Fragments of Angelarium [Eteru/Iammelon] [Dropped/Recton]

“Thanks!” Trusting that he can handle himself she roped up all the thugs in one bundle. Holding the remaining rope she floated on out of there with the fleshy wrecking ball following close behind. Once she got into open air she zoomed to the nearest police station to leave the captured thugs hanging from a lamppost.

“Thugs captured by none other than Star Ruby!” She happily exclaimed to anyone who might have been watching her before flying off in search of the bar. The first in a long night of crime fighting. One thing for sure with all the technology in the city. Her presence will start to spread by daybreak. Social media is a powerful and wild thing.

With the beginning of a new chapter in the Iammelon chapter, another chapter was beginning to unfold back on Angelarium in the shape of a shuttle making its way to Solus. The small craft held a rather important package. The Administrator Juliette Goldicorn of Alexandria. She has been sitting in her seat idly scrolling through trivial notifications on her datapad. Clothed in professional attire with her long orange hair tied in a low bun. There was a tinge of tiredness in her eyes but they remain as sharp and alert as if she was fully energized. Not letting an ounce of bodily exhaustion affect her in any way.

Not needing to glance at a watch to know she would be landing on a pad in two minutes she got up from her sheet. Sliding away the datapad into the inner sleeve of her long white overcoat. Her musing was centered on the meeting she agreed to come. It wasn’t a surprise per say to be called over for discourse of course. It was only a matter of time. But the one to extend the hand piped her interest but did not let it steer her into unnecessary threads.

To think the founder of a nation is the one to invite her for talks. That fact along certain variables spring back into the forefront of her thoughts. It was coincidental, just like everything else that led to that certain individual. But she wasn’t here for theory crafting. And she doubts that Anrak is the sort to waste time talking in circles. Not when there are far more important things to discuss.

The location Juliette had been called to was an Anubite Temple, a large pyramid structure, but one that had recently been renovated for a new purpose. Ipwet had arranged it as soon as she heard of Anrak's intentions to set up on the planet for a while, and the priests of this temple had willingly offered it for the First High Lord's purposes, which he accepted. Ipwet had since set about ensuring that Anrak would have everything he would need inside, as well as whatever he requested. She was quite careful about ensuring everything fit his wishes, not wishing to screw up in front of the Progenitor High Lord. The Pyramid had thus changed from its more humble look, with many additions to the structure. Large communications towers had been set up nearby, and a massive statue of Anrak Ithkar built at the entrance, glaring at whoever came inside, its eyes glowing as if the High Lord himself was viewing you through it.

The landing pad was similarly fit to suit new purposes. Originally, this temple had not even had a landing platform for shuttles, being more humble. But now, a section had been built to allow multiple shuttle craft to come in and land here, allowing for a constant stream of people if Anrak wished it. And before, the guard detail was more limited. Now a small army of House Ithkar Soldiers, both living and spectral, patrolled the grounds. No expense was spared, with even a batch of tanks being seen among the security detail. At the landing platform, an Anubite Soldier in ornate armor was waiting, with the mark of House Ithkar upon his chestplate. He looked Juliette over and then nodded, "Good, you are here Administrator. I am Captain Thanm Ithkar, and I will be escorting you to my Lord's presence. Please follow me inside, and stay close behind. Do not stray." With that, he turned about, leading Juliette towards the entrance, and towards that great statue staring into her very soul, potentially literally.

Her eyes lazily swept over the compound as the shuttle came to a landing. The message was understood quite loud and clear. Nothing more needed to contemplate about that. She hardly has any opinion about the security detail. They are simply fulfilling their role in a highly efficient manner. If nothing else it solidifies the course of action she is about to take. As well approval in the polity that a certain individual chose as her new home. The Anubite Empire ideals line up with that individual more than any other Hoshizora nation would. It’ll be an interesting case study to see where she takes the gift given to her. Nothing else to mull over as she watches the shuttle finally land. The door sliding open to grant her disembarkment.

Stepping out she could feel the presence of the stare. Not bothered by the soul piercing gaze. For she is a Transamzielist Moderator turned Administrator of the Lunar Sea within the Moon Cell. Moderators are grown to be completely open about themselves. It was faster to see eachother ‘history’ so they could spend more time on more important matters. Secrets are a hindrance and liability, a distraction to their duty. That’s not to say they are machines with no interest or goals, rather they simply have a different set of priorities than most.

If Anrak was truly looking through the stature. He would see a methodical soul with a pristine set of ethics that an Anubite would approve of. There were clear images of where she came from. A part of the Lunar Sea where she worked at, a terminal compound. There was a sense it was an old layout, one of the first to be created. The age being linked to why Juliete’s predecessor chose her as successor among other reasons that are trivial to note. Four years ago the rights to the Admin Control was thrown at her. Since then she and other Moderators she brought out of the Moon Cell to aid in her effort in getting everything into order, sterilizing the bad variables, laying down the foundation, and making it ready to be given to someone else other than herself. For she is not a ruler, never wished to be. But there is one individual that they all logically concluded to be worthy of authority over not only Alexandria but the Moon Cell as well. The geometrical object floating above the salt flats.

He could glean some of its history from her soul. It used to be an unrefined clump of photonic crystals within Eaeireth’s moon eons ago. Originally the Moon Cell was just an observation device made by an otherworldly civilization. It only contained equipment to observe and record life on Earth, but after many, many years it came to have its current functionality and more. Its mission was to observe, but when trying to observe there can be no “blind spots.” (The Uncertainty Principle. The observer determines an event by observing it. What isn’t observed is not certain.) Thus an observation device must be fair. If it is to observe, there must be nothing unseen. Thus, it required capabilities for knowing everything about the Eaeireth. To record all things without bias, it needed performance greater than that of an observation device. And so, it had made a giant leap in evolution. It had enhanced its functions to the point where it went from making observations to surveilling, even gaining control over the administration of the planet due to the efforts of some indivuals that are too trivial to note. The greater its enhancements, the more complex its administration policy. It created many terminals and even made artificial intelligences to manage functions for each section. However, on the other hand, the Moon Cell was stubbornly opposed to loading artificial intelligence into itself. A true observer should not have a mind. If an observer has an intellect and knowledge, the meaning of things observed will be decided by the observer. For that reason, it kept to maintaining its absolute objectivity as an eye, doing so while always dismantling the emerging semblances of sapience that it had incorporated to administer its functions. Thus, this computer has no conception of good and evil, no desire for the future, not even an outcome. Moon Cell is just a container that had existed on the Moon. A typewriter that God left behind. An observation lens once drilled into the Moon.

