The next morning, a carriage arrived at the Lightfoot Estate and disgorged a visitor wearing the trappings of the Emir's court - along with two tiger guards. Upon being welcomed in, he said, "Forgive this humble trespass, but I seek the ones known as Gabriel Akkers and Tasha on behalf of the kind yet officious Wasir of the glorious Emir - may his fur reflect the golden warmth of the sun - who has set aside a few moments of his crowded schedule in hopes of meeting these two people of interest."
Tasha, who had been browsing her collection of artifact notes in her better clothes just in case this scenario occured, stands beside Gabriel with her arms folded behind her back, 'at ease.' She inclines her head to the representative, but waits for Gabriel to greet him, not wanting to seem to undermine his authority in the eyes of the nation.
The Lapis cluster around, and Hakeber peeks from between some curtains, as Gabriel bows and introduces himself and Tasha, without mentioning any titles. "Forgive me, for I am a foreigner, and not familiar with the position of Wasir," he notes after the introductions.
Tasha follows in step. "It is good to meet the most humble servant of the Emir; we appreciate the Wasir's notice," she says.
The emissary seems surprised at this, but explains, "The Wasir, Rukhim, is the trusted advisor and secretary of the illustrious Emir - may his generosity reflect his glory."
"I suppose we shouldn't keep him waiting then," Gabriel notes, looking to Tasha.
Tasha nods to her mate and captain. "I am sure he is very busy; busy men must have their time honored properly," she agrees. For a moment she considers asking Hakeber to fetch her notes, but decides against it; she's been staring at them for days, they may as well be written on the inside of her skull. "Lets go."
One carriage ride later, the pair are led through part of the palace, to stone-walled room. It's not exactly opulent, and the tapestries covering the walls seem chosen more for their thickness (and soundproofing) than quality or beauty. A lean Khatta with a slight beard and a harried expression sits behind a large, paper-strewn desk beneath the sole window, and gestures for Gabriel and Tasha to sit in the U-shaped, backless chairs before the desk. "Forgive me if I dispense with the usual pleasantries," the Wasir says, almost in a sigh, and pushes some papers forward - the information requests they submitted to the library! "But I am very curious as to why you are requesting information on these subjects. Are you actually interested in them, or is this just a ploy to try and get the attention of the Emir?"
Tasha leans forward to examine the letters, but even as she does so, she goes to answer. During the initial greetings and ride over, she's become increasingly aware that Gabriel is out of his element. Rather than let him suffer on, she's chosen to speak up more -- and seriously consider hunting for skilled iplomats when she returns to Abaddon.
"We are explorers," she begins, glad the formalities are aside. She's certain no one expects poetry from a Vartan, but this is the Emir's court, and she can't help but think they'd expect poetry from a stone. "We're on a search and recovery mission, to recover remnants of the Fleet that once carried us to these worlds; this is no ruse. Though we are a young organization, we are backed by the Pit of Himaar Treay Council."
"I'm well aware of who you are and your affiliations," the Khatta claims, and slides over an actual photograph of Tasha in her armor, next to Melchior in the Pit. "I just need to establish if you are seeking only information, or something more from the Emirate."
Gabriel raises his eyebrows at the photograph.
Tasha shifts her gaze to the photograph, ears flicking. "Well at least they got my good side. This simplifies things." Looking up, the young woman replies, "We are seeing only the relics of the past and any information pertaining to them, their legends, and whereabouts. We do not ask more, as we do not wish to be burdensome upon the Emirate. If the Emirate chooses to assist us further, or has other ideas in mind, we will, of course, be willing to discuss these ideas."
"Very well," the Wasir says. "I will forward these back to the librarians then. Dealing with the Legion is enough trouble without having to add another interplanetary organization to the mix just yet."
"The Legion has been difficult for you?" Tasha inquiries, straightening and perking her ears. "We have yet to enter in to any negotiations with the Kampfengruppe, but we are aware they are typically isolationist and ... filled with pride in their people."
"The Legion is made up of criminals or those running from justice, for the most part," the Wasir claims. "Their methods of controlling such a group of undesirables is equally undesirable. But it serves its function, watches after the various wayward princes and protects trade. But it does put us at odds with other organizations at times."
