EliteCommander

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Kareet and Gar'Tan

---

Kareet had, naturally, taken great interest in the gifts that Itxaro had for them. The fact that the Human had simply given her one of their aluminum pens was nothing short of stunning. In fact, she was beginning to believe that the Humans did not understand the value of the metal here. By the same token, Kareet could only conclude that aluminum must not be nearly so expensive for them. Either they did not find it as valuable, or they had far more of it.

Despite how expensive of a gift the pen was, Kareet was initially more excited about the books. The first one she was given she eagerly flipped through its pages for a few moments, though it seemed to be blank from cover to cover. Admittedly, that did deflate her excitement briefly, but it did not take much for her to realize that the book itself was likely the gift. It was probably a notebook, like her own. The paper felt different between her fingers, as did the cover. Kareet could not place what this material was that the pages were bound between. It was hard, but still quite flexible. The closest thing she could compare it to would be leather, but it felt noticeably different.

---

With the Glen establishing their own camp across the way and the Humans mostly returning to the Jotunheim, there was little to do for most of the day except wait and rest. The return of Kerchack with the Though mage, though, marked an immediate shift in the situation. As much as she liked to portray her professionalism, Kareet practically jumped up when she saw them land. In traveling with Shirik and J’eon for a few days, she had already reversed her schedule, so she still had plenty enough energy in her for at least a few more hours. Though, she would give up as much sleep as needed if it meant finally having the chance to study the Humans. Regardless, she stayed out of the way for the moment while Nellara and the Thought mage spoke. She would have her chance soon enough.

Gar’Tan listened politely to every order, warning, and complaint that Nellara had for him, though he certainly seemed to have far more of an interest in the Jotunheim than Silbermine and the other Glen. Inquisitors, and the Thought mages who served the Guild directly, were neutral in Kanth-Aremek’s politics, so even if he had an opinion on Silbermine or Mythadia, he would not be acting on it. Still, these new visitors were something of definite interest to him.

“I am Gar’Tan, Thought mage in service to the Guild of Inquisitors. It would be my pleasure to provide translation between their thoughts and your words. Understand that, per Guild rules, I cannot show any preference between you and officials of Mythadia, but I am sure that clear communication will be of great help to your efforts at diplomacy. As long as I have permission to begin my work?” His last question was not directed at Nellara, but the Inquisitors surrounding him.

Without delay, the Iriad spoke up, loudly and clearly. “For the purposes of the mission, you are unshackled in regards to the outsiders.”

Gar’Tan nodded, directing his gaze back to Nellara. “Then I am ready to assist.”

Kareet did not hesitate to follow right alongside Nellara, practically beaming with anticipation. There would be no more guesswork, no more uncertainty, just pure, direct communication. Already, she had her notebook out and was ready to test her new pen.

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Wodan

---

On the question of translation during their meeting, Wodan’s answer might not have been particularly encouraging. He did indeed have programs dedicated to the translation of alien languages. They were based upon the algorithms used by the Yenge during their first contact to establish communications with Humanity. Once the translation was finished, Wodan would be able to upload translation programs to their devices to allow them to seamlessly, in real time, translate to and from this alien language to any Human language. Once they could communicate effectively, it would not take much longer afterwards to do the same for their written languages. However, the act of translation itself was no easy task. Wodan was already running every recording he had made of the natives through the algorithms, but usable translation software could be weeks, or months, away. An entire language was far more complex than an exchange of a few simple words or phrases. It had to be able to parse an entirely alien form of communication, with potentially new types of grammar rules, tones, sounds, and perhaps body language. It was completely possible that particular body motions could augment or change the meanings of words. There was no guarantee that all of the sounds would even be in the range of Human hearing. The algorithm had to account for every variable that could possibly be involved in communication. On top of that, Wodan was operating on auxiliary power, so he could not think nearly as quickly as usual. For a challenge of that magnitude, an estimate of months may have been generous.

---

After she had messaged Mallory, Wodan’s ravens appeared before Zey in her quarters. The eyes of the two in the back kept darting between Zey and the one in the center, while the largest of the ravens was fixated on the Captain herself. “I may guess at least one of your questions, Captain. Whether the natives understand it themselves is unknown, but we have found no explanation for these occurrences that is not wild speculation.”

