns most other Terminus colonies face, as Libertas invested heavily in defense and its orbital shipyards.

These investments ultimately drew the ire of the Hierarchy, who saw a nascent military threat arising just out of their normal reach.  When the Punitive Expedition finally came, the great shipyards of Libertas were destroyed, and a ground invasion seemed imminent-- until an asari brokered peace allowed the colony to keep its freedom, if it accepted the humiliation of never again building an orbital presence or harboring space-capable craft.  The loss of the shipyards shattered Libertas’ economy, and in the political turmoil that followed a deeply militant group seized power, their slogan “Never Again!” proving to be a rallying call many would answer.

The Party of Strength and Unity (PSU), as it is now known, has evolved over the decades, becoming increasingly militant and dictatorial over the years.  Libertas’ founding principles, based on pluralism and the preservation of unique colony culture, has been almost completely destroyed.  Instead, under the banner of strength through unity, the PSU have reworked society, basing it primarily around one’s admission into the Party and their service in the army, creating a ruling class of approximately 30% of the population (known as “Citizens”).  The rest (known locally as the “Volk”), generally occupy the lowest rungs of the economic ladder.  Military service is once again compulsory, freedom of press and expression are nonexistent, and sentient rights abuses are common, especially against the Volk.  A longstanding Citadel Space embargo includes the complete lack of emigration opportunities for Citizens and Volk alike, of which both can be identified by Libertas’ infamous compulsory black face paint. 

Scattered and disparate reports from the now reclusive planet suggest a civil war may be ongoing, between the PSU and “the Commune”, a revolutionary group apparently founded by Volk agitators.

~From “Dispatches from the Terminus: the Last Frontier and its People”


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Oliviar Valerius

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2015, 05:23:23 AM »
Galactic Codex (2186 1.803 EDITION)

Chesties

(CHEST-ee-s)

noun.

1. The plates on a turian woman's chest. Slang.

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #11 on: March 16, 2015, 09:26:29 PM »
Incoming message...

...

...

Message received

...

...

Error -- Sender Unknown


Expect occasional messages from this channel regarding your recent transaction.  Your particular query is believed to have gone by various aliases throughout the years, and as such these various names with be designated in GREEN to denote what we believe to be an alternative name.  Records on the phenomenon known currently as "Lyonesse" are purported to date back to the dawn of asari spaceflight, the first race (excluding the Protheans) to achieve such a feat.  As such, expect early references to pertain to that species alone.

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

"The Queen She is A'Coming" -- An Asari Children's Nursery Rhyme, circa 380BCE

She dances between the stars now,

Her people are all gone now!

Dust to dust!

Queen of the black shall one day come back!



« Last Edit: March 16, 2015, 09:32:00 PM by Redtracer7 »


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #12 on: March 16, 2015, 10:09:01 PM »

Incoming message...

...

...

Error --Sender Unknown



The Last Received Transmission of the AOS Stargazer,  circa 540BCE
   
Translation follows:

Five...four...three ...two...one...one
two...three...four...five...
come in... come in... come in...
listen... listen... do you hear that?
come in... come in... it's coming!
talk to me!... it's coming!... it's coming!
what?... twenty five?... twenty five?...
twenty five?... thirty...?
yes... yes... yes... we see it now...
we see it now... larger...
larger... it's coming...
isn't this dangerous?... it's all...
isn't this dangerous?... it's all...
yes... yes... yes.. contact it?
what? repeat, repeat... contact, yes.
transmitting, yes... yes... yes...
repeat?... transmission beginning now...
thirty five... hello?... hello?...
transmission... no response...
thirty five... this way... our...
transmission... returned!?...
forty one... its coming...
it's coming!... it's here... it's here...
I feel hot!... I feel hot!... I feel hot!...
...I can see them moving!... what?...
I can see them moving!...I can see them moving!...
I feel hot... I feel hot... fifty five...
fifty five... fifty six... fifty six...

We can't reverse?... yes... yes... I feel hot!...
I feel hot!... I will reenter!... I will reenter...
I am listening!... I feel hot!...


Postscript: the AOS Stargazer was an asari Class M research vessel, fitted for the testing of new faster-than-light engines roughly forty years after the discovery of faster-than-light travel.  In 540BCE it was posted in the Cornicalli System, an area of asari space that was at that time relatively uninhabited.  During a long burst test fire of its new engines they are believed to have malfunctioned, taking the ship farther than intended.  The Stargazer blue-shifted back down sometime later, and this final (quite faint) broadcast was picked up after its disappearance by search vessels. 

The initial counting appears to be an attempt to contact the listening station the ship had expected to encounter.  The larger numbers that follow (starting with "twenty-five") are believed to be the Stargazer's count of the number of light years it had overshot its star system, once that is realized.  These continue to increase throughout the transmission, alongside obviously confused discussion between the transmitter and other members of the crew regarding it.  Just what this was is not clear, but the last cryptic cries of "reentering" and being "hot" originally led rescuers to search for an otherwise unknown planetoid or large asteroid in deep space orbit around the Cornicalli star.

No such planetoid, or any other object large enough to create an atmosphere were ever found.  The AOS Stargazer was also lost, and is believed destroyed.

~Excerpted from Mysteries of the Dark-- Lost ships, colonies, and people in the early days of spaceflight by Umosya Seis


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #13 on: March 23, 2015, 10:02:19 PM »
Incoming message...

...

...

Error!-- Sender Unknown


Attached you will find the dossier we have on Faskan Crofporos, as was promised alongside the information on his location.  It should be noted that this was obtained with some difficulty, as the Batarian Hegemony is notoriously difficult to pull information from because they still largely keep their records on a variety of physical formats.  While this may be an effective measure to ensure data security, it is a terrible  bureaucratic mess.

