==Map Legend==
Green Dotted Arrow: Current Jump
Yellow Dotted Arrow: Last Jump
Orange Dotted Arrow: Last minus 1 Jump
Red Dotted Arrow: Prior jumps.
Green dot: Current position.
Purple Dot: Elaborated Destination
Yellow Square: Your awakening position
Teal dotted zone: Hundred Systems Territory (Hundred Worlds Rebellion)

==Command Staff==
Lieutenant Kateryna Ivanova - Executive Officer
>Second Lieutenant Dray Parson - Intelligence Officer (Cryo)
Second Lieutenant Robert Tynes - Steward
Chun-Fan Dai - Chief Engineer
Third Lieutenant Mardigan “Guns” Rinn - Weapons Officer
Dr. Christof Burr - Physician

==Junior Officers==
Ensign Fie - Communictions Officer
Ensign DuBois - Staff officer (Sensors)
Ensign Tremko - Staff officer
Ensign Rao - Staff officer

==Persons of Note==
>Dr. Eliphim Ketro -- Civilian Scientist (Cryo)

Previous Threads:

1: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15474877/
2: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15527576/
3: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15547424/
4: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15558914/
5: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15581324/
6: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15603188/
7: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15626860/
8: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15671288/
9: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15681393/
10: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15702140/
11: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15725852/
12: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15749179/
13: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15760403/
13-2: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15765549/
14: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15783485/
15: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15807704/
16: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15856771/
17: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15880596/
18: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15904452/
19: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15916825/
20: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15949806/
20-2: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15954334/
21: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15994976/
22: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/16075942/
23: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/16087046/

>Also, when archiving make sure to include the thread number in the title and a "Void Quest" tag.

>Void Quest
>The thread is void of players
Hey, the name works for once.

I suddenly realised why I haven't played in void quest.

I go to bed about the time they show up...

Use the drones. Have them tag along.

Ask Kron what is known about the Aether, what its capabilities are, the lore as such. Be respectful and complement Maestro and those who use the Aether when the opportunity presents itself.

No need to offend these people, especially given the threat and opportunities here.

I think you're a tad early, Vedibere.

As for what to do - follow him by riding the drones. Try to make light conversation along the way, in order to seem nonchalant.

Ask specifically about the Aether. How many can use it, if there are any imposed restrictions, how it affects their day-to-day life, etc. If any of this arouses his suspicion, explain that the Aether is, as far as we know, purely an invention of Maestro.

If you still require more to write, then ask also about their apparent hierarchy. The ranks of the men in different robes, what the color signifies, that sort of thing.

>>16157515
We are a god, we shouldn't need to ask questions. That would just ruin the whole "oh, you don't know how it works?" thing we just did. Not being able to use the aether probably throws enough doubt on our legitimacy as it is.

>>16157552
Not if we use the correct phrasing. We're mostly testing their knowledge, as gods often do, not genuinely having difficulty understanding anything.

If they have trouble with our inability to use the Aether, we can, as suggested, explain that each god has their own separate sphere of influence. You wouldn't expect the god of fire to call storms like the god of wind, of course. But his lack of control over the weather does not make him any less powerful.

>>16157474
Didn't notice thread, failed spot check, etc etc.

Fly along with the priests on the drones. Rinn and Ivanova can come as well. If this turns into a firefight, they will come in handy as we murder the entirety of the ruling mage class. Let's hope it doesn't go there, though, I'd much rather have a population/production base, and the mages could probably smite us where we stand anyway.

Now, if they treat all technology as fuckin' magic, we might have a bit of an upper hand, as we have the capacity to understand how it works aside from "Maestro wills it!" Their spaceships are magic. Their cars are magic. Their heavy lances are magic. The gates are magic. Play up the "we know how this works, fundamentally" angle. If they get uppity, ask them if the aether extends into space (unlikely). If they realize that it does not, then point out that all their abilities originate from Maestro, and we deal with slightly different tasks...mainly raining destruction from the heavens. Swallowing entire star systems. That sort of stuff. We can't just wrest control of a sphere of influence that is not entirely our own. Can Maestro destroy a star system in a blink?

(for added effect, can we project an EMP around us to disable all nanites? probably not, but it would assert how "YOUR POWERS HAVE NO EFFECT ON ME")

>>16157588
I'm OK with questioning them, but only if they don't seem too wary of us and we pull it off as
>oh, you DON'T understand how it works? laughingHarbinger.png

If they doubt our legitimacy of being an EI, then just wait to be brought to the godspeakers. Would be kind of funny if the Godspeakers were literally God-Speakers. Speakers connected to an amplifier connect to an EI core.

Is... Is anything happening?

“Yes, I’ll have the drones carry you along too. The shuttle will be safe enough where it is. Be cautious, you’re angels here.”

Rinn barks a laugh, “Been called a lot of things in my time, first time I’ve been called an angel for any reason though.”

###################

A few minutes later you are sailing through the air, the drones lifters at maximum to keep so much altitude while under payload. Ivanova and Rinn fly slightly behind you and to the sides, keeping their weapons ready. You aren’t too sure how much use they would be midair, especially since the three of you are surrounded by over twenty of these priests with unknown “magical” abilities.

Well, that’s one thing you can clear up at least.

“High Priest Kron?” You clear your throat as the man swivels toward you midair, not losing speed, “As I have said before I’ve been asleep for many aeons. In that time much has changed, including what Maestro has allowed you to have. The AEther, mainly. When I was last awake Maestro did not allow any others to use it.” Technically completely true since it didn’t even exist. “Who is able to do so in this day and age? And what are their abilities?”

The man shifts uncomfortably, or at least as much so as one can midair, and grimaces, “I am sorry, but I do not know if I can tell you such things. It is my task to bring you before the Godspeakers. Nothing more, nothing less.”

You nod thoughtfully, “To be sure, and you are doing so currently. What I ask is known to every being on this planet, however. Surely such things are not a great secret.”

“I, well, suppose not.” he twists midair until he faces you, flying backward, before continuing, “Ages ago in the beginning of the world -- after the great war of the gods -- Lord Maestro created humanity and the world. But the world was harsh and difficult, and suffering was widespread. That was when the Great Prophet and First Ruler, Oral Ilijia, first journeyed to seek the favor of our god. He petitioned the great Lord Maestro to aid our people and pled for our needs. Lord Maestro heard and was moved by the Prophet’s words. And so it was the first time that the Great Prophet emerged from the body of our Lord the AEther was created, to aid his chosen and unlock the power within our blood.

“The First Ruler Ilijia, with the words of our Lord burning in his heart and eyes, united the High Families for the first time and bestowed the blessings of our Lord upon them and their lines. Likewise he extended blessings to others as well, all in proportion to their talent, worthiness, and destiny. An age of great peace followed, the Prophet Ilijia leading all mankind in great and wonderful endeavours which those of this age can scarce imagine. Continents moved at a wave of the Great Ilijia’s hand and his majesty was such that all knew him for the true ruler sanctioned by Lord Maestro and obeyed him. Lord Maestro looked upon the wondrous works of his children and was content, withdrawing to the heavenly land of Ophidia to watch over us all and investing his authority with his favorite son, Ilijia.

“In time all things pass, however. Great Ilijia was slain in his sleep one night by his favored servant, the evil Rakin; a foul cursed man who was so inadequate of spirit and faith that Lord Maestro caused him to be born without a link to the divine AEther. In his passing the Priesthood was formed from the most devout and powerful mages in the lands, to better interpret and see to both the divine and tend to the souls of the children of Ophidia.”

You interrupt the man’s (obvious) recital of religious dogma, “So the Priests are powerful, then?”

He nods, “Of course. Great power is a sign of a pure soul and the favor of Lord Maestro. Those most devout in following him and able to draw on the greatest power are assured the closest seats next to him in the bliss of Ophidia.”

“But everyone on the world can harness the AEther?”

He shakes his head slowly, giving a dark frown, “No, not all. There are some born that can barely touch the AEther at all, hardly able to even create a small light. Or still other blasted souls who are so evil in nature that they may not touch it at all. Truly it is only Lord Maestro’s infinite mercy that allows them to exist at all.”

You nod, beckoning the man to continue, “I see, so you were speaking of the Great Families? How do they compare?”

“As the years passed the ancient Patriarchs of the Great Families eventually died, one-by-one. The aeons passed and their bloodlines thinned with common stock their powers faded as well. It is said that in this age it will take the spirit of a hundred mages to equal a single spell cast by those ancient lords and companions of the Prophet. Still, their bloodlines are strong and the Mage-Lords rule the mortal affairs of the realm, just as the Lord Maestro spake through his Prophet in the beginning.”

“The priests don’t rule?”

He smiles and shakes his head, “We are but a conduit for the will of Lord Maestro. Should the Mage-Lords go against His teachings the Priesthood will intervene to correct his or her folly, of course. But they are descended from the legendary founders and disciples of the Prophet himself, and thier power is an example of their favor in Lord Maestro’s eyes.”

“Of course.” you say blandly, turning back to the front... just in time to round one last skyscraper in the megacity and see what you can instantly identify as your destination.

“Behold, Lord Harbinger! The Palace of the Hierophant, constructed by the Prophet himself.”

And behold you do. The edifice before you rises up into the clouds themselves, a towering, gleaming crystalline structure that looks like nothing so much as an assembly of melted glass flowing upward. Thousands of thin filaments and spires twist and turn around the main lofty needle-spire, flowing around and through -- or melding and separating with each other -- on their journey upwards alongside it. Even now it shimmers as if still liquid and shifts with multihued displays of color, a beautiful optical illusion you instantly identify as an effect of the nanites swirling around it.

The priests guide you to a landing platform halfway up the central needle and through lavishly appointed chambers into the very center. Hundreds of servants and lower-ranking priests line the way, bowing as you come into view, until you eventually reach the very center of the spire and an immense chamber reaching upward farther than the unaided eye can see.

“Lord Harbinger, this is as far as I may go. The final guide awaits you in the Ascendant Atrium. All you need do is fly upward until you see the man in crimson robes, he is Lawspeaker Viss. He will take you to the Godspeakers.”

