beyond visions

Carvings of the Galaxy

@beyond visions Great! Appreciate it. Now, I know a little bit more about how Echo feels about everyone. Hey, do you think it would be a good idea to discuss in a PM a little bit more deeper their relationship and how that could possibly progress their own plot while away from the rest?

Carvings of the Galaxy

@Atrophy Yeah, I was wondering when the collab would get out.

Oh and announcement to everyone, just updated Benji's relationships entirely. Please, update all relationships just to let everyone know the deep details of how your character fares with another.

Carvings of the Galaxy

@TheMadAsshatter@Atrophy@Eru Iluvatar How's the collab going?

Carvings of the Galaxy

---

Benji Baker & Echo Montegawitz

Collab between @beyond visions and @Deserted

---

"Wake up Echo, I need to give you a history lesson before your execution," Echo felt nudged and a little shaken when waking up. Once, her eyelids slid over the pupils, she turned to notice him- Benji. That voice sounded familiar, but he didn't sound himself. The way the word execution rolled off his tongue so causally was not the way the Benji they knew before the invasion would act. But there was no way he was still going to be so cheery and so peachy.

He sighed, "I'm exaggerating, and being dramatic. You are not going to be executed... But possibly tortured to no ends." He slumped down, with chin shifting to the direction of the floor. They were situated in the back of some moving vehicle- a van of some sort? "I am talking to you now, hoping that there is some way I can stop that... And still, I care about you guys, even though I probably won't ever see them again. Because guess what? I'm an experiment...

I'll explain what that means later. Right now..."

Echo interrupted him, thrashing back to shake him off but the motion of the vehicle and the failure of her body made it nothing more than a week wave. Her voice was soft from the crap being beat out of her. She focused through watering eyes, "No, you will tell me now. I don't have patience for these little drama games after being thrown down a flight of stairs."

She composed herself a moment, turning her head to look at the ceiling of the vehicle. "Sorry, Benji, I didn't mean to snap at you. It's a relief to see you are okay."

" I'm worried about you... Well, can you tell me something first? I want to know how the crew is doing. I did not get to hear what was happening in there, but I was suppose to be released today. I don't know if that's even happening anymore. They were going to release me if the Principality ruled the crew harmless and peaceful." Benji was irritated by what Echo did, he wanted to be pissed off with her. But he understood in the end, she didn't know what she was doing. He is assuming that the Darling of the Cryonautic Project knew nothing of these aliens and such. He thought it be better for his own mind's sake to trust her, even though he barely ever spoke to her.

Randomly, he suddenly asked a question that had been on his mind since he was first arrested for vandalizing royal property, "Um, h-how's Yaz?" He leaned closer to Echo, eager to hear her reply.

Echo scoffed at the idea. She struggled to see if she was bleeding on her most painful injuries. "I don't think that peaceful and harmless mean the same thing to everyone using them here. Last time I checked, Yaz was probably faring the best. They patched Rend up so that they could make fools of Thalia, Owen, AND Rend himself. Our wonderful companions showed their ugly side with swearing, insults, bickering, and accusations. They even insulted the monarchs. It was like a big game to these aliens, oh look at the backward Humans. We were sunk. There was a defaced mural and abandoned throne. figured I could get their attention off of the others if I committed an abomination and took the blame for their crimes."

It was relieving to know that Yaz was alright, Benji could not forget the promise he made with her. He said he would not let anyone or anything hurt her. He is aware that he should not get attached, not when the possiblity of him never seeing the crew again is likely. Well, unless he followed with that Echo proposed.... But even then he may not be able to do such a thing.

"What? Um, that still doesn't clear anything. Don't be so vague. What about Rend? What do you mean they patched him up? He's still alive..." Benji paused, trying to take everything in. "Is Rend with them right now?"

"I was a little distracted screaming while they shot me. I didn't exactly get everybody's forwarding address." Echo laughed a little still lying on the floor of the cab, she didn't have the strength to stand. Nor the will, "He's alive... so far as I could tell, and a great deal more civil than before. I would say he's a totally different person."

Benji jumped from his seat, luckily the back that they were held was free from watchful guards. Which is understandable since there is no possible way they could actually find themselves busting through the barred doors. Besides, with the two alone, Benji could properly process her intent, that was why they put him in there in the first place. The Principality wished to know her motive. Benji clearly was aware of her reasoning- why she did what she did. And even though Benji now dealt with the urges to bash a fist through a wall, it was violent temptation he had never battled with.

"Oh really?--Rend, a totally different person? What is that suppose to mean? Nothing, that's what... nothing!" Benji raised his voice, gradually adjusting to a louder volume, while he spoke so viciously with each word hissed in his own frustration.

"It means that he has changed or was changed, much like a bashful quiet doctor I met 100 years ago."

