Onward, Toward Perfection (Anthology of the Enclave of Eternity) WIP

[slothinator]

Well, a psionically gifted individual and calls for equality in the Enclave. There's much to look forward to!
Also, the High Curator executing one of her own is certainly one way to call for order, I expect that she won't be touched by all this egalitarianism

 

[Quinzal]

▲
Chapter 3-3: Unto The Breach​

Voidcraft Designation "[RESTRICTED]": Main Computer Console Log | 02-02-2252

04:16:21 :: Main Docking Airlock Opening...
04:16:21 :: Main Docking Airlock Opened
04:16:23 :: Detected Movement Through Main Docking Airlock
04:16:24 :: Movement Identified [Aelia Viator Cita 000-000-009-1]
04:16:25 :: Detected Movement Through Main Docking Airlock
04:16:30 :: WARNING :: Movement Through Main Docking Airlock Unidentifiable, Alarm Will Sound In 00:00:10
04:16:31 :: NOTICE :: Alarm Will Sound In 00:00:09
04:16:32 :: NOTICE :: Alarm Will Sound In 00:00:08
04:16:33 :: NOTICE :: Alarm Will Sound In 00:00:07
04:16:34 :: NOTICE :: Alarm Sequence Aborted Manually [Aelia Viator Cita 000-000-009-1]
04:16:50 :: New Registered User [Null Null Null 999-999-999-9]
04:17:30 :: Main Docking Airlock Closing...
04:17:30 :: Main Docking Airlock Closed
04:17:21 :: Regulating Onboard Atmospherics...
04:20:15 :: Onboard Atmospherics Stabilized

05:01:32 :: Tracking AIO-112...
05:10:19 :: AIO-112 Hyperspace Signature Confirmed: Triangulating...
05:15:13 :: AIO-112 Triangulated
05:15:16 :: NOTICE :: AIO-112 Area Restricted. Awaiting Confirmation...
05:15:18 :: WARNING :: Onboard Identified User Lacking Permissions. Override Required. Awaiting Acknowledgement...
05:15:20 :: NOTICE :: Restriction Override Accepted [Aelia Viator Cita 000-000-009-1]
05:15:21 :: Action Confirmed: Routing to AIO-112...
05:15:45 :: Route Confirmed
05:17:56 :: Igniting Main Plasma Engine
05:18:04 :: Beginning Navigation To AIO-112
05:30:36 :: Igniting Auxiliary Plasma Afterburners

08:20:12 :: Igniting Hyperspace Drive
08:23:15 :: Locating Hyperspace Breach Point...
08:23:20 :: Breach Point Confirmed: 90-30-68 0.001 PRC
08:23:31 :: Engaging Hyperspace Jump...
08:51:09 :: Jumping...

10:20:12 :: Jump Completed: Disengaging Hyperspace Drive
10:22:53 :: NOTICE :: Subspace Scan Inhibitors Manually Engaged [Aelia Viator Cita 000-000-009-1]

16:11:09 :: Destination AIO-112 In Proximity: Scanning For Docking Frequencies...
16:11:32 :: No Docking Frequencies Found: Scanning For Usable Dock...
16:11:36 :: NOTICE :: Action Override: Scan Cancelled [Aelia Viator Cita 000-000-009-1]
16:11:52 :: NOTICE :: Autopilot Disabled: Manual Piloting Enabled
16:54:19 :: WARNING :: Weapons Lock Signature Detected: 10-35-88 0.000 PRC
16:54:20 :: WARNING :: Hostile Signature Detected: 10-35-88 0.000 PRC
16:54:42 :: WARNING :: Unidentified Scan Detected: 10-35-88 0.000 PRC
16:55:07 :: Igniting Auxiliary Plasma Afterburners
16:55:32 :: Igniting Emergency Hyperspace Drives
16:57:26 :: WARNING :: Shield Charge: 68%
16:56:28 :: WARNING :: Weapons Lock Signature Detected: 82-31-01 0.001 PRC
16:57:29 :: WARNING :: Shield Charge: 21%
16:57:34 :: WARNING :: Shields Compromised
16:57:40 :: WARNING :: Armor Compromised
16:57:52 :: WARNING :: EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY
16:56:28 :: WARNING :: Weapons Lock Signature Detected: 55-19-78 0.003 PRC
16:57:52 :: WARNING :: Hull Integrity: 96%
16:57:59 :: NOTICE :: Evacuation Pod A-1 Engaged
16:58:00 :: NOTICE :: Evacuation Pod A-2 Engaged
16:58:14 :: WARNING :: Hull Integrity: 72%
16:58:15 :: WARNING :: Atmospheric Breach Detected: Closing Breach Doors
16:58:32 :: NOTICE :: Evacuation Pod A-1 Ejected
16:58:41 :: WARNING :: Hull Integrity: 72%
16:58:42 :: WARNING :: Atmospheric Breach Detected: Closing Breach Doors
16:58:47 :: WARNING :: Hull Integrity: 42%
16:58:48 :: WARNING :: Evacuation Pod A-2 Jammed
16:58:51 :: NOTICE :: Ship Destruction Imminent: Transmitting Black Box Data To VCS-01
16:58:53 :: WARNING :: Hull Integrity: 25%
16:58:58 :: NOTICE :: Black Box Data Successfully Transmitted
16:59:11 :: WARNING :: Hull Compromised

