middleofsomewhere | Let's Get Down to Business

Let's Get Down to Business

Let's Get Down to Business

On day twenty two of the month of Llama a message comes up on the ICP's.

Voidtreckers have many questions about what happened on system #93426194992 and the entity that was encountered. Analysis shows that the entity on system #93426194992 was also present on systems #86525656412355 and #2207385.

Though it is not known what that entity is, it is clear that it possesses some level of mind influence and complex illusionary magic.

There is a void nexus on system #62138 inhabited by a religious order that, due to their close proximity to the void, employ mental techniques to help with such illusions.

We will be visiting system #62138 for three Days. The Voidtrecker express will remain with the Voidtreckers during this time and due to the nature of the void nexus it is highly advisable to sleep on board.

System #62138 is a wet world. All Voidtreckers will be safe but are advised to keep their SCAs on at all times. This should be the standard on all systems.

THE VOID NEXUS
From the windows of the Voidtrecker Express, passengers see the Void Nexus as a vast island surrounded by darkness, punctuated with rivets of colours running through the sky that casts a glow of blues and violets as they descend closer to the surface. The world faintly blurs the way one’s sight does when sinking into the depths of an ocean, the train manoeuvring around tall rocks that rise like digitates, a sea-green hue deepening over the rocky land outside.

The train doors open from each carriage, and luckily it’s not a flood that welcomes them but clammy air cool to the skin. They come out to a section of land sparse of more than tunicate-like plants under their feet, pools of silvery water otherwise sunk between small pathways that lead like bridges forward.

Which is likely their destination, a vast coral-like structure with a high opening awaiting them - and as they get closer, a being far taller than any of the Voidtrecker themselves.

ARRIVAL

They are met by a tall robed figure. First glance will show them to be a deep purple in colour with a domed head and long tentacles sprouting from their chin that sway slightly when they move. Still they nod deeply and their mouth moves into a shape that could be interpreted as a smile.

"Welcome to those of the VoidTrecker Express. Your arrival was foretold and we have awaited you. Please accept our hospitality."

They lead them onwards, explaining that outsiders are always welcome here but ask them to remain within the public parts of the temple. They further explain that their order is for the most part a silent one. There is no restriction on the voices of guests but they should not be insulted if the members of the order do not answer.

Once a small tour has been conducted the Voidtreckers are left to their own devices to train or explore as they see fit.

IT'S A TRAINING MONTAGE
Going through to the back of the temple will lead them outside once more, the gentle sound of falling water greeting them at what seems to be a distance. But yet - faint as it is to see, glistening in translucent silvers and pinks - the water is quite near and wide, spilling from the high mountain cliff that borders in an otherwise enclosed space. The pool takes up a large portion of this garden, of coral reef and circled stone pathways where every step must be considered, unless you’d like a surprise trip and dip.

Fortunately, the silver water here is light. Submerging yourself in it or sitting under its flow, you won’t find the hard rush of its weight over your heads and shoulders, and the same weightlessness follows you going under. You find that you can breathe and when you come away from the lake, your body and clothes are lightly damp at most.

Still, there is plenty of ground to walk along without going over the pool. However, the first steps of learning mental fortitude against illusionary obstacles will take you into...

[ MEDITATION. ] To combat irrationalities is to iron your own reactions to them. You are instructed to sit where you find it comfortable: those unused to mental training should keep to the shoreline, while the more intermediate may find taking the stone steps out to large limpet-shaped shells - sizeable to fit 3-4 people each - a better challenge. Those more daring should sit under the waterfall or to go into the water’s depths, where you at least don’t need to worry about breathing, or even getting that wet.

To get wet isn’t the purpose, fortunately. The purpose comes the moment you close your eyes - for as soon as you do, you feel. You sense. Some other, some thing, a presence your mind decides must be there. This sensation is lighter by the shore, but sitting above the water or submerging yourself inside it brings it stronger against you. In truth there is nothing there, no one but the other Voidtreckers, but the spell of the water - or is it the void within the water? - makes your brain think otherwise, logic not welcome company.

