EliteCommander

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

Kareet of Arcaeda

---

Kareet had quite a bit of writing to do this time from Vigdis’ answer. Even just at a glance, there were multiple improvements the Humans were capable of making. Most of it seemed to be centered around the shape and manufacture of the gears themselves to improve efficiency and durability. Even just knowing that the potential improvements were there was valuable, and if they had the time to go through them, that would be even better. There was even apparently a way to improve their river boats, which were quite important to the Ascendancy’s trade.

Of course, it was not long before there were more interruptions. Shirik, shortly followed by Kerchack, this time. At least no one was trying to pull her away from her interview. She recognized the scent of the fish they brought to them. Soreltails were only regularly found in the rivers and lakes of the Ascendancy. Without hesitation, she ripped off a piece of the fish and swallowed it whole. Humming softly, she gave a curious look up and down the Iriad. “I do find myself curious how a being with no ability to taste learned to cook.”

Kerchack, on the other hand, was actually asking something from her directly. Fortunately, it was nothing particularly disruptive for her. In fact, what he wanted aligned quite nicely with her own goals. “It is funny you should mention that. I have already been speaking with Vigdis about the capabilities of Life magic. Being that they have never encountered magic before, I suppose it is understandable that the Captain is not convinced on your word alone.”

With just a moment of thought, Kareet turned her attention towards Vigdis. “Perhaps a demonstration of the healing capabilities of Life magic would be helpful? I imagine some of your people suffered physical trauma from the crash. On average, how long does it take your medicine to help someone recover from severe injuries?”

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

Kareet of Arcaeda

---

This time, Kareet had no trouble at all understanding Vigdis’ meaning. In their world as well as her own, it seemed, no one ever truly worked alone. Scholarship fundamentally built upon the work of their predecessors. To “stand on the shoulders of giants”, as Vigdis put it, was an apt phrase. Though, Kareet was coming to realize exactly how unique their situation was now. The Humans seemed to have centuries more progress in the pursuit of knowledge to build upon, so what would happen now if she were to have the chance to learn from them?

Kareet had to think a moment on how exactly she wanted to answer Vigdis’ question. How would be best to describe her invention, considering what she had learned of them so far? The first machine that had used her mechanism was a siege weapon, though it had found many more uses since then. Indeed, her siege weapons had not yet been used in battle, but barges operated by her mechanism traversed the Ascendancy’s rivers every day. “In my travels to Mythadia, I was inspired to create a new type of mechanism.” She answered. Turning aside for a moment, she reached into her backpack and pulled out another of her notebooks. She flipped through a few pages, then laid it out between them, beside Vigdis’ tablet. On the pages were a series of complex, finely-detailed blueprints of a variety of machines, all operated by a gear-driven mechanism. On the pages she could see now, there was what appeared to be a ballista, an elevator, as well as what looked like a paddlewheel boat’s propulsion mechanism. On a different page, there were mechanisms that were not attached to specific machines, but concepts, resembling a gearbox, that could be used for different purposes. On some of them, the gears were arranged to allow a user to change which parts of the mechanism were being powered by the motion of a single, central gear. The only thing that was not apparent from the diagrams was what was powering the drive gear.

“You see, for a Lightning mage, or any mage really, performing a complex task is more difficult than a simple task. That…probably sounds obvious, but what I mean are that power and complexity are two different things that contribute to overall difficulty. Let’s say you have two boulders, one half as heavy as the other. If a Force mage had to simply lift both of them in the air, then it would be easier to lift the lighter one. But if the Force mage had to start focusing on maneuvering the lighter one between obstacles, or something of the sort, it might start to become just as difficult, just as taxing, as lifting the larger one. My mechanisms use gears to perform different types of tasks, all from the singular motion of a lightning mage rotating a central steel gear. It lets one mage do the work of many.” Kareet explained.

---

General Kvarr

---

General Kvarr’s expression betrayed some mild amusement. “You are getting close to it, Castigator. With all he has done, Silbermine would be quite a poor guest. But you have to understand, Mythadians are mired in quite a bit more formality and tradition than ourselves. The formality they inherited from Kolodon, but in their culture, it builds off of even older traditions. Trace the Glen to their roots, and you will find a nomadic culture, with certain expectations for hosts and guests alike, when they come upon another’s land. Other Glen would not judge Silbermine harshly for trespassing on our land. What they would judge him for would be as a disrespectful guest. When Silbermine’s allies arrive, should we treat them with honor and respect, then it will be quite shameful for him to do anything less than to reciprocate. It will very much set the tone for negotiations.”

