Shattered Planes Archives (Seasons 4 & 5)
Milky Way Galaxy => Violet => Topic started by: Nisorin on February 20, 2012, 02:45:02 PM
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Violet, recently attacked, is covered by the scars of war. Fearful people walk its streets, though one would not know to look at them. Their bodies, mechanical and digital entirely, betray no emotion. It is amongst these people the shade walks, ten feet tall with two knees on each leg, draconic wings spread proudly as he strode down the street, devoid of identifiable features beyond these.
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OOC:I'm going to say this occurs before the current Battle for Violet, since it WAS my own fault that this never got posted it.
The Mechera were mechanical, yes, but far from unemotive. They retained fluid movement from their days as Organics, and while they control these shells from the comfort of cyberspace, they moved with every bit of control as they had as living creatures. Even for someone who didn't grasp the subtleties of Mechera movement, all it would take was a look at their eyes. The flashlight eyes themselves betrayed the emotion of the Mechera, whether they liked it or not, by the color displayed. While it was true that their color-to-emotion was different than most races(Red, as a example, wasn't anger but rather expressed a desire to make a deal), it wasn't all too hard to grasp the basic ones. Prevalent indeed was fear, manifested as shades of orange, the color opposite that which the Mechera used to express neutrality. While the figure walked down the street of the flying city(no city upon Violet touched the ground, for fear of despoiling its natural purity), he went largely unnoticed, or at least undisturbed. The Mechera, being close allies with both the Ferrarian Empire and Zarethians received many mages, and Mages are of course usually able to shapeshift. He was odd, but entitled to look like whatever he wanted(hell, many Mechera looked even odder in cyberspace). There was simply no reason to bother a stranger without cause, after all.
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The Shade glances at everyone who passed it, as if looking for someone, before attempting to access their networks, though from the look of it, it held no sort of technologies that should enable it to.
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Walking around is normal. Forcibly accessing networks of privately owned platforms, or a protected cyberspace, however, was illegal. Soon enough, the access point was detected, though not the individual doing it. In a attempt to catch him, a squad of four police mechs led by a single officer(who use more normal bodies) was deployed in the area. Each Police Mechera was equipped with a reciever extremely sensitive to the type of signals used by Mechera to transmit data, allowing them to 'eavesdrop'reopen on what people around them are doing, while the officer himself had a Pseudo-Magic system equipped. He used it presently to augment his vision, allowing him to see through things to focus on specifics. Essentially, it allowed him to see people hiding in crowds or behind inanimate objects, letting him detect suspicious activity much more easily.
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The Shade sees them and doesn't bother wasting time. It walks right on up to them, bowing in greeting. "This one thought that would gather attention. This one seeks the ambassadors sent to the Relorian planet Duppin." It says, cutting off all wireless connections.
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The police mechs turn to each other for a second before the Officer says,"Keep your Sound Cannons trained on 'em. Ambassadors are usual targets, after all. As fer you, I suppose you could get a audience with them, according to records they're not on assignment so its a much more streamlined process. All we need right now is the reason you wish to speak with them."
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It turns to face the one speaking. "This one is sent by the former Archimandritae of the Relorian Empire. This one supposes it should warn you that it has no physical body, and thus sonic-based weaponry will not be a valid measure to detain this one. A flashlight may be more effective."
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"...Er...Alright then, eh, keep the cannons on him, but get your laser weapons ready." The captain said, to the apparent confusion of the police mechs. They all seemed to bicker for a few moments in the Mechera's language, the captain getting increasingly angry(as far as could be told, anyways, with them speaking in mechanical noise). Finally, they seemed to stop, and the captain said,"Yes...Yes, the laser weaponry built into their frames shall be trained upon you. Ahem. Please, follow me and we shall escort you to the Diplomat's Council. I've sent a message, and they should be waiting."
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It looks at him, before seeming to smirk. "Yes. Lasers are light based weaponry, and thus are much better suited for combating an entity of shadows. Please, lead the way. This one knows not the layout of the area."
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"You...Are quite a odd one, ya know that?"the the captain says, before leading them there.
ONE ELEGANT AND FINELY CRAFTED TRANSITION LATER(bonus points if ya get the reference)
"Ah, here we are. The council building."The captain says as they reach a large structure at the center of town. It resembled a tall spire, except if the spire were hollow and cut in half. Oh, and upside down hanging from the bottom of a floating city. As it was, the area where they stood, which was the enterence, looked to be a empty plaza except for a floating holoterminal in the center. "The audience chamber they have set up is on the 43rd floor down. You'll need this pass to be admitted, so don't lose it. It'll also show you the way to the exact room once you get to the right floor. If there's nothing else, this is as far as public police forces go. Diplomatic immunity and all, foreign ones are out've our area of jurisdiction."
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The shade just grins again, but pauses and looks to the Mecheran. "Your kind actually obeys diplomatic immunity?" It says, staring on in unbelieving surprise.
