In Game

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

As they walked away form the ship Rosalyn began to hear this humming noise. It was so subtle that at first she thought she it was just coming from someone walking by but it still continued.  It was weird, not only because it sounded like it was coming from everywhere but it felt a little...soothing? How can a humming noise be soothing? And where is it coming from?  She pushed her thoughts, as well as the humming noise, aside as she heard the Koiple people talking and from the way they were looking at them she could only assume it was about them.


As they entered the main part of the city there was a giant statue. Rosalyn couldn't help but stop and stare up at it. "What the hell is that?"  As H'mal explained what the statue was she couldn't help but catch two words, Their city, as If the Koiple people didn't build the city or even belonged there. As they walked and was left to her thoughts once again, she heard that humming noise again. Again it wasn't very bothersome and the more she paid attention to it the more it felt familiar. How she wasn't quite sure yet. While she was left to her own thoughts they drifted from who the Tumal were, why they haven't seen them yet, and the humming noise. She snapped out of her thoughts when one of the guards opened the door behind the statue. She followed into the glass room. Once the last of them came in the doors closed and they headed up. Once they moved off the ground floor the humming noise in her head stopped. Strange. Shaking it off she looked out the glass window to see the open sea and the Odyssey. It was truly a beautiful sight.


The doors opened to what seemed to be dinner room of some kind. Seeing the food and drinks on the table her stomach couldn't help but growl. She couldn't remember that last time she had eaten food. Unfortunately when she stepped up to take a seat she frowned. Seafood. Rosalyn was never a fan of it. Being from a desert planet it was completely different than what she was used to. Don't get her wrong she has tried it before and she did not like it. "This is going to suck." She mumbled. Rosalyn hoped the drinks were going to be good.

 

[Lioness075]

Following the group into the city, Larassa hung to the back with her head on a constant swivel. The lack of technology was welcoming to Larassa, even though small ships still flew around. Likely, they were primarily just for transport and similar to the hevoset from her home planet. The animals were dark blue, hoofed, six-legged beasts that they rode around as a means of transport. 


Thanks to her keen hearing, Larassa quickly picked up on the conversations around their arrival. The fact that some were taking it as a 'sign' quickly put her on edge. She'd never enjoyed the company of zealous races and they normally had odd rituals that increased her suspicions of them.


When they approached a feature-less statue, leaving Larassa's suspicions further raised. Not to mention how large it was and overly creepy. Hearing Cael's reaction, Larassa was inclined to feel the exact same way, though she was uncertain of Cael's suspicions being raised by any of this. Hearing H'ma explain the statue, Larassa frowned at the religious description and reverence. Nothing good ever came of such strong religious beliefs.


Snorting when Cael made a weird noise, Larassa continued to follow the group in the rear. As it were, she hated having anyone behind her back. It always put her on edge.


Taking note of the varying appearances in the city, Larassa had to wonder why the males all wore armor. Were they expecting an attack and if so, from who? It looked like they were the only things alive out here if one excluded the sea life surrounding them.


Sure enough, the very building in which the feast was being hosted, was guarded and even had a bit of a hidden entrance. At least, the button to open the door was well-hidden. Narrowing her eyes at this, Larassa mindfully put away the button's location in the back of her mind for any future use she may have of it. If things were to go awry in this city, perhaps other buildings would share this hidden button location. If that were the case, they could hide away in a building instead of clashing throughout the city and brutishly making their way back to The Odyssey.


Once they were all inside, Larassa instinctively began backing out when she noted just how small the space was. Alas, her wings and tail lightly bumped into the closed doors and she was forced to step back into the group. Ears folded against her head, Larassa had her fists clenched at her sides until the elevator activated and quickly began lifting them to their destination. Distracted by her claustrophobia, Larassa completely missed the city view or even The Odyssey in the distance.


The moment the doors opened to the elevator, Larassa hastily walked out and stepped to the side. While the others focused on the buffet, Larassa quietly focused on her breathing. Pushing her hair back and letting out a faint sigh, Larassa then turned back to face the group and the large buffet before them. Approaching the table, she found herself frowning at the numerous seafood before her. The amphibious beings on her planet would love such a buffet, but she was from the mammalian clan and her food type was unlikely to be found here.


Sitting beside Cael, Larassa hesitantly surveyed the food before her while H'ma spoke up. Hearing the offer of seeking out food better suited for each individual, she could only sigh. Was it worth it to even ask?


Looking about the table, Larassa heard her stomach growl again and decided it was better than not asking at all.


Hearing Nu reach out to H'ma, Larassa turned her attention to a guard nearby and asked, "Is ze'e any chance zat ye hafe non-seafood? My kind eats animals zat a'e from fores's."

 

[Bolts]

Glo'cer allowed the others to walk along once they were ushered from the Odyssey. Though his posture remained cool and collected, he was hastily watching the area all around. He may not know Meteorology but he could tell when a cloud was rolling in quickly. He watched as nothing really changed in the sky. No sign of rain fall was nearing them which made him find some ease. The only thing he couldn't get off his mind was the fact they were surrounded by water. He couldn't catch on the the conversations or clothing of the populous, so he wasn't theorizing about any thing relevant. He hardly even listened in on this statue. Whatever this race believed in wasn't important to him or his life. His race had no such religion to live off of so he couldn't relate. To him, it would all sound improbable and useless in the grand scheme of things. 


Once they made their way into the elevator, his body shortened from the sudden upward movement. Once it regulated, he could be seen fidgeting as he was forced to look out at the vast body of water. Just viewing the horrid liquid sent shots of pain all over his body. He lightly gripped his body in an attempt to find some comfort. He made no eye contact with the others during this time. He was certain by 50% that the only one who knew of his race was Cael himself. The Dorogan and Solidus had a rather close relationship in terms of working together. It would only make sense that he would learn of some traits they had. He tried to stray from the "captain" even more due to this. 


Once they reached the floor they were heading to, Glo'cer slowly made his way with the others into this exquisite room. Platters full of seafood, fresh for the taking. The only problem was that his body would yield such an insignificant amount of energy that it wasn't worth trying. Considering his diet, the only thing that he could think of was possible jewelry of the Koiple. If they had jewelry in the first place since he paid no attention from earlier. He decided to keep his mouth shut and not ask for a patter of expensive gems should they find it a request in bad taste. He was just glad he had a small snack from the last planet, though, that wouldn't last him long depending on how long it would take to get off this place.


As they all began sitting, Glo'cer sat and listened to everyone. This city was just sending off warning signals to him, mostly due to his paranoia. He didn't even scold Larassa on her request for food from a forest. The request sounded so outrageous to him but he was not in the mood for a verbal fight. I... apologize. I ate before coming here. Had I known I would have felt room for such a... lovely looking meal. He sunk into his chair a little more with each word.

 

[Dominaiscna]

For the most part as they walked, Artemis remained silent with her eyes studying the sights around them. It was truly a spectacular view. The wind from the storms far above could still just barely be felt on the little safe haven and the cyborg had to draw all of her long hair to one side in order to avoid accidentally whipping some of the team members that closer to her across the face. 


Like the others of their little band of misfits, the Gwathian had her suspicions about the strange inhabitants of the place that arose from the clothing they wore, the careful guards and soldiers as well as the chatter that bubbled up from the small groups of Koiple. Fortunately, she was able to keep her face calm and unreadable as nerves and caution prickled across her body. There was something not right about the place. 


One particularly small group of Koiple they passed drew Artemis's attention as they passed and, without even realising it, she had paused in her tracks with her eyes trained on them. Time seemed to slow to a stand still. The small group consisted of two adult Koiple, a male and a female, with three younger'uns around them. At the sight of family brought a strange feeling upon the Gwathian. It came in the form of a weight that settled on her shoulders and a dull yet painful throb in her head. What is this..... The feeling only grew worse as her eyes flickered to the little Koiples. Two of the young'uns shuffled closer to their parents at her unreadable gaze in their direction, but the cyborg's focus was on the runt of the three, a little Koiple who's eyes in turn were locked on hers in curiosity. 