---

Public Broadcast from the Vault Curator Seat: High Curator Mara Opus (02-07-2252)

Thank you for tuning in, denizens of the Enclave. We here at the Vault Curator Seat sincerely hope that each and every one of you is having a wonderful cycle.

I come to inform you of a great tragedy that has struck our nation today. Two of our number, Curators Aelia Viator Cita and Pettelia Flavian Sylla, unfortunately met their ends a few days ago on the second of this month. Reports that came in from their ship's black box tell us that they were unfortunately beset by rebel forces in the Tiamat system, and though they attempted to flee they were too close to the hiding rebel fleet and were unfortunately overwhelmed before they could escape.

Their ship was completely destroyed, as well as all life on-board.

Please, a moment of silence for our fallen paragons.

...

Thank you. They will never be forgotten. Statues of their likenesses will forever grace the Curator Seat Approach, ever vigilant alongside those others who have fallen in the line of service as Curator.

Thankfully this event was able to route a rebel fleet that we were able to secure, ensuring an increased level of peace for lawful denizens of the Enclave, but the terrible price it has incurred is an unforgivable offense.

In response to this, we will be instituting increases in patrol sizes and frequency in border systems and areas commonly known to house pirate and rebel activity. This may affect traffic for a time, especially in and around the Tiamat system. I would like to personally apologize for any inconveniences this may cause.

I will not allow our great nation to be brought any lower by scum of this nature. If you seek the downfall of the Enclave of Eternity, know that we, together, will rise up to oppose you.

Glory to the Curators. Glory... to the Enclave.

---

Transcript: CE Surveillance Recording: AIO-112-03 (02-26-2252 23:04:32) | 00:03:03

SO. Albinus: "I was hoping to receive at least a modicum of respect during my stay here. Do you know who I am?"

Wrd. Halisca: "Listen, I'm the Warden of this block, so I get to make the rules. I know your stay here is supposed to be cushy but you can't be going around doing whatever you please."

SO. Albinus: "Sure, sure, and I'll remember that when I make my report to the High Curator later this month."

Wrd. Halisca: "You know, you high-and-mighty types can't get under my skin. I've seen my fair share of horror in these halls and I'll be damned if I let myself be intimidated by some poindexter!"

SO. Albinus: "Hah! All you low-types are all the same. Keep crawling around your--"

The discussion is interrupted by the muffled discharge mass driver round, followed by a body hitting the floor.

SO. Albinus: "By the Curato-- wait... who are..!?"

FUG. Vitruvia (hushed): "Quiet. Back of the cell, now."

There is rustling, and a jingling of keys.

SO. Albinus: "But wait, you're supposed to--"

FUG. Vitruvia (hushed): "Quiet. Now. Not another word."

A large, heavy door slides open.

FUG. Vitruvia (hushed): "You get his tablets, I'll wrangle him."

Quiet shuffling is heard, and an unspoken female voice grunts quietly.

FUG. Vitruvia (hushed): "Keep moving. If the alarm sounds I won't hesitate to use you as a shield."

SO. Albinus (hushed): "Where are we going?"

FUG. Vitruvia (hushed): "Why do you care?"

** END OF RECORDING **

---

Transcript: CE Surveillance Recording: AIO-112-06 (02-27-2252 00:02:10) | 00:03:30

Three sets of footsteps approach, rapid but quiet.

FUG. Vitruvia: "Go that way, make a distraction. My shuttle is that way on the main concourse, take it once you get the signal or if you need to bail. I need them to be away from the western wing so I can get this idiot into the vent. Once you're out, orbit out of weapons range until you see me."

One set of footsteps breaks off from the group, growing more distant until it is no longer heard. The others continue to walk.

SO. Albinus: "Are you going to hurt me?"

FUG. Vitruvia: "Only if you don't cooperate."

SO. Albinus: "Cooperate with what?"

Vitruvia grunts.

FUG. Vitruvia: "You ask too many questions."

The two are silent as they walk for a few moments.

SO. Albinus: "You know, you look familiar."

FUG. Vitruvia: "Yeah? I get that a lot."

SO. Albinus: "No, no. One of my colleagues, a man named Drusus, says he knew a pilot with a similar mark on their cheek who became a fugitive."

FUG. Vitruvia: "Oh, you know Drusus? How's he doing?"

SO. Albinus: "Well, aside from almost being stripped of his rank for potentially consorting with conspiracists, he's doing alright."