"I see. I wasn't aware that the Legion relied so heavily upon forced labor. As a rule, the Joint Expeditionary Force does not engage in such things, nor many otherdiscriminatory practices, for that matter." Tasha drums her fingers a moment, looking down at her picture. "They are difficult to control, then? Would you anticipate they will hinder our own investigation? We do not seek trade -- that is outside our enabled powers, though we can pass on requests."
"Why would they be involved in your investigation at all?" the Wasir asks, suddenly suspicious. "Especially if your interests do not cross with their duties?"
Tasha holds up a hand, trying to forestall suspicion. "It is merely that we try to be prepared for any possible problem, however remote. Exploration is a dangerous affair, and more so when it involves traversing across many dissimilar regions, each with their own politics and procedures. We simply wish to be aware of any possible conflicts," she answers, calmly.
"The Legion does not operate on Sinai," the Wasir claims. "Aside from security and management of the Gateway Tower. If you need to visit other worlds in the Gateway network, then you will need to deal with the Legion."
"Then we will leave our concerns until they are necessary," Tasha agrees. She looks up again, and asks, "We know you are quite busy; I too am a second. Is there anything else you wish to ask us?"
"What is it you're looking for?" the Wasir asks plainly, gesturing to the pile of information requests. "Ancient names that are all by myth, stories about odd things.. how are they related?"
"Any recoverable technologies, records, artifacts, and materials are of importance, at the general level," Tasha replies, and spreads her hands. "Within these are a multitude of specific interest catagories, depending on what the specific recoverable pertains to. Lost vessels can supply us with records of the past, information, and artifacts we are uniquely able to unravel, for example, and that's as important as any of the rest. You could say these specific things are really just markers that indicate places and things of interest. But you're probably wondering what, specifically, we want with them. These particular objects may have a cultural significance to the Fleet, or signify some other intent. It's a big of a mystery and my pet project."
"Are you planning on sharing the fruits of your exploration with all, or only with your sponsors?" the Wasir asks next, steepling his fingers.
"Our sponsors have priority, of course," Tasha replies, settling her hands in her lap. "That is the unfortunate reality of sponsorship. However, we, as a group, value highly the virtue of distribution. We have already employed our technologies on Abaddon, to help improve the prosperity of that world; even if we had not been asked, we would have provided that help. The betterment of the Fleet species -- and, indeed, all sentient life of these worlds -- is a high priority of the JEF. Accumulated technologies are diluted, tested, and distributed to the world. And, as we understand the need to maintain balance, we will not do so if we believe it would cause an untennable imbalance among the powers that be -- we do not play favorites among our sponsors, nor distribute weapons technologies."
"It sounds very noble," the Khatta notes, without a bit of irony. "I may be in touch again, should you remain in Abu Dhabi for awhile."
"We only aspire to service and discovery," Tasha agrees, inclining her head. "As individuals uniquely aware of the failings of the past, we do what we can to prevent their reoccurence. Thank you for your time, Wazir."
As Gabriel and Tasha are led out, the elder Karnor seems to be suppressing a reaction - he's holding his tail very rigidly still. It isn't until they're back at the Estate, and carriage is gone, that he speaks. "Whatever their relationship with the Legion is, the Emirate clearly has spies on Abaddon, and in the Pit. Or else one of our own allies is selling them information."
Tasha turns around, leaning against a nearby wall and tucking her hands behind her head. "Well, we expected spies, didn't we? And he tipped his hand, so he's clearly not afraid to let us know he's aware of us -- that he has an eye on us. Frankly, I'm surprised this hasn't come up sooner. Though, now that I think about it, this could have been going on for a while now, and that could be problematic. It really depends how widespread it is, and if they mena more by it than just keeping tabs."
"It might be all of them," Gabriel admits, and rubs at his face. "This means the Temple may also know about the JEF already."
"I wouldn't be surprised. Depending on their impression of us, things could get difficult. No one's attempted to assassinate us yet, so that's a good sign, at least. And we can be sure that even as they work against us, the spies are working against each other," Tasha admits. She pushes off the wall, then nods towards the house. "We should inform the others, since they'll likely be included in this 'spy game'."
Back inside the villa, Hakeber and Aaron have been waiting - the Lapi pacing nervously and the Karnor.. drinking, of course. "You came back!" Aaron exclaims. "And you're not in pieces!"
"In pieces? In this outfit? I spent all day putting this outfit together," Tasha insists with a grin. She waves everyone to gather, and then declares, "Well it's official that we're important: the Wazir let slip we're being spied upon. Aside from that, I think the meeting went rather well."
