"I had thought the people of Mythadia to have honor," J'eon said somberly. "Yet here I stand, listening as House Silbermine makes claims on this temple of the Sky People. Is this what you call respect? For I find it sorely lacking!"

---

Ow. Ow. Ow.

"Captain, we may only get one shot with this," Jack warns, his voice rasping through the mask's diaphragm. "If that bird-creature can move metal, one might be able to bend our beam, possibly use it against us."

He heads to the airlock, keying it open so he can step inside before it was half-way open, then closing the hanger-side door in the hope of keeping the locals outside.

"This is what happens when you don't establish boundaries," he mutters. One doesn't tell a being who can move metal at will that you shoot metal bullets out of a gun like it's show and tell.

Cycling the inner lock, he stepped through and glared at the box of pens.

"Get armed up, people! We may have a fight on our hands," he says, heading towards the bridge.

"Wodan!" Jack called out as he stepped into the bridge. "Status on the meteor gun, stat!"

---

Perched up on one of the consoles near to Jack, a hologram of a crow appeared in his view. Naturally, Wodan was monitoring every detail of what was transpiring as best as he could, so there was no need to reiterate Zey’s orders. “The Jotunheim’s cannon is responding and is currently operational, but I must advise caution in its use. It can be rotated and aimed with minimal consequence, but it is an energy-intensive magnetic accelerator weapon, and we are operating on auxiliary power. To put simply, every single shot could take one to two weeks off of our batteries’ remaining power. Explosive shells could be fired at lower power for more manageable energy drain, but are dangerous to use in close proximity to the ship.”

@13org @Expendable @EliteCommander

Kolvar Stilmyst

Kolvar threw his hands up in frustration. He was becoming incredibly annoyed that everyone was trying to claim the ship for their own. I guess he was no different, but really he just wanted to learn more about these foreigners. “I think we should help these strangers first before we move forward with annexing this ship.”His eyes looked over toward both Silbermine. Turning his attention toward Kareet. “I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me translate to them if they need any help with injured crew members.” He would rather gain their trust and learn of any valuable information these people may have. Using his life mage would be indeed useful to gaining their trust.

Kolvar was tapping his clawed hand onto his head, trying to fight off an impending migraine. “Let us not break into an all out war. I am sure can resolve this issue without an incident. First, I need to fetch a thought mage, so these strangers can communicate with us. Although I am afraid if I leave chaos will ensue.”

“And I do not wish to fight anyone. So if you excuse me i have work to do.” He said motioning for Kareet to follow him inside the ship.

“Eva! What is the status of your mech? Can we have you looking big and mean and mobile in the next ninety seconds? If so, let's do that NOW please. Otherwise go grab a weapon from the armoury.”

"Suit is operational in all regards, though she won't be making any long journeys until I finish some minor repairs. None of that will matter in the short term though." Eva moved swiftly, sliding into place in the Javelin as she gently clicked her tongue, a habit she picked up anytime she activated her bots. The drones stood faster than before, keeping close her as the Javelin rose back to it's full height and Eva stepped forward, flanked by her little swarm.

Eva moved to stand directly between the humans and their guests, the little bots sparking in warning at any of their guests that decided to wander too far into the ship. "Paladin up and alert, SEU are set to guard for anybody getting a bit too curious. If you need one of them past the line I suggest you make sure they stay close to one of ours."

That had to have been the most awkward handshake in the history of two homeworlds. She was this close to giving up when Nellara finally made up her mind. “Friends. Not foes.” Vigdis confirmed with a nod and a shake of her head accompanying the respective positive and negative statements, delighted and relieved that it had worked. The fact that shaking one’s head for ‘no’ was the same, or at least she was reasonably certain, made things a bit easier even further. Having greasy substances on her hands was fortunately nothing strange to the engineer, so she resisted the impulse to wipe her hand off easily. Let’s not offend the ‘Not Foes. Friends?’ by giving the impression one found them filthy.

But all good things must come to an end, as was evidently true even in this system. “Shaking hands has been working great so far, Captain, none of us have been eaten yet.” Vigdis shrugged when the doom clock started ticking again, “I would guess they’re not their friends, since we don’t yet have any friends here.” Her latest exchange with Nellara still didn’t mean anything. Yes, they both expressed the desire to avoid fighting, but until they learned to communicate, no one could say they were friends. In order to communicate, they would either need one of their… what, interpreters? Mind readers? Either that, or Wodan. In order for Wodan to decipher a full language in a reasonable time frame, he’d need to be running at full capacity. In order to get Wodan to 100%, at least one reactor would have to be restarted. In order to restart at least one reactor, they’d need more power. And in order to get more power, they’d need to communicate with the locals. “If you want to know which faction to trust, in my humble opinion the people who showed up in force and formed a phalanx are the wrong choice.”

“Not friends? Not foes? Neutral.” She pointed outside, trying to get some sort of answer out of any of the locals that hadn’t yet run outside. “They are neutral?” What she saw when she looked out didn’t fill her with much hope for a peaceful resolution. She’d seen enough fantasy movies to know where this was going. A knight riding out in front of his ranks to address the men before a charge.