>Atmosphere
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwl07kvACK4

You nod, thanking the man, and begin the journey upward. With every foot you rise, however, the already lavish appointments become even more so. Where before rich carpets and lavish tapestries resided now lie silvered mirrors framed in gold or young children contained in transparent spheres floating midair, singing perfect soaring arias without pause at all times. Nanites form shifting patterns along the walls and even midair, showing scenes that are likely of historical or religious import. A tall man surrounded by a golden backlight speaking with a dozen men in finery. A hunchbacked, twisted figure with pustules across his face raising a dagger over a sleeping golden form. And more, too many for you to look at... all brilliantly arrayed and presented to you as you climb meter by meter.

And at the end, as you begin to fear the ceiling will block your way upward any more, a man in red robes -- much brighter than the first one you spoke with over the comms -- beckons your form closer to an arched opening in the circular shaft. You float over, and through, landing upon marble floors veined with gold and silver.

“You’ve come. I am Lawspeaker Viss.” he says shortly. The man’s deep-set eyes look you over, his long face tilting as he looks you over from head to foot. “A Pentine of Godspeakers awaits. If your claims are true then the Hierophant himself may see you. This way.” He half-turns and starts away before stopping himself again, “The Godspeakers have requested your presence and yours alone. Your retinue may wait here.”

Go with him, I suppose. Be sure to ask about the planet's technology on the way there. See what they have in the way of cybernetisists.

Oh, and figure out what captcha's on about.

>>16158517
We will leave them behind, then.

Suppose they discern our claims are not true.

How feasible is it to lance the spire protruding from Maestro's hull from orbit? That should immediately disrupt everything ever on this planet. We're not going to be able to fight our way out if things go sour, so disrupting the Aether might be the only chance.

We need to think of some exit strategies. While the people here have done nothing but be welcoming, that might change should we be asked to demonstrate our godhood by producing miracles.

Vedibere, have we noticed any obviously mechanical augmentations, besides the claw on the first man we talked to over comms?

>>16158694
No mech augmentation so far as far as you can tell.

As for the lance? Heh...

Well, I mean, hitting it isn't a problem. It's a pretty big target.

You fully understand it's attached and/or part of Maestro's hull and giving off roughly 90% of the full output of singularity reactor class installed on the Maestro, right?

>>16158694
We should also think about potential miracles we can use to prove our godhood.

Since we're a warship, and all our capabilities are centered around combat, maybe we should consider presenting ourselves as a god of war, and using a glorious act of destruction to prove our worth.

Alternatively, we might use our hacking skill to assert control over the AEther - even if only in a limited area - or try to contact Maestro himself.

>>16158782
>>16158565
Let's go with him while seeing if we can hack the 'Aether'. With our knowledge of how it works, it shouldn't be hard to convince these people we're god once we've got control over the nanites.

Alternatively, if we can't get control of the Aether, we should present ourselves as a god of both War and Wisdom. With our archives we should be able to easily answer any questions they have, and we're also a Warship, so...

>>16158748
Yes. The power from the singularity reactor comes out from Maestro's spire, which was constructed on top of the crash-landed ship (perhaps the ship itself made the planet, who knows). There would be massive consequences for destroying the spire, but as long as we don't hit the reactor directly, it's not possible for it to go critical, is it? Also, 90% of the output being used for the global nanite network means there isn't enough of the output being used for shielding to withstand our girth.

Literally the very air here could become an enemy. Disrupting it with a lance or some sort of EMP (detonate a nuke in the atmosphere?) might be the only way to get out.

>>16158782
>try to contact Maestro himself.
I'm starting to realize that by "withdrawing to the heavenly land of Ophidia" and letting the people rule themselves, he may not be present on this planet any longer. Maybe he got tired of living and self-terminated. 64k years is a long time. Maybe he shut down to wait.

We need to figure out what the fuck is the heavenly land of Ophidia. Is it a fused EI? Earth? Some other homeworld? Or a metaphor for oblivion?

Can we ask our retinue to ask around? Perhaps send a drone back down and ask Kron? Or ask the priest leading us now. That seems logical.

>miracles
Can we project holograms? What devices do we have on us that are not instruments of death (those can be used as well as long as it is not on living targets)? That's what we're limited to unless we want to destroy shit in space.

It would be a good idea to ask them about their ships, how they are made, how they are piloted, how many there are, etc. From information about their vessels and military we can learn whether they would be in awe of our, say, launching 6,000 interceptors, or just disappointed.

>>16158898
>Maybe he got tired of living and self-terminated. 64k years is a long time. Maybe he shut down to wait.

I kind of wanted to believe that Maestro plopped himself down on this planet and started to play god, going through multiple iterations of humanity and this is the latest or most successful one.

>>16158517
Have Ivanova and Rinn wait with the drones.

Vedibere, I assume that our augmented body has a built-in communications suite (otherwise, we wouldn't be capable of remote control). Do we detect anything at all, such as radio communications or a wireless network using Ophidian network protocols?
If there's nothing actively transmitting, we should send out query signals and scan for anything that will respond.

As for the Godspeakers, maintain our attitude of divine detachment, and of knowing the true origins of their powers.
"I am Harbinger, what you see before you is the manifestation of my will upon Maestro's world. Come, ask your questions."

>>16158948
>Vedibere, I assume that our augmented body has a built-in communications suite (otherwise, we wouldn't be capable of remote control). Do we detect anything at all, such as radio communications or a wireless network using Ophidian network protocols?
If there's nothing actively transmitting, we should send out query signals and scan for anything that will respond.
You already did all this last thread when the question was asked. Nada. No datasphere, no transmissions, nothing.

>>16158992
I know there was nothing when we were outside.
I was wondering if the situation had changed now that we are inside the spire. I thought that at least here, there might be some wireless access points. And a network security trick is to have a wireless router set to receive wifi signals only and not transmit its advertisement signal.

Also, if it turns out this is a wild goose chase, we should see to making a pilgrimage to the maestro (ship) itself.

>>16158898
>Can we project holograms? What devices do we have on us that are not instruments of death (those can be used as well as long as it is not on living targets)? That's what we're limited to unless we want to destroy shit in space.

Well I mean... you didn't really bring down a whole lot. Drones. Gun, grenades. A couple officers in powered armor with standard combat loadout. It's possible Ivanova or Rinn might have brought a portable holoprojector for whatever reason on their own initiative I guess.

>>16159156
Ask them if they have anything of the sort and take it with us to use as proof of godhood (but we dont use the aether as we are not a child of Maestro)

Anything in our files about Oral Ilijia? Crewmember of the Maestro perhaps?

>>16159219
Sure, if they've got a portable holoprojector, let's take it with us. We don't know what the Godspeakers are going to use to test our claim of divinity, so it might come in handy.

>>16159247
Your databanks have zilch on him. Could have been a crew, maybe not. It's not like you have the crew roster of every ship in the Empire.

>>16159765
is there enough for you to continue?

>>16159765
Fair enough, figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

Can we perform a network link to the Harbinger? If we don't already have one, the questions could be difficult to answer.

>>16159803
Yes, have been writing.

>>16159848
You are always connected. You can't exactly reside entirely in your "human" form. You are located in the Harbinger computer core. If the connection is severed (somehow) then you would lose control of your body rather than the ship.

>>16159993
>then you would lose control of your body rather than the ship.
Out of curiosity, what exactly would happen? Would our meat-body collapse on the ground, like a puppet with its strings cut? Would it go berserk? Or would a portion of our self be stuck within the body, and it would be an independent self until it reconnects back to the EI core on the Harbinger?

>>16160104
Depends on how rapidly the connection was cut. If you managed to give some final commands it would perform them. If it was just BAM gone with no warning instantly then it would just freeze where it was until it died or something else did stuff with it.

>>16160193
Interesting. So we could theoretically have a sort of 'screensaver' set up for our body?

A command like: "In the event body receives no instructions from Harbringer, do X" ?

If so, I demand we have our body begin doing vaudeville-era dances in place.
Like so:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqbuyCZEYMI

“A moment.” With that you turn back to Ivanova and Rinn, opening a comm channel, “Did either of you bring things for proving divinity?”

“I... what? Sir, I thought that was why you decided to come down. I assumed you would bring the means to do so.” Ivanova responds, puzzled. “I brought a standard combat loadout. Multi-rifle, armor, consumables, munitions. I also brought a mini-projector for possible combat misdirection. Here, sir.” A hiss of a compartment depressurizing meets your ears and your second draws out the mini-projector, placing it in your hands. Turning to Rinn, however, earns you naught but a negative.

“Din’ think I would need it, cap’n. Have the gun and the skills ta use it plus the knowhow to fight the buggers if it comes down to it, left the diplomacy and the rest to you.”

“I see.” You tuck the holoprojector into a pocket and turn, “Alright, the two of you stay here with the drones.”

“Sir, that’s-” Rinn begins but you stop him with an upraised palm.

“That’s an order. You’ll be close if I need you anyway.” Finished, you stride forward and meet the Lawspeaker, “Very well, lead on.”

Without a word the scarlet-robed man starts off, leading you through a grand set of gold-burnished doors and up a flight of wide, curling stairs. One floor up the marble walls and columns give way to an even more spectacular sight, a pure view of the world from within the stratosphere. The walls have dropped away or, rather, are still there but different. Clear crystal or glass make up all of it, perfectly transparent. From the walls to the very stairs you ascend they are as air, unable to be seen by the eye. Long inured to vertigo, you gaze into the distance and to the curve of the land below; a magnificent sight, blues and whites of sky meeting vast forests of both the green leafy type and the cold metallic man-made sort. A human world, after so long.

>>16160463
That might be too much for the cyberbrain to have running.
I wish it was complex enough that we could put in a 'find something to phone home', but I'll settle for it to just utter "the connection to the OIS Harbinger Electronic Intelligence Core has been severed; this unit will now power down" and have it sit down in a lotus position.

Shaking off the beautiful vista you turn back to your companion; still marching upward on the enormous spiral staircase wrapped around the center spire, “I must commend you on the spire, your Prophet seems to have done quite well. Are the ships that you launched into space a product of his as well? Or more modern, perhaps?”

“What?” the man says, not even turning to look at you, “You saw the Holy Fragments yourself. They are of Lord Maestro, shards of his power left to us.”