"
"Are we being spied on right now?" Hakeber asks, looking shocked. "I mean.. here in the city? Where did the spying happen?"
"It's perfectly possible. I recommend keeping your research materials with you at all times, and be careful not to casually discuss sensitive matters. Which reminds me ... " As she begins walking towads where she left her own notes, Tasha continues as she walks. "It happened on the airfield on Abaddon, a picture of me in my modified Achillies standing beside Melchior. There was very little in the background, so I can't ve certain of when it happened. Or, at least, who, since anyone could have taken the photograph."
"Probably Confederates," Hakeber says.
"They do seem the most likely to sell us out for trade concessions and other perks," Tasha agrees as she sorts through her materials to make sure they're all still there. "However, we also represent an advantage to them. Our agricultural benefits are signifiacnt. They could be trying to play both sides, using us both to reap the greatest benefits. The cost of being discovered would be high though -- maybe too high?"
"The Confederates.. don't really act as a nation," Hakeber says, waving a hand. "It is most likely individuals assigned to the Embassy, selling information to whoever is interested in order to gain wealth. Not likely to be anyone high enough up that it would actually affect their career."
"That's a good point. Aside from governments, we also have to concern ourselves with individuals out to profit off us. I'd been so busy focusing on the big concerns that I'd forgotten just how many people have their own agendas and would love to take advantage of us." Tasha, seeing everything is in order, begins walking back out of the room, where she points at Hakeber. "You know, that reminds me: perhaps Rahab would be aware of who's trying to sell us out? Unless it's him, of course, but I take him to be a man of more honor than that. It might be time to consider working with the underworld a bit, at least in order to keep track of who's keeping track on us, and to have a eye in the air in case someone tries to sell our secrets on the black market."
"You mean to hire a criminal?" Hakeber asks.
"Well, 'hire' is a bit extreme. We'll just work it out with him and see what he wants. But we'll deal with that later. For now, lets all try and be more careful and keep in mind we may be being watched," Tasha replies. She takes a seat, stretching her legs out and resting her head on her hands. "Aside from that, asI said, the meeting went well. We might be called on again, which probably isn't a cause for concern. If it is a cause for concern, I want all of you to focus on getting to safety ASAP. You're all familiar with our departure plans?"
"Find the Drowned Ptera at the docks?" Aaron asks, just to be sure.
"You got it!" Tasha smiles even as she even closes her eyes, looking quite relaxed for the topic. "Gabriel and I can handle ourselves, but Hakeber doesn't know this world and hasn't been exposed to the same training and experience we have, so in an emergency, I want you to focus on getting you two to safety, Aaron. From there you can contact our patrons and inform them of any problems, or wait for us if you're uncertain. I don't think I need to say this but, well, we're vastly outnumbered and outgunned if things should go badly. The best we can do is have a plan."
"Well, I imagine we'll have some warning if things are going to get dicey," the Lapi says. Just then, they are interrupted by Alexander's wife Faisa, who says, "There are some... well, they may be priests.. here to see you all."
Tasha's left eye opens a crack. "Priests?" Her brow goes up. "Were we expecting any priests?" her other eye opens, and she looks around.
"They may be the Mystery Keepers," Aaron says quietly, using his 'conspiracy' voice. "Like the Temple's Technopriests, sort of."
"How can we turn away a group with a name like that?" The young half-Vartan asks as she sits up. "Now I'm a little jealous; we could have been the Secret Holders or something." While she looks for all the world like she's having fun with the situation, Gabriel's sensitive nose can scent her anxiety; an anxiety that has been waxing and waning ever since they began for the palace. "You know the drill, be ready for anything. I'll go say 'hello.'"
The 'priests' are waiting in the sitting room - all standing. They have the bearing of mages (and a few of them have very visible guild rings on their fingers). One of them is a Naga, but the rest are Khatta, including a pair of lynx-like ones. It's one of these that bows to Tasha. "Greetings, visitor-from afar," he purrs. "Please forgive this intrusion, but if you would be so inclined we would request you and your colleagues' expertise and insight into the matter of an artifact uncovered a few years ago."
"Of course," Tasha replies, returing the bow even as her anxiety rises. "Cataloguing discoveries is part of our duty; if we can help we will, though please note we will not reveal information we believe to be a danger. If you'll excuse me a moment, I will collect our other members and we will ... " She pauses, her head tilting. "Do you need us to go with you, or have you brought the object?"
