Calen shifted her weight ever so slightly to relieve the cramping in her arms. She had broken into the Dome several hours before the workday began, wanting to have time to examine her surroundings. A falsified key given to her by the bartender had granted her access and after that it had been easy to avoid the basic security measures in place.
It was a relief for Calen to not be floating around. She felt like her prey was now on her terms now, something a hunter always desired. But the first thing she noticed was the presence of bright lights everywhere to illuminate the work place. Her cloaking device would not last long in such an environment so it was necessary to find a hiding spot in order to preserve the charge for when she needed it most.
She ended up climbing on top of a large storage tank that was almost touching a portion of ceiling. It was a tight fit but Calen had long ago become inured to staying in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time. Worthy prey and the honor of making a difficult kill always made the wait worthwhile.
The images of the two suspect officials were burned into her memory. Carrying around a data pad on such a mission was impractical. If they showed up, she would recognize them. Many hours had gone by since the large airlock doors opened up to admit the first wave of workers and bots into the Dome and there was still no sign of either suspect.
Two more shifts left and entered before the first suspect finally walked in. Finally, Calen thought. She watched the zelenca with interest as he immediately went to work overseeing a portion of the factory floor. The bartender had been correct in that if messages were being sent, it was not from the Dome. The official was constantly surrounded by employees giving him little chance for privacy.
Calen could see that the zelenca had limited power at best. He supervised but Calen counted at least eight others that he seemed to answer too. If the man valued position or wealth he would be ripe for bribery. He was also in a key location to give the Imperium valuable information. Invasion on a water planet such as this would be difficult. But it would make strategic sense to try and cripple the economy by destroying its factories. All it would take is a handful of precise attacks to completely undermine the government.
The zelenca's behavior changed subtly and he began to glance at the airlock as if expecting someone. The change in behavior would have been imperceptible to a less experienced hunter. Another wave of workers and bots entered and with it came the second suspect.
So, there is a connection between them.
The two exchanged data pads, a seemingly normal occurrence between the supervisors of each shift and the first suspect began to head toward the airlock door.
'Vert!
Calen either had to take her chances following her first suspect or stay where she was and watch the second. Making a split-second calculation she activated her cloaking device and climbed down the storage tank with impressive agility, slipping into the airlock mere seconds before the door closed.
Brainstorming (Adventure) - Calen Natari Saga 14
"No names," the bartender said firmly. "I don't want to know who you are and you don't know me."
Calen shrugged. "Fair enough. Now tell me what this resistance of yours has uncovered so far."
"Not much, I'm afraid. Most of us are civilians and not in positions of power to really do any deep digging. But we do know that the spies are zelenca traitors. As you've probably figured out, it's not easy for an outsider to get around our underwater cities. It would be impossible for a stranger to live for years here without anyone noticing. We think that the spies probably have an interest in Shawm joining the Imperium."
"A reasonable assumption. What actions have you taken?"
"We have no wish to undermine our own government. Which is why you are such a convenient discovery. We have made a point of following around those that we suspect. But they are tricky, these traitors. They are careful to hide their tracks."
"Tell me who you suspect," Calen asked as she idly toyed with her knife.
The bartender shook his head. "Nothing is positive. And we have no names. But I can give you the images that we took of them. There are two. Both of them are high level officials at the Dome."
"What's that?"
"We have found that some manufacturing is best done in an oxygen based environment. So the Dome was built to house such productions. The thing is, that building only has interplanetary communications. So if messages are being sent to the Imperium, it's not from there."
"It would be too suspicious to send messages directly from the Dome, anyone. It would compromise their position."
"We thought that too. But we have yet figure out where they could be sending the messages. Our cities have very tight security. This is partially why our government foolishly believes that invasion is impossible."
She slid her knife back in her boot. "Leave that to me. I'm going to follow up on this lead. I'll be back if it turns out to be a dead end."
"And if it doesn't?"
She laughed. "Consider your problem solved."
Calen shrugged. "Fair enough. Now tell me what this resistance of yours has uncovered so far."
