High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow

[Anomander]

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Just like in episode 18 of Mao NN!

That felt strange to hear but was processed nonetheless. 'If accuracy is observed within those entertainment-based productions, perhaps I should apprise myself on their content to learn what I am doing next.'
She sent a note to her secretary to get the associated media files and documentation and get her a summary. One should know about these things when they presume to represent you.

'The expedition is planned to begin in the early morning. Some of our companions use magic and already spent spells during the many events of the day and would need time to rest, especially given that we do not know how much time we may spend there. Daily personal wards could expire without much time to recover.'
And besides, Astrid would need time to sleep as well. She checked her own schedule for the rest of the day and determined that everything could be done without leaving the building. Turning to Stephanie:
'You're very welcome to stay. I've appartements for visitors and I understand that you've just arrived to the ship.

[YuweaCurtis]

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Also can I get some information on the team? I like to know whom I'm working with and to see what each provides."

'Certainly. After detailing the situation thus far I'll give you a summary of my analysis, though the details of their individual file are not mine to give.'

she stops to go over some of the information while sorting out thoughts. "So, right now what is our main objective?"

'Initially we were only to investigate the cause of the loss of contact with Ragol, but we are quickly making progress toward the conclusion of the matter. Ultimately our objective is to allow our colonists to begin settling down on Ragol, which is contingent on many factors which would be the key elements of our missions.'
She raised two fingers sideways toward a wall, on which a projection then animated to provide visual aid. This one mostly showed key settlements which turned red, then a planet core with an interrogation point flanked by the icons of two hands making a Hi-Five and another of two shacking fists facing eachother.
'Taking back the control of the planet is our priority. The surface appears to have been overtaken by ARCAS and the underground by this civilization from the future. ARCAS is already hostile to us and at the moment are treated as pirates with military-grade resources and training. I wish to establish contact with the nations underground so that Parum will be able to devise a plan of action. Perhaps some of their factions can have a peaceful arrangement with us that would be mutually beneficial. We may not know Ragol as well as we wished we did back when we acquired the rights to it from the Government.'
The image of the planet would zoom out and emphasis on the flora and cityscapes would be made as they fill with green and blue respectively and the rest gets grayer and more transparent by 12%.
'Throughout our expeditions, we must also keep in mind that this planet is meant to be colonized. People will live here and we want the planet to be a place they can still happily call home when we are done. Which means that aerial bombardments, bio-chemical warfare and other environment-wrecking weaponry is to be avoided. If an all out war is to be done with those currently occupying the planet, and such tactics prove to be necessary, the decision will be done by Parum, not us, as they will only be able to make the best decisions if they have the information needed to do so.
'And that is the heart of our next expedition.'
'We are not there to start a war nor conclude peace agreements. Nor even single-handedly defeating all opposition. We don't know enough about them to know what is right yet.'

She'd cycle the projection. The current display minimizing to the side to show another beneath. Yellow people icons pop up here and there. Some of then turn red as she speaks.
'It is also quite possible that survivors of the first wave of colonists or stranded Hunters remain and await rescue. As we found that many were probably turned into the creatures we encountered, there is also the risk that those we do find have been tempered with by ARCAS and turned into bio-weapons. They seem to also temper with the memory of their subjects, so any that we do find in need of rescue are also to be treated with care and a respectable amount of suspicion.'

After shutting the projection, she'd focus on Stephanie.
'So, essentially, we reach Ragol, try to establish contact with the factions underground despite ARCAS likely trying to prevent it, study their nation and technology to learn as much as we can throughout the process, save survivors if we can, try to not blow up the planet and get out of there to make a report. Such contacts are preferably to be peaceful ones, though since there is apparently a civil war out there, we expect that the ideology of at least one side will be one that we cannot coexist with and hopefully there will be at least one faction that we will find agreeable enough and perhaps help settle the dispute in their favor. But such decisions are preferably to be made by the Parum Administration upon getting all the facts.'

When that part would be over, she would detail their other companions as had been requested. The projector would start up again to display a whole body shot, 45 degree angle-portrait shot, a small picture of their mecha and names.
'Among those that may accompany us we have hired Amaterasu, a Hunter whom is famous for her displays of combat prowess during the times remembered as the Devastation War. She has been created as part of an organic speed performance experiment so we estimate that the lack of meaningful and personal experiences during her development to psychological maturity coupled with what could be a sense of dissatisfaction toward her lack of notable accomplishments since the war ended would explain a fierce clinging to her role as a weapon in that war as an event of existential importance, to her, and now required to define herself.
She is extremely fast and specializes in bringing destruction up close and personal. I would say hit-and-run tactics are to be expected but run-and-hit is mostly what was observed. She can also do large-scale destruction and has a a hard time minimizing collateral damage. She is a thrill seeker and perhaps overly eager for combat, which could be a problem when a battle is not what is needed. She thinks and reacts quickly, too, which is a definite boon but can sometimes react too quickly and without thinking.'