The Naga gives a snort at the notion of bringing the artifact. The speaker says, "The Fallen Sword is.. immobile. You would need to come with us across the desert to it's resting place."
"Across the desert?" Tasha pauses, thinking a moment, then nods a moment later. "I don't see the harm in it. Please wait a moment." Tasha bows before departing, returning to where her friends are waiting.
"We've been asked to take a trip with them in to the desert to examine something called 'The Fallen Sword,' something so large that the Naga clearly though my asking if they had brought it was rediculous. It's risky, but we can't jump at every shadow, and this may be a lead. They're clearly important men, as well: more than one of them has a Guild ring," she explains to her friends.
"Well, Mages generally don't do assassinations," Aaron notes.
Hakeber is already packing things. "Deserts I can manage! Although it is rather hot in this one," she notes.
"Fallen Sword," Gabriel says. "A downed ship, perhaps?"
"If they assassinate us, then we can feel honored," Tasha says with a laugh. "I'd already suggested we'd be interested; Hakeber, you'll need to come anyway. Gabriel?" She looks to her mate. "Do you want to come as well? It might be good for one of us to stay behind in case the Emir calls on us; it'd be rather rude to not be here when he requests us, after all." She then nods. "It does sound like a ship. Or a tavern."
"I'm certainly not letting you out of my sight," Gabriel notes.
"I can stay and hold the fort," Aaron volunteers, despite looking interested. "And organize the rescue party..."
Tasha grins at that. "From an operation standpoint, I'd say that's too sentimental. However, as your mate, that's an answer I can't argue with. Did I mention how much I love you today?" She winks to Gabriel. "The spies can know." Grinning wider, she spreads her hands, "It looks like Gabriel, Hakeber and myself, while Aaron handles things here. Come on then, lets go meet the mages." She waves a hand for people to follow, and starts back for the sitting room.
After the introductions are made, the Mystery Keepers take the trio to the southern edge of the city, where they trade their comfortable carriage wagon for.. Vanderrats! Having ridden a Vykarin before, Tasha doesn't have trouble keeping steady atop the furry reptile, and Gabriel likewise has 'riding experience' from his past. Hakeber is the odd one out, and screams often during the trip when the animals try to race one another.
"I'll have to try riding a horse when we get back to Abaddon," Tasha remarks over the noise of the journey. "The Knights seem agile on them, and it looks relaxing."
After nearly an hour of rump-busting riding, the group arrives at a walled outpost, although there doesn't seem to be much of a military presence outside of a single watchtower near the entrance. Inside, the terrain is unexpected: a few temporary-looking structures cling to the outer wall, while the ground sinks in the center towards a mineshaft-like opening. The mine aspect is reinforced by the piles of rock and debris that fill the space between the buildings.
As she slows her mount and brings it to turn, Tasha gazes down the dusty landscape, past the buildings, to the mineshaft. "Underground, then? Well, it won't be the first time." She swings a hoofed leg over her mount and lands on the sand, taking a moment to brush herself off. She brought her weapons and part of her armor, along with her cloak. Given the difficult past ruins have presented, not to mention the uncertainty following mysterious strangers out in to the desert, she decided to come prepared. "We'll be heading in?"
"The Sword buried itself deep when it fell from the Procession," one of the priests explains. There's a thump as Hakeber falls out of her saddle and has to be helped up by Gabriel. Ignoring that, the priest promises, "It is much cooler in the excavation."
"Then by all means, lets head inside." As she follows along, Tasha falls back to remark to Gabriel and Hakeber, "'Falling from the Procession' does sound like a ship, that or a satelite. It'd be remarkable if a ship had managed to remain in orbit for so long; I can't imagine it'd have faired well in that debris field -- knocked out by a series of rogue collisions? Maybe navigation damage?"
"We'll hopefully find out," Gabriel says, as the group is led into the mineshaft. The journey is short, before the tunnel opens into a dug out cavern. Nearly all of the Sword is exposed, while Savanites still chip away at the fused earth near the front of it. A gallery has been dug out, where varies 'bits' have been collected, along with a model of what the metal craft may have originally looked like. The ones who aren't digging have the look of scholars.. and a raccoon wears the uniform of the Technopriesthood of Rephidim as well.
