The Arrival

[Xerin]

Name: Ash Race: Post-Human (Multi-animal Human Hybrid) Class: Soldier Fighting Style: Rover Occupation: Field Scout, Hunter, Security Reserve Theme: Colonist

HP: 11/11 SP: 8/8 KAC: 15 EAC: 14 SPD: 30 / FSPD: 30 Fort: 3 / Ref: 3 / Will: 3

Ash stared down upon the world as he zipped up and buckled the last bits of armor. Usually, he wasn't included in most of the day-to-day on the ship. His lack of technological knowledge and expertise meant that he'd get in the way, and since he wasn't formal security, he wasn't usually supposed to stick his nose in things. But now the situation seemed more intense than usual. The feel of the ship was... wrong. While the technology of the ship always made the living area feel wrong, it still had the hum of a creature. A heartbeat. And Ash was steadily getting used to the pulse of his new home. Something was wrong.

Ash's eyes went to the Mother Tree. He watched her branches hover over all the other plants, a mother guarding her children, and saw how she quivered. If the Mother Tree was nervous, then he should act. Walking over to a small stash of personal goods, Ash grabs his knife and gun, sheathing them just in case there was some form of conflict. Then with a quick turn and a couple of running steps Ash leaps off his perch. Ash's wings flared out against the artificial winds of the recycled air and he let himself fall forward, his wings keeping him from succumbing straight to gravity as he slowly fell forward but flew towards the Mother Tree. Twisting his wrist towards his face he taps a few commands into the small computer there, activating his communicator for the first time in days. "This is Ash, I'm in the Park area heading towards the M... Great Sequoya. I'm seeing signs of a disturbance. Please advise." He asks on coms as he continues towards the Great Sequoya, looking for whatever is disturbing her.

 

[taking option one, but using my communicator to get in contact]

Edited October 17, 2023 by Xerin (see edit history)

[Odeoron]

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 @Xerin give me a general perception check from your vantage point after all the fluff's done.

Edited October 17, 2023 by Odeoron (see edit history)

[Xerin]

Name: Ash Race: Post-Human (Multi-animal Human Hybrid) Class: Soldier Fighting Style: Rover Occupation: Field Scout, Hunter, Security Reserve Theme: Colonist

HP: 11/11 SP: 8/8 KAC: 15 EAC: 14 SPD: 30 / FSPD: 30 Fort: 3 / Ref: 3 / Will: 3

Ash's eyes catch Jonny pointing at him excitedly, with a slight twist of his tail and a lift of a wing, his flight path twists to give him a better view of all below him. He bends his knees and flaps up higher to be within the Mother Tree's reach, trying to see who or what is disturbing her as he feels the recycled air flutter through his fur and hair. There was trouble if Ian had responded so quickly and wanted him to show up.

After doing an initial reconnaissance, Ash brings his flight down towards the group that Ian has gathered, using a few last flaps of his wings to slow his descent enough to land with a light squat. His eyes go over the people Ian has brought and he gives them a brief nod while he tries to filter what he saw.

 

 

Edited October 17, 2023 by Xerin (see edit history)

[Odeoron]

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:

1. Try to shake off the vision and focus on the immediate task at hand.
2. Reflect on the similarities between this experience and the tales from your home planet, seeking a deeper understanding or connection.
3. 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!

Edited October 17, 2023 by Odeoron (see edit history)

[Starhawk]

 

Io

Android Mechanic 1 - HP 10/10 Stamina 7/7 Resolve 3/5

Theme.. way too romantic for an android.. or is it?

Io's connection to the console via her custom rig, is akin to a rope around her waist, while she plumbs the depths of the infinite sinkhole that has appeared in their midst. In the 'real, the nanite symbols on her right arm pulse and writhe with particular intensity.

"A haunted mainframe, ghosts in the machine", she thinks, knowing it sounds like poetic nonsense. This thought is translated into speech emanating from the console, through the techncial magic of her custom rig, the voice recognisable as her own to the two individuals she'd just met. Then what she is looking at they see also, via the console's holographics. Thus, they see the 'thing' that lurks in the virtual.