"Not much, I'm afraid. Most of us are civilians and not in positions of power to really do any deep digging. But we do know that the spies are zelenca traitors. As you've probably figured out, it's not easy for an outsider to get around our underwater cities. It would be impossible for a stranger to live for years here without anyone noticing. We think that the spies probably have an interest in Shawm joining the Imperium."
"A reasonable assumption. What actions have you taken?"
"We have no wish to undermine our own government. Which is why you are such a convenient discovery. We have made a point of following around those that we suspect. But they are tricky, these traitors. They are careful to hide their tracks."
"Tell me who you suspect," Calen asked as she idly toyed with her knife.
The bartender shook his head. "Nothing is positive. And we have no names. But I can give you the images that we took of them. There are two. Both of them are high level officials at the Dome."
"What's that?"
"We have found that some manufacturing is best done in an oxygen based environment. So the Dome was built to house such productions. The thing is, that building only has interplanetary communications. So if messages are being sent to the Imperium, it's not from there."
"It would be too suspicious to send messages directly from the Dome, anyone. It would compromise their position."
"We thought that too. But we have yet figure out where they could be sending the messages. Our cities have very tight security. This is partially why our government foolishly believes that invasion is impossible."
She slid her knife back in her boot. "Leave that to me. I'm going to follow up on this lead. I'll be back if it turns out to be a dead end."
"And if it doesn't?"
She laughed. "Consider your problem solved."
Strozzi (Race)
Home Planet: Kortholt
Affiliation: Rebellion
Description: A proud race of humanoid warriors that are strongly dominated by the females. As a protective evolutionary feature, hard, sharp bones protrude from their bodies to protect the more sensitive areas such as the spine and shoulders. They tower above the average human by about two feet.
Because of their dangerous exoskeletons, only males of this species have been able to successfully mate with the females and live to tell the tale, their bodies specifically designed to fit the contours of the female. Because males do not carry the young of such a great race they are considered to be the inferior gender. The males live freely, not as slaves, but hold large ceremonial battles where they must fight to earn the right to mate.
This species is divided up by tribes but each family seems to live a considerable distance away from each other. As far as scholars can tell, an extremely advanced trading route seems to exist to allow the strozzi to live in such a fashion. Though how, exactly, the trade route works remains a mystery.
Strozzi are in favor of the Rebellion but are not thus far actively involved in any of the conflicts that take place outside of their homeworld. As far as they are concerned, theirs is the superior race. If the Imperium wishes to convince them differently, they are welcome to try.
Affiliation: Rebellion
Description: A proud race of humanoid warriors that are strongly dominated by the females. As a protective evolutionary feature, hard, sharp bones protrude from their bodies to protect the more sensitive areas such as the spine and shoulders. They tower above the average human by about two feet.
Because of their dangerous exoskeletons, only males of this species have been able to successfully mate with the females and live to tell the tale, their bodies specifically designed to fit the contours of the female. Because males do not carry the young of such a great race they are considered to be the inferior gender. The males live freely, not as slaves, but hold large ceremonial battles where they must fight to earn the right to mate.
This species is divided up by tribes but each family seems to live a considerable distance away from each other. As far as scholars can tell, an extremely advanced trading route seems to exist to allow the strozzi to live in such a fashion. Though how, exactly, the trade route works remains a mystery.
Strozzi are in favor of the Rebellion but are not thus far actively involved in any of the conflicts that take place outside of their homeworld. As far as they are concerned, theirs is the superior race. If the Imperium wishes to convince them differently, they are welcome to try.
Focused Body, Focused Mind (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 9
"Stop looking around! I told you: watch one spot, nothing more."
Uxel readjusted herself on her perch, a special piece of furniture her master had put together for her use alone. He had been extremely meticulous while assembling, careful not to have his orders seem suspicious but at the same time wanting to know exactly what Uxel preferred. Uxel had been unsure of what to make of such a grandiose gesture. She barely remembered her parents and since their deaths no one had given a 'vert as to whether she was alive or dead.
