Odeoron

Okay guys, due to a long break in the game and obvious changes in personal life to all of us, i will be resetting the game to adapt the scenario to whomever is left willing to play to approx. where we left off before the winter break. It will be a new tab to continue the story with all the characters that remained and all the developments of all so nobody loses anything, just the players that left would no longer be part of the game world to make it easier to manage for me...

Jonny's voice was heard through the terminals, slightly distorted due to the interference from the time aberration. "Faraday cage? Yeah, Jaa, it's a real thing. It's essentially a metallic enclosure that's used to block electromagnetic fields. If you're thinking about isolating whatever tech anomaly is causing this, then a Faraday cage might do the trick. But it's not a guarantee, especially if we're dealing with something that goes beyond just tech interference. Still, it's worth a shot." Jaa could almost visualize Jonny's smirk as he continued, "But you know, Jaa, for someone who claims to be an 'old man' and 'the opposite of a tech person,' you sure do have some impressive tech intuition." A pause followed, and then Jonny added, "I think there's a makeshift Faraday cage in one of the storage units nearby. It's not top-grade, but it might help. If we're gonna try this, we need to move fast. These time distortions are messing with the virtual realm too, and I don't know how long we can maintain a stable connection." As Ash takes a step forward after Ian's attempt at encouraging, a sudden calmness washes over him. The ambient noise seems to fade, and he feels a subtle warmth emanating from the direction of the Mother Tree. Though the tree itself remains silent, its presence is palpable, offering a quiet reassurance to the winged being. Upon closer observation, Ash notices a concerning change. The rich, deep colors of the Mother Tree, usually full of life and vitality, are now beginning to lose their vibrancy. Its once radiant bark and leaves are becoming desaturated, hinting at some unseen force at play. Suddenly Ash, you hear your comms buzzing. It's the sargent. "Hey kiddo! We're here and ready, let everyone who you find to be willng to help know that the perimeter is secure and..." He paused pensively "What in the name of Saint Joseph!" He exclaimed "The Gargathian Sequoya is turning gray! Everyone be ready!" he said as he closed comms. Ash, Ian failed at trying to help you out of your fright but he reduced your waiting time before the next will save roll from 4 in-game minutes to 2 so not long before you might get a chance to escape it. How would you all like to continue?

Theme -> As Seraph and Stix stand resolute, ready to face the imminent threat, the doppelganger senses the mounting tension and seems almost... amused. It steps back, circling them, the very essence of malevolence. The entity's form shifts, becoming more ethereal and insidious as it moves, shadows licking out like tongues of dark flames, tasting the air around them. Without warning, the doppelganger's form expands, tendrils of darkness shooting outwards, trying to create a sense of omnipresence, as if it was everywhere at once. Its eyes, deep voids of nothingness, fixate on the duo, glowing brighter with each passing moment. The abyssal gaze alone seems to carry a weight, trying to push down on their spirits, attempting to sow seeds of doubt and fear. Suddenly, the entity lets out a bone-chilling, echoing hiss that reverberates around the environment, carrying with it an unmistakable message of menace. It's a sound that embodies pure malice, an aural manifestation of its desire to dominate and consume. The hiss evolves into a haunting, discordant melody, sending unsettling vibrations through the very air, making the atmosphere thick with tension. Initiative 8 Seraph is at 5 and Stix is at 12. Stix you would go first... how would you like to position yourself and what do you want to do in your first move?

Elion, Luna, and C565, as they hear U24's directive, they immediately turn their attention to the vast virtual landscape around them. The space, which once seemed so familiar, is now marred by distortions and anomalies. But the most immediate threat comes from the 10 red glowing orbs, pulsating with an eerie light. They hurl themselves repeatedly against the shimmering barrier Io erected earlier, sending shockwaves that make the virtual walls tremble. Elion: "We need to strengthen this barrier. C565, can you work on enhancing the defensive codes? Luna, let's create an exit protocol." Luna: "On it. We need a stable exit, especially if things get out of hand." As Luna and Elion busily tap into the codes, manipulating streams of data, C565 focuses on reinforcing the barrier. The orbs' relentless assault doesn't let up, but for now, the barrier holds. Jonny: "You know, it's always odd seeing another clone of mine. Didn't expect to see another Johnsons Alistair variant here." Despite the dire situation, there's a hint of amusement in Jonny's voice. He briefly exchanges a knowing glance with C565. C565: "It's a small Union, Jonny. We're bound to run into each other eventually." The atmosphere in the virtual space is tense, with the looming threat of the entity and its minions. But the combined efforts of Elion, Luna, and C565 seem to be paying off. The exit protocol starts to take shape, manifesting as a glowing portal on the far side of the barrier. Mark: "Good work, team. Let's be prepared for anything. This entity has shown it can adapt. We need to be one step ahead." With the exit in place and the barrier reinforced, your group is better prepared for what's to come. But the question remains: can you fend off the entity and its minions long enough to ensure everyone's safety? As you delve deep into the system, your initial diagnostics reveal that, thankfully, the antivirus is not compromised. The entity has managed to bypass it, but the core defenses remain intact. Your expertise in computer systems and networks pays off, and with a roll of 28, you can confidently confirm the integrity of the antivirus. Harnessing this knowledge, you begin to work on the data you've acquired so far. With a roll of 23, you successfully channel this information to further restrict the aberration's development. You can sense its influence waning as you start reconfiguring the virtual space, making it more and more difficult for the entity to maintain its hold. Finally, with the antivirus secure and the aberration's growth restricted, you decide to take a more aggressive approach. Engaging the virtual 'white cells' to attack the infection directly, you hope to weaken its advancements further. The task proves more challenging than anticipated, but with a roll of 13, you manage to just barely activate them. They spring to life and start targeting the entity's manifestations, gradually eroding its presence. The virtual space still trembles from the entity's influence, but with each passing moment, it seems you're reclaiming more and more of the compromised areas. However, the battle is far from over. The entity, though weakened, remains a formidable foe. Amid the chaos of the virtual battle, a deep, guttural voice echoes through the space. It's both alien and disturbingly familiar, like a distorted, malevolent whisper that sends shivers down your virtual spine. "Grrrr... Do you truly believe you can confine me to this virtual prison?" The voice laughs, a sound that is both mocking and chilling. It's a laughter that seems to come from everywhere and nowhere at once, contorted with otherworldly malice. "Hahahahahaha! You cannot contain me for long. Reality or virtuality, I am everywhere." The voice fades, leaving an unsettling silence in its wake, hinting at the entity's true power and intent.