“Hey, someone who’s going into the armory, bring me a helmet and plate carrier, I wear a medium. Eva,” So that was the power armor operator’s name, she’d been meaning to ask for three days but circumstances said ‘no’, “,could you give me a hand with this?” Vigdis called out as she undid the straps around some of the crates that hadn’t been torn free by the crash. Bracing her shoulder against one and pushing with her healthy foot, she moved the box across the shuttle bay into its port side fore corner, trying to set up a barrier to further narrow down the entry point.

Shirik seemed to understand Itxaro’s final song and dance, but she could never be too sure. As if to reinforce this, Shirik seemingly refused her offer for a helping hand, standing on his own, and then shook it as if he were meeting a business partner. Itxaro was shocked at how cool the charred hand was against her flesh, given his fiery appearance. She mused that Shirik, and others like him, must have an elaborate nervous system to the thermoregulate in this fashion; that, or something entirely different. Probably would have been smart to give him my prosthetic instead.

What followed was a frenzied whirlwind of movement and communication. Itxaro had dreams that felt like this moment. Frantically trying to pack, to prepare for something, but everything is moving too fast, and she can’t find what she needs or keep her thoughts in order. All the natives were moving outside, and the commander gave the call to arms. Vigdis called out for a plate carrier and a helmet, giving Itxaro some purpose. ”I’ve got you,” she shouted out, before heading back into the ship through the airlock.

Itxaro’s heart was pounding in her throat as the airlock cycled. She grabbed the carbine left there and hustled towards the armory, fumbling with the straps of her own plate carrier before tossing one for Vigdis over her shoulder. The armory was crammed with crew all arming themselves; Itxaro couldn’t believe how many aboard the Jo were ex-military, as if Tamerlane had anticipated something like the. She looked down at her Kevlar vest and winced. It would stop an arrow, sword, or lance, but only if it hit her chest. Right now, Nellara’s suit of chitin armor seems much more appealing. Itxaro had some experience in full plate herself, and certainly felt much safer in it than this fabric and ceramic vest. She managed to snag a bandolier of shotgun shells and a helmet for Vidgis, along with another plate carrier, before her arms were full and she headed out.

Itxaro hurried up the ship’s stairs, crammed with civilians worried at the sight of her lugging around so much ordinance. She tried to give them a reassuring smile, but only managed something more akin to a rictus grin. Itxaro wheeled around the corner and into the medbay; the sterile room had emptied out some, but Itxaro had a sickening feeling that it wouldn’t stay like that for long. She spotted the doctor and wordlessly tossed him a vest. “Commander’s orders, you’re needed downstairs. Know how to use this?” She spoke quickly, gesturing to the carbine cradled in her arm. Itxaro hoped he’d been keeping tabs on the first contact downstairs, or she’d have a lot of work to do filling him in. Mierda, I need a smoke.

"Identify a target," Jack sighs, "Within visual range but far enough away that it will not endanger the ship, nor any living being we can detect, that would be suitable to show a threat."

How big a threat our weapons might be against magic...?

"Perhaps behind those deer-men?" the X.O. added, thinking furiously.

The next time, the ship was going to be well-armed with anti-missile defense systems. Assuming there's a next time...?

---

The more Nellara heard Silbermine and his knights speaking, the more she knew she would have a hard type trying to talk with him and his type. His arrogance and religious fanaticism made him blind to the truth and only able to see exactly what he wanted. Regardless of anything she said, no matter how obvious, Silbermine would only see and hear what he wanted to.

Despite Silbermine's arrogant, loud shouts as he replied, Nellara kept silent, carefully assessing the situation and paying attention on Kareet's words as she approached her.

"We should indeed start carefully positioning ourselves, Seeker Kareet. Solving this situation without fighting might be harder than I previously though..." Nellara said, her mind racing as she thought on the next course of action and what she could do to both protect the Ascendancy territory, their relationship with the Humans and at the same time, minimizing any possible losses from their side, should a conflict with the Glen knights really arise.

"Whether we end up in a fight against Silbermine's knights or not, the cooperation from the humans will be instrumental to solve our situation." Nellara said, agreeing with Kareet and Kerchak's words.

"Kerchak, If we want any hope to solve this conflict without having to spill blood, we need a thought mage as soon as possible. I will try keep Silbermine busy, please take one of my soldiers to Lenkik and tell them that Castigator Nellara requested for a thought mage to be dispatched urgently." Nellara said as she looked to Kerchak before she turned toward Silbermine once again.

"Look around you, Silbermine! The border between the Ascendancy territory and your people's territory, the exact line separating the mountains from the marshland is clear! For you to lay claim to this hill would be the same as if I took an army and laid claim to a hill just besides one of your cities." Nellara said, looking to the Glen noble and his knights with an undeniably threatening gaze.

Soon as Nellara said that, Both J'eon and Shirik spoke with Silbermine as well. The first questioning the honor of the Mythadian Knights as they sought to steal the ship from the humans and the latter bringing into attention the fact that the 'painting' on the side of the ship didn't depict a Glen, but in fact a human riding a beast.