It was so familiar... so painfully familiar... the little koiple... so small and vulnerable... it was so familiar. 


Memories of when they first boarded the Odyssey flashed across her mind. Of the Brazen and the headless man. Of the glass at her finger tips...Of how she almost killed all of them. 


Get a grip... what are you getting so worked up for... the cyborg repeated silently to herself as her breathing hitched, tearing her eyes away from the small family of Koiples just breathe slowly... in and out... 


Quickly speedwalking to catch up with the group,  Artemis rejoined them just as they passed under the giant statue with H'ma explaining the origins of the strange idol. The rest of the group seemed either skeptical or in wonder at the spectacle, but the cyborg was just hoping that they were too distracted by the sculpture to notice her slight lag. She welcomed the subject of Tumal that distracted her from other thoughts and calmed her down as she listened to their Guide's story. It was a strange... but also interesting tale. 


Soon, their group was lead to a secret passageway behind the great statue that opened up to an elevator with guards carefully watching them. Though slightly cautious, her unease was not given away by her expression which only broke into a look of wonder as they boarded the elevator which took them up all the while showing the spectacular view of their surroundings. As they ascended, the cyborg kept her gaze on the horizon and away from the population below. 


The elevator stopped and opened to a rather large room where the main point of attention was the large variety of food laid before them. Around them, a few of the group members's stomaches let out growls of hunger to which Artemis laughed lightly, managing a light smile while they separated to take seats. She slowly made her way to one of the interesting dishes, a strange kind of steamy stew. Carefully flicking the surface with the tip of her finger which she brought up to her mouth and licked. A grin broke out across her face.


They sure knew how to cook. 


@zCrookedz @Lioness075 @Ch3rryBlossom28 @Bolts @Darkeina @Flutterby

 

[zCrookedz]

Cael eyed the room pretty heavily as he stepped of the elevator with the others. It was obvious that the room was covered in the same pattern that had engulfed The Odyssey before they had arrived at the planet, which made him nervous. IF this place was about to be launched into the unknown reaches of space, he would rather be back on his ship before that happened. However, as H'ma brushed past them all and sat, he too followed with the others and sat. Absentmindedly taking his hat off before sitting at the table, Cael looked over the strange array of food displayed before him as he pulled his chair up. His stomach had been protesting for food since they left Cardaleon, so he grabbed the first thing he saw before him an placed it on his plate. It looked like a squid the size of a chicken with a pair of claws on two spindly little arms. But it smelled delicious and soon Cael was chowing down on a tentacle that ended in a tiny little claw. 


H'ma had plate set before her by one of the servants, and then turned her attention to the the long lanky visitor that had asked her a question directly. She smiled at Nu and raised a hand towards the device around her neck. 


"The Tumal are.....complicated. They live everywhere, and no where at all. Here in Orcolia, they watch over us and protect us from the storms of Ic'tra. Not physically, mind you, but by their sheer will they have provided us refuge in a inhospitable world. Through their grace, they provided us with the city which protects us. So we serve them, in which ever way we can."


As H'ma spoke with Nu, the servants were busy walking the table filling drinks and moving plates of fresh food. They over heard the various requests from their guests and, without a word, left with empty plate. They arrived moments later with something akin to a rabbit on a plate for Larassa, that smelled of fresh herbs and spices grilled over an open flame. For Roslyn, they returned with not a plate, but a pitcher made of a beautiful sea shell that held within it a delicious liqueur that smelled and tasted of a deep rich boutique of flavors. Finally, the last servant returned to Glo'cer, who sunken demeanor was apparent. The servant place a plate before him, glistening with a plate of shiny objects that were either rough cut into small lumps or shined into a pristine shine fit for a royal crown. The gem stones were opal like in color, but when the light hit the surface, they almost seemed to shimmer with reflections of water's surface on them. The Koiple servant bowed as she place the plate before Glo'cer. 


"Ocsic gems, harvested from the belly of the Gong Eel. It searches for deposits of the minerals on the sea bed and ingested them. They toss an turn it its belly, turning them into beautifully colored gem stones. The color and shimmer come from how long they rested in the Eel's belly."


H'ma watched with her black eyes as they brought the new foods out. Her smile never wavered and the apparent knowlage of what the group was talking about, also did not seem to perplex her. She turned back to Nu as she lifted her goblet before her and sipped from the beverage within, and then returned to their conversation.


"As Chieftain of the Koiple, my responsibility is to the people and their part to serve the Tumal. If you would like more information on the Tumal, I would suggest meeting with our Magister, U'ldean. He leads us in the ways of the Tumal, and would be able to answer your more...detailed...questions."


@Bolts @Darkeina @Ch3rryBlossom28 @Flutterby @Dominaiscna @Lioness075

 

[Bolts]

Glo'cer sat idle as the others either accepted or denied the meal. It was obvious he was not the only one a little uncomfortable with the area. With nothing else to do, he simply watched as those who did eat were pleasantly surprised by the taste. In some ways, he did wish he could justify eating food like most living organisms. It didn't help that he gained no energy from food nor taste buds developed enough to truly taste things. After all, he just ate glorified dirt to most. 


He did overhear the mention of the Tumal though. He was sure he missed out on the topic at hand but hearing H'ma's comment about who they were sent some flickers of ideas rushing around his head. Could they be thinking a large power source is their deity? Without greater detail on how they first found these Tumal, he couldn't really come up with anything worth while. Before he knew it, there was a platter of rough cut gems before him that glistened in the light. There was a vast array of colors that indicated various chemicals and structuring. Though his mouth attempted to water at the sight of such a meal, he shuddered at the thought of this eel. To think something like that existed just underneath the water before them. As long as he never had to go down there, He could leave those thoughts alone. He turned to H'ma who once again struck up a conversation with the appointed ambassador. He cocked his head as they continued talking of the Tumal. Knowing there was some priest like figure made things easier if he were to investigate. Perhaps he could uncover why there was a lone city in the middle of uncharted space. With people who didn't seem to mind a random spaceship landing. Things just made Glo'cer uneasy one thing after another. Reluctantly, he began eating his precious stones. 

 

[Verena]

Tiberius’ eyes shifted from side to side as they walked through the open square, his ears picking up the hushed muttering of the confused civilians staring at them. They probably looked very weird to them in contrast to their own standard appearance. Yet, their looks showed curiosity rather than hostility, except for the guards’ neutral expressions, so Tiberius allowed himself to relax a bit, letting his arms swing naturally as he walked instead of nervously gripping the handle of his sword and blaster as he did until then.

Soon they had exited the square and entered the largest building around, which almost looked like it could have been the palace of the chief female leading the way. The statue that was inside was definitely unusual, especially since it looked nothing like the Koiple who apparently worshiped it, or any other species he knew of, for that matter. But who was he to judge when the Gehennians themselves worshiped their red sun.

Tiberius scowled at the somewhat panicking Siklaid for not only blocking his sight to the outside but also giving him a slight taste of her feathers he got in his face as she moved around trying to find a place to stand. When they were finally out of the elevator, Tiberius made a mental note to avoid any more tight spaces with the feathered pup around. The thought of her reaction, if she was ever to see Gehenna’s oftentimes very narrow underground tunnels, caused a malicious little smile to appear on his face that was quickly replaced by hunger again when he finally lay eyes on the food items they could choose from.