'Next is Katherine. She is a Hunter as well and works well with Amaterasu. I estimate that she is much more powerful than even she may know. She likewise is mostly able in close combat and closing in on her targets. Personality-wise I would say that she appears to have confidence issues and so constantly need to prove herself. Not only to her but to shine brighter in the eye of Amaterasu, who also happens to have trained her before her debut in the mercenary business. Otherwise, perhaps immaturity when faced with the self-confidence issues but a caring heart and I believe a great friend for one to have.
Something to keep in mind is that we observed that she is more than willing to throw herself to face danger despite putting herself at great risk. In battle, it would be best if whomever she targets cannot retaliate afterwards.'

'There is also Baha, whose current familial intricacies you may familiarize yourself with on your own time as they are quite complex but I do recommend the study for their sociological aspects alone. He is well versed in magic and is generally formidable in most aspects of combat. I would recommend assisting in his defense if possible and drawing attention away from him so that he may do his thing. Otherwise he seems to have difficulties communicating or perhaps excels too much in elusive communication. He is very resourceful and has many reasons motivating him toward excellence, so he is reliable in that respect. He doesn't seem to have all that many shortcomings if not perhaps sharing difficulties in perception, like Amaterasu, and so misreads situations and lacks judgement. He is good at manipulating people as well, which can be quite useful; especially for this next expedition, though his motives feel shady so I would advise caution.'

'Then, there is Hugo. He is excellent at controlling a battlefield using magic and also specializes in the control and usage of Intelligence. Very smart and usually very good at understanding a situation, which makes him particularly valuable. He is also quite strange... but every organic creature has its quirks, I believe. Otherwise, well, you'll understand best when you'll meet him.'

'Last, I suppose would be me. I administer mostly fields of peace-keeping and so I prioritize tactics that prevent or quickly end hostilities. I completely abhor life-ending solutions and also work upon undoing those.
My specialty would be endurance. I also have access to a large database of information through my secretary, who is also one a Chronicler from Parum adept in matters related to time and space, which should prove useful when dealing with time-travelers. I tend to get single-minded in my duties, can get overprotective of those I decide to support and won the wall of text award four years in a row.

And I don't know... Does Mao want and upgrade? More importantly how much money do they have? No, Team Silver will not be joining us. Even though I'm considered and elite agent of their inner circle, I am here of my own volition."

'I believe we should all yearn to improve ourselves but it would depend on the nature of said upgrade.'

"I'm all for peaceful negotiations myself, but I'm more than willing to get messy if necessary" "That's not fun though," say the companion maid android behind her. "Oh, my bad. This is Teresa, my maid, traveling companion and comrade in arms. I will introduce you to R.I.N later. She handles all my data and projects that don't need my personal attention." Teresa shots MAO and Aryk a sly grin, but chooses to remain quiet.

"Anyways, do you think that faction underground would have any problems with colonization of the surface? I have a bit of knowledge on bio-weapons, it's one of my mother's interests and I try to keep informed in all fields of science. So I may be able to lend some help into any questions about that."

"Hmm, definitely an interesting assortment of people on this mission. I've made note of your observations and can't wait to make my own. " "That alone should make this interesting enough, I guess." Teresa says as if finishing her thought. "As far as that upgrade, we can talk about that another time if you seriously want one. Right now I'm going to go over this data and prepare my gear for the mission at hand.

"Eh, heh. Thank you! I'll show you it in person if you want to see it. And I don't know... Does Mao want and upgrade? More importantly how much money do they have? No, Team Silver will not be joining us. Even though I'm considered and elite agent of their inner circle, I am here of my own volition."

Aaahhhh, you’ll show me your GN, the real thing? I would love to! Totally worth being shot to pieces by the adm-I mean, whenever you have the time.

And I understand, the rest of Silver is just pretending to be somewhere else so they can come save the day if things go bad. After all there’s enemy agents infiltrated in this very ship eavesdroping our official moves. Just like in episode 18 of Mao NN!

I tend to get single-minded in my duties, can get overprotective of those I decide to support and won the wall of text award four years in a row.

You totally won the fifth after that too! Just because the event got attacked by that royalist elves battleship and their tech treants before the judges could announce the final score wasn’t enough reason to cancel the whole thing.

Stephanie beams bright, "Of course, any piece of technology I make is worth getting shot over!" She then shrugs, "Well the good ones anyways, not everything is that grand, though it still tends to better than anything you can get your hand on in the open market and many military organizations. But I guess I can show you later tonight?" She looks at Mao, "This one has a show? And I assure you, Team Silver has it's own endeavors. Though I do have a feel people that can help us if I find it necessary."

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Just like in episode 18 of Mao NN!

That felt strange to hear but was processed nonetheless. 'If accuracy is observed within those entertainment-based productions, perhaps I should apprise myself on their content to learn what I am doing next.'
She sent a note to her secretary to get the associated media files and documentation and get her a summary. One should know about these things when they presume to represent you.

'The expedition is planned to begin in the early morning. Some of our companions use magic and already spent spells during the many events of the day and would need time to rest, especially given that we do not know how much time we may spend there. Daily personal wards could expire without much time to recover.'
And besides, Astrid would need time to sleep as well. She checked her own schedule for the rest of the day and determined that everything could be done without leaving the building. Turning to Stephanie:
'You're very welcome to stay. I've appartements for visitors and I understand that you've just arrived to the ship.