"It's a lifeboat," Gabriel whispers to Tasha. "Probably Celestial Empire."
"Is that so? I was wondering about the size. Now I'm curious as to why a lifeboat would have made planetfall late, and if its mothership is still in orbit," Tasha whispers back. "Lets take a look, just in case there's more to it than a malfunctioning relic of a long dead vessel."
Stepping forward, Tasha walks right for the downed vessel, taking it all in and looking for unusual signs of damage, entry, or other pecularities.
"Please do not touch anything," one of the priests requests. Up close, it is clear that the Sword had shiny white skin - it's still clear in places - and still sports a few stabilizer fins. The hatch is clearly defined, but still not fully exposed as chunks of stone (or metal) still cover sections of it. There aren't any windows showing - or any way to say whether the thing is upside down or right side up even, since the Celestial Empire's symbol is a circular spiral.
"It's unfortunate the hatch is still sealed. We won't find many answers just by picking apart the spalling and other material damage that resulted from impact," Tasha remakrs to the priest that followed her. She then gestures to the symbol on the side, and explains, "That aside, we do know what it is: it's a Celestial Empire lifeboat. That is, a smaller craft that was used in emergies to escape a larger vessel, for whatever reason. These sorts of vessels were used primarily to safeguard the lives of the passangers and crew until they could be recovered, lacking many of the greater functions of true vessels. As this is a lifeboat, there's a real need to get inside and check for survivors, however unlikely."
"It hasss been several yearss now since the Sword fell," the Naga priest claims. "Any inhabitant would have exhausssted their breathable air by now."
"We have been moving very carefully, to avoid causing further damage," the first Priest notes.
"There's more than one hatch on these things," Hakeber claims, calling over a Savanite to boost her up to the elevated rear end of the object.
"I'd agree with the technologies of the current era. However, this is not from the current era. There is also the possibility of other vital cargo that its mothership deemed necessary to extricate. Even if the crew has perished, the machines on board may still be in operation. We've seen several instances of this," Tasha explains as she watches Hakeber work. "Aside from that, these things were built to survive the destruction of their motherships, planetfall, and impact. A few pickaxes won't destroy it."
The priests seem unsure of how to proceed. There are plenty of torn off pieces laid out, and Gabriel is going over each one. "I think I've found the emergency hatch," Hakeber calls out. "I need some muscle, Tasha!"
"Finally, someone who appreciates me for my mucles and not my brain!" Tasha calls back as she heads over to see what Hakeber needs.
"I like your butt too," Hakeber comments, causing some coughing among the others. A work platform is brought over to replace the Savanite that was holding Hakeber up, which makes things easier. The Naga priest also crowds onto it to see what is happening - and likely make sure the mammals don't 'damage' a Naga cultural artifact.
Tasha also crowds in, standing by to assist. "You need me to turn an emergency hatch lever?" She guesses.
The back of the capsule seems seamless, save for the engraved spiral symbol of the Empire, right in the center and nearly two feet across. Unlike the other versions, this one has a circular border. "I'm pretty sure this is the loading hatch," Hakeber says of the circle. "There'd have been a tube for the Nagas to slide down and into the boat, then this hatch would close. I'm pretty sure it's opened by some combination of pushing and turning.. probably."
Tasha makes her way up the platform, putting a hand on her hips as she studies the symbol. "Powered recognition would be down, most likely ... There may be explosive bolts, but those may have fried or pre-detonated inconsistently, as the hatch is still on. Gabriel? Do you know the procedure for opening a Celestial Empire lifeboat hatch?" She glances back a moment, and while he thinks, she tries, "It's worth a try though. Ahem: Imperial lifeboat, this is a Joint Expeditionary Force rescue and recovery team. Engage emergency rear hatch release sequence, authorization Lieutenant Commander Nora Argentine, TSS Fenris."
"I can recognize one, but that's about it," Gabriel says. The hatch does not respond to Tasha's command, but it does draw an odd look from the Naga next to her.
"Let's try pushing?" Hakeber suggests.
Tasha doesn't look at all surprised when there's no answer. "On to pushing it, I guess. They can't be that complicated -- that would just interfere with rescue operations." After rolling her shoulders, the red woman steps forward and puts her hands to the center disk, trying to turn it.
The surface isn't slippery, thanks to the spiral, but it also doesn't want to turn. Hakeber tries pushing inward, and even the Naga adds his strength. "Push it inward," the Karnor says.