Clearly thinking out loud, she continues.

"Strong enough to punch a hole into this reality in the midst of a gravity jump, which if you think about it, is in many respects like bending the flat sheet of the galaxy like a sheet of paper, so that two points, distant on a flat plane, could be brought into contact. Whereupon, you take a sharp pencil and punch through both sheets, creating a tunnel, a tunnel with ragged ripped edges."

"It 'could' be that it's just coincidence that this thing is squatting in the digital archives, records of past events, and not you know life support, power systems, navigation. Then again, if its not then its location could be explained by whatever information is embedded in this particular portion of the archive. Here's hoping it's not looking for the skeleton of a child buried in the floor of the basement, metaphorically speaking."
 

"Not wishing to insert myself into whatever space the thing is currently occupying, I like the little things in life, like sunrises, foreplay, not, you know, dying, I shall instead proceed to the index and then from there to the data contiguous to, but not in contact to that which it is occupying. If I can discover what it is looking for, filling in the gaps of the jigsaw puzzle, I can perhaps infer its motive for being here."

"May you live in interesting times indeed."

And on that note, she is as good as her word, collating the data from the index for analysis, while also downloading it to different computer terminals across the ship.

Edited October 20, 2023 by Starhawk (see edit history)

[wwaugh]

Ian nods at Jonny's and Io's introductions, and sits back and watches as she takes control of the computer. His eyebrows rise as he wonders how she could possibly do that at just a touch.

Her right arm seems to be doing... something. I can see the light.

He was distracted from wondering about the details of what he was seeing when Jonny pointed towards the ceiling of the park and introduced a figure Ian couldn't yet see as "Ash." Ian looked up and saw a clearly post-human being turning in midair to view them as he flew towards the tree.

"Being willing to fly into the lion's den is admirable," Ian had to admit. "But there's a reason most don't do it. Is... he in there alone? Uh... is there some way we can get in there to offer him backup if he..." Ash turned back around and flew towards the group, apparently having seen whatever he felt he needed to see. "Never mind."

Ash landed, and... Ian could clearly see that something was weighing on him. "Are... are you okay?"

And then he was distracted by Io's voice thinking out loud from the terminal she was hacking.

"Haunted mainframe? Ghosts in the machine... uh, like... literally?"

Did... I study that, while I was trying to come to grips with my powers? I know I've read some old folklore on ghosts... do I remember anything on ghosts, or any sort of malign entities, that could exist in cyberspace?

Mysticism

Edited October 19, 2023 by wwaugh (see edit history)

[Odeoron]

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. @herastor 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.

[Odeoron]

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?

Edited October 20, 2023 by Odeoron (see edit history)

[herastor]

Unit 24

---

Lv. 1 SRO Cyberborn Technomancer

HP: 27/7 | Stam: 25/5

 

Stats & SavesSTR 10 +0
DEX 14 +2
CON 11 +0
INT 18 +4
WIS 10 +0
CHA 10 +0

Fort. +0
Ref. +2
Will +2 | SkillsComputers +9
Engineering +8
Life Science +8
Mysticism +4
Physical Science +8
Piloting +6
Profession (Data Analyst) +12
Sleight of Hand +6 | Spells1st: 3/3 | Per Use AbilitiesSpell Cache 1/1
AI-Empowered Boost 0/1
AI Companion 1/1

---

U24 stepped back from the growth cautiously. Every pulse from the this dimensional tumor rippled through the digital space, distorting the virtual air like a wave stirred water. Each heartbeat spewing more blood and bile.

 

"We should regroup," he stated clearly and decisively, pinging all of the newcomers, "Compare notes. We are facing a situation where a single set of observations or skills will not suffice."

 

U24 indicated a path to the closest safe zone his systems could find, which seemed to be courtessy of a being known as Io, and began heading in that direction.

 

"Based on my personal thoughts, I think we are encountering a lifeform of a higher dimensional order. Our three dimensional minds are trying to processes the appearance of a fourth dimensional being. Perhaps more than that. If the space it originates from manages to override ours, our minds and bodies will not survive..."