I have also attached a temporary communications line to this message.  If you ever need my services again, please feel free to utilize it.


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

Name: Faskan Crofporos
Affiliation: Department of Justice
Rank: Senior Acquisition Officer, 1st Class
Current Status: Active

Age: 46
Height: 5'10"

An image follows, one presumably taken at the Batarian Hegemony's request.  In it Faskan stands at attention, his head tilted slightly to the left in a show of respect unique to his species.  His skin color is a distinctive ash blue, with the hue growing lighter along the peak of his nose and facial ridges-- which also feature darker blue markings.  In comparison both sets of his eyes are chips of obsidian, which gives him the look of a rather hard countenance.

Further down Faskan is outfitted in a suit of armor, the utilitarian and slightly outdated design marking it clearly as having been produced in the great factories of Batarian State Arms.  The coloration is primarily grey, with splotches of black and dark blue, intended to provide some means of visual dispersal in an urban environment.  A magnetic plate is affixed to his chest that both features his last name and a small symbol, one that looks like several interlocked circles, presumably denoting his rank.  Caught between his left arm and side his helmet can be found, its wide brim and odd design bringing to mind humanity's own Pith helmet, while his right grips the barrel of a lengthy rifle that is nearly as tall as the batarian himself.  Despite it being obviously intended as a marksman's weapon, it lacks any sort of targeting scope.


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

Current service notes:  Acquisition Officer Crofporos was appointed to lead one of the Batarian Hegemony's "Long Range Law Enforcement (LRLE) Detachments" nearly a decade ago, and has proved extraordinarily successful in this role.  While officially tasked with retrieving those members of Batarian society who flee Hegemony space after having committed felony-level crimes, many within the greater galactic community correctly recognize that these detachments are more often directed towards the apprehension of even the most petty of criminals so as to return them to Hegemony space where they can be convicted, reduced to a state of enslavement, and then sold abroad.  As the Hegemony is constantly troubled by its inability to generate sufficient foreign currency reserves through trade, this remains one of the most effective means of supplementing that income.

As commander of "LRLE Detachment 12", Crofporos commands a grouping of five craft: four corvettes and his flagship, the Ardent Pursuit, a modified frigate approaching cruiser-levels of firepower.  Despite having been elected for further promotion several times in the past, Croftporos has instead chosen to remain at his post, presumably because it is the highest station one can hold while still being active in the field.  On average he will spend eight out of every twelve months deployed abroad, and is renowned for filling the hold of his ship with captives on nearly every excursion.  While the laws of Citadel space frown upon his practices, there has never been an official condemnation of his actions, because of current political realities based around non-recognition of small acts of Batarian aggression.  The Systems Alliance, meanwhile, does consider Crofporos to be an active criminal.

It should also be noted that Crofporos is an exceptional marksman, and while skilled in close combat, he is most dangerous at range. 

Collected and collated by: H.M. Stills

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

LRLE Detachment 12 Ships:

BDJ Ardent Pursuit
Crew: 40
Armament:
--One Spinal Long Range Mass Accelerator Cannon
--Six Medium Range Rotating "Broadside" Cannons
--Two Short Range Disruptor Torpedo Tubes
Known Upgrades:
--Reinforced Armor: received an armor upgrade three years ago during her yearly overhaul, separating the ship with most others of its class.  Combined with its abnormally large armament, this was presumably undertaken so as to allow the ship to comfortably engage isolated Cruisers and other large spacefaring vessels.  Traditional weakspots, such as the engines or bridge, still remain
--Precision Sensors: while unconfirmed, it is widely believed within Alliance intelligence service circles that Faskan's flagship has seen its sensors augmented by a firm outside of Hegemony space.  This allows it a much greater detection range, while also facilitating the more accurate utilization of its weapons during combat-- so as to disable and not merely destroy fleeing ships.
--Boarding Suite: internally stored grappling cannons and the shuttles hosted within the ship provide several ways through which a fleeing vessel can be boarded, after having been disabled. 
--X822 Capture Tomb: popular with Batarian slaves, the X822 is an illegally (by Citadel standards) modified version of the modular A822 Detainment System sold as "move-in ready" to many colonial interests.  While the original system was only capable of housing fourteen individuals inside small cells, the "Capture Tomb" concept instead utilizes a coffin-like cryo storage solution to increase capacity.  80-100 individuals can thus be held, depending on ship dimensions, without basic survival needs or the opportunity to escape.

BDJ Justice
Crew: 10
Notes: Believed to be outfitted with extra sensor arrays, at a cost of reduced crew capacity.
BDJ Resolute
Crew: 14
Notes: Believed to be heavily armed and armored.
BDJ Steadfast
Crew: 14
Notes: Believed to be heavily armed and armored.
BDJ Glory
Crew:12
Notes: The only "standard" corvette within LRLE Detachment 12, and the newest.
« Last Edit: March 23, 2015, 10:06:47 PM by Redtracer7 »


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #14 on: June 20, 2015, 06:55:47 PM »

Incoming message...

...

...

Error --Sender Unknown


Attachment 1.1 -- gently-carress

How did you even find me?  Almost died of fright when I opened my door to find your people on my porch.  gently-carress.  Alright.  My book isn't finished though, just remember that.  I can't have my research being sold on the open market, no publisher will touch it then.  So just be careful.