The S’tor straightened up and gave an understanding nod. “Your concerns are understandable, but I would also point out that treating them as guests upon our land does still insist upon it being our land.”

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

Kareet of Arcaeda

---

This time, the subjects that Vigdis described were something that Kareet could wrap her head around more readily. They built upon topics about which she already had knowledge, or at least seemed closer to her own knowledge. They knew air was needed for fire, but the Humans knew what part of the air it was, and according to her, it was also needed to breathe at all. “So…oxygen is a part of the air, and it is what we need when we breathe in? And since we have more of it, that’s why Itxaro warned me that book would burn, and why your Captain is prioritizing getting fabrics from us.” Certainly, that information did make some of their stranger actions so far make more sense to her. “I have noticed that you all wear clothes all the time, like the S’tor. Is that what you do on Earth too, or is it just because you are here on Kanth-Aremek?”

The explanation Vigdis gave for seeing oxygen all the way from Earth was more difficult to grasp, though not hopelessly so. She knew what a rainbow was, and the idea that they were made from light being split into different colors was not so outlandish. She did not understand how light was being split to make a rainbow, but that was not important for what Vigdis was explaining. From what she was saying, it seemed like oxygen left an impression on light when it passed through the air, which their “spectrometer” could see. Even if the details were all far beyond her understanding, the idea itself was not. “I do not know how you could possibly see the air of a world so far away, but I have no reason to doubt you. How long did it take your scholars to make all of these discoveries?” She asked as another thought came to mind. “I wonder if your knowledge would be able to make improvements to my own inventions?”

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

General Kvarr

---

Among the Ascendancy’s military, much like the Ascendancy itself, there was a certain culture of individual prowess and ambition. For a commander to debate their superior and make their own contributions to strategy was not unexpected. For Kvarr, to be challenged was even encouraged, as long as they could follow orders in the end. However, Kvarr was a man who had joined the Ascendancy when it was still young, and his pedigree up to that point had included decades of warfare between the S’tor splinter states that formed after the collapse of the Kolodon Empire. There was not a hint of uncertainty in his reply. “I do suggest that you learn from my experience in this, Castigator, because I will say that I most certainly do understand the tendencies of the S’tor better than yourself. I know how they will respond.”

“Make no mistake, if any army, of any origin, were to breach our borders and threaten our sovereignty, they would find themselves having to fight for every hill and valley. However, it is most unwise to give in to the provocations of a grown noble child. His insults, his aggression, it is intended to pull a particular response out of us. Silbermine cannot will the forces of Mythadia and Acanata to follow him in a war all on his own. He has to give them a reason to be willing to fight, and I intend to deprive him of the justification he requires. Mythadians, on the whole, are not an aggressive people, and they are not our enemies. We will hold firm, but remain courteous. We will show, and expect, the appropriate amount of respect for guests upon our land. Their own traditions demand that they treat with us with a certain amount of honor and respect.” Kvarr explained. The Castigator demonstrated her passions clearly, and he expected little else but disappointment from her that he was opposed to giving the same show of force she seemed to desire.

“You are stepping onto a larger stage than what you are accustomed to. Rest assured, Castigator, one does not have to be bold and boisterous to show strength. Only those who are insecure in their strength feel the need to make a constant show of it. Let our reputation walk ahead of us, and we will not need to threaten them.” Kvarr added.

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

Kareet of Arcaeda

---

It was certainly accurate to say that Kareet could not understand most of what Vigdis was explaining to her. Even if she understood her, literally speaking, Kareet did not have background knowledge to be able to appreciate its ramifications. Vigdis said that the speed of light was as fast as anything could go, which was easy enough to understand, but Kareet did not yet know the impact of having that knowledge. Yet, everything that Vigdis described, Kareet dutifully scribed down into her notes to preserve that knowledge for later use.