In the distant future it was taken out to be transported elsewhere by an interstellar civilization that a certain individual gave rise to. A unfathomable amount of time later it had exchanged many appendages, eventually finding its final stop aboard Terminus Respite. It was used for other things but none as important as its prime use or rather a former one. It observes the determination of every possible destiny every second, computes further results, and stores everything inside itself as light. There are untold tens of billions of light years of light trapped within the core, and the entire photonic crystal structure is also powered by it. A certain person named Moon Cell‘s core, ‘The Destiny Perceiving Dendrogram.’ It was a fascinating construct. Which is why Juliette bears deep dissatisfaction and disappointment to her predecessor. That person could have made everything perfect for her arrival, be at least somewhat efficient with the Moon Cell capabilities, if she hadn’t been twisted by grief and lack of patience. Things would have turned out much less ugly. But alas she dumped the responsibility on her. She had spent the years getting everything into line for that person to take over easily. Back to reality the Transamziel gave a polite nod of the head. Not needing to waste words when someone as important as Anrak was waiting for her. Doing as instructed she followed close behind.

The Statue's eyes simply flashed in acknowledgement, and then continued its vigil over the courtyard for any further arrivals. No words were given, but Juliette could feel that the statue had seen what it wanted, and Anrak was prepared. Inside the renovated temple, the rooms had been repurposed into a sort of command center. There was a barracks off to the side for the troops, a room filled with information consoles, and a large comms center. Captain Thanm however escorted Julliete past all this, quickly saying, "Touch nothing, keep walking." If she did look at the consoles however, it was a constantly updating log of Angelarium's demographics. Estimated total populations of Solus Province, the Solar Empire, Alexandria, Angelarium as a whole, and even Progress. Various lists were being compiled on the populaces, gathering other statistics like age ranges, gender distribution, an "integration index" number for each, and many other bits of data. The House Ithkar personnel in here were all working at the consoles, compiling it all after receiving information that was sent back to them in the comms center. The High Lord wanted to know quite exactly what he was dealing with, and he had thrust himself into work. Captain Thanm led Juliette towards a door in the back of the impromptu command center, a reinforced one with a small keycard scanner. The Captain took out a fitting keycard, gave it a swipe, and the door promptly opened. He turned to the guest, "Lord Anrak awaits you inside. Obey all instructions, answer all questions. Goodbye." With that, Thanm went to return to his post.

Inside the door was Anrak Ithkar's own quarters, which were surprisingly limited given his status. There was simply a large computer, a holoprojector, and a large Soul Stone. All but one wall were completely blank, with the exception being the back wall, upon which was a large Mural of Anrak Ithkar had been created to honor the room's new occupant. The form of the spiritual High Lord was looking at a report on the computer, although those with a bit of spiritual sensitivity could feel that his essence filled the entire room, the manifested form simply being part of his full being. He gave a small look back at the new arrival, and then clicked a button on the computer. In a moment, the holoprojector activated, projecting what was on the screen. It was a massive report on Alexandria, holding detailed information about its populace that Anrak had been able to gather so far. He stepped away from the computer, motioning to the lines upon lines of text and numbers now covering the left wall, "Administrator, you were originally called to provide all information about the populace of Alexandria that you have on record, and you will still be doing such. It has come to my attention however, that you in particular are looking for someone in the Anubite Empire's current custody, for a purpose I have not been informed about. This will be rectified. My guess is that the individual you seem to be searching for is a certain Heulyn Llyod, High Lord Sethus's Current Apprentice in training to become a retinue mystic. The reason you seek her is linked to the oddity that is her soul's construct, fashioned irregularly. She is needed to resolve a mistake, and complete a purpose. What that is, I am unaware. You will fill in the gaps in that assessment, or disprove it if it is in fact correct. Begin."

Juliette was a bit impressed with the infomercation collection. Besides that it was a bit nostalgic to be told to not touch anything. The captain reminded her of the times where she had to ensure moderator-in-trainee weren’t doing anything idiotic. Not yet aware of how much one can screw up a program with one modification to a line of code. Brushing aside that trip down memory lane she continued on walking as instructed. Coming up to the door she took a liking on how curtly the captain was. Short and to the point. A trait she appreciates seeing. “Acknowledged.” She simply remarks to the captain.

Stepping inside the room she kept a respectable distance away from this Anrak that she now sees before her. Once more impressed with the extensive data that he seems to have collected. If she had any doubts before they would have been reduced by a considerable amount. “Your appraisal is solid. Her oddity is indeed a piece to the puzzle.” Her response was candid. Violet eyes looking over at the projected images. “To start. The reason we’re seeking her out is to offer her Alexandria. My fellow colleagues debated on who would be worthy of it and have logically concluded that, while she may not remember yet, Heulyn Lloyd deserves her legacy.” There was no need to go over the personal reasons as she got the sense he already knows it.

Pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose she continued to speak. “To disclose what we know. Heulyn Lloyd is the reincarnation of Hatheleisia Viswanathan.  In the Auinozoaun Universe, on the planet Eaeireth. 2017 C.E. of recorded Amzielean history. Eighteen year old Hatheleisia completed an institution of higher learning and was looking to achieve scholarship for a university. But she needed money. This led her to affiliating with the Chaulkuau Security Organization that was stationed in the planet South Pole. Six years later she becomes free of any obligation but finds herself unable to ever return to normal life. So she remained in Chaulkuau where she had worked there for the next sixty-two years. In that time she worked on two magnum opuses. Her soul construct and the development of a Chaulkuau civilization that she grew from the small community she made in the first six years. Since she couldn’t return to the wider world she brought the world to her.” Hatheleisia was an empire builder. She spent weeks experimenting and researching new things to help her country run better. To her they were one big family that she wanted to see flourish.

“In 2103 C.E. Hatheleisia had been in contact with BB, my predecessor. BB currently refuses to ‘declassify’ the full record but from what we do know. Hatheleisia said to BB that she’s generally going away for a while. Afterwards she ordered BB that the next time they meet, she might need help remembering who she is and what she became. This is where everything spirals into guesswork and theories. As recorded by the Moon Cell, which range is only 20 AU, Hatheleisia left the solar system and never returned.” It was a pity that was all they know. And she certainly wasn’t going to waste Anrak time by going over theories that may or may not be true.

