Hannah

Hannah finishes up her little cry session, lifting her head from Dorothy's shoulder and simply resting her head on it.

HANNAH: i-i... i don't understand...
HANNAH: i don't understand what i've done to deserve all of this...
HANNAH: this... kindness... t-this... attention...
HANNAH: i-i've done and said things that'd... usually say i-i'd be pretty... hateable?
HANNAH: someone who would be preferred to be l-left in the dirt to rot
HANNAH: regardless of usefulness
HANNAH: a-and yet...

She shakes her head.

HANNAH: i-i... don't get it...

Hannah blinks a few times.

HANNAH: ...i-i'm... kinda worried...
HANNAH: worried about what will happen... a-after the sphere's down...
HANNAH: w-will she go for me again...?
HANNAH: a-and who else will she go after...
HANNAH: i-i just wanted her to be free
HANNAH: free from being under a tyrant's thumb
HANNAH: b-but...

HANNAH: i-i'm... scared....
HANNAH: that i-i made things
HANNAH: way worse
HANNAH: doomed everyone who reacted positively to... m-my stuff
HANNAH: to death

Dorothy shakes her head gently.

DOROTHY: I-if she wanted to do that... w-well...
DOROTHY: There's, um, a lot of hoops for her to jump through.
DOROTHY: S-so many people, powerful people, w-would be upset, angry... v-vengeful...
DOROTHY: I-I mean, if someone like Adria hears about what s-she's done to you... w-well... y'know.
DOROTHY: She, she'd actually be labelled a monster. O-on the spot.
DOROTHY: She... o-obviously doesn't want that.
DOROTHY: A-a lot of people believe y-you don't deserve to suffer or die or anything!

Hannah falls silent. Then, she stretches. She lets go of Dorothy and flops down on the bed, all cried out.

HANNAH: ...do i not, though?
HANNAH: i can't even tell what should be right and wrong here...

...Dorothy, unsure on how to answer that, looks to The Scion for help.

HANNAH: ...honestly i just want this whole mess to be over already...

---

Sythia

Sophia didn't expect the hug from the plushie. She gives it and Sythia a sweet smile.

SOPHIA: D'aww, thank you~

SOPHIA: Lemme try!

Sophia tries to follow Sythia's previous motions as closely as she can, closing her eyes and trying to shut the background noises out so she could focus.

---

Calscape

Sophia nods at Chloe's remark. It's about high time they got going.

SOPHIA: Yeah, it's been going a little long...
SOPHIA: Fun, though! Thanks for invitin' us!~

SOPHIA: I'll make sure auntie sees this thing, too. She'll know what to do!

---

Exosuit

Adria doesn't hesitate to high-five Chloe. Or the Exosuit, given Chloe's in it.

Chloe then asks if Adria has any ideas for armaments. She gently places her hand on her chin, looks down, and thinks.

ADRIA: Hmmmm... give me a moment...

...It seems like she doesn't have many ideas quite yet.

---

Mari

Mari takes a look at the business card. It's certainly something that doesn't seem like it should be tech-based. But it is. There might be a method of communication right there on the card for all she knows. She'll need to fiddle with it later.

Mari comments on open-source work and why it's cool. Adria nods.

ADRIA: Yeah! Iterating on an idea that already works makes it shine ever brighter! ...So to speak.

She also says not to worry about rambling about tech to her. She loves the stuff. Adria's practically beaming.

ADRIA: Yeah it's... sorta a habit I need to kick. Despite being from what is effectively a city filled with temporal technology, a lot of the people I speak to are kinda... not into this stuff as much as I am.

ADRIA: Actually, I thought ahead on the "combining with another weapon" bit.
ADRIA: There's a function on my Crossbow that I never use, so I figured I might as well incorporate the drive into it to make something even better!

She pulls out the Moonshocker Crossbow and Moonshocker Drive. She also pulls out plans for an attachment for the Drive that replaces the barrel on it. The attachment is somewhat long, sort of like a wire, and connects directly to a sort of storage unit to be placed on the hip. The storage unit had a long tube headed directly for the crossbow's conversion port, almost like a belt-fed system, but not. There's also a wire going from the drive directly to the conversion port.

ADRIA: Basically, the crossbow takes spells, energy, and the like into its conversion port and stores it in the loaded bolt for later use.
ADRIA: The drive generates and stores its own energy through a conversion process as well - electricity, kinetic strikes, or any other form of energy.
ADRIA: Both suffer from the same problem, I feel - it's unusually difficult to use either of these special abilities without doing something completely out of left field and wasting time. In other words... they're very niche due to being too setup-oriented.
ADRIA: I've seen the way everyone fights. There's little time for setup before everything is defeated anyway.
ADRIA: Given there's plenty of room on the outside of the drive still, I figured I might as well incorporate a high-grade conversion port on the back of it so that it can store a much wider variety of energy from other sources besides just from my own actions.
ADRIA: On the crossbow is an autoloader system for what I call "spell capsules" - when broken open, they act extremely similarly to actual spells. The only real difference is that they're all synthetic - manufactured.
ADRIA: On the current design I need to manually load them. That takes forever. The automatic loading system feeds them into the crossbow as I need them.
ADRIA: Sadly this would take up a lot of energy. If I were to add a standard energy source capable of doing this, it would likely be far too heavy to use without sacrificing mobility.
ADRIA: That's where the drive comes in. It's lightweight enough to easily fit on, say, my back, and provides plenty of energy once charged enough. The light-based converter can be removed fairly easily, and may be able to be incorporated into the crossbow for elemental coverage when not loaded with a "spell".
ADRIA: The result would be a crossbow that can also fire a spell if given enough energy to do so from the Drive.
ADRIA: In addition, I can optionally use the drive to empower the spells currently in the crossbow through that same power conversion method, in case my reserves become an issue.

ADRIA: If I could make it right now I would.
ADRIA: Damnable tier limits...
ADRIA: ...So yeah, upgrades.

Mari then talks sabotage. The options would be a sabotage drone or an antimagic bomb of epic proportions. Also going directly in there to take it over would be suicide. Also that they might as well start planning now. Adria shrugs, then nods. Eh, sure, why not.

ADRIA: Yeah, alright. Why not.

Her drone puts up a large hardlight display, large enough for both Mari and herself - it looks like a whiteboard type of thing. As she talks, Adria uses a slender hardlight pointer stick generated with the "whiteboard" to write and draw on it, handing one to Mari as well. She draws a pretty average facsimile of the Citadel.

ADRIA: Mm, going directly in would be too dangerous if it was there...
ADRIA: But that is the most likely location for it.

She has the drone bring up a design for one of the combat drones they have on their home planet. It looks a lot like a scorpion. Equally as slender and sleek too, tail barb and all. Except it's made of metal.

ADRIA: A sabotage drone would definitely work for the initial scouting. Then, when we're confident we could pull it off, antimagic bomb.
ADRIA: The drone would likely need to be small if we're going that route. Perhaps even insect small.
ADRIA: Ideally it would also be able to do things.
ADRIA: Perhaps a small Dunecarver-style drone? Pincers and stinger(s) re-purposed into either hands or wire cutters or maybe even a tiny anti-magic disruptor and/or remote hacking device. Options!
ADRIA: This one I'm showing you is a combat model - it uses its pincers to grip onto a target and zaps them with high power with the tail. It's typically very large, but we can scale it down and repurpose the components as we see fit. And add new components.
ADRIA: Of course, other forms would also be helpful to have, that's just the one that came to mind first.

She sections off a part of the board for the bomb design. She draws up the systems she describes as she goes.

ADRIA: As for the bomb...
ADRIA: Well, we'll need something a lot stronger than our current anti-magic core, that's for sure. If we want an anti-magic bomb we need to make it hit hard and have a very wide "blast" radius.
ADRIA: I've noticed a material that may fit the bill for creating this, but it also looked quite unstable and I'm unsure if we would be capable of using it for this. Something called Elemental Prisma.
ADRIA: I've watched some of the others make the anti-magic core down in machining and fabrication - you likely haven't been there yet - it also requires a strong poison to create, as well as magical crystals. The poison goes into the crystals, somehow. Inverting their polarity. It's made at a fabricator, so we shouldn't need to do it ourselves at least.
ADRIA: The unstable nature of the crystals would make it ideal for an anti-magic bomb if we can pull it off. Then we'd simply need a fuse and something to amplify its effects somehow and we've got ourselves a big ol' bomb.

ADRIA: We can use the teleportation rune we've already collected to slip one thing into the place. Once we get the rune's design at the location of interest, or just the location in general, we should be able to produce them en masse with the help of our more magically-attuned allies.
ADRIA: Then we can basically do whatever we want from there. Including sending the bomb.
ADRIA: Though, perhaps using a new rune as the location rune would be smarter. Slip it into the scout, have it place it somewhere hidden, then we'll have a place to sneak in from. And we can then produce more personal teleportation runes as we need them.
ADRIA: We can even create a rune setup to return things back home in case we get caught doing things.
ADRIA: Though I suppose we could use teleportation technology to achieve the same effect. Though that might also be a bit noisier...
ADRIA: Decisions, decisions...

A purple light appears at the upper edge of the screen. While Mari might not know what that's about, Adria certainly does. Adria nods and taps her ear very briefly. Then, she turns to Mari.

ADRIA: Oh, yes, there's also another thing that might pique your interest going on right now.
ADRIA: Me and Chloe managed to take an experimental exosuit from machining and fabrication. We're currently equipping it with weaponry for combat use. Chloe's already made an oversized sword and a shield generator module for it. Perhaps you'd like to share a couple ideas of your own?
ADRIA: We need to go down there anyhow for the sabotage stuff, so may as well ask.

---

...Venia?

Thanks to her avatars, Dorothy was able to listen in on everything that Venia and co. had to say from its fairly concealed position within a nearby wall. She wanted to understand, to get the full picture of what was going on here. Maybe it'd give some insight on how to help Hannah.

Well for one the assassination attempt was a success. That's something to note if The Scion doesn't mention it first.

For another... Venia genuinely having thought that Hannah was being an asshole or at worst malicious. Talk of feeling betrayed by Hannah's actions. The fact that she may want to ask Hannah what truly brought on the whole idea in the first place - it's as Dorothy said herself, Hannah couldn't have gone through with it without proper reasoning. She wouldn't have taken one person's word for it. She even bets that she didn't even know Venia was stressed about the emperor, which would rule that out entirely... still should ask, though.

But it's as Dorothy suspected: Venia didn't want or mean to hurt or threaten Hannah at all. It's just that she didn't realize it at the time, and now very much feels guilty about all of this. Meanwhile, Hannah feels guilty for everything too, she knows that much.

The problem is... well... getting Hannah to come to grips with all that. It's a tall order, even for Dorothy.

What really stuck out to her during the whole thing is the possibility for reconciliation. Dorothy really wants to try it, but... she'd need to bring it up with a few more people. Nia, Echoss, and obviously she needs to make sure Venia and Hannah are willing to do it too. And gather people to help mediate. And maybe even get Adria on that paradox-based time travel thing, or at least get in contact with the Echo Collective so that Nedilia could ally with them.

My, that's a tall order for one shy little girl...

As everything cools off, Dorothy's avatar floats out of the wall, away from the scene. She has a lot to think about, and a friend to help...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA


Assume I put something worth posting here

Destiny decides to start a fight with the iti on the payload.

Remiel does some house fortification.


Remiel then proceeds to build a simple bridge across the Thyme Matter blocking the Fusion Development room. It didn't get hired for a gooping, Gordon!

Materials:
Vents: Teleportium, Green Sap, Entrophy, Plasteel
Beepsky: Disco Dome craftcharge, Storm Beacon craftcharge, Crystalline Conduit, Synthfuel, Electrum
Bridge: a whole bunch of Uniform Logs

---

Venia blinks awake, a memory from years ago fluttering away from her mind’s eye. Her own attempt to put Regalus off the throne he never deserved without murdering Maria’s father-failed, as had many others. She didn’t take too long, but longer than she should have, to realize that would never work-no matter her methods or her pleads or even her reason, she would never gather support-the eyes on her back were too focused, and her reputation was too dirty, and Regalus’s madness too impregnable (and undiagnosed). She tried so hard for that perfect, velvet revolution, a complete and utter overthrow without even one soul harmed-Spy networks, social manipulation, and blatantly just giving a reasoned talk-all of it, all failures that didn’t even begin to be promising-the most she ever got was evolving out of methods that invariably came to murder. Hitting a rock wall and feeling as if the task was impossible was precisely what drove her to her poorly-thought through suicide. She never wanted to be the villain. She hated it-hated feeling like everything she ever did only made people miserable, herself included.