"Understood. They use actual magic?" she had been taking notes since things not in the data had been brought up, and this piece of information was definitely being recorded. "No thanks, I'll stay in my own ship. No need to stay an an unfamiliar environment when you don't have to. I intend to rest as well as possible." she would stand up and head out the door. She would stop to tell Aryk where she was docked.

[Anomander]

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"Oh, my bad. This is Teresa, my maid, traveling companion and comrade in arms. I will introduce you to R.I.N later. She handles all my data and projects that don't need my personal attention."

She'd look at Teresa, remembering her notes. 'Well met.'
Turning back briefly to Stephanie before returning her attention upon her android maid: 'She is of your own design, I gather.'
'You were very well made. Simple assemblage technique but the craft is impeccable.'
And it would have to be. From what she knew of Teresa, the maid held quite a heavy burden for the sake of her master. It was both... sad and admirable.

"Anyways, do you think that faction underground would have any problems with colonization of the surface?

'It appears that they are under civil war and so there should be more than one faction. One of them could be amenable to the concept of the surface being colonized if it means that we push the tide in their favor. Colonization of the surface also means that we would rid them of ARKAS, which they both find to be a good thing as that group has already taken the surface over. We ourselves have a problem with our planet's underground being occupied, so negotiations could find a middle-ground, so to speak. That civilization does not belong in our space-time and we do not know what their intentions are once they are done with Ragol. They could well end up being everyone's problem then.'

"As far as that upgrade, we can talk about that another time if you seriously want one. Right now I'm going to go over this data and prepare my gear for the mission at hand.

Min Yung smiled at that. She wasn't the one who had brought up the subject and was, in fact, a little concerned about the way the possibility had been brought up.
'As an android I have a policy regarding software updates and the likes. It is in part the engineering equivalent of "Don't take candies from strangers" and "Check the ingredient list for unhealthy chemicals". While I trust that you are one of the few people in this galaxy who are actually qualified for the task, I would still require information on everything involved in the procedure. If you have a file with the details I could review it on my time and see if it would be compatible with my current specs.'

"Understood. They use actual magic?"

'They don't all do. But it was witnessed.'

"No thanks, I'll stay in my own ship. No need to stay an an unfamiliar environment when you don't have to. I intend to rest as well as possible."

Seeing that she was leaving, she'd make a short bow in farewell. 'Agreeable. Good evening, doctor.'

Min Yung would then return to her office duties while her staff would get busy around the place. She'd keep an eye for any news from Parum regarding the situation on Ragol.

[SorO_Lost]

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[Anomander]

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Mao's reply is received almost as soon as the message is sent; <<Reviewing security reports, still dealing with the aftermath of the earlier breach. There is also the Ragol expedition tomorrow morning I am sending instructions for. Nothing really demanding. Already multitasking it while watching a few episodes.>>

[SorO_Lost]

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[Anomander]

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<<Eh. Ain't got much taste for the grim. Good ending?>>

[SorO_Lost]

[oslecamo]

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Just like in episode 18 of Mao NN!

That felt strange to hear but was processed nonetheless. 'If accuracy is observed within those entertainment-based productions, perhaps I should apprise myself on their content to learn what I am doing next.'
She sent a note to her secretary to get the associated media files and documentation and get her a summary. One should know about these things when they presume to represent you.

Heh, I hope not Min Yung. You eventually became corrupted and went berseker down the series.

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Bio-remants from the time of the Devastation war are preying in innocent automated merchant ships, and it’s up to invincible mobile android Mao NN to stop them! Mao sucessfully locates rescues enslaved automated ships and defeats the vile Bio-remant pirates whitout deleting anybody, until their leader Grossam shows up and manages to push Mao back with a stolen prototype mecha! Then the robot dinossaur ninja corporation appears and episode ends in cliffhanger.

SFHu-179, Mao NN’s best friend, and Xbg-781, Mao NN’s first love interest, were there too, always advancing first and being beaten by the enemies before Mao NN saved their circuits.

Stephanie beams bright, "Of course, any piece of technology I make is worth getting shot over!" She then shrugs, "Well the good ones anyways, not everything is that grand, though it still tends to better than anything you can get your hand on in the open market and many military organizations. But I guess I can show you later tonight?"

Aryk suddenly seems to panic.
I-I would really love to, I really would, but tonight I need to get a bunch of stuff ready myself. Perhaps after we solved this crisis?

She looks at Mao, "This one has a show? And I assure you, Team Silver has it's own endeavors. Though I do have a feel people that can help us if I find it necessary."

Min Yung has many shows, photon books, games, miniatures, the whole line! But I guess they don’t sell them much outside Parum.

Min Yung would then return to her office duties while her staff would get busy around the place. She'd keep an eye for any news from Parum regarding the situation on Ragol.

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-Alert level rised by 2, setting up time fragmentation contigencies. 85% accordance.
-More data necessary, further investigate Ragol. 94% accordance.
-Permission for collaboration with illegal Esper authorized as long as kept secret from the public. 51% accordance.

[Anomander]

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It had been a poor attempt at humor but now she was curious. Those fan fictions could come up with the strangest ideas.
'Very imaginative. How does it end?'

After receiving the report from Eden, she would confirm the Ragol expedition with the rest of the investigation group and wait for the morrow.