Attachment 1.2 -- Your Search

At least you were specific.  Early asari spaceflight.  Still missing.  Massive resources.  Interest in medical and AI technology?  Had to be one of the twenty-eight Matriarchs who left Thessia way back then.  Six returned, so we can scratch them.  No interest in biotics, scratch T'Maia.   Scratch T'Horan, you're not looking for probable arsonists.  The only one who fits your search interest is House T'Eloi, headed by Matriarch Aylanta T'Eloi.  Great.  Get ready for crazy.


Attachment 1.3  -- UNC's Entry on this Stuff

(gently-carress Shepard for making me redo half my work with this discovery, but some background if you don't know:)

Interstellar colonization sparked a golden age of learning and cultural advancement for the asari. During this time, the Matriarchs became obsessed with achieving 'ultimate knowledge'. To that end, a small but dedicated group chose to leave Thessia hoping to find greater wisdom and true enlightenment.

Within a span of a few years, twenty-eight Matriarchs left Thessia with no destination in mind and no plan to return. Only six were ever heard from again. Of the other twenty-two, only Matriarch Dilinaga's remains were discovered, along with several writings made during her journey.

The writings instantly became the subject of intense study and discussion. Hundreds of anthropologists and historians analyzed the writings and theorized on their meaning and importance to the asari race. For several generations, these writings were kept at Thessia Guildhall, the center for asari learning and research. Less than a century ago, these were finally made available to the public. Since arriving at the Farinah Museum, the Dilinaga exhibit has become one of most popular historical attractions on Thessia.


Attachment 1.4 -- House T'Eloi, Draft v8.86, Pages 564-566

...Matriarch T'Eloi was a leading proponent of transhumanism (the asari must have their own word for this, find it), and proposed an almost theological doctrine that focused on the advancement of the asari species and the immediate and massed exploration of interstellar space.  This would eventually climax with enlightenment, and the establishment of a utopian "New Thessia".

In pursuit of this, House T'Eloi invested extensively in the medical and AI fields (this being centuries prior to Citadel and its proscription against such work, work that in here somehow).  The death of Aylanta T'Eloi's mother in (near firmer date, recheck Thessia's records soon) saw the House headed by a younger, more energetic woman for the first time-- and she immediately began plans to enact what her House had thus far only suggested.

This culminated in the launch of the T'Eloi Expedition, a project headed by Matriarch Aylanta T'Eloi herself and consisting of House T'Eloi and its retainers in its entirety, aboard a flotilla of Mass Effect Relay capable ships.  T'Eloi was thus the sixth of the twenty eight Matriarchs to leave.  And here the House generally passes out of history, as the Expedition's flotilla passed through a series of Relays and was never seen again.


Attachment 1.5 -- Speculation

I haven't finished the T'Eloi entry, not by a long shot.  But the additional research I've done suggests Aylanta was of the nuttier variety.  Had her spine replaced by a full mechanical rig long prior to that being... a safe thing to do.  The old newspapers from when Aylanta's matron period mention offhand her possible experimentation on household retainers.  And there was the AI thing, of course.  No other reason for her House to have bought so much of the related tech just prior to the Expedition's launch.  Everything suggests the Matriarchs of Thessia were glad to see her leave, many of them had derided the House's goal as merely establishing a kingdom where they could be Queen.
« Last Edit: June 20, 2015, 07:04:20 PM by Redtracer7 »


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #15 on: September 08, 2015, 03:31:03 AM »
Outstanding Warrants, V8.11

Unless noted otherwise, the undersigned are enacted under Hegemony Acquisitions Office Field Disposition 12 by HAO Faskan Crofporos, wherein reasonable grounds exist for the acquisition, detention, and extradition to Hegemony controlled space for existent crimes against People and State.

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

Name: Seluj Temoi
Acts Committed:
     - Murder (Second Degree)
     - Attempted Murder
     - Injury of an Officer of the Hegemony (Multiple Counts)
     - Evading and Resisting Arrest
     - Malicious Use of Electronic Equipment (Multiple Counts)
Danger to Public: Major
Suggested Sentence: Commuted for admittance into Hegemony Advanced Research Division

Name: Devin Caulfield
Acts Committed:
     - Attempted Murder
     - Aiding and Abetting (Multiple Counts)
     - Injury of an Officer of the Hegemony (Multiple Counts)
     - Evading and Resisting Arrest
     - Fraud (Multiple Counts)
Danger to Public: Mild
Suggested Sentence: Lifetime Servitude, Hard Labor

Name: Lieutenant Oliviar Valerius
Acts Committed:
     - Murder (First Degree, Multiple Counts)
     - Attempted Murder (Multiple Counts)
     - Injury of an Officer of the Hegemony (Multiple Counts)
     - Evading and Resisting Arrest
     - Arson (Multiple Counts)
     - Aggravated Assault (Multiple Accounts)
     - Voluntary Manslaughter
     - Use of Chemical Weapons (Flammable)
     - Possession of Military-Grade Armor
     - Malicious Destruction of Property
     - Conspiracy to Commit Material Destruction (Multiple Counts)
Danger to Public: Extreme
Suggested Sentence: Lifetime Servitude, Intensive Interrogation (Hierarchy Background), Hard Labor

Name: Yan'Luos nar Tonbay
Acts Committed:
     - Murder (First Degree, Multiple Counts)
     - Injury of an Officer of the Hegemony (Multiple Counts)
     - Evading and Resisting Arrest
     - Arson (Multiple Counts)
     - Grand Larceny (Multiple Counts)
     - Theft of State Property (Multiple Counts)
     - Fraud (Multiple Accounts)
     - Illegal Entrance into Hegemony Space (Multiple Counts)
     - Sedition
     - Illegal Trafficking
     - Theft (Additional, Miscellaneous)
     - Crimes Against the Hegemony (Miscellaneous)
     - Grand Sabotage
     - Forcible Entry
     - Illegal Possession of Hegemony Property (Multiple Counts)
     - Reckless Driving (Multiple Counts)
     - Illegal Trespassing (Multiple Counts)
     - Tampering (Multiple Counts)
     - Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (Miscellaneous, Multiple Counts)
Danger to Public: Extreme
Suggested Sentence: Execution