Bracing herself, Tasha leans in and helps, pushing with all her not inconsiderable Vartan might!
With all three of them pushing, there's a 'click' sound and the entire disk sinks almost an inch before stopping. "Aha! I knew it," Hakeber crows. "Now.. clockwise or counter clockwise?"
"I'm sure the spiral is indicative," Tasha suggests, still braced against the disk. "What would be of greater relevance to the Celestials when releasing something, or what would be of greater relevance in general? The Celestial Emperor would be center so ... Towards the center?"
"Clockwise then," Hakeber says, since that's the direction the spiral spirals inward.
Tasha nods, shifting her stance as she begins twisting clockwise.
The disk turns nearly a quarter rotation before another click, then it sinks in further by itself before sliding out of the way, revealing a dark, narrow tube.
"Lampss!" the Naga calls out, and Savanite slaves scurry to bring reflector-backed lamps on poles to bear. Gabriel stands at the base of the work platform now, looking up with concern. There's a blast of foul air from the tube.
With the extra light, the tube can be seen to stretch at least eight feet before meeting another hatch.
Tasha coughs as she breathes in the stale air, immediately reaching to cover her mouth with her neckerchief while waving everyone else back. Hakeber gets picked up and tossed to Gabriel! "We may be dealing with hazardous atmosphere from internal damage," she warns as she wrestles her helmet out of its bag. "Everyone stay back until the air clears." The helmet goes on, and Tasha heads in after taking a lantern for herself.
"Ssssss," the Naga hisses. The air clears, Gabriel sets Hakeber down on her feet, and Tasha realizes just how narrow the tube is - if she gets stuck, she'll need to be hauled out by her feet! But the inner hatch looks a lot simpler - it has a turn-wheel in the center.
The things I do out of curiosity and altruisim, Tasha thinks as she reaches out and takes the wheel, trying to turn it. She just hopes her air filter is rated for what might be inside; it was worked in by Fred at her request fro just such a situation, after all, but there were many hazardous chemicals in the Expedition Age.
There are no active electronics in the helmet to sound alarms for toxicity, but when the hatch swings inward the atmosphere of the capsule feels old. The lamp shows surfaces coated in something, and signs of scorching. Broken bones are scattered around as well, along with desiccated skin and papery clumps that might have been flesh - the pilot not only didn't survive reentry, but was likely long dead before it ever happened. Circular metal plates are also scattered around. Windows can be seen, but are blocked by external plates.
"I'm seeing Naga remains, scorch marks, and peculiar plate-like objects," Tasha reports back up the tube. "Damage to the body is considerable; it appears that he or she was killed long before entry. I think these might be weapon impacts? Investigating." Holding the lantern forward, the young woman leans forward to inspect one of the disks.
"There's also some sort of film in here, on the walls," she adds as she examines the object. "I recommend keeping anyone not protected out for the time being."
There's a sliding sound as the Naga priest enters the tube behind Tasha, but stays within it. "All contentsss belong to the Nagai Empire," he reminds Tasha.
The disk shines in the lamplight, and is smooth on one side.. but etched on the other. It looks like the southern continent of Ai, scratched into the metal with a handheld tool.
Tasha looks back, interupted in her examination of a plate. "That's fine, but you're putting yourself at serious risk being in here without protection. You trusted us to examine this, now trust us to do our job." Turning back, Tasha picks up the disk and and turns it in the light. "What's this? A map?" She beckons the Naga closer, since he doesn't appear to want to leave. "Recognize it? Maybe there's an indicator ... But why is this even here?"
"Yesss, it is a map of the Empire.." the Naga claims, although there aren't any markings to indicate it's anything other than a drawing of the continent. There are several other disks scattered about.
"No need to take the Imperial propaganda route with me," Tasha notes as she reaches over to collect more of the disks, lining them up in a row. "I've studied the time before there was a Naga Empire, and I know very well where it comes from, who its people were, and why they now reside on Ai. Now then," she gestures at the disks, "lets put aside politics and focus on our discovery -- help me find a pattern here."
The other disks are also hand-etched maps of various land masses, and even a few sky-islands. A second disk has a another section of Ai on it, but with a bit better detail. There are also triangular marks placed here and there - and one of them, the largest, is right where Nagai City and the Imperial Palace are.
