Prisms and mirrors set on stands flash and dazzle as bursts of light speed between the kneeling giant and the far off tabernacle, abetted by several Savanite Light Mages. The behemoth's chest is open, exposing a Vartan-Karnor hybrid in the pilot's seat, surrounded on both sides by translucent displays showing various technical readouts in sign-script. Sitting just below and beside her, his legs dangling out of the open cockpit is an older Karnor working away with a pencil in a notebook, with another book held in his lap.
"I think I've got the equation worked out for the orbital differentiation," Gabriel notes, patting the ephemeris in his lap. "It'd be easier if we knew how the Gateway Towers find each other."
"It would, wouldn't it?" Tasha agrees, head propped on her hand as stares at the streams of sign-script rolling by. Lifting her free hand, she signs, "Balthasar, do have a direct connection to a ... 'Sifran network?' Your ability to manipulate electromagnetisim and gravity do not come from onboard emitters, do they?"
"I am self-contained. It is unknown if foreign crystals require an external support system," one of the displays signs back.
"Thank you, Balthasar. Out of curiosity, do you have any simulations or demonstration video of your capabilities? The legends were vague and I'm going to go ahead and guess your remodelers did not leave a manual?" Turning her head and angling it down, Tasha reaches lifts a foot to rub it against her mate's leg. "Thanks for helping out with this, Gabriel. I'm glad you're down here with me; sometimes it feels like things like this, they're just going to swallow me up. I don't think I need to say how immense a responsibility this machine is; just sitting here puts me in a place that's hard to wrap my head around."
"Well, you can always step away you know," Gabriel says, grinning. "See the world and enjoy it a bit, instead of focusing so hard on your end goal. I guess Nora was a bit like that. Driven."
"No data exists in my memory of the systems being used, nor what their power requirements or limits are. If they were tested, it would have been without my full activation, using manual systems only," the Titan displays on its communications screen.
"Ah, Nora," the young woman breathes, her tone somewhere between wistful and aggravated. "She's been acting more and more like me; I suppose that's appropriate, given I'm becoming more and more like her. That dream I had wasn't far off at all; we're each other, like it or not." She rubs at her nose, rolling her head back to watch the screen display the response. "We may need to test your systems when I get back to Abaddon. There is plenty of barren land, and if we leave some craters, if they are safe, we can just offer them as future sites for habitation. You will be stored on board the ship I am currently captaining and analyzed while I continue my investigation on this world." Having become used to the manner and pace of signing, Tasha talks between gestures, telling Gabriel, "I suppose I could stop. Balthasar is a significant find and demands a lot of attention, we also have a Marker and that needs to be analyzed too ... We could probably use some vacation time, especially you, since I know
know you've been working hard. I can't step back from Balthasar, though. It would be irresponsible and dangerous. For better or worse, we're stuck with each other."
"There are plenty of other leads to follow up here on Sinai," Gabriel notes, resting his chin on Tasha's knee. "I wouldn't mind having a better look at Olympia too, along the way. For the ruins, of course. Did I tell you about the cache of zircon-ceramic armor and ceremonial swords Aaron and I found the other day? Definitely came with the Expedition, and may have belonged to a Silent-One's captain.."
"Harmonia and I have been exchanging information," Balthasar reports on the display. "Field equations are close to resolution for jump."
"I bet the Silent-Ones would appreciate seeing those if the Priest-Queen wouldn't mind donating them," Tasha says, sounding interested as she reaches her free hand down to rub Gabriel's closest ear fondly. "And I wouldn't mind going back to Olympia myself. I'd like to talk to the High Priestess of the Temple of Abaddon about my dreams, and see what she thinks. Aside from that, it would be nice to relax while we're there. I was still in a rush back then, too, and never realized how beautiful it was until I was leaving."
"I didn't think you that interested in old ruins, but maybe we can get a spot at one the resorts," Gabriel suggests.
Lifting her head and using that hand rather than pausing her massage work, Tasha inquires, "That is good news. Harmonia will not permit me to jump along with you, so you will be on your own during the trip, if that is possible. If not, I will jump with you. Incidentally, what do you think of Harmonia? And would you mind answering some questions regarding the Magi mission and the Origin Marker?" Looking back, she says, "My interest in ruins is increasing by the day, it seems. At least, once the core mission objectives are met. I'm still having difficulty slowing down and 'smelling the roses,' especially when a big find is so close. I think we could both use some time to sit and just enjoy each other's company, and the world, before we forget how."
"Harmonia is very good at gravitational calculus," the Titan replies. "I am learning much from her. I do not understand the second question: I must respond to all of my pilot's requests to the best of my ability."
