Purity of Essence with new Purpose [Rich/Melon]

The Iammelon Nebula. More than a decade ago they aided in a bloody conflict that raged through the ether lanes and planets along the south eastern sectors beyond their nebula, into the territory of what was at the time, Firstborn Kingdom, now the Firstborn Empire. In a conflict that came to be known as the War of Two Blades. What was known as ‘Excave’ at the time before it was reformed into the Iammelon Union, aided the Firstborn King. An amalgam Dragon/Zerg/Athailian called Zether. What they were fighting against was an enemy that had a plague-like rampance to them, tenacity enough to devour planets whole and cover their surface in their biomatter, known as the Zerg or ‘The Swarm’ as some of their Broodmothers referred to them.

Zether was known as the King of Blades. A ruler that created a kingdom that spanned 30 systems in a matter of 30 years from nothing more than a small smattering of 5 Broodmothers that defected from the Zerg to serve him. His antithesis was an entity known as the Queen of Blades. A successor of an origin in some far off galaxy. Filia, a denizen of Hoshi that fell to the swarm once they took over her colony world… The fallen world of Duxton.

While it was not a very long war, only lasting 5 whole months to route out most of the World Class nests that the Zerg had in other systems, and scorch their populations down from the hundreds of billions they had inflated themselves to in a matter of decades, it was a war that the Nebula has had the most bloodshed in for a very long time… Until the Civil War that followed.

Their main victory on Duxton removed the Queen of Blades from play. Neutralising her from uniting the xenomorphic hordes in her sway along with many captured specimens that made up her personal guard. Filia was altered, purged of her Zerg chains that bound her humanity and was released into the custody of one ‘Wolfric Wolvain’ the second Imperial Prince of the Athailian Solar Empire after a long trial period to make sure she did not harbour any ill intent against the nebula.

Though peace did not last very long after that war was settled, as everyone knows. The Nebula was met with a schism of Ideals on what the history of the Nebula should look like. On one side, Excave, on the other, Omnipo. The Zerg sided with Excave, their captors and handlers. Though it was more out of a mutual need to help instead of being forced.

Because of this new desire to help the budding Union after the sneak attack on Omnipo’s half, a project was devised to bring the captured Zerg specimens into the newly conceptualised Union that was forming as conflicts started to rage between Excave and Omnipo. The Project was issued by the once Admiral Tamour who has since become Minister Tamour under the new Iammelon Union. Hiring to his side the Broodmother Melyphis who still works as his aide and bodyguard.

As the war went on, Zerg strains were altered or found to be redundant to a degree. Many of the much larger or offshoot species were found to be unnecessary, so their imprints were put aside for the time being but not thrown away as new avenues could potentially come about in the future.

At the time, those subraces that were brought into a new era were purely devised for the sake of waging war against the Confederate Army. Though as the war waged on there came an opinion on if there was a reason to devise purely military adaptations and mutations for the new species. Melyphis’s team did think on this and decided that perhaps more general mutations were necessary, though those that existed already kept their military mutations as they planned to stay with the Union navy and ground forces after the war for the most part. Though there were still millions of captured Zerg undergoing gene therapy to transition into their new Subraces. So Melyphis and her team continued to find ways of improving the design of the new races.

As time marched on and the Civil War came to an end… As Tyfrondor became the new Union president. The conglomerate of Ex-Zerg forces were a mishmash of different Subraces without a home, or a culture of their own. So they were offered a small cluster of stars in honour of their service to the Union. For the blood, sweat and tears shed for making this future a possibility.

That small cluster of stars lies in the western section of the Nebula. A cluster of four stars marked the home of this new race, named in the honour of the War Minister that gave them the chance to become something so much more than they thought they could ever be. The Zemor. Their new Capital world was named Fia, a sort of homage to their previous Queen of Blades. A reminder of their past but one with a hopeful future seeing as the Ex-Queen of Blades has become an Imperial Princess after marrying Wolfric several years ago while the Civil War was still raging.

As they developed their worlds, their own lines of trade and their agriculture, the Zemor began to develop their own culture and subcultures, most being influenced by the other cultures of the Nebula. And as these new changes went on, a system of Government was devised… As it was forming, it looked to be a purely matriarchal society. Though as time went on, and Melyphis and her team introduced higher birth percentages into the genepool for males to start being born, the Zemor took on a form of Government that more resembled a Federation in how it functioned. All 8 races in the Zemor would elect a representative to sit at an elected Council that would govern the laws, judgement and progress of their people going forward from the Parliamentary building on Fia. Each Council member would hold a term of 5 years before an election can be held. And a Council member can only run for the position two times, this way there is no stagnation of power.

The decision to start introducing natural males into the Zemor races was a controversial move according to some the Valorians but ultimately the decision was with the Zemor to continue, and this matter was the first real issue that the Council had to tackle… It took three months, with 2 against and 6 for the implementation of natural males to be born into the Zemor. Come to the present day and the Council has one Male Council member so far.

The Zemor have good relations with numerous races in the nebula, though more recently they were able to gain the long overdue friendship of the Firstborn and with Zether Deinmaar, who they learned was a Dragon of Heord. Some old disputes were settled that still existed between Zether and Sieg specifically since the pair of them served together before Zether shattered the fleets of Leviathans over the broken ruins of his adoptive Daughter’s homeworld. They also became friendly with the Athailian’s early on as their government was developing, moreso with the Imperial couple Wolfric and Filia before their engagement was announced.

So what happened to the Broodmothers that paved the way for this to happen?

Melyphis remains on Heord, more specifically with Minister Tamour since she is his aide and Bodyguard. Though she does go to visit Fia along with the other Broodmothers that she helped settle into Excave before the transition over to the Union. She remains single though she would often say that she was above it, or that was married to her work. The truth of the matter was… That she was very picky about her partners despite being a woman that was easy to work with. Though that may be down to her wanting someone that challenged her.

Yajana still serves in the Union Fleet beside Mierl, her Watrike partner. Though she arose up the ranks thanks to commendations in battle against Confederates on numerous worlds. A decade later, she was now Captain of her own Ship, with Mierl serving as her First officer. Their relationship does not get in the way of their duties, with Yajana trusting her partner’s dry and logical judgement to balance her own emotional way of commanding.

Zemia, the Feisty and tomboyish one, took a leave from the Union Navy to help with the Zemor Militia Initiative. A hastily slapped together home army that was only running on the training they got during the War with the Confederacy. Thanks to her role in training up a whole Armoured Column during the war, she became the first elected Council lady of the Brayr once it was established. Not a role she would have chosen for herself but one she accepted with grace.

Xernus, the silent and calculating one, still works closely with Union Intelligence as an Officer alongside her Handler now partner. Having never faltered to stay with the Union after the war had ended. She realised that the Confederacy was not a simple one off issue for the Nebula and worked hard to make sure the security of the budding Union would not shatter so easily. Her current whereabouts are only known to the highest military bodies, naturally including Tamour and Tyfrondor.

Erika, the timid and huggably fluffy one, still remains on Proscore to this day long after the Confederate attack on the Agri world occurred. She had no desire to leave or become an officer in the Navy since she was always more of a Country oriented girl to begin with. She barely had a hostile bone in her body, unless it came to more Confederate invaders. But even there was always a reluctance for violence, but that being said she would never hesitate. She would only reflect after the fact. In time, Proscore even gained a small Zemor population that cropped up around Erika that become a big help to them.

And last but certainly not least, because she would complain about it. Sieg, the harmlessly angry one, continues to be relentlessly teased to this day by her once handler and now superior officer Aloni. The pair of them serve aboard Yajana’s ship as ship's security officers.

The Zemor, having sided with the winning side in the Iammelonian Civil War, had generally had an easier time than one might expect for a new species being integrated into Iammelon. While there was distrust of those they had fought against not too long ago initially, that distrust quickly faded as they fought alongside eachother. Tamour had vouched for the Zemor as they transitioned, but his choice to avoid Zemor-only units as they fought in the Civil War was one very tactical in nature. Having the various Zerg races directly integrated into regular Iammelonian units, or raising entire new formations like Zemia's armored column, was purposeful to create a new sense of comradery. Iammelonians were famously distrustful of outsiders and newcomers, and if the Zemor had been segregated it would've only intensified that natural inclination. But the quick integration instead had a very positive effect. Suspicion quickly died with closer interaction, new bonds were forged in battle, and acceptance came far faster than most expected. Other than Tamour, that is. The Dragon knew one thing well; Iammelonians were fearful of outsiders, but their willingness to look beyond species showed they were quite accepting of those they understood.

And in truth, Tamour had a second reason for avoiding any purely Zemor based formations. By spreading them out across the Union Navy and Army, and even a few being given over to Bazar Security (now the RSJD, Republic Security and Justice Department), he played on the fact they were in effect a newly emerging people without a home or culture. They had to serve alongside Iammelonians of all stripes so that Tamour could assure that whatever new culture did eventually emerge, it would be one he could trust to be Iammelonian. A culture that would slot in nicely with the other peoples and nations of the Nebula, to mitigate problems in the future. Iammelonians may not care about species, but they did care about culture. It was essential they see the new Zemor as an "Iammelonian-grown" people, as that would ensure long term harmony. In time, if all went well, their origins as modified former foes would simply fade into obscurity and become irrelevant.

Of course, while Tamour was the one who was effectively in charge of managing the Zemor during the war, he didn't impose too much. He did things here and there to influence the budding culture, and showed some of his quiet bias towards the "Scarletneck" cultural group that Tamour was personally partial too, but generally he let it happen organically.

And all that led up to the end of the war, when the planet now known as Fia as well as its surroundings systems were given to the Zemor as a new homeworld. The planets chosen were quite nice, hospitable ones. But they were not entirely empty. Fia when the Zemor arrived had signs of former life and civilization on it, ruined buildings and other such things. That was because it was once a minor Agriworld, but it had been cleaned of sentient life by the activities of Redmangor. The Totalitarian Communists had forcefully removed much of the planet's former population, and killed the rest, leaving Fia abandoned. The choice of world was no accident. Fia had been selected not only because it was suitable for the Zemor, but also as a symbolic choice. For their great effort, they were gifted a world that had been unjustly purged. The Zemor would inherit this Iammelonian World, in trust that they could live the prosperous life that its former inhabitants could not. And it was very much a gesture of trust, as the world had previously avoided settlement because of that history. Tyfrondor himself had chosen it for the Zemor, as a gesture of a new beginning for Iammelon as the Union took control of the Nebula, and thus accepting the Zemor as Iammelonians.

Besides the symbolism however, the Union did support the Zemor in setting up their new homes with resources and architectural experts. Importantly, building Starports on the newly colonized worlds in order to quickly ensure they were linked into the wider infrastructure of the Union. Part of a Nebula-wide effort of the Union to create new interstellar infrastructure to further connect all areas of the country. Otherwise, the experts primarily guided the Zemor to help them set up, and then let them take the lead for themselves. The new government structure for instance was entirely left up to the Zemor to decide, and the Union accepted the Federation structure when it was decided upon, making the Zemor Council an officially accepted government body.

Otherwise, Iammelon watched in interest at the newly emerging people, wondering what they would become. The Valorians were certainly disappointed as they strayed from their Matriarchal ways, but that choice was generally approved of by the rest of Iammelon. Some were especially supportive, in particular Proscore. The Proscorines hadn't forgotten the contributions made to the defense of their world, and so were particularly supportive in helping the Zemor set up. Such as happily assisting in the fields they had particular expertise in; agriculture and shipbuilding, with Proscore setting up an orbital dockyard above Fia to help facilitate trade for the planet, and the ability for them to maintain their own starships. But even their former enemies in the once-Confederate parts of Iammelon looked at the Zemor with interest, seeing an opportunity to make new friends and patch up any grudges before they settled in too deeply, although there were still those who grumbled.

As for the instrumental individuals involved with the Zemor...

Minister of War Tamour Rulcar had kept his position, and was lauded across the Nebula as a hero for leading the Union to victory in the Civil War as its highest ranking military official. But he was importantly also respected by the Ex-Confederates for a number of reasons. He had been courteous in victory, yes, but what was notable for the Confederates in particular were his origins. Tamour might have been a Dragon from Heord, but he did not really consider himself Heordal, having left the planet at a young age. Instead, he had mostly grown up and lived upon the world of Rulcan, a Scarletneck Agriworld fairly close to Avalantus. And as far as most, including himself, were concerned, Tamour was a Scarletneck. He had even changed his last name in honor of the planet that had accepted him more than his technical homeworld. Melyphis would even be one of the few people, thanks to being Tamour's aide, to hear him relapse into a Scarletneck accent from time to time when he got emotional. Still, this made him somebody who could speak with the former Confederate Scarletnecks, and he had made much progress in reconciliation and rehabilitation. His position was quite secure, and he had become a rather influential figure in Iammelon overall. Quite the advancement for the former Admiral.

Mierl stuck with Yajana. From handler, to partner, and now dutiful lieutenant. While he was not generally too opinionated on the whole matter, he was pleased with developments. He was never exactly ambitious personally, as he ascribed to the Watrike belief in duty being its own reward. But he was quite happy for Yajana being recognized and rewarded for her efforts, and he ended up rising in rank primarily thanks to his attachment with her. He continues to serve in what a Watrike would consider a dream scenario, being able to work alongside his much cherished partner aboard her new vessel. Of course, duty came first as always, but Mierl would continue to have Yajana's back.

Aloni's career trajectory didn't really change, but her service alongside Sieg was still important. As for all her teasing of her Broodmother companion, the fact Aloni and Sieg worked together quite well served as a case study for integrating Zemor into Iammelonian military units. Aloni for her service had been promoted to a Sergeant in the Iammelonian Marines. Sieg was actually also a Sergeant technically. But Aloni was a Sergeant Major, while Sieg was a First Sergeant, making Aloni technically higher ranked. A fact that she would remind the Broodmother about constantly, adding yet one more tease to her arsenal. Although her favorite would remain Sieg's interest in one of her Taurus superiors.

-

And all that led up to the modern day, with Minister of War Tamour sitting in a transport as they descended towards the surface of Fia. He had come to check up on the planet. His nominal reason for being here was to inspect Zemia's new militia, to see if it was up to the standards needed to be properly recognized as an official Planetary Guard Unit by Union standards. But in reality, he was really just here to make sure everything was going alright. Tamour had ceased being the Zemor's official caretaker for a long time now, ever since the Civil War had ended, but he couldn't quite help but feel some responsibility to make sure the species that was now named after him was doing alright. Plus it was nice to be away from Heord and Javalus, two planets he disliked, albeit for separate reasons.

Tamour was quite interested personally to see how the planet had developed since his last visit. He considered it fascinating to watch a world that was still growing and developing, creating for itself new history. A rare opportunity, and while he was no Anubite... It was still interesting to him.

The Blue Dragon had not come alone, of course. As he was technically here on official business, his staff were with him. That would naturally include Melyphis, who had proven herself quite reliable and thus valuable to Tamour. He looked over to her and decided to ask a question as the shuttle was coming in to land, "Last time I was here, Zemia was still quite prickly about her new job. But she seems to have performed rather well. Not that I expected otherwise. The other council members are less known to me. Any others among their number distinguishing themselves? Haven't managed to keep too close on eye on that side of things."

Oh getting to hear Tamour’s real accent was definitely the high point of Melyphis’s whole career up to that point. And that alone speaks volumes considering all of the very personal work she put into the Zemor project and her own contributions to safeguard Tamour during the civil war. Her contributions into Fia’s development can be seen as lacking but her duty is first and foremost to serve her boss. Besides, she trusted that her sisters have all worked very hard.

Though this was one of the rare times that she would be going to Fia, only really going twice after it was first settled. And just looking down upon the world from their transport vessel they can see just how far they’ve come in a few short years since it was settled. Fia being founded on the ruins of an Agri-world, it only seemed right that some of that legacy lives on as Fia’s infrastructure was designed around integrating nature into its cityscapes and towns. Its transport infrastructure was designed with some design elements of a Nydus network. An omni-directional Grav-rail system that connects to different layers of the Capital city. With rails being designed to support up to three trains to run on any given track at a time.

Looking down upon the world from above was oddly soothing, though even now she did not miss a beat as she picked up on Tamour’s question. A question she could easily answer. Even after everything she decided to keep some elements of his original body mixed into her new visage. Since the ‘Brayr’ have no set appearance besides a number of them choosing to look like Moth insect-humanoids. Her’s was closer to a human now, though she kept her horns and some of her chitin that spread across her arms to protect her whenever she got to go back into the lab.

Mel gave a soft smile as she too recalled her sister’s prickly acceptance of her newly gained role, oh how she whined that Xernus would be a much better pick than her… While she wasn’t entirely wrong, Zemia had the heart capable of leading more than just in war. Much unlike Xernus, who cannot stop looking for it around every corner. “Luckily for you I have kept an eye on them, Minister.” She spoke comfortably but with respect. “Amongst the Council members, all of them are rather decorated. None were chosen frivolously. Mmm… Well…” She paused as she looked at one of the dossiers she had pulled on a datapad filled with notes of hers. “Not strictly true… In typical Coralian fashion they all drew straws to see who would be the council member.”

Speaking of them. She may as well start with them. She flipped the pad onto its back and pressed a button, producing a hologram screen of the dossier for her boss. “Name: Kuuso Brak. He was a Coralian agent that teamed up with Cuthian’s often and more nefarious tricksters the Union deployed into the field for asset denial and diversions. His psych eval is disturbingly sound despite being one of our best.” Meaning that not many Coralian’s were not without their considerable personality quirks. In comparison Kuuso was silent and considerate. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t rig the game to suit his ascension. And the others didn’t care enough to call him out on it because he managed to trick them all.” She says as she softly shakes her head, she held no worry in her voice as she likely didn’t see them as a threat. But she was more annoyed that the Coralian’s were so lazy about their election process. “As a Council member, Kuuso has been working with Zemia to ensure security across our capital and colony worlds. He’s someone to watch but not worry about too much, unless his pattern of approach changes suddenly.”

“It’s no surprise that most of the Council members have a second name on their record, they’re all very accomplished…” She says as she begins to flick to the next one. As Tamour will know, an early part of their budding culture has been a custom of the Zemor to take on part of the name of someone they wish to personally honour. Like how they had chosen to honour Tamour by being called the Zemor.

The screen then changed as she flipped to the next council member. The image changes to that of a Rohan woman. One with a darker complexion while her arachnid parts sported fluffy white fur that matched her snowy hair. “Name: Daya Maxx. Served with Bazar Sec before their transition into the RSJD as a combat trauma medic. She got her second name from a private that gave her permission to use it after she saved his life… As a Council member she has been pushing for Universal health care without a charge. And given the number of people she had to treat right after becoming sentient, I can see why she would choose to do so… Currently we are operating with a hospital commission rate as our economy establishes but she’s pushing for a resolution to remove it now instead of in the next 20 years.”

The next came up, a Zeran woman with light grey fur and a horned headdress. “Name: Kina Thail. A very special case for us. She was a Zergling that defected after the war with two blades, what's more she originally went to the Firstborn before their Empress recommended her to us. Which is why she has their Imperial family name on her own. Not only that but she’s an accomplished tracker, skirmisher and interrogator. Certainly a special case… Mmm, she hasn’t done much with her time as a Council member outside of helping the next person on our list. Which isn’t surprising, the pair have fought together on afew engagements. The bond between Ultralisk and Zergling can be strong but always fleeting. It’s not uncommon to see a group of Zeran’s with just one Ultarian these days.”

The image changes once again, this time to an Ultarian. The first subrace to be uplifted. A tall and built woman, like an amazon with thin black horns adorning her head. “Name: Kresha. No honoured name. But she has a sizable service record over the war… She served in Zemia’s armoured column though, and when she wasn’t deployed it seems like she spent her off time on Proscore whenever she could. According to her file she belongs to Erika’s brood. No wonder she went there often… Apparently still does when she gets the chance. Such a diligent daughter… And just like a daughter of Erika it would appear she is working closely with the Proscorine farmers that are helping us set up our agri-facilities and Spaceports.”

