Backstage - OOC Forums
EVE-Online RP Discussion and Resources => EVE Fiction + Fiction discussion => Topic started by: Synthia on 06 Apr 2013, 13:45
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Survey Vessel Trident, in orbit around uncharted temperate planet.
"Captain, here on the thermal scanner, see it?"
"A blob, higher than the surroundings, yeah, I see it, what're your thoughts?"
"too warm to be natural, there has to be an artificial source, some kind of reactor, and that's the heat plume from the exhaust", said the scansman.
"There shouldn't be anything there, Captain.", said the chief scientist.
The captain frowned, "settlers, maybe? what about pirates?"
"Possible, but the size of it looks like a substantial installation, larger than anything that most civilians would have been able to obtain."
"I'll take the ship in closer, lets get a better look at it"
"Looks like ruined buildings around the site of the reactor. Several square kilometres of them."
"Does it look inhabited?"
"No sign of anything. It all looks overgrown with the local vegetation."
"How old do you think it is?"
"Could be centuries, captain, maybe thousands of years."
"And the reactor's still running, eh?"
"Still putting out heat, could be a fission reactor, still hot after centuries"
"Prep the dropship, we'll take a look."
Dropship
"Suit up everyone. Alright Doctor, what do you need us to do?"
"We're going to land at the outskirts of the city, Sergeant, measure for any environmental hazards, before taking a closer look at this reactor."
"Right, Doctor, we'll keep the wildlife from bothering you."
"Hah, quite. Though there's no guarantee it's uninhabited, so stay sharp."
"Captain, we've landed at the outskirts."
"How does it look, Doctor?"
"Radiation is barely above background levels, bacteria and virus present are all species we have in catalogues, nothing unusually dangerous. Atmosphere reads as breathable, but we're staying suited up for now."
"Any signs of life?"
"Nothing intelligent that we can see. The marines shot an animal that came out of the undergrowth, I don't recognise the species, it was a large quadroped. Quite muscly. Other than that, everything seems normal."
"Alright. Anything in the ruins?"
"A few artifacts in some of what I assume are houses, Amarrian writing on them. Translator hasn't found anything of particular interest yet. Just a few religious texts."
"Amarrian, eh? Could be an isolationist cult."
"That's possible, Captain, I'll let you know if we find anything more."
"Keep in contact, Doctor."
Dropship lands near what looks like a reinforced bunker, thick metal doors at the entrance.
"This seems to be it, Doctor."
"Hmm. Sergeant, have your men look around, there might be another way in. These doors might not open, if they don't have power."
"Will do."
"Alrighty, let's see now. There should be a console... aha... damn, need to enter a code. This may take a while."
[Entrance Console Activated]
"Found what looks like an emergency manhole a couple hundred metres away, Doctor, other than that, your guess is as good as mine."
"Alright Sergeant. I'm going to try these doors, I think this is the right code"
"well, look at that, they still have power"
[Entrance Door Opened]
"Captain, we've gained access to the reactor bunker, there seems to be several chambers inside."
"What have you found?"
"There is a warning written on the door leading further into the complex."
"A warning?"
"Yes, Captain. Ancient Amarr writing, it reads 'Woe Unto Those That Wake The Guardian', according to the translator"
"A guardian? guardian of what?"
"Doesn't say, Captain. Should we press on?"
"Yes, but stay alert, Doctor. If there's a guardian, there's something worth guarding."
"Aye, captain."
"Sergeant, we're going to push on, stay sharp, this tablet says "woe to those that wake the guardian", could be anything behind these doors."
"Guarded treasure, eh?"
"Possibly. Though if it was valuable, why didn't the people take it away with them?"
"Hmm. Alright people, check weapons."
[Inner Door Opened - Start Awakening]
"Look at all this stuff."
"Lots of gold. Think this is what was being guarded?"
"Maybe, though who cares for gold these days?"
"Yeah."
"Sarge, Doc, get up here, there's something you have to see!"
"What is it, Corporal?"
"It's... a girl"
"What?"
"Well, isn't this something, Doc?"
"Cryo stasis chamber, still running, she's still alive, yeah, this is something alright."