All that had transpired now did her no favors-least of all Hannah brazenly attacking Regalus, or Regalus having turned out to have been plotting the murder of her and her newest friends (actual friends!) from the start, and the most she could hope for was that it worked.

And of course she just had to flip her lid at Hannah.

Unhappy did not begin to describe it.

Venia finally starts moving herself up, from wherever she was, eyes sliding open. The first thing she sees is Nia, sitting against the bed she lays in-but before she can really process it, Nia scrambles up to a standing position, wasting absolutely no time pulling Venia into a hug. The cyanette holds her tightly, as if it was the first time she’s seen her in awhile.


NIA: O-Oh, you’re awake! Welcome back!
VENIA: … H-hey.
VENIA: … Is he dead?
NIA: Huh? I… don’t know, sorry.
NIA: B-But… how are you feeling? Sick? Tired?
NIA: You’ve been out for awhile, a-and I don’t really know what happened yet...
VENIA: … Is any of ours dead? I, might’ve…
VENIA: … No, I didn’t, I fell unconscious before I could… Somehow.
NIA: Poor thing...

Venia grips her head-she isn’t sick or especially dizzy, just drowsy. Her form flashes readily to her true, watery blob rather than the humanoid facade. Nia plants a quick kiss on Venia’s cheek, before pulling away. She turns to one of Echoss’s butterflies that’s flapping a short distance away from the bed, and gets right up in its… “face”?

NIA: Echoss!
NIA: Venia’s awake! Take your time, though!~
ECHOSS: I am aware, I was actually already on my way to grab Miss Nee-to grab Ette.
ECHOSS: As for your question Venia, Regalus has been dealt with. There were no further casualties, or at least no injuries worse than we sustain on a regular basis each day.
ECHOSS: Though the other Hemmors have not been notified yet.
NIA: Oh gorilla, he’s dead!?
NIA: H-How the hell are we gonna tell…?
NIA: ...Nevermind. I guess we can talk about that when you’re actually here.

Nia then places a chair from the inventory next to Venia’s bed. She grabs a spare teabag that Taeda had from the party, throwing it into some hot water. Once the tea’s prepared, she hands the cup to Venia, concern in her gaze.

Venia stares into space at the news, barely registering a cup of tea or anything at all. She doesn’t know what to think about that, even though she knew it would come. She still didn’t know what to think earlier, even at the very earliest, and she still doesn’t now. Confusion was evident on her face, confusion and pain. She did the best she could and just kept asking questions.

VENIA: … What else happened? Hannah, what happened? Something attacked us at the lake, I, I don’t know what. Knocked me out but didn’t hurt me. I don’t think it was an enemy…
VENIA: W-was it Nidra? It felt like Nidra, I just felt like, exhausted, out of nowhere.
ECHOSS: You started trying to attack Hannah and the Krabs bot knocked you both out.
ECHOSS: Presumably with the same or similar spell to what Nidra uses.
VENIA: … Well, there’s worse that c-could’ve-

Venia abruptly breaks into tears, inelegant and manifold, barely managing to hold onto the tea as she covers her face with her remaining arm, shame plain. Nia remains close to Venia, clinging onto her arm gently. The door slowly creaks open, and Echoss steps in, followed by Ette. The butterfly lifts off its perch over to Echoss, where it settles into his hand and disappears. Ette hops in with a pep in her step.

ETTE: Heeeey, Venia! How are you doin-
ETTE: O-Oh.
ETTE: I-I’m sorry...

Her momentum immediately dies, her arms crossing in front of her. Echoss pulls out another two chairs and sets them down for himself and Ette as Venia continues to cry. Ette ignores her chair, heading up to Venia’s side along Nia, and hugging the duchess’ waist.

VENIA: I-I HATE IT! I HATE MY LIFE! I HATE MYSELF!
VENIA: I KEEP TRYING MY HARDEST, I KEEP DOING E-EVERYTHING I CAN AND I CAN’T DO IT RIGHT EVER! I KEEP FAILING! I’M A FAILURE!
VENIA: I HATE HURTING PEOPLE AND IT’S THE ONLY THING I’VE EVER DONE! EVERYONE HATES ME!
VENIA: I DON’T KNOW WHY THIS KEEPS HAPPENING TO ME! WHY EVERYTHING I TRY IS ALWAYS WRONG! WHY ALL MY ALLIES BETRAY ME AND WHY THEY KEEP BEING ASSHOLES!

Echoss sighs, maybe letting her get it out first isn't going to work as well.

ECHOSS: M- Venia.
ECHOSS: No one here has betrayed you, at least among the Spherebreakers.
ECHOSS: You're still among friends.
ETTE: Y-Yeah!
ETTE: We love you, Venia! You’re super good!
ETTE: Y-You’ve been really super stressed as of late because of Regalus t-though, and we get it. Hannah’s been super stressed, too. You’re not alone.
NIA: We’re here for you, Venia!
NIA: You’ve always tried to do what you believe is right. It’s not easy, but you’re strong.
NIA: I-I know it hurts, but f-fights with friends, allies, C-Chloe… they’ll happen sometimes.
NIA: Though what’s happened has… happened, I know they’ll forgive you. At least, Ette and I will forgive you, and stick by you!
NIA: And if not… well, time can help with those wounds.
NIA: Besides, nobody’s… perfect, y’know?
NIA: Even with your flaws… I still love you! More than anything!~

Nia and Ette pull Venia in harder. Venia continues sobbing harshly.

VENIA: I-I-I… I… I hate it! I hate being useless and having everything I do blow up in my face when it matters!
VENIA: I’ve never gotten help without forcing someone to help me, I had to do everything on my own and I did my best!
VENIA: But either I screw up or, or some bullshit just comes out of nowhere to render everything a fucking waste of time!
VENIA: I didn’t want to kill Regalus! Dethrone him! But not kill him! But I get forced into that, against my will, and then that stupid fucking-augh, Hannah just acts like she’s somehow entitled to just do that! From advice from YEW, of all possible things!
VENIA: She doesn’t even know what crimes he’s committed! She doesn’t even have good enough reason to think he’s actually committed crimes! I never talked to her about Regalus at all before she just up and decided to go assassinate him because… I still don't even know! It’s so stupid that I want to believe she was being mind controlled, or possessed!
VENIA: And Yew told her to kill me too! And I have no clue whether or not she’s actually listened! I should’ve killed that stupid thing myself!
VENIA: I don’t get it! I don’t get why I try my damndest and never have anything work, and then get told everything I ever did was worthless!
VENIA: And then I get insulted for it! Fuck that shit! Fuck that idiot bitch! Fuck!

Venia continues to cry. Echoss sighs again.

ECHOSS: Let's leave aside for a moment the fact that Hannah is a prepubescent child who, while not as traumatized as you yourself seem to have been, still outpaces more than half the party in that regard which is in itself quite a high bar to pass.
ECHOSS: Hannah did not target Regalus solely based on advice from Yew. While I have not personally inquired as to where she got a better bearing, she knew how bad of news he was before she went after him.
ECHOSS: You are correct that she likely should have conferred with others before doing so, but you have been threatening her throughout the day, and continued to threaten her after everything was being set up.
ECHOSS: She is quite scared of you, and beyond that had she not forced you to gather the group Regalus would've killed quite a few more people. Maybe even some of the Spherebreakers, during a stretch of time where we cannot afford to be shortstaffed or otherwise wounded as a party.
VENIA: S-scared?
ECHOSS: While she is in no way faultless for this conflict between you, you must keep in mind that your own issues and neuroses play into it just as much as hers.
ECHOSS: Consider, did you perhaps ponder that the reason she hasn't taken Yew's advice on killing you, is that she simply doesn't intend to even try and find a way?
ECHOSS: She's had the option. If she were so inclined, you are even more vulnerable under the thymefield than Regalus was. She would likely even be able to do it on the first try with even a precursory action against your connection to our rez abilities.
ECHOSS: She may not like you, but she in no way views you as bad enough to do that to you.
ECHOSS: Even after all the times you've threatened her. Even after you've shown the ability and potentially even the willingness to follow through in her eyes.
ECHOSS: Even though she has what many people would consider enough reason to believe you are a danger to not just yourself and her friends.
ECHOSS: She still dismissed it. She still trusted you enough to follow along with your plans.
VENIA: … Threaten? I, I, didn’t mean...

Venia genuinely looks confused, if no less teary-eyed. Echoss nods.

ECHOSS: Whether you meant it or not... That's how Hannah, and a couple of others, perceive it.
VENIA: Oh, goddamnit…!
ECHOSS: That is not my point, however.
ECHOSS: Having seen your reaction to being reminded of almost physically attacking Hannah, I am further inclined to believe you do not actively wish to inflict harm on her.
ECHOSS: While this has been a very unpleasant chain of events all around, and targeting a child like that is rather unacceptable...
ECHOSS: This largely comes down to regular, if heated, adventuring party drama.
ECHOSS: The Spherebreakers are, make no mistake, an adventuring party. And that means that over half of us have unresolved trauma, and a significant portion have bad enough emotional scarring to be considered unfit for polite society by most cultures.
ECHOSS: And the issues that results in came to the forefront today. It needs to be addressed, yes, but you are not some unforgivable pariah for this.
NIA: We say things that we don’t mean when things get heated.
NIA: Sometimes, we have the worst of outbursts with our closest friends. We say awful things that we don’t mean in the heat of the moment.
NIA: Sure, you and Hannah aren’t really friends, but even then. We can still say those lies.
NIA: But, we understand that you didn’t mean it at all! You never really hurt her, either. So… we can forgive you!
ETTE: Yeah!
ETTE: Marron says dumb things, too! I know she doesn’t mean it, and she always apologizes when she simmers down.
ETTE: I’m sure Hannah will understand what happened!

Echoss seems a little apprehensive about Ette's last line, but doesn't say anything yet, giving Venia time to respond.

She doesn’t. Not immediately. She just slumps backwards a bit, taking deep sips of her tea, still watery-eyed, figuratively and literally.

VENIA: … I fucked up hard didn’t I, with her?
ECHOSS: I'm afraid so.
ECHOSS: It's something of a two-way street there however.
ECHOSS: Hannah did things of her own to cause the animosity, not to mention none of the rest of us stepped in to mediate until things actively began to fall apart.
NIA: Y-Yeah… we kinda dropped the ball on this.
NIA: I-I’m… sorry I didn’t notice sooner, Venia. I should’ve seen that you were stressed, and been around to help.
ECHOSS: For your part in this though, you simply need to work on doing a bit better next time.
ECHOSS: Much the same as the rest of us.

Venia again remains silent, putting her spare hand back into her face in more of a facepalm.

VENIA: … I’m afraid that I’m cursed or something…
VENIA: Like… I’m afraid that everything’s just going to crash and burn when we reach that stupid bug, or even earlier.
VENIA: I’m just… I just hate everything that’s happened, I just… It’s so much to process I can’t even think straight!
VENIA: W-what am I going to tell Maria?
VENIA: W-WAIT! Maria! She’s still alright, right? She doesn’t know?
ECHOSS: Maria is alright. Chaos hasn't been making morbid jokes about injured children at least, so I assume he hasn't screwed anything up yet.
ECHOSS: And you are not cursed.
ECHOSS: You were, up until less than an hour ago, under the thumb of an abusive, lunatic, tyrant despot.
NIA: If anything, you’ve been blessed with the fortitude to persevere, even after all you’ve been through!
ECHOSS: Without exact details I obviously cannot make any kind of diagnosis of my own, but it is not hard to connect your previous circumstances with your string of personal failures.
ECHOSS: But, that's for later in this conversation.
ECHOSS: Now that you've calmed down a bit, is it okay if I give you the recommendations I gave to Miss Hannah?
VENIA: … Yes.
ECHOSS: First, moving forward from here I recommend not directly interacting with Hannah where feasible. Not to the extent of pettiness, but stay separated wherever reasonable.
ECHOSS: If it is required, make sure there are others with you. You are both combative people and we quite frankly got lucky that you two could be pulled apart before someone was injured.
ECHOSS: While reconciliation would be ideal... we only have a day and a half remaining, and the house is not large enough for you two to properly keep your distance from one another before the thymefield drops.
ECHOSS: Obviously if both of you decide reconciliation is in order before then, it'd be worth pursuing... just... remember to include others.
ECHOSS: Does that make sense?
VENIA: I think so, for what that’s worth…
ECHOSS: Alright then, second and final for this issue:
ECHOSS: If more things of this magnitude come up, like Regalus being potentially dangerous to the party or your worries and suspicions regarding Hannah and Yew, bring it up with others.
ECHOSS: Hannah was quite guilty of this as well, but most of the issues we had getting here safely could have been avoided if there had been communication.
ECHOSS: Beyond that: the Butterfly thrives on internal strife, both personal and organizational. If the party's internal communication net breaks down too much the Butterfly will notice and capitalize.
ECHOSS: If I had to give hard numbers... talk to at least three other Spherebreakers about something important like this coming again. Preferably not all people of the same original home, it's better to make sure more different sub-groups know things where possible.