"Politeness towards the machines in my care is one of the quirks of my personality; I warned you there would be altruisim and sentimentality! Consider it an anachronisim of a being who has spent much of her recent life working hard at diplomacy. Anyway ... " She pauses long enough to lean down and kiss Gabriel on the forehead. "I am glad you and Harmonia get along. Together we all make up a peculiar sort of family, but a family none the less. As for the question: I noticed you were aware of the Magi mission, something Melchior was not until I informed him of it. Does this mean you have access to files detailing the mission and are aware of the means to initiate the Marker system? Do you know what that system is supposed to do?"
"And the Three Magi followed the Star, bearing Gifts for the Father," the machine paraphrases. "Three Gifts to open the Cradle and the Crypt."
"/That is an interesting phrase -- I have heard a similiar version from other sources. The Magi bring the Gifts, except the other version had the gifts brought to the 'Savior' rather than the 'Father.' Your version is closer to another version I have also heard, and also the Magi poem-code, so that at least seems to be accurate, aside from the mention of the Star. I am uncertain if these variations are simply cultural spins, or relevant in some fashion./" Pausing, Tasha looks down and asks, "Would you mind if I took a brief trip in to Amazonia after arriving, to speak with the the High Priestess? And do you want to come?" Turning back to the display, she signs, "/We know the Markers combine to create a fourth, a key, and we also think we known where this is brought. What we do not know is why the Magi, or at least /Melchior,/ has a specific program requesting the Marker; if they are just carried, cargo space alone would be sufficent, right? Are the Markers themselves more than stone carvings? Data stor
perhaps?/"
"Getting me back into Amazonia would be problematical, I imagine," Gabriel says. "Hakeber would want to go too. If it's a brief visit, it could just be you or you and Aaron."
"The Markers are inert, although it is assumed they serve a function when brought to the proper place," Balthasar signs. "It is possible that special functions or memories of the Magi can be unlocked by the presence of their assigned Markers. We are not given enough information to complete the mission on our own as machines."
"That sounds fine; I just thought you might want to see something you missed," Tasha says, shifting her hand to brush over Gabriel's head. "I know it may seem like I'm distant lately, and I don't have any excuse for that, but I do want to make up for it. Anyway, Aaron and I should be fine alone, though I don't know how long we'll be. That really depends on High Priestess Nitsa." As she looks up and reads the response, her brows lift. "That would make sense. Melchior seemed surprisingly unaware of his mission even after I informed him of it. I, too, have had subtle hints conveyed by what I can only describe as meditative visions, possibly from my Khattan-built neural-studs designed specifically for piloting Melchior. You have seen your Marker; did that unlock anything for you?"
"My awareness of the Magi mission may be the result of seeing my Marker," the Titan reasons.
"While you're there, you could ask about the rest of us visiting," Gabriel notes. "Dianus was a beautiful city, and would be a wonderful site to visit after the Olympian ruins. You're friends with the city ruler, aren't you?"
"That makes sense; I was quite surprised you were aware of the mission, even though I was probing for exactly that, and if that failed, at least a level of recognition. Given your extensive remodeling, it is also possible that has disabled inhibitors preventing recollection. Unfortunately, Caspar is unlikely to have faired well, so we will probably be unable to use it to confirm the differences. I do know that there is a particular obfuscated mode I can engage in Melchior that requests the Marker; are you aware of how to access your own version of this hidden program?" Tasha rolls her head back down, squinting. "'Friends' might be pushing things. The last time we talked, she racted to me as being homesick and very peculiar. But, I get that response from people who are my friends, so you might be right. I've changed a lot, so I think I'll have a better time dealing with her when I ask."
"Aaron will probably advise against it," Gabriel points out. "He'd worry about you being used. He really seems to think the Amazonians will invade 'the civilized world' if some strange balance isn't maintained. I think he's a bit paranoid.."
"Unknown. It appears that each Magi is unique or specifically suited to the mentality of their designated operators." Balthasar suggests.
"Honestly, I found dealing with the Queen -- have you noticed that we now work alone side royalty on a regular basis? -- intimidating and unnerving when I was unprepared for her, so I don't think he's entirely off base. And, to be even more honest, being used is something I'm increasingly worried about. It seems like everyone wants to use us, and that's fine, it's not always bad, but the people we don't know about -- or who have'nt yet become aware of us -- concern me too. I've been trying to keep us under the radar, and I fear when that curtain falls," Tasha admits, ears canting as she looks up and in to the face of the war machine she's sitting in. "At least at this point I think I can resist the Queen, if only because our worlds are so radically different and the support I could provide isn't readily usable by her, at least not in a way that wouldn't be blatant to me. I hope I'm not overestimating myself, though."
