[The Ascendency of the Lost Shards] A Lost Hope Returns

Ikki showed the large ring around his neck, a torc of unified action shared with his solar mate, allow communication and sharing of thoughts between the two.


"You will definitely know if something has gone wrong."
 
"Once we land, the primary work of Navigation will be to begin mapping our new surroundings." Ayame pauses. "As you know, many Terrestrials possess a little mortal or elemental ancestry." She says this a lower tone, like someone acknowledging an embarrassing family secret. "Those with less illustrious family lines can usually pass for mortal. I would humbly suggest that someone from our department accompany each scouting party, in order to bring back detailed charts of local geography, and how it has changed."
 
Aurelia blinked and then nodded to Ikki. Sometimes she forgot not everyone shared her reservations about things resembling slave collars.
 
Souren smiles and looks at the Dragon blooded, "Ayame, I believe you just nominated yourself as representative of the Navigation Department for this first expedition, I suggest you leave someone in charge for your absence and get ready for departure, unless there are any objections?"
 
The Bosun nods tapping a few keys. "Well we have good news about staying in contact. One of the science departments took your worlds radios as inspiration for these." Passing out a series of Starmetal and jade boxes that have an accompanying ear piece attached to them. They have multiple channels and are meant for shorter range transmissions. We've installed them in all the armor as well. We also have many larger units capable of transmitting across creation."


Placing the radios aside. "We've sent orders for provisions and a unit of non dragon blooded soldiers to make ready. They will leave their armor in a cache egg one will be carrying and wear mortal armor. I've also sent orders down to take the rest of the non critically sky chariots to be sent out on recon. If my lords or ladies wish to accompany any of them it is their will. I am also sending orders for the Kami Skimmers to start mapping out the immediate environs."
 
"That's some good news. Well Good to have you come along, Ayame. Hopefully we would quickly figure out the situation." As the clothes that Ikki was wearing changed to be a little more mundane. This reminded him of his early days, before he exalted, this was such a long time ago.

1m to change back into my human shape of course only thing changed were my clothes with plumage mastery knack.
 
Ayame blinks. She had not expected this; senior Dragon-Blooded rarely get to accompany landing parties -- their presence is too critical aboard ship, especially since their Celestial Excellencies, the Lord and Lady Department Heads have the right to join any expeditions which catch their fancy, and usually do.


But she is a Department Head now. And it would never occur to her to object to a "suggestion" from a Celestial Exalt.


"Very good, my lord. I'll give the necessary orders at once."


Even as she speaks she feels an unanticipated sense of excitement. Even in its sadly reduced state, this is still the legendary homeworld of her forebears...and she'll be the first of her line to set foot there again after three hundred years.


Three hundred years for us, much longer for them.
 
"Very well, I'll proceed to the hangar, Ayame, Ikki" Souren's habit of calling everyone by their first name despite status or age is present once again. "I'll meet you there when you are ready" He respectfully nods the other crew members and proceeds to leave the room.
 
"I'll see you in the hangar then. I'm planning on traveling light." As he twirled his wrackstaff and headed toward the hangar.
 
Lycurgus grunted and nodded to Aurelia. "The Unconquered Sun grant good luck to you three and your escort. Meanwhile... I'm going to remain and oversee repairs."
 
"Yes, go well and may success greet your every effort."


Her appearance was a barrier to remaining hidden. Her skills were unsuited in a hunt for resources. She could not even pretend to organize a search for medical supplies in this cold corner of her new home. Even if she wanted to see Creation with her own eyes, it would be best if she remained with the Enterprise and waited for the reports. Aurelia's face did not show it, but she felt a bit ill at this realization and a very deep wish that the situation was not as grim as the signs pointed.


If the Deliberative was in power, she would only need explain herself once, or a few times. Her position as a Solar would give freedom of movement and demand acceptance, and so as a result the asari would face little difficulties here. Now, if the Deliberative was in a civil war, it could end up worst than any first contacts. In those situations, the slate was clean of bad political connections.
 
As the meeting wraps up the Bosun goes about shutting the ship down. Allowing them to use what materials they have on hand to repair critical systems without worry of the sheath. The area around the ship is quickly flattened and trees taken to make a frame work for ease of work. Warstriders along with groups of soldiers in power armor patrol the environ even as Skimmers fly overhead.


The next day the Infinite chariots flew off seeking both ore and manses/demanses. Aboard the ship it is a controlled chaos as the people do what they can.