“Till the complete collapse of Amzielean Civilizations sometime during Auinozoaun Degenerate Era. Hatheleisia’s legacy, Chaulkuau would come to unite Eaeireth then spread out amongst the stars. Built on her ideals it would endure for a very long time before a culmination of events and ideological drift saw Amzielean break away from Hatheleisia’s model. Forming into one of the many iterations of the Ishnar state. Of all thirty-two runs none of them ever reached the peak of Chaulkuau prosperity or even reached a quarter of its lifetime. The last Ishnar was only twenty-three millennia old when Tiamat drove what was left of Ishnar into this universe. Incidentally Hatheleisia is seemingly reborn in this period as Heulyn Lloyd and becomes consumed by Tiamat forces. Sending her soul deep in Tiamat’s gut where she would experience a dreamless sleep as Tiamat lives on in the Auinozoaun Universe until it came to an end with the evaporation of the last black hole at the end of Auinozoaun’s lifespan.” There was little need to go into what was going on with Heulyn at the moment. Partly because she doesn’t have all the information.

“With the nature of general relativity and other variables. Tiamat migrated into this universe. Crash landed on Angelarium, BB who is now greatly strained from the weight of time and distorted obsession, tries to retrieve Heulyn. Orchestrated everything to make Tiamat create the chaos sea to give birth to the proto-amziel. She would then wait as well a child would. Ripping up the soil to find her gem, uncaring where the dirt landed nor what was in the dirt. Leading to the grossly inefficient mess of a world that you have surely read about. Coincidentally 1999 years later Heulyn’s soul left the sea and was born again. BB disregard many logical courses of action to instead take on a flawed interpretation of Hatheleisia’s order. Raised in a poor environment that was Angelarium society till she was of 18 years of age. She was then brought to a recreated Chaulkuau facility. All the while unaware of it and all the staff there were a simulation. She was forced through a recorded simulation of her trails so long ago over a course of six years. In an astonishing lapse in critical judgement and detachment from reality. BB deem that it was done, so she promptly caught off the power to the simulation and forcibly de-summoned all of Heulyn’s Servants. Leaving her out in the open with nothing to protect her because BB wanted her all to herself. What happens next is already known so I won’t retread it. BB in her delusion tried to offer Heulyn freedom but was rejected. This sent her to go hole up in the Moon Cell. Leaving Heulyn to her undeserved fate.” Heulyn did certainly have a part in damning her to a period of torment. That was apparent. But it was important to know that BB did not help considering the state that she was in as well.

““I’ll leave what happened in that period for others to dig through as it does not contribute to this discussion.” In general during that period, according to her physical doctor that kept her ‘alive’ They came to learn that her soul construct existed outside of totality. This heavily supports the idea that whenever she ‘dies’ her soul goes to the construct, as that is how those things typically work. When the body becomes non functional they would reform from the construct. But since her construct was beyond everything, it had no choice but to reform there. What happens then is debated but what they know that it sends Heulyn soul back down into another world. Continuing the cycle ad infinitum. Somehow they manage to pull the soul relic into their universe and isolate it. As a result when she died her soul went elsewhere. Where she does not know. Heulyn’s soul did seem to find its way back.

“In conclusion. Considering her Heulyn track record, current growth, and potential. We believe if she was in possession of Alexandria. Great things can occur.” An interesting trivia that she left out since it was also irrelevant was that Alexandria is based on a concept model of a region dedicated to education devised by Heulyn. In short if she were to retain her memories as Hatheleisia, the benefits that the Anubite Empire can reap is astronomical. Let alone what else she learned over her long cosmic voyage.

Anrak was quiet and unchanging in his expression as Juliette provided the lengthy explanation on why she needed Heulyn Llyod and what purpose she would fulfill that had to do with Alexandria. He was difficult to read for others, with the only showing that he was listening and understanding was his eye movements and unbroken eye contact. As Juliette finished, he finally gave a nod, putting a hand to his chin as he considered the information, "An interesting cycle that Heulyn's soul has found itself in, but it explains the oddity of her soul as I sensed it. There is much history to what you have said, but I shall leave its recording to the scribes. Heulyn's potential has been seen by me, and also realized by High Lord Sethus. Her power can apparently reach quite high, and so he took her under his wing directly to facilitate this. Power is quite useful for a mystic, but it is not instantly indicative of how skilled such an individual would be at administration and long term planning. Empathy does not instantly beget skill at command. However, from what you have said, it would indeed be likely quite beneficial to have Heulyn be placed in charge of Alexandria, should she be able to replicate the potential shown by previous incarnations of her soul. A competent administrator would be very useful to have, as effective administration speeds up integration. Being an Anubite citizen herself now, Heulyn would be quite suitable to appoint as an Anubite approved leader as well. I shall see to it that she obtains the offer, as I see the value in it and I doubt she will refuse, and I will relay my instructions for Alexandria's development through her. You may consider your task done, as I will accomplish it. You will now focus all your remaining effort and time as Administrator of Alexandria to perform a full census of the population, I want my information to current and reliable, rather than mere estimates. This task will also benefit Heulyn, as she will be able to perform her task much better if she has all the information she can get on her new command by the time she takes the reigns. Little time should be wasted, and preparations for the transition must begin at once."

He then paused, thinking again, "It would be useful as well to have access to this Tiamat, I have heard about her. Information on the planet's early stages can greatly assist in efforts to speed up the recon efforts for the wilderness. My reports last told me that she was apprehended on Arcid, but I have not yet received any information on her internment in the specialized facility prepared for her. I wish to interrogate her, and see to it that she provides aid for the Empire. Have you obtained any information that would be relevant on this front?"

“Power is certainly a poor variable to include in the appraisal of a person’s character. We can look no further than BB for instance.” She made a biting remark. For all the power at her fingertips she squanders it. “In general, power removes any kind of restraint.” She didn’t need to elaborate her point considering the evidence was all around them. “But that aside, her skill for administration is certainly reliant on unlocking her past. From what I gathered, her trails weren't exactly about long-term planning and macroeconomics.” With that note she was glad that Anrak seemed to agree with her assessment. She may never meet Heulyn but she feels that she will do much more than she would.