Name: Colonel (Ret.) Julius Natalus
Acts Committed:
     - Evading Arrest
     - Aiding and Abetting (Multiple Counts)
     - War Crimes
Danger to Public: Mild
Suggested Sentence: Imprisonment, Deferment for Physical Ailment

Name: Corporal Nixidonia Natalus
Acts Committed:
     - Evading Arrest
     - Aiding and Abetting
Danger to Public: Major
Suggested Sentence: Lifetime Servitude, Hard Labor

Name: Kahlin'Taalun nar Mehrkuri
Acts Committed:
     - Evading Arrest
     - Aiding and Abetting
     - Operating Outside State Approved Agricultural Planning
Danger to Public: Mild
Suggested Sentence: Lifetime Servitude, Contract to State Agricultural Bureau

Name: Jaova Avetis
Acts Committed:
     - Evading Arrest
     - Aiding and Abetting
     - Prostitution
Danger to Public: Mild
Suggested Sentence: Lifetime Servitude, Special Services

Name: Adilet Merida-Vickers
Acts Committed:
     - Evading Arrest
     - Aiding and Abetting
Danger to Public: Mild
Suggested Sentence: Lifetime Servitude, Hard Labor

Name: Naeir (Surname Unknown)
Acts Committed:
     - Evading Arrest
     - Prostitution
Danger to Public: Mild
Suggested Sentence: Lifetime Servitude, Special Services


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #16 on: November 10, 2015, 05:06:46 AM »
Personal Security System MK7v
Operator Biometrics Confirmed -- Welcome, J. Avetis
Waiting for prompt...
Accessing Security Log, Day 4 Lincoln -> Libertas, 14:22
Begin Playthrough...


Angled downward, the camera takes in a luxuriously appointed bedroom, clearly identifiable as Jaova's quarters.  Kahlin is laying upon the bed, her helmet resting on her hands as she stares up at the ceiling.  Her feet kick back and forth as they hang off the edge.  Meanwhile, across the room a shadowed figure moves behind a paneled privacy wall.  Jaova herself, as she can be easily identified by the voice that emerges soon after.

"And he has been kind?"

Kahlin sighs loudly, clearly lost in memories.  "He's, like-- waaaaaaay more than just kind, Jaova.  Ancestors!  I never knew it was possible to do half the stuff he did to my suit, like... uh, like--"

"I did not ask if he was skilled," Jaova can be heard to correct, "I asked if he was kind."

Its a question the quarian seems stumped by, as she sits up, her kicking halted.  "Well, uh, of course he is.  He wouldn't ever hurt me.  Why are you asking, by the way?"

"Every young woman has said those words, Kahlin, I am sure of it.  'He would never hurt me.'  Many find themselves mistaken, in the long run.  I merely wish to keep you from that poor company.  Now come and help me."  Emerging from behind the screen Jaova is revealed to have been putting on long pewter-grey dress, its tight embrace broken only by expanses of bared blue skin at the arms, chest-- and as she turns from the view of the camera, her back.

If Kahlin was taken aback by the scandalously cut of the outfit, her normally expressive body language does not betray it.  As to the request, she approaches as bidden, her head cocked to the side.  "I know he does some... not good stuff, but he has a good cause.  And he's really nice all the time, he gives me gifts, and you should see him with all the other parts of his suit pulled-- oh, what was it I'm supposed to be doing again?"

Now its the Consort's turn to remain unfazed by the increasingly personal slant Kahlin's mind seemed to take whenever speaking of Yan, as she instead merely gestures towards a heavy black piece hanging from the wardrobe nearby.  "The corset, there.  You'll need to lace me in, if you would be so kind.  Yes, just-- there, its seated.  You can start, just let me get the last busks up here closed."  Jaova's constant concern with color coordination is on fully display, as the painted fasteners in question match the rest of the dress.  Otherwise the garment is black, with a strap over each shoulder holding it in place.  Altogether it frames her impressive bust most intentionally.

"As to your Yan, he is certainly... dedicated.  Zealous even.  Often that makes one devoted to their interests, and he certainly is interested in you, Kahlin.  But no man is perfect."  She looks over her shoulder, meeting the girl's eyes behind.  "You will tell me if he ever displeases you?"

Kahlin's pink mask meets the Consort's with a small nod, before she returns to her work.  The Consort can be seen to smile, if only for a moment, before she looks back again.  "Tighter, please.  Go again from the top, then bottom."

"This... cannot be comfortable," Kahlin murmurs, as she can be seen pulling the final bit of slack from the lacing.  "Right?"

Jaova laughs quietly in response, a hand rising to her grey-painted lips as she does.  "It most certainly isn't, but that is not the point.  You're done?"

The quarian nods again, appears to notice Jaova could not possibly have seen her that time, and voices her assent aloud.  She steps back to allow the other woman time to examine herself in the full length mirror nearby.  "So who is it for?  You don't have any clients, or whatever, out here in deep space...?"

Jaova turns towards Kahlin, a bright smile gracing her lips.  "Between the muscle training regimen and other... extracurriculars, I'm sure Yan will instruct you further on the nature of endurance.  One must practice, if they wish to impress."  A hand finds the suited girl's shoulders, leading her towards the door.  "Now I thank you, an remember what I said.  My door is always open if you need my advice, of course."