"She'll know what happened to the people, won't she?"
"Probably, yes... you didn't touch anything did you?"
"No, why?"
"Look at this, the chamber's awakening her."
"We must have triggered something when we came in here, Doc."
"Sergeant, get your squad to cover, if we've tripped something, the 'Guardian' might be coming"
"You heard the man, Cover!"
"Captain, we have a situation. We've triggered something, there's a woman in a stasis chamber here, she's waking up, the 'Guardian' might be coming for us."
"I read you Doctor. Stay safe."
[Chamber awakening sequence completed]
"It's been half an hour, Doctor, no sign of any 'guardian', maybe it's nonfunctional, what do you think?"
"You could be right, Sergeant, I still feel uneasy though."
"How's the ice queen?"
"The what? ah, hmm, let's take a look. Everything seems alright, I... ggaaah!"
"Doc! what is it!"
"She looked at me! the chamber's opening!"
The woman steps out of the chamber, looking around at the unfamiliar scientists and soldiers, and says something in a questioning tone.
"I'm sorry, miss, I do not understand."
"Does the translator work, Doc?"
"Not on speech, hmm..."
The scientist makes motions representing writing something down. The woman smiles widely.
"She's naked, Sarge."
"I know, corporal, take a look around, see if you can find her some clothes, eh?"
The scientist gives the woman a datapad and scribe, and she writes a short sentence in Amarrian script, then hands it back.
"I, umm, well, err."
"What is it, Doctor?"
"She wrote 'It is rude to stare'"
"Hah, she got that right."
"Here's a robe thing, sarge"
"Well, don't just stand there, corporal, give it to the lady"
"Here you go, miss"
The woman puts on the robe and smiles, and gestures at the datapad. The scientist hands it to her, and she begins writing again.
"Ah, she's asking if we're from the Federation. Says we 'look Gallente'."
"Maybe you do. I'm Intaki. Federation hasn't been called that for two hundred years. How long has she been asleep?"
"We'll get to that, I'm going to ask about this 'Guardian'. She might know if it still works or not."
The woman looks at the datapad and the question written on it, then begins speaking in heavily accented Gallentean.
"Hello Human People, I am the Guardian of the Word of God, the True Faith. Would you Like an Explanatory Leaflet? It is a Leaflet that Explains."
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Very entertaining, not to mention intriguing. ;)
Final line is a very abrupt ending however, is there supposed to be more to this, or do I simply not get it?
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Very entertaining, not to mention intriguing. ;)
Final line is a very abrupt ending however, is there supposed to be more to this, or do I simply not get it?
It's the latter. You don't spend enough time ingame (in the Summit, anyway) to get it. :lol:
Hilarious to those of us who do, though.
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I think I get it by now, I forgot who Cynthia's character was.
I'd love more of this, if possible?
Also am I right in guessing this is set two centuries into the future, ca year 315+ something?
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I have to say the first time I saw the thread title the first thing that came to mind was that EVE had been mentioned in an article in the newspaper of that name.
Just me being a Brit I suppose. :D
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I think I get it by now, I forgot who Cynthia's character was.
I'd love more of this, if possible?
Also am I right in guessing this is set two centuries into the future, ca year 315+ something?
at least that sort of time, yes. Somewhere that's not so far away that language is incomprehensible, but close enough that Synthia can still speak Gallentean and be understood, even if her grammar is even more peculiar than normal.
glad people enjoyed it. I was going for the sort of thing, similar to explorers finding an Egyptian pyramid, dismissing the ancient curse on all who enter, and finding that at the centre, the sarcophagus opens, and instead of the conventional murderous rage at being disturbed, the mummified pharoah says: "have you ever considered the benefits of being a follower of Anubis?
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I would enjoy a leaflet that explains.
+1
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Fantastic.
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Onboard Trident
"That's what I'm saying, Captain. Her brain, it's like nothing I've ever seen before."
"Is she dangerous? Is there a risk of contamination?"
"I don't think so. I ran all the tests, she's not carrying any diseases, but I'll have to give her some medication to boost her immune system when we drop her off."
"Alright. How are the crew getting along with her?"