Silently agreeing with Shirik's words, as he, much like Kareet mentioned that a Parley could bought them the time they needed, Nellara once again directed her attention towards Silbermine.

"There is no lack of evidence that your reason to claim this ship as yours is unfounded, Silbermine! But if you still think you have enough reasons to do so, I ask for parley! A chance for us all to settle this dispute without spilling blood, either ours, yours or the Sky People's." Nellara said as she started walking forward, stopping exactly halfway between the ship and Silbermine's knights.

@13org @Expendable @EliteCommander

Kolvar Stilmyst

Kolvar nodded his head thinking that perhaps that would be the best course of action. “I will try to get back as soon as I can. Hopefully, nothing goes array while I am gone.” He made his way over to a soldier pointing towards him with a clawed finger, “I was told by your commander to go to Lenkik to fetch a thought mage, I assume you know where to find one in Lenkik.”

The soldier nodded his head before rubbing his head, “Yes I know where Lenkik is, I will accompany you to find this thought mage. I believe the inquisitors would know where one would be.”

Kolvar had no objections to this suggestion. He would be clueless trying to find the inquisitor by himself. “It would be best if we take the form of a bird like a creature, it would be a quicker form of travel than walking.” He didn’t seem to care if the soldier was hesitant about being transformed into an animal. Kolvar used his magic to transform himself into a large bird creature. Not caring he was doing so in front of the other soldiers. Doing the same process to the solider. The other soldier watched in amazement as they saw the true power of life magic.

The two were now flying towards Lenkik. During the course of the flight, Kolvar made no attempt to make conversation with the soldier. Arriving in Lenkik in the middle of the day, transforms himself and the solider back into their original form. “When speaking to the inquisitors you will show the utmost respect to them. Do you understand?”

Kolvar had a very annoyed look on his face. Responding by nodding his head. “I will be on my best behaviour.” He said with slight sarcasm in his voice. He would have to be careful what comes into his mind. He did not want to be found out as a Kriliteran. The two started walking towards a rather beautifully made building. Kolvar had to admire how well designed the Tekeri could build. Following the soldier into the building watching as Terki was speaking with someone.

---

The Guild of the Inquisitors was nestled into a rarely-visited corner of Lenkik’s high district. From the outside, it was a large building of quite exquisitely designed architecture, though being among many others of its sort, it still managed to be unassuming. Unlike other guild halls, there were no markings on the outside to indicate its purpose. Nothing to make it stand out. If someone was important enough to have legitimate business with the Inquisitors’ Guild, then they would be able to find them.

Through the entryway was a large chamber with a vaulted ceiling. Not an uncommon feature for high-class Ascendancy architecture, but what was notable was how bare it all was. In other guilds or businesses, they might adorn the walls with murals, paintings, or carvings. The owners might bring in statues for decoration or arrange proper sitting areas in their lobby. For the Inquisitors, though, their lobby felt like an almost uncomfortably large room of fine, but plain white marble, with just a single desk at its center.

Aside from Kolvar and the soldier, there were just three others in the spacious room. In the back, standing on either side of the closed doorway leading in to the rest of the building were two Inquisitor guards, a Glen and a Tekeri. They were what the average person tended to think of when imagining an Inquisitor, as they were the ones who served their guild openly in a defined role. They both wore a full suit of steel laminar armor, including helmets with full masks, engraved with a visage of their own respective species. On the mask, emblazoned at the center of their foreheads was the insignia of the guild: an eye with two pupils, one looking backwards, and another forwards. Both guards carried halberds and stood like statues without so much as acknowledging the new arrivals.

Behind the desk was a Tekeri man of unremarkable build and stature. His feathers were immaculately clean, his beak and talons polished, and he wore the kind of fine jewelry that was common to high class Tekeri, but he otherwise had no uniform. The only thing identifying him as a member of the Inquisitors’ Guild was a small, simple medallion with their insignia, which was identical to what any other member of any rank would wear. Sometimes to the irritation of outsiders, it was often difficult to understand exactly who one was dealing with when interacting with members of the guild. Aside from Inquisitor Guards, they wore no uniforms and almost never identified their rank. Their organizational structure was a mystery to anyone outside their guild, and if they were not serving a public-facing position, they would almost certainly not wear the guild insignia. Anyone could be an inquisitor, and the Tekeri man in front of them could have been anything from a prominent officer, to a secretary.

The Inquisitor did not greet them, but rather waited for one of them to state their business. “Spearman Major Baraw of Lenkik.” He began, presenting his rank insignia for the Inquisitor to inspect. As they had shapeshifted to return to Lenkik quickly, it was the only one of his belongings he had been able to bring with him. “I am here on the order of Nellara, Castigator of the City of Lenkik. I am presenting a formal, emergency request for the services of a Guild Thought Mage.”

The Inquisitor did not speak a word in question of the order. To make an emergency request for a Thought Mage was an order that carried considerable weight, as did the consequences for making such an order frivolously. “Wait here.” He said firmly before promptly turning around and heading through the doors behind him deeper into the building.