[oslecamo]

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It had been a poor attempt at humor but now she was curious. Those fan fictions could come up with the strangest ideas.
'Very imaginative. How does it end?'

"The universe explodes but you and the other Administrators succeed in shielding Parum after transporting billions of refugees from other planets. The bad guys are all seemingly destroyed and you re-start the construction effort."

The coordinates you're following take you towards a tropical-looking coastline. Even while you're still descending from above you can see the water is a light blue in contrast to Parum's oceans heavy brown and greens, the sand appears to glow golden and there's not single pile of trash, no signs of oil spill. Flocks of rainwbow colored bird-like creatures from many sizes fly in the skies. Mecha-sized flowers of many colors bloom along the exotic vegetation and even inside the waters you can clearly see a variety of colourful reefs. Initial registers before contact was lost point to this location being planned to be turned in a vacation resort and there should be some buildings in construction hidden among the vegetation. Some dormitories, a canteen, a storage facility and an administration outpost where any local reports would be kept.

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Listen/Spot checks and any special senses you may have please.

[Anomander]

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"The universe explodes but you and the other Administrators succeed in shielding Parum after transporting billions of refugees from other planets. The bad guys are all seemingly destroyed and you re-start the construction effort."

That had surprised her slightly. 'Would that we could accomplish such a feat if/when such a terrible time comes. A terrible ending but it ends on a note of hope, I suppose.'

She would send a confirmation to Maia on the matter of whether the monolith was to be restored on Ragol's surface in preparation of possible diplomatic efforts.
Whether the group would be there or not she would make way to inspect the ruins of the central dome as had been the plan.

Would the group inform her that they intend to go to some other coordinates, she would discuss the matter with them first.

[oslecamo]

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Technically Mao would first check on the rest of the team if they do not respond to the expedition mission on Ragol. If they leave no message/reply then perhaps something happened to them. Perhaps even a strike from infiltrated ARKAS agents.

+21 bonus from Eden aid another (taking 10).
Gather Information 1d20+53 : 9 + 53, total 62

The rest of the team all seem to be busy with their private affairs. There is no reason to worry. No reason whatsoever. Mao can safely leave the ship. Eden also manages to smoothly snatch a copy of the decrypted and translated files about Ragol.

Also as you descend in Ragol, everything whitin 400 mu, everything besides some parts of the Parum colony ruins are glowing a bright blue.

As you enter Ragol's atmosphere, everything seems normal at first, but as you approach the heavily forest area where the Central Dome was,  soon enough you start spotting flashes of purple light coming from under the trees along wisps of black smoke rising from certain zones, suggesting there’s a battle going on the area.

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There seem to be two forces fighting:

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The newearl in the left seems like Nei, Hugo Lotushand being one of her ex-boyfriends. She's not glowing of any color. Nei’s weapon of choice however are twin claws.
The other lady and her cat-like companion don’t seem familiar.

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The red hood lady is glowing a bright red.

Both forces appear to be about eight strong not counting the humanoids. Explosive beams are unleashed, energy blades clash, force shields flare, damaged platings are repaired by mysterious mechanisms and both sides appear currently evenly matched, with no force having a clear advantage, but as they move back and forth it’s clear they both are aiming for control over the colony ruins area.

None of them seem to have noticed you, or at least don't bother to aknowledge your approach.

You can attempt knowledge checks.

[oslecamo]

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The newearl is most certainly Nei. Problem is that Nei was not a single newearl but the first series of newearls. They look virtually identical from a physical point of view, but their personalities differed quite a lot as small changes in their chemistry produced wildly different results. Most of the data behind their original design were lost after one or more Neis rebelled and broke out from the laboratory that produced them, and more of their data was destroyed due to the collapse of the Mother Brain system shorty after. From the pieces remaining many theories came out, from Nei being a private project to produce a super soldier that could blend in normal society easier, an attempt to make a replacement species for normal humanoids, subservient slaves, a tool of terror for Dark Force cultists or scientists dabbling in things humanoids were not meant to know. Either way the Nei(s) did escape, to surface again at different times and places of history. Strangely, although Nei are social and were often found developing deep supports with others, they have never been reported working with their own. Some theorize that there was only ever one Nei, perhaps suffering from multiple personality disorders, but that directly conflicts with several confirmed reports of dead Neis plus simultaneous sightings in different places, not to mention the finding of  “unawakened” Nei in stasis pods. Modern Numan were produced from the leftover Nei data, but the original specifics were lost.

All Nei are accomplished warriors, combining animalistic hunting instincts with the ability to learn and grow at exceptional speeds, plus engineered to use techniques of all kinds with ease. They all have a preference for fighting in melee, dual claws seemingly their weapon of choice, solid metal or energy blades, but some Nei sometimes use other choices like swords.

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Alis Landale, first of her Name, Rightful Queen of the Algol System and the Last Espers, Lady of the three planets, First Slayer of Dark Force, The Blademistress, Mother of Techniques and cat fangirl.