“Okay. Next one.” She says swiping on the datapad to show a Hophrete woman. Light grey shifting to darker grew scales with a light brown and black stripe pattern across her body. “Name: Seffa Nix. Similarly to Daya, Seffa worked with Bazar security before it became RSJD. She worked as a marksman with them and excelled quickly. She wasn’t the top or anything, she was certainly above average though. She hasn’t seen as much action as Daya but she’s working hard to make sure that there are adequate routes for the militia to take to make sure the citizens are safe. It’s likely we’ll be seeing alot of her when it comes to the militia.”

“Next we have the Morxan council member.” She says swiping to the next dossier. Typical of a Morxan she had a human template but with some horns and strange chitin plating across the visible parts of her body. “Name: Kreea. I remember working on her, she worked as a pilot for us up until the end of the war. What’s remarkable about her is the connections she’s made, she managed to get in the good graces of afew trading companies, more specifically their freighter captains. You tend to do that when you save their ships from confee raids. She’s managed to help the trade out with some of her connections, her work as a council member has been to secure good trade routes and partners.”

“And lastly we have the Oracle council member.” She says as she swipes for the final time. A grey skinned woman with long dark brown hair and a single crimson eye, while more eyes on tendrils protruded from her back. “Name: Mayna Hex. She worked in the same unit as Xernus but as an Anti-stealth specialist before she resigned and migrated to Fia, she’s been working to secure the colonies, similar to Kusso… Both of them have been working closely but even I don’t know why they’re so buddy buddy.”

With that she closes the datapad. Looking up to Tamour now that she has answered his question. Though she did add some more information that she had in her notes. “It is unlikely we will see Daya, Kreea, Kresha or Kina here today. Since they do not have direct business with the militia. The ones we are likely to see are Zemia, Seffa, Kusso and Mayna.” She says as she watched as they started to descend into the atmosphere. It will still be afew minutes before they arrive so they still have some time to talk.

Tamour looked over to watch Melyphis scrolls through the images. He had to angle his head to look over her shoulder a little to see the comparatively small screen, but it was hardly the first time he had done this, and his eyesight was good enough to make it work. Just a bit amusing to see such a large blue Dragon looking over the shoulder like that.

They were an interesting lot, these councilors. He grunted after hearing about Kuuso, "Perhaps he is not a direct threat, but it would be a good idea to pay attention to any sort of system rigging he may be doing. He personally may be no danger, but if there are flaws in the system that can be exploited too easily, that may become a problem for Fia in the future. Best to avoid the political system getting too corrupt too quickly. So some form of standardization for the council member selection perhaps should go forward. I would prefer this Coralian apathy doesn't inadvertently cause issues for the others."

"Still, as for the rest, they generally seem to indeed be qualified. They all seem to be distinguished and mostly trustworthy. I'd like to meet all of them someday, but I am fine with the four we are likely to see. Zemia and Kuuso are the main ones I'd need to meet with soon, after all." Not to mention it would be good to find out if this Mayna one's reasons for being so close to Kuuso. If factions were forming, he wanted to keep an eye on that. And Saffa was another good one to meet. Tamour didn't like getting too involved with politics, but it was good to keep friends and allies. He already knew he could rely on Zemia, but he wouldn't mind another friend on Fia's council, and Saffa seemed quite suitable for that. The other being Kresha, but he could meet her later. Saffa would have to do for this little exercise in expanding his group of Zemour allies.

Now that he was more informed, Tamour nodded, "A good report, over all. Things seem to proceeding smoothly." As they had more time to speak, and there wasn't too much pressing to say right now, he did decide to switch into a more friendly and relaxed tone as he forwarded a different sort of question, "You were right that most of them had their honor names, for one reason or another. I am curious however if any of the Broodmothers have gotten Honor names. I am supposing Yajana is saving it for when she more officially ties the knot with Mierl..." The Minister was completely aware of that relationship, and he didn't at all care to prevent it. They were both professionals and didn't let it interfere with their work, and Yajana seemed to understand the Watrike, which overcame the other potential issue. Many were not understanding of how dedicated Watrike were to their duty, and all too often any who tried to form such a relationship with a Watrike went too fast or thought the Watrike would choose love over duty while on the job, and then trouble ensued after that. This was the usual reason intimate relationships with Watrike were discouraged, they were a special bunch. Yajana was just a fortunate exception.

"So with her, I am presuming she is waiting. How about the others? Sieg I am guessing has simply stubbornly refused to take one, but the others I can see doing it." He paused a moment to allow an answer, and then decided to smirk and throw in an extra question, "And then I am curious as to whether or not you have considered taking any honor names. You've certainly earned them time and time again, but still haven't taken one. Not found anybody worthy of it yet?" It was a more teasing question, he didn't mind if she avoided it. Although the Dragon was admittedly still curious.

Meanwhile as he asked the question, the shuttle was touching down. Tamour would prepare to get out, and wondered who might be there to meet them. The Minister also wondered when a second shuttle would arrive, as he had called in a few individuals to Fia himself for the militia initiative, but also for a secondary task. As there was something he would need them to investigate... Though that was for them to handle when they got here, for now he was focused on his own affairs.

Mel does not mind that he had to look over her shoulder, far from it. Though she did ‘forget’ that the pad she had came with a projector to display a much larger holographic image. How thoughtless of her in creating this unnecessary closeness that was now made from this. “I don’t know if there is a fundamental flaw that he has exploited… I believe most of the Coralian’s are just reluctant when it comes to holding a position of power that requires absolute responsibility. They were made to be infiltrators and tricksters, their mindsets initially reflected this at the start of the project but as seen with Kuuso some have been able to grow from this initial mindset they had. While others are still content with being nuisances wherever they go. Much to the delight of their Cuthian cousins who made his possible I’m sure.”

While she did point this out, she didn’t believe that Tamour was wrong with his suggestion. They will have to make sure that while Kuuso may not have corrupt intentions so far they need to be vigilant that other council members do not begin to harbour any sentiments of abusing their new political prestige or influence. And a standardisation of the selection process will definitely be important going forward. Especially with Coralian apathy making things difficult for them. “I suppose looking into a fix for their apathy wouldn’t be too out of the question though I wouldn’t want to mess with their nature any more than we already have. It will impede the kind of natural evolution we’re going for now.” Though she knew that if a change was drastically needed then a new project will be made to correct any grave errors that may develop in their genes.

All of this was new territory for the Zerg at the time, giving wide spread sentience to a race that’s sole purpose was to act as the sword, shield and will of an overriding will that desires nothing but annihilation was already quite the task. What she had accomplished beside Iammelon was so far outside of the Overmind’s original design for them. So everything they do is new territory. What has happened up until now has been the best case scenario, no major behavioural deviation, no unexpected mutations, no rampant personality disorders, not even resurfacing orders from their previous lives taking hold. Just remarkable individuals with some deviants popping up here and there. Such as Kuuso for instance. Melyphis did foresee a worst case scenario where these guided mutations and DNA splices would encourage some hidden coding the Overmind could have placed, since he was known for his receptive planning even while he was under the control of the Dark God but quietly rebelling. So potentially there could have been coding hidden away that would give rise to a new Overmind iteration being born. But so far none have appeared. There was no worry of that happening in the Broodmothers because they were created by the first Queen of Blades and not the Overmind. Their creation was rather black and white with their coding. The other subraces? Full of anomalies that had to be tackled.

Mel ceased her gloom and doom thinking about possible worst case deviants popping up and focussed on what Tamour was saying with a much more calm smile. She too couldn’t wait to see her sister again, since she was often too engaged in her work to set time aside to fulfil familial obligations. Though she did try to once she was reminded. “Hopefully Zemia will be able to enlighten us on when we may be able to meet some of the other members. Since I got most of this information through her, she may shed some more light on what we have to deal with.” With Zemia as their shoe in the door, they could gain the chance to make more than just allies. They could scope out potential candidates that could be elected in the next few years once the current council has fulfilled their time.

Mel watched as they slowly made their descent into orbit before she heard her boss start up a new conversation. His tone now is much more casual, which she was used to. What she wasn’t expecting was his line of questions, wondering if any of the other broodmothers had taken Honour names and rightly bringing up Yajana and Mierl. “Oh she is definitely waiting for the right time to tie that knot. She’s a very patient girl, understanding too. Though for the life of me I can’t understand her love of Mierl the stone wall. Not that I dislike him, I would if he didn’t make any efforts to reciprocate her affection. Which he does. I admire that. But I don’t understand how she adores him.” She no doubt voiced a similar lining of opinions of many in the Nebula who watch someone close to them fall in love with a Watrike. “But… I did hear that she planned to soon. A sort of anniversary surprise. That is in four months, far enough in the future that I have not had the need to mention it yet.”

“Sieg, I expect her to either cave and take Aloni’s or whoever Aloni is using to tease her closeted nature.” She says with a deeply mischievous tone. This is largely because she has been feeding Aloni ammunition on the sly to tease her sister by proxy. “Xernus, I hear she took her Anubite Handler’s name. She’s grown rather close to them since she started working with the Intel Corp. Erika actually took the honour name of Score, as in Proscore. Choosing to name herself after the planet and community that took her in instead of just one person. Zemia, I haven’t actually heard of her taking one. If she has then she hasn’t told me.”

Then the teasing began, Tamour asking if she had taken one yet. Which had Mel’s eye’s going wide and avoiding his gaze for the first few seconds after he asked as she just tried to smile and act casual. Despite the fact that her face brightened up like a street light. “Me? An honour name. I… I wouldn’t say I haven’t found someone worthy.” This schoolgirl-like shyness did not last terribly long, while different from her usual demenous he did catch her off guard. Though she did have a moment to centre herself before she could speak more calmly, her face still flush with colours of embarrassment but her tone was calm yet sentimental. “I’ve never really had the right time to ask. Though even if I did, it has been an honour in itself to work for you this past decade. My duties, my work, even just being able to spend the time off duty on occasion with you have been more than worthy of the effort I put into it. So honouring you just with part of your name seems much too little for what you have done for not just me, but my sister and the rest of the Zemour. The chance you gave us all is worth so much more than just a simple honour name.” As she finishes saying this she couldn’t stop the brightest smile from gracing her face. She has always been someone who happily shared her opinions with Tamour, but this was certainly more than the casual talks they have. She did seem glad to get these thoughts out in the open however.

Soon enough they touched down and Mel had to compose herself again from her big emotional moment. Thanks to the major terraforming efforts, Fia’s Capital City ‘Duxour’ was built on what was at one point a dry crater. Now a developing centre of their new civilisation. The Council building was made near the crater’s centre, close to what now was a waterfall leading into a deeper basen hat was connected to a sort of Undercity for the more nocturnal residents like the Rohan, Zeran and Oracle.

Once the shuttle bay doors opened up, there was a small procession waiting for them on the landing pad mostly made of Ultarian and Zeran with other races here and there. Tamour would see that the militia was using refurbished excave gear that they were given during the Civil War. Which made sense since they lacked the kind of infrastructure needed to fabricate their own weapons and armour.

Leading this band of armed greeters was someone Tamour wanted to see. But not the Broodmother. It was Kuuso, dressed in the same attire that was featured in his dossier. Standing there with his hands behind his back, waiting for them to exit the shuttle before he offered a small bow. Kuuso’s voice was deep and gritty, like verbal gravel, but it had a strange smoothness to it as he spoke in a calm manner. “Minister Tamour, welcome to Duxour. I have been asked to greet you in place of your aide’s sister. Councillor Zemia has encountered a small emergency and needed a stand-in.” It was almost unnerving how respectful he was for being a member of a race who was designed for chaotic pranks and subterfuge.

Mel was certainly worried by this sudden news, and alittle disappointed she didn’t hear about this from her sister herself but this was still a good opportunity to get to see just what kind of being Kuuso was. “Is she alright?”

“Of course.” Answered the Shapeshifter. “It was just a small issue in regards to scuffle one of her personal guards got into with a Taurus. I do hope you aren’t too disappointed that I am greeting you instead of her, miss Melyphis.”

“I am, but only slightly. The matter is understandable as to why she couldn’t come.” She replied candidly, which seemed to surprise the Shapeshifter as his face slightly snapped up to look at her. A soft yet delighted chuckle did rumble from him as he stood up now from his bow. “I had heard you don’t sugar coat things from Miss Zemia. I’m pleasantly surprised that she was right.”

“My sister does tend to exaggerate events for a better story. But I love that about her.” She says in response, finding it hard to pin down a read on him. He was hard to gauge because of his calm and measured way of speaking. Using just a single tone throughout the whole conversation, even after being surprised.

“Indeed, Zemia certainly has plenty of tales to tell during the council meetings. Now-” He turns his attention fully to the Dragon minister, bowing properly. -A more sincere greeting. My apologies for making you wait as I talked with your aide. I was just curious about walking to the one who worked on me and gave me this spark of life. I understand it is your first time on Fia, Minister. I hope you will enjoy your time here.”

Tamour gave a grunt but he couldn't quite disagree with her point on natural evolution, "Yes, relying too heavily on genetic modification will just impede what progress we have made thus far. So a different solution to their apathy must be found, perhaps some way to get the Coralians to engage more enthusiastically? Maybe we might want to bring in a Cuthian... Hmph, that's for later I suppose." There were many challenges indeed to bringing sentience to the Zemour, but it had gone better than most had expected. They had successfully made a species built for destruction into one that could build something to last. They just had to be careful, there were definitely dangers in play. For while Tamour knew little of the various previous entities that controlled the former Zerg, most of them hadn't exactly been pleasant.

The Blue Dragon couldn't help but chuckle at Mel's words on Mierl, "Aye, that's something I can agree with, can't quite see it myself either, but whatever makes her happy." He paused for a moment as a little Scarletneck had slipped through, and he pushed that back down to restore his trained voice, "Can't let that slip on Fia... In any case, that should be a fun event in the coming months. But it is indeed far enough away to not be a present concern. As for the others, they all make sense. Erika's in particular makes me happy, reminds me of my own 'honor name'. It is good to see that Proscore has treated her well enough that she is blending in with them. I would not be surprised to hear her pick up the accent and the culture in a few years time, if my own history is any indication. And while those Proscorines do have their heads a bit too far in the stars for my tastes, I consider that a plus all the same."

"Sounds to me then you have focused more on work and simply didn't think on such concepts as names." He then smiled widely, "But I appreciate your words. I am glad you find value in working under me, Melyphis. I suppose then the matter of names will simply have to wait until you find a better name to work with! Otherwise, perhaps after we are done with business here and we find more mutual free time, we can spend more time together as friends. You've never been to Rulcan before, so it could be fun to show you my adopted homeworld. I can show off my sheriff's badge as well!" Tamour was happy to see Mel voicing these thoughts, he did want to make sure she was getting something for herself out of all of this after all.

In any case, as the shuttle doors opened, Tamour recomposed himself as he stepped out into Duxour. He glanced around a bit, and did smile at the terraforming efforts. It was fitting they'd need to do so, as even if the planet was habitable, they had a variety of races to care for so some work there would be required. And then he looked to his greeters. The militia were as he expected, but Kuuso was about as strange as he expected too. The formality was very odd from one of his type, as all those Tamour had known were never quite so respectful. He could get some respect out of them thanks to his rank and standing with the Zemour overall, but their chaos was never fully muzzled. The fact Kuuso was now the one exception was certainly a bit unnerving.

All the same, he had come ready to deal with an abnormal Coralian, that was the benefit of seeing the dossier ahead of time. So he maintained his composure and gave a nod of his head in greeting to the councilor, "I take no offense. The matter of standing in for Zemia was enough to allow a small detraction. Not to mention your curiosity is quite understandable." He spoke back respectfully, he wasn't one to lord over others with his rank, especially not the Zemour. "This is indeed my first proper visit to Fia, I haven't had the opportunity before to see it for myself. It is good to see Duxour's construction is progressing smoothly. So I am looking forward to seeing more of it."

"But onto important matters first. Even if Zemia is not currently present, I would like to get to inspecting the militia here, and finding out what they may need. I would like to see the militia headquarters, and obtain access to the more hard-data in terms of logistics for the militia. I am here to access their quality, but I would also like to see for myself what might be lacking in terms of equipment or knowhow." He then paused, and decided he might as well mention this to Kuuso, "In addition, myself and Melyphis will not be the only ones here today. Arriving soon shall be a different group here for a separate matter and investigation. There will about three of them in the group. I'd like for quarters to be arranged for them, but I also tell you this because this group will likely need to speak with you and Councilor Seffa in regards to their investigation. They can fill you in then. For now, I desire to focus on my own reason for being here."

Hearing Tamour speak to him respectfully, as if rank did not matter, it was honestly refreshing. And his attitude about his abnormality was doubly so. Though he knew that he had been briefed on it, likely by his aide. “You should have seen it when they started to set up the capital, it was like a host of floating carnival tents and wooden walkways. It was nice. Though the state it’s in now is a definite improvement.” This would have been only a couple of years ago at this point. Duxour has gone through some radical stages of development over the years. From the aforementioned host of floating tents and walkways to the bustling city it is now. Tamour has likely seen images of the different stages of the city's development as it went on.

He then brought up the Militia and their HQ. Which wasn’t out of the question. That was why they were both here, and it has been one of the major subjects that the council has been dealing with as Fia and her colonies have been developing. “Of course, the HQ. We ordained to have the HQ built at the city centre. With 7 precinct’s built across different parts of the city to ensure coverage. From here we face only a short walk. Only 5 minutes.”

“You’ve set up multiple precincts?” Curiously asked Melyphis.

Kusso naturally nodded as he placed his hands behind his back. “It was my idea when we started to draw up the city plans. This way there is a natural radius of threat response that won’t have to be hours away. No matter how much the city grows. A similar plan is implemented in the colonies.”

“... Not a bad idea.” Said Melyphis. The idea certainly had its obvious merits when creating a developing city. A fast response time is certainly something you want from law enforcement.

“Thank you, Doctor Mel.” Said the Shapeshifter.

“Oh, pfft. I don’t have a medical licence yet. I may have a sophisticated understanding on par with most geneticists in the nebula but I don’t have the right to call myself that yet.” She says as she not so casually flicks the snowy white hair from her eyes.

“... How incredibly humble of you. Doctor Melyphis.” Said the Shapeshifter. Remarkably saying something that resembled a joke. Which Melyphis did not find funny by the look on her face.

The mention of additional arrivals did seem to puzzle the Coralian. The three large blue lines on his face seemed to enlarge, like pupils being exposed to darkness to let in more light. “Another group? Well additional quarters are easy enough to draw up.” The Shapeshifter looks into his entourage and picks out one of them. A Zeran. “Inform the front desk to prepare another suite with three bedrooms.” The Zeran trooper salutes the Councillor and takes off across the landing pad and across a bridge to head into the Council Building. Leaving Kusso to look back to Tamour and Melyphis.
”Shall I prepare an alternative guide for you, Minister Tamour? I would not want to have our tour interrupted and myself pulled away while we are in the middle of a discussion.”

Mel brought her gaze back to her Blue Dragon boss before she started with her opinion before he gave his own. “I don’t think a change in guide will be necessary. Once we get to the HQ we only need to see Seffa. And anyone that can tell us about the Militia’s equipment needs. We would only need someone qualified enough to see us there and give us the clearance we need.”

Hearing this, Kusso does take a moment to think about her point. “I can send someone along with you and you can meet with Seffa at the militia HQ. Seeing as she spends most of her time there.”

The mention of the floating carnival tents made Tamour chuckle a bit. He had indeed seen the images from the early days, as he kept a much closer eye on the developments within Fia during its first couple of months. That was the point of highest risk and greatest uncertainty. But it seemed everything had gone well, hence why he was then more willing to not worry quite as much. He certainly agreed that the present state of Duxour was a great improvement, however. It was nice to see the Zemour living in proper homes, after all.