Echoss pauses to give Venia time to respond again. Venia contemplates considering that she basically told quite a few people about her boss beforehand and told at least three other people about it after she realized Regalus would be an active threat… But, at the same time, felt like that was a quibble pointless to talk about.

VENIA: … It makes sense to me.
NIA: And one of those three people can’t be me, or Ette!
NIA: You gotta go out and socialize! Chat to… Chloe, or something. She’s understanding!
NIA: Oh yeah, that Aoki girl’s kinda cute! Tell her, too!~
ECHOSS: Thank you Venia.
ECHOSS: Now, there's something else only tangentially related that I believe I need to talk with you about.
ECHOSS: Not for the party's health, but for your own.
ECHOSS: What are you intending to do once the Sphere goes down, Miss Praefortis?
VENIA: … I thought I would just, go back and try to fix things. I can’t run away from it forever… Or worse, bring them to me.
VENIA: … But I don’t even know anymore.

Echoss nods slowly.

ECHOSS: You've been rethinking it a bit, then. Good.
ECHOSS: As I hope is becoming more apparent to you, you are not currently well equipped for a position of political leadership.
ECHOSS: Especially considering... Well considering Regalus.
ECHOSS: Do you understand what I'm getting at, Venia?

Venia takes a sip of tea, and then nods. A considerably less stressed Ette releases Venia from her perpetual hug, sliding down the side of the bed and onto the floor. Nia meanwhile, remains by her girlfriend’s side.

ECHOSS: Alright, good.
ECHOSS: Venia I very strongly recommend that when you return home you only do so long enough to pick up required personal effects and any friends or family members you would like to remove from the threat of the oncoming war.
ECHOSS: I am not certain to what degree it was intentional, but from what little you have told me Regalus actively rigged his empire to self destruct upon his death.
ECHOSS: And as someone closely linked to him, you are a primary target for those who will want to be rid of his influence completely. Something you noted during the talks of dealing with Regalus, but I do not think you quite understand the full gravity of just yet.
ECHOSS: Regalus personally destroyed all legitimacy any potential heir to his throne could have. Thoroughly.
ECHOSS: Unless you think you are capable of surviving even more attempts on your life than he did...
ECHOSS: Apologies, I'm digressing.
ECHOSS: The point is that one way or another, staying in your home time period, or at least your home polity, is going to become incredibly dangerous for you rather shortly after you return home.
ECHOSS: You are going to need to find another option of some kind, and I recommend you do so while you're still on Sussui and thus have immediate access to allies who are not also being actively threatened by the oncoming political trainwreck back home.
VENIA: … I doubt he intended it that way, but honestly it was the logical conclusion.
VENIA: The odds of anyone that wasn’t his equal killing him were basically nonexistent until he came here. He had like, three known equals alive, total.
VENIA: One is basically eviler me on crack, second runs a group that makes the Itailan Space Mafia look spineless, and then there’s the guy who basically has political power in 90% of… Uh, colonized reality. Which is kind of still small, but like-point is taken.
VENIA: Bet his dumb line of thought was ‘if it’s gonna be anyone, it’s gonna be those three, and they aren’t going to be able to hide,’ so if anyone could kill him, they’d likely have killed everyone else, or would have, anyways…
VENIA: … The future sucks. I hope this does what it’s meant to and echoes back into something a lot more positive.
VENIA: … I don’t have any living family nor friends, and I don’t have any possessions in my home worth keeping that I couldn’t replicate here anyways, one way or another. I’d be better off living at Nia’s place, and that’s not saying a lot of Nia’s mom.
NIA: This whole political situation… I don’t know how we’d begin to handle it.
NIA: I’m sure that we could try and think of something, but there’s no way we can do it alone. Unless someone’s willing to help, maybe?
NIA: ...Also, you sure you wanna crash at my place? I personally have like, a bed to my name. Also maybe a set of drawers.
VENIA: It was a bit of an exaggeration on how bad it’s gonna be. We need to be somewhere else. Anywhere else. Here might do, but maybe elsewhere.
VENIA: If my head was right… Maybe I could think of something… Stupid Thymefield. Screws with my head.
NIA: Hey, Echoss? Quick question; think you could help us with our whole “political hell” thing?
NIA: I mean, you’re pretty good at this sorta thing, right? You can be the advisor to the world’s hottest soon-to-be empress!
ECHOSS: That depends on what qualifies as helping.
ECHOSS: Should, as Venia was worried previously, someone decide to send assassins back into the past afterwards, I could make life very difficult for those attempting to do so.
ECHOSS: A home, a guarantee of safety and access to friends? I can do that.
ECHOSS: The Echo Collective is, however, nowhere near large enough to solve such a clustergorilla of a political landscape as Venia would have to face back home.
ECHOSS: We rival some interstellar and galactic empires, yes, but my ability to be so certain of my political clout comes from being one of the most favored and powerful protectorates of a larger and totally unrivaled empire.
ECHOSS: A larger empire that, while significantly better than the current options... is probably not one Venia would be happy with me directing through her old home.
ECHOSS: While on the defensive, we are all but untouchable. If we were to initiate hostilities it would be significantly harder to hold ground.
ECHOSS: And in terms of advice I could indeed try and help and will do so if you insist on going back, but the best I can possibly give is what I have already stated.
ECHOSS: Don't bother.
ECHOSS: Anything worth taking is something you could grab with even a precursory hop back to pick up information, things, and people before everyone realizes what happened in the past.
NIA: ...Darn.
NIA: Well, it was worth a shot.
ECHOSS: For what it's worth, the Echo Collective is always accepting immigrants.
ECHOSS: And while it may technically be nepotism to some degree my status would be useful with getting you through customs and set up with your own accoutrements, should such a destination be desirable for a new home.
ECHOSS: Doubly so if Venia is able to make good on bringing that cache of technological data that was offered to get the leading council to agree to helping with the assassination so readily.
ECHOSS: I likely wouldn't even need to give input of my own to get you priority treatment at that point.
VENIA: I’ll have to go back eventually… I can’t just stay there.
VENIA: I guess it’s just an obligation… And also I really don’t want to see what people will constitute as ‘assassination.’
VENIA: … But it’s not like San Dimas time is a thing…

Echoss hmms to himself, resting his head on one of his hands.

ECHOSS: You've stated you're using paradox-based time travel to even be here. The fact that you've stayed cogent this long without any secondary paradoxes spawning off your changes to the timeline inclines me to believe that your home time is more stable than you're anticipating.
ECHOSS: Or at the very least is not going to change in ways you immediately expect.
ECHOSS: You have time, but we do not know how much aside from a decent certainty we have until the Sphere goes down at least.
ECHOSS: You should start figuring out your plans today, I believe, but there is still time.
NIA: Yeah! Take as much time as you need.
NIA: Whether it’s to get stronger, or just relax with me n’ some friends… it’ll be good for you!
NIA: Really, once the Sphere is gone, it sounds like you could use a loooot of “you” time.
NIA: Or maybe a lot of “me” time, specifically?~
VENIA: Maybe… I’d need to recalibrate the time machine anyways.
VENIA: It sends you forwards or backwards a set distance, and changing that distance is a pain, could take months.
VENIA: Not really tedious or strenuous work, though, just that it takes a while… I guess that’ll…
VENIA: … That’ll be enough time to figure out what the hell my life is and how do I proceed. God. Even Regalus was suggesting a therapist and only now do I see why…
NIA: That’s fine! I totally would’ve gotten a therapist a loooong time ago if I had the money to do that.
NIA: Nothing wrong with wanting to talk to someone, especially after all the stuff you’ve been though. I bet Sussui has some good therapists, too!
NIA: Or the Echo Collective.
NIA: One of the two. Maybe both. Probably both. Yeah.

Echoss wears a small smile. Mostly hidden by his hand.

ECHOSS: There's options all around. I can't speak for Sussui's availability of therapists however.
ECHOSS: They likely have a shortage of many specialty personnel given... everything.
ECHOSS: But it likely would take only a little looking to find a place that has their own.
VENIA: Thank you, really… I’m not quite sure what I’d be doing without you helping me out here, in all honesty.
VENIA: Well, I guess I do. ‘Run myself ragged and die,’ most likely. But thank you.
ECHOSS: It's safe to say I have some knowledge of what that's like myself.
ECHOSS: I'm glad I can offer assistance.

A pause.

VENIA: What now? I’m not… Hurt, or anything.
ECHOSS: For now... just rest a bit more and talk with your girlfriend.
ECHOSS: I'll need to talk to Hannah a bit more, she seems to be much more shaken by this than you but...
ECHOSS: Keep my earlier requests in mind, and think about what you want to do once we're done with things tomorrow.

Echoss glances over at Ette, who has been silent for the latter part of the conversation.

ECHOSS: Are you doing alright Ette?
ETTE: E-Eh! Um, Ette’s fine!

Ette rubs her eyes, and yawns heavily. She stretches her arms above her head.

ETTE: I-I was happy Venia was calming down, a-and I was really stressed, a-and I think I fell asleep for a bit!
ETTE: Sorry! Not used to being sleepy...

Echoss chuckles and offers her a hand, standing up.

ECHOSS: Then in that case perhaps we should find you a place of your own to rest for a little while.
ECHOSS: Nia, Venia, will you two be alright on your own for now?
NIA: Yeah, I think so!
NIA: Honey, do you want anything?
VENIA: I want you, little snowflake~

Echoss chuckles and leads Ette out of the bedroom, closing the door behind him to let the two have some time alone.

STATS

"The Scion" equips the Prototype Mana Manipulator instead of her staff, because someone's gotta work on these achievements.

---

ZONE 0 - SCION

"The Scion" shakes her head at Hannah's worries.

"THE SCION": You don't make things worse!
"THE SCION": If... if it weren't for you, Regalus would have killed more people
"THE SCION": And... Venia's not going to go after anyone else.
"THE SCION": Because she's scared. And when she's scared, she takes it out on other people sometimes. But she doesn't make plans to go after anyone.
"THE SCION": We even had to force her to agree to the plan to kill Regalus after he stabbed someone...
"THE SCION": Even with you... I don't think she was planning to hurt you when she showed up. She just kind of freaked out.
"THE SCION": Not that it makes it any better, but, um. She's not going to go after your friends.
"THE SCION": And if she goes after me, I think she'll die of exhaustion before I stop picking myself up from the ground, hehe...
"THE SCION": If it were up to me, I'd kick her out of the team for attempted murder, but Mr. Echoss won't have that because she's his favorite

"The Scion" reaches over as if to comfort Hannah, before pulling herself back immediately.

"THE SCION": And... and... we can protect you, and Dorothy, and everyone.
"THE SCION": I'm not even real, and you've seen what I can do.
"THE SCION": The real Scion can turn whole armies to piles of rotting flesh in seconds when she gets going!
"THE SCION": The Warlock keeps her bundled up in seals so she doesn't hurt anyone accidentally.
"THE SCION": I'm... really just doing a bad impression of her. She would be a much better friend to you.
"THE SCION": But I can contact her, and if Venia gets any ideas, we can deal with her!
"THE SCION": And... if you two ever need a place to stay for a couple nights, well...
"THE SCION": T-the Symphony's really nice! And very secure.
"THE SCION": ...
"THE SCION": ...We're making things better, Hannah.
"THE SCION": Sometimes you just have to make things a little worse first.
"THE SCION": You're not a bad person.
"THE SCION": The only bad people are the ones who are fine with the way things are when other people are getting hurt.
"THE SCION": And if I have to be a terrifying virus in order to tear apart all of those cancerous cells... I'm going to do it.
"THE SCION": I'm not saying you have to do that too, but please don't hate yourself because you took a risk to make things better. Ok?

---

ZONE 5.5

"The Scion" loots all of the experimental weapons near Fusion Development (except the stolen one, obviously).

---

OMTOSE PHELLACK

"The Thaumaturge" shakes his head solemnly.