“Ox-y-gen.” Kareet repeated the word. It did not translate, so she sounded out the word as best as she could. “I think some of you have mentioned it before, but I don’t know what it is. I think, if I remember right, it is why the book Itxaro gave me is apparently prone to catching on fire. You say it is something our air has a lot of, yes? And…you would have been able to tell that our air has so much of it all the way from Earth?” She said, both astounded and confused by the suggestion. She was on the planet and did not know what oxygen even was, but Vigdis claimed they could see it all the way on other worlds. “What is it, and why does it mean a world has life?”

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ahnasha was silent for a short while. It was hard to imagine that just a few words would get through to Ahnasha once she had made up her mind, though she was at least not arguing with him about it. She glanced away for a moment in thought. “Her study? Well, I suppose we are going to need to go through her things. With you taking over as Champion, I there might be some things in there relevant to you. I wonder if she still has any of those books in there she took from Apocrypha?” Her voice trailed off somewhat as the thought came to her mind.

Eventually, Ahnasha laid back on the bed next to Fendros. “Can it wait until morning, though? I’d like to at least try to get a good night’s sleep.”

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

General Kvarr

---

General Kvarr hummed to himself for a moment before answering. “With respect, Castigator, it sounds quite like you do agree with me. I do not want to diminish the effort you have placed into finding these conclusions, but rest assured you are not the first to think of them.” Kvarr gestured to the map, particularly to the Ascendancy’s northern border. “I am sure one in your position is aware of the territory disputes we have been having in the north. The discussions there have centered around the Sovereignty, though the true threat is Narkant. It is fortunate for us that S’toric nations are often mostly concerned with fighting each other, as they would have already turned their attention southward without that distraction. Yet, I know them; I know them quite well. If they were to see blood in the water, to identify a weakness, they would pounce without a second thought. You have correctly recognized that Mythadia faces a S’toric threat from the north themselves, but unfortunately, we also have that same weakness.”

The S’tor general shifted his focus to their present location on the map, right at the border of the Ascendancy and Mythadia. “We could put forward a military defense. Demand that our foes leave and defend this ground with force. Make no mistake, with everything I have heard of these Human visitors, it would be worth the risk. Yet, there is another way we can play this game. You have been trained extensively in the ways of war, Castigator, so I do not begrudge you approach the threat with war at the center of your mind. A few lifetimes ago, war was all that occupied my thoughts. Then I met a wonderful woman who opened my mind to other ways of thinking. Mythadia is a land where tradition reigns supreme. If we give them no justification to fight, it is much more difficult for them to muster support among their factions for a war. So, we present the Humans as a neutral entity; representatives of a foreign nation. Give them that status, and it is no longer the Ascendancy that Mythadia would be declaring war on. If we cede this little stretch of land to the Humans, for their use, then by Mythadian law, they would have to declare war on their nation to march upon it.”

Kvarr leaned back from the table. “From what you have said, we should have the advantage in negotiations with our visitors, yes?”

---

Kareet of Arcaeda

---

Kareet quietly looked up at the Jotunheim as Vigdis drew her attention to it. Most of what she described seemed to confirm the comparison between Humans and the S’tor. They preferred to use former soldiers as explorers, and had even been driven to Kanth-Aremek as a result of warfare, albeit unintentionally. At least, as long as Vigdis was being honest. This interview, and any others she could have with the Humans, would be useful, but she would need to be careful about relying purely on their testimony when she was writing the encyclopedia.

“Written records would certainly be of immense help.” Kareet responded. “I mean no offense by this, but, every answer you give seems to ask more questions than I can even think to write. Your world, your people, are so entirely alien to anything I have considered before. I do not know what it means to move faster than light, or why you question if it is possible. I do not even know how fast it is that light moves. Or why you would go through that much effort for just a spice trade. I feel like other goals would be more valuable. I could ask a dozen questions on every sentence.”

Kareet laughed briefly. “Well, I suppose I will never learn anything if I do not start asking. You didn’t come here on purpose, but if your ship can move as fast as you say, then how far away do you think we are from Earth?”

Kareet did hear the Shirik shouting about the invitation to eat, though regardless of how hungry she may or may not have been, she would not be the one to end their interview.