“Yes, I saw. Quite wonderful and powerful, too. I am simply wondering how many there are.”

“Enough.” he finishes tersely, lapsing back into silence.

Well, another subject then, “And what about Ophidia? What is that?”

This time he does stop and turn to you, his eyes squinted and a frown on his long face, “/What?/ You claim to seek Ophidia yet do not even know of it?”

Oops. “Of course not, I just want to know what /you/ know of it and if it has changed. I have been gone for many years, during the time much might have happened.”

He stays still for a second, gazing at you, before turning away and starting upward once again, “Ophidia is imperishable. As a god you should know that.”

###################

For the rest of your upward venture your companion is deaf to your questions, both serious and mundane. As if carved from animate stone, he ignores you without flinching and performs his task of guiding you to the audience chamber. Earlier you had worried that perhaps the meeting would sneak up on you in some surprise form.

Not so much.

Your guide finally comes to a stop in front of two truly massive doors cast almost entirely from precious metals and encrusted with jewels. The gems depict a fantastic scene of a man wreathed in light emerging from an enormous black form, lightning bolts grasped in one hand and scales in the other. How symbolic.

The Lawspeaker walks up to the titanic portal and for a brief moment you wonder how he will open them. You are answered soon enough; the man raises his hands and performs a complex pattern before speaking the words “Open Code Z3XP009.” At the conclusion of the statement a massive rumble issues from them and they swing slowly outward, opening to reveal an opulent chamber that puts even the rest of the structure to shame.

The far wall of the circular chamber is completely transparent, save for columns reaching up to support an enormous domed ceiling. Each column is made from a different type of stone, unmortared, solid, and polished to a mirror-like sheen. Frescoes in precious stones adorn the dome overhead, detailing what you assume to be the creation origin of their people from the obsidian wedge-shapes within it. In a semicircle opposite the door stands a massive raised dias, ramps leading up both ends and a dozen chairs of carved rock, ivory, and inlaid valuable metals and stones upon it. Only five are filled, however, their occupants looking down on you from on high and all in dark red robes you identify as belonging to Godspeakers.

The first man you saw over the orbital communique, Godspeaker Ulinat. His right hand is robotic and, now that you are closer, you can see delicate gold etchings all across the surface. No other traces of augmentation are apparent on the old white-haired man’s visible body, however. To his left sits a brown skinned man with golden hair and an imperious mien, his fingers steepled as he watches you enter. You see that his left eye is artificial, delicate gold and silver circuitry weaving throughout the iris and whites.

Farther over is an ancient wizened form of a man that appears to be little more than leathered skin stretched across bones... save for his exquisitely detailed mechanical jaw inlaid with platinum and rubies. Second from the right and next to the bag of bones is his complete opposite, a languid and fairly young man resting his chin on a fist as he watches your approach. An easy smile lies upon his handsome face while black shoulder-length hair brushes his maroon robes, but his cold blue eyes are piercing. As with the others he has an ornamented augmentation; a small metallic overlay across his throat where his windpipe usually runs, covered in one of the same murals you saw below -- a dark figure with a dagger leaning over a shining golden man in bed. An ironic choice, if the scene is what you think it is.

The final and rightmost of the five Godspeakers is a woman with an enormous cascade of silver hair. It tumbles from down to the ground itself, likely almost brushing it even when she is standing. Her pale face and red eyes betray her albinism, and her modification seems to match. Instead of golden or bejeweled inlays like her fellows you see platinum runners streaming down along her hair... and one wrapped around a jeweled goblet, holding it suspended near her while her hands rest easily on the arms of her throne.

>>16160617
Alright.

Vedi, I know you like to punish us when we don't give specific instructions, but we're the captain of the most powerful warship EVER. We should be smart enough to not blow our cover by asking what heaven is when posing as a god.

But just in case: Pretend as if we know everything about the heavens and divine matters, as though we had been maintaining the place and adjudicating godly responsibilities for all this time. Do not ask "hey what's that painting mean?" or "I don't get it, why is he called 'The Creator'?"

Lawspeaker Viss ushers you forward into the middle of the semicircle before standing beside you himself and making a complex pass with his hands. “Internal comms” passes his lips and nothing more, and he stands in silence.

At length the ancient man in the middles nods, speaking up in a reedy voice, “You may go then, Lawspeaker.” Viss turns on his heel and departs, the enormous doors creaking shut behind him and shutting with a titanic BOOM, leaving the room in silence.

It is the thin man who speaks up again, “Well, well. You are Harbinger you say, yes? So you say. But we will introduce ourselves as well. I am Godspeaker Pinn the Younger, as they call me. You know Godspeaker Ulinat already. The others are Godspeakers Davon, Kray, and Marelina.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you.” you respond, about to say more, but the man cuts in.

“Yes, indeed. The pleasure is ours -- if you are what you claim. But are you? We’ve already seen and heard some, but perhaps you know a way to prove your power? That you are a god. Do you have such an easy way, so we will know without question?”

>>16160463
I want it to begin chanting technobabble.

At least in this situation. Eyes glaze over, "connection severed, please vacate the area. Any interference received before connection is restored will be treated as hostile action" Don't actually kill things, just threaten to do so.

In this situation, at least.

>>16160655
That one wasn't punishment or anything of the sort. That was a specific instruction given. There weren't a lot of instructions to go off of, nor were there any objecting to it.

That fantastic idea was all Anon's.

See:
>>16158898
>>16158908

>>16160662
"The simplest, of course, would be to allow this avatar of mine a network datalink to any of Maestro's remaining dataports. Hardline or wireless, it doesn't matter. This unit is equipped for either protocol.
"Perhaps my ship registration and Armada authorization codes? If Maestro left His cyphers with you, they will authenticate me.
"Your nanite network has already attempted to infiltrate this avatar's body, and have had ample time to examine its augmentations; their origins are unmistakable as being Ophidian. I'm sure that if you pull an analysis report from the nanites with me, that they will corroborate my story.
"Or is there some other method you wish to use to verify my claims?"

Let's try to keep them off-balance by using technobabble. It will imply that we have a much deeper understanding of the Aether than they do, even if we can't access it.

>>16160662
fffff

Well.

Any targets in the vicinity for our lances?

That's a bad idea. Don't actually destroy them from orbit.

act godly, quickly.

>>16160662
"My sphere of power is that of destruction. I should hope I need not demonstrate THAT for the time being.

But I did bring something, a relic from the Ophidian Age when the gates were first constructed that I don't believe you have. I hope that it is enough for now." then bring out and use the holoprojector.
Have it display something flashy and technical, something detailing a thing that only the Ophidian Empire could have constructed. Maybe even Harbringer itself.

Failing that, I support
>>16160825

>>16160858
>a relic from the Ophidian Age when the gates were first constructed that I don't believe you have
Actually, given their level of augmentations, and of the industry we saw outside, I don't think the holoprojector will be very impressive.

Well ain't this a sticky wicket.

With religious nuts you have to answer them in terms they understand. This planet and everything on it is Maestro's domain. He created it from scratch without any input from us. We on the other hand are a god of war. Our domain is our ship and we have been sleeping inside it for aeons. So while we do have some knowledge of him and his power, this is all new to us.

As for divinity, god of war and all that. I suppose we could blow something up. But that would be more of a show of power.

Could we use the projector to show Maestro as he appeared the last time we saw/met him/it?

>>16160952
Actually I meant what the holoprojector would be displaying, sorry if that was unclear.

>>16160969
Well when we do prove our power (hopefully non-violently), we'll be able to add a bit to their creation myth.

The Ophidian Gods, knowing that they could not face Harbringer and succeed, conspired against him. They betrayed and tricked him, and sent him wounded into the cold reaches of space between galaxies to slumber for almost a hundred thousand years [big round numbers like that sound better than specifics]. They warred amongst themselves, killing each other and destroying much of what they had created.

Only Maestro, old friend of Harbringer, survived to bring Pure Life once again.

>>16160969
We could say that the easiest way for us to prove our power is to wreak havoc and destruction on a massive scale, then ask if they have an appropriate target.

This could backfire in a large number of ways, though.

I support any plan likely to get us access to the data systems in this place, with the objective of gaining control of the AEther or contacting Maestro, or something of that nature.

Try to hack the data net (whatever the fact we're calling it) that all the nanos use to communicate. Then we can do all kinds of shit, with their own tech at that.

We know they do this becuase we say it from space before we landed.

>>16161023
Sidenote: I am making several very very large assumptions with this post.

>Have hammer
>Problem is therefore nail

Guys, they have heavy lances too. Notably like 70 of them sitting up there pointing at us.

>>16161056
Enough to kill us, but not THAT many.

Odds are just whatever survived the crash and got looted.
More like 15-20 tops.

>>16161023
That's just plain stupid, since we don't know what their creation myths are, and is completely unnecessary if we prove ourselves to the Godspeakers.

>>16161031
The nanite swarm is apparently using a communication method that we aren't equipped to use, since we aren't detecting anything with our onboard communication suite.

>>16161056
But they don't have almost 8,000 fighters and interceptors, and I'm betting they don't have 1,000 missile tubes either.

It's too bad we don't have any singularity warheads smaller than that clustereater. Those would definitely prove our power.

>>16161056
Also, Vedibere what is the purpose of a long range vessel in a setting where we don't use fuel?

>>16161087
I was speculating, not suggesting.

>>16161100
Fuel is not the only limiting factor to a vessel's mission duration limit, also what brought this up?

There seems to be only two courses of action now:

1. Proof of knowledge: What we did last time that got their attention. Pictures and video from +60k years ago. Knowledge that no one could possibly have after all this time, except gods of course.

We would need to use the holoprojector for this. To explain this, say that this is our method of communicating between our avatar and other people. A direct connection to us would requires something big enough to interface with the whole ship.

2. POWER OVERWHELMING: Drop the clustereater. When it comes to destruction, heavy lances are small time compared to a singularity detonation.

>>16161160
I was just think about what the ship's armament would have looked like.

Mostly vessels designed for longer range do so at the cost of firepower.

>>16161179
>Drop the clustereater

We trying to get these people to recognize us as a god, not destroy the entire goddamn system.