"THE THAUMATURGE": The grief never goes away, though it does be(ome less a(ute and less painful with time.
"THE THAUMATURGE": I am sorry.
"THE THAUMATURGE": But while your grief will lessen if you let it, it will stay strong if you (ontinue to nurse your hatred.
"THE THAUMATURGE": I have seen this again and again and again. I have even experien(ed it myself. I am no stranger to atro(ity, even though I was spared dire(tly witnessing my people's slaughter due to my imprisonment.
"THE THAUMATURGE": Gothos, the Lord of Hate, brooded in his silent tower for eons, de(rying so(iety as the great mistake that took his people from him. He sealed away a whole (ontinent in frozen stasis with his spite. It did not make him any happier.
"THE THAUMATURGE": You have lost mu(h, Miss Omorika. But if you (ontinue to fixate on what you have lost and how to get vengean(e for it, that loss is all you will ever be.
"THE THAUMATURGE": I did not know your loved ones, but I suspe(t they would not want you to be miserable your whole life.
"THE THAUMATURGE": You (an make new memories and new friends. You do not have to forget the past, but you must not let it (onsume you.
"THE THAUMATURGE": I am not asking you to do nothing. There is a differen(e between san(tioning or prose(uting the higher-up Tabletopians who or(hestrated the bombings and destroying the entire Tabletopian (ivilization.
"THE THAUMATURGE": What I am asking you to do is not make this anger your entirety. Use it (onstru(tively, to help people, so that you (an make a differen(e in the world for the better. And then push it aside when it is not helpful so you (an live your life.
"THE THAUMATURGE": I believe that one day, you may sleep easy at night, but it will take work.
"THE THAUMATURGE": You (an use your nightmares as a fuel to banish them from Sussui forever. Or you (an give in and be(ome them.

Zone 5.5 - Central Labs - Security Hub

"Hmm."

Calibri frowns, noticing the... spell slot constipation, for lack of better term. He pauses for a moment, contemplating what to do. He then has an idea, concentrating briefly before flickering out of existence.

...And Verdana flickers into existence moments later.

"Oh, okay."

He blinks, looking around to get a sense of where he is, then notes that this is really breaking the formatting flow of things. Then, he wanders out to assess the situation, eyeing the Fellbeast momentarily. After a while, Verdana hops down to the ground, wandering over to the statitree. On the way, he gives the Fellbeast a quick glance, and a few hopefully-understood words.

"Don't bother going after me. You don't have what it takes to get through my armor."

Then, the tree. Verdana turns and inspects it, then reaches out with telekinetic powers, trying to pluck a fruit from the tree for closer observation. He's making sure not to touch it directly, though. Don't want to accidentally make it proc on himself.

---

Zone 0 - The House

VERDANA: Hmm... Interesting. But that's not for me to investigate further.
VERDANA: Ah, right on time. Anyway, make sure you check my notes!
VERDANA: ...Technically the GM's notes, but in-universe... oh, forget it.

Verdana writes down his findings, then disappears in a flash of light. A flash of darkness heralds Calibri appearing in his place, reading over all the notes. Then, Calibri fishes into the inventory, pulling out the Resistor and setting it on the table.

"Alright, let's see what secrets you hold, then."

Time for analysis. This time, of the Resistor. Calibri isn't quite sure what to look for, but he is at least certain he wants to uncover whatever link there is between the Resistor and Reisz...

---

The Old Pass

"..."

Loading.

---

The Everground

Loading.

<ROUND 295>

Echoss plays Prison Architect! He conjures a butterfly, getting it to watch over Linseed. It observes Linseed play with his cuffs, taking a nice long look at his own mechanical wrists, the cufflinks wrapped around them. Those bionics of his, how'd he even manage to get those? I mean, the answer is probably Cypress, but it's really quite the feat.

Over at the Sky Labs, Eren agrees to a hangout with Maple! She cheers, jetting a short distance into the air.

MAPLE: Awesome!
MAPLE: It's a date, then!
MAPLE: Interpret "date" however you wish, but I'll see you... exactly two days after the Sphere goes up!

MAPLE: ...Then again, wording it like that implies that I'm leaving for now.
MAPLE: I don't really have anything to do at the moment, but... think we should get going down to the Dream of Unity?
MAPLE: That thing has a fascinating history behind it! Also a lot of troops below it!
MAPLE: If it were functional, I'd totally vote to fly in and jack the darn thing!
MAPLE: But it's not, soooo... yeah.
MAPLE: Yeah. Wanna go beat up some of Spark's goons?

Would that be a date, too? Who knows. Elsewhere, Eren asks an Oracle about their name. The GM frantically searches up a name for our guy.

ORACLE: Oh, my name?
ORACLE: My identification number is R-3937, but you can just call me Ash.
ASH: That's a code name, by the way. My parents didn't hate me, I swear!
ASH: Nice to meet you, Spherebreakers!

ASH: ...I suddenly feel far, far more relevant for whatever reason.
ASH: Is that normal?

Eren then notes that if they decide to drop some sort of TV screen onto the defenders down below, they should try to not drop them in range of the Praetorians. Also no explosives. He nods.

ASH: Gotcha.
ASH: Kidding about the explosives by the way. That's... not a good way to get people to listen to your messages.
ASH: I'd rather not blow those people to pieces, y'know?
ASH: If I suggested that very same thing to Linseed though, he'd insist that we load the televisions with firebombs, and then ditch the televisions entirely!

Meanwhile, Eren chats to the snipers situated one floor up. Do they need somewhere to crash for now? Join up with the Spherebreakers and all? Gum... nods his head, while the other sniper looks on in disbelief.

GUM: sure, why not
GUM: as long as i don't need to do anything, i'm down
GUM: it's been a long day full of shooting people and honestly i need a vacation
SNIPER: Really? You're just going to ditch us like that?
SNIPER: I can't believe this...
GUM: buddy this is in character for me i'm not sure why you're surprised
GUM: while i've been offscreen i've had lots and lots of character development
GUM: and frankly, i do not care

The sniper raises their gun towards Gum, but he simply does not care enough to give him notice.

GUM: so take me to your leader, i guess
GUM: hopefully you've got a nice place

He follows alongside Eren, waiting to be guided someplace nice. Meanwhile, Echoss continues to message Monika through Creation's terminal. The codex updates!

---

Sophia attempts to enter a trance of silence. Try as she might, mimicking Sythia's own motions and position, fails to enter the absolute silence that she created. A somewhat confused Sythia bobs around on the spot for a few moments, before her face lights up. From out of the inventory, she re-equips that text to speech tablet.

SYTHIA: (Everything is always too loud.)
SYTHIA: (Magic and meditation helps. It's my own spell.)
SYTHIA: (I don't think I can teach it, but if you liked the quiet...)

If Sophia indicates that she's willing to witness that quiet again, Sythia will re-enter her meditative state, and odds are the silence will sweep over everything once again.

Meanwhile, over with the Exosuit, Adria hi-fives the Exosuit, piloted by Chloe. When questioned as to new armaments to put on, she can't really think of anything. Chloe, who's own mind is brimming with ideas, hands a few of them to Adria.

CHLOE: Hm...
CHLOE: Y'know how in like, some of those robot anime, there can be robots flying around in space?
CHLOE: What if we gave this thing flight? Sure, it'd probably be a logistical nightmare, but what'd be cooler?
CHLOE: Nothing. That's what.

CHLOE: Or maybe, we could like... give it a really cool weapon!
CHLOE: Like, what about making this a giant mech that shot more giant mechs?
CHLOE: Slightly smaller giant mechs, but you get my point!
CHLOE: So we can fire smaller mechs at the enemy, and then while they're distracted by our small boys, we hit them with this baby!

Chloe paps the gigantic sheet metal sword she made for the exosuit into the suit's other open palm, much like how one might intimidate someone with a baseball bat. Chloe hums happily as she repeats this action again and again. Big sword, big damage. It's what girls love, apparently.

Meanwhile, Adria and Mari continue to geek out! Adria pulls out the Moonshocker Crossbow, setting it down next to the Moonshocker Drive. Accompanying these are some blueprints designating how she'll replace the head of the weapon with components from the drive. As she goes through the plans, Adria explains her design process. Given how fast everyone operates, there's no time to set up, so she's accounting for that!

MARI: The woes of being a ramp build, right?
MARI: Man, if this were a single player experience, I'd do the dumbest, cheesiest builds.
MARI: Super ramp squadron that takes ten rounds to set up, but obliterates everything on the map in that one turn.

MARI: But... yeah. Good idea there. Adapt to the circumstances, and solve the problems that occur. That's what tech's about, right?
MARI: Or like, it's one of the things tech is about. That's second to "extreme, over the top extravagance."
MARI: If you have shiny stuff, gotta flex it, right?
MARI: Sure, we could kill something practically, or we can load spells into a goddamn gun and shoot people with them.
MARI: I dunno about you, but the latter sounds WAY COOLER.

The two of them then begin to collaborate on a sort of "sabotage drone". Perhaps it'd be best to work in two stages- begin with a scouting drone, then end by warping a bomb in! The drone they send in could be tiny. Perhaps insectoid sized?

MARI: Honestly, we should send a scout drone FOR the scout drone.
MARI: We're designing for a situation we ultimately know nothing about.
MARI: For all we know, they've anticipated having somebody warp in like this, and there's a full defensive detail (or at least some guns) pointed at the teleportation location.
MARI: What I'm thinking is we like, send in a camera first. Give it some cloaking technology so it can't be detected as easily. Check out the situation, then build our drone to adapt to the circumstances.
MARI: Maybe we'll need more of like, a light weapons platform instead of a drone. Just in case teleporting in immediately gets you attacked.

Still though, Mari continues to listen to Adria's plans. She's thinking of creating this thing she calls a "Dunecarver"- though they're normally far smaller, she could scale it down to fit the situation.

MARI: If we're gonna make our drone tiny, may as well make it fly. Sure, normally it'd be a concern fitting the tech for that in, but we have magic!
MARI: Magic's like duct tape- apply it to all of your technological problems, and they'll fix themselves!
MARI: Usually.
MARI: Also, definitely some anti-magic stuff instead of anti-tech stuff. I doubt Spark has too much tech in his secret location. Like, I'd bet even Cypress doesn't know where it's situated, because otherwise he'd probably have told us.
MARI: ...Does he know anything? Maybe we should ask him.

As for the bomb, Adria theorizes that they'll need something stronger than the current anti-magic core. It'd need to hit hard, and have a massive blast radius. She recommends the usage of Elemental Prisma. Mari shrugs.

MARI: I have literally no idea what that is, but go for it.
MARI: I'm just gonna trust you on this anti-magic stuff, and assume it works fine.
MARI: As for the whole "what do we do after breaking in" thing... we could prepare a team of shock troopers to warp in after the anti-magic bomb goes off. We have people who are dumb enough to agree into going through with that.
MARI: It'd be classic shock and awe strats. Shock em with the bomb, and... awe them with guns?
MARI: gorilla, I don't know how that saying's used.

Mari is then told about the existence of an exosuit which they could totally arm with stuff. Mari grins.

MARI: They have mech suits here? Awesome.
MARI: We're totally gonna go see that. I'll decide what I want to make once I get some specs.
MARI: Though, if we're gonna need to go to the fabricator to make some of the things we need, may as well go there now.
MARI: Plus, Chloe's... not dumb. She could help us out.

Is it time for a little bit of a field trip? Could be a nice time. Get the sisters working together, and let them bond over weapons of mass destruction. It's what girls like, as we've previously establsihed.

---

Destiny picks a fight with the Iti on the payload! Striding over towards them, they draw their weapon. The seeker riding on the payload stares down the goddess. A tumbleweed emerges from the Thyme Matter, skipping across the ground between the two of them. Unfazed by the presence of Destiny, the Iti reaches into their... pocket? They screech something out as they do so.

SEEKER: SKREEE SKAAHH SKKKTTTT

From their pocket comes a pre-lit cigar. It shoves it into its mouth, chewing on it and coughing something awful. After firing a large blob of thyme-mixed phlegm from its mouth, it sneers towards Destiny.

SEEKER: Well, well, well.
SEEKER: I ain't much for waiting around around.
SEEKER: You're one of the Spherebreakers, aintcha?
SEEKER: It's nice to meet you.

This... "Seeker" then equips a cowboy hat, sheriff's badge emblazoned upon it. It equips a six-shooter revolver, a product of the Sky Labs.

EL ITI: Name's Iti. El Iti.
EL ITI: Sorry, madam. But I have to deliver this payload to its destination.
EL ITI: Me and my boys are the best in the business, so I can assure you that you won't be getting in our way.