He sat one seat apart from the others and pulled the first thing that was in front of him onto his plate – some fried large weird blue shrimp with six creepy black eyes. His people’s diet often consisted of all sorts of seafood and fish, mostly consumed raw, so Tiberius was more than happy to have something similar on his plate, quite in contrary to some of the other crewmembers, who soon too got alternative food. The chief began telling them about the Koiple and their clan in particular but Tiberius didn’t pay all that much attention to what she was saying, focusing instead on satisfying his hunger and replenishing his energy supply for whatever awaited him after this still very peaceful meal.

@zCrookedz @Lioness075 @Ch3rryBlossom28 @Bolts @Flutterby Dominaiscna

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

Rosalyn was surprised when they had taken their plates away and replaced them with what they all had requested. Rosalyn cautiously picked up the beautiful looking pitcher and pour herself a glass. Bringing it up to her nose she sniffed it. It had smelt amazing. Her stomach rumbled telling her to get on with it. Taking a sip Rosalyn was pleasantly surprised that it tasted the way it smelled. As she drank she listened to what H'ma was saying about abut the Tumal. What she was getting from H'ma it was that the Tumal were like their gods. It weird her out a little that they believed so much in the Tumal. If they have actually met one before that would be different but because the statue out front had no features on it she doubted they had. Unless that is what they actually look like. The Srin's didn't believe in anything they couldn't prove was real. It was why they had progressed so fast and their technology was above most.

"Are you the only inhabitants on this planet?" Rosalyn was truly curious. After all they couldn't really be the only intelligent inhabitants to survive in the awful environment. After all species do evolve. Also If they went to see the Magister she wouldn't mind. The more information on these people the better. Something about H'ma was putting her off and she didn't know why.

At this point Rosalyn had started to run low on the drink. She finished her last glass before finally leaning back in her chair in content. She glanced around at the others and saw that they seemed to be enjoying the food as well. It was interesting that they were able to gather all the food that they requested. Rosalyn wondered where they were able to get meat like that. As far as she could tell they seemed to only be able to harvest aquatic food.

zCrookedz Lioness075 Verena Bolts Dominaiscna

 

[Lioness075]

Name: Larassa Sovna	Alias: Raven
Race: Siklaid	Home Planet: Sikla
Occupation: Bounty Huntress	Equipment: Bow, Quiver of Arrows (10/20), Dagger, Herb Pouch (nearly empty), Poison Vials (4/4), IED (Improvised Explosive Device, 5/5)

Larassa was pleased by the prompt response with food that everyone could enjoy. She began eating before H'ma spoke up, prompting Larassa to slow down so she could hear what was spoken.
Hearing what was shared only further confused Larassa, though. 'They live everywhere, and no where at all.' That statement alone literally made no sense. Unless this island, announced to be named Orcolia could move itself, they lived here and only here. Right?
Still, H'ma didn't necessarily answer the question other than evade it. Not a good sign. That meant secrets and secrets here meant a potential danger to the team.

Now that her suspicions had been raised again, Larassa took the moment to consider how these people even managed to find her forest food. As far as they could tell, there was no land here other than this island, and it didn't really have any forests handy. If these people were secluded from others and they could only be reached by teleporting through Nu's neck-device, then they shouldn't have trade open with other planets.

Frowning at this, Larassa found she'd lost her appetite and slowly placed her food back on her plate. Something was wrong here and that meant she needed to stay on alert. Filling up on food would make her sleepy and then she wouldn't be able to pay as much attention. She never really could relax, this shouldn't be anything new to her. Still, she'd hoped for a break finally. It'd be nice to know what that's like one day.

Hearing the mention of this Magister, U'ldean, and that he could offer them more information, Larassa stood up almost immediately after H'ma finished speaking.
"Vee should go meet zis Magis'er immediately, I zink."

Alas, a moment before Larassa had gotten the chance to suggest this, Sparkles had decided to ask if the Tumal are the only inhabitants. It is certainly an interesting question, but surely this Magister could answer the same question?

Looking at Cael, and wondering if he'd even catch on, Larassa added, "I don't zink vee should relax jus' ye'. Vee a'e on a mission and need to keep mofing, yes?"

zCrookedz Ch3rryBlossom28 Verena Flutterby Bolts

 

[Flutterby]

Nu gave a nod and munched thoughtfully on her sea-salad as H'ma spoke. The way she spoke of the Tumal gave her a thrill; it aligned so well with what she had been taught to believe of the Krasic that the possibility of them being the same peoples became real in her mind once more. The fondness of her tone, the measured words, and the clearly articulated vagueness of belief gave her the warm feeling she had always imagined she would feel if she ever returned to Mor s' Via.
She followed H'ma's dark gaze as the new, tailored foods were brought to her companions, and at once her mind marveled at how smart the Kiople were, or perhaps how wise and far-seeing the Tumal must be to prepare the Kiople so well for their arrival.
Her heart told her now, for certain, that the Tumal must be just like the Krasic, whether they were the same being or linked in some way beyond the comprehension of mortals like them.

And so, when H'ma mentioned meeting with the Magister, who sounded just like the highest Pawas of the Kryx, her heart lept with joy. She opened her mouth to accept the offer, intending to be calm but express her gratitude and excitement. She waited until after Rosalyn had voiced her question, and then took a breath to speak, but was cut off by Larassa standing and announcing that they should go, at once, to see the Magister, because their mission apparently was too time-sensitive to be polite to such gracious hosts.
Nu narrowed her eyes in mild annoyance at Larassa, but her face smoothed over as she looked to H'ma. "I share my companion's eagerness to meet with your Magister, so if it is possible, H'ma, I think we would like to do this as soon as we have all had our fill of this generous feast." She spoke evenly, with the practiced diction of a devout Kryx, so similar to what H'ma used in her own way.

 

[Dominaiscna]

Artemis who was heartily nibbling on some of the food, watched the ongoings with eyes that flickered from person to person. Most of the time, her attention was on the Chief of the Koiple, observing H'ma's expression as each person spoke but her facial features gave nothing away, forever rested in a warm smile. As kind and benevolent-seeming as the people seemed, the cyborg found their friendliness and generosity rather unsettling... was there something dark behind thei warm welcome?

When H'ma spoke of a Magister, a few of their group members jumped at the chance of gaining more information about the Tumal and the Koiple. Nu was notably very excited to meet the Magister, while Larassa subtly reminded everyone not to get too cosy in their current situation and that they were on a rather tight schedule. The cyborg agreed with that ... but still felt that perhaps they should have a little time to rest up and get ready for the next leg of the journey. Get their bearings so that the next bit of travelling would be a lot smoother.

Picking up another piece of small, yellow-ish vegtable, Artemis proceeded to nibble away at it before commenting on the situation with a placid expression on her face so as to look friendly but not give away any of her thoughts.

"As much as we appreciate your hospitality, we are indeed pressed for time,"
Artemis commented casually, throwing a grateful look at H'ma before flickering to the members of their group, "If we could meet with your Magister soon, then that would be wonderful. "

Turning to Cael, she added in a thoughtful tone, "We may need to fill up on some supplies though... there is no way for us to tell where and when our next stop will be..." Afterall, they were in uncharted space and if they did chance upon another planet like they did with Ic'tra, the chances of the planets inhabitants being remotely civilized and peaceful were low.

zCrookedz Bolts Verena Lioness075 Ch3rryBlossom28 Flutterby

 

[zCrookedz]

Name: Hunter Cael	Alias: Iron Fist
Race: Dorogan	Home Planet: Queis 6
Occupation: Smuggler	Equipment: Xarta Plasma Rifle, Orbis Energy Pistol, Anacit Hunting Blade

As the feast proceeded H'ma was met with lots of questions and interest in their Magistrate. Much more interest than she had exspected. So the slightly surprised look on her face was well placed as she tried to sort out how to go about setting up a meeting for them and answer the rest of their questions. She started with the first question she had heard, and turned her glassy gaze to Rosalyn.
"We are not the only living creatures on Ic'tra. The sea below is teeming with life both microscopic and larger than this city. But if you are asking if the Koiple are the only intelligent beings, than yes. We are alone on this planet."
The rest of the group seemed very eager to meet the Magistrate and thus the questions subsided. At least, until the cyborg looked to Cael, who had been sitting quietly in his seat not really touching the food but sipping on a drink that had been provided to him.
He looked across the table at the faces and finished off the drink before setting it on the table.
"I need to get back to The Odyssey and check over the systems. No telling what Nu's little trinket did to the main systems with that jump. I also need to try and get some replacement fuel for what we used. But all I have is Dorogan credits, not sure if those will be useful to you out here."
H'ma had already begun to wave his offer away before he finished.
"Save your credits captain. You need those far greater than we do. As for the fuel, we will provide you with what we use for our gliders. I hope it will suffice."
H'ma then took the opportunity to rise from the table and fold her hands before her waist.
"Those who are interested in meeting with out Magistrate are welcome to follow me. The rest, please feel free to explore Orcolia as much as you like. The elevator is of use to you, and should you need anything, you need only ask one of the gaurds."