Being in groups can help ease the effects through the SCAs, but otherwise, true control comes down to yourself. Breaks are recommended, as there’s no point wearing down an already exhausted mind. Your mind is your defence. Strengthen it. Wield it as a weapon.

[ Combat. ]

Though not exactly what they are here for Voidtreckers will notice that this order of void worshipers train in a form of martial arts. They train outside, using the watery air as part of their movement. Training is done in large group sessions and without weapons. It has a strong focus of listening to the world around them and fighting in a way that makes them one with the world, using the environment to their advantage.

Even though that might not seem the most useful to people who won't be fighting in an environment such as this world, it is at least a good form of exercise.

Any voidtrecker who is curious is welcome to join in the training and those that show especial interest can take more specific lessons aimed at beginners.

TRAVELLING THE NEXUS
[ OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE. ] While the lake and surrounding temple will help to strengthen one’s mental defences with perseverance and training, there is more that can be done away from the temple, and the island is free to be explored. The Voidtrecker Express is stationed where it dropped everyone off, and returning to it will offer everyone a mental relief regardless of the levels of their ongoing training.

The marshland continues beyond the train, one route mostly made by the natural stone pillars that rise up from the ground like stalagmites. Higher cliffs can be climbed by those who wish to, if just for a higher view, curiosity, or privacy. From wherever you look, this island gives off the same impression as most of it already has: sea-like.

[ PLANTS. ] Underfoot, there is not earth-like grass or flowers, but seagrass, kelp, algae and more. They grow along the stone, idly waving as if submerged in water and pushed by unseen waves. Strange blue plants with purple-tipped tendrils will wiggle if touched, while at the higher levels, small bulbs of some kind cluster around the size of a fist. Types of plankton make the gnats of this nexus, too tiny most of the time to be noticed as more than dots to the eyes.

[ CREATURES. ] Also, don’t forget the fish. As tiny as a pinky finger, as big as a hand, the size of a human; they swim through the air, not particularly caring for the Voidtreckers, but also not looking to engage with them. The larger of the fish travel higher than the smaller, and those as big as whales farther up than even the taller cliffs can reach. For those that have any ideas of hunting, they will know - mysteriously, as if recalling the thought - that they should go for the larger fish, and not harm the younger, smaller ones. Those are tastier, after all.

[ STONE FOREST. ] Travel low or high, the way will take them to what appears to be a forest that spans across a large portion of the central island. But as the rest of the nexus is, this is no ordinary, woody land. Its trees are stone, coral, rising high and jagged, the water in the atmosphere denser in this jungle of rock. It turns the world a sea-green to move through, with plants and coral everywhere to be seen. The air denser, thicker, leaving small droplets of water on skin and clothes.

There are no real paths than the spaces between the ‘trees’, but there are guides to find your way to somewhere: pink jellyfish, or something of the sort floating around. They are the shiri as the monks call them, and looking upon them will tell you they will help you find where you need to go, that they will aid you if you get lost and think of them. And for those whose thoughts lean such a way, they will know that harming them will bring a greater injury to the individual who does so tenfold, and they will find no guidance at all on this nexus until they have repented.

Read: Enjoy being stuck on the train for the rest of the stay.

[ CONCH LAKE. ] For those less destructive, a short travel through the stone forest will lead them to a lake, with what can only be described as a conch shell gazebo accessible in its centre. Bubbles float up and around, balls of water made to linger by whatever strange force controls this place. They can be made to bounce away and around with a touch, and respond to being thrown as a ball might. Just, watch out: They like to burst at random, no matter the force used, scattering as tiny beads all over the air.

The water here is different from that around the temple, its colour more blue, but closer to aqua than what many are used to. Yet diving into it will have the similar properties that allows one to hold their breath for much longer than usual, and to move with an ease, like floating weightlessly. There’s no worry if they close their eyes here, a peace radiating from the pool; like a refuge from the trickery that lurks no matter where you are in this nexus.