The Seeker snaps one of their fingers, the power of the snap reverberating against the Thyme Matter that coats the room. The other Seekers in the room scurry about, making their way towards the various weapon display canisters in the room. One by one, the Seekers gear up!

EL ITI: Any last words? Now would be the time to say 'em.
EL ITI: Now, as we planned, men! Attac-
SEEKER 2: HEY WHAT THE HELL, YOU'RE MEANT TO PLAY HEALER SEEKER 3!
SEEKER 3: NUH-UH! I'M FLANKING TODAY!
SEEKER 3: WHY HEAL WHEN CAN FLANK
EL ITI: Men. We discussed this.
EL ITI: Today is your day to heal, Seeker 3. You can flank on a later date. We need a healer.
SEEKER 3: NO gorilla YOU
EL ITI: ...
EL ITI: Would anyone else like to volunteer to play healer?
SEEKER 4: NOPE
SEEKER 5: nah
SEEKER 6: WHY DON'T YOU DO IT?gorilla YOU
EL ITI: You know I don't do that. I'm the only one of us who actually knows how to play the game.

EL ITI: Look, someone's going to need to-
SEEKER 3: BANZAIIII
SEEKER 2: LET'S GEDDIM
SEEKER 4: FLANKINGGGGG
SEEKER 6: YEET
SEEKER 5: why are we all yelling

El Iti facepalms.

EL ITI: Screw it.
EL ITI: We don't need a healer.
EL ITI: We'll just do this the old fashioned way.
EL ITI: Push the payload, men!
EL ITI And stop flanking for one second!

Revolver drawn, El Iti... begins to aggressively push the payload! Begrudgingly, the other Seekers in the area decide that yes, they'll go push the payload, too.



You are accosted by...

EL ITI
The Bronze League Hero

PLAY - Chaos Bringer (Rimworld)

---

Remiel fortifies the house! Taking 3 Teleportium, 6 (0) Green Sap, 3 Entrophies, and 3 Plasteel, he creates some Vents to move around the house! This creates a batch of three. He then decides to create a Securitron known as Beepsky! This takes a Disco Dome charge, a Storm Beacon charge, 2 Crystalline Conduits, 2 Synthfuel, and 2 Electrum! They then attempt to create a bridge in the Fusion Development Room... but there's a bit of a conflict going on there right now. Awkward. That'll need to wait.

---

This whole post with Venia happens! Not much for me to touch on, but it seems like Nia and Venia will have a nice time!

---

The Thaumaturge converses with Omorika. Though the grief will never go away, it will dull with time. Unless she feeds it, allowing it to fester a crimson red. Should she continue on this path, she will find that all future roads will be painted with blood.

OMORIKA: C-Can... time really help? Even if my nightmares perpetuate the pain?
OMORIKA: B-But...

Releasing the tension in her body, Omorika lets out a deep sigh.

OMORIKA: I-I... suppose I lack a choice, don't I?
OMORIKA: I couldn't bring myself to cause such pain to the Tabletopian people.
OMORIKA: N-Nobody deserves that. Nobody. Not the Tabletopians. Not even Cypress.

Putting a hand to the snow, she helps herself up from the ground. She gives her wooden limbs a stretch. The Thaumaturge asks of Omorika to not make this anger her meaning for existence. Instead, harness its energy Use it constructively, and aid others with it. Omorika's eyes go wide.

OMORIKA: Y-You... intend for me to n-not just let go?
OMORIKA: By all accounts, i-it doesn't make much sense...
OMORIKA: Were you not just telling me to n-not nurse it?
OMORIKA: Surely, relying on that hatred w-would be unhealthy, wouldn't it?
OMORIKA: And... how could such emotions help anyone?
OMORIKA: Those emotions are of spite and malice towards the Tabletopian people. Allowing them to fuel anything would not burn them up. If anything, they'd grow stronger. Surely, I-I should just... forget. Right?
OMORIKA: ...Correct?

The librarian is no longer crying, though there are still tears of sap remaining upon her cheeks. She takes constant heavy breaths, as if she had just taken part in a fiercesome battle. One hand goes to her left temple, clutching it. A headache, perhaps?

Oh, also. The Scion attempts to obtain no less than five experimental weapons, but it seems they've already been pilfered by a bunch of Seekers. So instead, the Scion opts to just equip the Prototype: Mana Manipulator. bang bang y'all

---

Verdana decides to pick fruits from a tree! They hop down from the scaffolding, probably creating a small crater upon impact with the ground. He then heads towards the fruit tree, plucking 3 Statipears from the tree! He then feels a... not-that-sharp pain in his leg, as the Fell Beast clings into it with its teeth. Darn thing refuses to let go. What a bother.

Then, to wrap up the journey in the Calzone, Calibri morphs one of the windows into a portal back into the outside world. He remarks how it was nice having her around. In response, Chloe gives him a warm, gentle smile.

CHLOE: I enjoyed my time here, too!
CHLOE: Maybe later, I could return for snacks and... dunno, movie night?
CHLOE: I dunno. Really, one rarely has a reason to dive back into someone's head, when they could just do things at like, their local theater...

She tilts her head.

CHLOE: But... yeah! Invite me back sometime.
CHLOE: See you later, Cal!~

With a wave goodbye, Chloe leaps through the portal, returning to Magic Club. Then presumably, continuity fixes itself, and we end up back in the present? I don't know. Time's weird, and also dead.

Speaking of things that are dead, Calibri examines the Resistor sword. Taking out Reisz's cell, they investigate the sword. Reisz's cell twitches in the presence of the Resistor. With a violent jolt, it flings itself into the Resistor, merging into its core! The sword lets out gentle pulses of crimson energy, various circuit lines across its surface humming with the same energy. The sword seems more lively than ever! Though... in its current state, can it make use of the cell? Perhaps it might need a few upgrades.

...A gentle song emerges from the sword. More aimless humming than actual musical score. Odd.

---

Auth continues his many conversations. With Ash, he notes that they should also remove Cypress's underlings from the kill list. He shrugs.

ASH: ...How many people do you think we're trying to kill?
ASH: If we were to go after Cypress's underlings, that'd be a lot of innocent scientists and others we'd need to cut down.
ASH: Add on the underlings of the other members of the Highchair, and... well, that'd be a lot of the population marked for death.
ASH: But... we do have a few people like that marked down. We'll see about editing things.

Also... what's the opinion on Linseed? Ash sighs.

ASH: It's, uh, mixed.
ASH: On one hand, there are those who are generally led by Kudan and Pomme. They tend to be more reasonable and rational when it comes to the actions of the Rebellion. Most tend to not hang out near the front lines, and do what they can to support the cause from the back.
ASH: Those led by Linseed have more... extremist ideals. Probably because the man's a serial arsonist, and is probably actually insane. He has his own camp, and those who favor him tend to take to the front rather well.
ASH: Really, at the rate we're going, there might be a rebellion against the rebellion...

That'd be fun, wouldn't it?

Elsewhere, Auth confirms to Lutea that he could perhaps give her more Extract. And perhaps, something she'd actually kill someone for? Lutea bobs her head up and down rapidly, as if he just offered to give her the Extract here and now.

LUTEA: Yeah! Give me lots and lots!
LUTEA: There's lots of cool things I can do! I-I think!
LUTEA: T-Though, it pains me to think I might waste some in experimenting with it... b-but with something so powerful, e-even a failed experiment would have incredible power! Maybe I'll even mess up a few concoctions on purpose just to see what'll happen! Perhaps I'll learn how to grant someone eternal life, or even mortality? Perhaps I'll create something that can rend the heavens, and invoke the true power of our lord and savior-

Beluta karate chops Lutea in the head ever so gently. The apothecary lets out a small ow, covering the top of her head with both hands.

LUTEA: A-Ah, sorry. I got carried away...
LUTEA: But... I'd appreciate it if you could give me a few more samples later!
LUTEA: After I'm done with my proof of concept, of course.

Lutea bows to the Author politely, and gets back to her potion mixing.

Nana is then given a lesson on some of the people in London! When she mentions gemstone beings, Auth explains that there's a race of being that are made of, and become crystals. There are even a species that's sort of like a far less explosive Spiralfloof, and a protector of dreams. Nana's imagination imagines a Spiralfloof with a 50cal rifle.

NANA: Crystal people? W-Wow!
NANA: ...How can they move, though? A-Actually, maybe it's similar to how us Chairians move. Passive arbormancy, I-I think it was!
NANA: B-But... wow! London must be a very, very diverse place!
NANA: Hopefully they're nicer to one another than Chairians and Tabletopians are to eachother.

She lets out a gentle sigh. Then, after a quick hug, she leads Nana to the mirror back to Sussui. Still stepping forward timidly, she steps through the mirror, and returns to Sussui. Once she's back on her non-mirrored feet, she breathes a sigh of relief.

NANA: I-It's going to take a bit to get used to things n-not being mirrored anymore!
NANA: A-Auth, mind accompanying m-me?
NANA: I... just want to spend time with you somewhere t-that's a bit calmer.
NANA: Maybe we could go join the rest of the party? I-I'm sure they're busy, and need help!
NANA: T-Though... that's not really calm.

Decisions, decisions. Go help fight, or go and try and relax a bit? The ultimate dillema.

---

<FUSION DEVELOPMENT, ROUND 1>
So, this'll be an interesting battle. Seven foes total. Six of them will respawn infinitely, and they all hit hard. Those foes are attempting to move the seventh foe, the Payload along. If the Payload reaches its target destination, the battle will be lost. So be sure to stop their push, or else!

Auth thinks for a moment on the Oracle's suggestions. He is aware that Chi is also Pomme... maybe it would be a good idea, if they do ask Chi, to get them to take her off the list too.

AUTH: Alright. I think it would be good to ask somebody about it, at least.
AUTH: I assume that might get Cypress' underlings off the list too, assuming they're loyal to him and not Spark? I know his assistant was also fighting the Legion with him when we arrived.

Auth is attempting to ascertain the nature of the Kill List.

AUTH: What is the opinion of Linseed among the Rebellion? I don't want the official spiel about how the Zabuton has deep respect among you or whatever it would be. I want to know what you really think.
AUTH: We had an encounter with him before, for the record.

Hopefully, getting an opinion among the grunts will be interesting.

---

Auth nods, understanding that Lutea has just gone through something that is probably quite traumatic. It's entirely understandable for her to be exhausted like this.

AUTH: Oh, I understand, not everybody really has the stamina or anything to this.
AUTH: It's fair enough. I don't think you really deserve to be forced into this, you haven't really done anything.
AUTH: Feel free to relax.

Auth flinches as Lutea's adrenaline kicks back in, as he gives her an incredibly powerful resource.

AUTH: Don't tell anyone, but maybe we've got something that makes your statement about apothecaries killing for a resource quite literal. Probably.
AUTH: But yeah. If we really need to, we can get more extract. I don't mind letting you have some, since I'm pretty sure you'll put it to good use.
AUTH: I'm quite interested to see what you'll do with them.

Auth considers what Lutea says about growing a tree on Sussui... and then pulls out a blue notebook, flicks it open, and writes down what Lutea just said word-for-word.

AUTH: Thanks. The information helps.

---

Auth considers Nana's comments about wanting to try the apple raw.

AUTH: Mm hmm. A friend of mine didn't know and ate one, and when she didn't show up for a while I went to check on her and that's how I found out that the apple could do that.
AUTH: It's... more or less safe, so long as someone's got an eye on you. Mostly so you don't go somewhere that you'll get yourself hurt or anything.
AUTH: I think I can make something special with it, though.

Auth sophisticatedly pockets the apples. Auth chuckles slightly as he listens to Nana consider the people in London.

AUTH: You're closer than you probably think with people made of gemstones. I know a place where there are people that are made of, and become crystal.
AUTH: While there's not sentient talking Sapsqueals, we do have something like that too. An animal more like a Spiralfloof, really, but far less explosive. They talk, and they're the protectors of dream.

Auth isn't sure how to describe a cat to Nana, who's probably never seen one before. He nods in response to Nana's question - is this like the ice cream Crya brought?

AUTH: Sure is. I made it a couple of weeks ago. I had intended to keep it for a special occasion... and it feels like a special occasion. It's not like I can't make more, anyway.
AUTH: Well, I can't make it back on Sussui, but I can make more here.

Auth sighs in relief as Nana tells him that he enjoyed the trip. He was worried, of course, so Nana telling him that it was fun makes him feel better.

AUTH: Thanks. I'm glad you had fun, even if you thought it was scary.
AUTH: I understand what you mean, when going new places is scary. Sometimes it can be scary, exploring new places.