The mention of the precincts drew a smile from Tamour, who listened to the explanation from Kuuso. He gave a nod of approval, "A good way to organize the local law enforcement. With the present lack of high tech infrastructure, moving even within the city limits at a rapid pace would be difficult. It was quite wise to account for that ahead of time, rather than needing to add it in later. Certainly would've appreciated that sort of coverage in my time as sheriff..." Then again, it never really was an issue for him on Rulcan, given that he was a Dragon and could fly at rapid speeds. His own personal response time was thus quite good. But he knew that was a special situation, and Kuuso's multiple precincts from an early stage would be a good way to handle things for Fia.

"Thus from the sounds of things, organization seems to be just fine. Just to help with the problem however, I'll see about getting some aircraft and vehicles transferred here of the law enforcement variety. This way the surplus military vehicles can go to the militia proper." He added.

Following the mention of an alternative guide, Tamour let Melyphis speak her point first. He nodded in agreement with her, adding his own opinion now, "I can agree with that. If you wish to wait for the next group, another guide to take us to the militia HQ would be acceptable. So long as it is somebody who can get us to Seffa and show us around where we must inspect, it will be quite acceptable. And... Ah, I suppose this was the wise choice. The next group has finally shown themselves."

He gestured up towards the sky, where another shuttle was coming in to land. After touching down, it took only a few seconds for its backdoor to open and a ramp to extend out, allowing those within to exit. Leading the group was a Human wearing the apparel of a Union Naval Officer. She walked with her hands behind her back, in a stern fashion befitting of an officer, but the smile on her betrayed the fact she was in a good mood. The second to follow was a large Taurus in a scout's uniform. He had a large gun slung over his shoulder, and glanced around at his environment with an inquisitive eye. The final one to exit was an Anubite with red hair, certainly an oddity for her kind. And by the rest of her attire, she certainly wasn't a proper Tombuiorn Anubite. Not to mention her bright red eyes, also not a common feature for an Anubite. She strode confidently, but kept to the back of the group, not interest in taking up the spotlight.

The Human Officer walked up and gave Tamour a formal salute, "Reporting in, Minister! Apologies for the delay, there was some difficulty with the shuttle and the mechanics wanted to clear it first before coming down."

Tamour waved a paw dismissively, "At ease, Captain. We aren't aboard a ship, no need for that." He then looked to Kuuso while gesturing towards the new arrivals, "And this will be the second team. Councillor, meet Captain Kadra Rikan, the officer I assigned to handle her team's investigation. The Taurus is Dephmis Rjax, a Union Army Ranger, and the Anubite is Doctor Verji Zakhet, a researcher of psionics in applied to biology. All three were in fact present at Duxton, and have experience relevant to the mission at hand. I shall let the Captain inform you of the relevant details."

Kadra nodded to Tamour and let her arm drop from the salute, and she looked to Kuuso with a smile, "Well met, Councilor. You must be Kuuso, I've heard about you! Just the one I need to speak with to get my investigation moving. But, uhm..." She moved in a bit closer, leaning in to speak more quietly, "It would be better to discuss this matter in a more secure area. It's important to keep this under wraps."

Kuuso gave a soft nod to the Minister’s kind words. “I cannot take all of the credit for the idea. It was something the council came to after some reflection and reviewing other civilisations and how they handle law enforcement.” Even as a whole new race, they seemed to still embody the only worthwhile aspect the Zerg had besides their tenacity. The utilisation of other races’ traits. “Though some aircraft and additional vehicles would certainly help. Our Morxan militiamen will be happy for the chance to pilot something again.”

Once Tamour had given his piece on the matter of an alternative guide, he did look back into his entourage for a moment before the sounds of a shuttle closing in met his ear. He looked back to see the shuttle with the net group in its land before watching them all get off. Kuuso swept his gaze over the new arrivals. Then there was the Anubite that especially stood out to him but he couldn’t gather what her purpose was just yet. Or why there was a Taurus in scout armour here… It was a very odd group.

That was before Tamour gave a formal introduction. Noting that he Anubite was a doctor that handled Psionics in applied to biology. Certainly a worthy field to have at your side when dealing with the Zemour. Kuuso gave a bow to the team. “A pleasure. Welcome to Fia, Captain Rikan, Ranger Rjax and Dr Zakhet. All of you served during the attack on Duxton… I wonder if we met in my past life.” He says before the Captain begins to talk to him.

“Ah. Only good things I hope.” He says in answer to her saying that she had heard alot about him. That was when she asked for a more private place to get their investigation moving. He gave a soft nod before he turned to one of the accompanying Militia. And singling out one of the Ultarian’s. “Lieutenant Keera. Please accompany the Minister and his Aide to the Militia HQ. The rest of you may return to your standard duties.” He says before looking back at the Captain and her group. “If you follow me inside the Council Building we can talk privately in my office.” Kuuso looked back at the Minister and Mel.

“I will have to leave the both of you now. But the good Lieutenant will see you both to the HQ, she has the necessary clearance too. Until our paths cross again.” Kuuso gave a respectable bow to both of them before he started to lead the good Captain and her team inside the council building.

The inside of the Council building started with a large atrium after an entryway with a front desk. Mostly the kind of people who come through here are either people working for a Council member, help with the daily administration work, or work on the numerous renovations the building is undergoing. From the redecoration of rooms, revamping the computer systems and making adjustments to the Councils main chamber. In the atrium on the west and east walls were elevator doors that would lead to the other floors. Right now the building has 10 floors.

Kuuso led the three of them to one of the elevators, each being large enough to hold 5 Ultarians which are roughly equal to Taurus. Perfectly capable of holding their weight. They travelled straight up to the 10th floor. Top floor was where all the Councillors had their offices, along with security checkpoints and meeting rooms.

The three of them were checked through a checkpoint before Kuuso’s office. Though once they were inside Kuuso’s office the councillor moved over to his desk to sit down and motions for them all to take a seat at their leisure. One of the seats being more than large enough to handle the Taurus scout. “We should be more than safe enough to talk. Would any of you care for something to drink? There’s a small bar up the steps by the circle window.”

- - - - -

The Ultarian Lieutenant saluted Minister Tamour and his Aide as Kuuso and the second team began to head into the Council Building. “Minister Tamour. Miss Melyphis. I’ll lead you to militia HQ now if you’re ready to go.” With their answer, the Ultarian would begin to lead them away from the landing pad and across the bridge to start heading into the city.

Just as Kuuso said, the walk to the city centre was only a 5 minute walk. But the Lieutenant still engaged in conversation to pass the time as they passed over the bridge and entered the city centre. Bustling with so many different examples of the Subraces that make up the Zemour. “You’ve come at an interesting time Minister, with the harvest festival being held in 3 days. Apparently Mother Erika will be coming.” As they passed through the streets they could see that the Zemour were adjusting well to the mixed bag that came with civilian life. Though it largely helped that most of the newer generations found and converted in the wake of the civil war did not have to be born into military service.
“Wait really?” Curiously asked Melyphis, seemingly out of the loop for this little tidbit.

“Oh yes. Councillor Zemia made a point of it during the last council address to the public.” Replied the Ultarian soldier.

Tamour could certainly understand that the Morxans would be particularly happy with some aircraft. That was what they had been bred for, after all. Perhaps he would need to think about setting up some sort of recreational service for the pilots, to keep their skills up but also to help their built in trend towards that. Or perhaps some sort of apprenticeship program for them to move into piloting cargo freighters in their civilian lives? He’d have to give that idea to Melyphis or Zemia, see if there was any merit to it.

In any case, Tamour had no objections to the Lieutenant taking the reigns of guiding them. He nodded his head to Kuuso, “Indeed, until we meet again, Councilor Kuuso. Thank you again. And good luck with what you are now involved in.” With that, he departed along with Melyphis and Lieutenant Keera, and so entered a different strand of fate.

Meanwhile, the Captain gave a nod to Kuuso, "An office will do. Lead the way, councilor." With that, the odd band of three would go with Kuuso to the Council Building, with Rikan leading the three, and along the way she quickly gave a comment, "It's unlikely we ever met before, I was still in the navy. The most of your kind I would have seen were former Mutalisks, and I certainly saw a lot of those. Rjax would've been more likely to see you, though whether or not he'd remember is a different story..." The Taurus rolled his eyes, but did not contest the statement.

Inside the building, Dr. Zakhet seemed the most interested in the architecture while the other two didn't pay it much heed. Such things did tend to grab the interest of Anubites more than anybody else. Although Rjax enjoyed the fact that he fit in just fine, and didn't have to crouch.

Rikan and Zakhet happily took their seats within the office, although Rjax preferred to stay standing. When Kuuso made his offer however, Rjax nodded, "Yeah, drinks are nice. Since I'm already standing, I'll get them. Hey, you two. Rikan?" The Captain shook her head, declining the offer, and so the Taurus turned his attention to Zakhet, who simply nodded her head. Rjax seemed to understand what she wanted and gave his own affirmative nod, "Same as usual. How about you, councilor? Want anything?"

The Taurus was already heading over to the small bar, and if Kuuso did take him up on it he would make sure to grab something for him as well. But while the Taurus was busy with that, Rikan settled into her seat, and looked to the Councilor, "Since it's important, let's get right into why me and my team are here. We're hunting an extremely dangerous individual, possibly multiple individuals, who we believe have taken up residence on Fia. Not within Duxour, but in some of the yet to be colonized areas of the planet. My team consists of people suited for our hunt. As for what we are hunting... Zakhet?"

The Anubite scientist smiled, and she spoke for the first time since they'd arrived in her serene voice, "As you are likely aware, Councilor, in the aftermath of Duxton Excave forces managed to capture a great number of Zerg, who are the foundation of your modern Zemour. And the modern five Brayr come from the Broodmothers we kept. The problem comes that during the surprise attack on Proscore... We lost the other four Broodmothers we had to a mysterious assailant. I bring this up because our target here is, if we are correct, is at least one of those four missing Broodmothers. Potentially multiple, if not all four. The trail we have followed is a rough one, but we are quite certain at least one of them has been brought here."

Rikan spoke up now, "Our mission is simple. We intend to track our lead, find the missing Broodmother, and capture them alive. We do not expect them to be alone, so we also intend to capture any other individuals of note who may be there with them. Even if only one is here, they can serve as an important clue to tracking down the others. Finally tying up that loose end, and learning their fates. If we're lucky, we can save them. And if there is a threat, we need to dispose of it sooner rather than later. I do not want to have to face the Zerg again as foes."

"And based on what I have found out from the trail of bodies we are following..." continued Zakhet, who had now taken out a dataslate and was typing away on it, "We're absolutely dealing with somebody who wants to play with the Swarm. Rjax, while a bit of an oaf, is a good tracker, and he's led us through a number of deepspace labs, in which I've found signs of experiments. Somebody trying to make their own strains of the prominent species... Specifically the ones that the Zemour are evolutions of. And now they are here. So based on all of that, we have good reason to believe there is an active threat to Fia." She then offered her dataslate to Kuuso, "If you'd like, you can read up on some of their strange experiments. They're too strange to be that of the Broodmother on her own, that's why we've crossed out the possibility of this merely being one rogue Brayr. And yet, not the work of some amateur either. Just somebody... eccentric."

- - -

As Tamour followed the Lieutenant, he kept looking out over the city. Different from home, that was for sure. He could certainly sees the signs of soldiers trying to find their way as civilians. He understood that well. A lot of his life had been fighting, be it against pirates, in true war, or simply the fight against the wild as it was in his childhood. With so much conflict in his life, it was hard to adjust to peace. Sure, he took breaks from the life of the warrior, as a simple inhabitant on Rulcan. But he never stayed. He kept moving, constantly seeking new fights. Battle gave the warrior purpose. He was sure many of those Zemour would understand that too now.

He snapped out of those thoughts however when the festival and Erika was mentioned. He gave a smirk when he noticed that Melyphis clearly didn't know this, chuckling, "Really now? A harvest festival sounds lovely! Good to hear that Erika is visiting from Proscore as well. Perhaps she'll take the chance to bring some of her own harvest from the farms there. That would make for a festive time." He then leaned in further towards Melyphis, with a smirk on his face, "Fascinating too that this was even mentioned in a council address, and yet still did not reach my desk. Something I'd have liked to hear about since it lines up with my trip so well. How interesting it fell through the cracks, hmmmm?"

Deciding to lay off the none-too-subtle teasing at his assistant, Tamour retracted his head and looked back to their Ultarian Guide, "I could not help but notice. You called Erika 'mother'. Are you of Erika's brood, Lieutenant Keera? I'll admit I do have an interest in learning how each of the broods have acclimated to Fia. I know much of Erika's are on Proscore." It was a topic of interest to him, and one that could fill in the last bits of the trip to the city center precinct.

After departing from the Minister’s side to begin travelling, there was a slight look of confusion on the Councillor’s face as he looked to the Team’s scout. Assessing the man before a slight shake of his head came with his well mannered and cordial way of walking with both hands clasped behind his back as he walked. “No… I believe I would have a better chance of meeting you Captain. We Corelian’s are descended from Changelings, so we are psionic infiltrators… Assassins and Spies if you will. The only way I would have met Rjax…” Again he peers back over his shoulder to the towering Scout, his eyes narrowing with beady black pupils being barely visible in the sea of blue of his three eyes that take up the whole of face. “... Is if he was there to stop my attempt on someone's life. As was my job. And is coincidentally how I was brought in. Aboard one of your vessels.” He says before turning around to keep walking into the Council building.

The Councillor saw no need to not be candid with his past life as he knows he has made certain strides since he became what he is now. An upstanding, if unorthodox and unsettling, member of the Iammelon Union. “Though none of you have sparked any memories. Alas, perhaps I may never meet my captor. The one responsible for giving me this wonderful life. How tragic.” His tone through the conversation was still as monotone as when he bagin, but his inflections changed to try and show some emotion. Give some intent to his words to get across that he does wish to find the person that foiled his mission to assassinate someone.

Once they were inside his office the Councillor took his seat behind his desk and settled in, hands clasped against the metallic surface of his desk as he crossed one leg over the other, leaning back into the blackened leather of his seat as it creaked its aged jointed in protest to his posture.

As Rjax asked if he wanted anything he mulled it over, his eyes individually shifting back and forth of a will seemingly all their own before he gave a firm nod. “Very well. I see no reason not to. There is a large rounded bottle with hexagonal detailing on the glass on the bottom shelf… It has a blue ribbon around the neck with ‘Thullian Brandy’ written on it. It is… Of Firstborn make, vintage is about 20 years. I understand that was when they first declared their territory their own.”

Rjax was able to see a good number of bottles in the large rectangular cabinet under the circular window. The interior was refrigerated to keep everything inside nice and chilled. There was a brand of just about every alcoholic drink in the Nebula, and afew from beyond, on the shelf, some of which appeared completely untouched. There are 7 bottles out of the collection that have been touched… Including the bottle the Councillor just mentioned. Which was about half full, it appears to be his favourite seeing as the bottle was a rather generous 3 litres in measurement.

As he waited for a glass his gaze shifted back to the Captain and the Doctor next to him, the curious Anubite, as they brought up their business here. As their explanation continued to unfold there was of unease as it would appear he has not been doing a good enough job at what he has been trying to accomplish. Understandable given the relative newness of the Zemour people and obviously himself… But he was more than capable of seeing something like this. So why didn’t he?

“The missing Broodmothers…” He quietly parroted to himself as his narrowed pupils looked more cracked and wild. The blue hue of the iris gained a slight green hue the deeper he grew more thoughtful. “Odd then… That my Mother, Xernus, isn’t here on the same trail as all of you. This is something she would have picked up on. Perhaps she’s following a different threat then. Or…” Kuuso seems to trail off after a moment, going silent.

He continued to listen to the rest of their mission here. Already his mind was ravaged with possibilities, this galaxy was too full of ambitious foo-... Ambitious folks who would use the Zerg to their own ends. But their list was more than easy to narrow down for races, factions, individuals with the ability to twist the Zerg in new and unhinged ways. There was a Psion Scientist who had his attention that was capable of this but he understood that he was the solitary type. Not someone who would needlessly stick their neck out unless it was for the sake of progress.

Kuuso’s eyes focussed, losing their wild appearance to the bland and blank ocean blue colour they were at the start of the conversation. “Live Captures… Is preferable. Though if you correct, I doubt they are in any state of mind to listen to us.” He says as he accepts the dataslate that Rikan was offering him, as he looks through what they have already gathered. “It is thinking like that that allowed the Swarm to overwhelm Duxton and a good 8 other solar systems. And exactly how I got to the bridge of a vessel before being stopped.” He says as he peered up to Rikan before he looked back down to the experiments. “The Broodmother’s were made to be cunning, adaptive, independent, resourceful… Ruthlessly efficient in their conflicts. Give them an inch and they will take a continent. It is never wise to rule out their ingenuity just because the Brayr are the next step up from them.”

As he looked over the evidence. Kuuso will likely come to the conclusion and have to admit that some of the work here was more than just one Broodmother was capable of. Well… Unless Seig was one of these Broodmothers at large that is. He felt that the ancient Broodmother was somewhat underestimated given her… Bloody track record.

The idea of someone concocting their own Zerg Strains was not feasible. This team had hard evidence of that… But with adaptation and mutation comes risks. The fact they were focussing on the specific descendants of the Zemour to create new strains was suspect. Especially his own decadent base. Who would try to create a new strain for Changelings?

Once more he sat back, chair groaning in protest, with his hands retreating into his lap and linking his fingers together. Thumbs fidgeting while he thoughtfully stared into the ceiling bearing some local constellations embroidered into it. “Their reasons for coming here could be many. To test the Zemour against their work. To simply infest the world as revenge for what the Swarm has become under the Union… We could be seen as a bastardisation if seen under a certain lens… Perhaps they wish to acquire the specialised mutations we possess for their own works. To take a shortcut to sentience. Since the process for us was difficult and strenuous. Or perhaps it's just a feint. They know you’ve been following and Fia’s is a decoy to throw you from the trail…” There were more. So many more ideas of what this could all mean. But the few he presented held the most cohesion given the evidence and possible motives of those involved. “Either way. I cannot ignore this. The Council cannot ignore this. Whoever is using these broodmothers to create their own War engine in the Swarm need to be stopped. Another Swarm cannot rise, especially not after the Zemour have only just really started to work on erasing that violent past of ours… I shall help however I can in your investigation. Even Personally.”

- - - - -

Tamour could certainly see the clumsy awkwardness of soldiers trying to settle into lives not meant for them. Only that it was worse for them, Zerg were not meant for anything else other than the endless war they were made for. It was easy to see in some, but in others the vacant stare of people droning through the motions wasn’t as easy to see. There were people genuinely loving and living in the now, in the new lives that they have been given. It was easiest to see in the Zervan as they moved through the city centre. Ironically the most short lived of the Zerg species before their big uplifting from Zergling to Zervan. They seemed to be the most well adjusted, but also the most carefree outside of the Corelians.

Tamour’s sly accusations elicited a sharp inhalation, a gasp of ever so slight shock from Melyphis. “I don’t know what to say. I suppose even I am capable of making such a rookie mistake now and again. How very unlike me.” She says in such a mock surprised tone as she just so happened to be unable to meet her boss’s gaze as he had moved his head to look at her. This was very much her doing.

The Lieutenant gave a rather hearty nod to the Minister as he asked if she was part of Erika’s brood. Seeing no reason to really hide it, her accent shifted to something that held a proscore hue to it. “Aye Minister, that is the case. I was a first generation Ultralisk she made to defend her Hive. I was still steadfast in my duty right up until a capture team seized our hive. I joined up with the Militia cause I felt like I still had a calling for protecting others. You won’t find many of her Brood in the militia, or on Fia for that matter almost all of them followed her to Proscore. Most Broods follow in the footsteps of their mothers. Though Xernus’s Brood are understandably grounded here on Fia since their mother has a tendency to vanish into thin air.” She remarks in a joking tone. Though what she says wasn’t exactly wrong either. Xernus’s wk with Iammelon Intelligence meant that she seldom had time to catch up with her Brood. Especially now that most of her Brood had become pranksters and Psionic tricksters that did not mirror her style. Though she may still like one of her children at least. Kuuso seems to take after his brooding mother an awful lot. “As I understand it, much of Yajana’s brood served with her on her ship. Under her and Mierl’s command. And Fia’s militia is certainly made up of almost all Zemia’s brood. And your aide didn’t have a brood of her own as I understand it. Right?”