H'ma then made a motion towards the table, and the servants began to clear the table as H'ma began heading for the elevator to take everyone where they wanted to go. Cael pushed himself away from the table and glanced out of the massive wrap around observation windows, and noticed that it was dusk outside now. That would make working on the outside systems of The Odyseey very hard. At this thought he looked back down at where the Odyssey had landed, and Cael froze. The ship was gone.
Cael turned on his heal and reached for his gun at his hip. The action was not lost on the guards, who immediately made their way between Cael and H'ma with their long spears pointed on the Dorogan before he could draw his gun.
"Where's my ship?"
H'ma had not seemed to even notice the rise in hostilities from Cael, only turning before the elevator doors towards Cael with her same smile.
"Fear not Captain, your ship has been taken to the Auditorium below. Night time can be rather harsh even here on Orcolia, so gliders are stored at dusk. Your ship would not fit in the glider storage, so we lowered it into the Auditorium. I will take you along the way to the Magistrate."
Cael watched for any sign of foul play from H'ma, but he couldn't get a read on her at all. So he had no choice but to comply and remove his hand from his gun. The guards allowed him to pass towards the elevators as well as the rest of the group as they made their way.

Once the elevator was moving again, Cael kept his eyes trained on H'ma the entire ride down, which seemed to pass the floor with the giant statue by several floors. Finally, the doors reopened to single hallway that lead about 100 yards forwards towards another set of doors. H'ma turned to Cael and motioned towards a guard that had stepped out.
"Drini will take you to your ship Captain. Should you require anything, he will be able to assist."
Cael tipped his hat to H'ma and gave an inaudible grunt to her as he stepped forward into the hallway. He waited for a moment if any of the others were stepping out as well, but didn't expect any of them too.
The elevator got moving again, and after only a few floors, the doors opened to crossroads of hallways lit with golden yellow light. The light gave everything a soft feel and as H'ma lead them through the corridors, it was easy to tell that these hallways were lined with living quarters. The group passed several male and female Koiples as they walked, many of which like before stopped to stare at the group. This time however, upon closer inspection of those they passed, many of the Koiple looked agitated as they starred at the group pass.

Finally, H'ma and her guard turned down a hall and the group found themselves at a pair of large doors highlighted by the golden lights. H'ma placed a webbed hand on the door, and the door's parted allowing them entrance. The inside of this room was quite large. Like a small scale stadium, the teared rows of seats that sat behind clothed alters rose up quite high before a stage. The stage was covered in golden silk material, from top to bottom, that seemed a bit oddly draped. In the center of the stage stood a male Koiple in robes much like those of H'ma's but completely gold. He looked up at the group and it was now obvious how to tell male Koiples age. The whiskers on his race were much m ore dominant than those of the guards, and nearly touched the floor before him. His scales where much duller, and his eyes were cloudy grey instead of black. He was slightly hunched, and walked with a wooden can of gnarled drift wood.
"AH, H'ma! I may be nearly blind, but I see that you have brought me some visitors. Welcome one and all to the Temple of the Tumal. I am U'ldean, speaker of the Tumal. Please please, come and sit in the front row. What brings you all to this sanctuary?"


(( Gonna go ahead and post this so people can be thinking of replies. IF you wish to venture somewhere else in the city, simply state to a "guard". The next post, the guard will take you there.))

Lioness075 Bolts Dominaiscna Verena Ch3rryBlossom28 Flutterby

 

[Lioness075]

Name: Larassa Sovna	Alias: Raven
Race: Siklaid	Home Planet: Sikla
Occupation: Bounty Huntress	Equipment: Bow, Quiver of Arrows (18/20), Dagger, Herb Pouch (nearly empty), Poison Vials (4/4)

Completely missing Scales' look, Larassa furrowed her brows and scanned the group, anxious to leave this oddly peaceful buffet. Maybe it was her occupation and the fact that she got used to never staying on one planet for longer than a week, but she just wanted to keep going so they could get their intel and leave.
Listening to Scales speak made Larassa let out a low growl, further exhibiting her impatience. This wasn't time for diplomacy. They were on a big mission, one with a great reward, and Larassa just wanted to be done with it. Plus, they weren't exactly hired by anyone who was going to care if one of them didn't return. Not that Larassa cared too much for the others beyond Cael. She couldn't dismiss her pilot as expendable.

Glancing at Artemis when the cyborg spoke up, Larassa still needed to come up with a nickname for her, she was grateful to hear the agreement in their time limit. This place was creeping out Larassa big time, what with all of the formalities and religious intent.
Hearing the mention of supplies, Larassa did a quick mental once-over and realized she was short on arrows and herbs. She was still working on that garden on The Odyssey and needed a restock badly. Perhaps she could find some botanist in town or even an alchemist. Her best bet for arrow restocking would be to simply buy some arrowheads from a general store and maybe scrounge up some strong-looking sticks. It was always so difficult to find arrow supplies...she also needed feathers! The guards' spears were a good indicator that arrowheads would be available somewhere around here. Perhaps she could even get some strong sticks from the same place. The feathers would most likely need to be collected from a butcher's shop. Not everyone thought feathers were useful nowadays.

Sighing and bouncing slightly on her hind paws, Larassa listened to H'ma patiently answering everyone's questions. Why did they have to ask so much of her when she already explained that she couldn't give them that much information?
Still, it was interesting to know that the Koiple were the only intelligent beings on this planet, despite their many mentions of these mystical Tumal beings. Did the Koiple kill all of the Tumal through genocide? They worshipped them, so surely not?

Hearing Cael mentioning that he wanted to go back to his ship, Larassa immediately looked at H'ma with yet another impatient expression. Are we finally moving on from here?
At the mention of Cael saving his credits, Larassa didn't even bother to check her coin pouch. It barely even made any sound since their trip, she doubted she could offer any monetary exchange for goods here. She could only hope this lack of care for money was universal on the island.

Just as H'ma began to lead the way out of here, Cael asked a question that made Larassa's heart skip a beat. His ship's gone? What the hell?
A second passed before Larassa had reached over her shoulder to make a grab for her bow, but she halted when H'ma calmly explained what had happened. Looking at Cael for direction on whether or not to open fire, Larassa left her bow over her back when he decided to not unholster his blaster. Suspicious, but not in attack mode yet.

As they all entered the elevator, Larassa hung to the back, leaning against on of the walls with her arms crossed. It'd been a bit of a long day, but she still had work to do. Learning as much as she could about both the Koiple and Tumal people so that she could use the intel to her advantage in deciding whether or not her suspicion was realistic here. She also needed to restock her personal supplies, as well as finally getting the rest of the components to complete her herb garden on The Odyssey. The sooner she finished that, she sooner she could have her home planet herbs to work with. For now, she'd have to settle for other common herbs instead.