"The burdon of learning should never fall solely on the student's shoulders," Master Achushnet had explained. "Teaching is a skill in and of itself. I teach you things and you teach me things in return. A student cannot learn in an environment that feels uncomfortable. Consider the perch my welcome gift to you."
That had been weeks ago and the excitement had long since been worn off by the acute sense of frustration building up inside of Uxel. These drills seemed to be going nowhere. Master Achushnet refused to move her on to other material until she had learned to control her body. Her very survival had depended on her being in constant awareness of her surroundings. How was she supposed to override a lifetime of habits with his stupid drill?
"You let your emotions get the better of you, Uxel. You are only frustrated because you allow yourself to be so. Patience does not mean an absence of frustration. It means that you are completely in the moment. Enjoying and fully aware of everything going on in this instant and not all the things you could or would rather be doing. Only with patience will you heighten your awareness of your surroundings. Try it again."
Uxel glared at her master skeptically. But it did strike a chord with his last speech. She had never considered that this exercise might make her more aware of the details around her. At least that, if nothing else, was something she could take away from these lessons. Readjusting herself on the perch she calmed her mind and went through the steps of meditation.
Her mind instantly recoiled when it realized what she was trying to do. But instead of fighting the need to wrestle with the frustration she let it wash over her. There was no where else she needed to be. No one she had to talk to. Nothing.
The frustration became less insistent and Uxel began to focus on her breathing. In and out... slowly... deep breaths. She made no effort to control the stray thoughts, she let them come and pass through her mind at their own accord. All that mattered was the breathing.
A sense of calmness started to creep in, not as fleeting as a stray through. This emotion was much deeper than that. She felt the need to scratch but ignored it as she continued to breath. In and out until she suddenly realized that she was thinking about... nothing.
Uxel readjusted herself on her perch, a special piece of furniture her master had put together for her use alone. He had been extremely meticulous while assembling, careful not to have his orders seem suspicious but at the same time wanting to know exactly what Uxel preferred. Uxel had been unsure of what to make of such a grandiose gesture. She barely remembered her parents and since their deaths no one had given a 'vert as to whether she was alive or dead.
"The burdon of learning should never fall solely on the student's shoulders," Master Achushnet had explained. "Teaching is a skill in and of itself. I teach you things and you teach me things in return. A student cannot learn in an environment that feels uncomfortable. Consider the perch my welcome gift to you."
That had been weeks ago and the excitement had long since been worn off by the acute sense of frustration building up inside of Uxel. These drills seemed to be going nowhere. Master Achushnet refused to move her on to other material until she had learned to control her body. Her very survival had depended on her being in constant awareness of her surroundings. How was she supposed to override a lifetime of habits with his stupid drill?
"You let your emotions get the better of you, Uxel. You are only frustrated because you allow yourself to be so. Patience does not mean an absence of frustration. It means that you are completely in the moment. Enjoying and fully aware of everything going on in this instant and not all the things you could or would rather be doing. Only with patience will you heighten your awareness of your surroundings. Try it again."
Uxel glared at her master skeptically. But it did strike a chord with his last speech. She had never considered that this exercise might make her more aware of the details around her. At least that, if nothing else, was something she could take away from these lessons. Readjusting herself on the perch she calmed her mind and went through the steps of meditation.
Her mind instantly recoiled when it realized what she was trying to do. But instead of fighting the need to wrestle with the frustration she let it wash over her. There was no where else she needed to be. No one she had to talk to. Nothing.
The frustration became less insistent and Uxel began to focus on her breathing. In and out... slowly... deep breaths. She made no effort to control the stray thoughts, she let them come and pass through her mind at their own accord. All that mattered was the breathing.
A sense of calmness started to creep in, not as fleeting as a stray through. This emotion was much deeper than that. She felt the need to scratch but ignored it as she continued to breath. In and out until she suddenly realized that she was thinking about... nothing.
A Brief History (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 8
The master's dwelling was surprisingly cozy and no so very different from the nests on Uxel's homeworld. Uxel was slightly comforted by this. Perhaps it would make her stay feel like less of a chore. Achushnet poured two glasses of amber colored liquid and handed one of them to her. Uxel took a sip. It had an earthy tasted and burned going down but creating a pleasing warming sensation inside her stomach. Interesting.