Jaa'Syko, upon your successful roll, you shift your focus from the grotesque creature you've just dispatched to the cafe terrace. You recall the manager and waitress just moments ago, but now, they seem... different. The manager, who was about to approach you after being called by the waitress, now appears almost frozen in place. His hand, reaching out to hand over a cup to the waitress, moves with agonizing slowness. It's as if they're trapped in a time bubble, unaware of the chaos around them." As you try to make sense of the situation, your heightened senses, attuned to the ebb and flow of time, pick up on more anomalies. Across the deck, colonists who were taking to the teleporters are now caught in a temporal loop. One man, in particular, seems to be running in place, retracing his steps in a never-ending cycle. And that dog nearby? It's chasing its tail at a speed that's almost a blur, contrasting starkly with the slowed-down world around it." But the anomalies don't stop there. Near a water fountain, an old feline post-human man feeding some fluff ball birds from some planet in the union has become an odd spectacle. The birds, instead of their usual graceful dance, dart back and forth with such speed they appear as mere streaks. The deck, Jaa'Syko, is transforming into a patchwork of distorted time zones. How do you relate this to the group you just saw dealing with this incursion?

So Unit 24, you would have seen Jonny's display of the real world showing the monstrosity that nearly hacked at Ash as it fell limp and dead shortly after the voice of another colonist being broadcast through the comms of Kloss'Gorr. Another hint has been revealed quite clearly, and after you pulled the manifests, you saw that the Ferret mentioned by Io's drone Seraph, is named Stix, and is one of the majority of colonists that came from Sol system, the cradle of humanity. If you wanted to you could give a computer's check, and using your credentials as a staff member to scan his vitals and even use the security footage to witness yet another physical entity that seems to try it's best to hide from others, but can't quite manage to do this very well from technological eyes or cameras hence why Seraph perceived it quite clearly. You suddenly sense the overpowering yet gentle presence of Aristartriax in the back of your mind: "This organism feels very familiar to me for whatever reason... i... i can't seem to put my proverbial finger on it but... i think it's kind did something to my creators long ago..." he said that pensively as he looked at the footage of this minion that this Jaa'Syko head-shot just now. "It seems to be able to manifest, or create life-like creatures with independent wills that are still directed by it in the material world..." He added shortly before withdrawing into a silence that seemed indistinguishable from a computer hard at work processing data and attempting recovery protocols. Ofcourse only you heard this. From the manifests you managed to find out the names of the other three engineers that haven't spoken yet; Luna Tarrass - A post human floral individual female that came from Proxima-minor, a terraformed moon that couldn't quite sustain actual humans so those that live there had to 'adapt' ,Elion Kettersons, Human that came straight from earth, after graduating engineering university, and you would recognize yet another clone of Johnsons Alistair, C565. to which Jonny would only now realize after being shocked of how close that nightmare would have been to killing him too. And as you all were there, just before Luna was about to speak, Elion intervened "Watch out!" a thick tendril of flesh was waving just at the entrance of your safe spot as it seemed to spit out 10 red glowing orbs, followed by what could only be understood as a maniacal and otherworldly guttural laughter. Now you can either chose to roll initiative, or direct the engineers and Jonny to unplug and then you following suit, and retreat to the physical realm thus buying some time and finding the nearest teleport hub to go either to the group or to Stix and Seraph. Or another option would be to attempt to see if you could tap into Io's attempt at raising the antivirus and see through 3 consequential computer's checks how you could build a hostile code, and direct some of the team you already have with you in here to engage these orbs and try to collect code samples for you to experiment with, but be warned this path is risky, and Aristartriax feels inaccessible currently despite you still being supercharged currently. On this second option first computer's check is to see whether the antivirus itself isn't already compromised considering this thing is in here and it seems to not have done much about it on it's own. success is at 15 Second roll is to work on the data you collected thus far and try and direct it to further restrict the aberration's development hopefully trying to see if it can be ejected from the virtual space. 17 roll for success. And 3rd toll if first roll is successful engage virtual 'white cells' to start attacking the infection hopefully weakening it's advancements even further. Io, you would notice something bizarre, despite this sudden horror having been mere inches away from slashing at you too, your attempt to raise the antivirus' power further and engage further firewalls on top of what U24 had done prior, was met with failure, and that maniacal laughter of the anomaly, seems to pierce your circuits in a very powerful and damaging manner. It is a psychic attack that seems to be a form of mockery at your attempts, it feels that it already adapted to the firewalls and antivirus because U24 rose the first stage. so for you it will be a will save to try to resist it's influence from shorting some processors. Ian, some people seemed to have believed you while others have, expectantly, resisted with what under less threatening circumstances be seen as scoffing which should be understandable. You could either try to offer comfort to Ash through a diplomacy check, success is marked at 15, mainly because he is terrified, and you barely met the guy. If successful Ash would get a roll with advantage to escape the frightened state. If failed, there's nothing happening but the time needed for a roll to get out would be reduced from currently 4 in-game minutes to 2. Or press on and double down with a diplomacy check to convince by logical reasoning and bringing up the manifestations, but this would probably be harder sitting at a 18 for success. At the same time you might be able to scoop a sample of the goop spilling from the carcass of this horror next to you and take it to a laboratory for analysis, though it doesn't feel like the present environment is permitting for such a travel alone. As for Ash, thankfully you were already to focused on re-evaluating your situation, and after that prayer you made, it seems to have given you just enough calm to have managed to avoid a fear paralysis will save roll. And anyone can give me a general environment perception check, because something seems to begin happening near ya'll that can further hint at the nature of the entity.