“That is mostly correct, yes. I was designed to understand sentient civilisations and see in them the possibility of possible adaptations and mutations we could incorporate into the swarm. I was told not to create a brood of my own… But… I won’t say I didn’t break that rule once or twice for the sake of protecting myself.” Mel clarified as she answered Keera’s question. “Though they are all gone. Sacrificed for my safety and continued longevity until I came into the Union’s service.” This was not something she spoke of often, but she had confessed such to Tamour after the Civil War was over. She did not want to continue keeping so many secrets from Tamour after all. She wanted to be trusted for genuine reasons other than just the goodwill that she has been shown.

As he peered toward the Scout, the Scout in turn simply shrugged. Rjax didn't seem to deny the possibility however. His glance only temporarily, but tellingly, flicked to Zakhet before he just sauntered on normally.

Rjax, calmly just retrieving the drinks as the conversation went on, grabbed the Thullian Brandy that Kuuso pointed out. He looked it over for a moment, as it wasn't a drink he recognized, but shrugged and happily took the bottle. He then searched out the other two bottles he would need, and smiled as he located them. The first he grabbed was one of the larger bottles in there, that of Minos Whiskey. A strong drink even by Taurus standards, it was particularly potent so it could tickle the senses of the larger and more powerful species of the Nebula. Not something suitable for Humans. But it was good for Taurus, and the Ultarians would likely enjoy it as well given their similar circumstances. The other drink he grabbed was something more mild, Javalusian Green Wine, which was rather light as far as alcohol went. Fitting for a Javalusian, who wouldn't want to get drunk during an important meeting and accidentally say more than they meant to say. Still tasted quite nice.

Bringing back the drinks, the Taurus laid out the bottles in front of each of the ones who requested it, including himself, including glasses he got from the bar, "Alright, here ye go. Never seen that brandy before, how is it? Smells weird."

On the mention of Xernus, Captain Rikan sighed and nodded, "She is following something else, a second trail actually. You see, we are not completely sure our target is actually on Fia. There are several other possibilities, as our prey is elusive. Xernus as well as other elements of the RSJD and Union Naval Intelligence are pursuing these other ones. Places that need more... discretion, as some of them are not within Iammelon's borders. Xernus was entrusted with one of those more delicate operations that are occurring without the permission or knowledge of the local governments. All important places, but still... I personally believe Fia is the real destination. Maybe it is a faint, it certainly feels like one, but my gut says this is the real deal."

"As for ingenuity, I don't disagree there, I learned the hard way on Duxton. But when I say these modifications are irregular, I do mean it." Rikan's point would be proven as Kuuso read the dataslate. Inside were a number of reports written on investigations into the remnants of experiments within multiple hidden labs across Iammelon. Notably, all of these reports were written by one Dr. Zakhet.

The contents were odd, as while many of the experiments were quite simple tests, like small modifications to strength or stamina in the Zerg bioforms. But then came the more interesting ones. One was a strange form of Mutalisk which lacked a glaive, but instead used Hydralisk Spines. A form of Zergling that spewed acid from its mouth. Or an Ultralisk that could breathe fire. These were under the category Zakhet marked as "dangerous experiments".

Then there was the category for "Odd Experiments". In here, Kuuso would get to see reports detailing such wonderful experiments as an Overseer which did not have an eye, but instead a single really big ear  to listen with great precision, a Changeling who's only ability to change was into a white plastic chair with great accuracy, a bright pink Zergling, a Hydralisk which had googly eyes and could spit water, a Mutalisk which shot healing fluid instead of attacking (Zakhet marked this as both strange and useful), and finally an Ultralisk morph which glowed green and would run at the enemy to explode like an oversized Baneling. Among many other very strange ideas that were being used, without any regard at all for potential usefulness. Though it seemed most of the experiments were at least on base form Zerg, rather than Zemour. But as they said, it only consisted of Zerg lifeforms the Zemour were based on. And despite the oddity, Zakhet's notes mentioned that these forms were quite expertly designed. None of this was accident, it was all very intentional.

Zakhet herself spoke up after Kuuso finished reading, "In truth, I am unsure this is even a war machine. While many of these experiments are definitely dangerous and have combat potential, others are downright pointless. It feels less like somebody with a specific grudge against the Zerg, and more a creature playing God to see what the Zerg can do. Still, no reason to take this lightly. Such a creature is still all too likely to threaten the Zemour. Perhaps for no other purpose than to play a game, or test their creations. And just because they aren't making a war machine now, it doesn't mean they won't in the future. Maybe they'll make another Swarm, just to prove a damn point." The Anubite frowned at that possibility, clearly not a fan of the idea.

Rikan however smiled at Kuuso, "I am glad to hear that, Councilor. We are taking this very seriously, and having your Council's support is most appreciated. And if you wish to chip in personally... We actually have a place we intend to head soon. Rjax?" The Human looked over at the Taurus.

Finishing his glass of whiskey, the Taurus glanced up. Then he realized she was asking him to speak, and he nodded, "Ah, right. Alright, so based on some maps I discovered in the last lab we raided, we found some geographical scans. No labels or nothing, just pictures really. But judging from the direction a ship had departed from the station, along with a quick look over at topographical maps of planets that fit the bill, I came to the conclusion that the maps pointed to a batch of foothills. Out west from here." The Taurus helpfully gestured to the west, "Close enough to saunter over there on foot, actually. Anyways my guess is that if they set up a lab here, it'll be over yonder. Might be an undiscovered cavern or something. Makes it weirder that we detected nothing in early scans, or that none of you folks here noticed anything, but I still reckon it's worth checking out. This feller is pretty strange after all."

- - - - -

The Blue Dragon couldn't help but chuckle at Melyphis's hardly disguised response. Seemed that this was meant to be a surprise then. So he couldn't help but comment again, "Very unlike you indeed. Well, I suppose it is thanks to this Lieutenant that your mistake was brought to my attention. If she hadn't mentioned that, why I could've been surprised by this festival as it happened. I am certain that was not the intent, so I shall just have to forgive your mistake for now." Of course now he was curious if there were other surprises in store, but it would only be sporting of him to find out later.

With the accent teeming through now, Tamour had to smirk. Seems he wasn't the only one hiding an adopted accent. He nodded at the Lieutenant, "Understandable that each of the Broods would generally follow in the steps of their mothers. And you are correct that Melyphis never had a full Brood of her own, at least not during her service with me. Nor did I ask her to do at any point. That is a choice for her to make."

He then turned back to his assistant and smiled, deciding to try and uplift her, "I would say that you ended up doing that job quite well. After all it was you who, after seeing Yajana successfully working with us, convinced the other Broodmothers to accept my offer of joining Iammelon. Leading to the adaptations and mutations used upon the Zerg we had to create the Zemour. A final set of mutations that ended the Swarm, and reformed your kind into something new. As such, I would say you hit all the points in your design criteria. And given that this duty is finished... The rule no longer applies. It is entirely up to you if you wish to have something of your own one day, Melyphis. You've earned that choice, should you want it. I trust you well enough to leave that decision in your hands." He decided to leave that off there.

Continuing the walk to the precinct, and hopefully getting close, Tamour decided to voice one last thought, "Lieutenant Keera, one last curiosity of mine for you. How have the various Zemour races been getting along? I hope there is no trouble after the transition away from military life. But I do understand that living with others in a civilian life is very different to the military life, and so I want to know if that change has gone alright."

Taking the glass of Brandy offered to him, he brought the glass up to his empty chin before the darkness peeled back, revealing a morphable maw with a strange tong that seemed to unravel and help in lapping up the drink in the glass. A soft and satisfied breath left him as the darkness shadowed his mouth again before he answered Rjax’s question. “Doubt you would have seen this anywhere in the Nebula unless you were deployed beside the Firstborn. This stuff comes from their Empire. They have a whole agri-world devoted to being a super-vineyard just to make this stuff. They use special berries that aren’t from this galaxy, it has a unique heat to it even when it's chilled. It’s smooth, yet has a soft earthy taste that isn’t overpowering the fruity taste. It certainly isn’t for everyone, but I like it.”

Kuuso drinks deeply from his glass, enjoying himself. Or at least it seemed like he was, again hard to tell since he does not allow much emotion or hints of intentions to show. Though hearing that his mother was following a different trail filled in that gap for him. Xernus was not one to leave possible trails unfollowed, though it was odd that she did not pursue the thread that led her to Fia. But then he did not claim that he fully understood how his mothers mind worked, it could be that this other thread may seem more dangerous. Given the options of the targets and her own expertise… He did think of a place that she was likely sent. ‘The Firstborn perhaps?’ It would make sense since she, as a former Zerg, could easily blend in with the populace and they have captured their own fair share of Zerg without turning them into new species, instead opting to re-house them under new leaders. The Firstborn still regularly use all manner of unaltered strains of Zerg subspecies in their military.

Kuuso brought his mind back to the here and now instead of having it linger on possibilities beyond his control. Focusing on the task at hand as he looked over the dataslate…

The contents of the experiments, both bizarre and dangerous, he turns silent in thoughtfulness. His eyes individually drift to process the information in larger chunks as he processes the capabilities and applications of these bizarre experiments. The dangerous ones naturally drew his attention. Each of these new examples had its fair reason for being dangerous. The Ultralisk was APC's worst nightmare already but now it could torch the units inside of it after cracking it open.

Moving on to the odd experiments as Zakhet had marked them. The three of them may be able to tell just which experiment he was reading about as he got further down the list. As NOW as he reads there was a growing emotion of bewilderment and surprisingly annoyance on his face. Zakhet could even briefly hear “Fucking googly eyes..?” Being said under his monotone voice as he kept reading. Though there were some applications in the odd experiments that had some useful applications though they did seem situational or outright against the design of some of them. What’s more, it was an insult that these jokes on their history were so expertly designed. He felt slighted. “Well… It is clear whomever is conducting these experiments has a very active imagination. With many ‘interesting’ ideas.”

“After reading your notes I am inclined to agree that this is no war machine… At least not yet. It is almost like they did these experiments at their own whimsy, just to see if they could be done. Or as you say, they have a grudge… Which does not surprise me. The Zerg have their fair share of harm in service to numerous masters. Most with ill intention… So then. We at leave have a possible motive. But now the list has likely only quadrupled in size.” He says plainly, knowing well that his ancestors have more enemies out there amongst the stars then they do in this dwarf galaxy. But if he narrowed that down again to just just this galaxy. Only several new names were added to his already existing list. “Our grievance with the former king of the Firstborn means that he and his children are unlikely to be involved despite their expert manipulation of Zerg bioforms. Same goes with the former Queen of Blades, Filia Wolvain. Perhaps… Someone from the Confederacy? A survivor of the conflict that came into possession of the broodmothers? Or perhaps they are the very same that stole them away in the first place.” His theory has the motive as well as their possible acquisition of the broodmothers they now hunt. The idea of a new Swarm did not please him. Not now that a new dawn was here and growing brighter. “Let us hope that we can stop this loonesy before it gets out of hand.” He reassures Zakhet before he looks to the Captain after he said he would help.

Hearing that they already have a potential place in mind was surprising. Though as they explained it there was a small itch in the back of his head, like there was something to remember just out of reach. Until Rjax explained the region in some detail. “Wait… I know of the foothills you speak of out west. Councillor Kina spoke of it once, she said that there was a group of homesteaders out that way. They get by on trading petty materials that scavenge and hunt on the hills, small game along with mineral and metals. We paid little attention to them since their desire was to make their own way on their own terms. We respected it and allowed them to use the land since it was not part of any expansion plan for the future.” Rjax’s theory on an undiscovered cavern would give an answer to how they can get by mining materials from the hills. Hey can sell off the excess materials for income as they set up a lab, that was if this group was affiliated with whoever was experimenting on the Broodmother and the old Zerg breeds.

Kuuso stood from his chair, setting his glass down after a swig that emptied it. There were already some suspicious pieces on the board for them to pursue. “If we can walk there then we best move. No doubt if they have set up that lab then they may have seen your arrival. Best to give them too much time to prepare. That is, if this lead is solid.”

- - - - -

“Oh indeed, she certainly fixed my mistake. How fortunate that she had that bit of information on hand.” She teased but the Lieutenant did cast an apologetic smile to Mel, the aide to the Minister just returning a soft smile in return that conveyed that she didn’t need to worry about it and her words were just in jest. “Thank you for forgiving this mistake of mine sir.”

As Tamour and the Lieutenant spoke of Mel’s possible creation of a brood of her own, the aide gave a soft chuckle at the idea. Not because she didn’t like the idea, she thinks of such a thing often enough in the present and certainly plenty of times in the past. But she did voice her opinion on this. “I thank you for saying so sir, it means alot to me that I hear this from you. Though I am not even sure what I would have them do if I create a brood or just one clutch of progeny, unless you are looking to have me increase your security detail with specialists of my own making.” She says mostly as a joke but she does smile warmly as she gives more thought to the idea. “Though to have the choice to have a small gathering of my own after so long… It would be nice. Perhaps someday. But hopefully not into the distant future.”

Kerra looked back to the Minister as he asked one more curious question of his. Which she was more than happy to answer. Though his question was certainly one that would require a more attentive mind than her own. “How have we all been getting along? Hmm…” It was rightly something she needed to consider. “The Zeran have adapted quickly, as you no doubt saw. Though I guess that was a desirable trait that crossed over from their Zergling ancestry… You can throw them at any profession and they’ll pick it up fast enough. Um… Well we Ultarian’s are generally happy as long as we feel helpful. If we aren’t in the military we’re dock workers, farm hands, builders… Basically if it involves manual labour or muscle we’re your girls. Oh, and guys.” She gets back to thinking about some of the others and does have some more information.

The Lieutenant looks thoughtful again as they keep walking along, a flash of recollection does show on her face as she continues. “The Hophrete haven’t been doing so hot outside of military life… Most that are not part of the militia have taken to becoming hunters or have joined up with a mercenary band off world to ply their trade there. Which again must be lonely. But I do understand not being able to do what you feel the most affinity for. And the Oracles… I haven’t seen many in the Militia. I know several personally who became artists, others work in other fields. I do know some that left with Hophrete’s to become their personal spotters like they did during the civil war.”

“Lastly… I couldn’t even begin to tell you about the Brayr. They keep to themselves for the most part, and there are so few of them already. I don’t notice them. I do know of one, a male Brayr named Jukko Wolv, he was brought here by the Athailian’s after the Civil War. Currently he’s in the running for being the next Militia Commander after the current one. A Hophrete named Senna.” She finishes as she scratches her head, believing that was everything she could say on the topic. “I suppose you could get a better idea on how the other races are doing if you ask a Councillor. We can hopefully meet one soon enough with Councillor Seffa being at the HQ today.”

Their walk through the citycentre leads them through the towering buildings around them to a point where the buildings begin to scale down. Here is where they could start to see the Militia HQ peeking out over the top of them all. It had a good view of the much larger Council Tower in the city centre. Getting closer to it, there would be a military style checkpoint with a high rising wall surrounding the HQ perimeter. There was a strange energy that could be barely seen just above the wall. Likely a discrete forcefield to keep the walls from being scaled and infiltrated.

As they approached the checkpoint, a simple enough opening in the large wall with a large energy gate that can be turned on at any moment. There was a booth where a member of the militia manned a station on what looked like a projection on a screen. Likely done to stop people from knowing if there was a person there to attack, the station was fitted with a alot of computer equipment. Kerra held up her badge to the screen for the militia member, a Oracle woman, to see before she spoke to the screen. “Lieutenant Kerra, escorting Minister Tamour and his Aide Melyphis while they overlook Militia operations. I will require all access badges for them while they visit.”

The Oracle on the other end of the screen logs all of this information in on the screen as she gave a nod. “Thank you Lieutenant. Minister Tamour, we have been expecting you. Councillor Seffa heard of your arrival and informed us. We have prepared the badges for you. They will be in the locker on your immediate right after you pass through the checkpoint. I hope everything will be to your liking.” She says as the energy gate blinks out, allowing them to pass through. The locker in question was a large, metallic, box shaped one that was electronically secured. Inside it were some specialised lanyards that allowed them full access to the building. One was meant for Mel, clea by its size and the clip that she can use to stick to her coat. The ministers were rightly larger, being the size of someone's head and easily stuck to a scale with magic without any pain or chance of marking.

Once they did they would be able to see the inner area around the HQ. There was a smattering of facilities, small courses for training and some staging areas filled with construction materials and workers as they work on both the tower above them, and the buildings within the perimeter. The HQ being connected to the R&D facilities that will eventually be situated here in the future. As they will see, there were alot of busy people making sure that construction and daily operations didn’t falter.

"Extragalactic berries, eh? Well, that's a new one. The smell is a bit odd, so I can't say I'm all too enthusiastic about visiting a monocultural agri-world focused entirely on it. Must like it though if that's the case. If they make that much, betcha I could find it on Avalantus. I'll try it if I do." Rjax went to take another drink of his whiskey, but then realized he had already emptied it, so he just looked disappointedly at an empty glass.

Rikan gave an impressed smile, "No point hiding it, since you're in this with us now. Yes, the Firstborn were one such foreign nation that required investigating into. Just to follow some leads. We intended to inform them officially if we found something, but no reason to cause a panic if the leads don't go anywhere. Still a highly sensitive job, so we needed to approach it with utmost caution. Xernus is the perfect operative to handle that job on her own, and determine if there is anything of worth there. Perhaps if there is, we shall hear back from her."

Kuuso's reading of the pad was watched by everyone else. Zakhet sighed in sadness at the mention of the googly eyes, as even she had felt insulted as a scientist to see what nonsense was going on with their mystery geneticist. The fact it was good work too only made it even more irritating, as she understood the brilliance of the modifications on the level that she knew how hard it was to do. And yet, they had chosen to use this incredible ability for such insulting stupid things.

"We thought of those names as well when we first looked into this. However it is safe to say the absurdity of the activities disqualifies those who work with the Zerg on a common basis. The 'whimsy' as you put it suggests somebody playing with something new, like a toy" Zakhet explained, a modicum of clear disgust in her voice. "As for the Confederates, we have opened some other investigations into this, primarily searching for any unaccounted Omnipo scientists focusing in biological research. But none of their profiles fit what we have found. It is unlikely any of them have the resources or capability to act in this manner. And from knowing a few of them personally before the war, my personal stance also finds it unlikely any of them would resort to... googly eyes..." She practically spat as she said that. "Still, eyes are being kept open. Right now however we suspect more of an unknown factor, some opportunist."

Rikan perked up at hearing people lived in the area, "Homesteaders? Interesting. If they aren't involved, perhaps they can give some input on where a hidden lab could be hidden. They may be involved without knowing it, or totally aware. Still, any lead is useful."

Rjax stood up and stretched his back, "Gonna have to agree with the councilor, no point wasting time, in case somebody spotted the shuttles. Plus I'm outta whiskey, and that means it's working time."

"Time for a walk then." Zakhet stood up more gracefully from her chair, "I'd really like to pick the brain of anybody involved. So let's not give them any sort of chance to escape."

With that, it was time to head straight to the foothills, with time being of the essence in order to uncover the mystery.

- - - -

"Can't say I'd be opposed to having such a security detail. But if you do make that choice, it should be for yourself rather than some request of mine. So I'll avoid giving too many ideas, so I don't taint it with my own brilliance" he said jokingly, but he did still mean the sentiment. He'd leave it there for now.