The desire to find use out of Tiamat almost made her disregard the former Welkin as an inconsequential asset but stopped herself. It’s not like Tiamat had no value at all. There were mysteries that beg further investigation. The biggest being how she became such a threat in the Auinozoaun Degenerate Era. Tiamat was a Beast of Calamity, one of the Evils of Civilization. She presided over the Sin of Regression. With the end of Age of Starlight the remaining bastions for life for white dwarfs and black holes. As a result, whole species died out as only the most advanced civilizations could endure this next stage of cosmic history. But even they too suffer, once mighty civilizations crumple and shrunken to a pitiable size compared to their former glories. And since symbolism had power, Tiamat was at her strongest in this era. But that alone does not answer the other oddities. Now Tiamat was neither a Beast nor a Welkin, just an ‘Ego’ shoved into a doll's body.

This is why she was lagging in giving an answer that wasn’t estimated. Because for the most part that is what they have to go off of. It’s not like she would argue his decision either, if he wanted to make use of her she’s not going to stop him. Since she can be of some use to recon efforts. Eaeireth was made from her corpse after all. So if anyone would know the mountains and rivers of recreated Eaeireth it would be her. Closing her eyes she dug around in her mind to find some bone to toss to Anrak. No pun intended. Finally she opened her eyes when she recalled something. “Her relationship with Heulyn is peculiar.” Even with Tiamat bipolar disorder and other forms of mental pollution, her actions are erratic. Especially when Heulyn is involved.

“As Hatheleisia during her trials, she was sent to a singularity in B.E. 2655 where it was revealed that Tiamat was being reawakened. I’ll spare the story for your scribes to record. But the relevant part comes when Hatheleisia in the final battle against Tiamat encountered a mental projection of Tiamat in her first form. Somehow she was able to make herself understood to her. Tiamat lamented that her children used her as a stepping stone, leaving her behind and that all she wanted was to be by their side. After asking if her love was wrong, Hatheleisia chose not to stab her like her previous children and instead told her that her children loved her and that they had to ‘get going’. In other words she thanked her for her Mother's Love as amzielean grew up but now that they were adults she had to let them go. In the end, Tiamat asked Hatheleisia to not leave her behind and that if she (amzielean) had to do so, to not love her again.” Tiamat is a walking contradiction. She loves Amzielean as her children, yet she hates them for abandoning her. She recognizes that contradiction, so that's why she says her speech to her. ‘Don't leave me’ is her lamenting that her children are abandoning her, yet she recognizes that amzielean must forge its own path, so she also says ‘Don't love me.’

Beasts arise from the nature of amzielean and civilizations in general, as a sin they must overcome and move past. Tiamat or Beast II is the Sin of Regression, and they must move past the desire or the instinct to retreat to what is safe and familiar in the face of danger. If a civilization continues to love her, continues to seek her warmth and comfort (even unknowingly), it risks Tiamat rising again. Which is why she deem that the Degenerate Era fosters some sort of growth in her. However, she long lost any sort of Authority. The reason why she was able to submerged Angelarium in her Sea of Life is just simple math. She was using the entirety of her mana reserves that she built over that great period of time. Since she spent it all, Juliette would make an educated guess it would take millennia to produce even a droplet of it.

Tiamat’s nature aside, her actions after this event raised many questions. “After she solved this singularity. It’s unknown if Hatheleisia ever met her again.” Given BB refusal to let her access to some of the records making her unable to be certain enough to mark out Tiamat's role in this. “A long time later, Tiamat waged war on what was left of Ishnar who was clinging to distant stars that are far away from each other. Yet, Tiamat seems to know where Heulyn was. Splitting off a force of her creations to sack the world she was one. How or why I don’t know. It almost seems as if it was...no I won’t throw such a half-baked hypothesis on the table.” Especially with that level of indications. Letting out a sigh she continued. “Everything seems to connect to Heulyn. So it’s I feel safe to assume that Heulyn could play a role in getting through Tiamat as she had done before.”

Anrak continued his silent, complete attention upon Juliette as she spoke of Tiamat. This was a sector he course knew nothing of, and so he was quite intent on learning as much as he could about her. As Juliette finished, he started contemplating, voicing his thoughts aloud, "Indeed, it all seems to connect to one person. Quite interesting, and means the true depths of information can only be achieved when Heulyn can be brought here to fill in the gaps. Tiamat and Heulyn must then be brought together yet again so I may gauge the interaction from both individuals. Tiamat herself, while notable, is ultimately irrelevant to my plans at the current time. She can be made useful, but her backstory in itself has exhausted its usefulness. I can bend her to apply her skills as I see it necessary, once her issues are corrected. However, as you are the more informed in this subject, you will continue your theory there should it be relevant to Heulyn and current events. Theories, when specifically stated as such, are useful tools. They are problems only when marked as facts without evidence. A theory in itself provides illumination on more difficult subjects, allowing other connections to show themselves, which may have more evidence to them. Now, continue."

“Indeed she is. Heulyn is such a rich source of information.” Juliette agreed with his assessment. There had been word of Heulyn regaining her memories but she hasn’t got any solid information yet from all the events that are occurring in the Anubite Empire. Listening to Anrak she gave a small nod of understanding. “Tiamat’s past certainly doesn’t yield solid proof of anything. That’s why I felt this theory was shaky. But the nature of Hatheleisia’s life has inclinations of something at play. BB was good at hiding records of Hatheleisia life but she made a critical mistake in now obscuring the eye witness accounts.” Extensive in fact. She could guess that BB disregard for Amzielean other than Hatheleisia made her dismissive. Feeling it wasn’t worth the hassle to hide what she felt were ‘insects’. “So while there is no accessible information on her personal life we do have plenty of second hand accounts. To summarize, Eaeireth was in a bad state after 2023 C.E. due to a culmination of several factors that had been growing over the decades. Global warming, ineptitude of world leaders, and other factors. But the biggest event had put the fate of Amzielean into question. Extinction was a certainty in the long term. But in the short term the biggest threat to Amzielean were themselves. They fought with each other and in a few generations the world would have broken down to broken states ruled by warlords. To tackle both these issues. Hatheleisia's decision was to unify the world to ensure Amzielean survival.” This is what she was referring to when Hatheleisia brought the world to her.