As Cael stepped out of the elevator and was joined by a guard guide, Larassa made no move to join him. She had other tasks to attend to and she was no mechanic anyways. She'd only get in Cael's way.

When they arrived at their floor, Larassa stepped out and paused when her eyes adjusted to the new lighting. The soft touch made her feel calmer, though she knew better than to completely relax in a foreign place. Following after H'ma, Larassa noted the living quarters along the hallway. It was a nice place to live, though Larassa would go stir crazy being in a building like this. She always found some outdoor living quarters or just set up a hammock for herself. She rarely visited a planet where her fur couldn't protect her from the nightly cold.
The moment they entered the auditorium, as Larassa perceived it, she frowned. It looked overly religious in how it was decorated and there was even a robed being near the front. If he asks for confessions, he's going to be sorely disappointed by my response.
Seeing the ridiculously long whiskers, Larassa held back a snicker, as she imagined him tripping over himself and face planting.
Pushing aside the humorous thoughts to retain her serious demeanor, Larassa did note the elderly appearance this Koiple exhibited. She knew that some of the elderly could be dangerous in how they twisted minds to their own beliefs, though. Another reason for why she hated religion.

Listening to him speak, Larassa resisted the urge to wave her hand in front of his face or to ask him how many claws she was holding up. Noting his odd name, U'ldean, Larassa wondered if she could even say it properly. Her accent made communications difficult in general and some other races had the most difficult names to pronounce. This was why Larassa loved her nicknames so much. Whiskers is U'ldean's proper nickname now.

Too anxious to sit down, Larassa just sidled over near the front row before speaking, "Vee vish to know more about ze Tumal people. Yer history is a bit muddled, at least, it is based on vat little I hafe hea'd."

 

[Bolts]

As the gems slowly dissolved in his being, he listened in on the conversations once again. It seemed there was a person of possible higher authority than H'ma or perhaps on a similar level in a different area. Similar to two people from a greater counsel. He wasn't sure how to feel about it all though. If all he was going to learn was more of the religious stuff he had so far not given any interest in he would rather go back to the Odyssy. As the thought passed through his mind, a commotion piped up. Hearing the ship was gone made his quickly stick his hand in his bag. Not for a gun of sorts. He glided his fingers over his tablet like device. He had planned a head accordingly and left one of his bugs on the ship. A perfect time to test it out, however, things died down. They were informed that the ship had been relocated due to the outsides conditions now that night was falling. He still had the urge to look at the screen, but he would know soon enough. After all, there was no way he would see some religious figure about invisible people he cared nothing for.

He stood up like everyone, keeping his mouth shut on the way. He was done with this planet and just wanted some security in the form of not having to look at water. As they descended though, he stiffened up. A chilling voice echoed in his mind. "... Secure...... Moving... Temple... Tribute...." they were small whispers that reverberated again and again. In his mind, Glo'cer felt dizzy and figuratively naked. The last thing he needed was ominous voices in his head. As his eyes rested in a slight discomfort, he saw the doors close on Cael... A low bubbly sound came from Glo'cer as he swore in his own language. Splitting up was a bad idea now... the tribute thing was what made him most frightened at the moment. Now he had wished he had time to bug everyone before hand. Luckily, one was down already. The very person who was their "ambassador". Being paranoid now, Glo'cer waited as Larassa took the U'ldean's attention.

He slowly bumped into everyone besides Nu and Larassa, he tried to slyly hand them a bug. His only hope was that they didn't break in instantly... He only had so many.

 

[Flutterby]

Nu hurriedly finished her sea-plant salad and stood to follow H'ma, all but ignoring everything she said that did not pertain to meeting their religious leader. She was just so excited, to finally get some answers; she felt like she was mere footsteps from returning to the Kryx as a hero and seeing her mother and father and her younger siblings, she would be able to climb up her favorite tree, maybe even higher now after so long improving her dexterity, she may even be able to see..
Her racing thoughts were brought to a screeching halt as Cael suddenly had has hand on his gun, and the guards had drawn their spears. The spikes along her spine, the ones that had previously made an appearance over the necklace, rose again, and her lips began to curl into a snarl. But this wasn't directed at the Kiople, as they probably should have been; she felt herself growing fiercely protective of H'ma.
When the tensions were smoothed over with an explanation, Nu gave her head a small shake as her spikes settled.
Was I about to attack Cael? That isnt right; he is the pilot and a part of the team. An unwilling team, but my team. What is happening to me? Is it this place?
The situation had suddenly become much, much more confusing, and as they walked along the corridor, Nu caught the now-agitated stares of the Kiople. Her skin began to crawl, and she glanced at her companions nervously before they entered the temple.
Her concern melted away as they stepped into the golden light. It was nothing like the places their Pawas held ceremonies (which would be the open fields, where the Krasic could best see them), but it held such a soothingly spiritual energy that Nu visibly relaxed. She almost scurried down to the front row when welcomed, and looked upon U'ldean catiously. He had the same well-worn appearance of her Pawas, and it made her comfortable. She sat in the chair, giving Larassa a meaningful look as she did, even though chairs were very uncomfortable for her body structure.
After Larassa spoke, she nodded, and added, "We would like to know as much about the Tumal as you can tell us, and about the technology I wear about my neck."

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

It did and didn't surprise Rosalyn when H'ma said that they were the only intelligent life from. They were on an isolated planet that had weather that was almost impossible to live in unless you lived in the water. When Cael started talking about going to the ship to tinker with it Rosalyn couldn't believe his ears. They were on a new planet that, most likely, no one else but them know about and he wants tinker with the ship? Even some of the other agreed to go see the Magistrate. Rosalyn started to feel excited about this adventure. This was an unknown planet going into unknown territory. She doesn't know what she is going to see or who she is even meeting. Her people loved knowledge, it was why they were able to advance so far as a species. Rosalyn's mind went back to H'ma when she said that her people didn't need their credits. Doesn't need our Credits? Giving us fuel for free? That's a little strange.

Even with that strange though Rosalyn stood up with everyone else to follow them into the elevator. She clenched her crystalized hand before opening it back up. Her guard would have to be up more than usual. Rosalyn had not turned to face the direction the Odyseey for she did not want her back to these people. They have not been a threat as of yet but some of the thing H'ma was saying put her on end. Just as that thought passed through her mind there was suddenly spears pointed at her captain. Her body crystalized as she prepared her self for a fight. In the corner of her eye she saw Nyu, her spikes flared up and, to Rosalyn's surprise, was pointed at them. What the hell? Just as quickly as the situation escalated it deflated just as fast. Rosalyn's stance relaxed but her body stayed crystalized.

Once the elevator door closed and they started headed down Rosalyn once again started to hear a humming noise. She tried ignoring it again for it had gone away, meaning that it had to be someone in their company but the further down they went the louder it became. She quickly glanced around to see if she could spot anyone making the noise. It weird her out on how familiar it was. She didn't even notice Cael getting off the elevator for she was listening to the noise. When the elevator made it to their stop the noise had turned into a beautiful string of words. It was someone singing but in a language she couldn't understand. When the door opened Rosalyn was hesitant to leave for she was afraid the song in her head would stop before she could decipher what it meant. It had taken her moment to move out of the elevator, de-crystalizing in the process. The song had stopped and a frown formed on her face. " What the hell?" She mumbled. Rosalyn didn't want to mention this to anyone in her crew for she did not want to look crazy.