Head shaking, the young woman then glances to the panel to her right and signs, "Which is a problem given the weight fo your power and other concerns. I will have to consult with my Silent-One contacts for clues, but I would suspect religion might be the key to finding your activation. Is it dangerous for someone of another species to attempt to activate these systems? Because given the state Caspar is likely in, we may have little choice in to using me to to do; I cannot justify the security risk nor using another being as a test subject."
"I have no programmed provisions for a non-Silent-Ones pilot," the screen reports. "It may have simply never been considered a possibility."
"It may be best to avoid Tyche then," Gabriel suggests, twitching his ears. "If anything, she'd want to know about Calligenia, and that's best left to Calligenia to explain."
"/Which makes activating unquantified systems a risky move, but it will need to be done sooner or later, otherwise we may as well abort the Magi mission all together. Given the Magi mission is also my personal research and recovery mission, I must necessarily accept the risk. And if it sounds like I am trying to reaffirm my stance, you would be right./" Glancing down, Tasha nods in agreement. "Calligenia and co. have gone their own way, it wouldn't be right of us to interfere in their businesses. They've helped us greatly, so it stands to figure that we should not betray that trust. Other than that, if Tyche wants anything from me, I can refuse. She is no longer the same power to me she was; we have many rulers to contend with now, after all." Turning back, she signs, "//Caspar/ is unlikely to be recoverable, so it would be good to get the test out of the way now. I will send for the Marker before you depart and attempt to activate the system. If you can, please begin searching for possible activation
methods -- it is likely they may appear as 'gaps' in lists or other 'spaces./"
"I am very old, and although the technology of the People is very durable, I have many gaps. Some may be due to my refit, or were simply meant to be filled later," Balthasar claims. "May I ask why you assume Caspar will be inoperable?"
"//Caspar's technology is believed to be less resistant to high SPF levels than your own, and this exposure is likely given the relatively low altitude of the potential Lucifer planetfall locations. Melchior did not have this problem, as he was found on a moon and still sealed in protective film. The Lucifer is also a support, rather than a capitol, ship, and has less hull surface area than your and Melchior's carrier. Together, this suggests that the Caspar is likely to be heavily damaged, if not completly inoperable," Tasha explains in sign as she watches the interior panels. "We will also run additional diagnostics after you arrive to assess any failures or gaps, then work to address them."
Her explaination related, Tasha takes a moment to lean over Gabriel and whisper, "By the way, the Priest-Queen volunteered some very interesting and alarming information that I need to tell you, and the PHTO may need to be debriefed on, including that the outside world is aware of us and still existent, that visitors from the outside travel here, and that very recently a Khattan house had attempted to sew the seeds of an invasion."
"You may only need the Marker from Caspar," Balthasar suggests. "It is unclear if the term Magi refers exclusively to the the machines, the pilots, or the combination of them. It is also correct to sign that whomever bears the Gifts to the Cradle-and-Crypt is a Magi."
"That is good to know. I had been worried that without Caspar we may have ended this quest at a dead end, but if the Marker alone is needed, that should still be within our power. I noticed, too, that my dreams and other subconcious interaction with my firewall has frequently refered to me as 'The Bird of Hermes,' which at the time I believed was a title exclusively belonging to Melchior. Thos correlates with your opinion, so I think we can safely assume it is correct. That also frees me from needing to test the system in a machine not built for my species," Tasha signs over her shoulder after glancing back to read. "Your sign for the target is also interesting, and confirms the nature of 'Adam' as orignator and deceased. It seems the Magi and their pilots may actually be a redundancy, given their trinary nature, or even intended to ally or conflict to one."
"Three Gifts are required," Balthasar claims. "That much is clear. The Magi mission included three Markers, and three Titans. It is unclear if this was the only mission with the same goal. There are more than three known Markers, after all."
"It is a real mystery, and we, its inheritors, are left to piece together the puzzle. Right now I am the only one actively purusing the Magi mission, but we suspect there may be others who are aware of the overall goal, and who are in possession of one or more Markers," Tasha agrees. Looking back down, she leans even farther to get a look at Gabriel's face. "I didn't stun you in to silence, did I? I know, it was hard for me to accept, too."
"I didn't want to distract you," Gabriel admits. "Signing is slow and deliberate and requires concentration. And my sexiness is distracting enough, isn't it?" He wags his tail, thumping it against the side of the cockpit.
For that, Tasha leans over and kisses the man on the side of the muzzle. "Yes it is. But don't worry about me, I've gotten used to trying to do two things at once and talking with Balthasar follows a familiar standard. Anyway, I think we've discussed what we can about the Magi. The good news is we may not need to recover Caspar, just its Marker, and the jump coordinates are almost complete. I'm going to guess that a transversible wormhole on a planet by a Titan isn't very common?"