Climbing out of the pool will have you damp, more appropriately soaked than the temple’s lake. There’s nothing like towels or a great way to dry off, but you can sit and hang around under the conch gazebo if you like.

Or perhaps messing around isn’t what brought you here, but the four iridescent slabs of stone that stand at intercardinal points at the edges of the lake, that speak of the Trials to the mind when you look upon them.

THE FOUR CAVERN TRIALS

There are four caverns, four trials, with each slab suggesting their test. Upon deciding where you will go, a shiri will come to guide your character through the forest to where the stone trees part, and a half an hour walk will lead Voidtreckers to a vesicular cavern.

You know as you approach the cave’s mouth that the shiri will guide you out if you need it, but they stay outside, leaving those searching for advanced training to journey on in themselves. Passengers descend, dots of light coming through the multiple holes above to illuminate the way as you go deeper into the cave.

And you won’t have to go far to find the crystals in any of the caverns, though there’s many pathways to go deeper in. Attacking the stones to break them won’t do much, but when you put your hand on one…

The illusions start, pulling in anyone nearby.

[ CAVE OF PERCEIVING. ]    Bend deceiving labyrinths into your own path.

What is real? What is not? This cave holds a large underground river flowing through it. The water is not too fast flowing or deep but it is cold enough to be a shock if anyone falls in.

Fall in they might for their task is to cross the river. The river is filled with stones large enough to hold a person as they cross. However not all of those stones are real, some are just illusions and if they step on the illusionary rocks they will fall through to the river below.

It is possible to get by on trial and error but the task will not be considered complete until they force their minds to see through the illusions are perceive the one true path.

[ CAVE OF ENDURANCE. ]    Wounds bleed and skin burns only to bodies that believe it.

This cave may differ between Voidtreckers. Sometimes it is a monster they must face or an environmental challenge to battle through.Perhaps the searing heat of a fire or the low altitude and freezing temperature of a mountain top. Perhaps a lizard with claws and teeth. The important part is not defeating the threat but to neutralise the damage. It's not real and the mind can overcome it.

All the caves are probably best faced in groups but this was especially so. They are unlikely to be able to make the damage unreal to start with and so there is likely to be a fight or struggle before they succeed.

[ CAVE OF HEART. ]    To accept crafted desires is to invite everlasting grief.

Here they are in a beautiful place. A meadow, a forest, a rocky beach. The weather is beautiful, not too hot not too cold. A little further in is something they want, something their heart yearns for.

They can't see it yet but they are sure they will, if only they go deeper into the grass, the trees, the water. It is there, just out of reach.

To pass this test they must walk away. Turn around and leave despite their heart calling to them to go deeper.

[ CAVE OF MIND. ]    Craft a weapon from your own vulnerabilities.

Fear does not have to be a weakness. The cave is filled with a lake and in the centre there is a bubble of water, it contains something they fear. They can't see it but they know it is there. Perhaps a person, a place, an object.

Facing a fear is one thing but this task asks for more than that. To accept the fear as part of them, to turn it into a strength to protect others.

This trial is the most personal and perhaps the most difficult. They must step into that space, knowing that they will face what they fear whilst also knowing that it won't be real and use that knowledge and acceptance to bring down the entire illusion, bubble, lake and all.

art sources: alien / landscapes / waterfall / caverns

OOC Information

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I am not," Elidibus answers in a matter of fact fashion. Well it's not like it's unusual on the train for someone not to be mortal, right? So it isn't really something the Ascian bothers to pause so Rich can dwell on.

"I am not familiar with this form of... beverage?" Elidibus shakes his head. Alchemy is something he can comprehend though. So an old formula for a drink which provided a means to nullify the computer's influence is at least a viable context.

Whether it worked is another matter. "Perhaps that is enough conversation for now. Your world seems to lack and particular impetus to train in the basics." Elidibus gestures at the practice weapons. "Though if you desire to apply yourself, it is simply a matter of gaining the skill and practice. Have you any preference in a style of combat?"