Tamour then turned his attention to the Lieutenant, and he was quite interested. A more attentive mind would indeed be needed for a deeper analysis, but too much official data polluted the mind in Tamour's opinion. He considered it important to witness the everyday perspective as well, lest you miss the obvious. Helped cut through the web of politicking and other such nonsense. Not to mention Tamour, as a military man, much preferred speaking with the lower ranks anyways. Generals and Admirals could be such tiring people. He much preferred being with more appreciative people.

From this, he got a nice idea of the basics, as well as some other details thanks to context clues. That slip about remembering the guys showed that the Zemour hadn't yet fully adapted to the new males in their population. And that bit on the Hophretes was important too. Of course because it was a social issue to address for their wellbeing, but that was also a simmering danger. Former soldiers were one set of the population that idleness was danger for, they may start lending their skills to bad things. So Tamour nodded, "Thank you, Lieutenant. I was not aware of this male Brayr, interesting to see more of their kind have emerged at all. Perhaps I shall speak with him. In any case, your input is appreciated. Thank you again for indulging me."

Upon arriving, Tamour so far found everything to be to his liking. Sleek and well built, and security precautions had clearly been taken. No obvious weaknesses, so any infiltration would have to be done by somebody dedicated. Checkpoints could be annoying, but they were a needed layer of defense for essential locations such as this.

"Excellent to see that you've been informed. Word travels quickly, it seems. Points for effectiveness. Certainly liking things so far." He then went to retrieve his badge, and stuck it to a scale on his upper chest, below his neck. He smiled as it smoothly attached. Quite a relief, as there was usually difficulty accounting for Dragons. He then proceeded onwards, looking around at the HQ.

"Everything seems to be going well here. I think this will be a smooth inspection, Mel" he commented to his aide. He then turned his attention to the Lieutenant again, "Councilor Seffa seems to have been aware of our coming. Where do you think she might be waiting?"

Kuuso gives a nod to the oddity of the extragalactic berries, but there was plenty of odd in the nebula as is. “It is. Though the Nebula was host to a Cybernetic shared mind that was dubiously ambiguous history, was it not? A crate or two of berries from a distant cluster of systems seems mundane in comparison.” He could agree with Rjax that a crate or two of this stuff could be found on Avalantus. “Apparently it is one of their larger exports with Bezannia along with some smaller independent communities and trading circles. Personally, if it works for them I don’t see why they don’t dedicate a whole world to it… The taste suits my palate just fine.”

Hearing that his Spawn Mother was heading up the investigation into the Firstborn did not surprise him, Xernus had her own way of doing things and he too possessed a certain level of curiosity about how the Firstborn have adapted to the abundant genetic changes that have been forced upon them. The level of changes are physically minute but on a genetic level they are different enough to the Zerg thanks to Zether. Including some redundant instincts to ensure that if they are left without a field commander they do not become feral, even Zerglings without a commander will attempt to establish a mock hierarchy to plot a return to an actual commander. This stops them from turning feral and attacking with indiscriminate hatred at anything that doesn’t resemble a Firstborn. They also had low level Psionic abilities to convey images and emotions to others so they can return to the nearest Firstborn position if lost. All in all the Firstborn were a revolutionary step forward for the baseline Zerg species, with the Zemour being a practical uplifting.

The reverie of the Firstborn’s genetic steps forward were hampered heavily by the insulting information on the dataslate. Kuuso could tell that the good Doctor did not like this any more than he did, he could hear the clear disgust in her voice at these abhorrent modifications, which was nice to see. He would have been disappointed if he had seen amusement at the mention of the googly eyes or other insulting mutations. And her own insights into the list of suggestions he had given did make sense, especially with her saying that there were no Confederate Scientists that fit the description he gave. This naturally only left a handful of unlikely and terribly dangerous, some more than others, candidates. “Not a Confederate… If we track them down and it turns out to be some backwater Run Psion with their absurd ego telling them that the Zerg has hurt their pride in creation I am going to be very upset.” There was an audible emotion in his voice as he spoke. Something resembling disdain and annoyance.

Once the conversation moved to the Homesteaders, Kuuso did not like the idea that they could potentially be working with the Individual that would spit on their progress as a people but he could swallow the chance that they were being coerced or threatened to stay silent in some fashion. Still, once he was up from his desk he gave a nod to the Captain’s idea. If they weren’t involved they may hold some insight into the possibility of a lab being hidden close to their abode.

They would be underway in a moment's notice. Kuuso did avoid alerting anyone of the potential dangers of there being a mad individual with a possible army of Zerg so close to the Capital. Instead he chose to have a team of Militiamen on standby to aid them if there was an escape attempt by the culprit. The foothills were only an hour's walk from the Capital, a decent distance from the massive basin that was once a crater that now housed the Capital city. They were also downhill from the crater, since the Capital was built in the crater of where a mountain used to be. This begged an unfortunate question, were there cave systems that could potentially lead into the Undercroft, the section of the Capital that led underground for the more nocturnally inclined races of the Zamour.

Kuuso, while they were walking through the hills to the Homestead, decided to speak up about those who lived there to give them an idea of what they were going to see. Possibly. “When I last saw them they were a group of 8 people. One Brayr, a male, named Phalnar. Then there are a trio of Zeran, two females and a male. I believe they are romantically involved. Not that I envy the male, the females are more rowdy while the males are more timid. Then there is one Hophrete that works as a hunter there, she tends to the animals on their homestead too. Galana I believe her name is. An Ultarian male, Bolor, he’s the all round handyman and farmhand. Lastly a couple of Rohan’s, Bexy and Statton I believe. Female and Male respectively. They work in the greenhouse, and as the all round doctors on the homestead, both residents and animals alike.” He says as they continue to walk towards the Homestead in question. “Phalnar was the one who wanted to build the homestead. If anyone knows anything, it will be him.”

The Homestead was a small collection of 8 buildings with a surrounding perimeter fence with some pillars with defensive shock turrets sparsely planted around within the fence to keep wildlife out, mainly predatory wildlife seeing as there seemed to be dairy pens for cows and other fenced in areas for different types of fowl. Most of the buildings seemed to be prefabs, single construction colony buildings with the only proper buildings being a farmhouse along with a machine shed and a large greenhouse dome that was in the centre of the Homestead.

- - - - -

After Tamour gave his thanks for her input to his question, the lieutenant gave a smile. “Of course Minister, I’m always happy to help if I can! If you want to Find Jukko he should be here in the HQ. He's working as a volunteer right now, so he’s either in one of the simulation facilities or working with the recruits.”

Melyphis looked to be wrestling with the information she now had on the social issues of the other races, this was always an issue once they developed true sentience and they would be met with the prospect of outgrowing the base programming. There were always going to be walls that they needed to overcome. But she didn’t think that the issues that the Hophrete were currently facing would lead them to leave Fia to pursue careers that allowed them to continue their craft as marksmen. Hindsight was such a cruel thing, if she knew this was going to be an issue then she would have toned down their militaristic tendencies. But again, at the time, it was appropriate for them to possess such drives.

Mel retrieved her badge after watching how cleanly the badge was attached to Tamour scale. It was an ingenious little thing, attracted to magic and only needed a tiny supply to keep itself attached to an individual. She clipped her own to her coat and followed the Minister as they looked to the HQ exterior. “It is a marvel. They’ve taken some cues from their time in the Union military very well. You can even find some inspirations of such in the designs.”

Lieutenant Kerra looked back up to the Minister as they kept walking through the yard and towards the HQ building, passing by training yards and obstacle courses while the Lieutenant thought of an answer. “Well, Councillor Seffa does have an office here. Since she does play a large role in the Militia’s development. Councillor’s Kuuso and Mayna also have offices here at the HQ. I haven’t heard anything about her meeting the Militia Commander today so she won’t be meeting her. We can always check at the front desk. It’s just through the entrance.”

Stepping inside of the HQ main lobby they would see that the main floor had a large crescent shaped front desk a decent distance from the entrance while there were many different teams of soldiers moving through the lobby either to go on patrol, returning from their various routes or going to their assignments. At that desk was the Oracle, alongside several others, that acknowledged their presence and seemed to . The entryway they just walked through possessed a scanner alongside several defensive turrets that beeped audible as they passed. As they moved to the desk, the Lieutenant stepped up to talk. “Hi there, Minister Tamour was wishing to talk to Councillor Seffa, she’s expecting him. Do you know where she is currently?”

The Oracle agent at the desk does not take her eye off of her visual display, but the eyes on her tendrils all shift to look up at the Lieutenant along with the Minister and his Aide beside him, a soft smile graces her face along with a small nod while she continues working away. “Oh, of course. We were told to expect the Minister and his Aide. Councillor Seffa is expecting you in AR room 18 on the 30th floor. She has reserved it for the day.”

“An Augmented Reality room? Why are they using obstacle courses when AR rooms are available?” Asked Mel, seeming rather unsure if a councillor is using military assets for her own personal pleasure.

“Oh the AR programs are still under stress testing, we haven’t gotten to the stage where they can be safely tested for simulated combat. But we have been able to get environmental sims working without much stress. We can’t have too many of the AR’s running anyways since we are still in the process of setting up the appropriate infrastructure to support them all. Same goes for other facilities like R&D, small scale manufacturing and a hanger/depot for vehicle storage.” The Oracle answers Mel’s question while filling in any additional curiosities they may have. “As you likely saw coming in, the tower is still largely undergoing renovations. But as I mentioned earlier, the Councillor is waiting in AR room 18. You can take one of the elevators behind me to floor 30, from there you can take the immediate left down the T-junction and it will be one of the rooms along there. Do you have any further questions?” If the minister has any questions he can ask here before they leave. If not then they can head towards the back of the lobby where a set ten large elevator shafts lead up into the tower. One of them being large enough for a dragon. Likely it doubles a sort of cargo lift if they need to bring up heavy machinery.

As they got closer to the Homestead, Rjax had his maps with him and everything was lining up, geographically speaking. There were some very distinctive hills and dips, with the Homestead being neatly lodged into them. Those greater hills to its rear gave it an extra degree of natural protection. Though Rjax glanced up from the map briefly and locked his eyes on the greenhouse dome in the center, "Hold on now, there's supposed to be a pit there. It's got a big X on it from the maps we recovered. Weird place to stick a Greenhouse. Guess they just really wanted to have it in the center, huh?"

"That's not the only oddity I see here. Look there," said Zakhet. She pointed over towards one of the fenced in areas. Within was a species of domesticated avian native to Javalus, the Zeekan. There was a rather large flock of them, and Zakhet put a hand to her chin, "Those are much larger specimens than any I have seen before. Quite plump, but unusually so. The claws are bigger as well... And that one has pink eyes, also distinctly unusual. I certainly hope Phalnar hasn't performed any sort of unsanctioned modifications..."

Looking over, the Zeekan flock was as Zakhet stated. It was a fairly common animal around Iammelon, often compared to a certain bird the Humans had brought with them. Kuuso would know them well, probably from media and eating them, and Zakhet was right that this particular flock was larger than other specimens he might have seen before. And the pink-eyed one turned its head to stare at Kuuso directly, its beady eyes staring right into his soul and silently judging his sins.

"Most of the animals here are pretty big, same goes for the crops too" pointed out Rjax, directing everyone's attention towards a berry bush patch in another section of the Homestead. Large, ripe berries. And distinctly ahead of season too.

Rikan nodded, getting a look of concern, "A bit too much to just chalk up to fertile soil, especially given our target. Lets see what the locals got to say first, and then I say we should investigate the Greenhouse..." The other two nodded in affirmation, and they moved onwards towards the main gate.

The main gate was quite nicely marked out, and the turrets here seemed to be mostly for show as they did not activate upon getting close. While the gate was locked, there was a sign that read "Visitors please ring bell!" Handily, there was a rope attached to a fairly large bell near that sign, so Rjax went over and pulled it. The bell rang out, starling a few of the livestock, with the Zeekans running around in circles. Except for Pink Eyes; he hadn't stopped staring.

Soon enough, the gate opened, and there towards the front in farming attire was the Homestead's founder and effective leader; Phalnar the Brayr. Like the rest of his limited kind, he had an appearance much like a moth's, although he had a distinct dark brown coloration to his fluff. He looked at his visitors and smiled, "Salutations! Welcome to Dagoth Valley! Not so often one gets visited by a Councilor and Union troops. My name's Phalnar. So, what brings you folks all this way out from the capital? If it was about the wildlife complaint, the turrets have sorted that whole issue out. Haven't had problems since, so send my thanks to the militia for sparing a couple!"

"Good to hear then. But we're here on official business, an investigation." Rikan stepped up to identify herself, "I'm Captain Rikan of the Union Navy, and I am sure you recognize Councilor Kuuso. I must say, your crops and animals seem to be doing quite well. Never seen a Zeekan so big." She pointed out Pink Eye's flock. Still staring.

"Galana, the primary farmhand tending to the animals, has a special touch. See, she worked with the Ialao during the War! Got some lessons from a druid and she's real good at handling them animals now. Them forest folk are quite good with bringing out the best in the livestock." The answer from Phalnar came out quick, and Kuuso could notice it sounded almost pre-rehearsed. And he continued, "As for the crops, round about the same story. Bexy, she works in the Greenhouse you see there, actually got converted during the war! She's a member of that Life Church now. Can't much see it myself, but if she wants to pray to a tree that's fine my me. Guess there's something to it though, she's great with the crops. Bit weird having the Greenhouse be partially a chapel but it's a fair price to pay, I reckon." He spoke with a certainty that suggested he wasn't lying, but he was almost too certain.

"I see, thank you. Now onto the real question..." Rikan had noted Phalnar's words, but chose to change the subject in a way to let him think the explanation had worked, and now she went for the bigger question. "We've been performing some surveys to locate any sort of unregistered connections into the Undercroft from the surrounding areas around the city. Worries of smuggling, you see. As you have been in the area, we were hoping to see if you had any sort of survey maps or information you could share with us on the topic."

While Rikan asked her question to engage Phalnar, Zakhet walked up next to Kuuso and spoke quietly, "Rikan can handle the locals. If there's anything you want to look into, do it. But I say we should let Rikan distract him and investigate into that Greenhouse. I am certain there is more than just a tree-worshipper chapel in there." Based on her tone, she didn't much seem to like the Ialao's Life Faith. But she did seem confident there was something in the greenhouse.

- - -

Tamour had to give a nod towards Melyphis, "Indeed, they've done well for themselves. Although I suppose given how many of them were first brought into life, it only makes sense they'd take many cues from the military. Most of these 'militia' are really on the level of veteran soldiers, or at the very least army reserve level. So I suppose it's also good to see they've not been slacking! Makes an old admiral proud!" And he was indeed proud, as it showed they were applying their knowledge and experience effectively.

Hearing that Seffa was waiting for them in an AR room got a similar look of surprise from Tamour as it did Melyphis. But at the explanation, Tamour could see the sense in it. Until it was operational, it was just an empty room after all, might as well make use of it.

"Augmented Reality programs are fairly complex to set up and maintain, takes a good deal of specialists and resources to keep those things active." Tamour knew them well, and more importantly he knew the logistics and costs behind them. He was the one who had to make such choices about that kinda technology in the military on a common basis. "Even in full military bases in the Union, not many full AR rooms are kept active. Recently we've been experimenting with 'Augmented Obstacle Courses', a mix between the standard obstacle course and AR technology. It implements AR technology in localized areas around the course, rather than across the entire length of the course. Lower cost than a full AR room, while still able to simulate many important scenarios. A good economical choice, and perhaps one the militia may wish to look into for themselves if full AR rooms become too much of a drain on resources."

Looking over at the cargo lift which doubled as an elevator, it was a familiar sight for Tamour at this point. Dragons were particularly large, and heavy, so the cargo elevator option was pretty much standard. Although some places that didn't need a full cargo lift had also started to just make a big hole so the Dragons could fly up and down the levels, although some safety inspectors questioned this. Such was the issue of logistics for a creature such as he, and the questions many Iammelonians had to answer when it came to accommodating Draconic visitors.

Turning back towards the Oracle, Tamour shook his head, "No questions for now, but thank you. I'll address my questions of equipment and other concerns to Seffa directly. Thank you again for the instructions on where to go. Onwards to AR Room 18 then!" With that, he directed Mel and Kerra to follow him onto the cargo elevator, upon which he would hit the button for the 30th floor. At least as best he could with a careful poke of the claw.

On the trip to the homestead Kuuso did not want to think that the children of their efforts to become something more would betray them, but once he laid eyes on the small settlement nestled in the rocky hills and saw the changes for himself… The large and bountiful prey animals that they were using as livestock, made what faith he had set aside for them crumbled into dust. He figured that they may have been coercers or threatened by whoever was behind this, but it did not cushion this blow by much. He looked to the greenhouse that was pointed out by Rjax, and then his eyes flitted to the map in the Taurus’s possession. It was a solid bet that what they were looking for was buried beneath.

Though he had to admit his attention was quickly eaten up by the enormous pink space chicken that stared into his soul. His knowledge of the fowl from a very distant world to them that this beast is often compared to came from more than just passing reference. But he wasn’t going to say that. He was becoming alarmed that it may actually know his secrets with how intense its gaze was. “... I don’t like how it's just staring at me.” Though there was something else to infer from its existence. “They certainly seem to like the colour pink…If we’re correct on our investigation.” Pure speculation on his part as he leaned over to whisper to Zakhet. But given the other piece of evidence he was shown an hour later, this may as well be a calling card. A show of proof of their whimsical work.

Rjax would bring to their attention that it was not just the fowl that was larger. The berries, the crops, even the other animals were plentiful and rich with spoils. This only became all the more damning. But Kuuso kept his temper. Not that it would be outwardly apparent that he was upset, outraged even, that they were being betrayed.

He kept silent as the Brayr leader of the Homestead, Phalnar, emerged, simply nodding as attention was called to him. He preferred to let the captain speak, since he was pondering if he should get the information they needed the old fashion way or his way. Best to keep things civil, after all this rehearsed drivel was likely Phalnar’s attempt to keep his people safe and above retaliation.

While he was mulling over some ideas to get them talking, Zakhet’s suggestion of investigating the greenhouse was a far less overt option to his myriad of cards he was holding onto. So, naturally, he chose to agree with her suggestion. Not wanting whatever rat was making their nest beneath their feet to get away before he could meet them. Though he did personally take note of the Anubite Doctor’s dislike of the Ialoa’s faith. Perhaps that was just a matter of personal belief, he did know that the Anubites and Ialoa beliefs were very different. But that alone should not create such a distaste of a subject… No, it felt different than that. Perhaps he should enquire about it once they have a moment to talk about it. “I believe you’re right.”

Taking the chance Kuuso decides to walk away with the good Doctor, though he does peer back at the strange Zeekan again to see that it was still staring at him. Something was very much bothering him about it. He voiced some of his opinions quietly as they made their way towards the greenhouse. Just a collection of insecure thoughts that he did not want to be right. “Is it just me… Or is something about how he brought up the greenhouse and its church seem a little… Off? It is not sitting well with me. You’d think he’d want to call attention away from the obvious opening into the underground. Instead he pointed it right out to us. Even made it a point of spectacle… ‘Oooh look at the fancy life-church we have right there.’” He said in a tone of monotone mockery. His eyes seemed to scrunch and narrow as he peered at the homestead around them. “And his manner of speaking, as if he was reiterating lines he had been taught to say… Lying may not be in our nature, but that felt too obvious. Perhaps it's nothing, I could be overthinking it… But this feels too convenient. Too in our faces.”

Kuuso let his shoulder slack, let his neck roll from side to side to let go of the tension in his polymorphous body. All of this second guessing and inferring hidden intentions and schemes where none may exist was nostalgic but not missed. “Ramblings aside, how should we approach the ‘priest’ if she is within her church? Shall I ask her out of faux interest to explain her newfound faith while you see if there is an opening into the underground? I have no qualms with keeping her occupied. I am fully capable of rendering her unconscious if we find our way down.”