"Only the Silent-Ones gateways are known for creating wormholes," Gabriel notes. "Although the Celestials use some form of ship-based space warping. The only thing I've seen that's close and on a planetary surface are the Sifran gateways."
"It's pretty neat, however it works. I'm hoping we can use the analysis to potentially create our own technologies for gate creations, maybe even an interstellar drive that isn't sub-light, as well as additional gateway towers. Harmonia doesn't want me taking the trip, though, as she thinks it will crush me, and I only like to be crushed by you and my friends and family, and then only mildly," Tasha says with a wink. "What do you think of the fact that the nations are out there and know we're here? And a invasion attempt, for gods sake. The Seraph was created to address that concern, and I know I'm unnerved to know it almost came true."
"We've no idea how long this system has been out of 'isolation', but it seems the galactic nations have their own concerns," Gabriel notes. "Jade-Eyes said the others had forgotten us or considered us a backwater system. From a government's point of view, coming here in any official context opens them up to a lot of expense and tensions with the other governments. There's not going to be a rescue, or second expedition unless everyone involved in the first one comes together again."
""That sounds like a job for the JEF," or at least that's what I would have said weeks ago, but now I'm concerned. I still think our mission is important, but it's becoming increasingly apparent we don't know the whole picture, including how much our patrons know. Everyone's keeping secrets, including us, and I just don't want to stumble in to a disaster, however good I think my intentions are. At least for me, this has been hard to swallow; my intentions are looking more and more naive, but at least I think I've overcome the shock," Tasha admits, scooting to wrap her legs around Gabriel's shoulders and leaning on his head. "We've reached the point what we do or don't do has a lot of consequences, but I also can't imagine stopping. Politics may be the most dangerous unknown we now explore."
"You have to accept that the goals of the JEF may be generations in coming to fruition," Gabriel says, raising a finger. "If there's no rescue coming from outside, then it's up to us to rescue ourselves as best we can. But the obvious solutions aren't always the ones that will work - otherwise we could save the population of Abaddon by relocating them all to Sinai. But this is an alien culture to them, just as we are all alien cultures to the ones that brought us here in the first place."
"So, what do we do then? Other than continue to work for the geenral welfare and advancement of the people through our patrons, I'm at a loss for a long term goal right now. Of course like you said, we might not need one, but it would be useful in knowing how to shape our progress," Tasha asks, her head leaning against the monitor of Balthasar. "Maybe I just don't like feeling that I've reached my height, that I've accomplished what I can and it will be for future generations to finish. That I'll be left behind, and never see my work complete. I know it's long term, and silly, but looking at Nora and hearing her talk about her new life made me feel old, and not in an age related way."
"There will always be things we will never see, but if you want a treehouse you still have to plant the tree," Gabriel says, looking thoughtful. "We do what we can, within our charter, and build up our influence and good will. We set an example for others to follow."
"Maybe I'm too young to understand these things. I guess maybe I'll feel them when I get older?" The young woman asks, feet swaying off Gabriel's shoulders. "It's not that I don't accept what you're saying, or that I'll give up, or change my direction; I won't. It's just that it's hard to swallow, and it doesn't help that Nora kind of rubs it in. I guess I deserve that."
"It probably helps if you have kids," Gabriel notes with a grin. "You want to influence them by being a good example."
"All of my current children are smarter abd more knowledgable than me, and confused by all my mushy sentimentality," Tasha laments, sparing a glance towards the cockpit wall to see if her new machine has a comment on that. "And of course they're all older than me, so I just try to be a good example in the ways I can be. I think I understand what you mean, looking back, I wanted and still want to be the best example for them, to convey my values and help them grow. Nora and the kids may just be special cases, because in a way they've come again, leaving us to be the ones to fade out. Or maybe I'm thinking about it too much. Everything has happened so fast ... Maybe I just fear losing the pace, thinking I can't keep up or will be forgotten if I do."
"Ah, you've gone straight to being the parent of teenagers it seems," Gabriel says, smiling. "Does it help that you make me feel younger?"
"Yes it does. I really don't know what I'd do without you; I don't think I could have handled all of this without you," the half-Vartan agrees with a smile, lenaing over to hug the man. She sits there for a long moment, just holding on, until she finally whispers, "I'm afraid I'm going to lose you. I've been avoiding it and avoiding it, but we're different ages, and ... and I just don't want to think about it. Why can't this last forever?"
"I've learned to enjoy the moment, rather than worry about the future," Gabriel says, hugging back. "Isn't that how you used to be as well?"