"I guess not a lot of people on the train are..." Rich does wave off that without a lot of concern. As far as he can see, Elidibus isn't like the SQUIP, so that's really the only thing he's worried about.

"Yeah, it's a beverage. Don't worry too much about it. It's weird even for people who live in worlds like mine." Rich still isn't sure how exactly it works, but he's not going to dwell on it.

...And he's going to try not to look disappointed about the evaluation of his world, even if he knows it's completely accurate. Instead, he shrugs and looks over at the weapons too.

"I've kind of been leaning towards martial arts? Hand to hand combat, or maybe using a staff, if anything. I don't want to really hurt anyone, but I want to protect people better, and knock out whatever is causing trouble."

A beverage then? One that's filed away for later reference and curiosity. But yes, Elidibus isn't the SQUIP. His drive and desire are undoubtedly different; and he intends no ill will for Rich. For the moment, the original offer he's made, to give training to individuals who seek it, can be taken at face value.

"...My words were not intended to criticize. On the contrary. The lack of impetus may suggest an enviable peace. Having not been to your world, I would not be in a position to say." It seems he caught Rich's disappointment.

"In comparison, a world of strife may have fewer pleasures and greater tragedy, for all it may provide the impetus to learn to better defend oneself from an early age. I do not think ill of your world. There are still those such as yourself who would seek to grow to the best of their limited ability."

Martial arts or staff, hm? Well there is a staff available amongst the weapons.

"The arts of a pugilist or a lancer would be best, then." Elidibus then offers thoughtfully, drawing back to the matter at hand. "Though you are likely better suited toward the former."

Spears do tend to have the bad habit of being pointy, sharp and deadly after all.

The SQUIP hadn't intended Rich ill will until the fire... but that's neither here nor there. Rich is wanting to learn to be stronger, and it seems this man is willing to offer help, even if Rich comes from such a relatively peaceful world.

"No! No, it's fine. I mean, it wasn't completely peaceful. There were a lot of fucked up things going on, but not a lot of teens are being drafted into armies or anything." Plus, the threat from the SQUIPs does appear to be over at the moment... though Rich does have to wonder what other cities have had kids made unwitting test subjects.

"I guess my world is more... bad shit just happening on the side lines. I'm not sure how to really help yet." But he still wants to, which means he does end up grabbing the staff and testing its weight in his hands.

"Yeah. Lancers involve stabbing, right? I wouldn't trust myself around pointy things."

"I see." A glimpse of the type of world that is, anyway. But it's more a polite acknowledgement of the added information. For the most part, that world has little impact on current matters other than the level of training Rich will need to go through.

Well, and whether or not the young man has it in him to actually fight with lives on the line. But that can be tested in the future.

Elidibus approaches and reaches for the staff, intending to take it from Rich's hands. "Skill is gained through training. And confidence in using those skills through experience." There is a short pause. "A pugilist uses their body as a weapon. Their armament protects their hands even as it enforces their strikes."

No staves, Rich. Sorry for your luck.

Rich looks a bit disappointed as the staff is taken away, though he manages to hold himself back from protesting so loudly. He knows he can be annoying, and he doesn't want to put off someone he's just met with that.

"So... what, do I get cool hand armour instead if I went with that direction in my training?" He thinks that sounds pretty badass! And still less life threatening than a spear... Unfortunately for Elidibus, Rich might be willing to fight, but he might be a bit idealistic in regards to what he'd actually do on the battlefield.

Yes, Rich. Cool hand armor. As a not specific example.

Elidibus isn't going to demand Rich fight to kill on the battlefield. But he will seek to teach Rich how to be effective in the battles he chooses to fight.

"You can look at it that way, yes." The man plants the end of the staff against the ground. "If you wish to use this however, a lancer's tactics will serve you better."