"Interesting, they appear to note planetfall points. Or, at least, potential planetfall points. What we appear to have is a pilot who, while attempting to escape his ship -- a ship that may well have had an internal explosion or battle before he could launch -- and coordinate with other survivors on the ground." Tasha begins stacking the disks carefully, before placing them aside. "Lets see if there's anything else of interest before we get out of here. The remains can be retrieved later, when this lifeboat has fresher air."
There are other remains: skeletons of small animals that were probably the pilot's meals, the indigestible parts regurgitated. Also a tool like a screwdriver that was probably used to etch the plates.
"Hmm, now see, we have meals here ... That complicates things. Unless he or she had been sitting here and eating with the hatch wide open, there's no reason why an escaping pilot would also have digested his rations prior to departure. Not unless he did depart and, for some reason, never reached the planet's surface until now ... Which begs the question: why does it look like he or she was killed by a blast?" Looking around, Tasha searches for damage to the ship, something that would indicate the source of the damage. "This film is also curious ... fuel residue?" She stops to check that, as well.
The film is like tar, and covers everything (even the exposed parts of the plates). Along with the scorch marks, it could have been from an electrical or chemical fire.
"The Sword was sssseen to fall from the Procession," the Naga hisses from the tubeway. "We know when it happened."
"Hmm, well, electrical or chemical fire. It would take time and close examination to figure out what happened here." She then pauses to listen, and nods. "That will be good to know. Lets take these and get out of here; I'm worried about your health and we've done what we can for now."
It's a challenge to shimmy back out of the tube, and Tasha is covered in the residue once she gets out. Several workers converge on her and rub away the stuff, carefully preserving it for study. The Naga looks through the plates over and over again.
"Sounds like the pilot died in orbit," Gabriel says after being caught up. "The impact could have scattered the body."
Tasha nods in agreement. "That seems likely, though the film suggests there was an on-board problem of some sort, as well. While historically interetsing, I don't think it's of particular interest in terms of usability. What is interesting are these plates we recovered." Tasha steps forward, gesturing to the plates in the Naga's hand. "They appear to be hand made renderings of planetfall locations, probably in order to help the pilot join with survivors. You can see Naga City here, the landing site of the Gerondisanakh. These other points, however, I don't recognize."
"The escort ships, most likely," Gabriel says.
"Do you see any indicator of names attached to the sites?" Tasha asks the Naga, leaning to peer over his arm.
"No, only the trianglesss," the Naga priest says. "Perhaps the map maker could not tell which Celestial ships they were from such a height."
"That seems likely. If he was scratching these, then chances are his electronics had already failed and he was going from observation and memor," Tasha agrees. She stares at the makeshift indicators for a long mement, then pulls out her noteback and begins to copy them. "Are you satisfied with our work here?" She asks as she goes about copying the locations.
"This ship is scrap now," Gabriel notes. "The lifeboats wouldn't have been that high-tech, in order to ensure survival in the SPF. But the landing sites are exactly what we need."
"Good, then we've come out a head here," Tasha agrees, smiling to her mate. She tehn turns and asks the Naga, "How about you? Do you think your people will be satisfied with this result, and do you mind if I take these copies along? We can't remain here too long, as the Emir may be waiting on us to return."
"Those sites are Nagai Cultural Treasuresss," the Priest notes, but doesn't seem to object to Tasha's copy. "Pleassse do not forget that."
"So, is there some magic cure for sore butts?" Hakeber asks as she stands next to Gabriel.
"No need to worry: yours aren't the first expedition we've worked with, and we do coordinate with local governments and other interested institutions to ensure that everyone is happy. Like I said before, we only hold back long enough to analyze the findings and ensure they are sound, stable, and not composed of, or usable to create, dangerous technology," Tasha recites as she finishes up her drawings. One last back and forth to ensure accuracy, and she puts her notepad away -- pausing to stare at Hakeber a moment as she does. "Why do I feel particularly Nora-like today?"
Gabriel reaches out and feels Tasha's cheek. "Well, you do feel like her most of the time.."
"I want a pillow to sit on this time," the Karnor scholar insists.
Tasha yelps, then swats at Gabriel's hand. "Lets get out of here before we ruin our professional image, you goofballs." She bows slightly to the Naga, giving their farewells and well wishing, and then she and the others are heading out. Ducking as they go, Tasha slips her head under Gabriel's arm and says, "I don't know about you, but after this I think I need a hot bath."