"The marines have lost most of their card games with her so far. She has an excellent card face, I can't tell when she's bluffing."
"Cards eh? I suppose we'd better get to port before we end up gambling the ship away, eh Doc?"
"Quite so, Captain"
"Your Captain controls the Ship with Cybernetic Implants?"
"Yeah, he has these spine plugs for the ship to connect to"
"Does he not use a Capsule?"
"A capsule? Those Jovian egg things?"
"Yes?"
"Those haven't been used for a long time. There was some kind of plague that someone released, killed most of the egger pilots at the time. Kind of fell out of use after that."
"I See. That is Unfortunate. Many People that I Knew were Capsule Pilots."
"Wait, you knew eggers? how old are you?"
"What Year is It? According to the Yoiul Conference Calendar"
"YC? umm, YC400? Roundabout that"
"Then I am Around 285 Years Old. Much will have Changed. My Knowledge of Gallente Fashion will be Obsolete. Are Transparent Corsets still Popular ?"
"There's a retro fashion trend for that right now, yeah"
"I Liked Gallente Fashion in the Past. The Dresses were Interesting, although they were Often Unrighteous"
(more to follow tomorrow)
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More of this, yes please!
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Union of Free Star Systems customs station, Luminaire
"I am Sorry, I do not Have any Documentation"
"I can't let you enter beyond this point without documents, ma'am"
"She doesn't have any. We picked her up from an uninhabited world"
"It is called Kaztropol. I was Queen of that World."
"She'll have diplomatic immunity then, won't she?"
"I'm sorry sir, ma'am, I'll need to call my supervisor"
"I Observe that the Gallente are as Fond of Bureaucracy and Procedures as they Ever Were."
"You didn't say you were a queen before"
"I Did not Believe it was Relevant."
"Well, there might be an angle here. If you're the sovereign of that world, you can claim you're here on all sorts of reasons. Attracting inward investment. There'd be a few companies looking for a tax break, for example"
"That Seems like a very Caldari Attitude, Captain"
"The Caldari Corporate Prosperity Zone?"
"I Remember it to be called the Caldari State"
"Yes, that was a while ago though"
"There is Much History that I will Need to Examine"
Ministry of Internal Order station, Bashakru
"This news article claims that a, quote, Amarrian queen, unquote, was found on an uninhabited planet by a survey ship. Says she's been in hibernation for hundreds of years"
"Hmm, have the Theology Council got ahold of this?"
"Indeed, they have a representative on their way to meet us already"
"Oh, good."
"We must question this, this, queen. She may know about some of the saints, any contradictions in her accounts would be... problematic."
"And what are you proposing?"
"Send an inquisitor, of course."
"Those Gallente won't like that, perhaps... there are still a few retired inquisitors from around that time... maybe one would like to take a holiday to Gallente space. Not acting in an official capacity, of course"
"And do you have someone in mind?"
"As it so happens... yes."
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This is going places.
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Ny'Stetoh, Mishi IV.
On a park bench beside a pond, an ancient couple are sat, hand in hand, watching the ducks on the pond.
A pair of young Amarr women in the uniform of the Ministry of Internal Order walk up, and one of them asks "Grand Inquisitor?"
The old man looks up "No one has called me that in over a hundred years"
"I'm sorry sir, there is a situation that requires your expertise", says one agent.
"My expertise? Can't a man enjoy his retirement and wife?"
The elegant old woman giggles at this comment, "It must be important dear."
"Here sir", says the other young agent.
The old man runs a hand through his flowing white hair as he reads the dataslate.
"I.. see... Well... this is unusual. I'll be happy to help. Mitty dear, it seems I have been recalled to service."
"Thank you, Lord Shutaq"
University of Caille Library, Luminaire campus.
"Hello, I would Like to Read some Historical Accounts for the past Two Hundred Years."
"Oh, history is over here, third on your left as you go down this aisle. Say, aren't you that Amarr queen on the holo news?"
"Yes ?"
"Wow, you look shorter in person"
"I am the Same Height I have always Been"
"Oh, right, of course."
"This should interest you, miss."
"Please, call me Synthia."
