Sun still hasn't risen by the time everyone returns to the resort. Tasha and the Karnors are feeling the lack of sleep now, and Hakeber dozed off for most the ride back, and now Tasha realizes the downside of taking the bedroom at the top: having to drag herself all they up to it before she can get to sleep in the comfy bed.
But sleep Tasha does, having dropped face down on the bed and a pillow, only having barely moved from that position since then. The swimsuit remains on -- though at least it's well dry by the time she fell asleep.
At least there aren't any dreams to disturb her sleep, or at least none that she remembers. Eventually the sunlight wakes her up, along with an empty stomach and the smell of food.
This creates a yawn even before Tasha lifts her head, but eventually she does that too. Rubbing her eyes against the light, she sits up, then looks down at what she's wearing and frowns. While it's not terribly different than some other things she wears to bed, it's still a swimsuit and not lingerie, which means potentially flattened fur. She she rises, finds a robe, then finds a long camisole, plus bottoms, to put on and heads towards the smell of food.
There's a lunch spread on the table, a bit heavy on the breads and cheeses and salad (probably because the Lapis put in the order) but there is also something like ham, small bacon-wrapped sausages and even a roast bird of some kind, along with various sides. "Congratulations," Yue says to Tasha. "You are the first one to rise it seems. Other than us. You missed breakfast."
"I am a leader," Tasha insists as she takes a seat, immediately starting to pile food on her plate as is the Karnor -- or ex-Karnor -- wont. She takes some flat bread, an excuse of salad, and then not-ham, and makes a wrap of them. There's also some mystery bird carvings, a small wedge of cheese, and buttered bread. To top it all off, some strong breakfast tea. "By the way, how are you holding up?"
"I find the air refreshing," Yue says. "I was even able to do my nude tai chi practice, since everyone was asleep this morning. That Lapis are out and about, left just before you got up I think. How did your night go?"
"Mysterious forces of the universe, plots to save said universe," Tasha says distractedly before she takes a long sip of tea. She turns to Yue and spreads a hand. "We'll be convening today to discuss the details at length back on the ship. Do you feel up to universal crisis and discussions of the application of magics and technologies?"
"Well.. this is pretty good cheese, so I should be able to survive a meeting," Yue says. "We probably should make sure the ship is still there, too, I suppose."
"It could wander off, I agree. Or Kaa could take a joy ride, assuming he's not joy riding something or someone else," Tasha agrees. She takes a nibble of the cheese, deciding she likes cheese a lot more now that she's something else. Perhaps it's her Human experience, she considers. "We should also confirm our next move, which will be, in itself, difficult."
"If it involves leaving this place, I agree that will be difficult," Yue notes, adding cheese cubes to her salad. "You and the other witches need to practice here, don't you?"
"'Witch' is a bit of a stretch, we're barely apprentices. I can't magic anything unless that thing is magic and I ram it in to the other thing." The red woman gives a little shrug. "So we definitely need more training. We can cover that in the second half of our meeting. It will go 'Use of Magic & Technology', confirmation of next objective which should be very brief, and 'Magical Training' which only needs involves us would-be witches."
"Any woman can a be a witch with or without magic," Yue proclaims. "I am a cheese witch. These are my familiars." She then spreads one of her familiars on a small bit of dark toast.
"I think I do the same to Samael," Tasha says of the spreading of familiars on dark objects. She takes a bite of her wrap, then another, and soon lunch settles in to a companionable silence.
It takes some time to actually get everyone together, mainly because it's hard to find Thoth at first. So there's a bit of sightseeing at the docks before everyone is together again and they retreat to the meeting room on the Dark Horse.
Tasha takes her seat at one head of the table, with Thoth given the other, and the others to arrange themselves as they see fit. As the various pins and uniforms have not yet been created the only dress code is standard ship's uniform, including Tasha, whose uniform has always lacked any signifier due to her role as owner. "That's everyone. We'll begin this meeting, then. Our first topic is yours to lead on, Thoth: The use and pplication of magic and magical technology, including the apocalypse Titans, Yellow Marker and about the employment of faeries, devils, and others, using binding or negotiation."
Tasha rechecks her notes and adds, "I see there's an additional entry about using hypermassive objects as 'conventional' weapons, as well. For example, deployed from stasis devices."