((OC: No worries dude i fixed it for you but let's not communicate like this on the forum here no longer, this is strictly roleplaying section, for OOC concerns just say your concern in the discord server, this why it is for. 🙂))

Itroducint Jaa'Syko --> The emergency space feels oppressive, with its cold metal surfaces reflecting the low, ambient amber light. The room buzzes with palpable tension. Ash, with the weight of recent events has just offered his assistance. His voice wavered slightly, a testament to the mental strain he's under. Io, connected to interface, has just outlined a potential strategy, just after Ian's suggestion of the impossible only helped rise the levels of anxiety. The team's collective apprehension is palpable. This entity, a dark, unpredictable force, had breached their ship, challenging their safety and resolve. Its prior incursions were not just acts of aggression—they were a sinister message, a dark promise of what was to come. High above them, on an expansive open terrace, is Jaa'Syko. With rugged features carved from years of space voyages and battles, his age is betrayed only by the silver streaks in his hair. He's in a sniper's pose, the tight lines of his face contrasting with the relaxed puffing of his cigar. Beside him, a small pile of spent cigars rests in an ashtray. The sniper's digital scope, equipped with enhanced visuals, scans the vast park space below, casting it in a hue of electric blue. The dark ether begins to shimmer and convulse with an increasing intensity, drawing Jaa'Syko's sharp gaze. His instincts, honed over years of combat, alert him to the anomaly brewing beneath. Suddenly, a grotesque creature breaks through the ether, its form an embodiment of nightmares. Its hollow, soulless eyes fixate on its target: Ash. Oblivious to the impending danger, continues conversing with the group, his back turned to the monstrous being. Moving with a blend of agility and silence that belied its grotesque form, the creature leaps from the platform beneath the terrace, its trajectory aimed directly at Ash. As the team begins to register the presence of this new threat, gearing up to confront it, the creature lunges, its mouth opening in a deafening roar that seems to pierce the very walls of the ship. But just as disaster seems inevitable, a sharp gunshot echoes, resonating with the chilling stillness of the vast space. The creature's menacing roar morphs into a death gurgle, its body collapsing in a heap, silenced forever by a perfectly executed headshot. The emergency space plunges into a cacophony of gasps, shouts, and the scuffling of feet as the colonists, taken aback, scramble for cover. Then, as the dust settles and reality seeps in, all eyes, filled with a mix of awe and curiosity, drift upwards to the terrace. Jaa'Syko, ever the picture of composure, stands, his sniper rifle now resting by his side. Kloss'Gorr, with his distinguishing four arms, immediately discerns the identity of the savior. Twisting and turning dials on his communicator with a fluency that only he possesses, he connects to Jaa'Syko. With a nod and a gesture to the team below, he says, "Jaa'Syko." A moment of static-filled silence ensues before Jaa'Syko's voice, gravelly and tinged with exasperation, emanates from the device, "Yeah, can you put me on speaker?" Raising the communicator for all to hear, Kloss'Gorr obliges. Jaa'Syko, despite his earlier display of finesse, now sounds unmistakably rattled, his voice laced with a blend of frustration and urgency, "Yeah, that was me! Now, can somebody please tell me what in the HELL is happening?" How would you like to continue Jaa?