- - - - -

The deskbound Oracle nodded to Tamour’s assessment of the AR suites.They were going to be an expensive investment but one that would hopefully see noteworthy returns for training their militia. “It’s funny that you mention the Augmented Courses, the Militia leader has been talking about creating a course like the one you described. Though only one room exists for that so far and it is still in the experimental stages since our focus has been finishing construction of the HQ so we can focus on the development of other projects. Like the Foundry and R&D. The one the Councillor has reserved is only a standard AR room.”

Mel did look at the cargolift and raise a brow to it but it was familiar, she didn’t mind it since she either would take her own elevator if there were the standard airlocks on multiple floors for Dragons to use or use this type of cargo elevator. She naturally preferred the latter so she could talk to Tumour in between floors. With there being no more questions the trio could move to the elevator so they could meet up with the Councillor. Mel and the Lieutenant walk in besides the Minister before he pushes the button and large shutter doors close before it starts to climb to the 30th floor. Watching him try to daintily press the smaller button without breaking it was mildly amusing for Mel, so she didn’t lift a finger to do it for him.

“Hey Kerra, do you have any recreational AR rooms here? Or at least in the city?” Mel decided to bring up to fill the void between the ground floor and the 30th floor.

To this the Ultarian women had to think, even scratching her chin in thought. “I don’t think there is one in the HQ. There’s a leisure district that's kinda bare right now but it does have an AR lounge. But the owner is an Athailian so it's their own AR tech. It has this museum wing where they show off what their homeworld and empire was like before they faced armageddon.”

This naturally piqued Mel’s interest, hearing something of those deviants instead of another ‘cultural mixup’ as it is often referred to in the news. “Really? I don’t know much of their history… They don’t talk about it much. And when they do it tends to be through rose tinted glasses. Have you been to it?”

Kerra gives an affirmative nod to this as she smiles ear to ear. “Oh I have, I was curious about them since the Zerg never really met them. I even saw Councillor Kuuso there once. Their Empire was apparently huge. They had these massive gates to bridge the gaps in dark space between galaxies. I can’t even imagine the logistics behind maintaining 5 of those.”

“5? Their Empire spanned 5 galaxies?”

“Huh? Yeah. 1 for the home galaxy and 4 more for the rest of their territory. It’s sad though, they had hundreds of protectorate species… There aren’t even four examples of them left amongst the Athailian population. One of them is a race that has a symbiotic creature that lives in a special sack next to their stomach.”

Mel raised an eyebrow at this, naturally curious about such a unique evolutionary symbiosis. “What does the symbiote contribute to the host if you know?”She now had her doctor glasses on, figuratively speaking.

And Kerra had her nerd glasses on. Answer at the ready. “Oh that’s the REALLY cool part. The symbiote holds the previous hosts memories, personalities and experiences all for the next host to access. In its lifetime a symbiote can have 20 hosts before it becomes too big to be implanted again. So the 15th host will have generations of experience to call upon, it's seriously cool.”

“That does sound awfully convenient. Imagine being able to call upon one of your ancestors' unfiltered knowledge at the drop of a dime.” Mel says as she ponders something. Likely something copyright worthy no doubt.

Once they reached the 30th floor, with plenty of time for Tamour to comment on anything that was brought up, the large shutter doors would open to a large T-junction as mentioned by the Oracle. Most of the walls lacked wall panelling and from the looks of it the floor was still undergoing maintenance and construction but as they walked to the 18th room the hallway showed less and less ‘patchwork’ to put it mildly. The walls and ceiling being a sleek and smooth single white colour with the floor being blackened metal tiles with dim blue lights in between them. Even the doors seemed like they vanished into the wall, only the room mumbled above where the doors appeared revealed their position.

As they got close the door opened for them, the interior stretching out into a lush and foreign wilderness with the lush blue grassland stretched out until it met a small crescent shaped shoreline before it stretched out further into a large that fed into a waterfall that fell down the cliff. Out past the cliff was a selection of verdant valleys and mountain ranges that seemed to stretch out towards a distant ocean, and out past that, in the background was an immense tree with strange crystal formations growing across the titanic tree’s bark. The tree itself easily matched the monolithic scale of Heord’s own Golden Mountain fortress. Tamour would not recognise this being any world within the Nebula, but he had seen a similar yet drastically smaller tree in the Athailian’s main colony. Which would make this a possible look at what Athailus looked like before its fall. It looks like the Councillor Seffa was curious about these old aliens too.

The councillor in question was on the pebbled shoreline, looking out at the titanic tree before she turned to look at her company with a smile. She wore a very form fitting black suit and shirk, most appropriate given her inability to wear pants. “Minister Tamour, Melyphis. Welcome to Fia. I hope you don’t mind that our setting is odd, I have been researching the Athailian as of late. We’ve had more settling on our outlying colonies and some here in the capital so I thought it best to do some research into them. Their ecosystem was… Interesting. Especially the giant psychic tree that was essentially their god... But anyways, I understand you've come for an inspection. How can I help you with that?"

Zahket looked over at Pink Eyes again, "Pink does seem to be a common color in our mystery target's toolbox. Perhaps they just like it, or it is a side effect of whatever alterations they make." She didn't seem to notice the staring however, probably because it wasn't looking at her. Those Pink Eyes were still locked on Kuuso.

In any case, with Rikan being allowed to continue with her method, Phalnar rubbed the back of his head in thought, "O-oh, survey maps? Uh, yeah, I do thinks we got a couple of those. From the early construction, y'see. I can go get'em..."

He started to turn before Rikan put a hand on his shoulder, "As this is a serious matter related to smuggling, I'm going to have to go with you to retrieve these maps. Don't worry, if you have nothing to hide, this is merely a formality. Now, we should be off. My team can stay here." She spoke in a far darker and stricter tone, playing into the fact that Phalnar didn't seem to have anything about maps or smuggling in this mental script of his. He just nodded quietly and began to walk off as well, with Rikan going with.

Turning to Kuuso and Zakhet, Rjax spoke up, "Now, I can hide pretty good, but I'm best at the stealth stuff when I'm alone. I reckon I'll snoop around some of the storehouses and the fields, see if I can pick up anything. Perhaps any sorta tracks or indication of operations elsewhere, in case the center ain't the place. Then I'll swing around to join up with you two and help in case there's any trouble. Sound good?"

"That will do just fine, Rjax, good luck" Zakhet said with a small nod. The Taurus then slipped off, his footsteps transitioning from their previous loud stomps into almost silent light taps. His tracker side was coming out now it seemed. But with this opening, the two could easily slip off towards the central greenhouse. As they moved quietly, Zakhet looked back to Kuuso to respond to his concerns, "I think that is precisely the point. Make it super obvious, indicate that one should look at it... And most of the time, nobody will give it more than a glance." She sighed in disappointment at the fact such a simple trick seemed to work so often. She then started to address his next point, "He was probably taught to bring attention right to it, so as to ensure any investigations end up looking for more clever hiding places. Which means somebody is very confident in how they hid their secret lab... I don't think it's a trick. I think it's in fact confirmation of our target's arrogance."

As they closed up on the doors to the Greenhouse, Kuuso would get his chance to look back at the Zeekans. Most of the birds had moved from their previous spot, the flock heading over towards a watering pool in order to hydrate themselves. But not Pink Eyes. He stood almost entirely motionless, now alone in his section of the pen, still staring right at Kuuso. The only move he made was a slight tilt of his head. As if he had looked into the Councilman's soul, and found it wanting.

The Anubite considered their approach now that they were at the door, "If she's here, that would probably be a good idea. The Ialao haven't seemed to organize a proper conversion effort here, so you can easily play off a seemingly curiosity in the strange religion. That's better to knocking her out. As for me, we Anubites are known for our... less than polite attitude towards most religions. It wouldn't be out of character for me to be sulking in the background. But let's go. Close the door behind me." With that, she opened the door to the Greenhouse, and slipped inside. Kuuso would be able to follow. Pink Eyes's stare remained locked on him even as the door was shut.

Inside the Greenhouse, it was what one expected. Rows and rows of various greens being grown under the rays of the sun, as well as with the assistance of various hydroponic devices. Certain areas were separated from the others, seeming to consist of different specimens of the same species of fruit. A clear attempt at trying to make successful bits of crop breed with eachother to create something new and interesting, in a controlled environment. But more interestingly was the fact that a section of the Greenhouse was entirely different from the rest. Clearly marked out, this was the chapel area.

This small place devoted to the Ialao religion fit with the theme. It was like a small garden, with hedgerows, flowers, and even grass on the floor. And most importantly, a great tree in the middle of it. With glorious orange leaves, healthy and strong bark, and a few large apples growing from it on the lower branches, easily within hand's reach. Strangely however, four of the apples were a lovely green, while one apple was red. At the base of the tree was a small altar, with a tiny book on it. A book of prayers from the look of it. And right in front of that was the only section where the ground wasn't covered in grass, a little section of stone where one could pray. Suitably sized for members of most Iammelonian species to kneel down upon comfortably, including Taurus, though a Dragon might find it cramped. Then again they'd find the whole Greenhouse cramped.

There was a second marked off area however, and it just seemed to be a small desk zone. It was simple and unassuming, just a desk, a chair, and a small computer on it that seemed to be for the purpose of logging what was going on within the Greenhouse and monitoring the machines. The computer was on, but in a passive state, just ensuring all the machines were working. It did have an odd screensaver though; five apples in a row, the first four were purple, and the last was green.

Glancing around, the Anubite checked to see if they were alone. And it seemed that the Greenhouse was, at present, empty. Zakhet gave a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness, no tree humper. Wasn't in the mood for another rant about how Anubite spirits are perverting Delviatu's will or whatever. Get enough of that from the Ghashyr. Now, let's look around a bit. For instance let me first start with that clearly suspicious thing..." She went right over towards the tree, and up to the discolored apple. She tried to pull it off, and couldn't. She pulled it down and grunted, "I don't think this is a real apple, maybe a switch? That sorta eccentric nonsense would fit the profile of our target." She tugged it again, and then glanced around behind the tree to see if a secret door opened up.

Crossing her arms, Zakhet thought to herself, "Hm, that would be a bit obvious, wouldn't it? Maybe..." She pulled the apple again, and she hear a small click from the altar behind her. This made the Anubite turn in triumph and go "Ah-hah!" She then tried to move the large bit of stone... And couldn't. She inspected it further, even pulling the Apple again, and the click keep coming from the stone. But it didn't seem to actually change anything. Zakhet was getting rather angry, and she remained focused on trying to solve the riddle of the purple apple and the stone, which she was convinced was a secret entrance. This left Kuuso to investigate around more if he wanted.

- - -

Tamour listened in on this interesting trivia, and gave a few of his own comments as they waited for the elevator to go up, "A museum using AR tech sounds like quite the interesting idea. Perhaps it should be brought up to the Anubites. Call it something corny like 'A Walk Through History', and I am sure the Jackals will eat that up. Maybe do it for their own great museums as well. Can't say I know the Athallians well myself however, they're too recent for me and my only interactions with their kind has been through military channels. Since they seem to be becoming more relevant, I should perhaps pay more attention there."

He gave a slight look of surprise at the mention of their history however, "That is quite a bit of territory to once own. Didn't think they had it in them, from what I've heard of their stereotypes..." Moving past the thought of degeneracy, Tamour then spoke on the client species, "Now, this symbiote is something that should definitely be brought up to the Anubites. While they already have their spirit Ancestors to call upon for experience and teaching, I am quite sure they'd be very interested to interrogate those symbiotes and their hosts for whatever information they have. And it certainly sounds like a very useful tool regardless. One can acquire quite a bit of knowledge and experience in a single lifetime, and even more if they somehow have multiple or are long-lived like we Dragons. It would be fascinating to see what might happen if one such creature was moved through 20 generations of Dragon... Hm, an experiment for another time, perhaps."

"All the same, it does sound to me however that they did not properly utilize that gift, if they have fallen so far" he commented in a more stern fashion. "Hundreds of lost species... That is what I would consider a serious failure in their responsibility. I should know, given the effort I put in to save a species from falling into obscurity myself." The individuals present would of course know what he was talking about, given he meant the Zemour, "The Anubites speak of their own history through rose tinted glasses as well, and so too can their ancestors be called upon to give testimony. But it seems their restraint bought them a much more stable history, even if it not quite as glorious. I think that serves as a lesson in its own right." It was a stern lesson, but then he chuckled, "Makes it all the more worthy for me to research them at some point then, eh? That way I can figure out what the lesson is precisely."

With that small observance of his done, Tamour emerged from the elevator and headed off to the specified room. He noticed the change as he entered, recognizing that the room's systems were indeed active. He took the chance to glance around however, taking in the sights of a world lost to time, recreated virtually. His attention was of course quickly brought to the tree. The only sight he had seen quite like it was another gargantuan tree, of which there was only one in the Nebula; The Tree of Gulates, supposedly one planted by the Ialao prophet. He had seen the tree himself, and it was quite majestic in its own right. But the Athallian Tree was quite clearly different despite the initial similarities. The Tree of Gulates for instance did not have crystals growing out of it, and it was probably slightly smaller than this now historic tree. The Minister did not think his personal record for "tallest tree I've ever seen" would be topped in this excursion, but here he was.

Noting the Councilor, Tamour smiled and walked closer, "The setting is no trouble, this is quite the immersive way to learn more about one's subject of interest. And I shall admit I do much prefer a more rural and free environment in contrast to one made of steel, so this suits me just fine. Espeically if it is in fact relevant to your work..." He had stopped next to Seffa, and looked over towards the tree, "Their god, huh? That's two tree worshippers in the Nebula now, the Ialao will be thrilled. But they don't exactly worship their tree, theirs's is just viewed as an extension of an all encompassing life deity. An expression, rather than an entity worth worshipping in itself. I am curious what the difference is with the Athallians."

Giving Seffa a moment to explain, really to just let her show off the results of her research, he then look down at her, "All the same, you are indeed correct. Me and Melyphis are here for an inspection of the militia, which I am told you are in charge of. My inspection is to check the general readiness of the militia and see how well they've progressed. The Union has been setting out standards for the planetary guard units of each member world, and I want to make sure Fia is on its way to hitting those standards. Allowing the militia to take on a more official role. I also wish to inquire as to any particular matters of note you may want to bring to my attention. I might not show it too much, but I am invested personally in seeing Fia succeed. So I'd like to see if there is anything within my purview that I can do to help there."

Kuuso wasn’t surprised by Phalnar’s played down babbling, he was taken off of his script after all. At times like this he wished that Melyphis left in the Hivemind as a sort of backdoor one could use against things like this. Their sentience and sense of individual self was the price for a hivemind. Something that was still in play amongst the Firstborn but their tradeoff that their individualism was not as pronounced as the Zamour’s. They had individuals amongst their race, but they stuck staunchly to their castes without question. Though getting the extra clarification that something was up was ultimately still something towards their investigation. Went to show that they were on the right path.

After Kuuso got to see something as bizarre as a stealthy Taurus, something that held all the spectacle of a tank on legs passing for stealthy operations was something he never thought he would see and a challenge to take on for himself at a later date, he got to consider Zakhet’s reaction of his worries. For the most part he believed she could be right, that the one they were after was far too overconfident and what he had considered as ploys or feints could just be attempts of subtle deception. Calling the obvious into question to subvert opinions. Of course the greenhouse would make the perfect place for an opening underground, so make the enemy second guess themselves by pointing right at it and tell them to look at it. “Taught to call attention to it.” The Councillor parroted begrudgingly, as if to let it mull over some more out loud. He wanted to believe that Zakhet was right about this. But the longer that bloody pink chicken stares into his soul the more he was thinking that they had been made. Or worse. That whoever was behind this knew what he was really. All the more reason to find them and stop them. “I… Will have to trust your judgement on this Doctor. I believe my current position has me guessing more than is normally necessary of villains and pirates.”

Speaking of that flamingo shaded sleep paralysis chicken, Kuuso took one last look at it before they entered the ‘church’. “If that thing is still out there staring at me when we come back out I’m going to have it for lunch. I do not like how it's only looking at me.” If that thing was placed just to psyche him out then the villain behind this was playing their cards well.

He tore himself away from the judgemental foul with the flamboyant pigment to focus on the task at hand. Closing the door to the greenhouse behind him as he finally walks inside. And more importantly get a line of questions ready if the priestess was here tending her church… Unfortunately it would appear that she was absent. Shame. And he was looking forward to learning about the Ialoa’s faith. He will have to settle for next time. Though as Zakhet mentioned about the Anubites ancestors and her gripes about their cultures clashes with that of the Ialoa, it suddenly made more sense why she was so relieved that the priestess was not present. From what he knew… “The ghosts of your ancestors freely roam amongst the living, correct? That's… Atypical of the normal sequence of events isn’t it? The dead pass on to an incorporeal ‘world’ while the material world is a place for the material lifeforms. Though what typically counts for ‘material’ does vary in cases.” He was hardly an expert on the nature of what should be considered ‘dead’ given his current circumstance. Or what should happen to the dead once they die. Afterall he knew of ways to animate dead tissue. Souls on the other hand were a much more tricky matter. “Though who is to say how the dead should act? To have access to an ancestors wisdom is a rare thing."

Coming to find the altar, the second cordoned off area with the desktop setup and the strange tree with odd apples on it, Kuuso waited a moment to ponder it all before the good Doctor started to experiment with the apples. He was surprised to see that the red apple branch was actually a switch, though more surprise came from the odd sound that came from the altar right after. Like something had been activated… Yet there was no change in sight. “I suppose it is out of the question to break the stone altar.” The councillor was voicing the obvious in this situation, though one would question how he could break what was presumably solid stone with metal mechanisms inside of it. He would answer that it was obvious, seeing that his amorphous nature meant he could shift his mass and density to give his physical body the needed muscle to crack open solid rock and wood.

One thought came to mind as she kept pulling the switch. He mind went to the odd screensaver on the desktop and he would proceed to go check it. Though the only issue with that was that the apples on the screen were purple, not red. But perhaps that was not the point. He wanted to see if any of the apples had changed after Zakhet pulled the switch before he wanted to try something… Like pulling on the green apples to see if they did anything. “Are all the branches switches?” He enquired as he checked the computer screen. “If so then perhaps there is a sequence we need to input to unlock whatever door or passageway is hidden away from view.”

- - - - -

Mel did share her boss’s opinion on the Athailian’s dubious reputation. But the lieutenant did speak up on that front. “Yeaaah, I have heard that they are a rather promiscuous bunch. But the museum owner seemed pretty clear headed. Haven’t heard about a single complaint or call of a disturbance or public indecency charge about him. I even ended up asking him if the rumours you hear about his people are true. He said they were mostly true but he did say something to me that made me think.”

“Oh..? And what was that?” Asked Melyphis.

“He said something like ‘How would you react as a collective if your species went from a couple hundred trillion to a million in the space of a few months? And only a select few hundred thousand actually made it onto colony ships escaping a genocide?’.” She says and pauses as if to mull that question over again in her head. “I said I had no idea. Historically the Zerg are always on the… Well… Causing the genocide side.”

“And he said…?”

“Oh, he said that there was some theory that their species have been in a forced heat ever since they came out of stasis. Something like a defence mechanism to their near extinction.” Again Keera paused. “I don’t know if I buy that thought. There might be some truth to it, but surely they would have asked the Union for some help with their genetic abnormality by now if that was the case. Right?”

Meyphis’s face scrunched up in disbelief in hearing this, but as a doctor she was already beginning to to think of the possibility of such a thing given the Athailian’s unique biology and its adaptive nature. “... If that load of hogwash is actually true… It may actually explain their reluctance in getting help. I mean, their population hasn’t climbed in any significant way over the ten years they’ve been part of the Union. From barely a million to only 20 or so million from my understanding. A decent leap… But not great. And given their background, if such a thing can be trusted, then their pride would make them horrifically unwilling to even think of seeking outside help for this hormonal disease of theirs… Perhaps the Zamour should approach them? A newcomer to the scene like them would make the blow much less of an issue on their pride than asking an established presence, like the Anubites for instance.”