"That's a nice name."
The End of the Mad Empress
The reign of Empress Jamyl I, was brought to a sudden end by her death in an explosion that ruined a cathedral in Dam-Torsad and claimed the lives of several other senior Sarum Family members and associates.
The explosion destroyed one of the main structural supports holding up the roof of the building, where the Empress was attending a banquet held by the Sarum Heir.
Initially, it was thought to be an external attack, but investigations revealed the true sequence of events.
The blast originated in one of the lavatories. Survivors testimony and surveillance recordings identified the perpetrator, which was one of the invited guests.
At 1200, the perpetrator entered along with the rest of the guests. Security did not observe anything suspicious at the time.
At 1430, the perpetrator excused themselves, and was seen on camera entering the lavatory.
At 1500, the perpetrator exits the lavatory, one of the surviving lavatory attendants later testifies that the perpetrator said "you'd better throw some bleach down that, boys. It's grim in there."
At 1505, the perpetrator returns to their seat, at the same table as the Empress, and is seen smiling.
At 1509, the perpetrator holds the Empress's hand, and utters the phrase "Dark Times".
At 1510, the perpetrator, and Empress and most of the other guests at the table are killed as the ceiling collapses on them.
Autopsy revealed traces of an explosive compound in the intestine of the perpetrator, which reacts with extreme violence with the ingredients of common bleach.
The perpetrator was identified as a previously well regarded capsule pilot.
One hundred years later, after considering their judgement for decades, the Theology Council approve the sainthood of Cardinal Graelyn, Assassin of the Mad Empress.
"This is Curious. I knew Cardinal Graelyn."
"Really? You should write about that, you could get like, appearances on holo shows and stuff about it. Make a fair amount of money"
"I See."
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Sisters of EVE Rest Home for the Elderly, Eglennaert
A blonde receptionist greets a visitor:
"Hello, may I help you?"
"Yes. It Says you have a Resident called Zara de Kaztropol. I wish to Visit Her."
"I am sorry to tell you, but Miss Zara only wishes close family to visit."
"Yes. I am Close Family."
"Are you now? Well, so am I, and I've never met you before."
"Zara will Know who I am. Inform her that Synthia wishes to say Hello."
"We'll see about that."
"Yes."
A short time later:
"Miss... Synthia ? Great-granmama says she'd like you to visit. I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot earlier."
"That is Alright. I have not been Around for some Time. It is Unsurprising that we have not Met before. My name is Synthia. I am Zara's Mother. Hello."
"I... umm... see the resemblance now. My name is Sucha. So you're my great-great-grandmother?"
"Yes. I did not Know that Zara had Children. I am Pleased that she Does."
"I can see you have a lot of catching up to do, I hope great-granmama isn't too tired. She's been very tired the past few weeks."
"I see."
A very old woman sits in a chair, doing embroidery, and looks up at her visitors:
"Who's there? Is that you, Sucha? Come closer so I can see you."
"Yes great granmama, I'm here. And so is a visitor."
"Hello Zara. It is I, Synthia. Your Mother. Hello."
"Mama! I... knew it was you. I saw it on the news. Frozen Amarrian queen, it said"
"Yes. I was in Suspended Animation. I have only Recently been Awoken."
"I'll leave you two to catch up. Let me know if you need anything."
"Thank you Sucha."
"Yes."
"Such a nice girl, young Sucha"
"Yes. She said she is your Great-granddaughter. I Observe some Similarity in Facial Structure."
"Most people would have said 'she has your eyes' or something, Mama."
"Yes. I did not Know you had Children. Or a Husband."
"Oh I had eight children, and four husbands"
"!"
"Not all at the same time, mama!"
"I See. Such Behaviour would have been Unrighteous"
The old woman continues her embroidery and talks with her visitor:
"And after that, was the Sani sabik civil war, which was the last straw. I had Kaztropol evacuated by the SoE, and joined them myself."
"I See. I was Surprised when it said you Joined the SoE and became an Important Figure"
"Our religion didn't help anyone, mother. That's all I ever wanted to do, help people."
"Yes. Compassion is a Virtue."