FUG. Vitruvia: "I'll have to send him a fruit basket or something-- Okay, crouch down here and wait. Don't move an inch. Don't even breathe."

The silence is crushing for about half a minute. Eventually, a distant alarm can be heard.

Overhead Speakers: "Attention. Unidentified armed trespasser sighted on main concourse. All available units please report."

A nearby door slides open, and multiple sets of heavy footsteps charge out and disappear down the hall.

FUG. Vitruvia: "Go now!"

** END OF RECORDING **

 

[slothinator]

I loved the console log section! It's really cool how you can tell a story with just that information.
And it looks like Vitruvia is in a hell of a pickle. Looking forward to seeing how the situation evolves!

 

[Quinzal]

▲
Chapter 3-4: Hear and Think​

Communique: Kelenzial Core Relay (???) - - - > VCS Core Transmitter (High Curator Mara Opus 000-000-001-0) | 09-22-2252 06:21:30

[[ Greetings, ]] High Curator. [[ We trust that this message receives you well. This is High Priestess ]] Iritale, [[ blessed leader of the Kelenzial Union. ]]

[[ We had hoped to inquire upon your court's stance of the upcoming inaugural meeting of the Galactic Community, and whether you would be expected to attend. ]]

[[ There has been a rising push from within our culture to end our isolation, and though many within our clergy loathe the idea of consorting with xenosapience, it cannot be denied that opening diplomatic channels will help to preserve our way of life for years to come. ]]

[[ We intended on announcing this during the inaugural meeting, but wished to confide in a trusted source as to whether the event would be safe for myself or one of my clergy to attend. ]]

[[ Blessings. ]]

---

Communique: VCS Core Transmitter (High Curator Mara Opus 000-000-001-0) - - - > Kelenzial Core Relay (???) | 09-22-2252 13:38:01

Thank you for reaching out, honored allies.

I will not personally be attending, as I have an urgent engagement in our capital station which I unfortunately cannot abandon. A cabal of my more trusted Curators will be at the event in my stead.

I have also been in contact with the United Suns regarding a joining of our militaries in order to ensure the safety of the event; the only thing likely to breach the perimeter would be a dedicated Star Collective invasion force, and that we would see many jumps ahead of their arrival; plenty of time for evacuation, if my bureaucrats tell it correctly.

---

Transcript: ???: ??? | Fugitive Vitruvia Gavi Cita N/A-N/A-N/A-N/A > Science Officer Albinus Lydus Nazarius (09-30-2252 12:99:18) | 00:08:32

Unidentifiable Voice: "Why do we need to record this again?"

FUG. Virtuvia: "Demands. If they want their fancy science man back, they'll give us what we want."

Unidentifiable Voice: "Alright then. I'll wake him up and let you take the rest."

There are slight footsteps, and the sound of an electrical discharge.

SO. Albinus: "Agh! You could have just shaken me, you know!"

FUG. Vitruvia: "Albinus, we have some questions for you."

SO. Albinus: "Do I have a choice whether or not to answer?"

FUG. Vitruvia: "Well, yes, but if you don't then I have a few associates who are looking for new dredgers..."

Albinus is silent.

FUG. Vitruvia: "Firstly, what were you doing onboard the Darkside in 2245?"

SO. Albinus: "Research. I'm a science officer."

FUG. Vitruvia: "Research on what?"

SO. Albinus: "I can't tell you that."

Silence for a moment, then another electrical discharge.

SO. Albinus: "Ggghhh..!"

FUG. Vitruvia: "Research. On. What?"

SO. Albinus: "P-please! She'll kill me if I tell you!"

FUG. Vitruvia: "...Who will kill you?"

SO. Albinus: "Mara! She'll... she said she would... my family..."

Silence for another moment, with light sobs interspersed. Vitruvia sighs.

FUG. Vitruvia: "Albinus, listen to me. Your great mind would be much better used outside the yoke of this regime. If you cooperate, I can get you and your family transported to any nation of your choice. New identity, legit papers. I hear the United Suns is nice this time of the cycle. But I don't think running back to Mara is an option for you anymore since they have video footage of you being complicit in a jailbreak."

Albinus is silent for a long time before he responds.

SO. Albinus: (hushed) "...It was a study of the mind."

FUG. Vitruvia: "Pardon?"

SO. Albinus: "Mara, and the Curators. They're obsessed with something they call the 'Transcendence Event.' I've heard the words come out of the mouths of our rulers multiple times, but there are no documents available to me that reference it even a single time. Well, that is, until I was assigned to the Darkside. My mission report stated that I was to 'discover a path toward the early stages of a Transcendence Event,' and 'if the early signs of a Transcendence Event make themselves apparent, contact the High Curator immediately.'"