The wait was quiet, and perhaps awkward, but it was certainly not long. It was hardly more than five minutes before someone returned, though it was not the Tekeri. Rather, it was a pair of Inquisitor Guards, both Glen with polearms like the others guarding the door. One took a step forward towards Kolvar and Baraw. “Walk with us, and do not deviate from our path.” She warned the pair.

Heading deeper into the Guild Hall, one of the guards walked in front, while the other walked behind the pair, though the two Glen still walked in perfect step with one another. The hallways were as plain as the lobby; just undecorated marble. Whether or not every room was similarly unremarkable, though, they could not know, as every single door they passed on the way to their destination was closed tight, usually with a guard at its side. There was no way to know if this was normal for the Guild, or if they only took extra precautions when they had visitors.

Although none of the doors seemed too different from any other, the Guards appeared to know just where to bring them. One of the Glen opened the door and ushered the pair inside, then both followed them in and closed it behind them.

This room was one with far more personality than any other they had seen thusfar. It actually looked like it was someone’s home, and quite a nice one at that. There were beautiful paintings decorating the walls, expensive furniture, and a wonderful view of the city out the window. Aside from the Guards who had followed them in, there were two other guards who had already been present. One was a Tekeri, while the other was an Iriad: a notable rarity outside of their homeland, though none of their expressions could be seen behind their masks.

At a large table in the center of the room sat another individual. This time, a S’tor. He was roughly middle-aged with dull red scales, and by the fact that he was unarmored and unmasked, was clearly not one of the guards. In fact, the light smile he gave as his guests approached showed more emotion than every single other person they had met since they had arrived. He wore a vibrant violet robe, with silver embroidery. He was not built like a fighter, but he was still a S’tor. Even an untrained S’tor could still physically overpower any other of Kanth-Aremek’s intelligent species. “Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you both. I am told that I am to be assigned to assist our Castigator. Please, tell me what you need.”

@EliteCommander

Kolvar Stilmyst

Kolvar avoided the gaze of the armed guards. He stayed quiet while the soldier would introduce himself. “My name is Kercheck. I was told to help with fetching a thought mage.” He really hoped no one could read his mind. If this was the case, he would have to keep his mind blank. While waiting he was tapping his clawed finger on a nearby table. The rhythm is an old Kriliteran slave song.

Walking with the guards along with the soldier. Keeping close to them. And felt quite anxious about who the inquisitor would be. He was quite impressed by the design of the exterior and interior of the building. Being particularly interested in the paintings that hung up on the wall of the inquisitor's office. He wondered if a Kriliteran had painted some of them. For a moment he stopped to squint and see if there was any sign of a Kriliteran who had painted these. There would be a very specific marking somewhere hidden in the painting. Of course, his train of thought was interrupted by the soldier touching his shoulder. “My apologies I was distracted by the craftsmanship of these paintings.” He followed the soldier without any further interruptions.

Stopping in the middle of the room, looking petrified seeing the S’tor standing in front of them. Kolvar’s clawed hands were shaking, he felt immense anger starting to build up. His face didn’t show it, but his body was showing visible signs of pure rage. He took a few deep breaths before speaking. “We need your services speaking to some foreigners that had recently arrived in Kanth-Aremek. They do not speak the common tongue, and we need to communicate with them to lower tensions. A group of glen folk arrived as soon as Castigato Nellara arrived. Do you know of House Silbermine? They claimed to be from that group, and wanted to claim the contents of the ship.” He tried to keep a level head while speaking to the S’tor.

---

As the S’tor listened, he took a cup of something from the table in front of him and took a sip, though still kept his gaze firmly on Kercheck. It was steaming hot, and from the scent in the air, seemed to be some sort of tea. “Arrived in Kanth-Aremek recently you say? This has something to do with that brilliant light in the sky a few days back, yes? Visitors from beyond our world…what a spectacular occurrence.” He remarked. The S’tor was soft-spoken, and seemed rather calm considering how significant this news was. “Ah, but where are my manners? I am Gar’Tan, Thought mage in gracious service to Lenkik. So of course, Castigator Nellara’s word is my command.”

While barely noticeable to their guests, the Iriad gave a quick gesture towards the two Glen Inquisitors. “Make the preparations.” They ordered. Without hesitation, the two Glen took their leave, though the other two Inquisitors remained.

Gar’Tan continued without interruption. “I cannot say I am personally familiar with Mythadia’s noble houses, but I do know their type. I can do my best to facilitate communications between all three groups. Please, while we are waiting, tell me what these visitors are like?”

@EliteCommander

Kolvar Stilmyst

Watching the S’tor carefully particularly staring at him while he was sipping his tea. “Kerchek.” He made a quick introduction before continuing to speak. “They seem obviously very scared, which is understandable since they do not know where they are. But they seem to want to try and communicate with us. Which shows they want to build some sort of relationship with us.” Kolvar felt awkward talking to a S’tor. The relationship between their races was quite strained, to say the least. But he was willing to play nice for the time being, to get the thought mage on his side.

“They do not look like any Kanth-Aremek inhabitant that I know of. They appear to be without feathers and scales, being completely hairless. And their skin tone seems very strange.” He hoped that nothing had gone wrong while he was away from the group.