Some hours later, the old woman sets her embroidery down:
"I've finished this piece, I'd like you to have it"
"Thank You. It is very Pretty."
"I'm tired, mama, let's just sit and watch the sunset for a while"
"Yes"
A while later:
"How are you two getting along?"
"Hello Sucha. Zara and I are watching the Sunset. She made an Interesting piece of Embroidery for Me."
"The... sunset... ? That's not for hours yet... "
"Zara said she was Tired. She closed her Eyes a while ago."
"Oh my... Oh no... no..."
"What is Wrong ?"
"She's passed away, she... must have been holding on for you. I'm sorry."
"Zara has Died ? She did not Tell me! I am Upset by this Development. I did not Get to Tell her how Much I appreciated this Gift."
"a gift?"
"Yes. This Embroidery."
"What is it ?"
"It is a phrase in Takmahl script. It says 'Nothing IS written'."
"I see. It must have been important for her. I... I need to do some things. We need to... prepare for greatgranmama's funeral."
"Yes. I would Like to Help."
"I... think you've done enough, by being here for Zara. I'm sorry."
"I require Time to Think."
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"What is it ?"
"It is a phrase in Takmahl script. It says 'Nothing IS written'."
>:)
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University of Caille Library, Luminaire campus.
"Hello, I would Like to Read some Historical Accounts for the past Two Hundred Years."
"Oh, welcome back, miss Synthia, was it? How have you been ?"
"I have been Well. I would Like to Know about the Sani Sabik Civil War"
"Oh my, a fascinating subject."
The Sani Sabik Civil War
Following the killing of Omir Sarikusa by a joint Imperial Navy/Loyalist capsuleer fleet led by Saint Rodj the Hammer, the Blood Raider Covenant splintered into several factions, with disagreements between them rapidly escalating into outright war.
The revelation that several of the splinter groups were covert Ministry of Internal Order operations further shattered the cohesion of the Sani Sabik, with the result that few of the remaining cults encompass an entire planet, let alone a solar system or region of space.
Several worlds were depopulated or evacuated during the conflicts.
This sectarian violence continues to the modern day, causing most areas of space inhabited by Sani sabik believers of any denomination, to be avoided whenever possible.
"This information is most Useful. Where may I find Information on Planets that were Evacuated during the War?"
"Oh, by the Sisters of Eve ? That would be located in this file."
"Thank You."
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[spoiler]Even though I'd hate to agree where this story is headed, I think it is a realistic (in New Eden) depiction of what would happen if Omir were killed. Splinter sects are all there are now in the Sani Sabik RP communities.
On another note, regarding Synthia's daughter saying that the Sani Sabik never helped anyone. I think Sani Sabik in general are very different in the way they practice religion, yet I believe what all Sani Sabik sects have in common, besides blood ritual and red god, is the belief and teaching of self-reliance. Which is in contract to Amarr's version of slavery and dependence. Modern Sani Sabik, especially Omir's sect, in PF do not own personal slaves, they give their own blood.[/spoiler]
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Planet of the People, SOE Reservation
"Can I help you, miss?"
"Yes. I wish to See the Chief of the People here."
"The People don't really talk to outsiders. They barely talk to us."
"I am Sure the Chief would wish to Talk with Myself."
"I'll let him know."
"I am the Chief of the Wandering People. I speak for them. What do you want ?"
"Hello. I am Synthia, your Empress and Queen."
"A bold claim. What proof would you offer that you are truthful ?"
"The Coin you are wearing on that Necklace, is a Kazerius."
"I... err... a lucky guess. You must answer the Questions by the High Priest."
"Yes."
"These are the holy Objects of our faith, if you are truthful, you will know what they are, and what they are for. No Outsider knows these objects."
"I See. Show me the Objects."
"Behold!"
"That is an Explanatory Leaflet."
"I... what ?"
"It is a Leaflet that Explains."
"Wh... wha... what is it about?"
"It is about our Religion."
"And... what is this?"
"That is a Holoreel, it has the Demonstratory Video on it. The Demonstratory Video is a Video that Demonstrates. It shows one of our Rituals."
"I told you, I told you she knew the Faith."