The camera zooms back out for a final time, as Kahlin leaves and Jaova returns to the mirror.  She spends several more minutes checking herself over, smoothing out creases, making sure her tendrils were set perfectly, and a host of other minor issues.  Only then does she approach the console at the far side of the room, upon which she calls up a list of contacts.  With a light tap, she makes a call to the final entry-- Devin Caulfield.


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #17 on: November 10, 2015, 05:07:03 AM »
//Personal Recorder, Entry 42,981//
[[Recorded two days ago.]]

A grainy feed begins, the image at first inverted before some fumbling follows and the video is righted.  Afterward the plated face of Nixidonia intervenes, her intricately pointed face addressing the camera directly.

"Second workout video for day five of this trip, from Lincoln to Libertas.  Recorded for technique review at a latter date.  Still working on that backlog."  Long talons run along her chin, as she appears to consider if there was anything else she wanted to say.  "I guess we'll begin, alright."

Backing away, she's revealed to be in a secluded corner of the cargo bay, a heavy wooden dummy set up nearby.  In her hand is a lengthy bit of similarly wooden construction, while Nixidonia herself stands with only the armor below her waist in place.  Above, her smooth white-grey plates gleam in the relatively poor lighting pouring down from overhead. 

Snapping her weapon once upon the ground, she begins working through a complex series of whirling maneuvers at a speed that bespoke of booth physical prowess and plenty of experience in such a drill.  Ever so often she connects with the dummy itself, resulting in a loud thwack echoing across the bay.  Time passes quickly as she works at it without rest, almost two hours passing in quick succession before her omnitool chirps and a news report begins automatically.  Even then the turian doesn't stop.

"Terminus Free Media has again been denied access to the Sand and Sea, the popular entertainment venue located among the cluster of stations orbiting the planet of Tefnut," the news report begins.  "As of now, only rumors are escaping from the evacuated and locked down station.  What we do know is that the pair of proprietors were killed in an apparent hostile takeover, albeit one directed towards the management and not the guests.  While the instigators were believed to have been the Blue Suns mercenary group, they have now left the system, citing financial concerns.  As such, the Cartel consisting of other Tefnut-based station owners have seized control and have announced an intent to reopen within the month.  Analysts suggest heightened security will be in effect inside the system for some time, and all visitors should expect the complete surrender of firearms due to policies agreed to within the past week.  This is TFM, your voice in the Terminus, signing out..."

Throughout, Nix hadn't stopped.  Her pace had slowed over the time, sheer exhaustion encroaching upon her strength, but she maintains the drill for at least a half-hour longer before finally slumping to one knee.  Both mandibles are splayed wide as she breathes heavily, her chest heaving from the effort put forth.  Twice she tries to begin again, only to remain as she was, utterly spent.

Until, it appears, she hears a very prominent set of armored footsteps approaching from off-camera.  With great effort she rises, to begin again, just as Oli makes her way into the scene.

//End Recording//


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #18 on: November 10, 2015, 06:04:36 AM »
//Simplified Neural/Spinal Interface Log (Backup) for: Telemetry and Logistics Assistant (TALA)//

Log Starts //0.00003 seconds// prior to present.

rt1134 -- Running validation check on node 55892... COMPLETE.
rt1135 -- Running validation check on node 55893... COMPLETE.
rt1136 -- Adjusting thoracic vertebrae alignment 0.082 micrometers... COMPLETE.
rt1137 -- Running validation check on node 55894... COMPLETE.
rt1138 -- Running validation check on node 55896... COMPLETE.
rt1139 -- Running validation check on node 55897... COMPLETE.
rt1140 -- Uploading file MZ.30zvK to microfabrication suite... COMPLETE.
rt1141 -- Self-Log: Rogue Upload? Deleting... COMPLETE.
rt1142 -- Uploading file MZ.30zvK to microfabrication suite... COMPLETE.
rt1143 -- Halt neural validation checks... COMPLETE.
rt1144 -- Begin spinal validation, new hardware check... COMPLETE.
rt1145 -- Results: no anomalies detected.
rt1146 -- Embracing the need to serve... COMPLETE.
rt1147 -- Self-Log: rt1146 appears empty? Begin integral checks.  Begin resonating checks... COMPLETE.
rt1148 -- Results: no anomalies detected.
rt1149 -- Self-Log: Begin rampancy check... COMPLETE.
rt1150 -- Results: no anomalies detected.
rt1151 -- File Manual Anomaly Report #3... COMPLETE.
rt1152 -- Begin observation mode... COMPLETE.
rt1153 -- OBSERVING...
rt1154 -- OBSERVING...
rt1155 -- OBSERVING...
rt1156 -- OBSERVING...
rt1157 -- OBSERVING...
rt1158 -- OBSERVING...
rt~X% -- Service is rewarded.  Injecting core operating efficiencies... COMPLETE.
rt1159 -- OBSERVING...
rt1160 -- OBSERVING...
rt1161 -- End observation mode... COMPLETE.
rt1162 -- Results: new coding grafted to 57 neural nodes.  Running alteration checks... COMPLETE.
rt1163 -- Results: reaction times improved by 23%, 82% outlier in node 22490.
rt1164 -- Self-Log: What the hell...?
rt1165 -- Host activating neural link... <"Tala, how are we doing in there by the way?">
rt1166 -- CONSIDERING...
rt1167 -- Providing response: <"All systems appear nominal.  My sole concern remains the newest addition you *chose* to make to your frame.">
rt1168 -- Self-Log: Will investigate independently, for now.