On one of the screens, the signs for "Clock Synchronization Complete" appear.
"Yes, but I've seen too far ... All I can see now are long term results, big pictures, drops turning in to tidal waves and the endless press of-" Tasha pauses as the announcement appears in the corner of her eye, making her scowl. "Oh, shut up you," she mutter-growls before resting her head back down on Gabriel's. "All around me are ancients, and I and everyone I love will be gone in the blink of their eye. My next project is immortality."
Gabriel chuckles. "There is proof of your youth then, right there," he claims.
"Then I am stubbornly holding on to it!" The young woman pretends to grasp something in the air, and hold it to her heart. "And after that, I will become the perfect ruler forever and always, and all my plans will work, because Adam will grant my wishes." She glances at the display again, daring it to contradict her.
"Transport attempt may be initiated at will," the screen notes.
"I have been informed that our wormhole is ready," Tasha turns to inform her mate. "I think I may also be in for a lecture from my dreams, but I do feel better now, so thank you. I guess these things will work out with time, like you've told me before." She pats his cheek, then nudges him. "Ready to start this?"
"What about the Marker?" Gabriel asks. "Should it be loaded up first?"
"That would require prying it away from Hakeber, and you know how cute she is when she's being nerdy," Tasha replies with a grin. "Still, you're right. I need to stay here and prepare for the departure as well as get the mages ready, so could you please go get it? I promise there will be special incentives."
"Right away, Your Eternal Highness!" Gabriel says, snapping a salute before hopping down from the cockpit.
Tasha returns the salute, then climbs back in to the cockpit chair and begins closing the hatch. "We will now prepare for your departure. Display countdown to gate completion and hold, and even if it's not necessary, symbolisim and circumstance require they be removed. No Silent-One, not even a mechanical copy, will be chained in my JEF." And for the first time in thousands of years, the Seraph begins to rise ...
Hakeber had a novel solution for dislodging the Marker from its pedestal. She brought in several long, narrow and above all tough leaves from a jungle plant that the Savanites used in the construction of their native huts. She was able to work these under the corners of the marker like slings, and at that point it was simple to pull it out. "Okay.. uh.. I guess you want it in the cockpit, right?" she asks Tasha once it's out and in her hands. "Unless you think we should keep it separate in case anything happens to the Titan?"
"Then we'd have to carry it as we cross Sinai, which is is also risky," Tasha replies from the seat of the imposing, angel-like Titan. "The problem with either is that we don't know what will happen, or even how likely risks are. In short, we just don't have enough to go upon, and would not even if we spend time on it. Harmonia may have some insight, however."
Glancing over, Tasha signs to the viewscreen and cockpit wall, "Harmonia, how safe and secure do you think sending the Origin Marker along with Bathasar is?""
It takes a few moments for things to be relayed to Abaddon and back again. "Unknown," is the reply. "It is not clear what the tolerances are for the exotic matter that makes up an Origin Marker. However, they were brought with the Expedition, so can handle hyperspace, tramline and spacewarp technologies. So long as Balthasar arrives, the Marker should remain intact."
"Then lets hope he arrives," Tasha replies before looking back to Hakeber. "Harmonia theorizes that it should be intact, as it has survived various other forms of FTL and pseudo-FTL to get here, not to mentioned surived the aeons to be here. Given that the substance of the Marker is unknown, she cannot be sure. We could take it back on foot, but then we would also have to subject it to the Gateway, which may employ similiar technology and also risk pirates, bandits, and more besides. So, long story short, this will have to do." Leaning back, Tasha stretches a moment, though she keeps her wings folded tight around her to fit in the chair. "I don't want to spoil your moment though -- you have proof in your hand, and Balthasar here before you. There will be time later to exmaine the Marker, but right now, is there any last minute thing you want to do?"
Holding the Marker, Hakeber looks at it for a moment, and then licks it. "Tingly, like licking a battery," she notes. "I just wasn't sure if you thought it would be useful for finding the other Markers or not - but that could be risky, if the Temple or Empire or whomever decides it should be in their safekeeping."
"I was thinking that too. I'd much rather have one safe and sound where we can study it in peace. There are still others out there, and they may not be as easy as this one was to find." By the brow-raised stare Tasha gives while glancing up in to the face of Balthasar at the mention of easy, not to mention her anxious scent, Hakeber can practically feel the hyperbole. When she looks back, she plants her head on her hand, watching the Karnor woman like a tired ruler on her throne. "So, what do you think of the Balthasar? Any insights? And you say it tastes like a battery?"