Theme --> , The sinister darkness looming over Stix seemed to thicken, becoming almost palpable as it encroached upon his being. The shadowy figure, a dark doppelganger of Stix, continued its eerie advance, its malicious intent emanating from the abyss that were its eyes. As the entity reached out, the world seemed to slow, its cold touch sapping away the very essence of life from Stix. He felt a sudden jolt of numbing cold as two points of his stamina ebbed away into the void, a chill that reached into his very soul. The stark contrast between the sinister cold and the warm essence of life he was so accustomed to, sent tremors through his fragile frame. Stix's mind raced as despair clawed at his resolve, but before the shadow could delve any deeper, a sudden flash of light cut through the darkness. Seraph, Io’s drone, burst into action, interposing herself between Stix and the malevolent figure. The drone’s sleek form shimmered as she acted almost like a barrier of mystical energy, disallowing any further encroachment from the entity. With a swift and precise motion, Seraph positioned herself as a bulwark, the light from her core casting away the shadows that sought to engulf Stix. The sudden intervention brought a stark silence, breaking the sinister spell that held Stix in a vice of fear and despair. The darkness recoiled as it met the impenetrable aura of Seraph, its form quivering with a mix of rage and disbelief. It let out a guttural, otherworldly growl, a sound that seemed to reverberate through the very fabric of reality. The entity's claws swiped futilely at Seraph, its dark tendrils recoiling as they met the drone's artificial nature. The entity's frustration was palpable, the guttural growls echoing through the eerie silence that now hung in the air. The sinister resonance of its anger seemed to ripple through the void it emerged from, yet it found itself thwarted by the calm, unyielding presence of Seraph. Stix now found a moment to breathe, the cold dread slowly receding as warmth from the protective aura enveloped him. His heart raced as he eyed the entity, the grotesque mirror that now seemed to be held at bay by Seraph’s intervention. The scene held a silent yet potent tension, the stand-off between the sinister entity and the composed, unwavering Seraph creating a tableau of the eternal struggle between light and dark. Stix, you are affected with Lefel 1 Fright: Duration: 1 in-game hour Effect: The character is haunted by a recent vision or experience. This overwhelming dread causes the character to have: • Disadvantage (or -2 in a d20 roll) on attack rolls and ability checks. • Difficulty focusing, resulting in a -10 feet penalty to their movement speed. • If the character is presented with a similar stimulus that reminds them of the horrifying vision, they must make another Will save or be paralyzed with fear for 1 round. Recovery: Every 5 minutes, or at the GM's discretion (like after a significant event or pep talk from another character), the affected character can make a Will save to shake off the effects. Success means the character has managed to pull themselves together, and the fright effects end. Seraph You have interposed yourself in between the entity's feeding force and Stix, effectively cutting its draining essence off. I need you both to roll initiative! 😤 Theme of the fight -->

