EliteCommander

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

Kareet of Arcaeda

---

It went without saying that Kareet was hanging on every word that Gar’Tan conveyed to them. He was not permitted to use Thought magic on anyone but the locals at the moment, so he simply spoke their responses aloud for them. He did not have the exact words the Humans spoke, but their meaning was preserved. Quite well, in fact. He was reading her intentions directly, so even idioms and the like would be understood by him as their intended meaning. The only things he could not translate directly would be concepts too foreign to him to understand.

Nearly every word that Gar’Tan spoke, Kareet copied down into her notes. Some of what Itxaro said they had already guessed, but it was good to have confirmation. It was still hard to wrap her head around the fact that these Humans came from an entirely different world, but it was hard to deny at this point. Apparently, the Humans were the only intelligent beings on their own world, which already sent plenty more questions racing through Kareet’s mind. She wondered if that meant it was a much more peaceful place overall? Clearly it was not completely peaceful if the reason they were here was because they were attacked by other Humans.

With the palpable excitement Kareet was showing, it was hardly a surprise when she jumped on the chance to answer Itxaro. “Silbermine is a noble from Mythadia. I know you are likely not aware, but your ship has crashed right on the border of two major nations: Mythadia and the Ascendancy. I wouldn’t say anything has been solved. I would wager that he has sent for more forces and is biding his time. It is what I would do, in his situation. This is one reason we needed a Thought mage. We need to be able to communicate with you, and we don’t have the time to wait. You need to be able to speak to them and tell them you do not intend to be claimed or conquered. Luckily, your opinions on this may actually matter to them. Something about their gods. Your people might be able to keep this from escalating.”

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

Gar'Tan

---

As soon as a new Human came into view, Gar’Tan’s gaze settled upon her. His magic anchored into her mind so he could hear her thoughts. He was capable of listening to multiple minds at once, though trying to filter between multiple minds thinking over one another could be difficult. If he missed something, he had to reach into their memory to determine what they said.

Looking upon the S’tor, the knowledge he had given to Itxaro would also begin to come to Vigdis as well. He is a S’tor named Gar’Tan, a Thought mage from the city of Lenkik, along with Kareet of Arcaeda and Castigator Nellara. He finds this gift he has been given to be curious. It creates light without flame. Does it use Lightning magic?

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

Kareet and Gar'Tan

---

Seeing Itxaro arrive, Kareet’s eagerness could no longer be contained. The need to rely on just a few, scattered words to try to communicate was nearly over. She tilted her head towards Gar’Tan. “Tell her who you are, what you can do. And I suppose introduce all of us, properly this time.”

As Gar’Tan had been formally unshackled by his handlers, he already started forming the connection the moment Itxaro came into view. The invisible tendrils of his magic lashed to her mind and set roots as deeply as they could, tethering her thoughts to his own. Yet, in all of it, there was no sensation for Itxaro. There was not even the mildest feeling of the intrusion; everything would simply seem normal, apart from the few moments where he silently stared her down while he made the connection.

What followed did not come in words. Gar’Tan could not understand her language any more than the others could. However, he did not need them. He could read the meanings of her thoughts and memories directly, and through the tether, impart the meanings he wanted her to understand onto the surface of her mind. Her mind would put words to those meanings all on its own.

She was correct. This lizard is a S’tor, and his name is Gar’Tan. He is a Thought mage from the city of Lenkik. She might have been joking to herself, but her instincts were right. He would indeed read her mind. Alongside these thoughts, he started to chuckle aloud. The others Itxaro had already met. Kareet of Arcaeda, Seeker of the Order of Sages. She is particularly excited to finally be able to communicate properly. The other is Nellara, Castigator of the city of Lenkik. Itxaro could speak her response or simply think it, Gar’Tan would understand all the same.

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?”