Achushnet pointed to a chair and sat down on the piece of furniture opposite. "You are not used to alcoholic drinks I take it. How old are you, Uxel? You seem young."
"By my people's standards I have been an adult for several years. According to the Standard Timeline I am seventeen." She looked at the indicated chair. "Do you mind if I perch? Sitting like a human is... uncomfortable."
"Make yourself at home. So tell me, what do you know of the tuning system?"
"Just rumors and legends mostly. I'm sure none of it is accurate."
"Rumors and legends can usually trace their source to fact. Tell me anyway."
"Well, just that tuners are masters of an ancient power. They have learned to control themselves to tap into this power. They usually wield weapons called resonators. They have their own code and are usually admired but also sometimes feared. Certainly a force to be reckoned with."
"On a very basic level, everything you have said is so far correct."
Uxel was intrigued. "So you can control an ancient power?"
"Not exactly control. We learn to work with the power behind the universe."
"What do you mean?"
"We long ago discovered that everything in the universe has its own natural vibrations, no matter how faint. You, me, a rock, this planet... we all vibrate with energy. These vibrations are part of what makes us what we are. For example, every species vibrates at a different frequency. So in that sense, a species is the same. But every individual will have slight variations."
"Frequency?"
"How fast or slow the vibrations are. Fire has a very high frequency, it's particles move quickly which is why we feel its warmth. Ice has a lower frequency, it's particles have slowed down in the freezing process."
"How can tuners control this, though?"
"I said already, we don't. But we can work with our surroundings. First a tuner must master themselves. You will have to discover your body's natural frequency. Once you know that, you can learn to temporarily increase or decrease that frequency level which will allow you to interact with objects in different ways."
Uxel puzzled over this. "How would it be different?"
"Well, if ice has a lower natural frequency and you apply a high frequency force to it, what would happen?"
"I could melt it!"
"Or shatter it. Or make it change to steam. It depends on how precise you are."
"When do we start?"
Achushnet pointed to a chair and sat down on the piece of furniture opposite. "You are not used to alcoholic drinks I take it. How old are you, Uxel? You seem young."
"By my people's standards I have been an adult for several years. According to the Standard Timeline I am seventeen." She looked at the indicated chair. "Do you mind if I perch? Sitting like a human is... uncomfortable."
"Make yourself at home. So tell me, what do you know of the tuning system?"
"Just rumors and legends mostly. I'm sure none of it is accurate."
"Rumors and legends can usually trace their source to fact. Tell me anyway."
"Well, just that tuners are masters of an ancient power. They have learned to control themselves to tap into this power. They usually wield weapons called resonators. They have their own code and are usually admired but also sometimes feared. Certainly a force to be reckoned with."
"On a very basic level, everything you have said is so far correct."
Uxel was intrigued. "So you can control an ancient power?"
"Not exactly control. We learn to work with the power behind the universe."
"What do you mean?"
"We long ago discovered that everything in the universe has its own natural vibrations, no matter how faint. You, me, a rock, this planet... we all vibrate with energy. These vibrations are part of what makes us what we are. For example, every species vibrates at a different frequency. So in that sense, a species is the same. But every individual will have slight variations."
"Frequency?"
"How fast or slow the vibrations are. Fire has a very high frequency, it's particles move quickly which is why we feel its warmth. Ice has a lower frequency, it's particles have slowed down in the freezing process."
"How can tuners control this, though?"
"I said already, we don't. But we can work with our surroundings. First a tuner must master themselves. You will have to discover your body's natural frequency. Once you know that, you can learn to temporarily increase or decrease that frequency level which will allow you to interact with objects in different ways."
Uxel puzzled over this. "How would it be different?"
"Well, if ice has a lower natural frequency and you apply a high frequency force to it, what would happen?"
"I could melt it!"
"Or shatter it. Or make it change to steam. It depends on how precise you are."
"When do we start?"