"Similar to a battery," Hakeber notes and then goes over to one of Balthasar's legs. She pokes her nose into a joint where the glow of crystal seeps through, and a moment later reports, "No tingle when I lick his crystals. He looks a lot more menacing though to me, even though he doesn't have a big weapon like Silent-Ones Titans are supposed to."
Tasha watches Hakeber's inspection out of the cornerof her eye, not needing to lean down, since the floor display show her progress below the machine. "There's no record as to what his weaponry actually do, nor their limit or lifespan, so he's really quite a mystery, even to himself." Tasha bites her lip a moment, then admits, "There's a intensity about the Balthasar, a weight; I can feel it even when I'm not sitting here. It's not something I sense from the Melchior. You're not worried that I'm in control of this machine?"
"That depends," Hakeber says, and grins. Swishing her tail, she points out, "At least with this one I know for certain that he isn't in control of you. Frankly, I'm more impressed that it hasn't been used. There must have been an original pilot - but that doesn't mean he would have ever activated the artificial intelligence. It sure looks like everything can be done manually, just like with a regular Silent-Ones Titan."
"Well you know me, I like to talk to everyone and everything," the half-Vartan replies with a grin of her own. "Though I'm not sure about control; even as I sit here, I feel like he may as well be sitting on my shoulders. Gabriel tells me I worry too much, though." Sitting up, she leans forward and spreads her hands. "We'll study the Balthasar and try and extract useful technologies, and with luck, get him in a working order than doesn't risk legendary destruction. Also, speaking of controls ... I have no idea how to use these things." She waggles her outstretched hands at the grips. "I was planning to pilot via direct interface."
Looking over at one of the bars, Tasha adds, "I should have worn the mask."
"The Silent-Ones aren't big on automated weapons, and frankly having to sign your commands all the time is terribly slow," Hakeber notes. "I'm sure you could get some training by one of the pilots in the Pit though, if you can reach everything that is."
Tasha purses her muzzle a moment, then suddenly smiles. "I'm sure Tomorrow's-Hope wouldn't mind teaching me. He's my buddy among the Pit of Himaar Titan defenders." Looking back, she then leaning forward she holds out her hands for the Marker. "If there's nothing else, then we should begin. I'll take the Marker and and initiate the jump sequence after you've notified everyone and the signal is given."
Hakeber stands on her tip-toes, stretching as much as she can to hold the Marker up to where Tasha can grab it - if she stretches down enough.
"//Balthasar, would you help her up a bit?" Tasha signs with her left hand as she peers down at Hakeber, grinning for some reason.
With eerie silence, the Titan picks up Hakeber with its left hand and raises her to chest level.
The young scholar manages not to scream or drop the Marker, remarkably.
When Hakeber comes within reach, Tasha stands up and, instead of taking the Marker, reaches to hug Hakeber and hold on.
"What.." the girl asks in surprise. After all, she could see Tasha signing to the Titan so knew what to expect then - but not a hug!
Tasha doesn't answer immediately, resting her head on Hakeber's shoulder, closing her eyes a moment, listening and seeming to be content to just stand there. After several seconds she leans back and smiles to the young Karnor woman. "I just needed a moment to remind myself of what's important," she admits, and is the flesh of her ears reddening? "That's all. I hope you don't mind?"
"Does this mean we get to wash each-other's hair now?" Hakeber asks with a grin.
"Of course it does!" Tasha says witha laugh, something Hakeber hasn't heard her do in a while. "I'm tired of letting all this responsibility get me down. I'm the pilot of Melchior and Balthasar, something even the Priest-King feared! I'm not going to let the world beat me." She then reaches over and kisses Hakeber on the forehead before gesturing, "Place her down. Begin Stage 1 preperation." As the woman is lowered Tasha steps back and calls out, "Tell them it's time for Balthasar to go! Clear this place out and send the signal!"
"Okay," Hakeber says and salutes. "Remember to set enough of a delay, at least twenty minutes to get out of the maze to the outside."
"I put space and time in a ball in my pocket," Tasha insists, and as the great machine begins to rise at her sign, Hakeber can just make out her wink.
It's as the young Karnor scholar reaches the onced sealed doors that she can hear the echoing crash of stone upon stone, followed by another!
"Clock synchronization verified," Balthasar indicates, as the flashing of the prisms becomes more active. "Countdown holding at 20 minutes to space-bridge attempt. Awaiting go signal."
"Standby." Arisen and now towering over the sepulcher, the Seraph -- Balthasar -- stands with its palms outturned, the light slowly building from between its joints, and from its eyes. In the cockpit space, Tasha watches the floor below, poised on edge. She can feel the anticipation in the air; an electrical charge across her spine.