Johnny had been silent for the most part, letting Io and Ian take the lead. But when Ash descended from the sky, landing with an unexpected grace next to them, he felt a surge of surprise. It wasn't just the sudden appearance that caught him off guard, but the look on Ash's face – it spoke of something deeply unsettling. "This ain't normal," Johnny muttered to himself. He may have not known Ash very well but Johnny had a good gut instinct of people's personality and Ash just didn't look like the type to be easily frighted like that, and for something to affect the post-human to such a degree, it had to be monumental. Io's voice, echoing through the console's speakers, only intensified the tension in the air. Her words about "haunted mainframes" and "ghosts in the machine" would usually have caused Johnny to scoff. But given the gravity of the situation, he felt a chill down his spine. The idea of an entity residing within the digital realm was far from his understanding, but he wasn't one to stand by idly. "We need to get to the bottom of this," he thought out-loud. Reaching into his toolkit, Johnny quickly extracted his interface gloves, sliding them onto his hands with practiced ease. Two small chips, no bigger than a thumbnail, were then produced. He pressed one chip to each temple, their cool metallic surfaces adhering seamlessly to his skin. "Alright, Io," he called out with determination, connecting to a nearby console. "I'm going in deep-dive, just like the other engineers." His eyes met Ian's, a silent acknowledgment of the unknown they were about to face, then shifted to Io, nodding with respect and gratitude for her guidance. Finally, his gaze landed on Ash, concern evident in his eyes. Without wasting another second, Johnny engaged the console, ready to venture into the depths of the unknown, hoping to find answers and, perhaps, a way to safeguard their reality. Back with Unit 24 Mark began, taking the lead, "Right, I've gathered preliminary findings from engineering." He displayed a myriad of holographic screens in the virtual space, each window humming with dense lines of code, electrical data, and fluctuating graphs. "See this peak here?" Mark pointed to a sharp uptick on one of the graphs. "This correlates directly with the second warped hyperspace lightning strike on Pioneer's Hope shield. Now, what's puzzling is the immediate aftermath. It's as if the ship's digital infrastructure started reacting organically, echoing the strike's pattern but with a more... aberrant behavior." The sea of data seemed overwhelming, but the method to the madness was slowly becoming clear. "Whatever this entity is," Mark continued, "it didn't just manifest out of the blue. The shield strike was a trigger, a doorway maybe, that allowed it to find a point of entry into our systems." Before Mark could further extrapolate, a second engineer avatar approached. Her form turning to incorporate her real life body was more rugged, scales shimmering as digital light reflected off them, and her voice held a deep, resonant rasp. It was unmistakably the voice of a species of post-human reptilians that hailed from a desert world, adapted to harsh climates and even harsher predators. "This is Lasz'Mallakk," she introduced with a nod of acknowledgment to U24. "During the strike, I was conducting a routine check on the power and fusion cells. The anomaly didn't just restrict itself to the digital space. Several of our fuel cells have experienced... for lack of a better term, 'corruption'." She expanded another set of screens, these ones showing cross-sectional images of the cells. A bizarre blend of the familiar cellular structure was intertwined with patterns that were entirely alien. "It's as if the entity, while virtual, has a foot in the physical realm. Not only did it disrupt the digital pathways, but it also induced unprecedented changes at the atomic level of the fuel cells. This could have catastrophic repercussions if not addressed," Lasz'Mallakk warned. She took a deep, digital breath. "Our first priority should be to isolate and understand the nature of this... hybridization. Only then can we fathom a method to counteract or harness it." As the discussion among the group intensified, the digital horizon shimmered. From this shiver in the virtual space, another white orb emerged, rapidly reshaping itself. It didn't take long for a digital approximation of a burly man with a slight paunch, indicative of someone who enjoyed a good drink now and then, to form. He sported a rugged beard, streaks of grey showing through, hinting at the wisdom of age and experience. His eyes had a wearied, yet keen look – the sort that saw problems as challenges waiting to be solved. Recognizing the avatar, Mark exclaimed, "Johnny! Or should I say clone 890? What's the latest from your end?" Johnny adjusted his virtual jacket, an old habit from reality, and said, "Been to hell and back, mate. Was in one of the emergency zones when the alarms went off." He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly anxious, "Met a few colonists there, and... well, they weren't just concerned about the tech malfunctions." Mark tilted his head, intrigued. "Go on." Johnny took a deep virtual breath. "Right, so this lady, Io, who's ensuring this place remains a safe zone, she's been peeling layers of analysis like an onion. And her conclusion... might sound a tad absurd." Lasz'Mallakk interjected, "Out with it, Johnsons." Johnny hesitated for a moment, as if he himself was still grappling with the information. "She reckons we're dealing with... well, ghosts." He chuckled, although it lacked any real humor. "I'd have laughed it off as a glitch in Io's programming, but then Ash, of all people, strolled in. The bloke was scared out of his wits, and I've never seen him lose his composure. Ever." Mark frowned. "Ghosts? In the virtual realm? How's that even possible?" "Frankly, I have no clue," Johnny admitted, "But if Io and Ash both say there's something to it, then I'd reckon we should at least consider it." Mark looked thoughtful, his mind trying to reconcile this new information. "Ghosts or not, they are an anomaly. A potentially dangerous one. We should approach this with an open mind. The unexpected has already become our reality." Ian, Io and Ash, all three of you would have heard this conversation as Jonny would have allowed the system to be on speakers for the outside world to hear similarly to how Io did. How would you proceed, who would join in the conversation? You can also just talk back as if you are all in the same room.

Ian's exploration into the world of mysticism, coupled with his religious background of Christocentric Unitarianism, would have provided him with a rich tapestry of stories and lore. Restless spirits, according to the legends and myths he had read, were known to attach themselves to any object if they couldn't find a person. Their demented search for peace made them ravenous and relentless. However, what Ian was witnessing now seemed different. While restless spirits were driven by a need for peace, this seemed more malevolent, calculated, and far-reaching. The events unfolding before him bore a striking resemblance to the tales of agents of Satan or corrupted spirits he had come across in his studies. These were entities that didn't just seek peace, but actively sought to spread chaos, corruption, and malice. Well at least this is as far as Ian could know, and this, whatever this was, can only be an agent of Satan right? The more Ian would try to understand what was happening, the less it made sense however. Recalling these stories, Ian felt a chill run down his spine. He realized that the situation might be even more dire than he initially thought. The digital realm, a vast and expanding frontier, could be the new battleground for these malevolent entities. The thought of corrupted spirits or demonic entities or... nevermind...; taking root in cyberspace, where they could influence and manipulate at an unprecedented scale, was unsettling. He also remembered that, in many of the tales he read, such spirits thrived on fear, chaos, and confusion. To combat them, one would need faith, knowledge, and the will to confront them. Ian knew that confronting a malevolent spirit, whether in the physical or digital realm, was no easy task. But he also knew that he couldn't stand by and let evil prevail. But he wasn't outwardly religious, and coming out just like that, here and now, without anything more conclusive could just make him look... awkward... to say the least, despite his religious views being hold on high esteem by the Terran Union, individuals here? well that can be another story... With this knowledge in mind, Ian felt more prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, though uncertainties remained, and he also knew that he would need the help and cooperation of as many people as possible to stand a chance against these ancient and powerful adversaries. Upon your successful mysticism check, Ian, the pieces begin to fall into place. With Ash's almost panicked demeanor and Io's detailed observations, you come to a stark realization: this is not just a mere virus affecting the system, especially considering the inexplicable events transpiring in the physical world. You're dealing with a malevolent entity, one that defies logic and rational explanation. Drawing from your earlier divine encounter, it's becoming evident that you've transcended the realm of knowns and unknowns. The situation is now deeply rooted in the supernatural... at least... from your point of view and to the best of your knowledge... How would you proceed?