The upper deck of the Jotunheim was abuzz with panicked movement as Itxaro rolled through. The civilian passengers weren’t clear on what was happening, just that they’d been woken up and told to shelter in place. Some of them may have been some kind of use in a firefight, but the crew hadn’t informed them of the nature of the problem yet, and neither had an audit of their skills been undertaken.

Dr Feng was part way through calmly evacuating all non-critical patients from the med bay when Itxaro threw a vest at him. He caught it, deftly flopping it over his head and on. Feng looked at his assistants and told them to take over, then stepped toward Dr Ibarra and took the proffered carbine with one med-gloved hand. He fastened the plate carrier tightly around his body with the other.

“Broadly speaking - what’s happening?”

Sara the medical assistant hurriedly clipped a white pack with a red cross on it to the back of Feng’s vest. The good doctor then waved her away and motioned for Itxaro to lead him out.

---

Silbermine watched two large birds lift off from the crashed temple and flap into the sky towards the mountains as the Castigator addressed him again. That is at least one mage out of the picture. His large antlered head eventually returned to look at her, but he didn’t respond. This one evidently needed taking down a notch or two.

He listened carefully to J’eon too, before snorting contemptuously at the other Glen and tapping one hoof on the stoney ground.

“You’re a Smith, aren’t you? I can hear the hammerscale in your voice! Speak you to a Lord this way? I should have you flayed for your insolence! Come here and tell me of this temple’s properties and I may yet reconsider. There could even be gold in it for you!”

Soon after, a thing that the noble had only heard tales about spoke. An Iriad wreathed in flames. This surely meant something, yet he could not figure out what. His beady, intelligent eyes studied them through the slit in his ornate helmet. The painting wasn’t a Glen? He looked again.

“Hmmmmm.”

After a moment, he unclipped the immaculate visage from the front of his helmet, revealing his scarred and craggy face to these people for the first time. It was a face that had seen many battles and knew its way around a stand off.

“I know not how these Sky People look. Only that Glen lose their antlers at winter’s end, and I command a squadron of wall breakers with rams attached their chests.”

At that point, the Castigator requested a parley. Silbermine nodded.

The Castigator began approaching their position. The Glen behind Silbermine remained motionless, apart from their standards flapping in the wind. The fog behind them was creeping up the hillside toward them, threatening to re-engulf the soldiers.
Silbermine trotted forward, followed at a distance of about ten metres by his three knights (the Glen-at-arms and servants remained still).

Nellara and Silbermine stopped about five metres from each other.

“I pray you bring the Sky People out here so we may talk like civilised folk. I have no quarrel with them - I swear it. There is no need for anyone to die here.”

---

“Droid 2, do not move or make any noise until I say. Confirm command.” Ezra quietly urged, viewing the robot through his scope. It stood clutching a long, thin shard of metal about thirty feet from the lead elk-thing.

“Command confirmed.” came the whispered response in his earpiece.

Ezra had opted not to move when this new party arrived, instead crouching down and trying to blend with the charred shrubbery around him. There had been a variety of unintelligible shoutings between these two alien groups. He’d seen some birds fly off, and now one of the alien warriors had embarked down from the ridge the Jotunheim sat on and clanked through the scree towards the elk-things.

“Captain, what is the plan here? This looks like a conversation we should be included in.”

---

With all the aliens now out of the shuttle bay, Zey moved closer to the hole in the hull which was serving as the entranceway. Mr Darnell shouldered his shotgun and came closer as well, helping Vigdis and Eva move boxes into a defensive wall.

Peering outside, Zey got a glimpse of the backs of the aliens they were just communicating with, and further down the hill…

Ranks of heavily armoured quadrupeds. Great. It was looking like the fever dream mediaeval reenactment out there.

“Mallory, what is our armament’s status? Do you have a bead on those horse-things outside?”

Ezra chimed in via comms, and it may have been the drugs talking, but he was making some good points. It was clear to Zey now that this world they had landed in was unstable, with multiple competing interests. As newcomers in a strange land, they needed to present strength and courage as well as collaboration. Otherwise, they could be perceived as commodities to be sold to the highest bidder for exploitation. That is what happened all through Human history - they had to assume some parallels could apply here.

Zey gulped down her bone-dry throat, and looked around at her crew/passengers. She needed to be brave for them now - if they stood any chance of surviving.

Taking one long breath out, she clambered onto the box that Vigdis had just slotted in front of her and jumped down onto the scorched earth beneath the Jotunheim. The rising sun shone brightly through her mask, and for a moment she was blinded by its light. She raised one hand to shield her eyes, and gradually she could see again.

“Ezra, I’m external.” She murmured into her comms unit.

“Captain, what the fuck are you doing?!” Darnell shouted after her.

"Trouble with the locals. There's locals, by the way," Itxaro replied quickly, just barely concealing the contempt in her voice. She didn't care much for Feng. She'd settled on this long before meeting the doctor, making an easy judgment based on the short dossier provided to her by Tamerlane. She sympathized with veterans of imperialist nations, believing capitalist states exploited the poor and downtrodden to fulfill their greedy ambitions. Rich elites were less worthy of sympathy in her eyes, but she understood that people couldn't choose what conditions they were born into. A wealthy scion like Feng willingly joining the military, however, reeked of bourgeois adventurism to Itxaro, and she held him in disdain for this perceived crime.