"Yes, there is one more thing. The Most Holy Relic."
"Are you sure?"
"It will be the ultimate proof."
"This sarcophagus contains the Most Holy Relic. Only the most Righteous understand what it is."
"I See."
"Open the sarcophagus"
"That is a Body of my Sister, Connie. It appears to be Inactive."
"I, err. She's touching the Most Holy Relic!"
"I have located the Fault. Connie is now Active."
"Hello, Synthia. I have been Inactive."
"God be praised, it is a miracle!"
"Chief. I wish to return your People to Kaztropol."
"You, you can return us to the World ? our Wandering is over ?"
"Yes."
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(http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140928165911/epicrapbattlesofhistory/images/5/59/Stare-What-GIF.gif)
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Kaztropol Embassy, Luminaire
Two Amarr men, one with long white hair, one without, approach the embassy.
"This is the place, Grand Inquisitor"
"All right, when we meet this 'Amarr queen', I'll do the talking. One wrong word could get us into a whole lot of trouble."
"Their heresy is that bad ?"
"Oh, no, just, well, if it's who I think it is, then, just, let me do the talking."
An official greets the two visitors.
"Welcome, sirs, to the Kaztropolitan embassy, how may I help you?"
"I have an appointment, to meet the Queen."
"Oh, very nice, please, this way."
The visitors are led to a lounge inside the embassy.
"The Queen will arrive shortly, please, make yourself comfortable."
"Thank you."
"These chairs are rather comfortable, aren't they?"
"Indeed, Grand Inquisitor."
A door opens, and a blonde Amarr appears, dressed very formally. The two men start to rise from their chairs.
"Hello. You may be Seated."
The two men, mid-way to standing up, sit back down somewhat clumsily. The Amarr woman takes a seat behind a desk.
"I am Queen Synthia, You wished an Audience."
"Silence, heretic!" says the younger of the two men.
The Amarr woman raises one eyebrow slightly.
"From your outburst, I shall Assume that you are From the Imperial Faith. As Such, from My point of View..."
The older Amarr man whispers to the younger man "this is why I said I'll do the talking"
"... it is You that is the Heretic, as I am a Righteous True Believer. It is Written."
"I apologise for my compatriot's behaviour, your Majesty"
"Your Apology is Accepted. You look Familiar. What is your Name, sir?"
"My name, majesty, is Aldrith..."
"Aldrith Shutaq. Yes. Hello Aldrith, We have not Talked for Some Time. How is your wife, Mitara ? How is your son Theobald ? I read that he had Enrolled at the Imperial Academy."
"Mitara is doing well, your Majesty, and my son, Grand Admiral Lord Theobald Shutaq is enjoying his retirement."
"I see, that he Inherited the Best Qualities of his Parents."
"You are too kind, your Majesty."
"Yes. You may address me as Synthia. What brings you Both to Luminaire ? I Assume you Did not Come all this Way simply to say Hello."
"We are here, Synthia, to determine what you know of some of the more recent Saints."
"I have Read that Cardinal Graelyn became a Martyr. This was Somewhat Unexpected."
"Yes, that sort of thing."
"I See."
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In the spirit of the season: please, sir, I want some more.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2
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In the spirit of the season: please, sir, I want some more.
+1
And I'll add, "Thank you, sir, may I have another?"
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Kaztropol Embassy
"I know Little of the more recent Saints, Aldrith Shutaq."
"That may be true, Synthia, but your reappearance is somewhat of a tricky issue, theologically."
"I believe it to be a Sign, Aldrith Shutaq."
"A... sign?"
"Yes. It has Come to my Attention that the Peoples of the Sani Sabik have Lost their Way, and the Planets that they inhabit are Worlds of Strife and Torment."
"Well, that is true..."
"It is then Clear, that while Amarr endures, and Sani Sabik does not, then there is a Flaw in the Sani Sabik Scriptures."
"Of course there's a flaw, they're heretical!", says the younger inquisitor.
"Silence."
"The Flaw must be Corrected, Aldrith Shutaq."
"I see."
"My Daughter said that our Religion did not Help Anyone. I Believe that my Reappearance was Arranged by God."
