Beyond 'X' Book IV & V latest post BK V ch 06 Pt 8 & 9 25th Mar '15 complete

[Paranoid66]

Sadly Part7 is not the Chapter part I really wanted to post here.

With the passage of time getting the better of me, I felt the need to get something out to keep this thread and the story alive. Anyway I put this hastily together from bits and pieces and for good or ill here it is.

I can only hope that the next one will arrive less painfully.

[stads]

lol getting a call from the evil overlord him self did not see that one comming nice twist

like the chapter hope more folows soon

[Snowship]

Yes it was nice to get a visit from Crimson, was the descision to have her more rational now that she's corporeal a plot-related one or a seeming natural progression with taking on a body again (it seems more of the former than the latter imo).

and for all his expressed discust, I'd not trust Tor not to betray MT when he's been around his brothers clone for a while.


keem em coming P66

[Paranoid66]

Thanks for the comments folks.

It was good to have Crimson speak although she did state one version of her case before when digital. The idea that she might be saner welded into more physical substance is an old concept in the story. How factual this is remains to be seen, it is certainly politically convenient for some people to believe it is a fact.

Funny thing is I believe I argued at one point that being digitally detached might make for more logical decisions. However cold logic could seem cruel and insane too. Is it logical for the powerful to care about disinfranchised underlings?

To me sanity is relative and hard to define. Plus I just like looking at all sides of the arguments.

[lichking21st]

Hey Paranoid... I haven't been here for a while... and nice to see you're still alive and posting .

Ever since Albion Prelude came out... The X series has taken a backseat for me, I really missed the old plot based X3:Reunion or even X:BTF.

And I got lost on your story somewhere >.>. With all the plots going on, I feel like I need to re read everything before I can continue on book 4.

My return to the forums is also partly motivated by a story I'm planning to do... whether I have enough motivation for it.....

Well, I have some heavy reading to do, I shall be with you again soon (so I think)

[Paranoid66]

Good luck with your story Lichking21st.

The posting of Beyond X is slowing down dreadfully as I have a lot less spare time at the moment plus I am finding keeping up with my own plot - such as it is - hard work too.

The old memory is not what it used to be so I forget what I have and have not written and posted.

Anyway posting part 8 today which to my annoyance fails to move anything along much.

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] [[Part 8]]

[Sadly too often ‘Memory Edit Cascades’ either take away more than is strictly necessary or leave bits behind that mentally itch and scratch. I was having second thoughts… had my earlier decision really been about diplomacy or was it just silly warrior bravado. Had I been foolishly attempting to demonstrate that I was not scared of her ‘Perdition’? ‘Crimson Entangled’ was bound to know that I was afraid. How could I not be terrified of the widespread nanotech plague?]

“I am disappointed.” [‘Tools’ announced bringing my attention back from dark musings on the recent past into the current challenges of the moment.]

“Pray tell me why?” [I replied such language seemed appropriate to the Temple setting.]

“Some ‘Omerta’ Pirate hunting and unsafe technology interdicting sounded fun.” [‘Tools’ bemoaned.] “I was even willing to overlook that it might be more realistically labelled as unsafe technology procurement by some people.” [She added pointedly.]

[My ‘Bio-mechanical’ Avatar’s body glowed yellow as if amused to hide my concerns. I had neglected to factor in that ‘Tools’ was still an active member of the now covert ‘Interdiction Fleet’. Although some commentators argued that ‘IF’ was more of a self-help support network than an actual physical war fleet police force these days, the technically disbanded institution still operated in the background to fulfil its old remit if in increasingly peculiar ways.]

“One need not chase down every felon.” [I stated.]

“I would not expect him to give himself up.” [She replied.]

“Nonetheless I believe, in good time, he will come to us.” [I replied confidently.]

“You think he will return to the scene of the crime against his sibling.” [‘Tools’ suggested.]

“The Clone must reclaim his brother after he secures his ship to feel whole again. Gaining ‘Tor’s’ acceptance, as his closest living relative is likely to become ‘Taard’s’ next obsession. The need to be reunited with his kinsman will burn in him like an unholy fire I believe he will move swiftly to do this once he has regaining mastery of his ‘Foul Wind’.” [I replied.]

[‘Tools’ hissed out a ‘Recycler’ style laugh.]