"Hmmm," Thoth ponders. "My familiarity with magic is broad, but in my experience you would prefer to have artifacts that have been prepared ahead of time, as actually working spells is time consuming and depending on the source it may not be readily available. We have seen the use of magic-backed technology, as we are currently within such an artifact. The Apocalypse Titans were another attempt by myself to create something similar, in terms of weapons that could be powered by beings such as Tatha-hem to be used against those of similar abilities. I have unfortunately lost track of them over the millenia, as certain knowledge needed to complete them was lacking at the time."
"As for spirit beings such as the fey or infernal, a contract of sorts is usually required, which lays out what abilities they will lend and what the payment will be," Thoth notes. "More complicated arrangements and bindings can be made with fallen gods as well. The knowledge of binding lesser spirits alone can aid in discovering the means to bind more powerful entities such as the Ogdru-hem."
"No alliance or binding should be entered into lightly," Thoth concludes. "Each interaction will be unique to the entity involved, so you should look to practicing less fateful socializing with them first."
"It's been a long time, so we can't fault losing track of them. We will need to recover at least one of them for research and possible direct application. This would enable our mundane personnel to wield a degree of the supernatural, a necessity against beings partially or wholly immune to the natural." Tasha leans back, head tilting as she thinks, then she nods. "Binding sounds more immediately promising, as does negotiation and deals. As I have experience in the latter, I can say that deals with the 'infernal' are quite dangerous to body and soul and should only be entered with due strong consideration. I know nothing of faeries save that they do exist; the same of nature spirits. Gods are trickier, as I can't be certain I have met one, or a being who simply fills the role, like Thoth has. And speaking of bindings, we have a high example as the ship's core. Because of this, and because the space around the core is largely unused at the moment, I will establish our magical research and study section there. I have already forwarded the basic floor plan to Niss for construction while we are away."
"Sometimes the arrangements with entities can be imposed on people as well," Hakeber points out. "Like with Katha-hem and myself."
"We need protection when dealing with them," Katie suggests.
"Well you are your own little demon, Hake," Tasha says with a smile. Then, more seriously, she adds, "But we will be discussing that as our next topic. We cannot let this control stand and I refuse to let any one of us be enslaved when we didn't enter in to the bargain ourselves." Turning to Thoth, she says, "Are there means to protect ourselves in these dealings? Armoring the soul, perhaps?" Her raised brow is knowing.
"Where did you learn of such a concept?" Thoth asks, before saying, "Armoring is a technique normally used by immortal or magical beings, who generally live in a larger magical ecosystem where it becomes necessary. I am not familiar with the methods by which this is achieved, but there can be consequences. Although I do not know if mortals would be as susceptible to those consequences over the course of a single lifetime."
"I would also like to add the infernal powers are fond of arranging deals so that there is little viable choice, such as what has happened with me. be careful of being backed in to a corner, though perhaps you won't have any other option even with due care," Tasha adds as an aside. She then tilts her head. "The idea was introduced to me while traveling through fairy lands when I met with their associates. I was unaware of the consequences, but it was suggested to me and is being looked in to by the entities I spoke with. I am assured of their trustworthiness but cannot give their name without breaking my agreement."
Thoth explains, "Armor goes both ways. It may keep an attacker out, but it also locks someone inside. Every thought, bad memory or emotion remains within, and over time can lead to problems that require an ever escalating amount of self control to deal with. But, over a typical mortal lifetime that may not amount to much. There is also a difference between active and passive armor, but I do not think that is likely to be an issue."
"It may be an issue for me, as I may something like an immortal, through my children, who will share my soul. It is also possible one or more of us may become immortal. Because of this, I'd like to know the details of both kinds of shielding," Tasha requests.
"That is where I cannot help," Thoth admits. "I do not have knowledge of the process, only that it exists, and that I have seen the results. To my knowledge it is not something that mortals have been subjected to."
"Then maybe I'll report on that soon. For both armoring and the Titans, let us conclude that we must take a wait and see approach and try to find out more. Lets focusing on binding. Will facilities near the core be of use to you? We can also stock the area with computers, books, scrolls, and anything else we require, and use it to contain the same from crew and guests who might be draw to their danger." Tasha taps the table, bringing up the spiral-egg floorplan. "For thematic purposes, the lower half can be used for Shadow-research and the upper fro Alchemical research. We can line the walls with books, computers, and chairs, with the inner railing for walking."