[Xerin]

Name: Ash Race: Post-Human (Multi-animal Human Hybrid) Class: Soldier Fighting Style: Rover Occupation: Field Scout, Hunter, Security Reserve Theme: Colonist

HP: 11/11 SP: 8/8 KAC: 15 EAC: 14 SPD: 30 / FSPD: 30 Fort: 3 / Ref: 3 / Will: 3

"I did not understand most of what you said... When I was instructed in the galactic common speech, they could only cover so much." Responds Ash as he follows after the others, his wings folded around him like a cloak. "But from what I do understand, I do think I agree. It feels as if I saw a shadow over this world, one that doesn't seem to approve of what it is attached to. Tearing at the body while terribly reflecting it at the same time."

"As I said before, I don't have the words for what is being seen here. But it was like seeing... a disease, a wasting sickness, holding onto a healthy body waiting to show its full wrath."

[Odeoron]

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.

[Whitehart09]

Stix

 

The small ferret man shrank in the face of the approaching shadow of himself. The darkness encroaching upon him not just with the environment but delving into his mind and very being.

The whole experience was quite surreal to Stix. His entire life had been one of freedom, laughter and ease. He never worried or was in a situation he couldn't escape from...until now. Stix focused down and tried to sway his mind from the impending doom.

Will Save

roll

[Odeoron]

Theme --> Colossal Trailer Music - Penumbra,

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 @Starhawk
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 --> SHIVERS - Modern Eerie Horror Music Mix

[Xerin]

Name: Ash Race: Post-Human (Multi-animal Human Hybrid) Class: Soldier Fighting Style: Rover Occupation: Field Scout, Hunter, Security Reserve Theme: Colonist

HP: 11/11 SP: 8/8 KAC: 15 EAC: 14 SPD: 30 / FSPD: 30 Fort: 3 / Ref: 3 / Will: 3

Ash could feel the sweat dripping and sliding through his fur as he stayed down here with the others. There was comfort being with others, even if he didn't understand what they were saying. He wanted to admonish himself for his cowardice, to have himself go and face the shadows. But how does one fight something that you weren't sure even existed? These ghosts, the essence of the dead, how does one challenge and kill something that has already died and come back? Ash shook his head, attempting to clear the fog and the dangers of these thoughts.

"Zhiyu Muqin... The healer from my home. She would state if we don't know the cause, listen to the symptoms. Heat... Fever was infection, liquid leaving the body meant there needed to be a purge. Trouble breathing meant issues with the air and lungs. Do minds, technology, and these Fool Cells, do they share a common trait? Something that a single source could be attacking in general?" To clarify, Ash is wondering if the systems and fuel cells are shielded from a wave length of energy that could also cause people to hallucinate.

Edited October 24, 2023 by Xerin (see edit history)

[wwaugh]

Ian takes a deep breath. "I don't think it's a ghost. I think we might all come to wish it was."

How much do I want the entire ship to know about how much I've researched the supernatural?

"... We've all heard at least a few ghost stories, right? I'm sure we've each heard one where a murder victim haunts his killer and drives the killer crazy so he confesses, or a guy takes something off a corpse and the corpse's disembodied spirit forces him to dispose of it (or just flat out kills the offender if he damaged the corpse while doing so.) But that's just it: the folk stories I remember hearing about ghosts actively interfering with the living are about ghosts trying to right some wrong that's preventing them from resting. Unless there was something terribly rotten at the core of this ship, I don't think a ghost would try to destroy it, much less with all hands still on board. And this widespread chaos doesn't seem to fit those stories, either; I'd think if a ghost was trying to right a wrong, it would either destroy whatever was preventing it from resting and let us deal with whatever consequences there might be, or focus on one specific area of the ship that we couldn't explore without coming face-to-face with whatever was disturbing their rest."

I have to be more specific. They need to know what I think we might be dealing with here. But how do I say it without sounding crazy?

"This sort of malevolent behavior... it feels like it's being done by something that was never human. Something that... wants to cause chaos and spread panic just because it wants to. I... I hesitate to use the word 'demon,' but... what other word fits?"

Edited October 24, 2023 by wwaugh
Pronoun consistency in last paragraph (see edit history)