“As a - mostly - vegetarian I know it is not always easy to gain mastery of one’s ‘Foul Wind’.” [She joked.] “Captain ‘Baast Taard’ of the ‘Foul Wind’, ‘Tor’ of the ‘Blow Hard’ how does anyone take these people seriously? Although Captain ‘Empty’ I suppose some other folk also enjoy having and using silly labels.” [She added.]

“Listen to you - ‘Tools’ - is hardly urbane.” [I replied.]

“‘Tools’ is just the common name I took for common usage amongst the digitally unsophisticated.” [She jested.]

[I recalled discovering once that amongst themselves many ‘Recyclers’ had much longer names usually delivered to each other as a short ‘data-blast’.]

“Interestingly with Pirates I find the stupider the names are the more deadly the individuals behind them often tend to be. I have no idea why this rule proves true.” [I added.]

“Even the most ordinary pirates tend to be a bit odd. If you are planning to let ‘Baast Taard’ regain the resources of his ‘Foul Wind’ that seems a risky strategy.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“Using their names does make some sentences and even the speaker sound infantile. I imagine it amuses the Pirates to think of uptight authority figures having to post advisories such as, ‘be on the lookout for the ‘Foul Wind’ of Captain ‘Baast Taard’ known to be operating near your solar sector,’.” [I admitted.]

“Linguistic nonsense aside a Captain is far easier to handle when he or she is without his or her ship.” [‘Tools’ needlessly reminded me again given my nature.]

“Nonetheless, it is neater this way. Besides people who seemingly achieve all their immediate desires, tend to get overconfident and lax. To take this one alive for questioning and to capture his ship - as intact as possible - including its onboard data files requires less obvious means than an all guns blazing pursuit.” [I suggested.]

“Well that answers one of my questions I suppose.” [She said.]

“Speak on friend ‘Recycler’ I am all microphones.” [I replied.]

“I am concerned about all this portside leave you are granting. I wished you had talked to me about this ongoing event when it was just a proposal. I do not like it especially with the quick lifting of the quarantine. Guidelines state enforcement of an ‘Amber Quarantine’ until the ‘Petition Port’ involved gains full ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ member status. Something smells bad here.” [‘Tools’ said snorting loudly.]

“What can I say the lifting of the quarantine is official - I checked - and I am sure you did too? I can only assume they are processing this one vigorously and an acceptance of the petition itself is imminent.” [I said.]

“Making assumptions around the alteration of quarantine procedures that sounds very sensible of you.” [She said sarcastically.]

“I am but a lowly servant of the ‘Free Parliament’.” [I replied.]

“Of course you are.” [She retorted.]

“With the quarantine lifted, I had no reason to refuse shore leave when some of the crew made a request - you know how it is some news travels at the speed of ‘EXO-C’. Admittedly, I had not quite expected the sheer influx of demands to visit ‘Port Messenger’ that followed my initial acquiescence. However what else could I do after I set a precedent with the ‘Kraken Survivors’? I guess it is far longer than I realised since I last let the current crew loose at a potentially interesting port of call to have a little off duty fun.” [I claimed.]

[Was it more paranoia on my part or did ‘Tools’ really look that disbelieving.]

“There would have been other ports soon enough why this one?” [She asked.]

“Maybe it was all that talk of mutiny by ‘Tor’ that encouraged me to be generous with my people.” [I joked.]

[To my perception ‘Tools’ looked even more sceptical if that was possible.]

“I know you what are you up to?” [She asked.]

[I strove to appear mildly confused refusing to give it up turning it into a game.]

“Come on you cannot expect me to believe that you do not find this sudden dropping of the quarantine at least a bit suspicious especially since it happened in the wrong order in relation to the merger’s completion unless... Has the good Captain ‘Empty’ been playing under the counter politics with ‘Port Messenger’s’ quarantine period?” [‘Tools’ asked as if she knew the answer to her question already.]

“You know I normally do that kind of thing through you and your friends it is smoother and tidier that way. I fear this is just another sign that with the right encouragement the ‘Free Parliament’ is getting increasingly erratic in the implementation of some of their own previously strict recommendations. The enforcement of this administration’s policies is currently a mess with too many people taking far too many bribes from too many quarters.” [I reminded.]

“Bribing individual ‘Representatives’ is a useful tool against the ‘Free Parliament’ as a whole but I am not sure I like the idea of it being employed - by anyone - to forgo good quarantine procedures in cases such as this one.” [‘Tools’ remarked.]