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Outside the Jotunheim

---

The Inquisitors set down a short distance away from the Jotunheim, not far outside where the Castigator’s force had set up camp. They set down the thin wooden box they were carrying and, while still in the form of birds, worked together to open it up. One of the birds grabbed a solid white head scarf and laid it out on the grass nearby, placing its head inside before making the transformation back into their natural Iriad form. The whole time, they took care to ensure they kept the scarf over their head to obscure their face from any observers.

The Iriad did the same for each of the other Inquisitors in turn, keeping their faces covered as they were returned to their natural forms. The last to be transformed was Gar’Tan, though as he was no Inquisitor Guard, there was no need for him to obscure his face. From the box they were carrying, the Inquisitors armed themselves and donned their armor, though with the restrictions on the weight they could carry, their equipment was notably less intimidating than their usual uniforms. They put on simple cloth gambesons with the insignia of their guild stitched on the front. In lieu of halberds or long spears, they carried only quarterstaves. Gar’Tan, on his part, wore just a plain tan robe.

Nevertheless, the Inquisitors escorted Gar’Tan to the Castigator’s camp with all the same military precision as they had exhibited back in the city. The Iriad and the Tekeri marched in front of him, while the two Glen marched behind. When they reached the Castigator, they stepped aside and said not a word.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Castigator Nellara. I am glad to finally have the opportunity to work with you, since your appointment to Lenkik.” Gar’Tan said, bowing his head politely to her. He was physically unremarkable by S’tor standards, but for any Humans observing was still the most massive of the locals they had seen so far.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

“Hmm, perhaps I will still keep an eye on them.” Meesei mused. She stared off into the forest around them, absorbed in thought for a few moments. “Do not worry, you do not need to give any messages to her, or any of the others. I will speak to them myself.”

Eventually, Meesei’s mood became lighter, and she started to smile. “For my future, there is still surprisingly a great deal that is a mystery to me. Granted, I am a…special case. After all my years of service, my accomplishments in the war, I earned a boon from lord Hircine. I could have had many forms of his favor, but with eternity ahead of me, there was one choice that seemed to stand out above the rest. To be…unbound. He will no longer hold on so jealously to my soul. The Hunting Grounds may still be my home, but I can move of my own accord to other worlds, to explore outer planes. And before you ask, no, that does not mean I can return to Mundus on my own. Though they have been weakening, the barriers protecting Mundus are still too strong to cross freely. Especially for someone infused with Daedric essence, like me.”

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei laughed for a few seconds. “Oh, I will have to watch you as close as I can to see how that plan goes. I can only imagine Ahnasha settling down in some small town in Skyrim. If only I had someone to wager with on how long that would last. I think we both know that Ahnasha is not the type to be content with…routines for too long. War or not, you are still going to have your hands full trying to keep up with her, I think. Good luck. I hope you are able to fill all that time with some worthy adventures.”

As her thoughts shifted to the others, there was a bit of silence from Meesei. She had been handling such a bittersweet conversation quite well so far, but at this point she had to reach up to wipe a tear from her eye. “If there is one thing I can still be really, truly happy for, though, it is that Sabine will have all the time she needs now. She already lost so much of it to the war, but she can be done with it now. It’s all I ever wanted for her. My little girl…in every way that matters. She is the only legacy I ever needed in this world. Even if no one else ever speaks my name again, that she has lived to make the life she deserves is all I need to be a restful soul.”

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Kareet of Arcaeda

---

In general, Kareet preferred staying out of notice, though the approach of two of the Humans did make the situation that much more complicated. Getting them all trying to communicate with one another could buy them considerable time, but doing so out here in the open, with soldiers nearby and tensions high, seemed volatile. Even if Kareet or Nellara were not blamed for it, violent conflict could delay Kareet in being able to study the Humans properly. She found herself stepping up closer to Zey when the Humans reached them, not enough to crowd them, but enough that she could react if bows were drawn.

“They do not share a language with us, Silbermine. They are not going to have any idea of what you are saying.” Kareet chimed in.

While J'eon was hardly helping matters in terms of diffusing the situation, Kareet did take note of what he was saying. They had only been companions by circumstance, so it was useful for her that he was clear on where he stood.

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Kareet of Arcaeda

---

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.

---

High District, Lenkik

---

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?”

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

High District, Lenkik

---

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?”

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

High District, Lenkik

---

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.”

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Wodan

---

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.”