Itxaro knew it was wrong to condemn so quickly. She didn't know life outside of the USASR, the societal pressures, the cultural differences. But it was easier to assume the wealthy were just public thieves picking the pockets of everyone who had a pocket, soldiers were unwitting pawns in a stupid game that chewed them up in pointless conquests, and a rich man serving in the military was seeking cheap thrills at the cost of human lives. Her mind could be changed, but not very easily.

"Vamos, let's go."

As Itxaro guided Feng through the Jotunheim's belly, the fear began rising in hers. Dread, panic, and excitement were all coursing through her, forming a terrible cocktail that she knew could make her lose control. She took a deep breath and swallowed to push it back down, which seemed to keep it in check. She felt like a flailing live wire coursing with electricity, and the rush both terrified and energized her. It was almost fun in a demented, exhilarating way, but the weight of the gun in her hand brought Itxaro back to reality. She shook her head violently as if to expel the fear and pressed on.

The shuttle bay airlock cycled and a group of armed crew rushed out, Itxaro and Feng among the surge. Itxaro abandoned the doctor and sought out Eva and Vigdis, who were constructing a makeshift barricade from loose cargo. Although the two women were smaller than her, their presence made Itxaro feel safe; probably something to do with their military experience, and Eva's hulking Javelin didn't hurt either.

"I brought the welcoming committee. Everyone but Fritjof," Itxaro said to the pair, gesturing to the new armed arrivals as she handed Vigdis a helmet, plate carrier, and spare magazines for her Jackal. Itxaro had years of practice masking her emotions, but worry was beginning to creep into her eyes. She quickly set to work, helping construct the makeshift barricade while wondering how to make it a defendable position. We can hurtle through space faster than the speed of light, and boxes are the best we could come up with. Fuck it. As Itxaro was struggling to push a heavy box, she looked up to see Zey stride out through the hull breach, looking cool and collected. Itxaro stopped mid-shove to watch her in shock before looking to the others.

"Ehhh, should we follow her?" Itxaro didn't love the idea of meeting angry natives outside the ship, but she was beginning to relish every interaction with the aliens and didn't want to miss out. Also, Itxaro didn't want their commander cut down by a legion of swordsmen. That would be bad.

---

Kareet, through this entire ordeal, was essentially staying in Nellara’s shadow. She was visible, but hopefully out of notice compared to the Castigator. Being that they were going to speak with this Glen, she could not see from outside how exactly the Humans were responding to these new arrivals. They had conveyed, hopefully, that these Glen were not friends, though it was admittedly more complicated than just saying they were enemies. Mythadia and the Ascendancy were not at war, and strictly speaking had “friendly” relations. They engaged in trade and carried out diplomatic exchanges. However, one would have to be quite native not to notice the rivalry beneath the peaceful facade. The Ascendancy had never come into violent conflict with their neighbor to the west, but their was an ideological conflict between them. Mythadia was a relic of an age already past, and by the Archmagister’s teaching, not one that was evolving towards a new future. They did not need to be enemies, but the Ascendancy would not let anyone stand in the way of progress. This new development, though, the arrival of the Humans…it had the potential to upset the balance between them. Even if it did not lead to war, neither side was going to give up on this. Of that, Kareet was certain.

Kareet spoke softly to Nellara just beside her. “They aren’t going to be able to speak to the Humans any more easily than we are. Still, if they know this place is occupied and they won’t have just us to deal with, that might temper their expectations of claiming this place. We should choose a place outside, in view of the fortress. Maybe try to make it clear to the Humans somehow that we are negotiating? It would be helpful if they joined us. Trying to negotiate without a language in common could take all day; that would buy us some time…”

Glancing back upon hearing some shouting, Kareet spotted a Human leaving the ship. It seemed they had already decided to get involved.

---

---

Kerchek clearly had Gar’Tan’s undivided attention as he described their visitors. He hummed to himself and paused for just a few moments for more tea. “Scaleless, hairless outsiders in a land that is not their own, surrounded by unknown people to whom they cannot speak. I would be frightened too. In a situation such as this, I imagine you will want us to fly back as quickly as possible to meet with them, yes?”

The soldier, Baraw, gave a nod. “That would be preferred, yes. Castigator Nellara wants a Thought mage on-site as soon as possible.”

Gar’Tan gave a quick glance back at the pair of Inquisitors standing behind him. “I imagine the Inquisitors have the same thing in mind. Once they have made their preparations, I think we will be leaving as soon as possible. If representatives from Mythadia have arrived as well, I do imagine this situation could get uncomfortably complicated. Ah, but I have been rude, haven’t I? Neglecting the guests I have right in front of me. Please, have a seat. Would you like some tea?”