“This took nine years. The world unified under the Chaulkuau banner she spent decades doing everything she could to foster a strong civilization. When she was nearing triple digits in age there are accounts that she seemed to be planning to have a sabbatical leave for two years. So she ensured that Amzielean should worship their achievements, not those who tower above them. Learn to love themselves, not Hatheleisia. For she believed if a nation only served to prop up a singular individual, it would make the populace overly dependent and apathetic. So she thought it's time she left for a short while and allowed them to make their own legends. Let them forget her in the same way they've forgotten the legends of their past. Obviously this didn’t go as planned. But her motives aside it’s apparent that she was adamant that she wouldn’t be gone for very long. So it’s likely that her late return was not planned. What was planned is something we know. She even went as far to give out a map of her planned course through the cosmos to give them a sense of where she was heading. This and with other evidence they paint a picture that Hatheleisia didn’t intend to die. Incidentally there are transcripts where she notes that her study into the ‘Second Magic, Operation of Parallel Worlds’ was still a pipe dream at the time. Most importantly this was entirely separate from her studies on her own form of Magecraft. Meaning she wouldn’t have made such a roundabout, convoluted system to explore other worlds as her first course of action. Something happened when she was out in space which is where Tiamat might have come into the picture. For when Heulyn came to be, Tiamat seemed to know where she was. Thus I feel Tiamat might be responsible for what is happening and why Heulyn was born so late.”

Anrak, as before, listened silently. He did emote a bit however this time, showing some visible interest in Hatheleisia apparently managing to unify a world in contest with various warlords, ones he surmised were likely suitably ruthless for such a time. He gave a nod of approval at her apparent policies as well, which of course made sense if one recognized Anrak's own history, though he gave another nod of understanding when it was noted that her plans didn't go perfectly. He finally spoke calmly, "Plans cannot always be followed to fruition. Conditions change, unknown variables suddenly make themselves known and cause disruption, and death is something none can truly plan for, including myself. Hatheleisia otherwise made the correct plan for building a self sustaining civilization, building it on institutions and powerful traditions rather than people. For those are the bedrock of a civilization. The population changes, demographics shift. Readiness waxes and wanes. And in the end, the most inconsistent factor of all is the competence of the leadership. The most powerful civilization of all is one that cannot be crippled by mediocrity, but rather survive it long enough for further legends to arise and lead it to great heights. When fantastic leadership is not present, the civilization must be able to sustain itself until it arises. A shame she could not fully achieve that, but it is also not always too horrible to remember the greatest individuals of a civilization. People need inspiration as well, stories and legends fill this role quite well."

"Regardless, Tiamat will be handled at a later time. I will interrogate herself, and she will tell me what she knows. That is how it shall be. But until then, her part in this is set as we know. Instead, I look to the other current factors in play that I can currently learn more of and hold sway over. And that is Alexandria, as well as Heulyn Llyod herself. First however, I will focus on the greater picture. I have become well acquainted with Solus, but Alexandria is different. The people seem to be different as well. So, Administrator,  you are to give me an estimate on how accepting the population of Alexandria is to the Anubite Empire at the present time. How open are they to us controlling this world?"

There was naught a need to comment on his general thoughts. Whether or not they have merit is up to debate given her sources are sparse and often second-hand. Not even herself knows the full story in that time period. It’s not to say his opinion is not necessary. Goodness no, all thoughts are valid. Discourse is a vital part in paving a way to greater understanding. “Well said. I’m sure Tiamat and Heulyn will be a better source of information than us. Our sources are very much muddy and often distorted by an individual subjective bias.”

The shift of subject to Alexandria demographics was not unwelcome to say the least. It was to be expected after all. It was simply a complex issue. “The base populace are placated. We have sterilised the bad traits over the years. As you said, stories and legends serve as great tools to shape the cultural mindset. Conveniently given what Angelarium is based on and who was the biggest threat. We went with spinning a story similar to one of Eaeireth creation myths. In said creation myth, the gods were given birth from the pairing of Tiamat, who is the salt water, and Abzu, who is the fresh water. Afterwards, the gods, whom are their children, waved their banner of revolution against the primeval father Abzu and acquired supremacy over the world. At this moment, Tiamat gently approved the deeds of her children. It is proof that her love for her children has won over her love for her husband. However, the gods pointed their blades even at Tiamat, their mother. Tiamat, in her grief and disorder, gave birth to Magical Beasts as her new children, and they altogether had a showdown with the gods. At the end of the conflict, Tiamat and her Magical Beasts were torn apart. It is said that the gods tore up her corpse into two, forming heaven and earth from it, and thus, had established the ritual for the creation of the World of Amziel. And that’s the general gist of the myth. For here we did more or less the same revision but with beneficial elements to serve as a good hook to pull them to the right direction. According to the Amziel population, Tiamat’s corpse was decaying. So much so that they were being corrupted by Tiamat’s lingering madness. The polluted air and water corrupting their minds, twisting them to do amoral things.” None of this is factual of course. It serves to show just how strong religion can be when it factors into rationalization. Especially when a population is already religious.

“They have been taught to believe that during the war one of the god’s artifacts became buried under the Sea of Chaos, a relic powerful enough to give birth to paradise. Insert a daring epic that leads to one of the heroines of the story in reaching the artifact but was stopped by people who were deeply corrupted by the black mud who believed she was heretical. Condemning her to living hell. Thankfully, the artifact had already been activated. Taking years to build up enough energy to give birth to the fabled paradise. Now that they know that they committed sins, they became stricken with guilt. As a result they are welcoming to outsider powers. Believing that serving a purpose bigger than themselves is a path to atonement.” The story was also set up for the potential of Heulyn's return. It can be easily spun into a messianc legend.

“Angelarium Amzielean aside. The Moon Cell does carry digital life that has been long uploaded from their former grey matter. As a whole they don’t necessarily concern themselves with the outside world. They have been used to a digital life for so long that a physical one would be too jarring for them. Moderators like myself worked in a constrained set of parameters so it was not hard for us to work out here. We are also the only ones outside of the Moon Cell at the moment. However I can safely assume that the existence of Heulyn will spark slight interest for some to move into Angelarium. Very much a niche but it’s there.” The biggest group on her mind are a esoteric collection of individuals who either study or worship Hatheleisia's legacy. They would very much be a good asset to convince others of Heulyn legitimacy. “Regarding opinion on other groups. Alexandria is very much open to migrants coming over to settle. The biggest flow coming from the Equines who were enamored by the Angelarium verdant environment. They also helped in giving Amzielean a good impression of Hoshizora life.”