SO. Albinus: "I tried to ask them what it was, but all I got in response was one of Mara's signature vague and threatening answers. Like she's some sort of malefic oracle. But I think their end goal is to harness something much bigger than ourselves. To expand the mind, allow it to grasp concepts and ideas that a normal sapient mind is unable to even comprehend. To harness a new particle, so that one may be granted supereternal strength... just by wanting it."

FUG. Vitruvia: "And what happened on the Darkside... Do you think that was this 'Transcendence Event?'"

SO. Albinus: "I believe so. On the Darkside, we were seeing if we could trigger a positive reaction in test subject via application of an experimental substance. They were supposed to move a box off of a scale from across the room. Or even just nudge it. But the subject, and... she..."

Albinus begins to sob profusely.

FUG. Vitruvia: "Albinus, please, pull yourself together."

He continues to sob, even after repeated attempts by Vitruvia to reclaim his focus.

FUG. Vitruvia: "...Turn the camera off."

Footsteps grow louder and closer to the recorder for a moment.

SO. Albinus: "Wait."

FUG. Vitruvia: "Hmmm? What's this?"

SO. Albinus: "He killed her. She killed him. It's been a cancer, all this time."

FUG. Vitruvia: "What are you talking about? Give the dork another shock."

The sound of another electric discharge.

SO. Albinus: "Ha ha. So it WAS you who set the cycle in motion. The spark claws out from within you, begging to be freed."

The sound of metal scraping and straining grows louder and louder.

FUG. Vitruvia: "Oh no. Get the gun, get the--"

SO. Albinus: "It seems we both seek the same thing then. If it is freedom you desire, my child, then take my gift to you, and CLAIM IT YOURSELF."

A droning noise is heard beneath sudden, blood-curdling screams as Vitruvia falls to the floor. Then, cataclysmic noise fills the recording for a brief moment before all is consumed by static.

** END OF RECORDING **

---

Transcript: VCS Surveillance Recording: Curator Seat (10-01-2252 | 15:12:33) | 00:02:45

The room is silent, save for the occasional shuffling that suggests only one of the Curators is present at the moment.

Eventually, the large doors at the head of the room are opened, followed by slow footsteps.

C. Feliciana: "My lady. I bring news."

HC. Mara: "Is it urgent?"

C. Feliciana: "No, at least not yet. The riot has made its way to the main corridor entry of the VCS, and Central Enforcement is beginning to lose control of the situation."

HC. Mara: "Still using nonlethal means, I assume?"

C. Feliciana: "By your order."

Mara sighs.

HC. Mara: "I can almost hear them from here. What are they chanting?"

C. Feliciana: "'An tei sir, re tei sir.' I believe it means 'Eternal Freedom, Eternal Life'. In Kene'ze dialect."

HC. Mara: "I suppose this is what Aelia spoke of, though in its early stages. Tell the enforcers that if the riots have not been contained by 16:00:00, they are authorized to use lethal force."

C. Feliciana: "Do you think this wise, my lady? We don't want the situation to--"

HC. Mara: "The situation won't get out of hand. Actually, don't tell them anything. Stay with me for a moment. Sit down."

Even slower footsteps, and the shuffling of one sitting down.

HC. Mara: "Wait with me. I changed my mind; I'd rather not be alone when it happens."

C. Feliciana: "When... what happens exactly?"

Silence, though a droning noise can be heard in the recording.

C. Feliciana: "...My lady?"

The droning noise grows louder and louder until it begins to overwhelm the recording.

HC. Mara: "One more step toward perfection, my child. One more step."

Two sets of blood-curdling screams filling the room, shortly before cataclysmic noise fills the recording for a brief moment before all is consumed by static.

** END OF RECORDING **

 

[Quinzal]

I added more on to 3-4, because I didn't like how short and anticlimactic it was.

 

[slothinator]

Well, that's quite ominous! I'm very curious to find out what this Transcendence Event will look like. Whatever is happening certainly doesn't sound pleasant.

 

[Quinzal]

If anyone is wondering, no, I didn't die. I'm working on a D&D sourcebook, and this kinda fell by the wayside. Also, the website looks like this for some reason--

--and it's kind of giving me a headache.

But don't worry! The Eternals will return soon in Chapter 4.

 

[Quinzal]

▲
Chapter 4-1: New Tomorrows, Old Todays
​

Transcript: EOE Archival Drone: Community Staging Ground, [REDACTED] (10-01-2252 | 15:00:03) | 00:03:12

Great amounts of chatter can be heard in the background of this recording, as if a collection of sapient beings counting more than the population of several Eternal Vaults were present. After a while, the chatter quickly grows silent.

Chancellor Xen'arath (translated, over large soundstage): "[[ Wondrous denizens of the galaxy. It fills my heart with joy to see you all here for the inauguration of the first Galactic Community. All of you have gathered here, putting aside differences in culture, physiology, and ethics, to see our galaxy thrust forward towards a greater future! ]]"

Cheering fills the area before once again dying down.