Edited 2021-07-14 23:07 (UTC)

"No, it's okay! I can try learning hand to hand first. If I'm really not good at it, maybe I'll try lancer tactics instead."

But he kind of doubts that would be the case. Rich knows he's good with his fists, even if he didn't use them to actually protect others before.

Arts of a pugilist it is. Though this decision brings another question that might worry Rich just a little.

"You mentioned earlier that you had no 'special ability'. Were you speaking hyperbole or is your world one which has lost touch with even the base methods of manipulating aether?"

Elidibus does tilt his head momentarily before quantifying the term with a few examples, "Magic, if you will. Or channeling of an inner energy?"

"Oh..." Rich looks hesitant for a short moment before he nods. "Yeah, there's no magic in my world, as far as I know. Channeling energy is something only like, new age people talk about. I know it's real in a lot of other places, but in mine, I don't think it is..."

Maybe he's being willingly naive, but he doubts a place with technology like SQUIPs would also have actual magic that belongs in a fantasy tale.

The worlds Elidibus knows have had an... interesting mix of magic and technology. One which might challenge Rich's perceptions of worlds with magic or 'fantasy'.

"What many know as the energy to craft spells or the energy to channel into martial skill, comes from the same source that I view as aether." The man raises a hand and points a couple of fingers toward Rich. "I've yet to see any not possessed of this energy and you are no exception. Think of it as your life force. Without it you would die. Yet all have a measure of reserves they may potentially use."

Elidibus pauses to study the young man. "Hm. It's likely your Star has simply fallen out of touch I see nothing which prevents you from learning how. Though it may take some time." The Ascian's expression grows somber and he fixes Rich with a strict gaze.

"I don't mind teaching you. Yet be certain of your desire to learn. I will not waste my time if you are not serious."

Rich's view of things has been challenged plenty by the people on the train. It's still hard to stop himself from thinking in tropes, as the massive nerd that he is, but he's still interested to learn more about these other worlds. He listens carefully to Elidibus' explanation, nodding seriously.

"So it's not explicitly magic... it's just power, channeled to do whatever you need it to do. And I haven't tapped into it, probably because I haven't had to, or something?" That sounds right. He is just a teenager, after all.

He feels his hands curl into fists, but he doesn't lash out with anger, but with focus and determination. If he has someone willing to teach him more than just the basics, he's not going to back down.

"I am serious! I'll do whatever it takes, as long as I can help people."

"Magic is just one of many names for its application," Elidibus offers with a nod. It's fine to call it magic. It's also fine to call it power to be shaped, it seems. "It is possible your Star's people lost their ability. Perhaps they never became aware of it. I'm not one to say."

Though it seemed there was some indication that people might have once been, by Rich's earlier words.

The Ascian just can't say one way or another, having never been to Rich's world. As Rich reinforces his determination, he is the recipient of a hard, soul-searching look; one that bespeaks not of the appearance of 20-something Elidibus holds, but of a being far, far older.

"Then I will attempt to teach you how to manipulate aether. Should you succeed, I will train you in combat you are most suited for."

And it will be a useful experiment for Elidibus; to see if someone not of their Star and without any equivalent ability can even be taught. Which may well be the Ascian's main objective.

If Rich had stood up at any point, Elidibus would point to the ground. "I will begin by seeing what happens when I channel my aether to you. I suggest you get comfortable."

Because it's very possible this will be far from comfortable.

"My star... you mean, like my world." That's a weirdly alien way to say that, but this guy seems pretty formal anyways, so Rich pretty much shakes it off. He's less inclined to ignore that piercing stare, though. It's one he'd expect from an authority figure, sure, but it seems... a little wiser, a little firmer... maybe a little more dangerous?

He's not sure where he got that idea, but he gets back on the ground as requested, his usual rebellious nature stifled as he examines the man in front of him, examining him.

"Okay. I'm ready," he finally says, after shaking his arms out and trying to make sure there isn't any tension in his form. "Hit me."

Someone with a youthful body but an elder's wisdom should be treated cautiously; respect or not aside. Having a sense for threats will do Rich good in train life.

