[Aside] Unfound Destiny

A story of humanity coming back from the brink of extinction at the hands of a reptilians race of purifiers, and becoming the dominant force in the galaxy. Now, decades later, forces behind the scenes plunge the hard-won peace into civil war.
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Kai
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Re: [Aside] Unfound Destiny

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Destiny stopped dead in her tracks, and slowly turned around as Pollie spoke, unveiling her own plans and ideas about what the elder scientist was about to do, and, while she knew it was all bullshit, the time it would take to go through the proper board channels and get the correct approvals or dismissals needed to take control back from such a proposed excursion would more than likely be enough to cause this chance to pass by, and she couldn't allow that.

A forced smile accompanied a twitching eyebrow as the redhead listened to the last bit, knowing Pollie indeed had her corned, simply by threatening to use a policy that Destiny herself had put in place. Gritting her teeth, destiny muttered "Fine." she pulled out a small handheld device, which had no obvious buttons, controls, or a screen, and then tapped on the face of it in a specific rhythm, causing it to activate a project several small displays with various information or inputs, and then she handed the device to her junior. "You have the controls, then. Don't mess this up. that's access to all of my resources, you know, the ones that most of the members of the laboratory can't touch."

She then walked past Pollie in the opposite direction, shooting Uso a knowing glare to counter his smug look "ANd as her second, you'll need to get busy helping her prepare. But I'm coming along too, and neither of you can change that." after letting them both know her intentions, she picked up the small device that was projecting the star map, squeezed it and placed it in her pocket, and then strode to a display on the wall, observing for a moment before pulling a couple of the books out precise distances, and then twisting a small model of one of the first shaver-reactive elements that was ever discovered, a simple element that glowed brightly when placed within a shaver field. The display case glowed, and then began to slowly rumble, something working behind it.
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Kokuten
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Re: [Aside] Unfound Destiny

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Like a lamb in the eyes of a wolf, Pollie's stance faltered defensively as the larger, broader woman approached her. Uso could see the hands Dr. Kashevsky had tucked at the small of her back were shaking, but the countenance that Dr. Briggs received was that of cold calculation. Those faint lights behind the scan lines of her goggles looked down at the offered object before Pollie received the device respectfully. She didn't look at the Director, instead she observed the list of items that were available at this level of clearance.

State of the art scanning hardware, the EXCELSIOR receiver, which possessed material so fine that they could still pick apart the garbled transmissions of old earth.

Limited-access magitech, the experimental matter engine, a rod which had only been known as 'The Key', and other assorted artifacts that only someone like Dr. Briggs could understand. For now.

The Silicon Council, a set of A.I. of Destiny's creation that worked for her as her personal, encyclopedic knowledge seekers. Possessing the latest thought architecture that pushed the edge of the current industry.

And, most importantly, a set of ship classes that were docked in the City of Learning's small starport. The hardy Deimos-Class Surveyor, the nimble Phobos-Class Sampler/Grappler, the specialized Europa-Class Garden Ship. Not to mention, Destiny's own personnel, arcane vessel, which acted as her ferry to important events and finds.

Casually, Destiny had given her the key to the City of Learning, free run as Dr. Briggs had earned in her decades of service. It made Pollie feel small, but she didn't linger on it, she had taken on a great responsibility. For now, Destiny probably hated her for crushing what would have been a happy moment, a potential end to the longest search for the lost. She also chose not to think of her damaged, perhaps sundered friendship.

Instead she squared her shoulders.

There were three Deimos-Class Surveyors in dock, one was being refit for the upcoming Spring expedition to Hulabor XI. The two standing-by for departure were the Spark of Brilliance and the Hymn of the Future. She knew the Captain of the Spark of Brilliance, and the crew had returned five months ago from a six-month expedition in the Harkin cluster.

"Dr. Xiangjie, please settle matters in your department now. I need a list of specialists before the end of the day, suitable for this expedition," said Pollie, turning to look at the man now, the fire gone now. "R Building should have a few A.I. Theorists who would be willing to leave on short notice. I will leave the remainder to your discretion. Tell S Building Dr. Briggs needs their best security advisor, speak to Sergeant Hayes if you can. His team owes me a favor."

She listed one way, not paying much mind to the unknowable behavior of her boss. For a couple seconds, she considered saying something else. Something to Destiny, maybe something to Uso out of the realm of the professional. The urge passed as she pulled up the contact information for Spark of Brilliance's Captain.

"I will arrange matters in my own Department, but first, I will activate the Spark of Brilliance for service. Serial for the expedition is..." She waited for the response back from the internal lab database, "BLE-08327, I'll text it to you. It has an elevated access requirement, so don't hesitate to use it to get what you want for this, cost is not a factor, time is. Emphasize this. Thank you."