This description was rather helpful to Anrak, who went into thought considering the information and how he could utilize it. After a few moments of thought, he finally spoke up, "Then the Amziel on Angelarium will get their chance for atonement, to move beyond their many, many sins. For their foolish faith, for their use of that faith to cover up their wrongdoings, they will earn their redemption. For I now know what I wish to do with this planet, as well as Alexandria. This world, having been reborn, will continue to serve that purpose for all upon it and any who come here. It will take its role as the gateway of the Anubite Empire, we will turn it into a pristine example of the Empire's culture and a collection of all we have to offer. They will find that their greater purpose will be quite the same as the new manager of Alexandria, embracing the Anubite Empire and displaying to the galaxy beyond the Empire's resurgence. Their prior faith will have to be broken and replaced, for it is flawed and disruptive, but I believe Heulyn can handle that as well."

"As for Alexandria, it is already being effectively reshaped into what I want, but I will accelerate it. They are open to migrants, and now it shall become their purpose. The province will be forged into a location built to serve as a gateway for migrants and a beacon to summon those who desire a home in the Anubite Empire. Here they can be processed, taught the ways of the Anubites, and then they can either stay here or find their ways to other worlds in the Empire. This place of learning shall serve its purpose of luring away the brightest of other cultures to supplement our own. Tradition shall be ensured, but always a new flux of information shall come in. That is what this world will provide, an ever flowing tide of outside information and expertise that the Empire can make use of. Your Moon Cell can be left to its own as well, but it will be made to assist in the documentation process of people and information as well. With this focus, this world will find its place in the Empire's grand plan, and that will be important in the times to come."

Juliette found the notion of having the world serve as a gateway to be rather poetic. It reminded her of the Chaulkuaun Dream. A utopian ideal a no matter one’s status, ethnic, faith, or race everyone can find happiness beneath the same sky. As inane as it sounds. Hatheleisia’s legacy is arguably the closest to a genuine utopia that did not fall into a dystopia. It had dark periods to be sure, every civilization can’t escape that fact. When later societies were to look back they would mostly come to an agreement that Chaulkuau was a dreamy paradise. Many try and fail to recreate its luminous visage. In this light Juliette bore no disagreement with Anrak. Heulyn will overcome these hurdles as she always has. And recreate the Chaulkuan Dream. If Anrak was described as an architect, then Heulyn is a painter. “I share the same sentiments regarding Heulyn capabilities.  She has the potential to bring great change. Incidentally it’s rather ideal that your culture stresses the importance of caution and a slow, steady pace.  For Heulyn is far too valuable to be noticed this early.” As the old saying goes, people hate and envy those who have more power than they do.

“I’m aware that this is none of my concern and that you might already possess plans. But I felt like stating that it’s important to cement her loyalties. Of course that is not in doubt per say, you can never be too careful. Simply put, I’m wondering if there are things in store to ensure a beneficial marriage between whoever she may be smitten with.” Marriage is a powerful thing in imperial societies. Much like the Zantine Empire binding the Shyr in a dynastic union. She has no doubt that people are beginning to attempt to court Heulyn. Whether it be Anubite Nobles who may hold jealousy or grudges, Someone from the Union who seek to democratize the Empire, or a free spirited Proscorian that might be a Zantine Lord in disguise. All they need to fool her warm heart long enough to lull her into a trap. “I know I don’t need to say this. Don’t let Heulyn leave your sight.” She didn’t need to say anything more about that. For it spoke for itself. Anrak knew the value of Heulyn’s potential. She will make enemies, that is just a fact of life. Thus many will try to go after here. The implication of Heulyn being tied to another party than the Anubite Empire is not a pretty one.

Anrak summary of Alexandria's purpose is commendable. “Well said. As said before, this makes the existence of Alexandria and Heulyn all the more vital to make as little noise as possible. For example people tend to take notice when marvels of cosmic engineering are being invented in a decade. Less so when it’s built bit by bit over a century.” That is the beauty of eternal life. Immortals have the advantage to take time and make plans. Most of all, time is a strange thing for people to perceive. More often than not people will forget when enough time goes by.

Anrak simply gave a curt nod to Juliette at her first point, something he clearly already had considered, "I am well aware of the requirement to forge an additional attachment to the Anubite Empire. Citizenship is only one part in making somebody feel invested in a state, as that is merely legal, they also need more personal investment. A marriage is one way to do so, forging a personal attachment as well as tying one into the politics of the society. This applies to all, including Heulyn. I have considered means to handle that, considering who she is interacting with. I'll have to meet her personally to determine the best options. Find her a fitting partner that will also suitably tie her down in the Empire. I have some ideas, but nothing due to lack of experience. Would you have any ideas there?"

He then shook his head, "While less perception is indeed a gain due to lacking outside attention, building marvels slowly is more important because that makes it last. A marvel built in a mere few years is a novelty. Something that will be noted but never become a trend. The Anubite Empire's marvels are all slowly ingrained into the society itself. It is why we adopt even tech slowly, even if there is the idea of adopting it quickly to try and spread it as fast as possible. When you do that, you upset the fabric of society. Instead, the seeds can be slowly planted, slowly inserting the new with good timing to become a natural progression of the old. Unnoticed yet more beneficial than any truly realize, and allowing the lives of the citizenry to be only improved, never disturbed. This is how you make something stick and remain, never undermining and only building up."

She looked up to Anrak with an analytical gaze. “If I were to be blunt, statistically speaking the option that would not only be the strongest binding but also the greatest ward against potential threats. Specifically the most secure place for her to be in would be the Ithrak household. As for a suitable suitor, why not yourself?” Juliette spoke simply as if it was the logical next step. She is aware however there is a matter of principle. Anubites are not the sort to slap a pair of people together and call it a day like some cultures that determine a person's marriage. At the moment Juliette was just laying down the cold, hard facts down first.

“A word holds great weight. ‘Ithrak’ alone would permanently diminish the potential for any internal threat towards her if there was any to begin with. On the other side, the sheer cultural weight may very well be a planet to someone like Heulyn. Now, being the ‘Wife of Anrak Ithrak’ would be a very big deal. The cultural significance is so great that dare I say, even the Zantine Empire would be hard-pressed to try to do anything to undermine Heulyn.” Outsiders will have to think long and hard if they wish to commit themselves to go after Heulyn. Failure to do so is almost certainly war.