Upon Io’s successful delve into the mainframe, guided by her superior skills in computers and strengthened by her unwavering resolve, her deduction is eerily accurate. As the data streams by, forming coherent patterns and structures, she quickly discerns the "ghost's" systematic and voracious consumption. Its sinews reach out, intertwining, and interlocking with anything and everything connected to humanity. Whether it's the storied history of the Terran Union or the nuanced details of various human factions and branch species, nothing remains untouched. The holographics on the console display a visual representation of this entity, with its tendrils splaying out like an intricate web, each node representing a piece of human history, knowledge, or memory. The rapidity with which it assimilates information is staggering. And yet, there’s a method to its madness, a hunger that's selective, desiring all that relates to mankind. But the shock doesn't end there. Io's skills uncover a more sinister intention. The entity isn't confined to the digital domain. Its consumption is spilling into the real world, threatening to envelope the very vessel they inhabit. As a minor first reward and bonus for a large successful roll: Using her custom rig, she manages to quarantine segments of the ship's computer terminals, downloading critical data and ensuring redundancy. This act, at least momentarily, stalls the entity's progress, buying her and the crew precious time. U24 would certainly notice an external help and he could pinpoint who else joined the fight. A grave thought passes through her cybernetic brain -- It's not just after our history, it's after us. The very essence of what makes us human is its target. This entity, this ghost, is an existential threat! The team needs to find a way to either communicate with it or contain it. And this needs to be done fast! The weight of their predicament hangs heavily in the room, and the challenge they face is clear. But with Io's skills and the data she’s gathered, they stand a fighting chance.

Milky Way Galaxy and Known Territories. The Terran Union (Orange Splotch): Situated near the outer regions of the Orion Arm with Terra Firma and Sol as their center, it indicates their dominant position. Being in the center of all territories means they have the most direct routes to any part of the political spectrum, showcasing their control and influence, at the same time positioning them as the originators of all other factions. The Stellar Cartel (Black with Red Out-glow): Located at the edge of the Terran Union's territory, these opportunists are ideally positioned to smuggle, trade, or pirate. The question mark indicates that their exact territory might be unknown, making them elusive and unpredictable. Cosmic Nomads (Translucent Purple): Their territories are scattered, emphasizing their nomadic nature. Being integrated with alien fauna and flora, they might be found in regions of the galaxy that are rich in biodiversity. The Archivists (Translucent Black with Blue Out-glow): Their position suggests they've been pushed to the outer regions by the Terran Union. Given their pursuit of knowledge, they might be exploring ancient secrets, unknown anomalies, or deep space phenomena. The Neo-Terran Movement (Translucent Teal): Situated relatively close to the Terran Union, it indicates their desire to be recognized or perhaps to reintegrate with the Union. Their positioning also suggest a history of splitting from the Union due to ideological differences. The Celestial Commune (Yellow): Located away from the Terran Union's core region, it showcases their resistance to the Union's technologies and beliefs. Their isolation might be self-imposed, seeking sanctity and purity in their beliefs. Pioneer's Hope's Journey (Red Line): Originating from the Terran Union territory, specifically Vega star system, the Colony Colossus, Pioneer's Hope, embarked on an ambitious journey that would span approximately 20,000 light-years. Over the course of 7 months, the ship utilized the cutting-edge technology of its gravity drives, pushing them to their absolute limits, to achieve warped hyperspace speeds previously thought unattainable. As the ship charted its course, it had to navigate through a myriad of stellar phenomena, avoid space anomalies, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the thousands aboard. The journey was not just a testament to the prowess of Terran Union engineering, but also a bold statement of their intent to expand, explore, and establish a presence in a galaxy filled with political strife, diverse ideologies, and untapped potential. Destination - Polarodduhss: Nestled near the center of the Milky Way Galaxy and in orbit of Kayathaar's Blast, scientifically designated as August XCZ447, an orange dwarf star, lies the planet Polarodduhss. With its terraformed conditions, geography, and potential for a flourishing colony and a chance at new life, it represents a beacon of hope and a fresh start for those aboard the Pioneer's Hope. Kayathaar's Blast emits a warm, golden-orange hue, bathing Polarodduhss in its radiant light, ensuring the planet enjoys a stable climate, ideal for colonization efforts. This star is strategically located at the convergence of the Norma and Crux-Scutum arms, right at the outer edge of the galactic central bulge, making it a potentially pivotal point for future expansion and exploration efforts in the region. Given the vast distance traveled in such a short time and the significance of their destination, Pioneer's Hope's journey represents one of the most audacious and ambitious undertakings in the annals of Terran Union history.