Now that se was not all up in her head Rosalyn took a chance to look at her surroundings. They were being lead through the hallways Rosalyn noticed that the other Koiple people did not look happy to see them there. She couldn't blame this since this place was probably considered sacred. they had reached a large door that H'ma opened for them. What she saw inside confirmed her suspicions. The elder Koiple welcomed them and she took up his offer taking a seat next to Lara. Rosalyn didn't say anything for the other two had already asked the questions she had. If she could get a moment a lone with the elder Koiple she might ask him about the humming turned singing noise that she kept hearing.

zCrookedz Lioness075 Flutterby Bolts Dominaiscna

 

[zCrookedz]

U'ldean's warm smile followed after those who had entered the temple. H'ma and her guard stayed towards the back to allow their visitors to sit before U'ldean with their question. Several of them seemed to have plenty of questions about the Tumal, while others just seemed content with watching and waiting. As Larassa spoke up first, U'ldean's smile only widened. He chuckled a bit to himself as he starred at her, almost as if he found something amusing about her. Before he could answer her, Nu spoke up and added to the questions with her inquiry about the device around her neck.
U'ldean's eyes widened and his mouth slightly opened as he moved in closer to examine Nu's choker.
"That....that is a gift. From the Tumal themselves! I have seen so very few gifts from the Tumal, but even fewer that have fixed themselves to beings."
U'ldean began to reach out to touch the choker as he examined it, but pulled himself back to look from Nu to Larassa.
"How about equivalent exchange? I will answer your questions, if you will answer mine?"
His smile only widened as he spoke and took a few steps back towards the lectern at the front of the stage.
"It is possible that H'ma has already asked this question, but where did your group come from? How is it that you have found our tiny little existence in the universe?"
He then turned to Nu and pointed at her neck.
"And how did you come about something like that?"

In the hangar
As Cael trudged forward down the long hallway, he couldn't shake the feeling that had begun since he first opened the doors on The Odyssey. Something was really wrong with this planet. He did not trust these Koiple people as far as he could throw any of them, and he could imagine tossing the tiny H'ma pretty far.
Almost in an instant, the guard that had followed Cael off the elevator stuck his spear out before Cael in a halting fashion. Cael eyed the fish face, and thought for a moment he saw a flash of anger projected at him. Before he could protest the sudden stop however, the koiple guard raised a hand and placed it on the wall that the pair had walked up to. The doors at the end of the hallway, which Cael hadn't even noticed was only a few feet away now, slid open to a large hangar like room. It was large enough that a entire platoon of ships the size of the Odyssey could have landed and had plenty of room. Cael gave the guard a nod and continued on towards the Odyssey which was highlighted with lights in the center.
As he approached, he tapped the panel on his mechanical arm and the ships loading platform lowered slowly. He hopped on, and turned to see the guard had stopped some distance away to watch. Cael shrugged it off and hit the button on the lift to raise himself. Once he was back inside, Cael began flipping on lights in the cockpit, engine room, engineers deck, and the lounge. He began going through and checking the main systems on the cockpit. He noticed that the engine lights were flashing and pulled up the read out for the engines on the center console. The tanks were empty.
"Not surprising, we did make a jump that was completely impossible."
Cael turned and headed for the storage bay. Within, continued in long cylindrical tubes that Glak had supplied them with, was extra fuel to power the ship when they had left Imperial Space. At least, that what Cael had exspected to find. What he found in stead, where canisters that were completely empty as well. Not a single drop of fuel in any one of them.

Flutterby Lioness075 Bolts Ch3rryBlossom28 Dominaiscna

 

[Lioness075]

Name: Larassa Sovna	Alias: Raven
Race: Siklaid	Home Planet: Sikla
Occupation: Bounty Huntress	Equipment: Bow, Quiver of Arrows (10/20), Dagger, Herb Pouch (nearly empty), Poison Vials (4/4)

Larassa continued to feel unnerved by the overly kind attitude with these Koiple people. The smile on U'ldean's face only continued to make her feel uncomfortable, not to mention his laughter. She hadn't said anything funny.

Religion plus this kind of overly kind attitude usually spelt trouble to Larassa.

At this thought, Larassa took the moment to scan the room, wondering if she'd see anything unusual. Of course, she didn't. Either these people were great at hiding their lies, or they really had nothing to hide. Given what had happened thus far, Larassa really doubted they had nothing to hide.

Seeing U'ldean's reaction to Nu's device, Larassa frowned. This wasn't exactly something to be excited about, in her opinion. Plus, this old fish-person still hadn't answered their questions of who these Tumal people were to begin with. This felt far from a gift to Larassa.

Larassa ground her teeth in annoyance at U'ldean's questions and the moment he stopped asking, she snapped at him, "Vee asked fi'st. Nobody has gifen us clean answe's yet, just redi'ection ove' and ove' again. I'm quickly growing ti'ed of zese games. I vant answe's and refuse to answe' any questions until I get answe's fi'st."

Her arms moved from across her chest to her sides, as she was quickly growing antsy in this situation. Not only was this guy trying to avoid their questions, he was now questioning them in a way that hinted he wanted information just as badly as Larassa and the others did. Something was most certainly off about this situation and Larassa did not like it.

 

[Dominaiscna]

(I have retyped out this post again. Thank the pope for screenshotting. )

As soon as the group stood up to leave the table, Artemis grabbed one more piece of food before casually following along with the others, continuing to subtly monitor H'ma and the guards. It was clear that their team would be splitting up soon as everyone had their own plans, Cael wanted to get back to his ship while the others wanted to chat with U'ldean the magister. The cyborg whose eyes remained flickering from Koiple to Koiple was caught by surprise at the sudden uproar cause by the missing ship, but she did not draw her weapon. Logically, no one should pick a fight with them, not on even grounds anyway.

When Cael stepped off the elevator a few moments later, Artemis was the only person to follow and did so silently, still idly licking her fingers, giving off an air of calmness as if she had not a worry in the world. Though the Gwathian honestly did not care where she went, letting the Dorogan split off on his own was not safe so she tagged along. Though it would've been safer to split their team in half, trying to converse with the other team members would raise suspicion.

As soon as the others were gone, Artemis followed Cael and Drini as they made their way towards the hangar, one step behind them as they walked, studying their surroundings. When the guard thrust a spear before their Captain, stopping him in his tracks, the cyborg made no move to draw her weapon but her body did tense. There was indeed something strange with the Koiple... their facade seemed to be breaking as their moves seemed to give off more and more signs of hostility.

Luckily, the guard did not do anything else but open the hangar doors and remained there as Carl went in. Though she would've preferred to stay behind and keep an eye on the guard. Artemis followed the Dorogan to the Odyssey and proceeded to help give the ship a once over through the living quarters. The pouch of Gwathian gems still sat where it was on her bed and she retrieved it, tying the straps to her belt. If the Koiple did enter their ship, they didn't seem to find the dull gems to be of any use.

If only they knew.

Exiting, Artemis found the Captain examining the fuel tanks that were noticeably empty... strange. They couldn't have used all of the fuel could they? Once Cael had gone to check the storage bay, the cyborg took a closer look at the tanks. She'd have to ask him how the fuel and the tanks worked later and how they were accessed. If the jump across the galaxy did use up their fuel, they wouldn't have been able to travel the last leg of the journey to the watery planet.

Tracing him back, Artemis found him examining the extra fuel tanks. They were empty too.