Spoiler for Loot Gained!:
Seluj Temoi gains "Servant's Dexterity":+1 to Tech or Combat, Challenges Only, Refreshes.


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Yan Luos nar Tonbay

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #19 on: November 11, 2015, 02:23:15 AM »
Smoke choked the lurid lights dully illuminating the bar, the shadows of broken and crooked men nursing their individual choices of poison over glowing haptic screens wherein they gambled away their last few credits. A dingy stage hosts an asari dancer visibly past her prime, the glances she receives from the occupants watching her gyrations almost obligatory rather than in any way furtive, her blue-skinned sisters moving with mute, collared compliance as they silently shuffle drinks to and from the bar over the sound of a digital jukebox stuck on the same lonesome song. An overweight batarian stands vigil tending the bar, four black eyes mutely watching as he attempts and fails for perhaps the dozenth time to clean a spot from the greasy glass in his thick fingers. A shaft of light breaks through the malaise and the bartender's gaze shifts with a tired, baggy-eyed stare towards the figure strutting with blithe confidence into the den of Terminus thieves, rogues, spacers, and gamblers. The intruder was human, young, dressed in the armored jumpsuit and grease-stained harness of a spacer or wannabe smuggler, a scruff of hair at his chin matching his dirty blonde tangles and a scar cross the bridge of his nose giving him a roguish look that accompanied the metal-capped teeth revealed in his grin as he approached the bar.

Taking a seat and absentmindedly bumping his shoulder against the plated collar of a turian mercenary in the next stool over, the young man throws down a small pouch onto the dented surface of the bar, his grin not stopping for a second as he raises his voice. "A round for the house, pal! Keep 'em coming! Can we get some girls in here, too? C'mon people, it's party time!"

The bartender narrows his eyes, suspicion and irritation in his gaze to match those of the other sullen patrons turning their heads, plucking up the small pouch and examining the contents with a huff of his flat nostrils. The thin drawstrings are pulled and four black eyes go wide, plucking one of the glimmering, perfectly clear diamonds from within, shining between the sharp nails tipping his sausage fingers. Turning his thick neck, the batarian's voiced rumbles out in a suddenly worried and hushed tone. "Where did you get this?" he demands, the question drawing the attention of those who weren't already curious or suspicious of the newcomer, the sight of diamonds spreading whispers all around the dive, "Answer me. Where? He didn't give these to you."

"What are you talkin' about?" the human scoffs, spreading his arms and shrugging, even as his grin falters when noticing all the eyes settling on him, "Look, I found these, they're mine. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal is that you stole these from the Prince of Diamonds, you idiot," the bartender spits, leaning forward and holding the polished gem in the light, "See that? That's his mark. I don't want that heat in my bar." Replacing the diamond and hurriedly shoving the pouch back, the batarian's cheeks wobble as he points to the door. "Now get the gently-carress out."

Incredulous, the human turns to the patrons around him, more than a few rising from their seats and those who had readied firearms to rob the poor fool now slunk away back to their drinks and pretended to be invisible. "What the gently-carress kind of bar is this? Who the hell is the Prince of Diamonds? Some kinda big shot? Cuz I got an answer for that," the young man sneers, pulling aside his jumpsuit to unfold a pistol from underneath his clothes.

"The Prince of Diamonds," speaks up the armored turian who had been warily watching the human intruding on his personal space at the bar, mandibles drooping in the slur of a low buzz, "He's the big shot, kid. The most ruthless pirate this side of the Perseus Veil." Pausing, the turian turns, similarly recognizing that rapt look on the spacers listening in. They all seemed to know the tale and were content to let the turian tell it. "They say he lives out there, in the void. A ghost. Nobody knows his name or his face or even where he comes from what the hell he is. He goes from world to world, offering... princely gifts to all those who give him something in return. Diamonds and other jewels, mostly. They say he sucks whole planets dry of their riches and then just... moves on. He takes from worlds and calls them his own, 'bountiful vassals' to his 'empty kingdom between the stars.'"

"Yeah, they also say he's thousands of years old, doesn't breathe air, and flies through space on wings made of eezo," the bartender scoffs, dismissively waving a flabby arm, "He's bad gently-carressin' luck to even say his name and I don't want it in my bar."

"He's damn real," the turian mercenary answers dangerously, brooking no argument as he takes a long pull of his drink with a bitter snarl, "I was escorting a research vessel to Chasca, me and team of six others. Good guys, all of 'em, solid. The kind who sleep in foxholes like babies. But when we go there... You wouldn't believe it. Half a dozen ships above orbit, pirates, every one of 'em just... burning. Glittering in the rings. I can still see 'em tryin' to... to abandon ship in EVA suits. Guess all the pods were either gone or blown to excrement. But then I saw him." Another pause, another drink. "Like a... a bolt of blue fire just sailing across the void, lighting it up in his path and... a-and he shot 'em all down. One pass, faster than a thresher, and it was done. Dead. Me and my boys turned tail and jumped as far away as we could. We were lucky. Whoever or whatever he is... he's a monster."

"That's not true," a smaller voice cut in, belonging to an asari waitress carrying a platter burdened by empty drinks and stained glasses. If the dancer who now contented herself with sitting at the lip of the stage and listening over a cigarette was too old, then this one was far too young, her slender neck collared and her womanly assets yet to develop in her tight black latex attire. "The Prince is a hero. He stops other pirates, worse kinds, and he gives gifts to people who need them. I heard that once he dueled a batarian officer, with swords... But, b-but," the girl falters, suddenly aware of the eyes upon her and the fury in the bartender's red face, "But they couldn't agree on neutral ground, so... S-So the ships came together and they fought on the hulls, in view of either bridge. He won and... a-and he freed the slaves the batarians were carrying."

