Re: A Pilgrimage into the Hydras' Lair

[Joe Joerson]

Zinat speaks.

"Indeed I am sure it can be, however I will speak of why I wished to talk with you. You must understand that Ulwa Information Services specializes as is in its name in information. What I believe we can offer you is essentially a role of a guide, as much as you wish to help meet your needs, in both types of navigation, of space and society. And what I believe you can offer us is again simple information, nothing compromising of course but general information that you can offer so that more Xengari might understand your own people and your temples."

Now speaking directly with him, his tone is a lot more serious than the rather salesman-like pitch he was in earlier.

[Mthis]

"That sounds reasonable..A guide throughout your space would be wise as i travel your stars and worlds in search of the thin veil between the planes of exsistance. I would appreciate such a thing. But what exactly in information would you like to know in return?"

[Joe Joerson]

As the conversation goes on Zinat continues the more serious tone, a small oddity considering how he spoke before.

"Anything that might be helpful, cultural information and other small things that might be gained would be valued but what I am asking for really are those locations where the veil is thin. As well if you would we would prefer that you do not inform other Corporations before at least your journey through Akreonic space is over."

[Mthis]

"I do not know where these areas would be, which is why i am exploring to find them, i will sense then when i am near" Ashepta however raised a brow at the mention of not to inform other Corporations "I am guessing buisness rivalry is big here?"

[Joe Joerson]

"Business rivalry is present among other concerns. However the locations are still highly valued, perhaps a reporting as they are found?"

Zinat has his side heads side onward to Ashepta in the Xengari position of intense interest. The 'Other concerns' might be an interesting subject given Zinat's avoidance of speaking of them.

[Mthis]

"What concerns exactly?" Ashepta tilts her head to the side before contiuing "And reporting on any findings could be arranged, we dont try to hide any thin veils that exsists between our Universe and the next"

[Joe Joerson]

Rather than answer the questions directly, Zinat asks one of his own.

"In Septhi space when these thin places are discovered, what happens?"

[Mthis]

"We simply record it and pray, and see if we receive a blessing or touch from the Gods, and bless us with some knowledge from beyond, we cant never quite now what comes from each veil."

[Joe Joerson]

"I see, I will explain. In the recent negotiations between our two governments your negotiators made rather flagrant display of your gods' gifts. This in turn caused a few scientific papers to be released by an apparent member of the Akreonic delegation to be published. While so far they have not caused major public interest I would not count this for long given some interest present in my own government. If this goes forward after discovery and proliferation of knowledge of these thin areas happens they will inevitably be closed off for study. There is a way to prevent this however it requires that you accept and abide by the deal, preventing proliferation of knowledge for our set up is crucial. I offer this information to you for free as an act of goodwill on behalf of Ulwa Information Services. I can understand if this might seem excessive or exaggerated, and it might be, however we are offering you a friendly guide through Akreonic space and all we ask in return is that you wait to tell others about your discoveries so that these thin areas may remain accessible for those who wish."

[Mthis]

"A guide would be appreciated indeed, but know i will report all these veils to the Temple back home, but i will ensure that you will get such locations within your society, now i cannot speak for what the High-Diviners and Seers of the Temple will do with the information."

[Joe Joerson]

"I suppose that is all I can ask of you in return. I would appreciated it if in addition to your reporting to your Temples that you mention these... ...concerns and probabilities from Ulwa Information Services, if they have to make a decision it would help them to have the information. Now if you agree to the previously outlined terms I can begin to help you as a guide."

If one knew Xengari society they would find Zinat's actions to be rather odd, considering the lack arrogant demand.

[Mthis]

"You as my guide? Fascinating, but appreciated. I know little of Xengar space, so i assume it is good ill have one to guide me through. And i shall remember to mention your concerns to the Temples..Now how shall we begin?" She bows again respectfully after talking.

[Joe Joerson]

Zinat folds a side head across his chest, although not seen he is amused at the repetition of the gesture.

"I believe the best way to begin is to teach you some general principles of how to act around Xengari, and other general things that will help you in most if not all situations."

[Mthis]

Ashepta nods slowly, looking at Zinat expectantly "Very well, shall we begin then? I eagerly await what you can teach me"

[Joe Joerson]

Zinat moves his heads slightly changing their respective elevations.

"You will generally need to act differently depending on the particular Xengar you speak with, however since it is impossible to account for all situations I will tell you general rules that should be overruled given the situation specifics. First, to not offend the wrong individuals it is better to give too much respect than too little, bow or give another gesture of respect to anyone you are introduced to or need to speak with. Second, when dealing with officials do not freely give information, play the part of a dumb alien, it is what they are expecting. Third, do not disrespect or respect robots more than which Xengari you are with, generally do not show respect to robots."

Zinat pauses, if one had the equipment they would notice a small transmission from Zinat to the robot, if one did not they would simply see the robot leaving the room, presumably to get something. This pause might also give Ashepta time to respond or to direct the information to another location of interest.

[Mthis]

Ashepta seems to nod and listens intently, keeping careful eye of detail on Zinats movements as he talks.

"I shall, i shall try to follow these instructions then..They expect my kind to not be of a worthy intellect?"

[Joe Joerson]

"They don't expect you to have no intelligence, they expect you to not understand theirs, so you act as though as you do not. Whether or not you actually will understand I do not presume to speak on."

Zinat's heads change elevation again, a smaller movement this time.

"Another piece of information you will need to remember: Corporate Code 10322112, it is the number needed to connect you with any Ulwa official should you require contact in an inhabited system. You are Customer Code 10026150, given those two pieces of information, the first to a Communications specialist, the second to an Ulwa Information Services official, you can get required assistance. If you are questioned by a Official, governmental or otherwise, tell them the Corporate Code. If you are questioned by less then complementary characters, you are under protection of the Ulwa Corporation, tell them this."