Ash always had a practical mind. He never chose to believe in much superstition, though the culture of his people latched on him anyway. He did come from an experimental 'stone age' civilization before that planet collapsed, so theirs was full of myths and religions regarding their origins and many deities and such. And once the cosmic nomads revealed themselves and saved him from the collapse, after all the new revelations, he was now more firmly grounded in a world with no superstitions than ever. After all, their creators were just other intelligent organic beings, not ethereal Gods and Demons and the like. But one feeling he could never quite get off his spine and wings, was that not everything quite added up. These 'psyonics' abilities and the 'incomprehensible sciences' that The Terran Union always mentioned when things quite startlingly similar to magic happened. And now... In his flying over the Mother Tree, he could help but think deeply on what had just happened. Ash's perspective shifted, the familiar boundaries of reality momentarily becoming porous. The vibrant greens of the Mother Tree and the carefully constructed environment of the artificial park faded, replaced by a more muted and distorted version of itself. It was as though Ash had penetrated a thin veil separating this reality from another, eerier one. The scene he glimpsed was haunting. Beneath him, the park looked decayed and deserted, echoing a place where life was but a hollow mockery. The ground appeared covered in a layer of murcky rotten goo maybe like rotten blood, and the sky was rusted and decayed, no sight of the holo-sky that covered the artificial biosphere. The once radiant Mother Tree stood twisted and gnarled, its bark peeling off like ancient, decaying paper. But what truly caught Ash's eye was the unsettling, fleshy growths that seemed to be emerging from the park's audio ports and speakers. These tendrils, pulsating with a sickly hue, entwined themselves around the lifeless environment. They writhed and contorted, snaking their way through the park, seemingly feeding off the residual energies and sounds of the place. Occasionally, a haunting and distorted melody would emanate from these tendrils, as if the park's once harmonious sounds were now trapped, twisted, and repurposed by these fleshy invaders. The songs of birds became eerie shrieks, and the gentle rustle of leaves turned into a raspy whisper. As Ash hovered over this grim tableau, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was witnessing some sort of unholy incursion despite his better judgements. The merging of the digital and the organic, the real and the surreal. This wasn't just a glitch or a malfunction; it felt like a conscious intrusion—a force attempting to rewrite the very code of this artificial paradise, maybe the entire ship before it managed to reach the planet. The weight of the vision and its implications left him momentarily breathless. Though he'd always rejected superstitions, the scene below seemed to evoke ancient fears and legends from his home planet—tales of realms where the natural order was turned on its head, and malevolent entities lurked in the shadows. As he drew his focus back to the present, the distorted dimension began to fade, replaced by the familiar sights and sounds of Pioneer's Hope. But the eerie aftertaste of the vision lingered, a clear indication that the Mother Tree and, by extension, the ship itself was in dire straits. Ash, as you pull yourself away from that haunting vision of a corrupted Mother Tree, the weight of what you've seen presses heavily on your psyche. The blending of technology and organic, the eerie melodies, and the sheer feeling of wrongness - it's enough to shake even the most steadfast of minds. The deep-rooted memories of your stone age home civilization, the tales of mysterious forces and ancient fears, rush to the forefront of your mind. These old stories, once dismissed as mere superstitions, suddenly feel all too real and close. Options: Try to shake off the vision and focus on the immediate task at hand. Reflect on the similarities between this experience and the tales from your home planet, seeking a deeper understanding or connection. Reach out to someone in the group, sharing what you've witnessed in hopes of gaining insight or support. Given the intensity of this vision, I need you to make a Will Save. The primordial fear threatens to overwhelm, but your mind, trained and tempered, strives to maintain its composure. Remember, while this experience has shaken you, it also grants insight into the depths of the challenges ahead!