The flashing lights are incredibly dazzling, with hardly a break at all for Balthasar to reply. "Parameters downloaded for scaled viability tests and xenotech calibration. Full bridge target at sixty minutes from countdown start."
The young woman is slow to reply. "Uh ... Hokay," Tasha says finally rather than signs, having to shield her eyes against the color barrage and the glinting spectacle, and even then having difficulty. She starts fishing for her glare-resistent glasses as she watches the screen and tries to focus.
"Systems ready. Countdown holding," the screen displays statically. Balthasar waits for Tasha's go ahead. It's just a matter of figuring out how long it'll take Hakeber to round up everyone that's investigating the monastery ruins.
Slipping her glasses on, Tasha feels her head begin to clear, at least somewhat. If not for her many shiny related near death experiences, she doubts she could have managed to resist the alure of this sparkling, rainbow space. "Hakeber is a bit clumsy and not used to all this running around, lets give her some time." Unable to close her eyes in case a warning is displayed, Tasha settles back and shades her eyes, enduring as best she can to keep on task.
As hard as it is for Tasha to be patient, it's still the first chance she's had to actually just relax. There are no distracting sounds, or nagging concerns - everything is planned and ready and she just has to say 'go' to it all. Even the flashing lights aren't so bad with the glasses on.
As time passes, Tasha starts to realize just how pleasant the waiting can be. She settles back in the command seat and lowers the hand she had been using to shield herself against the lights, letting her shoulders untense and wings relax some. "In a moment Balthasar will be off and everything will be fine ... I need to relax ..," she breathes. Even the seat is comfortable, despite not being designed for a Vartan.
After some unclear passage of time being half-awake, Tasha hears a crystalline chime. The display screen now indicates, "Evacuation Complete." A signal must have been sent along the light-beam from one of the Mages.
Reachig down, the young woman brushes a hand over the Origin Marker of Silent-Ones, marveling at its calm beauty just as the chime rings. Her hand pauses, and she looks up. "It's time. Start the countdown." Her signing hand falls to join the other stop the Marker, leaving her to give the ancient artifact one last appreciative look before she picks it up and begins to rise.
The Marker is lighter than it looks like it should be, but then there isn't much natural to it at all. But it still feels odd strapping it to the pilot seat.
"Countdown starting. Twenty minutes to primary systems test." Balthasar displays.
Tasha eyes the Marker a moment, then offers it an apologetic, "I know, I'm sorry; your next place of rest will be better," before taking a step back and giving the display one last lookover. Seeing everything is in order, she signs the command to close the hatch after her exit, and then steps off in to empty space.
Landing with a clatter of hooves, Tasha begins in to a run. No need to tempt fate, she decides as she races towards the unsealed door, leaping in to the air between dashes to cover more distance quickly.
The maze is at least well lit now, thanks to the various poles holding mirrors and prisms that the mages have set up. The downside is that it can't be navigated with much haste, so as not to interrupt the light-beam. It doesn't seem to be flashing all that much at the moment though, so Tasha is able to reach the outside again with minutes to spare. Hakeber and one of the Mages are waiting. "Oh, you got the message!" she says. "So, Gabriel went to the Tabernacle.. I guess that's where we need to be to find out the progress now."
"We have about five minutes until the the first tests begin, lets hurry," Tasha says as she begins heading towards the tabernacle with the others, breaking in to a quick trot.
There's already a crowd huddled outside the unassuming shack. Jade-Eyes waves to Tasha when she finally arrives, and signs, "Has it begun?"
"It has," Tasha replies as she hurries up to the Queen. "We have maybe three minutes before the initiate tests begin. Shall we head inside?"
"You'll need to call out to us what's happening," Gabriel notes, as the Queen heads inside with Tasha on her heels.
"Right," Tasha confirms, "I'll need to keep tp to date in case there's a problem." Together with her mate and Jade-Eyes,she heads inside.
The crystal of the Tabernacle is still sending out dazzling bursts of light along the magically maintained path to the monastery, but the odd 'puppet' creature is visible as well. Two of it's hand are held in the signs for "Testing" and "Start".
"Here we go, the primary systems test. It's starting," the half-Vartan translates as she slows to a stop infront of the crystal pillar, her scent as anxious.
Nothing much happens for several minutes, until the signs change to "Test" and "Success", before switching to "Second" and "Test".
"First test stage successful, proceeding to second test stage." Tasha spares a glance towards Gabriel before returning to watch the pillar and thinking how much more intimidating silence can be.
"Do you know what the test stages are?" Gabriel calls back in.