Chancellor Xen'arath: "[[ Thank you. Behind me I have representatives from the glorious nations you all call home. Together, we shall work toward the reforming of our galactic home into something we can all be proud of, to facilitate all our ways of life without, shall I say, stepping on any [[ UNINTELLIGIBLE ]]. We have speeches prepared, so that those not aware of the bodies you may now rely on for steering our collective ways of life may be educated. Afterward will be the signing of our concord, followed by ceremonies. Following that, the World Festivus will be opened for general celebrations while we, your leaders, enter our chambers for the first time to begin our very first round of deliberations. On the table will be potentially standardizing galactic trade under a general 'Galactic Market' in order to cheapen the numerous costs of interstellar trade, as well as potentially organizing general defense. ]]"

Some cheers as well as various murmurs can be heard amongst the crowd.

Chancellor Xen'arath: "[[ Now, as host, it is customary for my speech to be last. Therefore, I would like to give the stand to the great High Priestess of the Kelenzial Union, having finally ended their isolation to join our great collaborative effort! ]]"

Uproarious cheering. A slight amount of distortion can be heard in the recording, rapidly growing louder.

High Priestess Iritale (translated, over large soundstage): "[[ Thank you, ]] Xe'arath. [[ While [[ UNINTELLIGIBLE ]] dictates that [[ UNINTELLIGIBLE ]] [[ UNINTELLIGIBLE ]] isolationism, it has [[ UNINTELLIGIBLE ]] -- ]]"

All dialogue and background noise cuts out as the drone's maintenance fail-safe triggers.

Overlaid Robotic Voice: "LARGE AMOUNTS OF STATIC INTERFERENCE DETECTED. REBOOTING ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING ARRAY. CUTTING RECORDING."

** END OF RECORDING **

---

Transcript: EOE Archival Drone: Community Staging Ground, [REDACTED] (10-01-2252 | 15:13:31) | 00:00:32

Overlaid Robotic Voice: "ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING ARRAY MAINTENANCE COMPLETE. NO FURTHER INTERFERENCE DETECTED. RECOMMENCING RECORDING."

The recording begins again to a cacophony of screams as the staging ground seems to have erupted in chaos. Much closer to the recording drone, Curator Hanno can be heard shrieking nonsense at the top of his lungs.

Chancellor Xen'arath (translated, over large soundstage): "[[ Everyone please, remain calm! Remain in your seats so that it is easier for emergency responders to reach those afflicted among you! Again, remain calm! ]]"

High Priestess Iritale (translated, much closer to drone): "Curator, [[ are you okay? What is this foam coming from your auditory expulsion organ? ]]"

C. Hanno: "We must... Seek! Seek! Do not help it! Do not fail! Seek!"

High Priestess Iritale: "[[ Servants, come, we must bring the Curators to someone who can help them! ]]"

There is a metallic fumbling very close to the recorder as it seems someone has shut the drone off manually.

** END OF RECORDING **

---

Transcript: VCS Surveillance Recording: Curator Seat (10-01-2252 | 15:15:21) | 00:01:59

Distantly, through many layers of steel and insulation, the sounds of an artificial world in chaos reverberate through the halls of the Curator Seat. Explosions, grinding metal, and countless voices screaming in a discordant chorus play in the background.

After a few moments, two sets of shuffling bodies seem to attempt to rise from the floor where they fell. One is up on its feet rather quickly.

C. Feliciana: "Oh... my aching everything... every hangover in the Enclave, all at once..."

Quickened footsteps from one side of the room toward the other. Whoever is still on the floor appears to be having a difficult time lifting themselves up.

C. Feliciana: "My... my lady? Are you there? Are you well?"

A mass driver weapon is cocked, followed by a sharp intake of breath.

C. Feliciana: "My lady?!"

HC. Mara: "Do you hear it?"

C. Feliciana: "Hear... hear what? I don't understand!"

HC. Mara: "I will not ask again."

C. Feliciana (beginning to sob): "I hear screaming! Explosions! Why are there people screaming?"

Silence for a few moments. The tension in the air is palpable.

HC. Mara: "One more try."

C. Feliciana (fully sobbing): "I hear it! I hear it! Please don't kill me!"

HC. Mara: "What is he telling you, Curator?"

Silence for about 15 seconds, with Feliciana sobbing intermittently.

HC. Mara: "Forgive me, Feliciana, I lied to you."

C. Feliciana: "What do... what do you mean?"

HC. Mara: "You were correct when you said your people are screaming."

HC. Mara: "The problem is... they aren't my people anymore. And neither are you."

C. Feliciana: "Wait, wa--"

A mass driver round being fired punctuates Feliciana's exclamation. Slight shuffling, as if a body were slumping to the floor, is followed by several more seconds of silence before Mara once again speaks, this time to no apparent listener, while slowly and unevenly walking in the direction of the chamber doors.