Having grown up as a relatively normal girl besides her only living relative being her older brother, Alis life came crashing down when king Lassic ordered his execution in cold blood. Picking up his sword, she swore revenge and procceeded to carve a path through Lassic’s minions, gathering her own set of followers along the way, the greatest of which were Odin the Warrior, Lutz the esper and Myau the musk cat. After traveling through Palma, Motavia and Dezoris, destroying any who stood in her way be them robots or dragons, she finally managed to breach Lassic’s sky fortress and kill the king into a brutal combat, then slaying Dark Force who was revealed to be the one spreading corruption from the back. From there Alis Landale took the throne of the Algo System and ruled long and fairly, promoting the development of science and economy as well as setting the groundup for the development of techniques in collaboration with the espers. Some legends say she still went in some adventures even after that but details are sketchy.

All in all Alis Landale is a charismatic leader able to understand and inspire others, skilled warrior whose mastery of swords was second to none, experienced technique user able to learn the secrets of espers, and possessing a will as strong as Laconian that always led from the front. She couldn’t bake a cake to save her life though.



Although she had many lovers and descendants, her best friend always was Myau the musk cat. Easily passing by a normal cat, it’s unclear if those beings are of alien or magic origin or a mix or both, but they’re capable of speech and highly intelligent. Even more deadly than normal cats with their claws and teeth, their true power is a powerful natural magic ability that makes even espers pale by comparison. They also have an interesting reaction when consuming the rare laerma nut, that makes them grow into giant winged beasts for a time, and Myau would’ve served as Alis personal mount when she needed transportation over long distances.

Musk cats are quite rarely seen all in all, prefering to form colonies in isolated hidden places where they live leisurely lives. Sometimes one of their numbers has a greater taste for action and sets out for adventure.

Still Alis is supposed to have died thousands of years ago of natural causes, her grave having a full city built with her name around it and remaining at the top ten of the most popular tourist spots in the galaxy since it’s being recorded. Replicas of her sword are a particularly popular souvenir.

Myau too was reported as deceased by members of its own race, its fangs passed down as a relic from generation to generation.
 

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Red Ring Rica, the Science Hunter. Registered as daughter of Tirello, one of the most important organic families working for the Android Administration, Red Ring Rica had the best education money and influence could buy, becaming a great scientist and Hunter, exploring Parum’s ruins and even some other planets. Her actual name is just Rica Tirello, but she got her nickname for her strong preference for red clothing and acessories. She joined the first colonization wave of Parum and her final fate was left unknown along the other colonists.

Red Ring Rica is a talented and trained fighter with all sorts of weapons, but her main strength is probably her brains, being capable of decyphering virtually any code, cracking any security, finding secret caches and opening any sealed facility, probably why the Android Administration kept her high in their payrolls besides Hunter fees. However Red Ring Rica also has a story of going solo and sticking her neck too deep into danger, having more than once ended up infected herself with advanced bio-malware and alien diseases. Her whole body has been re-constructed from almost scratch more than once, although she stubbornly refuses any “upgrades” to her biology, even when she had to start using glasses.

Her current looks better match a younger Red Ring Rica of the recent past where she was going through a more “rebellious” phase before starting to settle down with her life, in particular the current lack of glasses. Her actual age is CLASSIFIED.

[Anomander]

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Min Yung was truly troubled as they approached the planet and discovered that, so far, it appeared that either the entire planet had come from the future or that those organisms that had traveled into this timeline had been on this planet for so long that their atoms had been mixed and shuffled along with the planet's components and so made everything here at least in part come from the future. It put things into perspective. If Ragol had come from the future... could the Parum Administration truly lay claim to it?

She sent the information to Stephanie and Aryk, straight into Stephanie's mind and spoken to the Esper aboard: It appears that the terrain here all comes from the future.

And if Ragol came from the future, it meant that it could well exist right now somewhere else. Under a different name.
She exchanged a glance with Eden, both coming to the same conclusion.

As they noticed the ongoing battle, and recognized most of the figures involved and opposed, she began scanning the participants along the way, turning to Stephanie and communicating telepathically again.
I approach disbelief, but it appears that the should-be-late Queen of the Algol System is among them, and they all appear to be from the future. Except Red Ring Rica, in the red hood, who comes from the past and a Nei who attends to her, who comes from this timeline. Has the great Alis Landale somehow survived all this time or been recreated or reborn in the future? Possibly. Either way, their coming from the future may indicate that they may be members of the factions we seek to make contact with. The reason of their presence here and their motives concern us no matter which angle we observe the scene. I'd prefer contacting both group separately, but the moment is now and a peaceful resolution would be highly preferred.

As they would get closer, unless Stephanie would object or advise a different course of action (meaning everything else after this can be edited out if needs be), Mao would approach the warring groups and announce her presence and intentions to both Alis and Rica, individually, through telepathy, sending the same message but calling them first by the name she believes them to have.

Alis/Rico, I am Min Yung, Administrator of the Parum Administration. I want peace on this planet. For what cause do you battle?

-Eden would prepare an Aid another on Stephanie and Lyubit's attack roll (+18 for Lyubit, +6 for Steph). She'd prepare in advance an Aid Another on Mao for Sense Motive along with a Guidance of the Avatar.

[oslecamo]

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Alis/Rico, I am Min Yung, Administrator of the Parum Administration. I want peace on this planet. For what cause do you battle?