Kortholt (Planet)
Affiliation: Rebellion
Native Race: Strozzi
Main Weapon Produced: vi Sniper Rifle
Main Ship Produced: Viala Fighter
Description: A temperate planet for the most part. Kortholt boasts just about every type of natural terrain from beautiful oceans to pristine forests to majestic mountains. If it weren't for the native race of fierce women warriors, this planet would have long ago been conquered by the resource-greedy Imperium.
Rebellion spies have uncovered rumors that Korholt may very soon expect a full on assault. Imperium military strategists have so far had a difficult time figuring out the best way to go about it since the strozzi have no apparent capital or overly large cities.
Native Race: Strozzi
Main Weapon Produced: vi Sniper Rifle
Main Ship Produced: Viala Fighter
Description: A temperate planet for the most part. Kortholt boasts just about every type of natural terrain from beautiful oceans to pristine forests to majestic mountains. If it weren't for the native race of fierce women warriors, this planet would have long ago been conquered by the resource-greedy Imperium.
Rebellion spies have uncovered rumors that Korholt may very soon expect a full on assault. Imperium military strategists have so far had a difficult time figuring out the best way to go about it since the strozzi have no apparent capital or overly large cities.
Survival Day 1 (Adventure) - Reuben Calloway Saga 15
"Calloway! Your drop point is next!"
Reuben clung tightly to his survival pack. The pack and the jumpsuit he now wore were the only things between him and death for the next two weeks. The thought both scared and thrilled him. He had never before felt so intensely... alive.
The shuttle swooped low and the doors opened. Reuben jumped out and then watched as the shuttle became a tiny speck in the sky. The other cadets participating in this survival test would be scattered around the planet. Theoretically, it was possible to find another cadet and team up but it would be difficult and a waste of valuable time. Not a safe strategy to bet on.
Reuben glanced around. Gittern truly was a sight to behold. It seemed to be mostly dirt and rock and fungus everywhere. Mushrooms of every shape and size populated the surface; some small enough to be crushed by his boot, others bigger than full-grown trees.
He could spend hours just starring as the alien setting but that would be foolhardy. His first priority was to find shelter. The second was to find a source of food and water. His survival pack contained enough dried rations to last him two weeks if he really watched how much he consumed. But that was a quick way to lose strength and potentially make him vulnerable. His third priority would be to fashion some sort of weapon. His pack contained a short-ranged pistol but if that somehow got lost, he would be in trouble.
The mushrooms made it difficult to see very far. He noticed, however, that the ground toward the east seemed to slope upward and became rockier. Rocks meant shelter and higher ground meant a chance to scout the area. It wasn't much but it was a start. Besides, he only had a few hours before the seasons changed...
Reuben clung tightly to his survival pack. The pack and the jumpsuit he now wore were the only things between him and death for the next two weeks. The thought both scared and thrilled him. He had never before felt so intensely... alive.
The shuttle swooped low and the doors opened. Reuben jumped out and then watched as the shuttle became a tiny speck in the sky. The other cadets participating in this survival test would be scattered around the planet. Theoretically, it was possible to find another cadet and team up but it would be difficult and a waste of valuable time. Not a safe strategy to bet on.
Reuben glanced around. Gittern truly was a sight to behold. It seemed to be mostly dirt and rock and fungus everywhere. Mushrooms of every shape and size populated the surface; some small enough to be crushed by his boot, others bigger than full-grown trees.
He could spend hours just starring as the alien setting but that would be foolhardy. His first priority was to find shelter. The second was to find a source of food and water. His survival pack contained enough dried rations to last him two weeks if he really watched how much he consumed. But that was a quick way to lose strength and potentially make him vulnerable. His third priority would be to fashion some sort of weapon. His pack contained a short-ranged pistol but if that somehow got lost, he would be in trouble.
The mushrooms made it difficult to see very far. He noticed, however, that the ground toward the east seemed to slope upward and became rockier. Rocks meant shelter and higher ground meant a chance to scout the area. It wasn't much but it was a start. Besides, he only had a few hours before the seasons changed...
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