It was very much noticeable if this were to occur. It’s not everyday when the progenitor that has been widowed for countless millennia remarries to an alien. Risky to be sure but the benefits outweigh the cons. It serves as a loud message to all of his rivals. Heulyn was his and no one will take her. “One other benefit is having a close eye on her growth in terms of knowledge, wisdom, and power. As noted before, her potential is great. Even in terms of the arcane. Now, obviously I’m not doubting her character. She has shown time and time again the capability to step away from power no matter how tempting. Even it’s within her grasp. But as is with the nature of life, other people won’t see it that way.” People fear and worship power. They will come up with fantastical beliefs of what she may be and her purpose. Ialao may see her as a child of Delviatu that must partake in holy missions. Desmongers could see her being one of the Dreaded Ones. Even beings of higher power might take notice. Heulyn is not normal. That’s a fact that must be kept in mind no matter how cold it may be.

“If you were to have a greater grip on her growth. You’ll have greater control on how she progresses in her studies, the mere-exposure effect, and how she is seen in public. Yes, this may sound very controlling. But Heulyn knows very well that her bubble is small. She knows that she’ll come to make enemies no matter what she does. As the old saying goes, the only way to not make enemies is not to do anything.” She knows that more than most that she can’t live a normal life. Hatheleisia knew this too. Having lived the rest of her life in the southern polar regions before making her voyage. And if nothing were to have happened, Heulyn would have done the same on Angelarium. Painfully aware that she is different than many people. Many will want to deceive her, to hurt her, to lynch her. Juliette is almost certain that there are people who called her a beast. An eldritch abomination that should have no place in this cosmos. It was an unfortunate predicament. For she knew that Heulyn is anything but a vulgar thing.

She pushed up the bridge of her glasses. The glass glinting in the ambient glow of the screens. “Pardon me for my passionless manner. I deem it appropriate to say how it is at first. I’m aware that Anubite custom is more ‘warmer’ compared to other imperial systems, say the Zantine Empire. They run on a biological clock, so they are more likely for a pair to get into a lifeless relationship for political reasons. But the Anubite don’t have to worry about a biological clock as much.” The reason was standing before her so there was little need to elaborate on that part. “Eternity is a long time.” She spoke solemnly. “I admit I don’t know much about your marriage custom. But I can assume that it’s treated very differently. To marry for political reasons is shallow and a short term thing. You Anubites seek for a more sublime meaning.” To be committed to one another for decades, centuries, millennia and so on requires a level of compatibility that can’t be reached if the marriage is cold from the start.

“Of course, you will have a better judgement in this then I will. Obviously I don’t know you nor Heulyn personally. Yet from what little I know, I can make a safe estimate that she can feel that she can genuinely relate to you more than anyone else. A bold claim I know. Again I know you will make the best judgement. Your custom demands various compatibility tests after all. Start from the top and work your way down if it doesn’t work.”

The suggestion was one that would've been surprising to any other individual, but Anrak didn't seem surprised at all. Rather than any sort of shock at the idea, he just put a hand to his chin as he considered the validity of the strategy. After thinking it over, he gave a simple nod, "It is Ithkar, Ithrak is an offshoot branch created by some of my descendants who slept around a bit too much. Regardless, you put forward an interesting idea, and it is one I believe that is functional. I am currently unmarried, as my prior wife has fully passed on by her own choice, which I uphold. This leaves me open to another marriage, and so I can leverage that. Not to mention, I have always found the personal touch to be the preferred method. Being controlling is not something always negative after all, sometimes people require guidance. And it is my goal and joy to construct individuals into what the Empire needs. I will do that with Heulyn."

He paused to consider it again however, "I will go for the compatibility tests, and see how well we get along. As you are correct in your assumption that Anubite relationships are far more geared for long term matters. Our way of courting is thus more intimate and an important matter. It is based far more on personal compatibility rather than merely family politics. It is for the same reason that marriages are easy to annul in early days should it determined that the marriage was done in bad faith. Thus, these tests will be built to be very personal, and therefore quite revealing. They will tell me what Heulyn seeks in a partner. Should I determine that a partnership between her and myself would be reasonable and able to endure, I will go for it. But if not, I have zero intention or forcing anything or lying about my personal character to sneak in a marriage, so I will not do it if I determine it will not go well. But the time spent ensues that I learn more about Heulyn regardless, and thus can determine a better match besides myself. There is no lacking of other, more varied candidates among more loyal Anubite nobility after all. In either case, the time and information these tests will provide will ensure that one way or the other I will be able to find a suitable partner for Heulyn, and lock her down for the Anubite Empire. I will find whoever is best suited for her as well as the Empire. I don't really care whether it is of my family or another, just has to be somebody that will guide her well in a way that is good for the Empire. Her development will be properly guided, and she shall become the anvil on which I reforge this world and its people. That is how this shall go. I'll have to call her here soon then, so we may get started. This is not a matter in which one wastes time, after all. Although on the same token I shall not engage the tests instantly either. I am not a lovestruck puppy, it will happen the time is appropriate."

Juliette found Anrak's comment to make his maturity known distinctive. She didn’t press upon his personality. Either way the comment was hardly something to dissect so she let it drop to make a response to the general assessment. “Very much so. While the biological clock is not a big of a factor it doesn’t mean that wasting time is ideal, nor is rushing into things. Everything in moderation after all.” Just because the Anubite Empire lives by a different sense of time doesn’t mean the rest of the galaxy does. Prompting the Empire to play catch up from time to time.

Thinking back on what he said in his appraisal, she mused that Anrak approach to the subject was also because it was more of a personal subject for him. To not remarry for over a quarter of a million years is a very long period of time. And from what she read his wife didn’t remain as a ghost. Something she found quite odd considering Anubite culture but she was in no place to dig into that. It’ll be more fitting for Heulyn to learn about it. Back to her main train of thought she wonders she could not help but wonder if Anrak is keeping a distance to give him time to come to terms that he may be breaking what may have been his eternal vigil. Is it not an easy thing to move on from.

Such messy emotions. It made her remember why she held an aversion to romance. Juliette is what you would call someone as being married to their job. “You have my kind regards in this matter. I’m sure this will go well given your people's choice of priorities in terms of relationship. I admit it’ll be interesting to see how Heulyn does in this. While there is a sparse sense of her character when she was Hatheleisia I have no grasp on her current mindset as Heulyn. There is no doubt that she experienced many things and grew as a person. The last years must have been a long journey of self-discovery for her. And I wager she still has much to discover on the road ahead of her.”