[Mthis]

Ashepta opens her wrist-computer, as a hologram flares to life, as she appears to start writing down by moving her fingers across the Hologram as it keeps shifting and adjusting, propably to write them down to remember them, in the Septhi Language.

"Thank you, that will prove most helpful, i myself do not where i should begin to search for a thinning part of the Veil in your Space however, as they tend to be featured around random locations on very few planets inbetween, so far however, all of them encountered has been on worlds which harbour life, naturally."

[Joe Joerson]

Zinat shifts his heads elevation all to a fairly high extended position as he speaks.

"Naturally."

It may occur to Ashepta that the previously stated information would 'freely give away information' and thus be something generally advised against doing in the future while in Xengari space, possibly raises questions as to whether Zinat's repetition was a reminder or simply polite agreement in a subject he likely has no information about.

Whether it occurs to her or not two robots, possibly one of them from before, come in seemingly effortlessly carrying a large table-like object, rounded in structure more like a flattened cone, however, its surface is of some as of yet unidentified material. There is what might be a control panel, suggesting that the table-cone is something more than a casual resting area. It is approximately a meter long at the top flattened area, the table-top, and somewhat wider at the base. As the robots come in they move towards a wall, removing a wall paneling in a motion clearly part of design, and begin setting up the device by attaching several thick-looking cables. Zinat moves towards the device, one of his side heads make a kind of 'come along' gesture in its slower movement.

[Mthis]

Ashepta eyes the robots and Zinat curiously after using her Wrist-Computer, then nods and goes to follow him, or at least 'come along' as he possibly gestures for.

"And what is this then?"

[Joe Joerson]

"This," Zinat replies as the robots finish setting up the device "is a display device, I will be using it to show you various locations that may be of importance during your journey."

Zinat then operates the panel apparently bringing up the display he had in mind. Soon the nature of the device is revealed as the surface of the 'table' on the flat top side moves upwards forming a three dimensional image of Xengari space showing stars, and some smaller representations that are clearly not to scale depictions of various planets around each star.

[Mthis]

Ashepta looks carefully on the images of Xengari space, and the planets involved.

"Any of these that support a very healthy and dense biosphere of animals? We have found that a large variety in wildlife tends to empower a thinning in the veil"

[Joe Joerson]

"Yes, three frontier-worlds, Kustomia, Cugrionia, and Promenides are fairly new in their colonization efforts, as well the newest Hearthworld, Tuplarvis, has a biosphere that is relatively untouched. Tuplarvis has a fully operational Spaceport, Cugrionia has a partially operational one while Kustomia and Promenides are focusing their allocated resources elsewhere, the government has other concerns."

[Mthis]

"If possibly, i would like to start my Pilgrimage on this new Hearthworld, Tuplarvis was it? With most facilities in place it could make a journey there easier."

[Joe Joerson]

"Indeed, a few statistics may be of use, first the population is likely to have exceeded one and a half billions given immigration a new census has not been released. This is a conservative estimate. Most of what settlement there is on Tuplarvis is focused on food production and so far has not heavily impacted the native biosphere."

As he speaks Zinat brings up a view of the planet Tuplarvis, the previous view rapidly dropping and reforming into the new image. A mostly green world covered in vegetation with many large lakes and rivers but only one major ocean. The primary settlement area is highlighted merged between the ocean and its coastline.

"As well you can see the settlement has not overly penetrated into the interior. Of course grav transit is available, allowing for your mission to be carried on in a reasonable manner. In addition I do not unduly wish to assume but I must ask what if any accommodations you had in mind or preferred."

[Mthis]

Ashepta smiles slightly before responding "My own ship will provide me with most of the accommodations i require, apart from nutrition, but i am sure such things can be procured on site."

[Joe Joerson]

"Indeed we are glad that you came so prepared. Arrangements can easily be made if you desire such quarters. As well if you require any provisions here or anywhere else while we guide you please feel free to ask such of any Ulwa Information Services employee. Are there any questions or concerns you have that I may be able to assist with?"

Zinat changes the elevation of his heads again, all to different levels of mid ranged elevations. Although no longer constantly moving his heads he is still at least fairly animated with them.

[Mthis]

"Well i am concerned on how strict my access will be, as i explore your worlds, as i can imagene i will be watched on the more populous worlds. Altough apart from that, i feel eager to begin my pilgrimage at large and see if there is a thinning in the veil"

[Joe Joerson]

Zinat begins changing the projection to an interface of sorts, much broader and likely displaying certain kinds of information. One head remains focused on the now personalized display, the Central head addresses Ashepta while the second minor head addresses the two still waiting robots. The speech from the one addressing the robots is not translated by the Xengar's translation devices, if done so would reveal an order to load certain newly transferred Ulwa Corporation supplies to his ship. His words to Ashepta:

"On Tuplarvis it shall likely work towards our favor, however on more populous worlds it will indeed be shallow waters for this venture. Likely on most worlds you will receive an 'honor guard' of several guardian robots, they shall service as surveillance, protection, service, and if necessary detainment or destruction. Please do not be alarmed, they would take the opportunity to try to restrict your travel, 'for your safety' of course. If you have any more questions or if you have any need for provisions we can answer those needs now. If not we can begin our venture."

[Mthis]

Ashepta nods lightly and bows her head briefly before speaking again, theres a hint of electricity running along her fur briefly. "Some provisions would be appreciated, would you have access to any sort of meat? My kin evolved as Hunters, and many of those traits for a predatory lifestyle remain."

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