Since their adventure is probably more or less complete, Auth leads Nana back through the mirror and onto Sussui.

Battle: A Fusion Development
+1KP in MMP

Daskter spawns in at (C10). They give Destiny a Candy Corn Liquor.
Daskter steps up to (F12). They summon a Rocketeer behind them at (E12). Daskter eats one of their Mana cookies.

Settings for the Rocketeer:
Tactic: All-Out
Basic Attack: Piercing
Magic Attack: Electric
Resists turned Weakness: 70% Electric
Weakness: 40% Crushing, 20% Air

statpost: -3KP from SPC, -2KP from INT, -3KP from MHP, +2KP to STR, +9KP to SKI

Fusion Development, acting after Destiny:

Remiel spawns in at C11 with trait active, self-sleeps, self-uses Helix Relic, then attacks Cowboy El Iti. +20% damage from High Ground, +20% damage from hat.

Stats

Venia adds a +1 to her AGI. can't touch this

---

Everground?

Venia continues to grab some Prisma, the other bit on the bottom floor opposed to the one on the tunnel leading into said. Venia's maid pulls out a Secretary Slicer, thrumming with power. Naturally, her idea is simple; use Null Zone on the Prisma, negating its 'trait' of being really dangerous to mine, and then whacks it to break it into pieces, which she collects. Huzzah!

---

others?

-later-

Linseed:
Echoss decides that leaving Linseed unattended is probably a bad idea altogether even if he's being monitored. He quickly sets up a small turret stand, expending a number of iron ingots to make the stand, then circuitboards and wire scraps to make a small firing mechanism with very small buttons. Not tuned to anything in particular, as Echoss puts down another butterfly that can aim and fire it using the mini button pad.
Next he pulls out a Divinity Gem, and using the last crystal pen carves a small trigger rune into it, the Divinity Gem will now cast Last Dream into the object adjacent to it when delivered a small electrical shock. Then he places the divinity gem into a Hera's Heartseeker which he rigs up to the turret stand.
Finally, he gathers 2 Wildcards, an Effect Egg, a Large Pumpkin, and the rest of the Liar's Flesh. The Wildcards and Effect Egg are combined together, making a scrambling effect on the Effect Egg's original power and, as per the rules of wildcarding, lets Echoss set it to his preferred choice: 'voidy'. Huh that's weird. He then combines the Pumpkin (for its ability to not actually be there), and the Liar's Flesh (for its ability to convince reality it's something else, such as not there), finally finishing it up with the end result: The Slipthrough Card. Applying this gives heavy Slip, and more importantly Wallhack, to the thing it's applied to.
Echoss applies it to the Dreamseeker Turret, and then takes it downstairs and quietly places it in front of Linseed's door, with a second butterfly at its controls. If Linseed breaks out of his cuffs, the turret will immediately smack him with Wallhack Last Dreams over and over again until he's asleep enough that Echoss can come fix the cuffs and replace them with something stronger. And also probably reinforce the walls and ceiling so that Linseed getting out isn't a problem.


Eren and Maple:
I'm gonna abruptly cut the scene here since this is when Eren left to go do the Security Hub battle and I'm a stickler for continuity and have no idea how to bring that up without the dialogue being awkward and weird. Pretend that's what I did though!


Eren and Ash:
Eren chuckles when Ash gives the disclaimer on parent hate.
"I didn't think so, Ash trees are a thing, pretty common even.
...admittedly it has the unfortunate synonym but, uh, either way, it's nice to meet you too.
Also, it is for a given definition of 'normal' but also that would take a long time to explain and would probably still leave you confused at the end. Suffice it to say "It's complicated and you're not the only one.""
Eren snorts and rolls his eyes hearing about Linseed, and then in response to Auth's thing.
"Yeah sounds about right from what I've heard. I wonder how he ended up on the Zabuton to be honest, every time I hear about him he just seems more and more unpleasant, but Pomme and Kudan both seemed nice enough so I assume something else happened for him to wind up in the leadership.
Either way, I assume if we're gonna drop anti-propaganda tvs down into the bottom floor before we storm the final glyph's room and before you guys pack up and head out, we need to actually... acquire some screens.
Do you need anything else to help get the idea set up quickly, or would just scrounging up some TV screens with enough of a cpu unit to display stuff on their own be enough?"


Eren and some snipers:
Eren glares at the other sniper, and the sniper's rifle freezes in a block of ice, much like the button in reception did when Mentha tried to call for security at the beginning of the zone.
"Really? Even after seeing for yourself what Spark's doing you're just going to shoot someone else in the back for leaving? Just like that?
I don't even know you and I'm still disappointed. Have fun convincing the praetorians not to scorch you on your own I guess."
Eren motions for Gum to follow him, keeping an eye on the other sniper the whole time (if they pull out their sidearm, Eren freezes that solid too. And includes the sniper in the ice block with it for good measure).
Reach back to the portal, he gives Gum directions to the main airship, and how to use the airship's portal to get into the house.

Eren then makes his way over to the Xavier drone, and watches the message.
"...Wouldn't that purpose be served better by just meeting up with the rest of us?
For one thing we have better materials so you could make more use of the anti-magic core, for another we have other people with know-how so you could finish whatever you have in mind faster. And also considering we have three of the four glyphs and are about to claim the last one for ourselves, I'm not sure why it's better to just keep hiding out on your own?"
...Eren blinks. Are there cameras in this hall? Can Xavier hear him?
"...If you had the foresight and ability to set up a camera or speaker so you could hear whoever came to see your thing bob the drone once please."

If the drone bobs, Eren nods and continues.
"Alright, we have like, one spare anti-magic core right now and I don't know how fast the others can make them. If you want one for your own stuff you're probably going to need to meet up with us anyway. And not try to kill people for being there this time maybe?
Either way, I'm gonna give you a radio or something so that you can talk to us properly."

Either way, Eren quickly modifies two of the radios/communication pieces I assume the party has been using to chat so that it can't be used to listen in on the main portion of party chatter and instead are basically long-distance walkie-talkies. What does he use to make this? Uh, free materials that we have. I'll do a proper craft for it next round if you think that this warrants it but either way, Eren puts one of them into the drone's basket. He also includes a note summarizing his above points if Xavier can't listen in through the drone/cameras.


Just Monika:
>I am afraid I am not the one who obtained it, all I have access to is the receipt that says we have it.
>I suppose I could ask the others to double check but I'm not certain it's worth worrying about either way. YV is not inclined towards 'refunds'.
>I'm glad that the apprenticeship is going alright at the very least!
>...Question, you mention 'game'. While I suppose I don't have any firsthand accounts of the original godmodding wars, I was under the impression the update terminal ran those as if they were on a forum site?
>Is the one on Creation running an actual game engine for our exploits on Sussui?
>...actually the fact that a direct interface with reality's code and metaphysics can be poorly programmed raises a lot of questions in general.
>Perhaps if I have the opportunity I'll ask more in-depth questions another time.


To-do List:
Set up broadcast info! (Talk with Cypress, Aoki, Acacia, and Omorika especially.)
Also maybe chat with Creation?
If the Xavier drone hasn't been talked to by the time Security Hub is done, Eren can do that.
Also hand the Subspace Grocery Box to Cypress when he heads back to the house
Gibbet needs to be upgraded to full party member.
Make sure party prep is ready.
Properly seal up Linseed's room so he can't try to dig out.
Anti-Spark measures (anti-magic in progress, have anti-artillery to deal with airstrikes and conventional artillery support, signal blocking to prevent Praetorian or Sentinel summoning, lots of EMP options, be ready for BOSS)

Well, you guys won't be going anywhere, I afraid.

Destiny spawns at C11 first, waiting for Dakster to use Candy Corn on her, then moving down to H16 and firing off an Ice flavored Elemental Blast at Cowboy El Iti before using Whirling Blades, moving I16, J16, K17, L16, M16, and then N16.

Shortly after a fairly heated conversation with Venia, Ette hops down the stairs of the spiral staircase one by one. Her arms flail behind her as she makes her way to the kitchen, where she sits herself down promptly. Though somewhat fatigued from this whole “being alive” business, at least there’s one benefit to this- snacks!

Rummaging through the inventory, Ette spies a catalogue of amazing snacks to eat. But what to eat? She eventually settles on the Whispering Quiche a few pieces of Halloween Candy. She’s given this out on a few occasions, but never had a piece to herself! She takes this weird rectangular thing called a “Chocobar”, unwraps, it, and takes a small bite out of it. The sweet sensation of chocolate floods her mouth, a light blush painting her face. So good!

ECHOSS: Oh, this would be the first time you've gotten to try chocolate, wouldn't it?
ETTE: Hmm? Oh, hello Mr. Echoss!
ETTE: This is my first thingy of chocolate! It’s really, really good!
ETTE: No wonder Marron always puts chocolate chips into her cookies! It’s the best!
ETTE: I wonder what’d happen if we mixed chocolate with ice cream? Ahh, there are so many possibilities!

Echoss chuckles and sits down in one of the chairs at the table.

ECHOSS: Chocolate ice cream is quite good, chocolate goes well in most sweet foods to be honest.
ECHOSS: Well, goes well in most sweet foods for most people.
ETTE: I bet it is!
ETTE: But what brings you to the kitchen, Echoss?
ETTE: Do you want some chocolate, too?

She passes a Chocobar to Echoss, still in its foil packaging. Echoss smiles again and motions that he's fine.

ECHOSS: Thank you, but I'm still full from the picnic.
ECHOSS: I actually came in here to say hello to you, Ette.
ECHOSS: With my head just a little bit clearer than it has been... I felt it might be good to take some time to actually engage in some of the friendships I seem to be making here.
ETTE: Eh? Really? That’s nice!

Ette’s eyes sparkle ever so slightly. A smile crosses her face.

ETTE: I didn’t think you were the type to do that!
ETTE: You’re always so busy, doing business type stuff!
ETTE: I’m glad you’re taking time for yourself and being sociable!
ETTE: So, how’re you doin, Mr. Echoss? Hopefully, dealing with Miss Venia wasn’t too stressful!
ETTE: You put a lot of stress on yourself, I think… so I’m glad you’re taking a small break!
ECHOSS: Heh, it has... been a while, yes.
ECHOSS: Enough people have been pestering me about pacing myself that I don't seem to have a choice today. Perhaps that's for the better admittedly.
ECHOSS: I am doing alright, hopefully me talking with people has been helpful.
ECHOSS: Talking with people makes up a very large part of my job however, so I at least have experience with it. It was almost refreshing to have it just be a personal issue instead of having had time to build up steam across an entire group.
ETTE: That’s good to hear!
ETTE: Meanwhile, I’m… not sure what I’m doin!

Ette raises her arms up into the air, somewhat inexplicably.

ETTE: I have this new body, and there are lots of things I wanna try!
ETTE: Like… I wanna try goin’ to the beach, playing in the snow, getting into a fistfight… lots of fun things!
ETTE: Things that I can only experience with this body!
ETTE: I mean, I guess I could do those things before, but now it’d be really different!
ETTE: I can get sunburns! How cool is that?
ECHOSS: Perhaps not as cool as you anticipate it, but for what it means? Absolutely a net gain.
ECHOSS: Having a body properly adjusted to experiencing things is greatly superior to not having such.
ETTE: Yeah!
ETTE: I wonder if it’s as good as it sounds, though?
ETTE: Like, needing to eat, and use the washroom… won’t it get annoying at some point?
ETTE: What if I run out of good things to eat at some point? And what if I don’t feel like cookin’, y’know?
ECHOSS: Well... I have two answers to that.
ECHOSS: First, did you ever get tired of spending time with your sister? Even when all you could experience was the sight and sounds, talking to the same person over and over again?
ECHOSS: And I don't mean "would like something else for a change" tired, that is temporary, I mean honestly feeling like you never wanted to do it again?
ETTE: Ette loves her sister! I’d never get tired of doin’ stuff with her! I don’t think anything would separate us!
ETTE: ...Wait, am I meant to love usin’ the washroom?
ECHOSS: Heheh no, my point was adjacent to that.
ECHOSS: Some of these things will be annoying, and you will wish you didn't have to deal with them.
ECHOSS: But just as you never got tired of being with Marron, as long as you don't push yourself into being artificially jaded, all the wonderful things you now have access to will still be wonderful in the future.
ECHOSS: Familiarity does not mean tedium.
ETTE: Ooh! Okay!

Ette bobs her head up and down rapidly, a gentle smile on her face.