"What do you think?" The cyborg leaned forward slightly as if to also look at the tanks, but as she bent closer to the cylinders, barely audible words escaped in whispers through her lips for Cael's ears only, "I feel like going fishing some time soon."

zCrookedz Bolts Lioness075 Ch3rryBlossom28 Flutterby

 

[zCrookedz]

Cael continued to stare at the containers long and hard. There was something off about them that he just couldn't put his fingers on. He reached up to scratch his head under his hat, when he heard Artemis behind him. the cyborg had been so quiet up to this point that he nearly forgot she had stepped off the elevator behind him. Cael jumped a bit, but still maintained himself as he turned to her.
"Damn, yer sneaky as hell."
Cael looked back at the canisters and knelt down next to them to examine them closer. After a few seconds, he sighed heavily and motioned for Artemis to take a look.
"The fish ain't the ones who done this. Look here."
Cael pointed a robotic finger at the canisters lid, right where the filling cup-links was located. A strange etching was dug deep into the tops of the canisters that followed the pattern that had enveloped the ship before they jumped. Each one of the canisters had the same etching on the tops that seemed to flow down the sides a bit until the took an immediate turn towards the floor of the ship.
"See these lines here? Those lines look just like the lines that covered the ship right before Nu's trinket shot us off into space. My guess, those lines were lookin' fer fuel. That's the only way we could'a made that kind of jump."
Cael Lifted himself from the tanks, once more sighing at the situation. The reserves from Glak should have lasted them several jumps, and even longer instances of normal flight. But one single jump used every ounce of their fuel, even their reserves. Without it, Cael wasn't sure if they would be able to go anywhere.
Cael's train of thought was interrupted by the metal on metal sound coming from the front entry way of the ship. With a furrowed brow, Cael made his way past the lounge and to the entry ramp opening it up. At the bottom of the ramp, stood Drini, caring small chest. Cael, a bit skeptical about the intentions of the fish man, headed down the ramp to meet the Koiple. He stuck the box out towards Cael, who reluctantly took it. Once the box was in Cael hands, Drini turned without a word and returned to his station to guard the ship and its owners. Cael, skeptical to say the least, opened the box to find within four blueish green crystals that seemed to glow with a radiant energy. Cael looked from the box to the Koiple before turning back into the ship. He made his way to the lounge and set the box down on the table. He lifted one of the crystals up and looked it over, before holding up for Artemis to see.
"Got any ideas what these thing might be?"
Dominaiscna

Temple
U'ldean did not seem to be surprised by the outburst that erupted from Larassa. Quite the contrary, he his smile only seemed to widen as he turned to face her. He chuckled, causing his long whiskers to wobble a bit at the end.
"My my, what a firey one you are. It is fair enough I suppose, for myself to go first. However young Siklaid, I must impress upon you that sometimes patience is the best course of action when dealing with "fish"."
U'ldean turned away from the group and headed back to the podium in the center of the stage. He looked over the top of the podium, moving his webbed hands over the top of it as if he was messing with a screen. The golden lights began to dim, and something beneath the golden sheets draped around the room began to move. Cylindrical objects began to raise from between the sheets across the room. They blinked to life, and a dim glow began to form above the stage behind U'ldean. The glow began to change and form into a large ball of dark blue, that anyone on the Odyssy would recognize from their trip into the planet. U'ldean left the podium, taking a few steps to the side.

"Long ago, the Koiple people lived below the surface of this world. We survived in the dark depths the best we could, but the waters of Ic'tra are fraught with dangers beyond belief. We lived in caves on the sea floor, trying to stave off the monsters so that we could persevere."
U'ldean turned back to the floating Ic'tra hologram, and the image changed. Now there was a picture of the same type of figure that stood in the hallway when entering Orcolia. A faceless, genderless body that had its hands held to either side.
"Then the Tumal arrived. They brought Orcolia down from the heavens causing the storms above to part, the waters calmed, and the Koiple found a place to escape the dangers of the deep. They blessed us, with the ability to breath above the water, and taught a few of us how to maintain Orcolia. Orcolia has everything we could possible need. Our Aquicenter to collect clean water, the greenhouse that is capable of growing wild edibles as well as small life forms, and the capability to traverse both the skys and the waters should we need to collect from the air or the sea."

U'ldean began walking across the stage about half way through the second part of his speech, and as he finished, the image changed. This time it was a picture of Orcolia, but it was like a schematic layout that seemed out of place in the rather rudimentary pictures that had been hand crafted by the Koiple. There were
so many layers to Orcolia above the surface, that it looked as if an entire planets worth of people could live within it. Beneath the surface were not as many, and upon glancing at the very bottom where several blacked out section atop a large, auditorium, looking section. U'ldean glanced up at the hologram and waved a hand before it.
"Orcolia is a gift from the Tumal, the gift of life. It is the only reason we have been able to survive on Ic'tra. Those who were favored by the Tumal have passed down the secrets of our world from generation to generation. The Chieftans have always passed down the right to rule to their daughters, and the Magisters have always been passed down the secrets of Orcolia to their sons."

U'ldean turned back to the group as the lights began to raise again, and the holoprojectors returned behind the curtains. He leaned on his gnarled driftwood staff as is blacked out eyes seemed to drift over the group and then land on Larassa.
"So, there you have it. The history of the Koiple, and the Tumal. We do not know very much about the Tumal, but they saved us from a life of darkness, so we revere them as beings of benevolence and grace. Here in this great hall is where the Koiple come to say thanks. For I hear the voices of the Tumal here in these halls, just as my father before me and his father before him. I relay the gratitude of our people to the Tumal, and send our Tributes to them from this holy place."
Lioness075 Bolts Ch3rryBlossom28 Flutterby

 

[Lioness075]

Name: Larassa Sovna	Alias: Raven
Race: Siklaid	Home Planet: Sikla
Occupation: Bounty Huntress	Equipment: Bow, Quiver of Arrows (10/20), Dagger, Herb Pouch (nearly empty), Poison Vials (4/4)

Further peeved by Whisker's lighthearted response to her anger, Larassa huffed while he went on to tease her like she was just a child. Actually, now that she thought about it, she had no idea how old this fish guy was. She could very well be a child in comparison. Still annoying regardless.

Rolling her eyes at the patience advice, Larassa muttered, "Ye vouldn't be ze fi'st to suggest zat." It seemed like the most common advice she got, despite her patience shining brightly when she was on an actual job. If she wasn't on a job, it tended to ebb.

Watching the weird lighting adjusting and some projections appear around them, Larassa's jaw dropped slightly. She hadn't expected such technology to exist here. Watching the planet form, Larassa shut her mouth and perked her ears forward so she could hear everything Whiskers had to say.

Hearing that the fish people used to live underwater, Larassa couldn't say that surprised her too much. Their physiology made more sense for beings living underwater than above the surface. Still, she hadn't considered that until Whiskers mentioned it. Mentally noting the name of the planet, Ic'tra, Larassa tried to quietly repeat it to herself, but just ended up butchering it, "Ick't'a.." Oh well, at least I tried.

Almost immediately, Larassa had another question. What kinds of monsters did they have to fight against in the depths? But Whiskers was already moving on and she had to save her question for now. Assuming she'd even remember it.

Seeing the statue from before, Larassa narrowed her eyes at Whiskers, aptly listening to the description to the Tumal. Except they were still a mystery. Based on the description, one would assume a Koiple person got to see a Tumal at one point, but the appearance was still too vague. Did the Tumal really exist, or did the Koiple just find this place abandoned and claim it? Or despite the religious jargon, did they kill the owners of the island and claim it as their own?

Before she could voice any questions, Whiskers was moving along again and Larassa let out a quiet annoyed huff. She always hated a long lecture in one go.
At the mention of secrets, Larassa perked up again and was rearing to raise her hand just to get a question in, but Whiskers seemed to have little intention of stopping just yet. She definitely should've narrowed her focus before asking for the general history. Too late.

As the projectors shut down and Whiskers returned his gaze to her, Larassa narrowed her eyes again. It was hard to recall all of her questions, but she could remember her last few. As Whiskers continued to mention his personal connection with the Tumal, Larassa felt her suspicions just continue to grow. Religion was not a good thing, never was and never would be. These people were way too connected to it and something was off about them. She just couldn't figure out what.

Still, she figured another question couldn't hurt. Maybe the old man would forget the original promise to answering questions in return.
"Vat connection do ye hafe with ze Tumal? I don't unde'stand vat ye mean by zat. How can only ye hear it?"