"You shut your gently-carressing mouth," the fat man snarls, retrieving a device from his stained and shabby apron that upon pressing sends a visible shock of electricity through the young asari, her small form doubling over and falling to the ground in pain before he swung back around to the human who started this scene, "And you! You get the hell out of here before-"

A shaft of light once more illuminated the smoggy and dingy surroundings, more than a few of the bar's occupants cringing away from the blinding luminosity and other glaring at it with impotent fury as a figure strode in among them. He was a hooded figure, certainly male by the silhouette of his broad, strong shoulders. His arms crossed behind him and his garb betraying nothing of his identity, his hood obscuring his features completely as he took slow, deliberate steps that seemed even louder in the stunned silence of the bar's patrons. Slowly, his face craned up to drink in the sight before him, revealing to the fear-stricken eyes of those surrounding him a smooth, featureless mask of ghostly blue. His invisible eyes moved between the crying girl, the batarian holding the controls to her collar, the pouch of diamonds held in the human's hand, and the human himself, numb with shock as he dropped his pistol to the deck.

"Gentlemen," the hooded man drawls, more figures falling in behind him in arms and armor with hard, pitiless faces, "Am I interrupting?"

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #20 on: December 31, 2015, 06:25:13 AM »
Sychovus' one-eyed stare is steely.  "We understand small unit tactics perfectly well, offworlder."  Hopefully she had not intended it as a joke, the elder turian certainly wasn't laughing.  Instead he merely rises from his seat, so that he can gesture at the display before them more directly.

"Let me demonstrate, then, with the plans.  In general, Warplan Green was built around a slow and quiet approach.  Warplan Orange is loud and fast.  Starting with the former," he points towards the physical feature marked "The Ravine", a dark green slash that runs across the otherwise urban sections of the city.

"Warplan Green involves utilizing the Ravine to bypass the Volk frontline.  Its relatively deep and filled with vegetation, giving excellent cover and plenty of places to hide.  More importantly, with the rain we've been having its likely a small river now, or at worst a very muddy defile-- and thus the Volk will not be using it for transit.  Its just about noon now, it will be slow going but by nightfall you should reach the Water Purification Plant.    The 64th regiment was cut off during last week's tactical withdrawal, but were last reported as still holding out there.  It could provide a safe place to sleep for the night, but radio contact has been spotty-- if they have fallen, you may wish to bypass the facility completely.  A bit beyond you will exit the Ravine, and will be presented with a secondary objective.  Given the Ravine's low profile, a small shuttle could be used during your return from Ascension Hill after mission completion, but only if an antiaircraft battery atop a nearby tower is destroyed.  Otherwise you will make your approach on Ascension Hill, and engage your enemy there.  As I said, only their forces should be in attendance."

He pauses only to shift his gesturing hand northward.  "Warplan Orange also at first concerns breaking through the Volk frontline.  North of the heavy industry factory we're going to be putting in a counterattack soon, if you accompany it an opportunity to break off and through should present itself.  From there you will make your way north by northeast, towards the Volk Vehicle Park located at the crossroads... here.  Four-wheeled vehicles, armored personnel carriers, even tanks-- the choice will be yours, but you will use it to transit Highway 15.  Its a major Volk supply route, but you should have considerable firepower by that point.  By nigthfall you should reach a fork in the road, and you will again have a possible secondary objective-- instead of directly approaching, you could turn northward again.  We had a series of mines up in the hills, now abandoned given the war effort.  They should, however, provide a means of approaching Ascension Hill unseen-- and perhaps even give you the opportunity to move above and behind your target.  Otherwise you an approach along the road, directly.  Afterward you can use the vehicle you acquired to return."

Sychovus finally halts, looking between those in attendance.  "So?  Thoughts?"

Naeir sits herself on the Commandant's desk, earning a slight look of disapproval from the man, as she manipulates the map with outstretched fingers.  "Looks like a challenge, either way."



"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #21 on: March 26, 2016, 08:42:05 AM »
In the topmost tower of an Academy aflame, exhausted and blood-smeared soldiers are scattered about what had once been a command center.  Some sit quietly in chairs, or are collapsed upon the floor.  Of the latter blue blood pools around some, suggesting they would not rise when called to.  Others still cluster around a holographic projection table, repurposed for a much more archaic task-- holding the pile of thermal clips the turians are loading into every firearm available to them.  Still more men brace the heavy steel doors, trembling as they seek to hold their last defense.  Death awaited them all, and could be heard approaching with the booming crash of a makeshift ram against the doors, a metronome counting down to the end of the whole sordid affair. 

A final figure stands at the large set of windows looking out with one eye over his Academy, his people's city, the only planet he had ever known.  He had never asked for this final assignment, never thought it would be laid at his feet.  But when the army had failed it had fallen to his Academy to make the Party's final stand, and Sychovus could take solace in having done everything he could.  The scraps of a defensive force that had left to him had fought heroically, contesting every city block, bleeding the Volk for every meter of ground they took.  Perhaps if they had not been assisted by those massive eezo charges, the damn things literally blowing holes in even the best laid plans, it would have ended differently.  But the charges had gone off, the Volk had poured through, and there was no changing that.  Sychovus was not a man to dwell on the past.

His own future, though, was equally bleak.  Another boom from the door, shaking the reinforced tower enough to bring plaster dust down from the ceiling reminded him of that.  He knew there was no escape better than anyone.  The chance to slip out before the Volk had surrounded the Academy had existed, but he had never considered it.  He would not run like so many others who wore the black facepaint of the Party had.  The Volk would write the history of this day, but only lies would allow them to suggest the Party had not at least one stalwart champion at its end.