Parum? Administrator? I know not who you are or where thou came from, but know that while there be a tyrant ruling in Ragol, there can be no peace in this planet.-replies Alis, her speech quite ancient-patterned, only looking at Mao for a moment before her attention focuses again in the current battle.
You heard the queen, Ming Yung. Kicking the ass of evil-doers, that's what you love to do right? Come and join the fun, you should be more useful than that idiot Hugo.-adds Nei? while deflecting a beam with her blade before unleashing lighting from her other arm that grazes an opposing mecha trying to flank them.


R0S-3774? Digging your new looks! Wait, I thought you would be busy with some other mission? But this works well too since I could totally use some help against those crazy bitches and their knights who appeared out of nowhere when we went to investigate the central dome's ruins! I bet they were the ones who blew it up too! Luckily the colonists evacuated in time thanks to Arodatam here! Hey Arodatam you already had the chance to meet Ming Yung? She's pretty cool!-quickly speaks Rica while summoning and dismissing simulation holograms around herself, not even looking at Mao.
...No, this is the first time we meet.-comments the nanoarmor woman, taking a longer glance at Mao than anybody else in the area, but still swiftly returning to focusing in the battle, her blade glowing before releasing a long beam that sears right through several trees before being stopped by a mecha shield.

[oslecamo]

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Queen

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Max/Current HP: 296/296
Max/Current energy: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Max/Current Spirit points: 220/110.
AC: 65
DR: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Movement speed: 30 feet.
 Feats: Spirit Up x4, Counter x4, Spirit Regen, Digital Domain, Defend, Predict, Attacker, Guardian, Born to Fight, I am Invincible!, Friendship (Myau) x3
Name: Alis Landale, first of her Name, Rightful Queen of the Algol System and the Last Espers, Lady of the three planets, First Slayer of Dark Force, The Blademistress, Mother of Techniques and cat fangirl.
 Equipped weapons: Alis Sword. Originally a simple masterwork Laconium blade, it was the one wielded by Alis to slay her strongest opponents all the way to the first manifestation of Dark Force. It became part of her legend, and evolved into an even stronger artifact as Alis kept it as her weapon of choice for most of her life, also investing  in adding fledging prototype photon technology to it. However by the time she passed away the weapon had mysteriously vanished. Now they are united once more.  A +5 Holy one-handed slashing weapon with base damage 10d12, critical 16-20x3  with the Power, Rending, Disarming and Concussive properties that grants a +8 Photon bonus to Charisma. It cannot be disarmed, and ignores all DR, critical immunity and regeneration from Darkers. It allows the wielder to fly at their base speed and triples their movement speed if charging or running,but while flying this way only the Alis Sword itself may be used to attack and no special abilities may be activated. Finally it counts as a pure metal weapon whenever it would be benefical. Photon Tech-This weapon works by condensing nearby ambient light. It can be drawn or put away as a free action 1/round, but you can only have one such weapon equiped at a time.

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Max/Current HP: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Max/Current energy: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
AC: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
DR:Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Movement speed: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Name: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Equipped weapons: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST

Arodatam

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Max/Current HP:  240/240
Max/Current energy: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Max/Current Spirit points: 130/65
AC: 47
DR: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Movement speed: 30 feet
Feats: Spirit Up x3, Counter x3, Spirit Regen, Evade, Predict, Attacker, Born to Fight, Show Time,
Name: “Tomorrow’s Champion” Arodatam Ogramac
 Equipped weapons:  8012-TerceiromêsShi-Y nanosuit, Katherine Fangs. The twin indestructible blades of the legendary pirate hunter from long ago, thought forever lost after her final battle against the Aether Phantom Fleet.  Single handed weapons dealing 6d10 damage each, +12 to hit, Power, Rending, magic, Ghost Touch, critical 18-20x2.

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Max/Current HP: 169/219
Max/Current energy: 100/50
AC: 65
DR: 26
Movement speed: 50 mu
Name: 8012-TerceiromêsShi-Y
Equipped weapons:  GAT-X105 Beam Rifle, XXXG-01W Vulcans, Buster Rifle, Destroyer Gauntlet, Field Lance x2, Purifier Grenade, Barrier Breaker, Spirit Taker, Katherine Fangs

Nei

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Max/Current HP: 258 HP
Max/Current energy: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Max/Current Spirit points: 164/82
AC: 72
DR: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Movement speed: 90 feet.
Feats: Weapon Finesse, Improved Unarmed Strike, Deflect Arrows, Spirit Up x4, Counter x4, Spirit Regen, Evade, Predict, Attacker, Born to Fight, Innovade, Spell Focus(Evocation), Greater Spell Focus(Evocation), Friendship (Myau) x3
Name:  Nei.
 Equipped weapons: XB178 “Nei Eraser” Blade. A weapon printed by the scientists who first designed Nei for the specific purpose of slaying their escaped creations. Yet one Nei managed to steal the blade and turn it against their creators-as well as anybody eles who ever threatened her again, before disappearing from recorded history-Until now. Two-handed weapon dealing 11d12 damage with +12 to hit, critical 15-20x2, Finesse, Downfall, Pinning, against any Nei hits as a touch attack and ignores all DR and hardness, destroying their dna if they die and  thus making cloning and ressurection techniques demanding the original body impossible. If the user has Deflect Arrows they can use it one more time per round. If entering a mecha, this weapon can be equipped with one of the mecha’s weapons as part of the same action to transfer its special properties to it, and instantly retrieved upon exiting. Photon Tech-This weapon works by condensing nearby ambient light. It can be drawn or put away as a free action 1/round, but you can only have one such weapon equiped at a time.