>>16161179
>Drop the clustereater. When it comes to destruction, heavy lances are small time compared to a singularity detonation.
That has got to be the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life.

>Let's convince them we're a god by destroying their solar system and a couple others!

>>16161194
We're*

>It's too bad we don't have any singularity warheads smaller than that clustereater. Those would definitely prove our power.
I'm pretty sure we have some in the armoury. I have no idea how powerful the smallest one is though. That question never came up afaik.

The clustereater is still an order of magnitude more powerful than anything we have on board.

>>16161187
I think you are getting the ships mixed up. The Maestro is (was?) a fast command cruiser.

>>16161160
Additionally, what do we know about ships that are made for such a role?

What changes are in place for it to take that role?

I'm genuinely curious what the differences are. My guess is added crew compliment, and greater (food) storage. And of course nice comms.

>>16161222
I think our warhead yields were defined as "PLOT" level.

Now would be a good time to find out exactly what we can do with them.

>>16161226
Ah, I'm terrible with names. Apologies.

>>16161243
Still applies though, if you don't' mind sating my curiosity.

>>16161179
We could go with the visual/holographic demonstration route, but these people obviously have a communication system that they talked to us through when we were in space, so they could easily create a datalink between it and the Harbinger if we need to have a direct connection to us created.

>>16161255
Varied with role, but generally they would have a much larger triply redundant crew complement that had 2/3 in cryo at any one time so as to extend the mission length. Obviously much larger food stores. Better comms. And often altered E-War/stealth suites that were able to help disguise the ship's presence. They often also had specialized crew complements and hardware to aid with their specific mission profile. A patrol ship would have ridonkulous sensors and expert Intel officers for reading them, for instance.

Have we attempted to hail anything with our ship's communication suite? I'm thinking especially the remains of the Maestro.

Asking for access to dataports is a reasonable suggestion.

>>16160858
first. DOES THIS NOT IMPRESS YOU?

>>16160825
and then this, pretty much in its entirety

>>16160825
I'm gonna have to agree with this. This approach seemed to work in the OP, I think we should continue with it.

Also, attempt to expel all nanite, quickly.

>>16161318
Agreed.
>>16161322
Also agreed. What the fuck did we let them in for? I wasn't awake when we made the decision, but I did rage reading the archive. That could have seriously fucked us. May still.

>>16161322

We never allowed them access previously. We expelled all of them.

>We trying to get these people to recognize us as a god, not destroy the entire goddamn system.

... Well fine. Since I have to spell it out, do this:

1. Find a nearby star or other object that no one cares about.
2. Drop a singularity on it.
3. Point and nod.

Proof enough? If they give you any crap after that, just offer to repeat the demonstration. But a little closer this time to let them get a better look.

These are people who consider heavy lances godly artifacts. This is the only way I can see to one-up them.

If you guys want to go the diplomacy route you will need to think of something fast. This is definitely not one of the situations that rewards a slow approach.

Do the heavy lances leave a trail of light or have a neat visual cue?
We could fire the heavy lances not at the planet, but on a tangent through the atmosphere into the horizon.

>>16161353
Why on earth would we waste a clustereater on this.

>>16161353
I think it's a bad idea to use the only clustereater we have, which might be the only one in existence, to impress people who believe in magic.

>>16161226
Jeez I thought it was that long range ship too. Gotta re-read that.

I'm agreeing with everybody else on us being a whole God of war and destruction.

"Maestro was as a brother to us but we were meant for a different purpose. Death, destruction, uncompromising in scale or power, these were to be my domain. I yet have the power to collapse entire star systems... but these gifts came at the cost."

>>16161379
>>16161367
We do have normal singularity warheads. Though they certainly wouldn't destroy entire celestial bodies. Though I don't think this is the way to go.

>>16161355
The problem with trying to impress them with heavy lances, is that they already HAVE heavy lances.
Possibly quite a few, though only 2 confirmed and everything else blanketed by Ophidian Armada quality ECM. We could try impressing them with a singularity warhead, but there's no way to know if they've already got some from Maestro's old missile stockpiles or not.
I think we need to try the talking attempts from >>16160825
>>16160858
first.

>>16161432
Yes, but heavy lances can no longer be built, only salvaged. It wouldn't necessarily prove our being Ophidian on its own, but it would help.

>>16161478
>only salvaged
Key point.
All it would do is prove that we HAVE heavy lances. For all they know, we could have salvaged them from somewhere else. It proves nothing.

And also, supporting >>16161322
Our experiment with the nanite swarm failed, we have no need of them in our body anymore.

>>16161506
...yes, that's what I meant. Could you please read the entire fucking post next time?

>>16161549
And I'm saying that it won't help our case any, because it proves nothing.

>>16161584
It does help because very few people would actually have any heavy lances. It does not help enough to prove our case entirely, but it would be a start should they require us to destroy something in order to prove our divinity.

STOP FUCKING FIGHTING

Vedibere, are you writing or still waiting for a consensus?

>>16161618
I missed it, things felt so strange when we were being civil.

>>16160825
Go with this first. Technobabble, but not nonsense. If they recognize our words, great. Probably not though.

Then look annoyed at their insistence. Use the holoprojector to emit images of our friend who captained the Maestro, his human 'avatar' and the ship itself.

Then if they still aren't convinced, scan the area around the planet for asteroids and the like. Direct their attention to them, and blast them with lances.

There's a difference between fighting and disagreement of our course of action.
>>16161604
thinks that our use of heavy lance strikes would help to prove our case.
I disagree, because I think that the Godspeakers will simply point out that we could have salvaged them from some place and will dismiss it.

What we should have done was ask about their creation myths in greater detail without asking about Ophidia.

Too late for that. What they are asking now is basically for us to prove we're a captain of an Ophidian ship. If we could do so in a similar way to their creator, we'd be golden. Seems to me we only need words and a touch of mysticism to make this work.

>>16161674
I agree that they may not be enough on their own.

However, there's no point in not using them. However, I would much prefer using other methods first.

>>16161686
Or just TELL them about Ophidia. No matter what shit he spewed, some facts would still match up. Play the anthem, flash some more symbol/flag. And give them the best fucking history lesson money can buy. (propaganda)

>>16161709
Directly contradicting religious dogma rarely goes well for the person doing it. Being branded a false god for our heresy would be extremely bad.

>>16161709
In general, I think they see Ophidia like Asgard. The Realm of the Gods.

If we give direction information refuting that, IE, that we're just men from the past, that spits in the face of their entire society and religion. It's like going to the Pope and saying that Mary just cheated on her husband, and that Jesus was just a bastard that was born after she lied about it, and that while he was a pretty good guy, he was just a man and not the son of god.

If we can come up with some good lies about Ophidia though, then yeah, let's tell them that.

>>16161709
This could fucking work. Yell, call them to attention. Odds are they are remnants of the crew, certain military protocol would hold severe religious significance to them. Address them with all the posture and gusto we would need on a parade ground. Give them the standard propaganda speech they would give to crews before they are sent out. Blast the fucking anthem.

>>16161742
This would certainly catch them with their pants down.
If we do it loud enough to put drill sergeants to shame, they certainly wouldn't think us meek.

>>16161742
>>16161758
This looks like one guy posting twice.

>>16161742
That's... kind of awesome.
Seconding this, even though it probably won't happen.

>>16161778
It was kind of an afterthought. Not someone else agreeing with me.

>>16161742
But I don't think we've seen any evidence that such a thing is true.
This assumes a hell of a lot, and if it fails, will be very bad for us.
I think we're better served asking for a datalink or authorization codes.

Vedibere?

>>16161797
While I don' us a lot of trouble. I doubt they will just hand that over. It was suggested I think that we would get the chance after we prove our divinity.

>>16161813
While I don't disagree, as that would save us a lot of trouble.

If all else fails.

Use Powerword: Real Name.

Project the entire galaxy. Tell them "this used to be the realm of the Ophidian empire. All of it. I was but a servant."

Project an avatar of the commander of the Maestro. Tell them "This is the avatar of the Maestro, when I knew him ages ago. The Maestro is on this planet. Where is his avatar? Where is [real name]"

>>16161867
I like this.

Hey Vedibere, old buddy, old pal, old friend. Are you still here? Are you writing? Are you waiting for a decision to be made?

>>16161867
I don't know why, but it makes me wonder if Maestro is aware what's generally going on, or in any way attached to the nano net. I mean, we could just ask them to get Maestro to verify we're who we say we are.

>>16161867
As an "all else fails" option, I can support it. I'd rather exhaust our other options first, of course.

Did we recognize that command they used on the door?
I mean, is that standard Ophidian stuff?

Well if Vedibere isn't here anymore, I'm going to go play some Deus Ex.

>>16161891
Writing.

>>16161995
No.

Did/can we purge the nanites from our system? I recall allowing them into our system last thread when we attempted to do that flying crap.

>>16162046
we breathed in a bunch, then expelled them.

then tried some stuff, and breathed them in again.

>>16162031
Cool, cool. Gonna go play some Baldur's Gate 2. Hope to make it back when it's posted.

in before casualties

This anticipation is killing me.

>>16162315
It's indigestion for me.
Good news is that I'll be awake for this thread.

>>16162332
I had pretty bad heartburn the other day. Cereal with cold milk helped me. I don't know if it will help you at all.

>>16162347
I've got what looks like a nasty canker sore on my gums. Hurts enough I've been barely able to eat anything all day, though the hydrogen peroxide seems to do the trick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiKPgmN5jTg

I got stung by a bee today for the first time. Shit fucking sucked.

“Prove my power? Alas, my realm is war and destruction. Power I have aplenty but I fear you would not wish to see it demonstrated. I do have something else, though. A relic from a lost age that will act as a gateway to the past. Here.” You step forward, drawing the portable holoprojector from a pocket on your uniform and placing it on the stone floor. Data streams from your banks into the machine. Its projection pad glows and as you step back the air mists, images forming within.

“The glorious Ophidian Armada. The gods. Here, the Hydra. The Maestro.” You switch from technical displays to propaganda footage, “And here, a demonstration of my domain as I rend foes in heavenly battles.” Ships zoom past your head, the silent images of death and destruction taking up the area inside the semicircle. “And my friend Maestro himself doing the same, fighting battles alongside me.” You return to practice runs, the ships hulks used for tactics training as you and Charles blast through them. They won’t know the difference, though.