She looked ready to head out the door and get started, but she paused to watch Destiny getting into something into the wall of her office. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she watched for a moment, wondering what the connections were driving the mechanism.
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Re: [Aside] Unfound Destiny

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Once officially tapped for duties, Uso's ego visibly grew, and his posture somehow became more perfect and statuesque. "Certainly. Dr. Sheba Zaitsev will be ecstatic to join us." He paused to consider the rest and plotted a route between the offices. He could do it all virtually, but Uso was a people person, and he wanted to do this in person. He liked to see the excitement as he tapped these people for a thrilling mission. Once he'd done his thinking, just a brief four seconds, he nodded and made for the door. He had already put the meeting out of his mind, but paused with the door half-open and glanced over his shoulder.

The door slowly glided shut. "Dr. Briggs, isn't a secret shelf entrance a little passe at this level of play?" He was smiling, but it was reserved in comparison to his usual certainty. What could she possible want to hide from us? It was the kind of question that could hold a bold, cocksure man like Xiangjie in place.
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Re: [Aside] Unfound Destiny

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The display case pulled apart, as Destiny glanced back at the other two and smirked slightly. Alternating shelves pulled opposite directions of one another, sliding smoothly to either side to reveal not a secret passage but rather a small storage chamber. As it opened, the chamber revealed in the center a well-worn set of Terran body armor, a special model for combat scouts falling somewhere between the old Spec-Ops eidolon and the heavy-duty Savior armor favored by the Marines during the Drathonian war. Flanking the suit were several racks of weapons, showcasing everything from Gauss and plasma rifles to pistols and even grenades and what appeared to be a satchel of plastic explosives.

"I always like to be prepared, and when He is involved I can almost guarantee that we're going to need some of this, even if just to subdue him if necessary," their director explained, striding forward and picking up a pair of pistol-shaped objects, taking them carefully and handing one to each of the researchers before her. "These belonged to my Mentor, Dr. Plutanovicz" she said, handing a smooth, black pistol to Pollie, and an angular white one to Uso.

"The black one is Ruin, it has the capability to destroy almost any substance, and its power is based on its wielder's will. The White is Forge, and it can be used to create anything the user needs, but it is based on its wielder's belief." She looked to each of the other researchers in turn as she explained. "Istvan could not make them work, nor could I, but we were able to get them to function with some special users during the Drathonian war, so I know they work. I have a feeling that the two of you will be able to make much better use of these than my storage locker can."

That finished, she turned to the storage once more, pulling a much used but lovingly cared for Gauss Utility Rifle from its rack, as well as a mid-sized plasma pistol, which she placed in the armor's hip holster. that finished, the armor and its rack came off the wall, the wheeled rack being pushed ahead of the trio as the tall redheaded researcher pushed forward to make her way to the ship that Pollie had decided was needed for their expedition.
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Re: [Aside] Unfound Destiny

Post by Mr. Blackbird Lore »

As he was handed what Uso initially mistook for a firearm, he stared almost uncomprehending. For all his swagger, the man had never held a weapon such as this. As it was explained, his disbelief only tripled in size. It could construct anything? The implications of that pound of steel in his hands obliterated at least thirteen theories regarding the nature of Shaver Fields and their effects on quantum particles- never mind objects visible with the naked eye.

The flood of emotions was nearly overwhelming. Anger surged at the idea that the leading scientist of the premier galactic scientific research lab had been hiding scientific discoveries and advancements! But it was in stiff competition with wonderment at the possibilities and depths of research this could take him to; the third competitor was sheer thrill at the idea of a high-stakes operation using next-gen tech in a warzone.

Xiangjie took a visibly deep breath to master himself before looking up at Destiny. He seemed almost at a loss for words as several seconds passed. Almost.

He walked alongside Destiny. "Any other surprises?" It was as neutral as he could manage just then, but the mixture of anger and excitement percolated to his voice even so.
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Re: [Aside] Unfound Destiny

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The sleek, ebony pistol fit neatly into the kepari's hand, so much so that Pollie hadn't realized she was holding it until Destiny had turned around. Her goggle eyes came down to the smooth, appealing object in a slow tilt; there was almost a feminine allure to Ruin, the curves drawing in the eyes with a mystifying workmanship.

The armory had been enough to work up her nerves, but this was something else entirely.

It could destroy anything. Just what could that mean? Erasing mass entirely? Breaking apart molecules into nothing? Splitting apart molecular bonds until nothing remained? If the latter was true, just how destructive a weapon had Destiny just produced? Pollie's mind began to race at the implications of such misunderstood artifacts being employed without a great labor of scientific study.