 

[Flutterby]

Nu studied the movements and mannerisms of the old Koiple, and with each passing moment she felt more comfortable with him. He seemed so like her pretend-grandfather, the Kryx that had always drifted at the edge of her life. She seemed to have forgotten that he was the very Kryx that had banished her from her home and set her adrift in the vast outside universe.
When he asked them questions, questions that Cael should be left to decide to answer or not, she hesitated, and in her hesitation, Larassa snapped with the most impudent of responses. Nu had to hold back a growl, but U'ldean's response soothed her. After all, if he could laugh at her impatience and rudeness, it must be okay in some way.
Nu found herself nodding along to the origin story of the Koiple. It all made sense to her, and reinforced her opinion that the Tumal and the Krasic could at least be related. How wonderful, how exciting, to find the prospect of so many answers so far from home. Perhaps this is indeed my destiny..
As someone now used to looking at schematics of buildings and structures, she marveled at the design of Orcolia, and her attention very briefly focused on the blacked out sections beneath what she assumed was the autditorium they now sat in. Her thief's curiosity was peeked, for a heartbeat.
She again found herself nodding along with the end of the story, accepting the idea of his communication as was natural to her. When Larassa questioned him, she found herself confused. The Kryx turned her cobalt eyes on her companion and tipped her head. What made it so hard for her to understand? Why must she be so angry-sounding all the time? She couldnt understand anger, since Kryx by virtue never dwell long enough on something displeasing to feel it. To do so was self-indulgent. Although, I have already been banished under this virtue; perhaps I should try anger on for size.
Nu glanced between the Magister and Larassa, and her nostrils flared slightly, as she added her own question to Larassa's, "Do they speak to you through spoken word, or visions with images? Or perhaps, they manipulate your technology?" Nu's voice was soft, but the keen edge of her interest could hardly be missed.

 

[Bolts]

As Glo'cer tried his best to hand the others in the room a tracker, he found himself front and center for his activity. Quickly he stopped his actions as to not draw attention to himself any more. He crossed his arms in an attempt to comfort himself. He had a feeling they were below the water now and all there was was some religious man talking about the Tumal. Though he did find the means of how they acquired such a home for themselves amazing, he didn't believe it was brought to them by some almighty gods. He would guess they were a far more advanced alien race than they were. Out in the middle of uncharted space, it wasn't out of thought for there to be undocumented technology. If he could find these Tumal then he would find real interest in their knowledge. What he was getting out of this conversation right now meant nothing to him. If they have never seen the race, then there was no need to appease them. Being chosen by them was too far-fetched. The fact this Tumal technology was randomly on their ship seemed too convenient. Though his mind raced with ideas, he came up with a his most logical thought. It was planted...

Once the idea passed his mind, he was granted another random whispering voice. Prepaid lizard.....robots at ship.....keep busy.... As the whispering faded, Glo'cer was left frozen once again. It felt like his mind was being invaded. Something he didn't like. All the knowledge and ideas being stolen from him. If someone were able to get into his head... he would finally meat a worthy adversary in a brain game. It seemed that both Nu and Larassa were keeping the holy man busy with all the questions. Enough so he had shrunk out of sight. He turned his head, only to see H'ma and guards by the elevator. He didn't have to think about it, no matter where he went they would follow. He devised a small plan. Nothing too elaborate due to his loss of mind for the moment. That and the possibility that someone was reading his thoughts. Any plan would be countered until he could also peer into the mysterious whispering's mind.

Walking towards the middle, between his crew mates and the guards, he raised his hands to his head like he was having a headache. An easy explanation considering higher humidity on this planet. He bit his finger to allow some of his liquid to spill out down to his communicator. An easy hack to turn it on without making an obvious move to talk through. Once the comm was open, he spoke quietly through it. Robots... at...ship... He whispered a few times before lowering his hands. He hopped Cael and Artemis made it to the ship without complication. That way, if things should turn sour, they could be ready for the worst. He listened in on the last of the conversation before more questions arose. Just in time for some... odd mentions. He was weary to speak up but things needed to be asked. I... I am sorry.. What do these Tumal sound like when they speak? and..... What was that about tributes? He began asking but quickly regretting his second inquiry

Lioness075 Ch3rryBlossom28 Flutterby Dominaiscna zCrookedz

 

[Dominaiscna]

"Thank you," was all the cyborg said to Cael's startled reaction. Though her face seemed to remain otherwise serious, there was a slight mischievous glint in her eyes as she listened to the Dorian explain his take on the situation.

Kneeling down by the fuel tanks, Artemis noticed what Cael had observed. All along the lips of the tanks were strange etchings and markings that mirrored the energy that had taken hold of their ship.

" For all of our sakes, I hope that is indeed the case Cael, " the cyborg murmured softly as she reached out, fingers brushing the slightly ridged surface of the tanks. "Having some magical power sap our fuel will be a lot easier to deal with than potentially ship-sabotaging Koi- ”

Just then, Artemis fell silent as the sound of metal on metal reached them. As the Dorogan went to go check on the situation, she examined the tank one more time before following. They the fish guard with a metal box in hand, obviously waiting for them to collect it and as Cael retrieved the strange container from Drini, Artemis scanned the hangar for any suspicious activity but to her relief found none... As of yet.

Joining Cael in the lounge, she spied the strange crystals that seemed to be filled with energy. As he held one up for her to examine, Artemis carefully took it from him, holding it up as she scrutinized the alien object that had lots of similarities to a Gwathian gem. It was obviously a lot bigger and of different materials... But in terms of usage...

“ This...Could be a form of energy.....? Maybe it is the source that they power their gliders with...?" Artemis offered as she carefully returned the crystal to its place in the chest. "Maybe this is what they are giving us for the Odyssey...?"

As she observed the gems, the cyborg took out the ones she had bought from the trader and compared them with the crystals. Suddenly a memory came to mind. The stalker...Back in the marketplace.

"..Cael, there was something that I forgot to report back... At the market place at the last planet, I think I was being tailed..." Artemis started just as a transmission came crackling in through her commlink. Falling silent, she tried to discern the message which was obviously from Glocer from his voice, but his words were lost in the bad connection. Would Cael's connection be stronger..?

Whatever it was, from the tone of Glocer's voice... It couldn't have been good. One hand now clutched her sword as nerves prickled along the cyborgs body. Getting up, Artemis edged towards the nearest window, sticking to the wall as she scanned the hangar outside.

"...Cael...? "

zCrookedz Lioness075 Bolts Ch3rryBlossom28 Flutterby

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

When the elder Koiple started asking questions of his own Rosalyn was about to speak up saying that he needed to answer their questions first. Thankfully she didn't have to waste her breath for Lara had already responded. Rosalyn did not particularly like the way he responded to Lara. It was like he didn't even think of them as a threat in anyway and that bothered her. Each one of them was ferocious in their own right and his reaction to the fur ball's outburst was just not the appropriate response.

When U'ldean moved to the podium and the lights began to dim, her body tensed. When the orbs came her she could feel her body start to crystalize on instinct but it stopped half way through once she realized they were being used to project an image. I really have to stop reacting like that. Sooner or later it will catch up with me. She absent mindedly moved her right hand to run along her left arm feeling the crystals that were permanently there.

As U'ldean began to speak Rosalyn snapped her attention back to him. She was listening to what he had to say but was also intrigued by the technology he was using. The Koiple people keep surprising her. When a layout of the city came into view Rosalyn leaned forward taking a look at it. This city truly was massive. Rosalyn couldn't help but smile at the fact that there was always a female chieftain. As the light brightened in the room once more and he said that the Magisters hear the voices of the Tumal her smile turned into a frown. "Have the Tumal ever spoken to more than once person before? I also find it strange that they have never spoken to a female." Rosalyn almost asked if it was even possible for someone outside the fish's species to hear them. The voices she heard where more like singing rather than speaking. If the Tumal were some form of species that has never been recorded it is highly possible for them to have some form of abilities that others do not have.