"Don't compare me to Rend!" He furrowed his brow, frowning while shaking his head. "Let's just stop talking about him, okay?! At least for now.."

Besides his unwinding fury, it still stood to his surprise that she offered and pushed on such choice. He gave his last irritable huff, before moving on.

"Listen, messing with the Principality is one thing. But messing the Divine Regency is entering a game that you cannot possible win, even in the slightest. The Divine Regency is like God to them. It is what gives them first contact.

Well, it's like this...

The order is represented by one Vruari. Little is known about this species other than they were somehow, someway always there. No one has ever truly understood the Vruari other than by rumors the entire race thinks as one. They are telepathic creature, ones that cannot even comprehend a language. But what makes the Vruari even more special is that they have a record of predicting real-life events. Their foresight has stopped genocides and saved home-worlds. The way they communicate these visions are through dreams themselves, possessing the pure brainwaves of each monarch, allowing them to see their perception- a destined future. The only way you could ever understand a Vruari is through these dreams. The way Vruari invade the mind and perceive the future make these creatures godlike, even worshiped in the past. Therefore this is why their race takes place of the Divine Regency- the most influential position on the face of the universe." Benji was talking fast, because he had a lot to say with limited time. He wanted to tell her everything, it was to her benefit to know. "Within ties among the Principality there came debate of whether or not Humanity would be contacted. The Divine Regency always gets final say in whether or not global contact shall be made to one's race. This is really with anything because if the monarchs ever agreed on one thing unanimously, and the Divine Regency disagrees, then it ultimately goes the Vruari way. But with the matter of contacting Humanity and bringing us into this 'Inter-Galatic Renascence', the Vruari remained silent. The Principality had to wait, but some couldn't. In secret, the Velbenan race conspired to save Humanity from a rotting earth while attempting to be as vigilant and tactful as possible. The Velbenan queen operated Cryonautics, she created it. With the hiring of a few shape-shifting agents, she was able to seal a deal on earth as a legitimate doomsday project.

The real rebel is the Velbenan queen and she disappeared right before they discovered a bunch of Humans drifting in deep space. But since we got caught up in the mix and used as a bunch of pawns in her scheme, they are hostile. And with you sitting on her throne, you just sent a message-- you signed yourself over to the Velbenan. Or so that is what they believe. Now, they are going to torture you until you confess the location of your queen."

The intricacies and complexities unraveled in front of her like an old christmas sweater stuck on a strip of new velcro. "Look who seems to have become an overnight expert on alien languages and culture. Care to tell me what's going on here?"

Benji rolled his eyes, she was suggesting it again. "I'll talk about that LATER. And for your information, I didn't become an expert overnight!-"

Her voice changed from annoyance to full on concern. "Benji, it sounds like you have a line of communication with our captors. You HAVE to convince them that I am the one to blame for the charges of treason. Tell them that I was sent to force the principality into contact with Humans, and that I had tricked the rest of you into being brought along."

"I mean, since they separated me from the rest of you, I have been learning Discovering Tongue- the language they speak. The language you have to speak in order for them not to think your a complete savage barbarian! But I don't have a prefect grasp on---" He stopped himself as she grabbed... something.

This was all just words, but there was no hard evidense to support her claim. Well... maybe. She took a total gamble on the content, but it was the one chance she had. She pulled out her graphene-silica filament and handed it to him, coiling his fingers around the message. "There is a message on this. A lot of it is going to be in metaphore, but it should still contain plenty of information on the true intent of Renessanse. The decoder can be construced with my contact generator, the multitool in the bottom drawer of my nightstand, and the locket of a black haired girl."

"W-Wait, what is this suppose to do?--" Benji grunted as he quickly jumped to his next question.

"It's a message from Renessanse command, I haven't had a chance to see its contents. I was entrusted with it because they thought I was diehard for their cause. I thought it would contain leverage on the crew or a failsafe, but now it makes sense. It is in metaphore and personal references so only one of the crew can make sense of the information. That is why we need Rend alive, we have no idea if he knows something that this information is dependent upon. The same stands for the entire crew. I thought it a weird way to safeguard information, but now with aliens in the picture it is the perfect precaution. There might be a way out, but I know I will be the last person that they would ever alllow on the ship again. It is our way out one way or another, but for the time being you have to go along with my plan."

"Look, Echo, do you expect me to just screw you over? Just like that? I don't blame people! And now you can't even convince me that you actually did know about all of this, because I'm just going to think that you want to die, or suffer the rest of your life being tortured. Yeah... there is no way I am going to do that."

"It's either me or everybody, Benji. It's about time we call this whole mess quits."