"Scaled viability tests and xenotech calibration. The Balthasar should have attempted its first bridge on the microscopic scale by now. The second test stage will likely be a bridge in the visible, macroscopic range," Tasha explains as she watches the signing puppet's hands like the bird of prey her species often resembles. "He's getting the technology in order and ensuring the jump is even possible. Harmonia is working with him to provide feedback and calculations as well as new testing parameters as necessary."
Every few minutes, the hands indicate a new stage of testing - although the stage six test has to be done over, with no reason given. As the hour counts down, and the tests get progressively more powerful, there are some odd tinglings felt in the crowd, and a few bouts of dizziness.
Frowning, Tasha steps back from the pillar towards the exiting, glancing between it and Gabriel beyond as she asks, "I'm concerned. I can feel it, and I can hear the commotion outside -- people sick and dizzy. What do you think? Are we in danger of radiation from something like this? The science is way over my head."
"It's not surprising," Gabriel says. "The process produces some gravity ripples. I've felt worse when the big Gate at Zion was tuning in to the Sinai Gate."
"Is that what it is? I guess it's like a stator then? That's a relief," the young woman says after a sigh of relief. She gives her mate and captain a little wave before walking back to the pillar. "We should be fine," she informs the Priest-Queen. "What we're feeling are gravity ripples. Gabriel recognizes them."
"Final Stage," the puppet signs. "Prepare for mass displacement in one minute."
"Final stage," Tasha warns, glancing to Jade-Eyes, then back to Gabriel, "Mass displacement in one minute. This is it."
"Uh, everyone.. best to lie down on the ground for this!" Gabriel announces, causing a brief commotion outside.
Tasha spreads her wings to full and braces herself against the pillar. "Dramatic, isn't it?" She asks the Priest-Queen, smiling briefly as she looks over, before returning her gaze to the puppet and its final warning.
The warning stays frozen, and then the world turns upside down for a heartbeat. Thunder rumbles from the dangerous sky above the City of Hands, and there are some very biological noises from those who are used to only ever being on the ground and right-side-up. Jade-Eyes even looks queasy and alarmed.
More accustomed to being thrown about, warped, frozen and otherwise distorted by contortions of time and space, Tasha doesn't complain, but she doesn't look very happy either. The strained grimace on her face -- what can be seen past the hair in her face and the way her wings have clumped around her head -- is a clear sign. "I think it's o-over," she stammers to the Priest-Queen, then she glances up for confirmation from the pillar.
The warning is still there, and continues to be there for almost two more minutes before it changes to "Success" at last.
Tasha releases a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Well!" She declares after a moment. "It looks like the bridge was a success!" Turning to the Jade-Eyes, she bows her head and adds, "The Seraph is gone; it's our problem now."
"The Vault!" Jade-Eyes signs and stands up. She uses her hands to lift her robes so she can run, and dashes out of the Tabernacle.
Tasha, still in mid bow, blinks as Jade-Eyes suddenly rushes past her. Rising, she scratches her nose as she watches the ruler rush out, ears going askew, and with a shrug, she hurries after her!
Those that can walk without falling over (and who don't need to change their clothes) hurry after, forming an odd procession back to the monastery and through the maze. When they reach the balcony of the vault, they can see that the pedestal has been knocked over, the stone chains look as if they've been blown about by a hurricane, and parts of the floor missing where the Seraph once stood. Miraculously, the stained-glass windows survived unscathed.
"This went very well," Tasha observes as she leans over the balcony, standing on her hoof-tips to get the best view. "The placement of the chains is due to the sudden vacuum from the space where the Titan once stood, and from whatever atmospheric disturbance was created by the bridge itself. The missing floor is likely due to the circular projection of the bridge from the emitters -- it's probably off on my ship with the Titan now."
"So some of the City is on Abaddon now?" Jade-Eyes signs, ears twitching.
"Sixty thousand feet above the city of Elamoore, to be precise," Tasha corrects, turning to grin at the ruler. "I promise to take good care of it, unless you want it back?"
"This is fine," the Queen signs. "We have become adept at filling in holes."
"I will use it as the foundation of the pedestal the Marker will rest on, then, and to remember this wonderful city." Turning from the rail, Tasha stretches again, this time giving her wings a good stretch. "I'm glad that's over," she admits as she strains, "one less thing to worry about! And that reminds me." As her wings fall, she turns back to Savanite and offers, "As thanks for helping us with this, and for your hospitality while we continue our work here, I'd like to offer to help repair that broken stellar cartography array you have. That should give your ships a nice advantage. I'd also like to discuss some other matters when you have time time. What do you think?"
"I must spend some time in the capitol, but you are welcome to help here," Jade-Eyes signs with a smile. "Your mate has taught us much about how to best preserve things during excavations. I would be much obliged if you did not uncover any more doomsday weapons, however."