The images settle on one final scene, the beauty of old Sol, before they die away and you step forward, “And so it was in the past. Power beyond that of any mortal man, without a doubt. Battle alongside Lord Maestro in the realm of the gods itself.”

“Hmmm.” Pinn mutters noncommittally, leaning back in his chair. You see Ulinat in thought off to the side while the others give no sign... or not.

Kray shifts a bit, taking his head from his fist but not losing his smile. “Well! Fellows, I must say that was impressive. Most impressive, in fact!” The man’s voice is smooth as velvet, perfectly modulated and pitched in his congratulation -- likely from his augmented vocal chords. He looks to each side, nodding at the other Godspeakers, before returning to you with an even wider smile, “But I think I can do better.”

Before you can react he reaches up with one hand and crooks his fingers in a pattern, “Mental projection.” At the Ophidian Common words your extra senses see the nanites stir, a portion clumping together in the middle of the room... and emitting light. An image of an enormous dragon manifests, red and vicious. All across the floor of the audience chamber villages and hundreds of little men and women pop up, all running for their lives. The dragon swoops down, a deafening roar splitting the air, and rakes them with fire. Over and over he swoops, flying about the chamber in great arcs until all is smoldering ruin... and the image fades.

Kray settles back in his chair, head tilted slightly upward and sly smile larger than ever, “Well now, that was wonderful too don’t you think? Mine even had sound!” He turns to his left, looking at Marelina, “What do you think? Journeyman level magery? Though I confess, it could well have been an apprentice level without the sound....”

The silver-white woman glances over before replying, “I suppose so.” The extent of her comment it seems, taking another sip from the goblet she holds with one tendril.

But it seems to have been enough for Kray, who is already making affirmative noises, “Well then, I assume you have more to show us then Harbinger? Because to be honest that was just not very convincing at all. Surely you can do better.”

You fight to keep the scowl you are feeling from your face, redirecting your aggressive feelings toward the nanomachines from your system. The little things have continued to replicate using your organic parts and now your entire body is flooded... but hopefully it will be within your system’s abilities to purge. “I can indeed, but the fact of the matter is the nanite haze pervading this planet is itself unmistakable as something created by my brothers and sisters. Thus your own holographic images appearing through manipulation of the haze via mental and physical commands. In such a situation identity will be difficult to prove through displays. A neural or even dataspheric linkup with my brother Maestro will allow for proper verification of my identity, however.”

Even before you finish Kray is shaking his head, but at your conclusion he leans forward with eyebrows raised and an innocent expression, “Oh dear. What you are saying is far beyond me, I am afraid. I am but a simple mortal, you see... so I seem to have lost your meaning among the words. I must have, in fact, because what I heard in that was the claim that the only way to tell if you were a god is the action we are reserving to after you prove that you are a god.” He lifts his hands and makes an exaggerated shrug, “Surely that can’t be it. No god would be so limited or deceitful would he? What do you think, Davon?”

The golden haired man with tanned skin and the bionic eye frowns briefly and nods, unsteepling his fingers as he speaks, “Though your manner is as roundabout as always I see that you are correct, Kray. The request is there. Just as you say; to allow access to our Lord himself as a way of proving access should be granted is a fallacy, indeed. It cannot be allowed under such circumstances.”

At the man’s reply Kray drops his facade and leans back, oily smile spreading again as he rests his head on his hand once more, “Ah, my. It seems your second argument is not so convincing either. Where is all your godly power? Lord Maestro made the world in ten days after all, they say.”

You stand in the center of the stage, your scowl having finally broken through and dark glare hanging upon the man, “And I could destroy it in ten seconds, had I cause. Maestro is my brother but make no mistake -- our purposes are not the same. While his sphere was that of organization, support, leadership, and creation, mine is not. Death, destruction, war, victory over all. These are my domains. Uncompromising in scale or scope, unbound by limitation. Power absolute.”

Your words hang heavy in the air for a long moment, all the Godspeakers frozen by your words. All but one.

“HAH ha hah hah ha!” Kray’s laughter breaks the spell and he gives you a condescending smile while reaching for a goblet of his own, “All by yourself, little god? How very frightening. I’m positively petrified. What will be next? Shall you juggle for us to go along with the jests? That is the fool's job, I believe.”

>>16162422
STOP VEDIBERE

HERE IS OUR ACTION

TURN TO THE OTHERS

"If you wish to see my powers, I will strike down this fool as we stand. Do you doubt my abilities?"

If they consent, then fire a small scale point defense laser off the Harbinger, targeted at Kray.

>>16162437
No! We don't have that level of accuracy!
Not to mention, we're inside a building right now, even if the PD laser had the range and the cohesion, the damage to the structure would put us in danger.

>>16162457
More importantly, it would put Ivanova in danger.

>>16160825
>>16162409
Grah, thats a blow to the pride.
How can we tell them that they are cheating without sounding like whiny losers?

Because they are effectively cheating.
I wonder if they really know just what the hell is up with the Aether, or how it all works.
We may not have the progamming protocol installed to use the nanites, but we still see how it's done.
I support going back to the technojargon method shown earlier.

>>16162463
They weren't too impressed with technojargon either.

>>16162422
I was going to say we prove it them by taking out one of their enemies in an unparalleled beatdown.

But this shit does not fly. The never once thought we were a god if this is how they are going to act.

I bet we can get our heavies hot faster than they can, and I bet they're all good for only one shot in the time it would take us to cycle a dozen. If we can handle this nonsense with the nanos, we can prove our strength alright. Prove to those who survive. Not these assholes though. This spire will be our first target.

Excuse yourself. Get back aboard the Harbinger.

>>16162474
Star Trek writers can come up with technojargon. It isn't hard.

>>16162460
>>16162457
>>16162437
Even more importantly, the Nanites probably act as powerful shields on their own.
Let's stop thinking in Void Quest terms, and start thinking in Final Fantasy terms. They can probably cast Reflectga and Protectga or something, more than enough to stop a light lance personally.

"Gods do not need to prove themselves to their descendants, but very well. Give me a target, and I will show you my powers."

Then Fire a Singularity Warhead. One of the biggest we have that's not the clustereater.

Hmm, any way we can kill off the nanites? Without y'know blowing up everything. I think if we could deny them their Aether it might convince them.

>potential Decisio

>>16162481
And has already been mentioned, heavy lances aren't new either.

You know what? Fuck it. If there's an uninhabited moon, let's vaporize it with a singularity warhead. Or two. Or five.

>>16162463
That won't work now. Not at this point.

I say we look this Kray dead in his eye and project an image of Charles. "I warn you, do not mock me again. Allow me to see Charles, or there will be consequences. What stands before you is but an avatar. My true form sits miles above you. Do not test me."

>>16162488
I'm wondering, why don't we just drop the 'god' act and let them know its been 64000 years, civil war ripped the original Ophidian empire apart, and we're tired, lonely, and pissed off becuase we don't know what the fuck is going on anymore.

These guys don't think we are God. They know the Aerther is made of Nanites. Lets level with them, adnd if they refuse to level with us, we'll make make them level.
To to the ground that is. With lances.

>>16162507
and I can already see his reply. "But this is a test."

>>16162500
EMP? I dunno if it affects nanites.

>>16162510
Because they do think that Maestro is a god. They won't believe us.

We should provide them with the truth, but not until after we've gained what we came for.

We aren't leaving without speaking to our friend.

>>16162463
we have absurdly powerful ECMl, right? can we ECM the entire planet? or at the very least the portion that we are currently standing on?

Those nanites still rely on broadcast power.

>>16162507
Ooooh, the Charles bit is JUST what we need!Inlcude that! If anything, ONE of these guys will know Maestro's old name!

>rfails involved
Yes captcha, there are many fails involved in this quest.

>>16162510
They don't know it's nanites, as far as we know.

>>16162511
And then, once he runs his mouth. We'll frown. "That was a poor choice." Turn to the others. "I suggest the rest of you move. Quickly." And then fire a point defense at his ass.

>>16162518
EMP would probably affect nanites. I doubt they have any shielding ability against it.

I'm for using an EMP on the nanites. Centered on the tower, over as much of the planet as possible.

>>16162525
The old bones guy!

>>16162535
I don't think that would work. At all.
THink for a second, hw does EMP kill electronics?
It burns the sensitive parts out by forcing exessive elctron flow through the whole thing.
these nanites are made to channel the power of a singularity reactor! we would be Feeding the Aether!

Welp, we just passed the "you can't do magic therefore you aren't a god nah nah" phase. These fuckers need a lesson.

1. What would work best in this situation is to use a large scale EMP to wipe out the nanites in a huge area. Preferably half the planet, but this entire building would suffice. No idea how to accomplish this.

2. They want a demonstration of our power? Destroy their fleet like the fist of an angry god. Which we are. Launch all the drones, launch all the missiles, fire all lances. Fuck them up.

3. Drop a singularity. That will shut them up.

>>16162533
Can we please not kill the *godspeaker*

>>16162556
After he's dead he won't be a "speaker" at all, never mind a god one.

>>16162555
Dude, read
>>16162554
EMP won't work.
ECM probably wont either, since it operates on similar principles.

>>16162555
This.

>>16162569
I was more concerned with the dozens-to-hundreds of Ophidian Lance equipped corvettes in orbit that might look unkindly on such an action.

Oh man, watch this Kray punk be directly descended from Charles.

>>16162581
There aren't more than 20 heavies on their side.

>>16162555
I detest writing while limited to my phone, but:
YOU ARE AN IDIOT


Drop an EMPstrike on the location of our own body? Are you retarded? Do you think we stay linked to the ship via magic?
It's electronics just as well.


You essentially propagate "lulz, suicide!"

Hey Vedibere.

What's your Facepalm quotient for this thread?

>The little things have continued to replicate using your organic parts and now your entire body is flooded... but hopefully it will be within your system’s abilities to purge.

OH SHIT
PURGE THAT SHIT BEFORE THEY CAST SLEEP OR SOME SHIT.