In her musings she remembered something previously said. “Fitting to refer to Heulyn as an anvil. Many works dedicated to Hatheleisia like to use that as an allegory to represent her.” There was a small part of Juliette that began to feel a poetic connection between Anrak and Heulyn. While it remains to be seen they could be together as a couple. There is certainty that they would be fantastic work partners.

However as mentally noted before. It was not her place to get too involved in this process. “With that said, is there anything else you require from me?” A lot of things have been learned today. Many for Anrak to ponder over. So she felt the meeting was coming to a close.

Anrak gave a simple nod, as if it were all a matter of fact, "These compatibility tests are a discovery effort for both partners. Heulyn will learn plenty more about herself from this. I will learn less, as I have had a much longer time to get a grasp on myself, but that is not to say I will learn nothing. There is always more to learn about one's self. But overall, Heulyn will be learning the most, and I will test her on things that are important not only to me, but to crafting one's self a future. She and I both will learn if she has the mettle to build nations, and to guide a people. She will learn some important lessons from this, regardless of whether or not we are compatible." He then seemed amused that the anvil metaphor was more relevant than he expected, "Interesting, perhaps then this will go better than I expected. I am sure I will find a use for Heulyn if that is the case, but the chances of us getting along have gone up."

He then shook his head, "No. Simply do as I said and gather all of the required information about Alexandria that will be needed by Heulyn in time for her arrival, as well as for my own purposes in guiding the province. Otherwise, you may go. I need to work now, as I'll need to call Heulyn here as well as see to other matters. This was a good talk, goodbye Juliette."

The Adminminsitor bid her farewell to the grand progenitor. It was best for them to get started on other matters that they’ll surely attend to in the coming days. Anrak in the construction of his ideal vision of Angelarium. And Juliette gets everything into place for when Heulyn arrives to claim her destined place. She pondered upon many things on the shuttle ride back to Alexandria. About the direction Heulyn might take in her acquired administration. To her interaction with other polities. And of course the result of her courtship. There’s more intricacies in Heulyn’s growth than she first calculated. It’ll be a worthwhile experience. Much more rewarding than all of the last two thousand years combined.

After a while she eventually returned to her own personal quarters in Alexandria. A white, sterile room with nothing but a black bundle of cables in white casing hanging from the spot in the ceiling. Upon her entry she willed the cable to move via her brainwaves. Stepping into the center made a wide snaking motion around her. The long needle glistening in the harsh lighting. A sharp squelch came from the cable injecting the needle into the back of her neck. The consciousness that was Juliette now transported to someplace isolated and secured.

Juliette experienced the sudden shift in awareness. One moment she was seeing through eyes that could only see a limited scale of reality. In the next she was hanging in a black void. Her body now a dark grey monolith with a symmetric, green holographic pattern sprawling across her form.

It was hard to tell the passage of time in this void. But six other monoliths materialized in a circle. Each with their own distinctive holographic pattern.

“While I would normally state I appreciate everyone coming in within an appropriate time span. I’m more impressed by how quick some of you came.” Juliette’s monolith spoke in her same voice but with a synthetic texture to it. However her dry, mock derision was not lost in translation.

“Hey! Hey! We’re not that sluggish!” Cried out a high pitch voice from a monolith to her closest right. The pink holographic design in a chaotic pattern that held no reason or rhyme,

“Now Juliette, no need to pick on our young colleague.” Chimes a smooth voice coming from a monolith next to the pink one. Its cerulean pattern is arranged in what seems to be a star system. “She’s trying very hard to woo you.”

“What!?” Pink’s astonished outcry earned muffled laughter from the group of assembled monoliths. Even Juliete could not help but give a light hearted sigh.

“Our friend's stubbornness to not come out of the closet aside. I deem you called for this meeting to review a new development?” The monolith on the opposite side of Julitte inquired in a casual tone. Its monolith bears a yellow geometric pattern.

Ignoring the strangled sounds of shock from Pink. Juliette responded to the question. “You’re correct. The results have been within the estimated calculation. It’s now a 99.99% chance that Heulyn will be placed in control of Alexandria. New factors also appeared that may contribute to hypothesized models of the planet development that we once filed away as ‘unlikely’.” She went on to report the rest of her meeting with her close group of moderators.

“A chance to get hitched huh? Can’t say I’m surprised. She did seem to be the type to be into legendary sovereigns.” The slightly crass comment came from the monolith to the other side of Yellow. Its frame lit with red holographic pattern in a jagged manner.

“Awww~ I’m happy for her. Say aren’t there stories that she had a large reverse harem?” The childish words came from none other than Pink.

“Girls. While I’m long accustomed to this inane manner of discourse. I would appreciate it if we don’t get too deep in baseless gossip.” Juliette spoke in a dull manner.

“In their defense darling. You’re being quite the matchmaker yourself.” The rebuttal came from the cerulean monolith. Earning a round of light laughter around the group.

“It’s rather thought invoking that you would prompt such a organic idea to Anrak.” Yellow commented.

Juliette gave a moment of silence before sighing in admission. “I’ll admit I’m rather intrigued by the concept known as…’love’.” Red snickered in how Juliette seemed to be having some difficulty in saying it. Juliette ignores her friend and continues.  “I wish to see results on whatever family is formed in this, both socially, physically, emotionally, and mentally. I’m interested in how they would develop.”

“I’m rather invested in this as well.” Came a light voice from the final sixth monolith of the circle. Simple white, holographic pattern composed of spherical shapes. “It has been so long since we last heard of her.” White spoke in a rapturous manner.

“My degeneracy aside. I accede I’m a bit interested as well. The last came a long way. Now she found her corner of the sky to take roost.” Red summarizes her thoughts.

“And she’s now at her journey's end. Ahh~ I’m overtaken by chills in thought of the marvels that can spring from her and her partner.” White said in zealous agreement.

“For the first time in centuries I believe I speak for all of us that we’ll be working with vigor in the coming days. That said, I need to take my leave. This meeting is adjourned.” Juliette spoke before proceeding to log out. Letting her group continue to chat if they wish. She just has other matters to get started on.

With a wet sound the cable pulled back. Drawing out the needle from Juliette’s spine. Her eyes reopen to the mundane world. The cable went slack. Coated in medical fluids that had closed the entry wound on Juliette’s neck. Turning on her heels she exited her room. There is much to be done. The future now shows promise and grandeur.

-----