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

Kareet of Arcaeda

---

“Most people live longer now, yes.” Kareet answered. “Life magic can also stall aging, with regular treatments. It is how people like the Archmagister have lived for the hundreds of years since the technique was discovered. I started treatments two years ago, myself. As long as I keep them up, I will not age, no matter how much time passes.”

Kareet picked up her notebook once more and pulled her pen to her. “Anyways, I think your recent history would be a good place to start. The history of the Jotunheim, and its crew. Who are these people who have come to our world?”

---

General Kvarr

---

Despite everything that Nellara described, it was with a simple calm that General Kvarr continued to regard her. He let her speak without interruption, taking in her perspective and opinions fully before giving his own answer. “Lord Silbermine, in his show of force, has attempted to make a mockery of the Ascendancy. To attack our national pride. It is a powerful thing, our convictions. Our pride in our purpose. It drives the morale of citizen and soldier alike, and can motivate our people to do what is necessary. But when it comes time to step into the war room…we leave the pride at the door.”

Kvarr let out a soft sigh and leaned forward onto the table. His posture dropped any of the formality he had been carrying. His voice did not carry anger, or even frustration, but rather had the same kind of weight as a caring father instructing his child. “You are right that I know what Mythadians are like. They are a passionate and determined people. When they find a cause that is worthy and just in their eyes, they will fight for it with the sort of conviction that we should all strive to match. Between Mythadia and Acanata, they represent the most powerful united military force on Kanth-Armek; one that we cannot defeat, if we were to try to face them outside the mountains. That is the reality, beyond the pride and propaganda, and we must give that reality the respect it demands. That is who stands behind Silbermine, but how we handle this situation will decide if they stand with him.”

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

Kareet of Arcaeda

---

“I am merely thinking in terms of efficiency. I do not know how much time I will have to speak to you all, given the political situation, so I want to use my time effectively. As a Life mage, Kerchack could give me detailed information, or shapeshift to give me a living example to sketch.” Kareet explained. It would be of benefit to both her and them for them to be willing to accept Kolvar’s offer, so it would be to her benefit to convince them to accept Kerchack’s offer. Or at least some Life mage’s.

At the moment, Kareet felt like it would be prudent for her to try to allay their fears over Life magic. Fortunately, she would not even have to lie to do it. There was a reason that Life mages were among the most well-respected across Kanth-Aremek. “I understand your fear of something new and unknown, but Life magic has been a great boon to us. We live longer, healthier, and crippling injuries are no longer permanent. There was a time, not all that long ago, when an infection from a simple cut could be a death sentence, but now Life magic can help a victim survive. Now, shapeshifting spies are something we’ve had to deal with for the last few centuries, but it is more difficult for them than you might think. Shapeshifting does not give you knowledge. Kerchack could easily transform you into a Tekeri if you asked, but could you imagine trying to pretend to be one of us? Even if I sat here and explained to you every detail of our society that I could think of, there would still be countless little social norms you would break, or customs you would not understand. Not to mention, we still do not speak one another’s language. We still rely on that thing to speak for us. If a Human walked around your ship relying on one of those, I think it would stand out.” She said, pointing to Vigis’ translator.

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

General Kvarr

---

For the entire time that Nellara was laying out the description of events, her opinions, and recommendations, Kvarr did not speak a word. He had taken his seat and was clearly listening intently as he rested after a long trek through the mountains. Despite all that had transpired, he did not show any signs of becoming upset, or even especially worried. Regardless, he did not hide a respectable amount of concern for the severity of the situation. “If Silbermine has requested help, reinforcements…” He leaned forward slightly in his chair. It was hard to tell, but it felt like there was the slightest hint of a grin in his expression. “…then the Warden is coming.”

Kvarr rose to his feet, towering head and shoulders above Nellara. He could hardly stand without rubbing his head against the tent. He walked towards the table at the center of the tent bearing a map of the region, though as he passed her by, he gave her a pat on the shoulder with a short, approving look. “You have done well in maintaining the interests of the Ascendancy here, Castigator. You took initiative and acted to contend with a potential threat. You did not leave these…Humans uncontested to outside influence; you stood your ground admirably.”

The S’tor walked around the table and leaned forward onto it, looking with a neutral gaze down towards the Castigator. “You specify that Silbermine invaded our territory and is gathering an army. Could you elaborate on this, from your perspective?”