HC. Mara: "Not her? It's fine. She was getting in the way and needed to be dealt with."

Silence, footsteps.

HC. Mara: "Don't worry. Don't worry."

The large chamber door opens.

HC. Mara: "Don't."

The door closes.

** END OF RECORDING **

---

(Chapter 4 to be continued...)

 

[Von Acturus]

It's alive! And mysterious as ever.... I bet the Curators never thought their experiment could turn against them so thoroughly.

 

[slothinator]

Well, this is an exciting return! Sabotage and a potentially out-of-control Mara? I'm curious to see where this goes!

 

[Quinzal]

▲
Chapter 4-2: The Silence Is Deafening
​

Transcript: AetherNews Snippet (10-12-2252 14:22:30) | 00:03:33

This AetherNews recording was artificially trimmed for brevity by an individual seeking to bring attention to this specific part. It abruptly begins mid-sentence.

As. Attia: "--live on the ground in the Vault now where Angelus has a live feed of our reclusive High Curator."

A cheesy transition cuts away from Attia, to Anchor Angelus Lartius Camillus within a crowd comprised of individuals of many species, mainly Eternals.

Anc. Angelus: "As you can see here, Attia, a flash mob has gathered at the base of the Vault Curator Seat, as the High Curator has been sighted for the first time since the awakening. We've been trying to get close enough to ask her a question for the past few minutes before she disappears back into the building. There's--"

Indeterminable Bystander 1: "High Curator! What will you do about the stark increase in suicides among Eternals in recent days?"

There is no discernable response from Mara, but the questions keep coming.

Indeterminable Bystander 2: "Do you think the mind powers people have been exhibiting will have military applications?"

Indeterminable Bystander 3: "What will the Curators do about the terror threats?"

Anc. Angelus: "Great Curator! Where have the other Curators been? We haven't seen any of them since Hanno was seen collapsing at the Community!"

Indeterminable Bystander 4: "You have done nothing to help us! Stop hiding in your castle!"

The clamor grows so intense that it is hard to pry one voice from another. Mara still does not speak.

Indeterminable Bystander 5: "An tei sir, re tei sir! Death to the Curators!"

With this, the clamor grows from frenzied question-asking to great panic as people flood from the area. A loud explosion is heard close to the recording device, followed by innumerable clattering and more screams. After about half a minute, Angelus, the only voice that can still clearly heard, speaks.

Anc. Angelus: "By the..." (to someone nearby) "Are you okay? Are you hurt? We need to get back, now."

Camera Crewman: "Anchor, look."

Both are silent for a few moments.

Anc. Angelus: "Is that... Mara? That explosion was right next to her, wasn't it?"

Camera Crewman: "Wait, don't!"

Anc. Angelus (growing distant): "Mara!... High Curator, wait...!"

The chaotic recording unceremoniously cuts back to Attia, who is silent.

As. Attia (to someone nearby): "C-Cut the recording."

** END OF RECORDING **

---

Transcript: Voidcraft Designation "[ DATA BLOCK CORRUPTED ]" Automated Surveillance Recording: Bridge (02-25-2253 ??:??:??) | 00:04:59

The ending to the cut AetherNews recording plays out nearby before either party speaks.

FUG. Vitruvia: "Where did you get this from?"

Unidentifiable Voice: "I found it up on a ledge in a trash vent on the Vault."

FUG. Vitruvia: "Well, that explains... Wait, you found it there? Why were you digging through a trash vent?"

Unidentifiable Voice: "Well, I told you that I've been getting some pretty strong hunches lately."

FUG. Vitruvia: "You mean, since that Science Officer's head exploded in our faces? You could just say that you're developing magic abilities or whatever is happening down there."

Silence for a few moments.

FUG. Vitruvia: "...You okay?"

Unidentifiable Voice: "I just don't like thinking about it."

FUG. Vitruvia: "Well, I won't press. The, uh, recording. That wasn't broadcast, right?"

Unidentifiable Voice: "Well, it was broadcast live, but the program ended when Attia said to cut the recording. There isn't an archive of it anywhere on the interconnect either. Like it never even happened."

FUG. Vitruvia: "Well, a terror bombing right in Mara's face that didn't even scratch her? Surely there has to be some record of it somewhere, right?"

Unidentifiable Voice: "Hah, knowing her? Take a look at internal.vhs."

FUG. Vitruvia: "Mmm."

Some clicking, then silence for a long while.

FUG. Vitruvia: "You think we could get in through there?"

Unidentifiable Voice: "By ourselves? Infiltrating the VCS alone would be suicide."

FUG. Vitruvia: "Good thing you're already dead, right?"