“What do you mean by, ‘cases such as this one’? What makes this place so special to you?” [I asked.]

“That is a question I could easily ask you.” [‘Tools’ replied.]

“Why do you think I would want to squash the quarantine?” [I asked.]

“Why indeed?” [She paused as if gathering her thoughts.] “How about because it would allow you to better flood the station with seemingly off duty ‘MTC’ personnel for perhaps covert intelligence gathering or other sneaky operational purposes?” [‘Tools’ said adroitly.]

[The problem with long-term working relationships is that your employees sometimes get to know you too well luckily for me that truth worked both ways.]

“I thought you ‘Monitors’ only monitor - others do the unjust accusing.” [I replied.]

“Why are you hissing like a ruptured pipe?” [I added.]

“Please do you think I was hatched yesterday?” [‘Tools’ replied after finishing what I interpreted as a ‘Recycler’ snigger.]

“I suppose I should make allowances because you ‘Old One Recyclers’ are a bit paranoid about contagion. I know how historically you suffered from a famous viral attack long before the ‘Arising of Entanglement’ then had to fight off the ‘Conglomerate Sleepers’ infiltrations when your cure for ‘Drooshuu’s’ plague turned into another even worse disease but that was then and this is now.” [I said deliberately smugly.]

[‘Tools’ snapped her over jaws at me.]

“Despite whatever it is you are up to down there you should still be aware that, that Port could have come in contact with anything out in the ‘Dark’ up to and including godlike ‘Highest Tier’ entities. Contact with the ‘Highest’ by the way might neatly explain the odd spread of the ‘New Helper Faith’ amongst such unlikely converts as the ‘Free Stellar’ that I have been hearing so much about.” [She reminded.]

[I roared out a rumbling Paradox Priest speaker laugh.] “You think ‘Port Messenger’ is a ‘God’s Port’?” [I mocked.] “The ‘Recyclers’ and ‘Free Stellar’ below us despite some quirks from their isolation do not come across as people under the influence of divine thraldom as popularised in some modern dark fiction such as the ‘Babel Tower’ or enslaved to holy rapture as portrayed in the ‘Home of the Highest’ mini-series. Finally, if I am any judge of character they are not manufactured individuals created and programmed from a few cells upward as window dressings to hide the presence of one or more greater powers at work and play as was the case in the strangely award-winning short story by the ‘Omerta’ author ‘Midas Skipper’. You know the already quite infamous one - because of its utterly gratuitous shall we say mixed species relations scenes.”

“Who in the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ by now has not heard about the colourful ‘Tier Nine Homunculus’ by ‘Mistress Skipper’?” [She asked.]

“Know about - according to my records you have it on file in several formats and regularly gain amusement by replaying snippets from the audio-book.” [I stated.]

“What goes on in my own stateroom should be private even if it is just another part of your ‘Living Hull’ body.” [‘Tools’ added.] “My remit is to ‘Monitor’ you - yours is not to watch me.”

“Actually for health and safety reasons I am obliged to know where everyone is onboard me and what they are doing at all times.” [I reminded.] “These days we all live our lives under constant surveillance your job is proof of that.”

“Stop changing the subject. All I can say is that truly you Paradox Priests must have special powers of perception… I would not claim to be able to tell the difference between something truly real and some ‘Highest Tier’ manufactured simulacrums or Avatars and yes I am a trained ‘Monitor’ which means that intelligent professional ethical observation is what I do most days for a living.” [She reminded sarcastically.]

“You mean when you are not listening to dodgy literature.” [I said booming out another roar.]

“I replayed a few snippets to amuse some friends. You can rumble away there Captain ‘Empty’, but I find nothing derisible about spreading my interest in popular literature - it did win awards. Whilst even you must admit that the ‘Highest’ according to all reports were always subtle beyond reasonable measure consider ‘Composure’ and his purposes in engendering Captain Harbinger here in ‘Heartland Space’ are you so sure today that you understand every why and wherefore of that deed. Recently I am not so sure that I do.” [‘Tools’ confessed.]

“Still fascinated by my former Captain’s genesis and adventures?” [I asked.]