"Alchemical studies may be done best away from the core," Thoth advises. "Tatha-hem may be sensitive to such things, or its presence can influence results in unexpected ways. Research is fine, but experimentation requires a very well controlled laboratory."
"We're a little short on space. The farthest regions on the ship are the Bays and the Bridge, both of which are already in use. This has been a growing problem as we've taken on more members, and we certainly won't have room for another Titan. To this end I suggest we contact the Titanians, who supplied this ship originally. It's just a prototype and Bumper believed it was simply the 'drive section' to a larger vessel; we need that larger vessel, or the finished ship if we're going to expand and keep our work on board the ship, where we'll need it most." Tasha glances to Gabriel now. "Any problems with commanding a larger vessel?" To the others. "Any concerns?"
"This is not a piece of a larger ship," Samael confirms. "The Dagger was not meant to be anything other than a weapon. That said, Tatha-hem is certainly capable of moving a larger ship that Dark Horse is embedded within."
"It is not about distance, it is about the nature of alchemy," Thoth interjects. "It is done on a planet, which must meet certain requirements. It is not chemistry."
"Then we should find a suitably larger ship we can embed the Dark Horse in to, something that will meet our needs and perhaps includes conventional armaments along side our unconventional one. As I have been told a lot lately, our enemies have worshipers and they are not immune to mortal weapons -- nor will they be unarmed and undedicated." Tasha looks to Gabriel again. "I'll need an idea of how large a vessel we'll need. Assume constant expansion at the current rate and the need to hold multiple Titans, shuttles, and increasing personnel. Recreation and facilities for medical and psychological aid will be important. We can then use the Horse as a lifeboat and, if needed, detach it for use as a weapon and recover it later." Back to Thoth. "I hadn't realized. Then we'll see about a base on a suitable world, hopefully one hat can serve multiple purposes."
"So, you want The Dainty Mauler?" Gabriel asks. "There are no civilian warships. I can't even begin to think of who would be able to construct such a shell, or if Dark Horse could extend it's drive field sufficiently. You'll need to talk to the Niss about the feasibility, and I can ask Mr. Invention to look into the rest. We need to find those Titans first."
"Finding a vessel, processing the data, and contacting the Titanians may take a while, so ... Niss?" Tasha looks up. "Could you begin investigating that, please?"
"There will need to be space trials to ascertain the viability and extent of expanding Tatha-hem's influence," the Niss reply.
"Should these be done with minimal crew or under some other restriction?" Tasha then asks.
"Minimal crew is best," the Niss reply. "Initial tests will be for field extension and testing without moving."
"We can ask if Kaa would like to cut his vacation short and perform the tests while we're down below, then. I'll leave that to the Captain to arrange." tasha nods to Gabriel. "And so we can consider this matter handled for the time being. We will investigate the Titans and attempt to locate them, and we will arrange training as best we can. I'd like to move on unless anyone else has something to add on these items?" She looks around, brows raised.
"Sooo," Katie pipes up, "how do we know what's going to be effective against Ogdru-hem and related beings ahead of time to be able to prepare magical weapons?"
"I can speak of this a little: They are composed of mortal and immortal essence, of this world and another. While they are all different, that fact remains unchanged. Their actual weakness may be entity dependent, though they are also vulnerable to delaying tactics, obstruction, binding, and other items that correspond to their nature and their physical limitations. Tatha-hem is immobile due to its mission. Tatha-hem is bound. One was kept locked in an endless battle with Berserkers. Luk'thu-hem was wounded and likely immobile by design. It is also likely they are vulnerable to memetic conceptual attacks universally, because they are limited beings both in design and nature, and, for example, Yellow may unravel them." Tasha then turns to Thoth. "But you would know more? Am I thusfar correct?"
"I have not studied them extensively, since such knowledge is usually held by secret societies and cults," Thoth notes. "It likely the source of that knowledge is the same, however: Thotep."
"You also wanted to return the Acheron zone to look for Tnuctipin artifacts," Gabriel points out. "Although Horus may know something about that, I think. Or at least know of a bigger weapon than the Dagger."