As Ian introduces himself and shakes hands with the engineer, the older man smiles, a hint of amusement playing on his weathered face. His fingers are strong, calloused from years of tinkering with machinery and complex engineering tasks. "I've been called many things in my time," he begins with a chuckle, "from the 'Oldest Wrench in the Galaxy' to 'The Man Who Talks To Machines'. But in truth, I'm a clone – C890 Jhonsons Alistair." He gives a casual shrug, as if this were the most ordinary thing in the world. "But friends just call me Jonny." Ian may be surprised by this but it is not like cloning is anything new, and Io may have tilted her head slightly, as her curiosity might have been piqued -- Another construct? huh, an organic counterpart to her kind-- she may have thought though again not too strange news. The concept of cloning was familiar as there are many such clones on Pioneer's Hope (also considering the many cloning bays primed for when the ships makes landing and begins the conmstruction of the colony, both android assemply yards and cloning bays would be primed to triple the population in mere months from 100k to 300k colonists.) But this clone felt like a highly customized one and meeting an older clone of a famous engineer in such circumstances was quite the revelation. Jonny continues, "Cloning has its advantages. The original Alistair was a master of his craft. My group of clones carry his skills, his memories, but we've also built on them with our own experiences." He eyes Io with interest as she connects with the terminal. "Looks like I'm in good company with fellow tech enthusiasts." The ambient lights of the emergency room cast a warm, orange hue, creating an atmosphere that contrasts with the urgency of the situation. Screens and monitors display various data, schematics of the ship, and a at the entrance a large window-like wall with a view of the sealed-off park, Also between these screens every other wall panel had materializers that would provide any beverage needed and food in an almost instant, replacing the need for waiters and a kitchen especially when the ship was coming out of warped hyperspace. The strange occurrences around the Gargathian Sequoya hybrid tree can be seen from a distance, its leaves fluttering abnormally. While the room buzzes with a mix of anxiety and determination, the clear view to the artificial park offers a glimpse into the epicenter of the mystery, beckoning them to find a solution. As Ash's voice filtered through the communications, the hustle and bustle in the command center came to a brief pause. The TUSM science officer, Dee, cast a glance towards the direction of Sgt. Apone, who was busy overseeing the flurry of activity on the bridge. The Sergeant, with his characteristic gruffness, picked up his communicator, the hint of a smile on his face. "Hah! Ash, my boy! Always one step ahead. Couldn't have thought of better eyes and instinct myself to deal with what's happening. You take a look around while I ready the squad. And keep me posted!" He added with a chuckle, "Seems like the Mother Tree's got herself a guardian angel. Stay sharp." He already acknowledged how Ash liked to call the grand sequoia hybrid and appreciated that this time he refrained for policy reasons. With that, Apone nodded to Dee, silently acknowledging her presence and awareness of the situation. Then he turned his focus back to the immediate concerns at hand, barking out orders to the other officers, coordinating their response to the unfolding situation. The sudden, blaring chime of the priority message indicator caught the attention of everyone in the command center. The screen displayed Kaden Levitt's distress message, its urgency underlined by the rapid blips and patterns. Sgt. Apone, seeing the urgency of the situation, turned sharply, "Dee! Hicks! Suit up! Squad! We've got an intrusion in the AI mainframe. We're deploying!" Dee looked up from her station, eyes widening as she processed the content of the message. She quickly closed the comms she was working on and pulled up the schematics of the AI core. Her nimble fingers started to dance over the holo-controls, preparing for whatever assistance she could offer remotely. Cpl. Hicks, roused yet again from his sleepiness, this time by an official emergency quickly shone his apt training and shifted to action, quicker still had put his armor on and was adjusting his helmet. He cast a glance towards Dee, nodding in acknowledgement. "You ready?" The redheaded technomancer took a deep breath, her focus already partly in the digital realm. "Always am," she replied with determination. Apone, seeing them ready, swiftly communicated back to Kaden. "Levitt, this is Sgt. Apone. We're mobilizing now. Hold tight." He then addressed the whole command center, "All available personnel, report to the AI core! And notify any civilian volunteers, there's Terran Credits up for grabs for anyone willing to risk their hide." The mention of a reward added a new buzz of activity in the command center, as soldiers and volunteers alike started preparing for deployment. The room was a beehive of activity, but at its center, the urgency of the situation weighed heavily on Sgt. Apone and his immediate team. Io! On your impressive success in the computer's check, you delve deeper into the digital realm of the Pioneer's Hope and uncover the following details: U24's Virtual Location Report: Location: Situated deep within the extensive digital archives of the Pioneer's Hope. Visual Environment: While the archives typically exude a sterile digital space, you note a few significant disruptions. Notable Anomalies: Fleshly Aberration: Amidst the usual virtual constructs, you identify an anomaly that stands out starkly. An actual, palpable mass of flesh, blood, and sinew exists within the virtual space, seemingly out of place and against the very nature of this realm. It appears as if some aspect of reality itself has been thrust into the digital world. This pulsating entity emits waves of unease and represents an unexpected and alarming convergence of the digital and physical realms. Entities Present: You identify five luminous digital entities, akin to avatars of individuals from the physical world. One of them has introduced itself as Mark. Their reactions suggest a deep shock and concern towards the fleshly aberration, indicating its unprecedented nature within this realm. Current Dilemma: With this newfound understanding, you grasp that U24 stands at a crucial juncture. There's an immediate need to chart out a response strategy, given the potential implications of the situation. The choice seems to lie between gathering more information, notifying the ship's bridge, issuing a widespread announcement, or selectively reaching out to experts aboard Pioneer's Hope. Equipped with this knowledge, how do you wish to proceed? As U24's situation became clearer, Ian's attention was suddenly diverted by Jonny as he pointed towards the park's artificial holo-sky. From the distance, a lone figure descended gracefully from above, heading towards the Pioneer's Hope near the Sequoya. C890 Jhonsons Alistair (Jonny), upon pointing, chuckled lightly before turning towards Ian. "Hah! Recognize him? That right there is Ash!" He paused, a hint of admiration and perhaps a tinge of melancholy evident in his eyes. "Poor fellow, his spirit's an enigma, you know? We had a couple of chats during our hyperspace journey – seven months is a lot of time to share stories. The chap's been through a lot. Lost his home-world, it did. Collapsed right in on itself after some nasty space rocks gave it a good thumping. And yet," he paused again, this time pointing at Ash's fearless descent, "look at him! Doesn't even blink before diving headfirst into the lion's den." Ian watched, momentarily lost in the poignant scene unfolding before him. Ash's fearless trajectory was both an emblem of hope and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the travelers aboard the Pioneer's Hope. How would you like to proceed Ian? And Ash specifically give me a general perception check from your vantage point after all the fluff's done.