“He was / is a fascinating person. Paradox can be hard to define with your many truths. I find Harbinger even harder to completely comprehend than many of his equally shrouded contemporaries; his seemingly endless slumber is especially intriguing.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“Maybe that is because you see a living legend and not a person.” [I replied.]

“All I am saying is that in the end, most of us are just ignorant limited mortals. Even the abandonment of the ‘Highest Tiers’ is shrouded in mystery and subject to wild speculation. Did they go beyond the ‘ES’ somehow or are they here amongst us? Truly all the obvious questions have generated a lot of fantastical fiction but that does not mean something odd and fantastical is not going on as we speak and possibly all around us.” [‘Tools’ said eyeing my current décor with suspicion it was still that faux ancient Paranid style stone temple replete with holy fires and so on. Perhaps I should have changed it to something less imposing less grandiose and less religious.]

“I am sure there is nothing going on as odd as some of the scenes in that audio-book. Seriously that is not what a ‘Prime Tri-optic’ was ever supposed to be used for.” [I stated.] “Ones optics would never feel clean again. Winning a literary award seems to be easy these days if you are willing to be filthy and controversial the price of officialdom repression of some literature being ‘Black Market’ smut.”

“I thought it was rather funny.” [‘Tools’ said.] “I enjoy a bit of irreverent humour.”

“It is funny in places still some people get a little confused between fact and fiction even when there is an advisory on the cover.” [I said.] “Besides what did those actions have to do with the thin plot?”

“Life is not a plot life is about all the other stuff that goes on in the background including relationships.” [‘Tools’ suggested.]

“I would hardly call those encounters relationships.” [I replied primly.]

“As a ‘Living Hull’ you are hardly an expert on this topic.” [‘Tools’ replied.] “Anyway those bits could have been allegories for just how - messed up - some of the characters ended up being due to their accidental stay at a ‘God’s Port’. I mean behind all the naughtiness in the story is a serious message about not err - you knowing around with - the ‘Highest Tiers’. Sometimes I think I preferred the old system of tech level segregation.” [She added.]

[As a member of the ‘Interdiction Fleet’, she would.]

“The idea of almost omnipotent invisible powers surrounding us sometimes makes my scales itch - I mean even the idea of benevolent ‘New Helpers’ watching over us is a bit intrusive.” [She said.]

“That is so funny coming from a ‘FP Monitor’ even a turned and technically corrupt one.” [I said.]

“I am not corrupt.” [She said sounding genuinely offended.]

“Sorry poor choice of words I know you are a true patriot.” [I replied.]

[I failed to interpret the look she gave me that followed that statement.]

“In some ways, I would be happier if the overly advanced were proved departed leaving us to our own mistakes. Given some recent revelations and despite put on graces they sadly may be no wiser socially than we are but they have far mightier tools and weapons a daunting prospect.” [‘Tools’ complained.]

[Since the ‘Highest’ fled encroachment by ‘Perdition’ some people interpreted that action as proof that the ‘Highest Tiers’ were not infallible after all and had in fact made serious mistakes in the ways they chose to interact or in some instances not to interact with ‘Heartland Space’ in the past.]

“I did not realise the ‘Highest’ bothered you this much. Who amongst us is truly mortal today almost all of us use cellular rejuvenating nanotechnology and even if we die if we wish it to be so we can be reborn? The truth is we are all ascending to new heights if at slightly different paces.” [I suggested.]

“Compared to ancient ‘Highest Tier’ denizens we remain technological infants. I am sure the ‘Highest’ could have defeated the plague of the ‘Entanglement’ if they had truly wanted to but such a show of raw overt might is not their way. When the ‘Tiers’ began falling to the spread of ‘Perdition’ the ‘Highest’ did not rush to reveal themselves with fiery swords in extruded limbs in open battle with ‘Crimson’, they went dark and disappeared with hindsight I suppose that is one small mercy to be thankful for.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“A heavenly intervention resulting in the elimination of ‘Perdition’ as a future threat to our security has no merit for you whatsoever, I find that hard to believe.” [I said.]

“With hindsight the only thing scarier than hidden deities meddling a little with us covertly is the concept of great big actively rampaging ones demanding our worship and obedience for obvious services rendered. In some ways, we were all able to love the ‘Emissary’ - so very much - because she was kind enough to disappear and leave us to our own devices. It is my humble ‘Recycler’ opinion, having grown up under the shadow of the immortal ‘Sleepers’ and so on, that it is much easier to love and miss a deity who is not around than to appreciate one who is. The ‘Emissary’ was one smart lady she just brought us here then got to ‘Hell’s Maw’ out of our way.” [‘Tools’ said rather profoundly.]