** END OF RECORDING **

---

File: internal.vhs

THIS MESSAGE IS FOR INTERNAL VCS USE ONLY. DISSEMINATING THE INFORMATION FOUND IN THIS NOTICE OUTSIDE OF OFFICIAL VCS NETWORKS IS SUBJECT TO PUNISHMENT ACCORDING TO SECURITY CLAUSE 88-F
​

Workers of the Vault Curator Seat,

Please be advised that there has been an attack on the Vault Curator Seat and our High Curator this morning, and that the main entrance to the complex is currently under repairs.

As members of the Vault Curator Seat Employment Force and as outlined by the Direct Employment Clause 48-B, we ask the following of you:

• Due to security concerns, do not attempt to access the main concourse of the Vault Curator Seat during the course of the repairs.​
• Due to security concerns, do not attempt to dock at Shuttle Ports Alpha, Gamma, or Omega during the course of the repairs.​
• Several responsibilities will be transitioned into remote positions for the time being; please see your direct superior for more information.​
• For positions that require presence within the Vault Curator Seat complex, please dock at EV-093 and take service entrance 33 to the security concourse of the VCS complex for more information. Please see your direct superior for more detailed instruction.​

Additionally, in order to preserve the sanctity of the complex and as outlined by the Security Clause 23-B, we ask the following of you:

• Do not speak or otherwise spread information of the recent terror attack to any non-VCS-employed individual.
• Report any instances of information of the recent terror attack to Central Enforcement.

You will receive notice when operations within the VCS are expected to return to normal.

Glory to the Curators.

High Bureaucrat Amatia Antius Bulla
001-332-933-0

 

[Von Acturus]

The High Curator seems to have quite the God complex. It may work for now, when the public is confused and scared and only she realises the full extent of their newfound powers. But once the common people realise what they can do with psionics, and once the lost test subject comes back... Things may get a bit ugly.

 

[Quinzal]

▲
Chapter 4-3: Another Problem in Paradise
​

Transcript: VCS Surveillance Recording: Curator Seat (08-23-2261 11:23:52) | 00:10:02

Curator Publicola clears his throat. The usual humming of machinery present within the Curator Seat is absent, or at least lessened to inaudibility.

C. Publicola: "This meeting of the Curator Group on the 23rd day of the 8th cycle, year 2261, comes to order. Curator Hanno, as the one who called this meeting, shall have the first word."

There are a few moments of silence before Hanno speaks.

C. Hanno: "Thank you. It... has certainly been a while since the deaths of Aelia and Petellia, and though the loss of the former still resonates through these halls somberly, we... must deliberate on selecting new Curators to take their place... if we even wish to do so."

He breathed in shakily before sighing. A noticeable tension filled the room, though the source of it is not immediately clear.

C. Hanno: "Though I rebuffed Aelia's concerns about the state of the Enclave during her... last... meeting in this hall with us, after so much time passed and so many events continued to shake the foundation of our society, I... I believe that we..."

C. Antipho: "Good sir Hanno, are you quite alright?"

C. Hanno: "Yes, I am fine. I simply... believe that we should take some of her ideas to heart when choosing to select new Curators."

C. Feliciana: "Specifically, her sentiments on egalitarianism?"

C. Hanno: "I... believe so. And judging by your faces, I see that these thoughts have been rattling in your heads as well."

C. Pansa: "Well... It would be a lie to say that it hasn't been under consideration by some of us. Me and Curator Antipho had a private meeting with a local governor a few months back to determine the best way to prevent revolt in the Dark Star station, and we decided that... relaxing restrictions on the actions of the people would be the best course of action."

C. Feliciana: "How did that work out?"

C. Pansa: "It seemed to be all that they wanted from us. Approval ratings for the Curator Seat from that specific station have never been higher."

Slow, rhythmic tapping is coming from somewhere in the chamber.

C. Feliciana: "Though I respected Aelia for her confidence in such ideas, I do not think it would be the best course for us to pursue. With the advent of the Awakening, giving the wider Eternal population such freedom might be catastrophic, as we do not yet know the extent of the powers granted to some within our ranks."

C. Auspex: "Do not also forget the escalating terror attacks. We may be putting ourselves directly at risk by doing such a thing, as it is apparent that many... do not wish the best for us."

C. Hanno: "All the same, I propose a quick vote to determine if these ideas are worth pursuing. I know that Antipho also had something he wished to bring up, so if the sentiment is largely against pursuing this, we can move on."

C. Publicola: "Let us vote, then. All in favor for the pursuit of determining the efficacy of egalitarianism?"

Ayes from Curators Hanno, Pansa, Antipho, Varia, and Severus.

C. Publicola: "And those opposed?"

Nays from Curators Auspex, Feliciana, Sartorius, and Claudia. The tapping intensifies in speed and volume.

C. Publicola: "And nay from me as well. Which means that Mara, Glorious High Curator, the final word is yours."

Silence. For several long, stressful seconds. Almost as if the Curator Group sits with held breath.

C. Publicola: "...Mara?"

The tapping stops, and fabric shifts as if someone present quickly stood from their seat.