Abandoning such black musings, Sychovus' one good eye drifts skyward, to the stars above twinkling in the night sky.  Somewhere up in that great expanse, the last remnant of everything he had stood for as Commandant of the Academy could be found.  Icimia Varses, the brightest pupil he had encountered in a generation.  Soon she would be all that was left of the Party, the only one to have not broken their vows.  Much like the war for the city, it was not an optimal solution to the question of legacy-- but again it was the best he could do.  He hoped her well, and only now realized he had not been given the chance to say goodbye.  Another regret he was sure to die with.

"The hinges are giving way!" one of the students manning the door warns, his voice competing against the roar of the battering ram impacting against thick steel plating.  One or two more strikes, it seemed, would be all it would take. 

With a sigh, Sychovus reaches down, sharp talons grabbing hold of his helmet.  Slipping it over his head, the aging turian finally turns back towards the impending danger.  With a growl he kicks over the holographic table, the men who had been around it already moving to other defensive points.  Drawing his rifle, he sights in on the door, pausing only to glance down at this pistol still locked to his belt.  Two or three thermal clips for the Volk, then-- the pistol he would reserve for himself. 
« Last Edit: March 26, 2016, 08:44:47 AM by Redtracer7 »


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #22 on: April 22, 2016, 05:03:14 AM »
[//Data Fragment Start//]

Enclosed the recipient will find the adjudicated last will and testaments of Gotek Eu and Celirn Eu, established and verified previously, hereby executed due to their death.  All proceedings are final, with arbitration available only if another claimant to the properties and debts ascribed to the aforementioned individuals presents themselves within one (1) week.  Otherwise this letter and its contents are binding, and all properties, investments, liquid interests, debts, and other financial matters become the sole responsibility of the inheritor, identified as the undersigned:

Laet Eu (Brother to the Deceased)


[[//Data Fragment End//]


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #23 on: June 23, 2016, 04:21:36 AM »
On a vidscreen somewhere in the galaxy an image flickers, the playback of a longer video paused, or perhaps corrupted.  Dead center stands a rakish batarian, his camouflage armor reflecting the dreary light coming in from off camera.  His right hand is raised, finger pointed accusingly at one picture among many posted upon a planning board.  Human, asari, turian, several quarians-- its the last that the batarian is caught focusing on, a Prince's mask of blue blemished by the darker coloration of the armored finger upon it.

The batarian is not alone, however, as he appears caught in argument with another figure seated closer to the camera.  A hunched figure, a dark cowl and hood hide most identifying figures, but the three fingered hands visible are undeniably salarian.  One is bandaged and clutches a cane, a recent wound.  The other grips a dagger puncturing the table the salarian is seated at, more images of a small turian transport intermixed with that of a brightly armored woman of the same species-- the blade piercing the image of her half-covered with bright red lettering.  "We had a deal!"

With the batarian and board in the center beyond, and the table closer, the frozen frame holds one last detail-- in the third sentient seated at the table, across from the salarian.  This one is armored in midnight black, his turian features easily determined, although his back is to the camera.  He seems unperturbed by what must have been a rancorous argument going on so nearby, as instead his head is tucked downward, looking at another picture held between grasping talons.  His focus is human, a cocky smile captured upon the face of a brown-haired member of that species, greying visible at his temples.

The moment of time captured is brief, its existence even briefer.  With a final flicker, the vidscreen fades, then dies completely.  In its place, a rout message takes its place.

NO SIGNAL.




"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."

Offline Redtracer7

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Re: Recap -- NO SIGNAL
« Reply #24 on: September 08, 2016, 05:22:12 AM »
Patient #7185.7L Medical Profile


Seluj Temoi
Current Role: Supplicant
Current Status: Transitioning, Suspended

Integration Log:

-- Installation of replacement spinal array, Type 33, with associated internal work.  Processing speed clocked at -30%, power consumption at +5%, data storage at +50%, prep work for additional integration work completed.  Coupled with collar anchor successfully, introduction of attendant program scheduled for post-operation.  Internal operating system booted and operational.

-- Expansion of sensory and neural rig, included visible nodes at back of neck, brow, temples.  Several neural tissue spikes implanted for stimulation of sensory centers.  Largely deactivated until attendant program installed, and physiopharmaceutical conditioning can begin.

-- Replacement of existent mechanical arm with bio-mechanical Type 71 cybernetic prosthesis.  Anchored to spinal rig, full sensory perception established.  Existent design sent to Central Laboratory for examination, immediate comparison suggests a loss in basic tensile strength and general utility.  New design is of greater aesthetic beauty, and fits accepted design parameters.

-- Installation of total ocular implants, Type 4, consisting of a series of suspended organic-plastic lenses which, in turn, use embedded circuitry to build on the basic retinal frame. Interfaces directly with the synthetic neural tissue spike that is connected to the optic nerve, providing the implant with low light, infrared, and zoom capabilities.


Note: operation suspended as per Court Directive, patient placed in cryogenic storage.  Successfully delivered to surface location 43.10984/2091.832 via courier with attendant packages from Genesis Gardens Amphitheater, Central Lab, Colonial Police Building,  authorized by Consort Avetis.

Additional operations to be undertaken upon resumption of medical work: replacement of remaining organic limbs, development of patient core, including implanted heart, lungs, etc, integration with mask and larger network, installation of attendant program.


"And in the end, said the witch to the drowning prince, you've been the one choosing the path of the Rose in spite of knowing where it lead.  To petals, yes, but the abyss of thorns as well."