Once Rich has settled, Elidibus raises his hand and then turns the palm toward the youth. Channeling aether to someone is a basic skill and he is capable of making sure it is not overpowering. But receiving 'extra' of something that is effectively life-force may well be disorienting at best.

But surely the excess would be felt even a little eventually, a sensation almost akin to something rushing through the veins-- only not veins which carry blood. Something else. Something unaccustomed to... receiving a direct channel of another's energy.

Whether or not the process itself is visible- even the mortals of Elidibus' world were capable of sensing an active channel- to the young man so far is not in question here.

It probably doesn't help either that Elidibus frowns a little during the process. "Hm." He limits the amount of aether channeled even further; "Do you feel it?"

If it should look like it overwhelms Rich too much or when the youth confirms he can, the Ascian will let the power taper off and end.

It takes a bit of time, long enough that Rich almost speaks up that he's not feeling anything...

The moment he opens his mouth, the world seems to twist, his vision wobbling a bit and something pounding in his head momentarily, like he was doing a handstand and righted himself too quickly. He has to blink a few times before the feeling passes, and then he's almost disappointed.

"I... I think that was it? I felt something..." It didn't feel great, but it'd be better if Rich could get a hold of it again. "I felt a little dizzy."

"Hm, I suppose that much was to be expected," What Elidibus had done is probably the spiritual equivalent of having Rich run a lap nonstop around the football field the day after getting up from a month-long strict bed-rest. "You are completely unaccustomed to this."

The thing about channeled aether though; it's still in Rich, ripe with potential to be utilized if only he knew how. While the topsy-turvy sensation of vertigo might fade a bit, there's a sense that it's still very much there, waiting for the youth to make one wrong move. Like turn his head. Or try to stand.

To Elidibus, Rich looks like a person who has too much aether and zero idea of how to control it. Overall, it's not a good place to be in for the teenager's well-being and the natural course of things will not provide the relief needed from the condition. Fortunately, the Ascian is skilled and never intended to let his new student suffer without cause.

Rich will feel a sudden rush of relief as Elidibus- who had not loosed his hold on the energy he'd channeled into the boy's body- withdrew most of the excess. A very small amount of it remains; something which might leave a lingering sensation but at least won't spiral out of control. I a few hours' time the natural flow of Rich's aether will restore itself.

"I've left a small fragment of my aether within you," Elidibus says as he drops his hand. "In time it will fade. We'll meet to do this once a day." A much smaller channeling than this test to start with that will be certain. "...Gradually I'll increase the amount until you no longer have these spells. We will see if you prove capable of awakening the ability."

As someone who pushes himself at the best of times, Rich knows just how it feels to be this exhausted. The nurses had nearly had to pin him down to stop him from running off once his casts had come off, and even when he first arrived here, he hadn't been much for bed rest while he was still healing.

The feeling mostly fades, but there's a bit of it still left, a spark just about to catch on dry grass.

He might have a lot of energy, but Elidibus is right that Rich's firey temper only makes him a candidate for something explosive. It's best to take baby steps with him. Rich sighs in relief and touches his chest, as if trying to prod for wherever the source of the dizzy spell was.

"Right! Okay, then I'll meet you tomorrow. I'm sure I'll get used to it!" Elidibus is counting on him to, right?

Counting on him or interested in seeing what happens. But Elidibus won't abuse Rich. As much as this is almost an academic exercise for him, he will pay Rich what was promised. Provided it all works.

"Yes. If something changes or your reaction doesn't fade, don't wait. Contact me immediately. Do not treat it as something you shouldn't trouble me over." The words are stern yet sincere. What he's doing, at the end of the day, is not something to be less than serious about.

"Don't worry. I'll let you know if it doesn't by tonight." Or he'll try to, anyways. He knows he's usually bad at reaching out, but if Elidibus specifically says to not worry about troubling him, Rich should at least follow that instruction.

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Let's Get Down to Business

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