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"To a degree, yes. While foreign diplomats and ambassadors are outside regular police jurisdiction, it is within the power of several other agencies, such as the Royal Guard, to detain foreign dignitaries if they are suspected of committing a infraction of Mechera law. Additionally, any police of rank Officer or above can, along with his or her squad, be temporarily given the legal authority to detain those such figures if one of those who HAVE the authority is having trouble and needs backup. Overall diplomats are not IMMUNE to our laws, but I suppose they do get some leeway."
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It just nods and walks on. "Do be careful with that."
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"Heheh, don' worry on that matter. We have quite a few precautions."
As he approached the holoterminal, it turned purple. The text went in many languages, one relorian, to 'Present identification for admittance'.
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The shade looks at it, before trying Shade.
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'Unknown user. Access denied.'
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It scowls, before looking pensive. Or as pensive as a featureless shadow can look. It then enters in the name of its creator instead, Alexander of the Sons of Plunder.
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'Unknown User. Access Denied.' The holoterminal spat at him again, before also saying,'Access Card Required for Identification purposes.'
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It shakes its head and looks to a nearby Mecheran. "Your machine is broken. Regardless of the input it outputs unknown user."
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"Input? That sort of terminal needs a Access Card. I think I saw that police guy giving you one just a bit earlier? Try that, it should unlock it."the the Mechera said, somewhat confused.
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It looks down at the piece of plastic. "Would have been nice of him to say what this piece of plastic was called." It says, inserting the card.
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OOC:Gah, sorry for the wait Nis. >.< Also, I do believe he did say what they...Jus' saying.
'Access pass accepted. Access granted to the Audience Chambers.' The holoterminal chirped at him before the circle of floor he stood on shot down to the -43rd floor(where he was heading anyways), then, once it got there, abruptly stopped. Once there, the Access Pass faintly blinked a light before a holographic trail led to the exact chamber the diplomats were at.
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It falls slower than the platform, landing softly and following the trail. "Not very powerful in magic. Only trace levels of natural emissions." It muses.
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"None at all, actually." He would hear from behind him. Standing right there was what appeared to be a living, Organic female. Or at least...A very, VERY convincing hologram. She didn't appear the least bit perturbed that he was there, in fact seemed carefree. "We're mechanical, if you noticed. Never had magic back when we were Organic, though. We...Were rather short-lived, you see. Ah, were are my manners though? Please, call me Jane. Aaaand you, Mr. Shadowy thing, wanted to see us according to the cop. What'cha need?"
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It looks to her, staring expressionlessly at her. "This one noticed. This one is here to discuss the alliance towards the Relorian leaders Nisorin and Celestie that you were attempting to form before the entity Plex attacked, as well as three members of your own military, possibly special forces units. Since then, Nisorin, Celestie, and many others have splintered away from the Relorian Empire to reform their own, much smaller group. Are you familiar with the former race and empire known as the Starclan?"
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"Mmmmm...Starclan...I believe we heard a few things about them while we were stationed at Duppin. They predated our arrival to this dimension though, so any information we'd have is limited." Jane said, before a different hologram, this one male, said,"Those three you mentioned, they weren't special forces. We checked when we got back, after we learned their names. In fact, they weren't registered in any part of the armed forces, or any sector of government. We don't know where they got Contingent Piloting Training, much less for a Conman. It brings up...Disturbing questions about how they were able to."
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The Shade looks at him quite seriously. "This one believes you have a leak. But that is not why this one is here. This one wishes to speak of alliances for the coming conflicts."
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"Yeah, we figure as much. No other way they'd be getting contingents...Either they're leaking the schematics or the machines themselves. As for a allience, the Empire of Reloria has not shown to be our foes." The male answered, lazily laying upside down in the air. "A strengthened bond between our nations can only benefit both our people. What terms were you going to propose?"
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The shade pauses. "Before this one continues it must verify that you understand this is not an alliance request from the Relorian Empire. It is the splinter group, the Sons of Plunder, seeking the alliance."
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"Am I correct in presuming that both parties are allied with one another to a degree, and that they both work with one another towards common goals?" The female's hologram said, a small smile appearing on her head. Her irises appeared to turn red for a instant, but them returned to blue. "Truth be told, we don't know Plunder. You never did explain much about 'em, after all. But we do know the Relorians. 'The friend of my friend is not my enemy'. It will be easiest to convince the rest of the Harmony sector, assuming they protest, with a gamble that this improves relations with another ally. If we lose the gamble that Reloria grows closer, well, we don't lose anything because there isn't any reason for them to express distaste, and if nothing else we've got you all as allies, if that all makes sense."
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The shade muses. "When it is mutually beneficial, the Relorians will be counted as allies, but if they leave the Sons no recourse, we will also see them as foes, if need be. Needless to say, the Sons would rather not fight their kin, but their ultimate goals are more important. The current Relorian Empire is now led by two people. A Sierrensa monk named Archimand, and a summoner/witch named Apella. This one will be conducting diplomatic talks with them once this talk has finished."
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OOC:Gack, didn't see this post...