"Look, that's very heroic of you but... I still--"

Echo tried to drive her point home but could not grasp the words for it. Finally it conglomerated into a waving hand. Then it all abruptly stopped, and a flood of indifference deluged over her, washing away any care as a stain in the flow that rapidly vanished into the magnitude. Fear and frustration dwindled, and all that was left was the care free woman who had been run through the program. "I suppose you loose some or you loose some. I guess I die a fool rather than a hero. I'm not really planning on caring what you do once I'm gone. The way I see it, you can stick to your scruples and make Yaz burn with you, or you can take my sacrifice and live in peace with Rend as well. It will only work if all of you comply and fighting against Rend will seal Yaz's fate."

"Wait, why are you still talking about Rend?

"Come on Benji"

"Fine, so, this thing would make me able to frame you? Like, is it that important? What if I supposedly were to lose it somewhere?" Benji began backing as far away from Echo as possible, even though she looks weak enough to consider getting up a diificult feat. No matter, he had make sure that she couldn't stop him...

"If you were to lose it, then you would wouldn't surprise me at all."

"Good, at least this won't come unexpected to you," Benji pinched the message between two fingers, edging it closer to his lips before swallowing the thing in its entirety. He barely did such without choking, but no matter- what happened, happened. "Now--" he coughed a couple times before properly speaking again. But while he battled with the coughing fit, he knelt down to Echo, "We stick together." Benji grabbed Echo by her right arm, hoisting her up and over to a seat, to which he sat next to her with his cuffed hands still gripping her arm. "I'm not letting go of you." He had his reason for the clinginess, he couldn't let her be alone. Not while she was marked a Strierot.

Carvings of the Galaxy

@SheriffLlama Ah, love it! I see Yaz becoming stronger emotionally and physically.

Carvings of the Galaxy

@SheriffLlama No problem, here's a description below.

The Palace of an Exiled Utopia

Vaulk ash Krakkar

The Palace of an Exiled Utopia

---

---

The Exiled Utopia was a palace once built for spared monarchs. Traditionally, if a monarch is challenged by another monarch to any sort of test of skill and is defeated, that monarch is royally executed, their race is no longer protected by the Principality, and they are force to relocate on a different homeland. However, monarchs were not always executed, some kings and queens have taken a more liberal approach by sparing their opponent. All of the same penalty would be enforced upon their specie, although now, their monarch would be living it up in a fancy fortress far far away. A sickening feeling... So it makes sense why this place has become a famous suicide point. Well, so far three have taken their lives. The first, jumped off the balcony connected to the master bedroom (the room Owen and Tahlia currently sleep in), the second drowned herself in the tub, and the third starved himself (this could have actually been an accidental suicide in a religious fasting process that went wrong, but that is what the rumor says...).

But that is the historical account of the Exiled Utopia. It is obvious why it gets the Exiled part of its name, but it gets the Utopia part for being rather perfect, and luxurious, or at least it was once when first built. Now, the palace is rather outdated with no electricity and plumbing. It feels like living in the medieval era. Some might value that aspect of it, others depreciate it. Though no matter, those living there are daily supplied with food, firewood, matches, and hot water in the tubs. Although, if you want to bathe in the hot water, it is best to wake up rather early since the tubs get filled during the night when all others are sleeping. Those that supply such needs for the crew are servants paid by the Principality.

As for the rooms themselves, there is a master bedroom (Owen and Tahlia's room), a child's room with two twin beds (Yaz and Echo's room), and one more empty bedroom with fireplace and furnished with queen size bed and a wardrobe. There is a drawing room, where most drawing rooms are used to entertain guest, this is an ironic place because, well, who gets guest when you live on a isolated island surrounded by snow and ice? But, still this is a room supplied with cushioned benches and an overhanging chandelier. There is a small library supplied with books and even scrolls, although none of the crew would understand any of the text, but studying the pictures might be interesting...

Speaking of pictures, located right next to the library, there is a gallery with paintings of multiple locations on the current planet they are stationed- Katex. This was a room that was suppose to lightened the hearts of the exiled by giving them at least a glimpse of the world around them, but it just enough induces further depression.

There are three bathrooms supplied with a wooden tub for a bath, water basin, and a garderobe (wooden medieval toilet).

And finally, a dining room. This room has a wooden table surrounded by chairs. Overhanging from the ceiling there is a chandelier, and a fireplace in front of the table. The flooring is stone and the walls are paneled with wood. Hung on the walls, are some historical paintings because clearly this is a place riddled with history.

Since the palace is outdated, it no longer houses exiled monarchs but occasionally some upper-class citizen that afford to vacation at such a place do when it is not currently occupied.

Carvings of the Galaxy

And it's out!

@Deserted I'll get to you with a PM hopefully tomorrow for a collab.

Carvings of the Galaxy

The Principality began conversing between each other. Perhaps, Tahlia had captured the favor of the Principality. Perhaps things were turning up for them. Though, the hopeful feeling did not last...