Moving on from that to the thought of this symbiote creature and listening to Tamour’s musing on it, Mel certainly had some brewing ideas on the matter. Though soon the matter shifted again to the failing of the Athailian’s and their seeming fall from grace given their degenerate change in culture.

To which Mel nodded. It was quite the fall from grace. “Though I do find it strange how everyone has taken to shunning them when this is the clearest evidence of them crying for help I have ever seen. I mean, a large majority of their race have taken it upon themselves to be outlets for pent up hormones and emotions. They’ve become a race of people pleasers. Degenerate people pleasers, yes. But if that speaks of the immense trauma they’ve undergone as a collective… Then I wonder if no one else has really taken a good look at their new culture and seen their behaviour for the emotional red flag that it really is.”

Once they were done with their elevator ride and got to see just what Councillor Seffa was using the AR room for, Mel and the lieutenant felt that it was an odd coincidence that even she was looking into the Athailian’s.

It surprised Melyphis none to hear Taour’s opinion on the current scenery. Given their usual schedule, getting to be outside was a luxury for them considering the mountain of work and paperwork that they haul their way through on a regular basis. The formation of the Union and the end of the civil war marked their busiest time, certainly the busiest time in her life. “You’ll hear no argument from me, Councillor.”

The councillor gave a warm smile as she heard their current surroundings weren't a problem. “I’m glad you see it that way Minister. Truth be told I was worried that this was a misuse of the equipment we got working. But I was told that stress testing was still needed before it can be used for military use.” Said the Hophrete councillor as her Emerald coloured gaze shifted back to the distant tree.

Once Tamour spoke of the deity tree, Seffa was able to elaborate on it from what she understood. “I actually know the difference, Minister. From my understanding, the tree itself is a conscious entity with memories and emotions saved from all those who have linked to it across its lifetime making up a grand personality. It uses psychic energy to grow, to thrive. And in return it protects those connected to it from malicious threats. This was how they thrived into the dominant species in their world… The Athailian themselves thrived as a subject of symbiotic evolution.”

“The tree is a sentient entity?” Melyphis says as she looks out to the titanic tree in the background. Finding it hard to imagine such a titanic thing as a sentient lifeform.

The Councillor nodded with an enthusiastic spark in her eye, Melyphis’s reaction mimicking her own when she first found out. “It is. Reportedly there is a tiny one growing in the Athailian Sanctuary that is already starting to reach out to people who get close to it. Inquisitive asking questions. That tree is a cutting from that one over there.” She says as she points to the titanic tree before them. “As you can imagine the Ialoa are chomping at the bit to get close to it. But I heard the Athailian’s rather stubbornly denied them access. I guess they’re petrified of someone stealing the only child of their Guardian God from them. The last great tie they have to a home they watched burn.”

“Oof… Tree that big… Capable of using vast amounts of Psychic energy the likes no normal mortal could likely wield… I’d hate to see whatever killed it and burn their homeworld.” Started Melyphis. Even she was curious about the tree’s genetic potential so she could easily see why the Athailian’s were petrified of this information being public knowledge at all. Likely only letting it be known out of good faith to the nebula that took them in. “I mean… The Ialoa wouldn’t steal that tree from Athailian’s and call it ‘protecting an endangered species’ would they?” She says as she looks to the Minister, hoping to see some pleasant affirmation on the notion that the Ialoa were crazy nature weirdos who would steal a tree god from a desperate people. The last thing they needed was more conflicts breaking out, especially over a psychic tree.

The Naga-like Councillor of the Zamour turned her attention back to the minister after she shared some of the fruits of her research. She did have more, but none that was relevant to the current topic at hand. She let her hands rest, clasped behind her back as the tip of her tail swayed back and forth as she listened to the Minister reaffirm why he and Melyphis were here. To assess the state and readiness of the militia. Which she did expect of his visit. She came prepared for such things after all, since their goals were aligned on the matter of making sure the militia met that standard the Union was setting. “Oh I am only one of three Councillors that are in charge of the Militia really. But I suppose I am in charge of the more general branches. Kuuso handles matters of intelligence and colonial security and Mayna handles border security. Making sure we don’t have smugglers making footholds in our territory and whatnot.”

“But outside of that, I am the woman you need to talk to. Seeing as I put in the most towards domestic security on Fia.” She says as she moves her hands to clasp them in front of her, comfortably resting on atop the other as the Minister asks if anything of note should be brought to his attention. To not parrot his question, the councillor thinks on it for a moment. At first nothing major seemed to jump out at her, so she voices such. “I want to say that I cannot think of anything outstanding that requires your attention. But there have been a number of smaller internal matters that have worried me. Nothing that concerns the Militia itself though I’m afraid.”[/b]

With one last look before entering the church properly, Pink Eyes... Was gone, without a trace. No indication of where he had gone. But it seemed the staring was over for now. Zakhet glanced over and nodded, "Guess it just didn't like you. Perhaps it considers itself protector of its flock, and deemed you a threat? Hard to tell with such animals."

Inside, Zakhet looked back at Kuuso and nodded, "The souls of our ancestors do indeed walk among the living. It is distinctly unnatural, but that is the point for us Anubites. Too often one decides that just because something is natural, that means it is good. We have the ability to grant ourselves the choice whether or not to move on, or if we desire our spirits to stay in this plane. Be it to guide our descendants, or just watch what happens after we die. It is about taking back our autonomy and self-determination from an uncaring universe. It is the same reason we Anubites reject gods, or at least submission to them." She then sighed, "And all of this directly contrasts with the Ialao faith. Delvitanou, or the Life Faith, is all about the natural world. To them, when you die and your spirit moves on, you join with the great spirit of all life, Delviatu, that all creatures are naturally connected to. And to them, perverting that process is a disruption of a natural, pure order. Hogwash, the lot of it. True or otherwise, we Anubites care not. We dislike such thought either way. Our ancestors, and ourselves for that matter, make the choice for ourselves when it comes to our soul. Rather than just feeding it to some mystical tree god."

She snorted and got back to work on the tree in question. She paused as he brought up the matter of the other branches, and she temporarily paused pulling the red apple, and went to pull the other four. As guessed, they were all able to be pulled as well, and all of them once again caused a mechanical sound from the altar stone. Zakhet spoke back, "Yeah, they're all switches. The apples are all fake, they're just levers." She then looked back at the altar, "Ultimately up to you if you want to break the stone. It's probably where any secret entrance is, after all. I can't do it, but if you can, be my guest. I'll stick to trying to figure this out... Maybe pull all the green ones and then the red one?" She went back to experimenting.

Going over to inspect the computer screen, it was a simple screensaver. In a row, it was five dancing apples. The first four were purple, and the last was green. However, if Kuuso kept his eye on it... When Zakhet pulled the red apple, the screensaver very briefly changed. The apples changed instead to an order of: Green, Red, Red, Green, Red. And then just as quickly they switched back to their original colors.

Of course, if Kuuso happened to look up from the screen, he would see that there was a window outside here. And looking out from the windows and at a nearby shed... Perched atop the rooftop was Pink Eyes. The Zeekan was perfectly still, perched on the roof, and stared down mockingly at Kuuso. From this angle, it was like a king looking down upon a peasant.

- - -

The concept of a forced heat due to the massive population loss did get some gears in Tamour's head turning. He never really considered it as a cry for help, due to it seeming to be biological and thus likely part of their species since the start. But the idea that it was an adaptation caused by stress, deliberate modification, damaged culture, or some mixture of the three did not really occur to him. It did make more sense in that context, though it was still an assumption. All the same, perhaps it would indeed be worthwhile to look into it more properly. Tamour personally felt that Iammelon would've gotten used to it soon enough, at least the less prude areas, but perhaps understanding the underlying reasons would help accelerate that acceptance while also looking into any issues before they got really bad.

Tamour looked to Melyphis and gave a quick comment on the matter, "Make a note on that for later, Mel. It might be wise for us to look into this matter later with some Zemour support. Dragons are still relative outsiders as well, and we have the exact opposite issue of a low birthrate. So in this instance, me and you are a fitting team to work on such an assignment." With that note done, Tamour kept the issue in his mind for later.

He was counting on Seffa to know the difference, but the Dragon Minister was a bit surprised at learning the specifics. He wasn't exactly expecting a sentient, psychic tree, but it did get him thinking. "It does explain why they'd care for it so much. And if the tree is sentient but absorbs energy in such a way, I would presume it gained a sort of personality that suited the Athailians. It influences them, they influence it, and the cycle continues, seeing both mutually evolve alongside eachother. It is less of a separate entity at that point, and is in fact more a living, breathing embodiment of their culture. Better than any mere book, the living tree changes with the times, always acting as a constant figure reflecting the current feelings of the people it watches over. It's not merely a guardian, it's a projection of their kind as a whole. I can see why it would take such an important place. It's a celebrity."

Tamour then chuckled, "That said, I can see why the Ialao would be so very interested in that tree. It fits into their beliefs rather well." He paused, and then began to explain, "On my homeworld, Rulcan, my town was home to an old Ialao Life Warden. They are wandering, warrior Life Priests. He never managed to get me to convert, but I did speak with him, so I can explain the Ialao faith rather well. Based on that, the Ialao would view this Athailian Tree as a major piece of proof to their beliefs, and a miniature representation of Delviatu."

"Delviatu is the Ialao God. But Delviatu is not merely some watchful deity in the heavens, he is all around us. All life makes up the greater whole that is Delviatu, including the grass, the trees, the animals, and we sentients as well. We are all mere tendrils from the greater, all-connecting being that is Delviatu. That's what our soul-stuff is, according to them. Little bits and pieces of Delviatu, that reunite with him upon death, so that the cycle of life may go on. Delviatu is the universe itself, and it is a sentient, living being. They would see the Athailian Tree as a microcosm of that, a sentient tree which calls upon its natural connection to Delviatu, the soul, in order to create a harmonious relationship with other creatures who are also bonded with Delviatu. They'd view it as a minor miracle, and validation of their faith. Its power clearly an expression of Delviatu's even greater power, and proof that harmony with nature will create a stronger spiritual being than selfishness or material greed." Tamour explained.

"That being said... I do not believe there will be any issues." He affirmed with a smile, before explaining his reasoning, "Even the most aggressive and fundamentalist sect of the Life Faith, the Delath, would likely be against stealing it. Primarily due to that deep connection with the Athailians it seems to exhibit, which indicates its natural place is with that bonded species. The Ialao would see such a bond as holy in nature, and to break that bond is probably heresy. Not to mention it would harm the tree, which I doubt any of them would want. Now, there may be an issue in the future should that tree have seeds. The Ialao will absolutely want the seeds. Both to take one for themselves, to try and recreate the bond, and to spread around. Primarily because they'd see it as an excellent way to spread the will of their god and further encourage harmonious, symbiotic relationships with nature in other peoples."

"That is a future issue however, and one that can certainly be solved via negotiation rather than violence. In the short term, the main issue I see is an overabundance of Ialao Life Priests visiting the Athailians to point at the tree, call it a child of Delviatu, and try to convince said Athailians to convert to their religion. But so long as the Athailians can handle a bit of proselytizing, I see no issues. Hell, the Ialao will likely be friendly in the long run. Just very pushy with their religion." Tamour finished with a nod. He felt fairly confident about that assessment, as he did know the Ialao well. Their preachers tended to visit Scarletneck and rural worlds far more than they did the big city worlds, as the rural planets were far more receptive to their messaging. It was safe to say Tamour knew how they worked, and a fair bit of how they saw the world. He paused when he realized something, "That said, that fundamentalist sect I mentioned? The Delath? They might get aggressive if the Athailians mistreat the tree and it becomes sick. So their relations with that particular group shall directly parallel the tree's health, but I doubt they'll ever directly target the tree itself. Only punish neglectfulness. But given what I have seen and heard thus far, I sincerely doubt this will come up."

With his thoughts on that concern stated, Tamour turned back to more present matters. He nodded to Seffa, "I met Kuuso briefly earlier, and he is currently handling an intelligence matter for me. I will gauge the success on that front based on my agents reports later when they evaluate Kuuso's capabilities based on his contributions to their investigations." Tamour saw no reason not to test the mysterious councilor, after all. That was still a defense matter, and no better way to tell if he was suitable for the job than some direct experience! "As for smuggling, I'll leave such matters to the RSJD to handle. My concerns are military overall, I shall leave law enforcement to more appropriate authorities. Meaning that you are indeed the most suitable for what I am here for now."

Tamour paused however as she mentioned these internal matters, and spoke up, "While I am here to check the militia officially, I do still care for the wellbeing of Fia itself both professionally and personally. So if something worries you, feel free to mention it if I am capable of helping. After all, anything that worries a Councilor who handles domestic security is probably something of concern to me as well."

Not seeing that evil Pink menace on his last look back only filled him with a sense of worry, if it wasn’t looking at him anymore then it must be doing something else. BUT WHAT WAS IT DOING?! He had to push it out of his mind. Instead he focussed on helping figure out this door and its eccentric puzzle. “Hah. Me. A threat… Imagine that…”

Kuuso did listen to Zakhet as she explained about her people’s own beliefs and the stance on the afterlife. And as she finished he gave his musing on this. “I can sympathise with your peoples views on the nature of life and death. To have such freedom… I envy that. If only we were all so lucky as to choose our destination. To have that luxury of seeing where the path you set out to walk goes, even if it is not you who continues walking it..” It seemed oddly personal for him. Though that didn’t make much sense if one thought about it. He was relatively young and despite being in the Civil war he and his people have a great degree of freedom. “To be so free as to choose to shake the subjugation of one who thinks themselves your god…”

Kuuso then became quiet as he studied the desktop monitor and its change as Zakhet fiddled with the other levers, seeing its repeated pattern as his three eyes widened. He knew his gut was right on this. But he holds off on saying anything for a moment, finding he has shared too much. But continues to speak. “... I do however see how the Ialoa want things to be. I imagine there can be comfort in believing in an all benevolent creator who keeps a sense of balance… But I wonder how they console themselves when the Zerg once ravaged space. They’re still out there. Far away, and still they uproot communities and continue on tainting planets… Devouring ecosystems until only barren rock and gore is left… Are they so naive to say that we were made to maintain some balance? Or that our collective ascension to sentience was planned? No… I don’t want to believe that. Even as unflattering as the truth of this is… An accident and a chance taken. I want to believe in the ugly truth. That someone took pity on the vile monsters we were and wanted something good to be forged from what was created to be evil…”

He once more went quiet to reflect on his own words. It was puzzling to him that he was feeling so talkative. Along with feeling the need to verbally expose himself. Perhaps the brandy was still working its way through his system, perhaps he wanted to feel as if he could forgive himself for the roles he has played in the past.

Finally thinking it was time to give Zakhet the information he needed he looked up from screen to see IT. The blasted Chicken looming on a rooftop outside, staring down at him mockingly. The fact Pinky was now there did startle Kuuso as his three eyes merged into one single green pupil that angrily glared at it. “Do these domestic fowl have the capacity for mockery? I think this pink one has it out for me…" He says as he looks at it as it stands there… menacingly. "... There's a pattern to the levers… Green, red, red, green and red. That showed up on the screen as you messed with them. I guess the hint was made incase people forgot how to open the way."

_____

Melyphis did take a mental note at Tamour's request. Though even if he had not she would have asked him later if she could do an independent study into if this 'forced heat' and behaviour deviance theory that the lieutenant was suggesting held any truth to it. Though this matter of this having a useful connection into the Dragons own issue with low birthrates did surprise her. But it made sense. If such a thing could be safely replicated and tweaked then it could potentially be used to help any declining population in a more natural way. "Of course, Minister. I already have some potential contacts inside the Solar Empire that could help bring this to proper channels."

As the matter shifted to Seffa's explanation, the idea that the tree was a sentient creature was mind boggling to the doctor. "A creature with that kind of potential… I'm surprised no one else has taken an interest in this… What was it called?"

"A Xelium. Zel-Eye-Um. And I'm just as surprised. But given the amount of Ialoa nearby and the Athailian in general I doubt many Psion’s are too eager to piss off them or these extremist sects the Minister has mentioned." Said Saffa. The Councillor enjoyed mulling over the point Tamour made that the tree was a living piece of the Athailians evolving culture. "I think they would like that thought…”

The tension that Melyphis had about possible Ialoan shenanigans regarding the psychic tree was alleviated by Tamour. She had known that the minister did have a history with the Ialoa, they had worked together for over a decade at this point so something like that was common knowledge to her. But it was still good to hear his thoughts on the matter. “I think the Athailian’s can handle some pushy religious talk if it means some peace of mind. This actually works in their favour now I think about it… Having a species they can connect on something as fundamental to their culture may help to crack that degenerate outcast vibe they have.”

“Degenerate outcast… A fitting description.” Seffa adds before she looks to the Minister again as he mentions his meeting with Councillor Kuuso. Which didn’t surprise her, he had told her that he meant to meet them upon their arrival. Though she did raise an eyebrow about evaluating him, wondering what he meant by that. “I had no he was helping to handle an investigation… Though that would explain why he had ordered a Riot Squad to be on standby before he left the city limits.” It would appear that Seffa has been keeping tabs on him. Though ordering what sounds like a resource intensive squad may fall under her net of influence considering she handles domestic matters.

“Well on military matters I can tell you alot. I have been keeping a close eye on developments and construction, as you no doubt saw the HQ’s development is coming along nicely. Though I hear we will have some air vehicles soon thanks to you. We could certainly use those. We’re rather short on vehicles until the HQ’s factory level is finished. You actually passed it on the way up, level 9-11 is the factory floor.” Seffa says as she looks back to the horizon for a moment as Tamour makes it clear that she may talk about what was worrying her. She takes a moment before she nods and looks back to the Dragon minister. “... Alright. As you may have noticed, or perhaps haven’t yet, the Militia is facing a deficit of recruits. There’s no shortage of Zeran or Ultarian’s joining but I’m worried about the lack of my own kind along with some of the other subraces joining the militia in favour of leaving for other ventures.”

“We did hear something similar brought up by some in the militia on our way here.” Meliphus chimes in, naturally this matter concerns her too. And she has been thinking on some curative measures. “Introducing an incentive for enlistment may prove useful for keeping Hophrete attention. Perhaps alongside creating a specialised colonial task force that handles colony security? Do we have anything like that already??”

“We do not. Though the idea itself isn’t a terrible one. We’ve just been focusing on getting basic operations running before we considered the luxury of creating specialised branches of the Militia.” Seffa brought a hand to rest against her chin as she mulled the idea over some more. “Creating a special branch alone won’t stop my people from leaving to become mercenaries… But it should at least provide an option against it. What do you think, minister?”

Zakhet kept quiet to let Kuuso finish his thoughts, giving a moment of thought. Then she spoke after another moment, "Freedom was always the goal of the Anubites. Freedom from the inevitable hand of the universe, gripped around your very soul. It is hardly an easy path, as it inevitably is one of uncertainty. As well as adversity, as the Universe is far from a passive entity. Many exist who would take the role of God, and enslave those they see as lesser. And freedom can lead to one's own destruction at times as well. But it is well worth it, even despite the lack of comfort."

She then sighed, taking on a somber tone of her own, "But I will give the Ialao some credit. They are not passive beings either. They don't believe their great tree God will save them if they just do nothing, only guide them on the right path. I am sure that if you find some among them, they will be some of the happiest to see how the Zerg have changed. They believe all life is connected, but one must take the choice to become balanced. It won't happen for you." Zakhet then grunted and let her more dismissive tone return, "Of course, the fools still happily offer up their souls on a silver platter, and will no doubt claim Admiral Tamour was influenced by their tree god to give you all your choice. But I guess I'm not one of their stupid life priests, so I'll leave the rest of that to them." The Anubite herself wondered why she talking this much, about philosophical concepts of all things. She was a scientist, not a mystic. Strange.