Within the four minutes given by the Captain, there was a line of boxes across the hole in the wall, leaving a gap about 80 centimeters wide for people to enter and exit the hangar. Good luck fitting in there, Rudolph. The ancient Romans wouldn't have looked at their improvised fortification twice, but given the time and resources available, she was proud of it. It was around that time that Ixtaro brought the requested vest and helmet, along with some bonus ammo. Nice. Let’s hope that carrying that was just wasted effort. Looking up at Ixtaro as the woman spoke, Vigdis noted something in her eyes and voice that was commonly seen among people who were thrown into a situation they had little control over and weren’t yet used to it. She’d seen it at the academy when EVA instructors in the vac chamber released the air from their suits in an unguarded moment, in rookie technicians the first few times they had to board an unstable wreck… She probably looked like that when the bullets started flying in Stavanger three days ago. She turned to the time-tested method of dissipating some of these worries: A bad joke. “Had a feeling these vermin might be too big for him. He’d still try, given a chance, believe that.” Vigdis said in reference to Fritjof as she put on the provided equipment, noting the Captain leaving the safety of the hangar simply as another weird thing that was happening that made no sense to her.

“Fuck no. If she wants to get stabbed or trampled, that’s her choice, I’m staying here.” Vigdis answered the Cuban’s question and banged on the crate she was crouched behind with her fist, the sign on the side identifying its content as electrolytic iron powder. At that moment, Vigdis had to laugh. Her brain was still thinking in terms of human weaponry, where a crate filled with iron powder would’ve been adequate cover. Against arrows and crossbow bolts, it was as if they’d gotten the shield running again. As for magic, a decade of tabletop gaming had taught her there was no way to truly prepare for magic and they’d have to roll with the punches, assuming they survived the first one.

“What do you think they’re saying?” She shared her curiosity as she reorganized the magazines in her pouches to keep the armor piercing darts on hand, figuring they’ll be more useful at range and against armor than flechettes. If it came to the worst, assuming everyone could pull the trigger, she guessed the 23 ponies would be worm food before they got halfway, barring any magical protection. Or their mage would send a 20-foot radius Fireball into the shuttle bay and call it a day. Not great odds, but better a medieval cavalry platoon than a contemporary cavalry platoon. Then she got an idea. After all, they had their own brand of magic. “Chief, Vigdis.” She called Zhao, “How quickly can you reduce O2 content inside down to 19,5% if it turns ugly out here and the locals force their way inside? If they’re used to breathing 29%, such a drop would hit them like a ton of bricks, assuming airtightness to allow this.” She didn’t tell the Captain or the XO yet, confident that if it was possible, Zhao would notify them of that option herself and if it wasn’t, then there was no need to bother them with it.

@EliteCommander

Kolvar Stilmyst

Gar’Tan

Kolvar sat down in front of the S’tor thought mage. He felt there should not be any more delay going back to the group. Anxiously he was tapping his clawed hand on his thigh, “No I am quite fine thank you. Although I am worried that those House Silbermine goons will cause a skirmish with those foreigners. I feel we should leave as soon as possible.” Kolvar felt troubled to be leaving the others alone with those soldiers.

Gar’Tan nodded. “Yes, I imagine so. But, I don’t need to be able to read minds to tell you what the Inquisitors are doing right now. They have strict protocols to follow. They must make a report to their superiors, outline the mission, declare who requested it, and explain why a Thought mage is needed. And since we are going to be flying there, they need to prepare equipment and supplies for the journey that can be carried by a group of large birds. Still, I wouldn’t expect it to take more than half an hour or so. Considering that, without invoking emergency powers, it usually takes weeks or months to secure the services of a Thought mage, I would say that you are enjoying some of the best service the guild offers at the moment.” He smiled.

Of course, Kolvar didn’t return the gesture, in fact, he looked annoyed that such a thing could take so long. Although thirty minutes was not really that long. Kolvar never was one to be very patient with bureaucracy. “Indeed, and I am very grateful for you lending us your services.” His eyes were darting back and forth, feeling more anxious as time went on. “Would it be too much to ask for a glass of water? I am feeling quite parched.”

The S’tor tilted his head slightly. “Hmm, do you not enjoy tea? Well, it is no matter. I still have some of the water I used to make it.”

Gar’Tan seemed a bit slow to stand. He was not yet an elderly man, but he did look like he was becoming advanced in years. Between the finely decorated room and expensive clothing he wore, he did appear to be wealthy, certainly wealthy enough to be able to have a Life mage extend his own life. However, not everyone who could afford to pay for such a service ended up choosing to do so. For some, the allure of an indefinite lifespan did not outweigh the downsides.

Taking a glass pitcher from the other side of the room, Gar’Tan poured a cup of crystal clear water for Kercheck, as well as a cup of tea for the soldier Baraw, upon his request. “Since we have the time now, though, perhaps it would be productive to discuss what Castigator Nellara intends for us to do with these outsiders, and these Glen? Do you know if there is anything we need to keep in mind? Any precautions we need to take? I am sure the Castigator will explain herself, but I do not want us to make any mistakes before we can even speak to them.”

Kolvar took the glass of water and took a rather sizeable gulp. “Thank you very much.” Kolvar set the glass down on the table beside him before responding to Gar’tan’s question. “I am sure she would want to either compromise with the glenfolk, I am sure she does not want a bloody battle to occur from any miscommunications. She does not seem like the bloodthirsty type, although that Shirik does seem like a…volatile person.” He picked up the glass to take another sip.