Soon after Tahlia had finished, Echo made her own move. It was outside of the box. Far, outside the box.

Gasps permeated, pervaded the throne room. Echo knew not of what she had done, but she better not expect forgiveness. None, would be spared. Her action be best the equivalent of poison- venom in vial poured in the tongues of every alien monarch, and even into the mouths of her very own crew. But that was no longer her crew, she was no longer apart of them. Echo had to be separated.

"Strierot!" the loathed profanity was cursed first by the aquatic queen, apart of a race known as the Keiko... This curse interrupted Pseudo as he was still in progress of translating all of what Rend said.

The others joined in the chant, "Strierot! Strierot! Strierot!"

"Strierot: in a human translation...," Pseudo began, as it even seem to react in fluster, grabbing the shoulders of both Owen Tahlia, turning them to explain. "It means heretic. They have escalated the extremity of the crime. Treacherous heretic. This is a sin against the Divine Regency! Your monarchical disorder means nothing to them now. It is most fortunate to leave. I will beg the request for departure before further chaos unravels." Pseudo rotated around to the superiors to which he witness, just as all in the room did, Echo darted with bullets charged with electrifying shocks. The bolts, coursing through from the inside and out, left her screaming while trembling.

As guards adorn in royal ceremonial armor encircled the insurgent, Pseudo jolted in his head in a sideways rotation, though not fully facing either from the crew, "Only one of you was correct about the current state of the human rule. And he is not here. If there is to be any respect, a clear governing body would be appropriate.

Although, the supposed queen, you Tahlia, seemed to hold the attention of the Principality. But only so briefly."

It was not clear what violence was being projecting towards Echo, if any, due to the bodies of extraterrestrials working walls to block observation. Though there was yelling and roaring about. When Echo was lifted to be dragged off, she did not seem battered or beaten, but rather the guards seemed to keep composure even to such unforgivable, unforgettable offense. Though was that to keep her as fresh as possible for foretelling retribution?

Once such commotion had departed from the throne room, the faces of the monarchs were now grim and contorted with distaste. It was probable that whatever further claims any of the individual humans made, the Principality would see in a darkened and demented manner. Thus, Pseudo knelt, speaking the foreign language to plead dismissal as he informed the others of that being what he planned to do.

---

Owen, Tahlia, Yaz, and now Rend, instead of Echo, boarded the train that once transported them there to the tower. They were headed home, or that was at least the best description for the icy island they resided in. To keep the location of this place in greatest secrecy, the crew was not even allow to know the direction and path they were headed. So, the same cyan sleeping gas emerged in release from the same distinct disk-shape device seen the first time they were forced to slumber. This was the second time.

Once conscious and awake, the four found themselves seated among a table set with metal bowls for the each of them. These bowls, had in them Pebble-Porridge- not the most flattering dish to eat. The grains of the rough brittle rice gets it name from having the similar appearance to kidney stones. At least it did not taste repulsive, rather just bland and insipid. This was clearly peasant food, the type of stuff served to low-life. Well, they could not each like king and queens yet, they did not even have one.

"The description and explanation was intended to be described during your first audience with Principality. However there were interruptions... an unplanned event. Enjoy the meal, in the meantime, I will contact the Principality via the Telecommunication Waves with cellular function. I will request that I be permitted to now acknowledge you of specific treason and why it was deemed upon the human race.

For now, it is suggested to come in agreement in terms of monarchy..."

Pseudo exited the dining room of the isolated palace. Leaving them on their own.

---

Echo, though perhaps faint due to the voltage shock, was heaved down the tower stairs, pulled by the neck and collar. Sometimes, while going down the many flights of stairs, she was instead thrown to tumble down each step, feeling bruised by each one. Thus when she finally arrived to the first floor, her state of consciousness was quite weary. Echo's vision blurred, figures distorted and unrecognizable as she could only barely hear the alien language speak:

"Ettyk Strierots! Naqu henn eaq'yhru truotyrk freidrylst the Vruewrurd! Crub henn rapruk Vruari! Mesynn ybenn gneqreahshue, stouob kaxux klan!"

"C-Clieffyhsea glicea... Knis troukkilp phoess kaxux klan. Henn freidrylst gledrom otihr syxeolka freidrylst?"

Carvings of the Galaxy

@SheriffLlama I'm really far into my post, seeing now it would be best to have Yaz's post come right after mine.

So, guys expect mine next. Maybe I can get it out tonight.

Carvings of the Galaxy

Hmmhmm, I have started on the next post and I can definitely see myself taking your first suggestion. What I like about Echo sitting on the throne is that it can lead to a collab between Echo and Benji, something I really want to see. So, I'm going to stick to my plan to have Echo sent away from the crew. She will not be going home with them.

EDIT: Oh, I have a great idea to make everything flow well together...