>these nanites are made to channel the power of a singularity reactor! we would be Feeding the Aether!
As a network yeah. But I highly doubt individual nanites are that strong.

>>16162507
I say we start with this. We can always use the excuse that this is our AVATAR and the full weight of our power is currently orbiting above their heads.

If they deny us and laugh us out the door. OR if they harm our avatar or the people we brought with us...

The gloves come off. Agreed?

Why not just have the harbinger come down into low orbit?

Move to hover and take up the sky over the city. Then we tell them not to fuck around with us.

Get someone on the horn.
Or just do it yourself. Blather on while trying to hail the Maestro. We know where it is, aim our FTL comms at it if we have to.

Blather on/shoot these fucks/juggle for them/whatever while we do it.

>>16162590
Yeah, and there's far fewer on our side, and less shield power, and less hull strength. Why would we even come down to the surface to humor them if not for the fact that they can actually take us in a straight fight?

>>16162590
We don't know that.
We only know that 720 ships of corvette size and smaller launched from the planet. We don't know how many of them were the corvettes that carry heavy lances, versus the superheavy fighters that carry light lances.
That's not even including the missiles that the Maestro would have carried.
And keep in mind, these aren't the piddling lasers and railguns we've encountered from the xenos; these are Ophidian Armada-class weapons, and they seem to have been kept in good repair.

>>16162612
I know we tried to call him before (i think), but maybe the nanite field disrupted the signal?
Hey, Vedibere, see if we can still contact Ivonova. If so, ask her how the nanites and her are getting along. maybe she can figure out a way to spook into the spire anyhow.

>>16162607
Begin systemic purge, get those nanites out of our sytem!

>>16162618
>>16162614
We can definitely fire faster and more often than they can.
Those little things don't have singularity reactors on them, and if they do not ones designed for operating guns like that. They'd all get one shot off before we can target and destroy them all.

I also doubt any of those things have shields strong enough to take a hit.

>>16162576
ECM doesn't operate on the same principal at all.

EMP breaks tech because we use magnets for our data storage and retrieval as well as using magnetic metals, a purely mechanical vehicle would still work perfectly well after getting hit by an EMP. It basically hyper-magnetizes everything in its area of effect.

ECM works by flooding any given area with various signal wavelengths at absurd levels, preventing other signals from passing through.

Since you can't pass a signal using the same wavelength as power is broadcast (well you can, but the signal doesn't stop till the energy runs out so in this case you'd have every nanite on the planet responding to a "fly" command for example) then the signal must be on a different wavelength, which can therefore be jammed even if the one carrying power is also boosted (which may actually cause the nanites to explode)

Hey, Vedibere, how well trained are Armada officers in Very Ancient Mythology?

Can we retell the story of the random woman that found out that her paramour du jour was Zeus, and just nagged him until he showed himself in His Full Splendor and she melted while exploding.

Given the circumstances, perhaps this is a more appropriate song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEUfyd7rC-w&NR=1

>>16162594
Why are people afraid of using an EMP? Our body is important yeah, but if we can revive it from +60000 years DEAD, a little EMP is a tickle in comparison.

Our body is likely heavily shielded to begin with. And even if it isn't it should be much more resilient than a cloud of tiny machines.

>>16162649
But the problem with using ECM is that we haven't detected their communication method. If we can't detect it, then it's unlikely for the ECM to work.
We need some way to demonstrate our might without getting into a firefight, and that doesn't use the nanite swarm.

>Then the transmission. A tense wait follows, sensors tracking the dispersal of the incoming ships and the four-thousand more that launch as a second wave. The small craft close, not firing but instead forming an enormous sphere some distance away. You detect transmissions flicking back and forth between the planet and the ships before, finally, you receive one in reply.

For those who can't read.

>>16162649
Sorry, I considered them similar principles because they're both indiscriminate floods of high intensity energy, albeit in different forms.

>every nanite on the planet responding to a "fly" command
That would be awesome. Suddenly the power of destruction becomes clear as the whole world becomes undone.


So what are we doing for a plan again?
>wat do?

>>16162684
Those were transmissions between their ships and their facilities on the planet, not the nanite swarm.

I bet Ketro could weasel his way out of this situation.

Anyway

Can we fire a heavy lance through the atmosphere so that it is visible from this building? We should do that. I like that idea.

If that does not impress them, detonate a nuclear warhead in the atmosphere directly above us. Only if we are shielded from the EMP effect, that is.

If that does not impress them, consume a moon with a singularity.

Once they are sufficiently impressed by our heavy ordinance (I really don't want to do anything beyond shooting a heavy lance through the atmosphere though) project an image of Charles as we knew him.

"This man. Charles Urwright. I believe you know him better as Maestro. It is only by his blessing you are capable of your wizardry. Tell me, can you use your wizardry in space? That is my domain. That is where I rule. Maestro created this world in ten days. I can destroy it in a moment."

Those nanos have started eating us. We've just suffered unrepairable damage.

Fuck whoever said letting them in was a good idea.

Verdibere, what would happen if we dropped our smallest singularity bomb on the other side of the planet?

Using a singularity should be the last resort in the "show of force" category. But we still don't know how powerful they are and how we could use one to make a point.

>“All by yourself, little god? How very frightening. I’m positively petrified. What will be next? Shall you juggle for us to go along with the jests? That is the fool's job, I believe.”

"Are you that eager to have your system laid waste foolish mortal? If I believed maestros descendants where this idiotic, I would not have wasted my time trying to appease his children."

"My domain is not one to jest at, think carefully before doing so again lest you damn yourself to oblivion."

>>16162710
They already have heavy lances, showing them something they already have will do nothing to impress them.

>>16162703
And now for the guy with absolutely no reading comprehension...

>Then the transmission. A tense wait follows, sensors tracking the dispersal of the incoming ships and the four-thousand more that launch as a second wave. The small craft close, not firing but instead forming an enormous sphere some distance away. You detect transmissions flicking back and forth between the planet and the ships before, finally, you receive one in reply.

>A tense wait follows, sensors tracking the dispersal of the incoming ships and the four-thousand more that launch as a second wave. The small craft close, not firing but instead forming an enormous sphere some distance away.

>A tense wait follows, sensors tracking the dispersal of the incoming ships and the four-thousand more that launch as a second wave.

>sensors tracking the dispersal of the incoming ships and the four-thousand more that launch as a second wave.

>four-thousand more that launch as a second wave.

>Four thousand more fighters in addition to the 733 in the first wave.

>Total of 4733 craft targeting our shit in space.

>>16162710
This.

How about instead of earning their respect like a fucking mortal, we just get back to the ship, and use the heavy lances to glass a path right to Maestro so that we can link up and say hi?

>>16162733All of which are equipped with form shields, heavy lances, and cluster eaters.

>>16162733
>>16162726
Alright, they have superior numbers and equivalent technology.

They can also outdo us in any technical display with their nanite magic.

They also know their own mythology better than we do so we can't bullshit them.

Telling them their faith is bullshit and it's all science won't work at all, they're fanatics.

I give up. I'll read the archives tomorrow. Goodnight.

>>16162733
So your point was that there are over 4000 ships targeting us, rather than the transmission aspect?
If so, why didn't you reply to one of the posts regarding enemy force numbers, rather than dropping your post in the middle of a discussion about ECM and whether it will affect the nanite swarm?

Just got here and finished reading

seriously guys? This is what you came up with? The answer is SO FUCKING SIMPLE

"You are the Godspeakers, so go speak to the God. Tell him Ged is here, and he wants to talk."

give them a story or an in joke only the two of us would know.

>>16162767
I tried suggesting that earlier. No one cared.
Maybe you'll have better luck.

>>16162735
Because they have a lot of firepower, more than likely enough to overwhelm our very weakened shields and penetrate our hull.

>>16162767
I like this idea.

I like it a lot.

>>16162767
Fuck. It's always the simple things, isn't it.

THIS.

>>16162767
Agreed.

>>16162767
>>16162788
>>16162789
>>16162791
And so you've got it. Fuck yeah night crowd.

>>16162605
Lower than you might expect.

>>16162628
You can. She is in a sealed suit of power armor though so no nanite contact...

>>16162658
I could whip up something to that effect.

>>16162721
Eh, you would probably render an area the size of Australia into glass instantly and the rest of the planet would...

Well, let's put it this way. Ever seen those documentaries about the ELE asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs?

>>16162767
>>16162779
>>16162788
>>16162789
>>16162791

Wait guys wait. What if that doesn't work.

>>16162801
THen we haven't lost anything. They can say No, and we'll just be back at square one.
Funny, because we still haven't moved from square one.

You know, he could be trying to get under our skin to make us do something un-godly. Just a thought.

Anyway, i'm in favor of >>16162767
"Well, if Maestro's Aether grants you powers close to what this humble avatar possesses, and i am not to display my power by erasing this entire system from existence, i suppose we are at a bit of an impasse as far as proving my godhood goes. Go then, Godspeaker, speak to your god. Speak to Maestro. Tell his his brother has awoken. Tell him Harbinger live, and spoke with Asura. Tell him... (insert smirk) tell him that Ged would like to chat."

bitches want a demonstration? bump that damned tower, gently, of course!


how about we ask them for a target? then we blow it up

...If we can ever get our shields back to full functionality we will truly be like gods.

That is a good idea, man.

"You call yourselves Godspeakers. Go and speak to your God. Go and speak to Charles. Tell him that Ged is here."

>>16162837
Ccan't believe it took this long for someone to suggest 'gently bump the spire'.
Although next time sage it for good measure, would you?

If they talk to him via tapping in, that's a skill no one of our crew has save for maybe Ivonova. (not including us)
This suggests an understanding of incredibly advanced tech, beyond what was readily available throughout the Empire.

Bet they do it through nanites or whatever though.
Fucking probably can't even talk to him at all. And just make shit up.

Also, if they do have the means to "jack in" that means we could potentially hack them.

granted, the whole "tell them we're ged" thing hinges on there being anything left of Charles.

For all we know, it could be like the Asura. Personality erased, only fundamental ship stuff left.

>>16162847
And you wonder why Vedibere has been making it so tricky to find a proper shipyard.

>>16162860
When we discovered this system I was like "oh, sweet, humans. A manufacturing base that we can talk to!"