Was this trust or whimsey? What was Destiny trying to do? All of these thoughts that filled Paula's mind immediately dumped out as her communicator started ringing loudly.

Baby, can you move it round the rhythm,
So we can get with 'em,


Pollie exploded into an embarrassed circus of juggled objects. Her singing communicator was furiously fished from her labcoat pocket and went flying. The pistol was lobbed haphazardly, spinning about as she desperately tried not to drop the tumbling comm.

Just a round get us a rock and roll round,
Just a downtown body body coming with a super-hottie--!


Her tail snatched up Ruin before it could clatter to the floor, while she pressed the comm to her ear, face red as a cherry.

"Captain Stromkirk! ... Yes. Yes, that is my expedition you're looking at."

The smallest of the competitors came up to Destiny's other flank, her tail brought the pistol over her shoulder.

"No, Captain, unfortunately I can't extend the date, the samples are very time sensitive. Doctor Xiangjie and myself are currently scrambling a research team. Dr. Briggs is pressing for results."

She gestured to the sleek, black tool pointedly, trying to get Destiny's attention.

"Yes, yes that Dr. Briggs, she is putting full-support for the expedition."

Even as she spoke, her face said 'What is this!?', as if Destiny had not already explained it.

"I'm sorry, Justine, I don't mean to cut you off, but we're going to the ship right now. Yes. Right now. Yes, she is."
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Re: [Aside] Unfound Destiny

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Responding first to Xiangjie as he asked verbally, Destiny was somewhat curt with the duo. "None of this equipment has been used in over fifty years, so who knows what cobwebs we might have to dust off before they work as intended," was her slightly cryptic reply, alluding not only to the two pistol-like tools she had given her researchers but also to her own equipment from her days as a Recon Scout in the United Terran Republic Marine Corps. "You have to believe them and master them or they'll never listen to you, and even then they might not. Meet me at the ship in half an hour," was all she gave them, brushing off Pollie's question as, honestly, Destiny herself wasn't entirely sure what the devices were.


*******************

At the appointed time, Destiny was found standing near the boarding ramp to the Spark of Brilliance, itself a relic from the Drathonian war era, a converted Iroquois-class scout cruiser that had been refitted with instrumentation and research facilities. her gear was already aboard the ship, stowed in one of the few rooms available, and the researcher herself was wearing an older version of the UGR's Marine uniform, modified to suit her purposes, though it was mostly covered by the lab coat that she continued to wear, the bright pure white of which contrasted starkly with the darker, drab camouflage pattern of the uniform.
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Re: [Aside] Unfound Destiny

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Justine Stromkirk had started her day like she started every sunrise, asleep. Ever since returning from the Harkin Cluster, Justine was on a nocturnal cycle, being a Sabeline, she had an aversion to diurnal cycles. Already she was in a sour mood from only getting a few hours of sleep, but the sun was making things worse. The guard had given her a weird look at the gate, looking disheveled, with dark circles under her eyes. Her normally blue skin had flushed a bit purple in places, but mostly in the face, which she hid behind a pair of sunglasses and her RSV Spark of Brilliance Captain's ball cap.

Even at the risk of looking like a mess, you did not keep Director Briggs waiting.

She had stopped at a vending machine for a liquid breakfast treat, getting a NOS for Two! Hemo Hippo. Just as she buried her fangs into the neck of the gummi-drink, Pollie went stamping on by with a tablet, a data chit, and a gun.

"Mngh!" Justine threw an arm out at Pollie as she went by, halfway through a drink of the gummi. Having been wrangled twice in one day, the Kepari through an exasperated look up at the tall sabeline.

"Justine! Oh good, you're here, Dr. Briggs is at the ship now, tell her I'll be there in a minute."

The shock was enough to loosen her grip, and enough for Pollie to escape down the hallway. "Thanks!"

Captain Stromkirk stood there, watching after the shrinking, small figure before she turned a corner. Sighing through her nose, a fist-sized, blood-filled hippo in her mouth, Justine went about making herself a bit more presentable on the way to the hangar.

----

The Deimos-Class surveyor. After serving on some of the finest ships in the UGR for eight years, Justine had been a bit deflated at the idea of taking command of a relic like the Spark of Brilliance. It had an illustrious history, much like the other converted ship-classes, Captains and crews that had pledged themselves to the pursuit of science and the great Dr. Plutanovich. They had thrown aside the turrets and torpedoes for surveying arms/extractors and sensor probes. The fighters that had filled the hangers were replaced with lab equipment and research drones. It was a rapid-deployment carrier turned all-purpose science vessel, and the hull was older than most people she knew.