HC. Mara: "I cannot believe my ears. Stupid. You are weak-minded and idiotic."

C. Publicola: "Excuse... What?"

HC. Mara: "Auspex. Feliciana. Sartorius. Claudia. Publicola. You are excused."

Almost as if a command were given to automata, five sets of footsteps immediately begin to make their way toward the door to the chamber the moment Mara stops
talking. She waits a few moments after the massive chamber door closes behind them to continue speaking.

HC. Mara: "Normally I would have the five of you arrested for treason against the Enclave and the Vault Curator Seat, but I believe that there are other factors at play here."

C. Hanno: "Is this not the purpose of the--"

HC. Mara: "BE SILENT!"

Static fills the recording for a moment as if a wave of something just washed over the device.

HC. Mara: "Though the Transcendence Project was a failure, it is not as if nothing was derived from it. I am privy to information that none of you could possibly have, and it is telling me that the five of you are so... very... easily... influenced."

C. Hanno: "I..."

HC. Mara: "The collective consciousness of the Eternal race strains at my mind day in and day out. They yearn for freedom. They beg and pray to whatever idiotic things daily and nightly for the ability to exercise themselves as they would be able to in other nations. It seems that these prayers have not fallen on deaf ears, however. You five, at the peak of our civilization, have been conduits for these thoughts and have let them influence you. Because you are weak."

HC. Mara: "Only I know, however, of the great and terrible things the Eternals might be capable of if we let them off of their leashes. If we dissolve the hierarchy, there will be no more Enclave, and no more Eternal race. Only barbarism and scavenging and so much stagnancy. Enough to disgust me with every breath I take. Their horrible ideas permeate the air and fall on my tongue."

C. Varia: "Mara, please calm down!"

HC. Mara: "Do not speak my name as if you know me, worm! All of you! I am your High Curator! For all intents and purposes, I am your god!"

C. Hanno: "Enough!"

Silence for a few tense moments. A mass driver weapon is unholstered and clicks as if primed to fire.

HC. Mara: "You will be punished for your brazenness!"

C. Hanno: "No! No longer! I joined this council to help my people, not treat them as if they were livestock to be exploited! Egalitarianism or not!"

Varia whispers something unintelligible to an unknown recipient.

C. Hanno: "Shoot me here if you must, but I will not be a part of this horrible system if this is what we consider the glory of the Curator Group! Shoot me!"

Gentle shuffling and panicked whispering. The remaining Curators present seem to be attempting to escape.

HC. Mara: "You do not mean that."

C. Hanno: "Oh, but I do! Shoot me now, oh glorious tyrant at the tip of the pyramid! Put me down for my transgressions as you did my dear friends!"

Rapid footsteps.

C. Hanno: "Shoot me now! Do it! Shoot me! SHOOT ME!"

The sound of a mass driver round discharging is followed by gasping. The remaining Curators are still. The room is silent.

C. Hanno (through gritted teeth): "The galaxy will know of your crimes, o' glorious tyrant. An tei sir, re tei sir."

Uneven footsteps trail out of the room. There is complete and utter silence for a long time, even though it is obvious that others are still present. Eventually the recorder ceases to detect movement and noise, and shuts off automatically.

** END OF RECORDING **

---

Transcript: VCS Surveillance Recording: Shuttle Port Omega (08-23-2261 12:35:01) | 00:02:03

FUG. Vitruvia: "The Curators are supposed to be having a meeting right now. Maybe we can listen in and determine the best time to strike."

Unidentifiable Voice: "You did reroute the surveillance, right?"

FUG. Vitruvia: "Of course I did, a while ago. Here, put your ear up to here."

A few moments of silence.

Unidentifiable Voice: "I definitely hear something. Multiple voices, but it doesn't sound like they're having a meeting... That's Mara's voice right there."

FUG. Vitruvia: "What are they talking about?"

Unidentifiable Voice: "Sounds like panic. Mara is trying to convince them of something. I think that's Severus' pathetic voice pleading about... wait..."

FUG. Vitruvia: "Hm?"

Unidentifiable Voice: "Driver toward the door. I feel someone-- I have a hunch we're about to have a visitor."

A few more moments of silence. As predicted, uneven footsteps approach the door.

FUG. Vitruvia: "Be ready in case they're hostile..."

The door slowly creaks open, and there are multiple sharp intakes of breath.

Unidentifiable Voice: "Wait... Hanno?! What are you doing here? What happened? How did you--"

C. Hanno (unsteadily): "Hah... I had a feeling you were still around. We can talk about what's going on after you... help me get a projectile out of my chest..."

A thud as if a body falls to the floor. There is scrambling and an expedient exit from the room.

** END OF RECORDING **

 

[slothinator]

Well that was quite the chain of events!
It looks like Mara is losing her grip on the situation (and perhaps reality).
I'm curious to see how Hanno survived and how he'll work with Vitruvia and friend