(@Teki) Later in the day a younger Dragon Blooded approaches you. You recognize him as one of the lance leads. A promising Fire aspect who will likely climb the ranks if he survives. "My Lord may I request a moment of your time?" After you give an inclination that he may do so. "My lady I was talking with one of the sorcery adepts and had an idea. The first is likely the easier and less short term risky of them. You see we were wondering if it would be possible to conjure up some elementals to aid us. Specifically some earth ones. They should be overtly neutral in any wars as the mandate demands and we can always oath bind them to keep our presence hidden. We have the rites written down and some of the older Brothers can cast the spells still."


(@BA) One of the Five fold leaders snaps a salute at you. "My Lord I was wondering if I can get permission to start erecting some fortifications and start making this area into a bastion. We were not sure how light of a footprint you wish us to leave."
 
"What is the second and riskier option?" Aurelia would forever feel strange about this sort of thing. She had so little understanding of the rules of Creation, and was not even old enough to be a matron! Still, she knew enough that this was her destined position, so she'd fulfill her role as well as she could. If it meant listening to matters she was not fully suited to, she would do that so that the Dragon Blooded understood that she valued their opinion. At the moment, she was certain the terrestrial sorcery adepts had a much better grasp of what they wished to do and how they were doing it than she did.
 
(@Teki.) "Sending raiding parties at the Fae. If we can get some of the better shapers we can likely have them assist us."
 
"Indeed, that is riskier. This one doubts that captured fae would feel inclined to assist the Enterprise." She pondered for a moment, "While it would be an advantage to have shapers, the Enterprise needs no more animosity directed at it when it requires so many repairs. This one understands summoning elementals will cause no strife. Ah, even if they do not aid the Enterprise, perhaps they can grant us knowledge about the happenings here in Creation."
 
"Then if you wish to join us we will be summoning one forthwith. As the Eclipse we would have need of you to ensure their silence."
 
Ah, that explained why he came to speak with her about this, "This one would be glad to be of service."


Aurelia gestured for the dragon-blooded to lead on.
 
A bow to her as he leads you down and out of the ship. Talking into his communicator as he goes three other dragon blooded are waiting for you at the hatch. "I figure we can do it out of immediate area of the Enterprise. Just in case."


With that he'd lead you yo an area where the mighty ship would not be immediately in danger. A nod to the leader of the sorcerers to take over he'd start the spell. Even as that goes on another dragon blooded comes out with a chair and refreshments for you.


After a few hours a Jokun is summoned. The summoner bows to it. "Noble elemental we seek to find knowledge and to seek the riches of the land. I am calling you on behalf of my Lady." A gesture to you. "If it will not offend you I shall let the Lady Aurelia speak to you."


The tall earth man looks at you and inclines his head. "Lady Aurelia, you may call me Took."
 
Aurelia bowed in return, careful to show deep respect but not subservience, "This one is pleased to make the acquaintance of a being from the noble ground. It called in hopes of speaking and making an agreement with the splendid elementals of the earth."
 
"Agreements are better then bindings. What may I ask is it that you require." Settling down on the ground inside the circle.
 
Preferring to speak from the same level, Aurelia followed the elemental's lead and arranged herself upon the ground, "First, this one has been advised to ask for silence on this meeting and any agreed contact afterwards. It wishes for the safety of it and its compatriots and so wants no word of this group to spread. This is the most important to this one, so it will ask if great Took is willing to keep our existence a secret before continuing."
 
"This one wishes no harm on any. Only out of defense of self or others does it resort to violence." Aurelia let that settle before she continued, "After silence, this one requests information in two veins. One is knowledge about the great happens of Creation... it feels as though there are many important things that it is ignorant of. The other is on the location of magical materials that this one and its compatriots may use. Assistance in the gathering of said materials would be much appreciated, but it values the information more."


She allowed another pause for Took to contemplate what she asked for, "What is the value associated with these things?"
 
Jing took a deep breath in savoring creations essence. "You are all now lucky enough to stand on the solid ground of creation, and not only that but right on the cusp of its greatest direction." He looked over the young exalts who had joined him as he slowly paced in front of them.


"Now you will have seen the worry on a lot of peoples faces, some who have had centuries worth of experience more then you. Well I am here to tell you there is nothing to worry about for we are the chosen of Sun and Moon both, and when we set our minds to it nothing is beyond us." He then came to a stop facing them. "However it seems something is amiss here and while our scouts are gathering the information we need I am going to make sure you are ready for whatever comes next."


He walked over to a stand of wooden weapons he had provided and picked out a spear from among them. "Now I don't care how much raw power your opponent may have if they don't understand the basic principles they are fundamentally flawed, the same is true for you. So any questions while you are still able to form coherent sentences?" He said lightheartedly, keeping his own concerns hidden deep below the surface.
 
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