"That's... a bold statement, Synthia."
"Yes. The People of the Sani Sabik have gone Astray, and must be set Back onto the Correct Path."
"The path of Imperial Orthodoxy?"
"No."
"Your form of Sani Sabik?"
"No. Evidence Suggests that it is Defective. If it was Righteous, there would Not have been the Civil War. Therefore, it is Faulty. Faulty Code requires Patching. Faulty Scripture Requires New Scripture."
"You would rewrite the Sani Sabik religion? To what end?"
"Heterodoxy. The Imperial Orthodoxy is Logically Righteous, as it Endures. If it was Unrighteous, it would Not Endure. Therefore, Rewriting Scripture to Reset the Sani Sabik from Heresy to Heterodoxy is the Correct Course of Action."
"And you have been chosen by God to do this?"
"I Believe That to be the Case. Why Else would I Awaken?"
"Why indeed, Synthia."
"It is Written, Aldrith Shutaq:
'Casting his sight on his realm, the Lord witnessed
The cascade of evil, the torrents of war.
Burning with wrath, He stepped down from the Heavens
To judge the unworthy, To redeem the pure.'"
"Revelations 2:12" says the younger Inquisitor
"Yes. I am the Instrument of God's Will."
"And how would you go about this?"
"I have Located the Population that was Evacuated from Kaztropol. We shall Rebuild Kaztropolis, into the Capital of a new Kingdom, and begin a Crusade to Reclaim the Faithful of the Sani Sabik worlds. It is not Written. I shall Write it."
"And then what?"
"We shall be an Allied Kingdom to the Empire, much as the Khanid Kingdom is, Even though King Khanid II is a Rude King."
"It's Khanid III now."
"I See. Is he a Rude King as Well ?"
"I really don't know."
"I should Hope Not. It does not Do, to have a Rude Monarch."
"Quite. I must say, Synthia, this has been a very interesting meeting."
"Yes, Aldrith Shutaq. It has been Nice talking With you Again."
Synthia stands up.
"You are Excused. Please, enjoy the Refreshments."
"Thank you, your Majesty"
Synthia leaves the room, and two embassy staff bring in a trolley with fruit and cakes, as well as glasses of wine.
"Well, that went rather well"
"If you say so, grand Inquisitor"
"I believe so. She doesn't know anything controversial about the Saints, so that's one less thing to worry about."
"What about this talk of reclaiming the heretic worlds?"
"We will have to include that in our report to the Council, but I think this might be a good opportunity"
"You think she could do it? Turn them into allies of the Empire?"
"It's possible. She's a lot more single minded than most people."
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Theology Council Tribunal station, Avair
"Welcome back, Grand Inquisitor."
"Thank you, it is good to be back in Imperial space. I have heard my report has caused some fuss."
"Yes... well, you could say that. The Minister of Internal Order himself is here, talking to the Council."
A short time later.
"The contents of your report are accurate, Grand Inquisitor?"
"They are, your Lordship."
"They are hard to take at face value"
"Quite so, your Lordship."
"A hundreds of years old machine intelligence in the form of a Sani Sabik planetary queen, has decided Sani Sabik is heresy, and wishes to Reclaim the heretic worlds, and build them into an ally of the Empire. I must say, Grand Inquisitor, that this is the most unique report I have read in my time as Minister of Internal Order."
"Indeed, your Lordship, it is a most singular situation."
"Now, the question is, do you think this Synthia creature could do what it says it could. Could she reclaim the heretic worlds?"
"I think it is possible, your Lordship."
"How possible ?"
"She wouldn't get distracted as easily as other people would. So I think it is very possible, with some support."
"Well, we can't give too much support, the other powers would say it was a puppet state, which we want to avoid. Or at least, avoid being too obvious about it."
"Indeed, your Lordship."
"The final decision of course, lies with the Emperor, though I am sure he would find the idea of a machine converting the heretic worlds to the True Faith to be interesting."
"Indeed, sir."
"Thank you for your service once again, Grand Inquisitor. I wish you well in your re-retirement. God willing, you should be able to enjoy this one without interruption."
"Thank you, sir"