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Max/Current HP: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Max/Current energy: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
AC: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
DR: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Movement speed: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Name: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST
Equipped weapons: Error #1245-VALUE DOES NOT EXIST

Red Ring Rica

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Max/Current HP:  You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Max/Current energy: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Max/Current Spirit points: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
AC: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
DR: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Movement speed: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Feats: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Name:  You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Equipped weapons: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]

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Max/Current HP:  You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Max/Current energy: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Max/Current Spirit points: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
AC: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
DR: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Movement speed: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Feats: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Name:  You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]
Equipped weapons: You do not have permission to access this information [Firefox]

Note: Mao knows that Red Ring Rica was always quite keen about her privacy and an adept at the school of Internet Explorer, thus her scan being blocked like this has Red Ring Rica's digital print all over it.

[Anomander]

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Upon understanding that the Queen wasn't very informed on the current state of things concerning the epoch in which she currently existed, she was about to reply before Nei spoke.
And what she said worried her. If she came from this time, and was working with the Queen, why did she not know more about the current state of things? Unless Nei had not yet realized that they did not come from this era. Something else that felt slightly off irritated her in the back of her mind was the declaration that evil had to have it's butt kicked as a justification for open war. Incarnations of evil had to be purged, yes, but that didn't mean that evil people had to be rounded up and crushed. If they were warring against a tyrant and chains had to be broken and people rescued from oppression, certainly. If it was for the right reasons and motivations. But she couldn't just take word for it. Such tyranny would have to be witnessed before the the blood of the presumed oppressors would be shed. If a peaceful solution couldn't be found.
She proceeded to project the following thoughts to the Queen and Nei both.
I do not enjoy it, no. But if those who currently rule Ragol do so in the ways of evil, I would indeed shield those they rule over if I can... and if within my ability would go out of my way to knock such a ruler off the throne if it restores the peace. I pray you describe this evil and how those you are fighting are connected with it.
People were quick to see anything they did not like as evil. Sometimes it went so far as to be attributed to anyone who simply didn't agree with them and, while she could estimate that the queen and Nei had good intentions, if only for recorded historical tendencies, the queen did come from the future... which meant a lot of unrecorded historical tendencies. So it was important not to jump to conclusions. And she was still alive somehow, or not?
One of those Eternals, perhaps?
There was an opportunity to learn more of the situation. To Nei alone, she'd project: The queen comes from the future and does not know of us. Yet to be from the future she must have existed during our timeline, for she walked the worlds before our time. Unless she was only returned to consciousness after the present age. Is she even aware that Ragol has been projected into the past?

R0S-3774? Digging your new looks! Wait, I thought you would be busy with some other mission? But this works well too since I could totally use some help against those crazy bitches and their knights who appeared out of nowhere when we went to investigate the central dome's ruins! I bet they were the ones who blew it up too! Luckily the colonists evacuated in time thanks to Arodatam here! Hey Arodatam you already had the chance to meet Ming Yung? She's pretty cool!

She wasn't sure if Rica had a proper understanding of what was going on here. Which was troubling. Eden swiftly messaged her on the matter after double-checking her readings.
<<Administrator. If this Red Ring Rica is from the past, this may well mean that the one from our present has also journeyed into the future (our present) when she was younger so and participated in this fight. If so, she kept the knowledge of everything that happened here on Ragol to herself before disappearing with the first colonization wave. Meaning: We currently have two Ricas here.>>
<<Strange.>>
<<Agreed. Perhaps she is not from the past and is merely under and effect that makes her look like her past self. She is aware of the colonists, after all. Alternatively, perhaps an alternate dimension is involved and the two Ricas aren't sharing a common past-thread. Another possibility would be that my readings are wrong, somehow.>>
Lyubit shifted uneasily. He was not familiar with such patterns of thought and the effort made his photon drivers heat. A soothing mental nod from Mao put him at ease and ended his effort. Adding elements such as time-travel and alternate dimensions to his logic wasn't the problem. He had trouble calculating the possible motives of organics affected by such elements and making those apply to the current scene.
"Min Yung... I don't want us to fight either of them. Can we find another way? Can we not do nothing? The data required to make a decision is insufficient to get involved so deeply already."
He considered his choice of words. "We are here on a diplomatic effort. Parum needs us, too. As representatives, if we ally ourselves now, we make Parum pick a side as well."
"It is decided. Until we know the real reason they are fighting; Let us not choose a side so hastily. Perhaps we can help them both and stop this fight."