Even so, she learned to love it in the last six years. The Spark of Brilliance was her baby now, and while the previous Captain had been himself a relic of Plutanovich's era, Justine was a Captain that guided the Spark under the new era, that of the Briggs's era. Now the eponymous woman was standing at the boarding ramp. Justine had known Admirals, dined with them in the Flag mess, and you came to know them well enough, they were all the same as her, officers trying to get by, make a name, and retire well.

These scientists were nothing like the officers of the UGR Fleet, they were all driven by different things, but Destiny was the hardest charging engine of all.

"Director," Justine smiled, leaving her sunglasses on, "I hope you've found your accommodations, Jordai is pretty good at getting a space cleared."
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Re: [Aside] Unfound Destiny

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"Thank you, Captain Stormkirk," Destiny replied to the Sabeline, donning what appeared to be an ordinary set of spectacles that she pulled from a pocket of her labcoat, and scanning the vessel before her, locating a small beacon she had placed in her luggage and mentally mapping her way into the room that they had been placed. "I Take it the first officer has been moved to an alternate cabin? It seems I have taken over theirs, though I had asked for an empty cabin, rather than taking someone else's." Dr Briggs sighed a bit, hoping she hadn't caused any issues by someone deciding on that room for her, but it was a problem for later.

"All that's left otherwise is to wait for your other guests and their equipment, I suppose." Destiny doffed and stowed the glasses and looked over the Spark Of Brilliance, the rather aged vessel reminding her of where it had all began, all those years ago. The redheaded scientist felt a bit of a special connection to the craft, as she had traveled in this very vessel during the war, under very different circumstances. "Do you know why I chose this ship to be part of the Briggs research fleet?" the scientist asked Justine. "I took her into battle with my comrades many a time during the Drathonian war, and the wars following. She wore the name UTR Valhalla back then, and many of her crew earned a permanent place their to bring us victory, if you were to ascribe to ancient Terran Mythology." She smirked, knowing the reason for the journey they were about to go on. "Perhaps, in her new life, she may help us bring one of them back."
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Re: [Aside] Unfound Destiny

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Destiny couldn't see Justine's eyes, but she could see the woman’s chest swell. This is what they talked about, this feeling, something that Captain Stromkirk hadn’t felt near as strong when she shook hands with the Admiral of 4th Fleet at her last promotion ceremony. Director Briggs radiated power and grace, which spoke to Justine’s sabeline roots, but also to her profession as a soldier. She wanted to answer the surandanian, but found herself at a loss for words.

This was the woman who led the City of Learning, who had lived a life more colored and vibrant than anyone could hope; Justine’s heart throbbed at the idea of what would bring a dragon like Destiny from her roost.

“The Spark is my girl, ma’am,” sharply answered the Captain, finally gaining the air for speech, “You’ll find that she’s more than capable in safe and dangerous vacuum, her crew ensures that. For that matter, don’t mind the accommodations, Jordai was happy to give us his spot. He and I will share quarters, as will Doctor Kashevski and Doctor Xiangjie, First Officer Jordai is currently coordinating the spaces for the additional security staff ”

“I’m sorry?” came an incredulous squeal at the doorway to the bay, Paula had entered with a roller bag and a precariously packed back-pack of hefty things. Her face was red as a cherry, as were her goggle eyes, “I’m sharing a room with Us— Doctor Xiangjie!? In my last expedition I had my own room.”

“In your last expedition, you were not traveling with Director Briggs aboard,” Justine answered, not taking her eyes off Destiny. “And we are all very happy to accommodate her.”

“I– Yo– You– I’m the expeditionary leader– I need my own space to reflect on the best decisions for this expedition and an appropriate atmosphere for study!” Paula argued, tamping up to the ship’s captain.

“You’ll find that easier with the expedition chief in your quarters,” added Justine icily, still a little sore about being called out of bed so early in her ‘morning’. Paula seemed to struggle to see why her friend was having a hard time with this, and she turned to the Director.

“Destiny, you might know better how to explain–...” the sudden plea washed up into a hoarse whimper, with color vanishing from her face and eyes. The kepari was not ready to address what she had done. “Fine. Fine. Wort! My equipment.”

WRRT.

A gargantuan form emerged from the shadows, the large shape of Wort, a simple golem that Pollie had managed to construct from ancient, alchemical notes. He was still a prototype, an aperture of hardened soil, reinforced by a titanium skeleton. In his stubby hands was a large crate stamped with ANOMALOUS MATERIALS DEPT. As Paula went up the ramp of the Spark of Destiny, Wort followed as well, the round space that accounted for his head banging on the hatch.

Wrrt. The golem rubbed its head.
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