"Chaos against order. I don't get the impression Thotep desires the universe destroyed, so in a sense, he is protecting it for his won ends. The Ogdoad do wish the universe destroyed. They are also in opposition in the fundamental concepts they are and espouse; natural enemies, if such a thing applies to them." Tasha turns to listen to Gabriel, then nods to him. "I have suspected their homeworld, or at least a major base, is nearby. There is a significant presence of defensive items and it was Urgo-hem who eventually destroyed them. It seems unlikely to be a coincidence."
"Ugh, they'd have hidden them on that planet," Katie says and shivers. "You know the one I mean."
Tasha grins a little. "Do you mean people-ocean planet, giant clockwork bomb planet, or any of the other planetary horrors? Wasn't the sun rigged to explode?" Tasha looks to the others; it's been a while and a death later.
"Yes, probably one of them," Katie says. "The last one we look at before the sun explodes."
"It's a shame because I was really hoping we could have a nice base on the people-sea, maybe the clockwork. Just think, we would always be on time and if we were feeling angry, why, we could fight an entire ocean." Tasha's grin remains. "As for the sun, it does sound very Urgo-hem targeted. He was likely their objective in building it, and indeed he may have ben created specifically to annihilate advanced technological species due to the specifics of his weapon. I suspect the form of the people-ocean will suggest who built it all."
"It was probably all bait then," Hakeber offers. "Make it look tempting, then when Urgo-hem takes over the star, blow it up."
"Yes. I suspect he uses -- or used -- a form of travel that took time to charge and required a sun. He clearly needed considerable energy due to his acting as a virtual Dyson Sphere." Tasha taps a finger on the table, thinking, then adds, "If not in that system, then in one nearby. A dark outpost far enough away to monitor without being destroyed, a remote observation platform, something. Artifacts directly on the world would have been intended for sacrifice, but even lesser sacrificial weapons of the Tnuctipin would be technological marvels. They were consummate hunters and among the most brilliant of the oldest civilizations, and well feared for it."
"And the Titanians couldn't figure out how it worked, at least not with this ship," Gabriel notes. "I don't like having to depend on them. They're more dedicated to making sure stuff like this doesn't get used than about actually using any of it to fight the Ogdru-hem. They new where Urgo-hem was after all. They seem to care more about lesser 'gods' that actually get discovered by the Galactics."
"But they're still and ally and bumper reminded me to rely on them if we need them. What's more, we don't want them to decide we're a problem. That's what their interception was partially about, by the way: They were inspecting us as well as worried about us. A large portion, if not all, were aware of what happened and very concerned. The Mauler volunteered to investigate." And so Tasha spreads her hands. "We can think of them as being like any power. they have their own agenda and will help if it meets their needs, otherwise they could be an issue. They're not that different from the Galactics or Thotep in that way. We can trust the Mauler but we must be concerned about the others."
"The one made from a giant skull seemed less friendly," Katie agrees. "And what about the other Progenitors? Are they all gone?"
"The Galactics you know only comprise a small section of the galaxy," Thoth explains. "The Vril-ya were spread across its entirety. There could be many still operating."
"Everything I've heard suggests Vulcan is still around. Ahriman and Neith are both out, as is Mafdet. Even is likely out, though suicide from a Vril-ya perspective is hard to know; Thoth would know more about that. Neither I nor any other Vril-ya source I know of is aware of any other that are active, but that doesn't mean they're not." This makes Tasha frown in thought, then she turns to Thoth and asks, "Do you know if Eve can truly be considered 'dead'? And is there any way to gather the Vril'ya? A signal? how were you supposed to report your mission complete?"
"I am not Vril-ya, so I have no geas upon me as they do," Thoth notes. "I assume they communicated via some form of shared consciousness, all having come from the same source, and so having been identical at first. They were all entangled. But I spent my time separate from them, so cannot know for certain."
"I will ask Horus. This mission is as much their concern as ours, it impacts their children, their work here, and their very existence should the universe itself fall. I will summon them, if I can." Tasha nods; that's settled. "Anything else before we move on to our next step?"
"What is the next step, exactly?" Katie asks. "As in.. tomorrow?"
"I don't know," Tasha admits. Then she grins and shrugs with shoulder and hands. "I only handle the big questions, like that our next step is to go to Daltoona Station and deal with things there. Hake, our mission, and Mr. Yellow are all pushing us to resolve that. But as for we witches, that comes after the review of out next major step. Unless, we'd like to consider my review now enough and we can move on?"