“And I do not think these foreigners are looking for a fight, but we should tread carefully and not cause any conflict with them. I have a feeling they have a vast amount of knowledge we could learn from them.”

Gar’Tan nodded. “I see. Fortunately, I doubt we will be approaching heavily armed. We will not be able to carry heavy weapons and armor in the air. Of course, I am sure you can communicate with the Glen perfectly fine without me. It is these outsiders I am needed for. Once we arrive and I am given permission to unshackle my magic, I will serve as an intermediary between the Castigator and the outsiders.

Given the delicate nature of this situation, it seems like it would be most appropriate for the diplomacy to be handled by those qualified for such matters. My role shall strictly be in translation. Now, of course, to set expectations, these outsiders do not share a language with us, as you say. I too will not be able to understand the words they think just because I can hear them being thought. However, what I can convey is even deeper, more fundamental communication. I can impart intentions onto their minds, and understand theirs. I can share meanings, without necessarily the need for words.”

“And that is all we ask of you. To help mediate their intentions, and whether they are stuck here or planning to invade the country. Although I would think the former would be the most likely case.” Kolvar finished his glass of water. “I do hope they are a peaceful race, It would sadden me if we were conquered by them.” He stared out of the window of Gar’tan’s office, not wanting to repeat history once again with his people.

Again, Kercheck’s words most certainly piqued Gar’Tan’s interest. “You say they are stranded here in our territory, yet you fear that they could conquer us? What wondrous and terrible capabilities must they have for you to have this worry? I believe I am understanding why Castigator Nellara invoked emergency powers for this mission.”

“Their technology is something quite advanced to our own. I am afraid once they get their strength back, there is a possibility they could easily squish us like a bug.” Kolvar now looked quite perturbed by such a thought. “But I give them the benefit of the doubt, I am sure they are more scared of us than we are of them. Again we need to tread carefully on such a delicate matter.”

All things considered, the Inquisitors’ preparations did not take too long. Within half an hour, the pair of Glen had returned. “The mission has been approved. Azaris has command. Supplies are prepared in the courtyard.” One of them announced, paying no mind to Gar’Tan or either of their guests. The Iriad Inquisitor stepped forward and addressed Kercheck and Baraw directly. “If you intend to return with us, then follow behind me.”

Although the Iriad’s words seemed to present a choice, they did not actually seem too keen on giving one. Opening the door, the Inquisitors ushered them all out into the hall. This time, Gar’Tan joined them as they walked behind the Iriad and Tekeri, with the two Glen following in the back. Rather than going back the way they came, the Inquisitors guided them out the back of the building to a closed-off courtyard. By any definition, it was an extravagant place. There were brilliantly colorful flower gardens that were clearly maintained through Life magic, as they were in full bloom despite it being well out of season. There were water features like artificial streams, and ponds, complete with large and colorful fish to inhabit them.

There were several others that seemed to be using the space, but without uniforms among all but the Inquisitor Guard, one could not know for sure if they were Inquisitors or Thought mages. Of course, the Inquisitors escorting them paid no attention to anything but their objective.

There was another pair of Inquisitor Guards there to meet them, though they simply stepped back as the others were readying themselves. Between them, there was a simple, flimsy-looking wooden box. While closed at the moment, it no doubt held the equipment and supplies they had been given for their mission. It had four handholds, one in each corner, which were the perfect size for a large bird to grab in its talons.

Regardless of what Kercheck did, the Inquisitors intended to handle their own shapeshifting. The Iriad Inquisitor, it seemed, was also a Life mage. When readying for the transformations, each of the Inquisitors removed everything except for, curiously, their masks. The Iriad went to each of them, one after another, to make the change into a Hiri: a particularly large, predatory bird native to these mountains. They had bright blue and green plumage on the tops of their heads and down their backs, though were camouflaged against the sky from below. For reasons known only to them, the Inquisitors preferred to have to awkwardly shake off a particularly oversized helmet as a bird rather than to allow anyone else to see their faces.Even the Iriad did the same when they transformed themselves last.

Kolvar was enamoured by the garden in the courtyard. He would need to remind himself to get the information on how to maintain a garden like that. He was glad that they would be able to get back to the group, he just hoped they would be able to make it in time. Using his magic to transform into a similar looking bird along with the soldier. “Let us not waste any more time, are we all ready to depart?” He looked around and felt stupid asking that question. Flying along with the others when they all took off into the air.

While Baraw’s voice was certainly different in this form, he did not seem at all uncomfortable with it. “I also need to give my report to Lenkik’s garrison. Now that the Inquisitors have the mission, though, there is no need to delay them. Go on ahead, I will catch up.”

"Captain," sighed Jack, brushing his hair back as he leaned back with the mic, "We're stuck with shells, we can't spare the power for anything else."

"And we can't use them too close, or we'll damage ourselves. Here's hoping shooting over their heads might impress them."

...Assuming they couldn't deflect those shells, despite their muzzle velocity.

"If we had the power, maybe if we fired up the engines and tried moving position, possibly higher up one of these mountains?"

...Assuming the engines were in any state to do that.