She'd definitely need to know more about the situation as perceived by Rica, and so she engaged her in a telepathic conversation.
Rica, you disappeared with the colonists of the first colonization wave. I was sent to discover what happened to it before we begin settling our second colonization wave. You looked older last time we met... my chronicler tells me she reads that something about you is linked to the Past. Have you traveled forward in time, somehow? We wonder. You are currently fighting Alis Landale, the queen of Algol, who, like Aromatam and perhaps Ragol as well, seem to come from the future. A most perplexing situation for us, you will understand. After all, why would the first slayer of Darkforce see Arodatam as an agent of evil?
That aside, I have already investigated the central dome. When you say that Arodatam evacuated the colonists, do you refer to the biological creatures that had infested the building? Our findings so far point that those who took control of the central dome have captured the colonists and transformed them into those creatures. Possibly ARKAS. The central dome self-destructed allegedly by accident as testified by its operating Maia AI unit, who tried to contact us despite the locks set upon its functions by those who took over, using a fuel leak close to its blackbox. What happened? Where are the colonists?

[oslecamo]

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Hugo’s arcane senses pick up residual traces of magic which allow Katherine to notice a veiled area along the coast, and to see what’s inside.

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What stands out first is a massive mecha hovering above the water with a few support units. Their lack of standardized patterns and shady construction work give a strong vibe of a group of space corsairs of some sort.

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There’s a trio of humanoids in the beach nearby, and your audio systems can catch the conversation.

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-and that’s why I’m demanding a higher payment for my work now. You guys didn’t tell me nearly enough about how dangerous this job would be!

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Boss, want me to kill them and we just take their stuff?
Not now, sweetie.

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Ha, but I agree we do deserve more reward for our work in Ragol. Our contact in the Android Administration is also demanding some extra payment for the risks he’s getting in.

The ones they seem to be talking to appears to be a couple in a nearby cliff with a venerable-looking mecha close by watching over them like a guardian.

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I see, your argument sounds reasonable.-says the male.
Then allows us to add a tip for your good work and discretion..-adds the female.

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They are carrying containers inside of which are strange machineries large tubes filled with bubbling green liquid, and Katherine can squint the rough shapes of naked humanoids and biomonsters seemingly asleep  inside.
I’m sure you’ll find those specimens quite to your liking.
And we’ll be adding some extra cloning equipment and data. I believe that wil suffice as compensation, correct?
Hmmm, I will need to check out t-

Before you can listen any more something winged but not a bird comes flying towards you!

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Oohhh, pretty bird-Wait, you’re not in the guest list! Identify yourselves!
The angel-like being points her  triple gatling at you, seemingly not afraid you’re in your mechas.

[oslecamo]

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She proceeded to project the following thoughts to the Queen and Nei both.
I do not enjoy it, no. But if those who currently rule Ragol do so in the ways of evil, I would indeed shield those they rule over if I can... and if within my ability would go out of my way to knock such a ruler off the throne if it restores the peace. I pray you describe this evil and how those you are fighting are connected with it.

It would take many moon cycles to fully tell that tale, but know that there be several kingdoms of evil hidden below this planet’s surface. The common people be brainwashed by machines and treated worst than slaves. This vile foe I face now be Arodatam and her dogs, most wicked champions of Immortal Steel, one of the main dark kingdoms. The girl in red I sense has a pure heart, but she also be a poor brainwashed child, I hope to free her from Arodatam’s clutches, by force if needed.

I trust Alis.

To Nei alone, she'd project: The queen comes from the future and does not know of us. Yet to be from the future she must have existed during our timeline, for she walked the worlds before our time. Unless she was only returned to consciousness after the present age. Is she even aware that Ragol has been projected into the past?

...Wait, what do you mean Ragol has been projected into the past? Would love to hear a proper explanation about that but kinda busy now!

She'd definitely need to know more about the situation as perceived by Rica, and so she engaged her in a telepathic conversation.
Rica, you disappeared with the colonists of the first colonization wave. I was sent to discover what happened to it before we begin settling our second colonization wave. You looked older last time we met... my chronicler tells me she reads that something about you is linked to the Past. Have you traveled forward in time, somehow? We wonder. You are currently fighting Alis Landale, the queen of Algol, who, like Aromatam and perhaps Ragol as well, seem to come from the future. A most perplexing situation for us, you will understand. After all, why would the first slayer of Darkforce see Arodatam as an agent of evil?
That aside, I have already investigated the central dome. When you say that Arodatam evacuated the colonists, do you refer to the biological creatures that had infested the building? Our findings so far point that those who took control of the central dome have captured the colonists and transformed them into those creatures. Possibly ARKAS. The central dome self-destructed allegedly by accident as testified by its operating Maia AI unit, who tried to contact us despite the locks set upon its functions by those who took over, using a fuel leak close to its blackbox. What happened? Where are the colonists?

Second colonization wave? That’s supposed to be 6 years from now, good to have confirmation of my suspicions of what exactly happened when I tried to hack that strange monolith.

Ah, yes, that crazy bitch calling herself Alis is just a clone produced in Ragol from extensive collected data. Not sure if they screwed up her brain alghorytm or it’s just that for somebody who died thousands of years ago the future society of Ragol would look extra evil, but here we are. The sword’s the real deal though, Arodatam found it somehow.

Also of course I was talking about the colonists having been evacuated, what biological infestation you’re even talking about? The people have been safely transfered to Immortal Steel’s headquarters for now, plenty of room down there. You should see the tech they have, it would help us solve a lot of problems in Parum-Ow, that was too close! Really could use your help right now, R0S-3774!