"A monk and a summoner? I would presume that odd, but as long as we stayed upon Duppin I dont think I ever really understood much of the Relorian's magical prowess. Ah, but we'd best not get too far sidetracked, however...You spoke of coming conflicts, after all? Are there any you are aware of, as present?"
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"There are many conflicts going on, the least of which is this, 'Excel Tournament's' revival. Some will be caused by the reactions to some Plunder activities, such as operating a little too close to empires, now that False Heaven has fallen. My crafters' first order of business, of course, is to find a home for their group. That in and of itself is likely to spark at least one battle. There are also likely some remnants of those who supported the original Starclan regime who will likely try and attack the Sons of Plunder in retaliation for the takeover all those years ago." It explains, 'idly' projecting a 3D holographic image of Archimand and Apella standing side-by-side in its hand.
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"Hmm...If you are in need of a temporary home while you search for a more permanent one, once negotiations have ended I'm certain one of us can arrange for your group to be given asylum, probably in one of the space stations orbiting Frezzi. As far as conflicts of interest concerning those matters, there shouldn't be any troubles with providing aid if needed, as long as it doesn't spread our fleet or resources too thin of course. If you dont mind me asking, what sort of operations would Plunder be conducting that would lead to such hostility?"
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The shade nods. "That would be more than adequate, for the time being. Also, worst case scenario the Sons may be forced to enact a hostile takeover, though they would prefer if they would not have to go to such lengths. As this one said, there are those out there who would start a conflict without provocation, citing revenge for an act that happened nearly twenty years ago. The Sons are also looking to have select Embodiments replaced, which can create its own conflicts, not just between said Embodiment but with that one's followers as well."
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"Twenty years, eh? Well, I've heard of longer grudges, to be honest. Only downside to prolonging one's life to the point they never grow old, far as I can recall...They forget how to grow wiser with their age, never let things go." She said solemnly, before she frowned at trying to analyze the next part of the conversation, finding that she didn't understand the context. "And. . .Embodiments? I must apologize, its usually our job description to remain informed of this type of thing. Im afraid Embodiment, at least in this context, is something I dont know about. Would you mind explaining?"
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It sighs. "The various natural forces in Existence are governed and kept in check by beings called Embodiments. They exist on a slightly higher level than mortals, Sages and the like, in that only one can exist for each domain, with exceptions, and that they have absolute control over their domain. Their duties are to keep their forces under control, thus maintaining the balance required to upkeep an Existence as large and complex as this one. However, many Embodiments have become rather lax in their duties, involving themselves instead in mortal affairs. While normally this is fine, when it becomes detrimental to their duty it is unacceptable."
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"How have these Embodiments been failing in their duties?" A different male said, this hologram sitting upsidedown on the ceiling the entire time, his long purple hair falling towards the floor. "Is there something in particular they've done, or haven't done that they need to...? Or is it just kind of a long blundering myriad of failures that are individually not terrible but altogether say 'es gotta go?"
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It looks to him, staring expressionlessly. "All of the above. Most of the Embodiments act individually or in small groups of two or three. Different Embodiments have different specific duties depending on their domain, and different Embodiments have failed in different degrees and ways." It says, looking around them. "My creators are still investigating the identities and actions of many Embodiments, it is likely to be a lengthy search."
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"If these are such powerful forces, how would you go about replacing them? Control who it is that is the, well, replacement?"
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"For now, the only method is to destroy the current Embodiment. If it has named an heir, it will go to the heir. If not, then the domain will be available for others to take on, should they be able to handle the stress of the transformation. My creators are also researching certain rituals that will enable one to strip the Embodiment of it's Embodiment status and bestow it upon the ritualist." It says, looking around at them all. "Does the Mechera wish to ally with the Sons of Plunder? They will not ask you to fight the Embodiments themselves, instead they only ask you help keep the Empires from wiping them out before they can get their plans rolling."
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They all just look at him for a few seconds as their irises slowly shifted from blue to green, before beginning to snicker at his words before turning fully into laughter. Eventually, the female spoke up as they got it under control, saying,"I,*snerk*, I do apologize, I really do. You must not know quite very much about how the Empire treats its allies. You honestly wouldn't HAVE to ask, for either of those. We look after our friends, just as we'd expect our friends to look after us when able. Honestly we're a tad lax about alliance negotiations, heheh, we dont really see much need to state the obvious. And if you would like some aid with these 'Embodiment' people...We have many spare bodies for our soldiers. Honestly, if you'd like some help once you're on your feet with this, just let us know and, barring preventive circumstances, we should be able to provide support. And to answer your question, the Empire would be happy to ally with your organization. Oh, uhm, if you wouldn't mind giving one of us a way to contact Plunder, we'll need to be able to let you know when we've arranged for that temporary base of operations we mentioned. Is there anything else you'd like to negotiate as part of this alliance?"
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The shadow shakes its head. "This is all that this one is capable of explaining. This one will relay your message to its creator, and leave behind a small, sponge-like stone. Merely squeeze it when you wish to contact the Sons." It says, before is body suddenly collapses in on itself, leaving said stone on the floor.