ETTE: I’m gonna be positive, and enjoy these things to the fullest!
ETTE: Even the awkward stuff!

Echoss chuckles again.

ECHOSS: While I admire your enthusiasm you're not required to enjoy all of it.
ECHOSS: Some things are unpleasant, and you don't have to force yourself to like them.
ECHOSS: You just have to remember that it can be worth putting up with the bad to have the good.
ETTE: Alright!

Ette continues to munch away on her chocolate bar, mind drifting around and around and around.

ETTE: Maybe I should open a chocolate-y place after we bonk the Sphere!
ETTE: But… where would I do that?
ETTE: I wonder what’ll happen when we’re done? Will sis go travelling with Asha? What’ll I do if they do that?
ETTE: Sis is almost a fully-fledged woman, and she’ll probably want some alone time with her wife-to-be, right?
ETTE: So… Ette might need to think about what to do once the Sphere is gone, on her own...
ECHOSS: Hm, that's true.
ECHOSS: Most of the Spherebreakers have homes of their own to go to, but I suppose that's not really true of you and your sister.
ECHOSS: Or at least, not a home that's an ideal place to return to.
ETTE: Hm… maybe we can live on Sussui?
ETTE: If we’re super famous heroes at the end of this, maybe they’d be willing to let us have a really nice house!
ETTE: We could have bedrooms, and a kitchen, and a playroom, and… a room where we take care of those big fluffy Spiralfloof friends!
ETTE: Then, we could also attach a bakery to it, that’d be really famous and get lots and lots of customers! I can serve them cinnamon rolls and chocolate and tea, and it’ll be the best ever!
ETTE: And, if Marron and Toaster go on a trip, I can hold down the fort and give them goodies when they return!
ETTE: Chocolate cookies with chocolate chips! Super chocolate!
ECHOSS: That's definitely an idea, a plan even.
ECHOSS: There's also other places to go if Sussui doesn't work out or seems a bit too rough that you could try and set up to do the same.
ECHOSS: Crya and Destiny have their own world they're part of the pantheon of, and of course the Echo Collective is open.
ECHOSS: I suppose you could technically even go back to Earth with Chloe if you really wanted to though that might make things harder.
ETTE: Oh yeah, Earth! That’s the human place!
ETTE: Though, Chaos says that place is really scary, and they invented this super dangerous thing called “capitalism”, which he also really likes!
ETTE: On the other hand though, they have lots of really, really good food and games!
ETTE: Maybe that’d be cool! If Marron and Asha are fine with it!
ECHOSS: I suppose I should perhaps note that Earth should take some more deliberation, even in comparison to the deliberation already needed.
ECHOSS: The planet went through some... hard times recently. I don't know how things are there exactly, but you should perhaps confer with the others who call it their home first before making plans.
ECHOSS: Chloe and Nia for example. Perhaps Xavier if he ever joins up with us.
ETTE: Eh? Is Earth in trouble?
ETTE: Do we need to save Earth after this?
ETTE: Ette doesn’t actually know much about Earth…
ETTE: But it’d be a really good end to the trilogy of Ette’s adventures!
ECHOSS: Not in danger per se, or at least I hope not.
ECHOSS: More that it only just finished not being in danger, and people are still recovering.
ECHOSS: There's people to ask. Perhaps even me, though my knowledge is more generalized to "Earths in general" as opposed to the specific one accessible from here.

Ette bobs her head, before noticing her chocolate bar has run dry. Or uh, she’s eaten it all. Given that it was a piece of halloween candy, it’s amazing that it endured for so long. Must’ve been taking her time. Ette examines her empty wrapper as Echoss stands up, ready to move on.

ECHOSS: It's been a pleasure talking with you Ette.
ECHOSS: If you need me or just wish to chat some more, let me know. I don't have much urgent to do today, and will be readily available as usual come tomorrow.
ETTE: Eh? You’re going? Alrighty.
ETTE: Bye, Mr. Echoss!
ETTE: Make sure to spend more time for yourself, okay? I’m sure everyone wants to spend more time with you!
ETTE: And maybe have a nice snack, too!
ECHOSS: ...thank you Ette. I'll do my best.

NPC STATISTICS

Nia should equip the Prototype: First Prism. :nialaser:

---

CRAFTING

"The Scion" decides to craft an exosuit module.

---

ZONE 0

"The Scion" hugs shadow Hannah back. For about a minute.

"THE SCION": Sorry...
"THE SCION": ...I don't want to let go.

She eventually does so, reluctantly.

"THE SCION": I... don't think Venia will ever be free of her home.
"THE SCION": Because, for some reason... she thinks she has to go back and be empress.
"THE SCION": Go back and get herself killed.
"THE SCION": But... she can't, and she doesn't even realize it.
"THE SCION": Because, because, she didn't kill Regalus. Destiny and I did.
"THE SCION": Destiny and... the Scion.
"THE SCION": The seventh wielder of APOSTAXIS. The penultimate scourge. She who bears the name Pestilence.
THE REFLECTOR: if anyone can save ms. praefortis...
"THE SCION": It's her.

Hannah then asks if she's forgetting something.

"THE SCION": Umm... I'm not quite sure what you mean...
"THE SCION": If you want to help people, we did just injure a lot of Chairians... Maybe you could help patch them up?
"THE SCION": I mean, you're really good with poisons and causing injuries, and, well. My home didn't have a lot of medicinal doctors, but I think it's actually pretty similar![

---

OMTOSE PHELLACK

"The Thaumaturge" sighs.

"THE THAUMATURGE": I am not telling you to nurse your feelings, Miss Omorika.
"THE THAUMATURGE": I am saying that when your feelings do resurge--and they will--think about that anger, and fo(us it on making things better. On allowing no-one else to feel the pain you felt.
"THE THAUMATURGE": Not even Tabletopians.
"THE THAUMATURGE": It is true that forgetting entirely might ease your pain, but memories are part of what make us who we are.
"THE THAUMATURGE": You will never forget naturally. To do so would require magi(.
"THE THAUMATURGE": And that magi( would alter you forever in ways beyond what you imagine. It might even damage your mind, if not done extremely (arefully.
"THE THAUMATURGE": Your past is a part of you, Miss Omorika. Do you want to throw away your own mind as it exists now to make the pain stop?
"THE THAUMATURGE": I will not judge you if you do. I simply wish for you to know what you would lose.
"THE THAUMATURGE": Your other options are to give in to the pain, or the one I have suggested. To break its grip on you, to harness it for good when it resurges, and let it slowly ebb and fade.
"THE THAUMATURGE": I am not so (allous as to say you should ignore your nightmares and hope they go away. Your trauma was real, Miss Omorika. You were hurt, horribly so.
"THE THAUMATURGE": Healing involves re(ognizing that you were hurt and taking steps to reverse the injury. Work life, not death.
"THE THAUMATURGE": If you wish to amputate instead, you may do so. But (onsider before you make that de(ision if it is worth losing your memories of everyone you (ared for and everything you experien(ed ba(k then as well.
"THE THAUMATURGE": No (hoi(e is an easy out here. We all must be strong to brave the horrors the world throws at us. But vi(iousness is no form of strength.

He offers her a hand up, out of the snow. The skies have darkened from light gray to a darker tone. It seems the duo doesn't have much more time to be standing out in the cold before the weather worsens.

hannah's a mood right now

Hannah takes notice of The Scion's past tense when referring to Regalus. She blinks, looking towards them.

HANNAH: ..."would".
HANNAH: so... s-so it worked.
HANNAH: he's... he's gone.
HANNAH: he's actually gone.

Hannah lets out a sigh of relief as she flops down on her back.

HANNAH: ...that's... that's a relief at least.

Dorothy can't help but slowly nod. The Scion then mentions that Venia was incredibly scared of Regalus, and she didn't want to hurt Hannah... but she did freak out, and it was hardly an excuse. Hannah shakes her head.

HANNAH: i doubt that
HANNAH: s-she just... did it. i know it was instinct. nothing more.
HANNAH: she absolutely wants me dead

Dorothy gently boops Hannah on the cheek to get her attention.

DOROTHY: A-actually, um... uh... Miss...? Scion's right!
DOROTHY: I-I sent an avatar up, up where t-they were talking, a-and... Venia a-actually seemed really, really guilty a-about it...
DOROTHY: I-I still really, really don't like what she did, b-but... s-she feels guilty.
DOROTHY: N-not just for the hurting, either. Everything.
DOROTHY: A-and I know you, you feel guilty about w-what you said, too, right? You, um, said as much.
HANNAH: ...i-i did say that, yeah
HANNAH: and i meant it
DOROTHY: Y-yeah. I, I knew all along you did.
DOROTHY: Sometimes... sometimes w-we say things we really don't mean.
DOROTHY: I-it goes to you, a-and her.
DOROTHY: ...Maybe a bit more her.
HANNAH: i mean i guess

She pauses as Hannah turns on her side, facing the more spacious side of the room.

DOROTHY: ...U-um, this might seem a little out of nowhere, b-but...
DOROTHY: I-I know you don;t do things for, for no reason, b-but...
DOROTHY: W-what made you go after the emperor if, if you s-seemed to have not known anything a-about him?
HANNAH: oh that's easy
HANNAH: i knew he was bad news when i overheard him talking with omo
HANNAH: just, the way he spoke, the way he talked to her
HANNAH: omo kept questioning him, prodding him further and further about his decisions
HANNAH: that's also when i heard that he would rather be addressed as 'your majesty' and nothing else
HANNAH: not by name, nothing like that
HANNAH: completely up himself
HANNAH: and when omo did end up calling him by his name...
HANNAH: i mean i dunno if it was an accident or a completely intentional spit to the face or what
HANNAH: i mean if she did that is the fiercest low-key personalized burn of all time but i digress
HANNAH: that twitch. that eye twitch, combined with that ever-present, unnerving smile
HANNAH: sold me on it
HANNAH: without me even knowing his deal at the time
DOROTHY: A-and... you went through with it... specifically after, after Yew, because...

Hannah shuffles in place. She looks down to the bed, mildly ashamed of herself.

HANNAH: ...i...
HANNAH: ...i. guess i did care about ven.
HANNAH: no, no other way to put it, really
HANNAH: i... still kinda do
HANNAH: sure, i'm kinda scared of her
HANNAH: but...
HANNAH: ...

...Hannah sits straight up. Slowly. She inhales deeply.

HANNAH: I just wanted her to be free.
HANNAH: Free to choose what she wanted to do, like I got to do when I got off my planet.
HANNAH: Not bound to her present by some stupid, pathetic excuse of an emperor.
HANNAH: Not bound by what she did in her past.
HANNAH: Not bound by what could happen in her future.
HANNAH: I... wanted to give a little taste of what I've been given.
HANNAH: And... I guess...
HANNAH: I... kinda succeeded?
HANNAH: I mean, she more than likely still hates my guts.
HANNAH: But at least she's free.

Hannah turns her head towards the two who've stuck with her throughout everything. She's a lot more calm.

HANNAH: ...That... sounded extremely cheesy.
DOROTHY: I mean, i-it sounded true though, right?

Hannah couldn't help but smile. She pulls Dorothy in for another hug alarmingly quickly, catching Dorothy off-guard.

HANNAH: ...Thanks.
HANNAH: Thanks for being there when nobody else was.

Once Dorothy recovers, she smiles too, returning the hug.

DOROTHY: Y-you're welcome...!

Hannah turns her head towards The Scion.

HANNAH: ...Hey. Sci.
HANNAH: I'm not letting you leave without checking this out. Watch.

Hannah focuses for a moment. Then... her shadow leaves her own body, swiftly forming into another, darker Hannah behind her. It still has those brilliant golden eyes of the original, however.

The shadow Hannah hops down from the bed, and walks towards The Scion. Then, once close enough, gives them a hug.

HANNAH: Perfectly disease-proof hugs.
HANNAH: ...But more seriously, thanks for being here, too.
HANNAH: It... it means a lot.

Hannah thinks back on what she's done. Surely, making a difference shouldn't mean killing people all the time, right? That's pretty much all she's really done up till now. But...

HANNAH: ...I feel like I'm forgetting something...
HANNAH: I know sometimes you gotta poke an eye out if you wanna make a difference, but...
HANNAH: What about those times where making a difference means directly and immediately helping those that need it? Without poking an eye out?
HANNAH: I... feel like I'm forgetting something I was meaning to do regarding that...

Maybe someone could remind her? Or maybe giver her an idea.

---

Calscape (Finale)

Sophia nods, storing the disc into her hat for now. She waves goodbye as she heads to the portal.