Tasha then turns to Katie again, suspecting she's unsatisfied. "Aside from weren't you disappointed in my outfit? We haven't spent a lot of 'us' time together, how about you get freee choice of my outfit and where to go? There should be a lot to do here ... um ... " She looks at her datapad. "there are clubs, spas, resorts ..?"
"Faerie ponds," Katie finishes. "We're supposed to meet faeries aren't we?"
If we're going to discuss training, we should move to item three on our agenda. Only those carrying out or receiving magical training need be present for that. Given the risk to health and soul, I would suggest anyone who need not be present for it not be." Tasha looks around the table again. "Are we ready to move on to item three then?"
"I suppose that is our cue, Sam," Gabriel says, gathering the demon on his way out.
"I'm one of the coven instructors!" Sam complains.
"Samael is not suited for faery training," Thoth notes.
"Yes, he is. Professor of Sorcerorial Studies. I assume you have something to add to interacting with faeries, Sam? You don't have to be here, otherwise." Tasha nods to Sam. "And your soul's already accounted for, so no risk there. Thoth suggests your help is not needed; do you disagree?"
"Nooo, I don't work with fae," Sam concedes. "Time for ice cream," he then claims, and leaves with Gabriel.
"Have fun!" And so Tasha gives them both a friendly wave, waiting until they've gone until she turns back to Thoth, Katie, and Hake. She stands, moving closer to sit near Thoth so she's not talking across the big table. "So, faeries."
"Who did you meet with, Tasha?" Thoth asks to begin with.
Tasha sits up, leaning over to whisper directly to Thoth, "Kainudy says hello," before settling back in her chair. "For Thoth's 'ears' only," she tells the others.
Thoth is not a particularly expressive person. "Ah, that is how you learned of the armor," he says, neither approvingly or disapprovingly. "It would not stop there, however."
"No," Tasha says with a little hesitation, "But it's not a surprise things would continue, I think." She glances to the others and adds, "May we move on? I'm already uncomfortable with keeping secrets from Katie, Hake, and Gabriel."
"Well, take us along next time and you won't need to," Hakeber suggests, wagging her tail.
Tasha wags back, but does note, "I seem to recall a very distinct reluctance to join me meeting Thotep, and on other occasions. I didn't know what I would find, but next time, if I'm permitted, I will." She smiles, then turns back to Thoth. "So, faeries. How will this work?"
"Well, first you must draw them to you," Thoth instructs. "There will be places they are more likely to notice you in, but you must each be alone, and doing something to draw their attention. Singing, dancing, painting or some other creative endeavor."
"I suppose I should fish out my paints. It has been a while." Tasha remembers they're safely in her quarters, not having been brought to Charon or moved since the trip out. "Katie, your options are numerous. What about you Hake?"
"Creative... creative... I can dance, a bit," Hakeber says, looking to the ceiling. "I used to dance as a child. That made me happy."
"Be sure to have your focus item with you," Thoth notes.
Tasha nods several times to this suggestion. "I have been meaning to catch up on working on them. I have new ideas for Cards and need to finish others. This will work out nicely."
"And where do we find these faerie glens?" Katie asks. "I assume they aren't in the tour guides?"
"That depends on the guide," Thoth notes. "I know several places that are promising."
"I suspect they're near the mirror lake. The lake is a transport medium, and they would need it to go back and forth," Tasha posits, leaning forward, head on hands.
"But please list the places. We can decide on which we each prefer. But what is this about a guide?" The red woman's ears are up.
"Well, who was your guide, Tasha?" Thoth asks. "Otherwise there is only me to guide you. I have already narrowed the possible locations based on which suits each of you best. If you do not find luck at one, you can try the next. As the unwritten rules dictate, you will be given directions rather than a map, and must find your way on your own."
"I think my guide was more interested in what I had and getting points with the contact than actually guiding me in to the wonderful world of faeries," Tasha replies. She glances at Katie and Hake and adds, "I'll use the same method they do, that way we have similar experiences and can compare notes equally. You'll be our guide."
"Very well then," Thoth says. "We will start tomorrow. Please gather any supplies you need before we return to the resort, unless what you want is already there."
"Hello paints, I've missed you." Tasha rises, hands on table. "I think that's it then. Lets bring this Council session to a close. Computer, mark the time and date and file the log."