Now it's more like "we need parts, not magic! You guys are barbarians!"

Become BUTTRANGED
Blind them with the light of our ass.

>Well, let's put it this way. Ever seen those documentaries about the ELE asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs?
bloodspattered:Dreactionface.jpg

This sounds like a pretty good idea if things go FUBAR and we end up fighting for our life. Just make sure we really do drop it on the other side of the planet and not on the spire. I want them to see it coming...

Anyhow it seems the consensus is for the namedropping. If this doesn't work then we bring out the fireworks.

>>16162867
well it seems like they can produce Unisteel for their ships, and their nanites seem pretty buff...
They could fabricate what we need once Dai comes down and slaps some sense into the Godspeakers.
Then while he's at it he'll figure out how to adapt the nanites to the Harbinger and overclock them so they can do crazy shit like temparally become light lances or form a protective shield.

>>16162847
>>16162860
Factor in that you were expected, in battle, to be able to take multiple singularity warheads and still be able to keep on fighting at full capacity.

>>16162879
But our engines don't work like that!

>>16162895
Speaking of which, we still need to sync our engines to the motion of our pelvis,

>>16162893
My God.....


Vedibere, do you ever think well be back to full functionality? The Harbinger is so cool T.T

>>16162893
>to be able to take multiple singularity warheads

HOLY FUCKING SHIT.
HOW THE HELL DID TWIN SUPERNOVAS TAKE DOWN OUR SHIELDS?!

>>16162895
Our other ass, anon.
The local one.

It's an ancient and deadly art known to humans since time imemorable only to be used in those circumstances where we are put under the most dire of rage. But this great power comes at a cost, pain unparalleled within our posterior.

>>16162912
>Vedibere, do you ever think well be back to full functionality?
I can safely and with 100% confidence say that will depend entirely on you.

>>16162930
Do you think we could take them on in verse?

Beat them during the big musical number?

>>16162930
Better question: Are we ever going to be able to actually take advantage of being at 100% and see just what kind of pwnage we can dish out in action?

>>16162930
So you are sayingthat at this rate, we will gently bump the only functioning shipyard to death as we screw ivanova with our thruster-linked pelvic thrusts?

>>16162919
Twin supernovas with twin singularity reactors being detonated at the same time to set them off.

So it's like... two supernovas and two massive black holes all exploding at the same time.

Plus, like, you never actually did a full scan or anything to make sure that's all that was there plinking at you... you were a bit busy at the time.

>>16162947
Glad that at least one anon agrees with me that linking the engines to the motion of our pelvis is !!BRILLIANT!!

>>16162962
>linking the engines to the motion of our pelvis is !=!!BRILLIANT!!
FTFY

Ultimately, I think coming down here was silly.

We're pretty much the orks, and all this talking is muckin' about.

When we should have been showing them our dakka.

/40k

What do you guys think of this:

Stare at Kray with disdain. Do not move our gaze from him. Do not blink. "Do not toy with me, child. You see me before you, but you are blind to who and what I am. In ancient times, long before the rise of you and your ilk, long before the rise of Maestro and myself, there was a god named Zeus. He had a mortal lover, a young woman, but she would not believe that he was who he said he was. She prodded him, and prodded him, and taunted his power. 'Show me your true form if you are who you say you are. Show me. Show me!' she screamed at him. And so he did. And then she was no more. So do not test me, or you will be no more.

WIPE THAT SMILE OFF OF YOUR FACE!" Point a finger at him, because he'll obviously be smirking by then. "You call yourselves Godspeakers. If you're worthy to your name, go and find your God. Find Maestro. Find Charles. And tell him I'm here. Tell him that Ged is here." At this point project images of Charles and us being badass. "I am not my brother, and I have humored you for as long as I care to. Disbelieve me all you will, but I warn you, do not fuck with me."

>>16162947
>thruster-linked pelvic thrusts

make it vibrating and we are done.

>>16162945
Probably not. At that point it'd be like Omniquest all over again.
The Harbinger class ship is to the Navy as Ivanova is to Intel.
Godtier hax, literally.

>>16162984
Nah, the vibrating drone will be ravaging Parson, so that the sounds of his suffering will make the lovemakings that much sweeter.
Not sure what to do with Ketro though. Invite Dai to thouroughly violate him to death?

None of the players here (myself included) seem to have the intelligence to navigate these sorts of discussions.

This really is something we should keep in mind in the future. Oh, and fuck the guy who let us put these nanites in us.

Wat do?

>Purge Nanites
>Posture a bit
>Tell them to do their godspeaking so that Ged can chat with Charles.

sound good?

>>16163028
>>16162980
Yeah.

Purge the nanites from our system completely. Burn them out, force them out, whatever we have to do, then say and do that.

>>16163028
Yeah, that seems fine. Seconded and all that.

>>16163011
Wake Ketro up from Cryo,

"KETRO, AWAKE~! AFTER MILLENIA I HAVE DECIDED UPON YOUR PUNISHMENT. YOU WILL BE SENT DOWN ONTO THIS PLANET THAT WORSHIPS ME AS A GOD. THE AETHER WILL FLOW THROUGH YOU, BUT YOU WILL BE CURSED TO NEVER BE ABLE TO USE IT. YOUR BRILLIANCE WILL BE LAUGHED AT AND RIDICULED WHILE EVERYONE USES NANITES TO CAST MAGIC. AWAKE AND GO FORTH!"

Sage for silly.

>>16163046
BRILLIANT.
of course, Ketro being Ketro, he probably WILL find SOME way to use the Aether, and he will become the Loki and Lucifer of all future mythology.

>>16162980
Then add, lightly:
"Tell him we never did manage to hit those windows with the bottles."

Tell them "You asked for it. Remember that I was reluctant."

Then start destroying their ships, until they beg us to stop.

Be cheeky about it.

>>16163081
Erm, are you making up a likely story that Vedibere can canonize, or is it something from an older thread?

My answer to all frustration:

Pull your dick out.

Let them stand slack jawed in awe of it's significance.

>>16163104
I think it was made up to imply a history between them.

>>16163104
>>16163114
Nah, it happened back when we were in academy.
Apparently we and Charles were actually good friends.

I dont even know what would be worth trying anymore.

>>16163114
no, it was a story vedibere gave.

the captain of the maestro and ged graduated at the same time, they got drunk and tried to shoot the emptys out disposal ports to hit the windows of instructors they didn't like.

>>16163110
I suppose when they made you an EI, they wired you up with the best of the best cyberware.
And what reblooded, singularity-hearted man would deny such... enhancement?

>>16163086
>4000+ ships with lances

r u srs?

>>16163104
It's from an older thread. At graduation from academy, charles and us got wasted and started trying to his windows of instructors we didn't like with bottles. In space.

Of course, Vedi thinking up some other amusing memory is also acceptable.

This will probably not happen, but I can see it now. We're staring each other down.
"Lord Maestro"
"Lord Harbinger"
"Charles"
"Ged"
Then we stand there looking at each other for a few moments and one of us starts to crack up.
"So, created the world in ten days, eh?"
"Fuckin' magic, eh?"

>>16163110
Actually that's brilliant.

Pull your dick out and start waning.

say "I figured that since it's all you were going to do here, i might as well join in"

>>16163130
Oh, that's a good one.

>>16163145
Reinact meatspin.

[Vedibere, please ignore these. They are silly.]

>>16163145
*wanking

>>16163145
>Pull your dick out and start waning.
>waning
>"To decrease gradually in size, amount, intensity, or degree"

Welp. Hope that doesn't happen with Ivanova. Would hate to think 64K years of death gave us impotence.

>>16163145
Cut to the ship. We're warping away from the system as the planet is covered in maelstroms of destruction. Ivanova is looking at us in disbelief. We're beat-up.

"Nobody must ever know what happened there."

>>16163139
No. But I'm confident this is going to end with us firing on something. Might as well be the fighter fleet.

>>16163170
I think I like this more than anything that will actually happen. Sorry Vedibere.

Vedibere, I have to know: do you find all these running gags of ours as funny as we do?

>>16163192
Hopefully he just doesn't find them annoying.

>>16163192
They are very hit and miss.

>>16163197
I prefer to start out with a little extra optimism cream, then season with bits of realism to taste.

>>16163192
I personally like to believe Vedibere is one of the people always telling us to bump Parson, and that this is all some sick game.


[spoilersmootfuckingspoilers]and I love every moment of it[/fuckingshitivehadseriesruinedonthisboardgiveuspsoilers]

>>16163204
Are you still waiting for something more substantial from us?

>>16163204
Well, which ones hit and which ones miss?

>>16163143

That would be pretty awesome.

unlikely though.

>>16163213
No, writing.

>>16163318
Yay!

>initial respute

While Vedibere is writing, here is the new official theme song of the Harbinger and it's crew.

>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEJ8lpCQbyw&ob=av3n

>>16163345
I thought it was this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjY_uSSncQw

>searching our singularity for so long

>>16163345
We can start using that once we actually get some fellow navy buddies flying with us.
Although now listening to the lyrics, this is first time each and every word applies, quite literally, to every aspect of the quest.

Searching for "harbinger" on youtube netted me this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN5LP4boqps

Inching nearer each and every moment feel the rhythm of our drums
Searching, seeking forward thinking, a dawning of mind that we create
A border breaking for the taking, words that remind us to awake
I dont need a bold commandment, Ive got one of my own
Stand alone
Lets watch Babylon fall, our captivity
Vices of the kingdom, exile in luxury
Youll hear the darkest voice say
Bow before, crawl beneath, Dance around my altar If you grovel long enough
Someday I will let you be as pure

Not a big fan of the style, but it kind of fits.

I hope we and Maestro don't end up fighting.

Otherwise this would be the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh2rPGBSamE

>>16163387
We clearly need to use this as our theme after we sync our engines
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Pa9x9fZBtY&ob=av2n

Post dammit, I have to sleep!

I'M SO EXCITED, I CAN'T WAIT

Fuck, I'm tired.

A deadly smile slices your face, “A fool’s job, is it? Well then, since you are so proficient with parlor tricks perhaps you should get on the task. Journeyman casting and sly words would appear to be your only good points, after all.”