SOPHIA: See ya!~

She hops through with a stylish backflip.

---

Sythia

SOPHIA: ...Aw.

Sythia offers to do it again after mentioning it's a bit of magic. Sophia's face lights up suddenly.

SOPHIA: Can you wait for a sec? I'mma see if my friend Dorothy wants to see it!
SOPHIA: She's way better at magic than I am... well, actually, better than most anyone on my home planet...
SOPHIA: But if you can't teach it she'll probably learn how to do it just by watching!
SOPHIA: Just a sec...

Quite literally a sec. Sophia taps her ear like Adria did when contacting her timeclones, and moments later she's back to talking with Sythia.

SOPHIA: ...Huh. That was... odd.
SOPHIA: She seemed a bit more tired than usual...
SOPHIA: Maybe she'll appreciate this a lot more than I could ever...

SOPHIA: ...But yeah, she's sendin' a timeclone over to see!
SOPHIA: It's like a clone but it's actually you from another parallel timeline summoned to come do stuff!
SOPHIA: Really useful, and it doesn't even disrupt those timelines at all! We have stuff that lets us do it so everyone has it.

SOPHIA: ...So yeah, she'll be here soon.

---

Exosuit

Adria nods at The Scion as she creates a module for the exosuit.

ADRIA: O-oh, thank you, madam!
ADRIA: Not the most conventional choice of armament, but it's still nice to see a fresh idea!

She turns to Chloe again.

ADRIA: Flight, hm?
ADRIA: I think that'd be possible, yes.

ADRIA: Oh, also, I'll be bringing Mari down in a moment. I feel she'd like a good look at it too.
ADRIA: She might even suggest an armament of her own.
ADRIA: We've... also got our own projects to work on.
ADRIA: We're going to try and infiltrate the Citadel with a rune I nabbed from a Praetorian's armor.
ADRIA: Not on our own, goodness no. We'll be using scouting drones.
ADRIA: And we might plant a large Antimagic bomb there as well.
ADRIA: Hopefully all goes well...

---

Mari

She nods, looking at her crossbow.

ADRIA: If this crossbow weren't a gift from Sophie, I'd be using a railgun instead, I think.
ADRIA: They're marvels of engineering, and something about using them just makes me giddy.
ADRIA: All that raw penetrating power from just electromagnets and a well-designed gun and ammo... just, mmmph!
ADRIA: ...Though I suppose I could replicate the feel of a railgun with this thing. A mechanism that exerts more force when the string is released, larger bolts, things like that.
ADRIA: Make it like a miniature ballista? Or, maybe even all the way if I'm really craving that power.
ADRIA: ...Hm, maybe I could incorporate that into my design as well.
ADRIA: Because sometimes, practicality comes second to feeling incredible to use. ...And being a weapon made by my niece.

Mari suggests making a scout drone for the scout drone. Also, no anti-tech things, they're probably not relevant.

ADRIA: Mm, yes, that is true...
ADRIA: Perhaps they could both be the size of a small insect. Practically indistinguishable from an actual insect from a distance, and equally difficult to detect or hit.
ADRIA: It shouldn't be too difficult to make something like that.

Adria listens to Mari's idea of what they might do after they set off the Antimagic bomb. A shock and awe sort of strategy, maybe? Adria thinks about it for a moment.

ADRIA: As fast as everyone else is, that would get noticed incredibly quickly and capitalized on. It could lead to several of our own being killed or captured.
ADRIA: I was thinking that, perhaps, we could detonate the bomb during a key moment in our push towards the Citadel tomorrow. Or even use it as a powerful infiltration tool while everyone's fighting the ground forces on the frontlines. It would split the legion's attention between trying to prevent the bomb from detonating and keeping the vast majority of us out.
ADRIA: The legion wouldn't get as much backup on the frontlies should things inevitably go south for them. Meaning, by the time there's backup, it's already far too late.
ADRIA: And if they do allow it to go off... well, their magic users are out of luck and severely crippled, with other units also being affected.
ADRIA: Though how grenades are affected by Silence is beyond me...
ADRIA: ...Unfortunately, some of our allies would also be affected. We may need to develop something to prevent that...
ADRIA: ...Do you follow me at all?

Mari expresses great interest in the mech suit. Adria nods.

ADRIA: While it's not exactly made for combat - it was more or less a work mech when we got it - but with a number of modifications and some more modules and weapons, I think we can make it into something really special!
ADRIA: Let's go, then! I've already let Chloe know to expect you. Or, rather, my Timeclone has.
ADRIA: I have a funny feeling you'd be utterly fascinated by the tech and methodology behind a Timeclone! Once we've got some spare time, I'd love to tell you more.

ADRIA: For now, though, follow me.

Adria hops onto the elevator, beckoning Mari to follow her. Once on the second floor, she guides her to Machining & Fabrication. Where Mari will see another Adria.

...It feels "incorrect" to not have Calibri first. Let me just fix that.

Zone 0 - The House

"...Uhhh..."

Calibri stares at the Resistor. He has no clue what to make of it. But, after some cautious waiting to make sure it doesn't do anything funky, he gradually reaches out to pick it up...

...After a moment of holding the sword in one hand, he figures out that he'll need to give the sword more power for something to happen. He can't figure out exactly what needs to be done, though. But he does know who might be able to lend a hand. Well, one of several people.

Calibri promptly appears at Nia's upgrade station place thing, flopping the upgraded Resistor onto a conveniently placed table surface. Since last round was round 295, this round would be 296, which means her upgrade slots should have reset by now. After a moment silence, he coughs.

"Hey, Nia. Need a favor. Long story, I put Reisz's Cell from way back onto a table, then put this Resistor onto a table, and now the two have merged and I'm not really sure what to do with them. Kinda was aiming to resurrect Reisz as part of a longer-term thing, so..."

He shrugs.

---

Zone 5.5 - Central Labs - Security Hub

"Haha! Pears! Strange kind of fruit to have associated with static, but okay what's that itch on my leg-"

Verdana turns and stares at the Fellbeast.

"Oh. I literally just asked you to not do that."

He stares for a while, contemplating what to do, then pulls out a phone and tries a call. Back on a higher elevation level, a certain Fell Rider gets a phone call, despite probably not owning a phone that would logically be connection-able. Once he answers it...

"Hi! Just checking, I saw some of you riding Fellbeasts, so hypothetically speaking, how do you Rebel guys get those things under control? Toooootally just a hypothetical, so no need to rush through that... (besides, it can't get through my armor anyway)"

---

The Old Pass

"..."

Loading.

---

The Everground

S.E.D makes some impatient beep noises. Then, it just decides outright that someone else can go ahead and initiate things, and so moves itself into position on the nearby wall. With all of its weapons armed, it quietly calibrates some sensory equipment, then waits for the time to begin firing on things. Namely, purple worm things that would apparently come out of the heart. Or annoying Iti things if the roof barrier strategy doesn't work out.

---

Battle - Fusion Development

Calibri spawns at B10, moves to E8, and waits for a bit. Specifically, he waits for Marron, who he hopes will cast Fury on him (and probably herself too). Then, he gives himself Ordo by spending 15 HP, then uses Nothing Ventured, taunting the Genji.

"yuor mom has kisma"

He then retreats to E9, standing there in a stereotypical "I'm a samurai waiting for an opportunity to quickdraw my sword and defeat my enemy in one swift motion" stance.

Auth shrugs in return to Ash.

AUTH: Well, I figured it would be better to assume that there was a significant list of names and mention it, and then get corrected, than assume there's not that many and not bring it up at all.
AUTH: It's in my interests to attempt to prevent death, and preemptively stopping people from even being targeted is better than healing people after a battle.

Auth then listens quietly to the assessment of Linseed.

AUTH: Yes... insane does generally summarise my thoughts on Linseed. Given his proclivity for arson, I don't like him very much.
AUTH: You know, uh, that guy...

Auth gestures in the vague direction of the Informant.

AUTH: He's one of Linseed's, right? He might've tried to blow us all up a few days ago when we were just arriving.
AUTH: Hm. Anyway, thanks for your time! Please make sure that your bosses get the news!

The bosses probably already know, being Spherebreakers, but we'll keep up the façade for just a little longer.

---

Auth nods to Lutea, and then thinks about it.

AUTH: I'll see what I can do. We might need the vial we have left over for something we're actually working on,
AUTH: But if we can spare it, I'll be happy to give you the Godblossom Extract if we don't end up needing it. Or if we end up making some more.
AUTH: Although sometimes the most potent medicines come from mistakes, I would recommend not making mistakes on purpose with such a limited valuable resource, yeah?

There's a slight wink and a nudge, as Auth attempts to VERY SUBTLY imply that they have access to an honest-to-goodness Godblossom.

AUTH: If we have samples to spare, you'll get them.

Auth decides that it might be a good idea to go and check on the Godblossom in the Church. Auth flies fairly quickly down that way, and quietly slinks into the church to see if the Godblossom there is growing well.

---

Auth thinks about what Nana proposes about how Chairians and Antheans move. This knowledge is something Auth considers, putting his hand out and clenching and unclenching a fist, as though he were considering performing Arbormancy.

AUTH: Hmm... it could be. I know that there are people in Anthe who turn themselves to crystal after arriving, and they can still move more-or-less normally.
AUTH: But yeah, London is rather diverse. To... some extent, I think Londoners and other residents of the Neath are nicer to each other than Tabletopians and Chairians are.
AUTH: They don't actively go out of their way to hurt each other, at least.

Auth doesn't mind supporting Nana through the mirror, and helping Nana readjust to her feet moving the way that she wanted them to move.

AUTH: It does take some getting used to, going back and forth. Don't worry, I don't mind helping out.
AUTH: I'd love to go with you, Nana. Going somewhere a bit calmer sounds quite delightful, honestly.
AUTH: The others... I wouldn't say what they're doing is calm, per se, but maybe it would be fun to go out that way. Truth be told, I don't really know the area well enough to tell you where a good place to relax would be.

Auth doesn't think Nana knows the area that much better, but maybe she does.

---

Alright, let's get this finally over with. Auth looks at the Itisa Bait and and activates it, assuming that the barrier will be by Vulcan afterwards. Auth waits for the parasitic infection of the heart to stop extracting itself, and once it's slowed to a stop, Auth floats up to the highest site of infection on the Remnant and points Vulcan at it.

Auth moves swiftly and decisively, and with a minimal number of cuts Auth cuts out the flesh that was infected at this site. Auth cuts out slightly more than the site itself, to ensure that all of the flesh that may have been infected is removed. Once removed, Auth begins to cast a healing spell on the cut-out area, which should (given the size) slowly but visibly begin to repair itself. The healing that Auth puts in would, obviously, be quite powerful to even be visibly healing at the size of the Remnant.

Auth repeats the process at each infected site, indicating to Verdana that he should help close up the wounds Auth needed to open to extract the extracted flesh. Auth is noticeably being careful and deliberate, since he's worried about killing the Remnant since the heart is a very delicate organ. However, progress on treatment is relatively steady so it shouldn't, theoretically, be much of a problem.

AUTH: This will take some time, but it's best to be careful while operating on the heart... we'll get there.

---

And as for being in battle, Auth floats into the El Iti battle.

AUTH: I take some offense to the assertion that nobody would want to act in the role of a healer. I suppose I shall have to show you how vital a supporter is to a unit.

Auth spawns on C10, and waits there - holding back to assess the battle's progress later. Auth casts Perseverance, for Fire on Marron, and Auth sets his own Variable Resistance to Poison. Auth also "Use[s a] Drop Pod to summon Nanotech by Daskter's endpoint".

Security Hub

Irongutta nodded as R-8 explained what a USB was. "Fascinatin' stuff, that. Most of the computers I've made in my life were just fer monitorin' crucial information on ships an' wot have ya. Maybe when we're done savin' the universe I could take a betta look!"

As for their subsequent conversation in the Security Hub, Irongutta was none too pleased about what he was told. A little bit offended, actually.

"I don't believe it! Sounds like Spark pilfered his own plans for the Dream of Unity before we got to pilfer them ourselves! That's... that's just... actually, I think we got ourselves an opportunity 'ere R-8. Yes, an opportunity to kill two birds wivv one really big stone. We were gonna pulp Spark's face anyway, roight, so when we do that we can just take the plans anyway! Hah!"

Irongutta seemed as pumped as ever after coming up with his brilliant plan, but another realization tempered his mood a bit. "Though I doubt Spark would've taken those schematics if he didn't plan on usin' them himself. We might be facin' wotever dakka the ship was gonna 'ave when we fight him."