"I do not believe Zeekan are intelligent enough to engage in purposeful mockery, you are just providing a mental narrative for yourself. Pay it no heed." The Anubite shrugged off his worries about the chicken, not even looking over. Pink Eyes meanwhile just stared, before fluffing out his feathers and angling his head upwards a bit, still glaring down, in an assertion of dominance. Clearly not intimidated by Kuuso's eye merging.  

Regardless of the fowl play, Zakhet heeded his words, "Alright, hold on, lemme try that!" Following the pattern, the Anubite went over to a branch that fit each color, pulling the apples in order; Green, red, red again, green, and a final red. And after a moment, something moved with a loud clang. It wasn't the altar however, and Zakhet looked with confusion behind the tree, where a large opening had appeared. She called out, "Hey, that worked! Weird, the door was in a different place to what was expected... Wonder what's under the altar then, since I could've sworn I could move it..." Letting that pass, she shook her head, "Unimportant for now. Now, let's get moving before anybody shows up!"

With that, Zakhet showed Kuuso the new entrance. It was a rather cleverly concealed trap door, under a rather convincing patch of grass. It showed a staircase, with distinct clean white walls. Descending below, it was dark and required some lighting up, but it was a pretty simple little staircase. Towards the bottom however, some sounds could be heard, lots of little scratches and the distant sound of somebody speaking. And then, as they got to the bottom of the stairs, they reached a large, modern door. It seemed to be unlocked, and could be opened by pushing on it. But as they arrived, the voice got a lot louder, and a clear shout came from the other side, "COME BACK HERE YOU TERRIBLE CREATURES SO I CAN RECYCLE YOUR GOOP, YOU WORTHLESS LITTLE FAILED BATCH!"

- - -

Tamour chuckled at the 'degenerate outcast' comment as well, "Ah, well the Ialao are a fitting group to help shake off such a reputation. While they are not as great of prudes as the Anubites, or Ghashyr priests, their religious aspects do help them give off a more regal aura. I believe they would do well with the Athailians, just so long as they can handle a bit of preaching. Of course, if a few do end up converting, that will only make the Ialao even more happy and friendly. Having a few Life Priests around isn't harmful either, they are good peacemakers, and obviously an Ialao druid is great for helping the wildlife and even crops. Perhaps then I'll have to send over a subtle bit of advice to the High Greenspeaker to send over a few missionaries to begin making friends."

Moving on to more important matters, Tamour nodded, "Indeed, a few air vehicles should be very helpful, so I will ensure to have a few sent over. If you are having production issues, I can arrange for some industrial experts from Avalantus to come help you extend that. They'd be happy to, because it gets them a job. Lots of such experts left after the Civil War, who I am sure can get your factory up and running. Not to mention civilian industry." That was thanks to the dissolution of Omnipo. Although Omnipo was too big to just be totally dissolved, and instead it had been forcefully split into many, many smaller corporations. All the same, many of those new, smaller companies couldn't really afford to maintain all of their staff, and so plenty of industrial experts had been unfortunately laid off. These were qualified men and women too, and there had been a bit of a blitz by various other companies to grab up these wandering experts and all their technical knowhow. A few of them would be invaluable in helping coordinate and set up industry.

He paused however, as the issue of the Hophretes came up again, and he had to consider it. Mulling it over for a moment, he was apprehensive, "A special branch has value, but their goal seems to be excitement rather than pay. So I'd say set up such a branch, but I can prepare another option. The RSJD has need of some new personnel to fill in their ranks. Bazaar Security fought in the Civil War, and now that they are the RSJD, the losses they took in the conflict are weighing on them. Specifically, losses in their "Tactical" units. The RSJD's answer to high risk situations, such as hostage crises, terrorist activity, violent civil unrest, anti-piracy, or high stakes raids. They're not easy to replace, as RSJD Tacticals are practically soldiers in their equipment and training."

"But... Conveniently, we have a number of ex-soldiers who desire a job. Their qualifications can fit with what the RSJD wants, although with some additional training to teach other needed materials that Tacticals require, like legal knowledge, but it's not that much. And since Tacticals handle the RSJD's more exciting work, with the pay to match, it fills in that requirement." Tamour finished, before smirking, "Of course, this would require them signing up to work with an organization heavily dominated by Valorians. So it's not for the feint of heart who can't handle the Otters and their infamous wiles."

Resuming a more serious look, he looked back to Seffa, "But more seriously, RSJD work does have the downside of seeing them leave the planet anyways. The RSJD is national, and Tacticals are deployed wherever they are needed in the Nebula. One day they'll come back, hopefully more disciplined and calmed down. All the same, it is still worth noting. I would need to contact the High Marshal, but I doubt she would be opposed."

“No path worth doing ever is. If it were easy then I would be suspicious of it.” Listening to the good doctor’s words, he had to confess to himself that he found himself liking the Anubite’s way of life far more than the Ialaon one. “Hmm… It would seem I feel more in line with Anubite values then. I would very much like to learn more about your people, though at a more appropriate time.”

It was certainly odd that they were feeling oddly philosophical. It certainly didn’t help that this was all making Kuuso strangely introspective as he listened to all this.

The purpose behind the merged eye was not a means of intimidation but more a failing in a facade. Stress and annoyance peeling away a carefully maintained secret. Still. He hated that space chicken, it was definitely too clever for its own good. Perhaps the capacity for mockery was an unforeseen maladaptation. Or it was just evil. The second was the most right in his heart. “That only really applies to normal Zeekan. We have no real idea of what sort of level of modification went into them. So… A more intelligent flock guardian could be feasible. _{That or it is just a being of evil…}” That last part was more said under his breath.

Deeds of the fowl kind out of the way.

Kuuso moved from the desktop to head around the tree at Zakhet’s words. He was curious about the thing in the altar but it felt like it was unnecessary to find out at this point. Now that their way forward was open, they were getting closer to the culprit. He did find it odd that he would hide a clue in the screensaver… But once again that could just be his paranoia affecting his critical thinking. “Odd indeed. But then again perhaps it had something to do with making the altar appear to be the obvious answer. Just as well we didn't try to force it open since this was the true door.” He could only speculate what would have happened if they did so. “Then again perhaps the desktop contained another hidden feature to unlock said mechanism on the altar.”

The clinically white shading of their new way down sent a shiver down his spine. He certainly didn’t care for such unhealthily sterile and unnaturally uniform places. As they descended and the way grew darker, the councillor pulled a personal device from his coat pocket instead of simply using Psionics to produce an orb of light. Wanting to avoid cluing the mastermind in of their arrival.

Once they reached the large doors however, he dimmed the light between his fingers as he noticed it was partially open. Meaning it wasn’t very long that either someone came down or someone left and forgot to close the door properly… That was his first thought. But hearing the voice beyond it. He felt as though the first option was more likely, the mastermind came down here from the chapel above. Part of him wanted to burst in now, catch the culprit… But he knew he couldn’t be hasty. He could let silent desperation and emotions rule his decision making. So to keep silent he thought that some light telepathy would be worth the risk of exposure.

‘Do we regroup with the others, Doctor? We have no idea what truly lies beyond these doors… I am confident in my own combative skills and my ability to command lesser strains of zerg as the Broodmother's and Cerebrates before them once did. But I do not know the scope of the modifications done to these modified Zerg. They could be locked to a certain pattern of psionic signals instead of a broad brand like the original strains.’ It was unknown how Kuuso gained the ability to command other Zerg. This certainly didn’t appear in his file. So either this reveal was a boast, which did not align with his psyche evaluation, or he had intentionally hidden this ability.

- - - - -

“Some intrusive preaching will not likely deter them. From some of the records in that AR-museum I visited they did have several vassal races that had heavy religious influences. Though it was not as heavily central to their races core identity as it is with the Ialoan’s.” Stated the Councillor as she takes note of some of the benefits that can come from the Ialoa’s belief. Though she had no real plans for the information at the moment. Her mind was more in military matters instead of agricultural and civilian sector interests.

Seffa’s reaction to Tamour’s mention of putting in a good word with some people that were unfortunately laid off after the messy business of Avalantus in general did pique her interest. “That would be ideal actually. It would no doubt also look good for us to employ and give chances to people who were unfortunately caught up in the mess of the civil war. And no doubt endear us to the races of those who are taken on. I would certainly appreciate it if you would help to get us in touch.”

Melyphis wrinkled her brow at the suggestion of endorsing the RSJD, the idea wasn’t bad. She was surprised she hadn’t thought of that. Though her mind was more geared towards keeping mass migrations from happening, so that can be the likely reason as to why. Though his quip on the Valorian’s did have her forming a small smirk at the corner of her mouth. “_{Oh I can practically hear the High Marshal tearing at her box of tissues already.}”

Seffa had heard of the infamous ‘wiles’ of the otters. It rivalled the Athailian’s own case statistics but had more concrete ties into the Nebula. She certainly wasn’t against the idea, on endorsing the RSJD anyways. “Hmm… It certainly isn’t a bad idea. And if my people can handle being reborn into a civil war then they can handle afew otters… It does mean they leave their new home. But you are right, they will come back mellowed, experienced and capable of controlling their thrill seeking nature.”

“How have you been handling these drives Councillor?” Curiously asked Melyphis.

The Councillor looked puzzled before it clicked for her. “Oh! I find my work exhilarating. Sure, I would feel more at home with a rifle in my hands or using my tail to crush something windpipe. Feeling the muscles wrestle against one another for survival…But my work as Councillor is fulfilling in its own way.” She says with a beaming smile that completely glossed over the strange thing she just said.

Melyphis’s eyes were wide but she kept a smile on her face. The words ‘oh no. I used too many dominant traits’ played over and over in her head. “... Well I’m glad that you feel that way Councillor!”

“Thank you! Now, Minister. Is there anything else you would like to ask? If you’d like we can take a tour down to R&D, it is admittedly bare bones at the moment but they have been working hard to help the boys and girls at the factory level get ready for production to get underway. We already have some conceptual works and a single working prototype for a Tactical Vtol that the militia will be using for domestic deployments of troops.” Seffa said as she looked up the Blue dragon.

Zakhet gave a proud little smile at that, "Good to hear you seem more in line with the sensible view. But I'd be happy to discuss it further at a better time. Teaching is always worthwhile, that's another Anubite belief. So long as the student is willing to listen, at least."  Weirdly talkative, but she did enjoy it. Rare topic to discuss, after all.

In any case, the Anubite decided to just give a look at the implication the Zeekan was an evil creature, or extra smart. Clearly she didn't much believe him on that front. Still, in descending into the underground, they were now more safe from the judging glare of Pink Eyes. She did however mull over and comment on the defense mechanism, "The inclusion of that sort of puzzle to figure out the real entrance indicates that whoever designed this believed that its allies may forget how to open the door. So either it's a large group, where such forgetfulness may occur, or the mastermind of this has a poor opinion of its compatriots. Or both."

In the darkness as they went down, Zakhet was quite fine in the dark. Anubites were creatures quite used to caves and darkness, and were naturally adapted to have rather good nightvision. The light from Kuuso's device however helped to illuminate the walls, and show how clean and well made it was. Not the work of amateurs, for sure.

At the door, Zakhet cautiously avoided getting too close. She nodded to Kuuso, "Regrouping would be a wise course of action, as we have located what is almost certainly our target's lair now, and we shouldn't blow our cover until we can take full advantage of that. And I'm not exactly a fighter myself, I am a researcher above all. That's why we had the military with us, after all. So let's sneak out while we still can..."

And as if triggering bad luck, shortly after Zakhet whispered that, the voice from beyond the door boomed out, "YOU IDIOT FAILURES, YOU OPENED THE ENTRANCE! IT. MUST. BE. SECRET! AAAAGH!" With that, the loud sound of a button angrily being smashed rung out, and soon after... What little light from above faded as they could see the trapdoor from which they had entered close up, and trap them inside the staircase. Then there was the sound of zapping from beyond the door, and finally a loud sigh, "Failed batches, almost ruining me... If Father was here he'd lambast me for that screw up. I need to cool off... Aaaaa..." The voice had calmed down, and it sounded like it was relaxing now.

Zakhet meanwhile did the opposite of relax, and frowned as their exit shut behind them, "And I suppose regrouping is no longer an option... Alright, we'll have to try and find another exit, through the lion's den. Well, Kuuso, I hope you're still good as sneaking as your broodmother. We don't want to be seen." And so, quietly, she slinked over to the door, and carefully entered, doing her best to slip in through the open crack rather than opening the door further.

If Kuuso followed, he would see quite the sight. Inside was a much bigger and far more advanced underground laboratory. It had all the things one might expect of a stereotypical lab, including lots of little beakers filled with various liquids of unknown nature. But more notable were the fixtures like large growth vats, some of which were filled up with a strange blue liquid, and had things growing inside. Creatures with some resemblance to Zerg, in their early stages of development and easy to carefully watch. This was the lab of a geneticist.

And as for its occupant, they could also be seen. In the far back of the lab was an area quite unlike the rest, because it was clearly a sauna. Unlike the rest of the lab, which was sterile, disinfected white, this area remained rocky like it had been recently carved out of the underground. And in this rocky area, was a pool of hot water, a natural sauna of a kind. Relaxing inside that pool, was a clearly feminine creature. They were leaning back, trying to relax after a stressful experience, and didn't notice anybody entering the lab. Whoever they were, they resemble a Brayr, yet clearly were not. But Kuuso could feel for sure; they were powerful, whatever they were.

Glancing around for other doors, the only other exit it seemed was towards the back, near that sauna. The rest of the lab was all just one big room, although it was quite neatly organized. That made it easy to look around and see what seemed to be a control panel, including a slightly smashed, big, blue button.

- - -

Tamour gave an affirmative nod, "Very well then, I'll have some of those laid-off experts come on over. It'll certainly help them, and those who see this, help accept the Zemour into our cultural fabric more. You should find them most helpful."

The comment on the High Marshal was of course humorous given the Valorian stereotype, and given what Tamour had seen of the Hophretes... That stereotype was quite likely to come up. But the High Marshal did always have need for those with the extra drive. The Valorians were a passionate bunch, it was hard for most others to keep up with their drive for justice. It would serve them well to obtain more recruits with thrill-seeking antics, even if the otters were likely to try and hook them in on their own thrill-seeking ways in the form of being rabid for justice. Which perhaps would be a healthy way to vent that.

"I shall inform the Marshal then of this idea, I am quite sure she'll happily prepare the arrangements. I'll make sure to warn her as well of the thrill seeking side, but I am sure the RSJD has ways to accommodate that."

He then gave a glance over at Melyphis after hearing how Seffa processed her own internal drive. Perhaps a little bit too much of that Naga predatory instinct had carried over into her work there, with that talk of crushing windpipes. All the same, Tamour just nodded and let that slide, "I am glad your work is fulfilling. I can sympathize, as my position also brings fulfillment. Even despite the headaches. Otherwise, you seem to have addressed my main concerns. Though I wouldn't mind taking a look at this VTOL you've got planned up, I do enjoy seeing prototypes."

With Zakhet’s agreement on heading back for some extra muscle, Kuuso took one step to try and get out of here. There was no way he was going to take on a mystery opponent with who knows what else they had hidden in that lab. Thank god they can retreat and regroup.

Hmm? What did she say?

Kuuso could have sworn she just mentioned the trap door. But that couldn’t be possible right. That was their only way back up right now… Oh… Right before their eyes the trapdoor up that long as hell staircase, that they just came down, just closed shut.

“...” This left Kuuso to stay glued to the spot for a moment, glaring at the unfortunately locked doors back up the long staircase, in total silence before he deflated and balled up his hands in anger. How could they be this unlucky??

While he was lamenting he did hear what the supposed mastermind was saying beyond the door… And he was in disbelief. This mastermind was likely not the true mastermind but played puppet to someone else that they called ‘Father?’. This was troubling… That meant that his Broodmother may be onto the real trail of their mastermind afterall. If so then Xernus was in potential danger. No time to worry about that now. The current situation demanded his attention.

They will need to get through the lion's den…

When Zakhet asks if he is as good at stealth as Xernus he couldn’t help but allow himself a simple luxury that he takes for granted. “Hmm. Let me be clear…” Which he whispers to her before turning invisible seconds later with a look that could only be described as coy amusement in his eyes. He delighted in the simple things, like getting to use Pun Magic at opportune times. The invisibility was not limited to him however, despite the wording of his pun the invisibility extended to the good Jackal doctor too after a second or two of waiting. To Zakhet as soon as she was enveloped in this invisible skin she would be able to see Kuuso again but the world around them seemed discoloured and ever so slightly out of focus.

After that he carefully followed behind her, passing through the craft in the door, he would be able to see not only the mastermind but the work she has done to the Zerg suspended in those odd pods.

‘A Brayr?? No… It is similar but, it isn’t a Zerg. Wait…’

Kuuso looks to the pods and to the failed batch as the creature that resembled a Brayr claimed them to be. Those in the pods were suspended in an early stage of development, purposefully done no doubt, to keep them at a stage of larval metamorphosis before they turn into any one of the numerous Zerg morphs. This process would be protected by a cocoon usually, the metamorphic process would usually be quick and painless, akin to a butterfly’s method of change. Genetic soup that would change into the larva’s intended shape and function.

Dark and unreachable memories from a dead recess of flesh far from him force him to remember the crimes and twisted machinations of those who twisted the Zerg’s lifeforce and physical forms for their own ideals and ends. What he saw here was no less driven compared to the old memories forced upon him.
Looking back to the feminine alien, he could tell that she was powerful… Whatever made her look like this must be largely cosmetic or perhaps genetic in nature, given her lab setup it was likely her appearance was of her own design. His current form was not suitable for sustained combat with powerful Psionic capable entities. The old flesh, far away, could easily eclipse such a creature. He could match it in a very detrimental burst if it was necessary to do so, but he would prefer to not shorten his lifespan unnecessarily. So escape was the only option at this moment.

Thanks to their invisibility they could cross the lab without fear of being spotted, but since the only exit out was likely also closed they would need a distraction to catch the alien woman's attention to keep her from challenging their wish to leave. This drew Kuuso’s eyes back to the suspended Zerg in the pods… Including all the little ‘failed batch’ that might be running around, they had some useful distractions lined up.

Before he does anything he checks if the door that will serve as their exit can be opened without that control panel. If not he’ll need to walk over to that before they can leave.

- - - - -

“I am sure the Marshal will enjoy having some enthusiastic troops at her disposal. And seeing my sister’s rekindle their sense of purpose by helping to root out pirates will always be good for my health.” The Councillor cheerily noted before she looked to Tamour as he showed interest in their experimental Vtol that they were cooking up. “We’re designing it to be modular, so it fits a number of roles instead of making several specialised craft.”

Since the R&D level was beneath them, they will need to go back to the cargo elevator. “End Athailian cultural sim.” Asked Seffa, the hologram emitters hidden under the white panels all around them started to flicker off, revealing the large white room that was underneath. The doors to the room slide open soon after, allowing them to exit as the Councillor begins to move out. “I thought the modular design would suit us well going forward. Interchangeable modules for weapon platforms, cargo pods, garrison pods, eve a drop pod launcher has been drawn up for dropping infantry teams or armour or supply creates onto the field.”

“A modular design… It’s certainly a novel design but will the rest of our military really be following such a model?” Melyphis asked, spectacle about such a move. The Zerg swarm always operated on evolving to overcome problems, assimilating local wildlife and useful genetic traits to overcome the conventional technology of their adversaries. Can they honestly do the same now that they were a civilised people instead of a ravenous plague?

Seffa could see what Tamour’s aide and bodyguard was getting, yet she just continued to smile at them both as she went out with the group into the hall. “It will be tough I will admit. Creating more advanced modules and updating the base frame of the Vtol and other military vehicle frames we could produce will be costly… But with our current position in the Union would mean that trade and funds will be in our favour for the future. No one has downplayed our role in the Civil War so the Nebula’s opinion of us is favourable. But with things still being in the early stages of concept creation and prototypes, I am sure the R&D teams are open to suggestions. Especially from someone like the Minister.”