Kray gives a soft chuckle, but his eyes are cold, “Oh, and now the claws come out. I can think of a few ways to test your divinity myself. Crusex Shaul was said to have survived having his head sliced off in a duel once, surely a god could replicate the feat.”

His smile stiffens a bit as you return one of your own, “I don’t think I’d lower myself. To say you were killed by a god would perhaps validate your existence in some way.” He opens his mouth to reply but you cut him off, turning to the others, “Godspeakers, hear me! You wish for proof? So be it. Do as your title names you, speak to your god. Tell him through blood and fire the Harbinger has come, bearing tidings of Asura. Tell him that his brother is here. Tell him....”

You look down for a moment, planting your feet and clasping your hands behind your back. When your head rises you have shed the indignity of insults, the common senseless banter. You stand a Captain of the Ophidian Empire, EI of the warship Harbinger. Your gaze harder than your unisteel frame, you wield your bitter smile as a sword against those seeking to deny you, “Tell Charles that Ged has returned. At last.”

A sneer forms on Kray’s lips as he begins to reply, only to cut off before uttering the first word. His head snaps around to Pinn and his face darkens, but the old man’s eyes are locked on you instead. The Godspeakers shift uncomfortably by turns, Kray’s scowl slowly deepening, as the five enthroned speakers glance to each other in turn.

“Enough!” Pinn eventually sounds, slapping his bony hand down onto the arm of his chair. “Harbinger, we discuss this matter in private and ask that you wait outside. A priest will be by to guide you and your companions out of the citadel.”

The urge to refuse purely out of spite or to see what they do fills you, but reason quickly squelches it. You nod once and, turning on your heel, leave without a word. Let them debate and stew, in the end you will not be denied. The doors swing closed behind you and shut with a thundering slam. You look to your right and see Lawspeaker Viss climbing the stairs and go to meet him half-way.

Downward he guides you, the minutes tick by as he leads you through the spiral and back into the heart of the tower before stopping quite suddenly. A frown creases his face as he turns to you, “I am afraid I must ask you to wait here until I return.” You nod and the man bustles away, scurrying through a gilded stone archway before stepping off a vast shaft even as he casts a spell... falling down into darkness but immediately after rising upward once more as the nanites wreathe him.

More time passes, and as your internal timer approaches the eight minute mark you begin to wonder if this might be some kind of ploy... until a grand basso speaks from behind you.

“The god Harbinger. Perhaps now we can speak in truth.”

You turn and find none other than Godspeaker Ulinat standing in the hall, his hooded gaze measuring and heavy. The man steps forward, eyes never leaving you, and the sunlight glints through the crystalline wall behind him, lighting his silver hair and carving deep shadows into the worn lines of the man’s face.

“A god?” You snort, raising an eyebrow, “Your companions appeared to think otherwise. I seem to not be godly enough for them.”

“Indeed. Or perhaps too much so.” The man scowls, his deep voice adding weight to each word, “These are dark times. The youth abandon the old ways and descend into chaos, discarding the tradition of ages. No-bloods breeding, spreading their taint. Nobles forgetting their place, practicing false faith. Trying to change the inviolate laws of our Lord or decrease tithes. And some who should know better, remaining neutral rather than squelching it as they should and establishing a true order.”

You raise an eyebrow, “And? Some would say that’s the complaint of every generation. The youth grown too wild and licentious even if it isn’t true.”

He walks up to you, his lined face heavy, “Perhaps some would, but not all. There are some who see reason. Who know that if a god were to return then all would be possible. Some who would listen, that they might save the souls of the impure and gift them their eternal bliss in Ophidia. For none should suffer Oblivion when they might live forever with the gods.” His eyes lock on yours and he nods solemnly.

>>16163499
>>16163661
Ladies, please. I've been up since two yesterday morning.

It is now, well, 4:30 this morning.

But yeah, only one post more after this then bed.

>>16163702
One more we need to input on or one more you need to write?

I have ironing to do in the morning.

>>16163713
One more for me to write after what you decide what to do here.

>>16163719
Alright, my body is ready. Lead on, Glorious Leader!

>>16163691
Look him up and down. "Perhaps. But you are my brother's people, and he and I are not the same."

>>16163691
I've got a soft spot for the old guard, what can I say?
Humor the man, ask what he would do, what he would have us do, in regards to his people. Never hurts to have one or two ground side in our pocket if we can establish good terms with him, course don't be soft either. After that shit they pulled, we need to demonstrate we won't tolerate anything like that again. Farther insults will be paid in blood and brimstone and all that sweet stuff.

>>16163691
"Finally, I see wisdom that I can respect.

If you wish to speak in truth however, I'm afraid you will not like what you hear, as is so often the case with truths.
It can wait for now, though.
First, I would like to see Maestro."

>>16163785
Make it Charles, and I'll suck your dick.

And with that I'm out, gotta catch up on my knitting on the morrow.

I agree. The political shitstorm can wait. First we need to see Charles.

Well, I already started writing this out, but I must agree with this course of action:
>>16163785
(and also saying Charles)

Does he want the truth? He can't handle the truth! Here is the truth. Don't actually say it, I really think it would be detrimental to us when compared to the other option.

"It is a reassurance for me that some are still able to see reason, but I am afraid that the word carries more meaning for me than it does for you.

What would you have me do? Until I can commune with Maestro, I can only rain fire from the skies. This planet is his domain, I understand his aether, but cannot use it. It is his, and you have inherited it from him. I cannot intrude.

The ancient relics you guard. The gates. What you call the graveyard of the gods. These are things that can be created again. The process for it is... involved. It requires different kinds of rituals and faith. Possibly a complete restructuring of society. Generations of time. It was my goal upon encountering Maestro's children to rebuild what has been lost, but after my short stay here, perhaps it might be for the best if that was not to happen."

Basically, what we thought were a fairly-advanced race are in actuality barbarians who know how to press buttons. We might be able to tell them how to rebuild things, but we'll come back in a year or so and everything will be gone to hell.

"I seem to have finally found wisdom to respect in this place. If you wish to speak in truth, however, I will tell you now that there are many truths you may not wish to hear. But all of that may await its proper time and place. First, I would like to see my brother Maestro, my friend Charles."

He nods slowly, his face falling, “I know all too well this world is far from what it should be. The truths of what must be done to restore the righteous hierarchy will be hard to bear, but faith will see all of us through them.”

Good enough, you suppose. “Very well. The meeting?”

He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes before nodding, “The fools will not permit it, saying they find you lacking. But there are twelve seats for the Godspeakers. Though they were not here this day, they are unshakable in their dedication to the holy way. They, and I, will aid you, for if you are in truth a god then your will in this matter must be done. And if not...” He gives a grim smile, “The impure will never stand in the presence of our Lord, they shall perish in the brilliance of his light. Even had you not the sacred True Name of our Lord or the ancient records, that alone would mark your truth. Two days hence we will call for you and request you descend in your divine chariot once more. You must be ready, the window of opportunity will be brief.”

“And the cost for this?” you ask.

Yet he only shakes his head, “One does not barter with the holy, Lord Harbinger. Only serve it. You shall restore this world to its rightful state and enact a new age upon it, this I know. The unclean will be cleansed or purged, and an eternal holy order will be forged. A new Prophet as all must be, and the righteous to triumph. You can do no less with your mere presence, and I could ask no more.”

“Then two days?”

He nods, stepping back and waving his hands rapidly, “Two days until the final era begins. *Invisibility*”

And with that the nanites wrap around him, deflecting all light and rendering him unseen to normal sight... just as Viss returns. The long-faced man walks over and pulls on your sleeve, “Hurry, hurry. This way.” and leads you to your officers and drones -- and to home and safety -- once more.

That's it for me tonight, I'm dead. Archive please, ect. Please don't fuck up the tags or forget to number it or anything.

>Next VQ Sunday at 18:00

seems that ended better than expected.

Better than that damn bioweapons station, anyway.

thank god.

>>16163913
Archived.

>>16163915
Oh, don't be so sure. This has not even begun.

As for a Wat Do:
-Everyone is putting their heads together to figure out a way to either disrupt or control the nanites. Bring back a sample. Whether it's radiation, localized EMP, power fluctuations, whatever.
-Brief everyone on board. In the grim darkness of the now, there is only magic, not science.
-Evaluate combat readiness of their fleet. Be prepared for combat. Battle lines should be drawn.
-Be ready to strike prime targets.
-Obtain copies of scripture, probably by communicating with the space fleet. Knowledge is power.
-Be ready for all possible links to Maestro. Outfit our body with everything required.
-Be ready to punish all nonbelievers with our holy light. I mean weaponry.
-If possible, scan the surface of the planet to get an idea of what we're dealing with. Is this literally Medieval Fantasy But Magic Is Forgotten Science? I originally thought they just had a giant global neural network, but apparently, it's highly localized telepathy. Look for mundane technologies: dataslates, keyboards, flashlights, even. Apparently they don't even have holoprojectors. They probably don't even have LCDs or CRTs.

Look on the bright side!

1. Acquire godly nanotech.
2. Go back to bioweapons station and grey goo the place
3. Disassemble biohazard on an atomic level
4. ??????
5. PROFIT!

>>16163904
Wat do:

1. Bring back a sample of nanites for the scientists to tinker apart and analyze. We aren't exactly equipped for it, but it'll give them something to do. Find how they communicate, and if their communication can be hacked. Failing that, how they could be disrupted. Given how pervasive the nanite swarm is, just bottling up some air should be enough.
2. Everyone to be briefed on the holy nature of Ophidia and the planet's belief system. We don't want any contradictions yet.
3. Get a working analysis of the enemy fleet. I want a breakdown of its force composition. I know they could probably beat us in a fight, I just want to know how badly.
4. Prepare our kit. Various communication interfaces, since we don't know what interfaces Charles might have left. Also, have Rinn put together a weapons loadout, with tactical webbing. Wearing LBE over our dress uniform will look a little weird, but I'd rather be ready to blast heretics with our divine wrath.

>>16164045
we would need to have our singularity reactor fixed up to power the nanites. the nanites themselves would probably be destroyed by the biohazard, since it can do things like eat through hazard suit and seals.