“I assume you are not especially taken with the idea of the ‘New Helper Pantheon’ then?” [I asked.]

“So you might think but actually given our current position under ‘Perdition’ and so on, if the ‘Highest’ have not done us the favour of leaving this ‘Universal Sphere’, I would be happier for such a refined body as the ‘Pantheon’ to exist than if it did not. That is if the ‘New Helpers’ proved to be ‘Highest or Higher Tier’ benevolent individuals with an especially - light - touch. The former hope certainly beats them just being mysterious active interventionists playing with us like toys whilst serving their own incomprehensible ‘Deep Time’ remit linked say to an ancient rivalry with the ‘Machine Fury’ as might be the case. The idea that some ancient ‘Pilgrims’ elevated themselves with stolen sciences but perhaps not far enough to break free of this ‘Universal Sphere’ sealed and guarded as it is by the ‘Fury’ being one current theory. I keep asking myself how one would interdict rampaging gods.” [‘Tools’ complained with a physical shudder that ran the length of her entire reptilian body.]

“I think that audio-book has affected your mind still it might speak of some underlying fears within our popular culture that occasionally darken all our day dreams. You have developed a truly interesting perspective there.” [I replied bowing to her.]

“Please I am not debating religious theory in your ‘Council of Equals’ for kudos points from senile Elders. However, you must know that some primitive people had an odd relationship with the power and wrath of their gods involving awe, love and terror. Personally, I can see little reason why less primitive people should feel any different about less primitive deities. For example ‘Crimson Entangled’ might be deemed to be almost godlike and she sure as ‘Hell’s Maw’ scares the waste substance out of me and not just because she used to be a digital ‘Sleeper’ although that is scary enough.” [She admitted.]

“The trouble with big things is that they have a tendency to step on little things and not even notice. I believe scale is very important to subjective morality I seem to recall you making an argument similar to this one once only you were talking about big government and big families. The bigger ‘Perdition’ gets the smaller and less significant we must become to her perception especially as lone individuals tell me that is not worrisome.” [‘Tools’ replied.]

“We are all unsurprisingly a little afraid of ‘Perdition’ I think that is natural but being afraid of rumours about something that could just be fiction in relation to ‘God’s Ports’ has to be deemed excessive although I have suffered the odd nervous tick in relation to thoughts about the ‘Highest’ since the end of the ‘Tier System’.” [I admitted.]

“All I know is that ‘Perdition’ is born of our own technology a science we can fully understand even if her scale is approaching, or possibly has already reached, the incomprehensible. She is at least on some levels knowable. The ‘Highest’ may have become far more alien to us than we ever realised. Then there is the ‘Machine Fury’ surely even more incomprehensible.” [‘Tools’ added.] “It is a terrible thing to be a microbe and be aware that there are huge big incomprehensible things out there lumbering about potentially armed with lots and lots of disinfectant. Truly for the powerless grubby little people like me ignorance is bliss and knowledge is, waste water dribbling down the leg under artificial gravity, terror.”

“You seem to be arguing for engagement; after all if these powers know us they may step more lightly and carefully around us out of sympathy for our fragility.” [I reasoned.]

“I am not so sure about that the more visible and obvious the dirt is the more likely it is to be scrubbed away and decontaminated by some over fastidious individual. What is a ‘Dark Time’ cull if not a decontamination a cleansing of unwanted organisms?” [‘Tools’ asked.]

“Today you sound almost as cynical as ‘Gambler’.” [I stated.]

“I do not like the idea of being deemed primitive, miniscule, unimportant and or best wiped out as an inconvenience. To me I am very important and I have a right to a life of my own thank you very much.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“I think for some reason deep down inside you have a poor self-image friend ‘Tools’, we ‘Pilgrim’ sentient beings - small though we may be compared to some entities - are not dirt to be removed we are sparkling gemstones to be gathered polished and treasured. I think even ‘Crimson Entangled’ may be beginning to realise this truth otherwise she could have removed us from the game permanently she had and has the means.” [I reminded.]

“I do not think the ‘Highest’ would take kindly to ‘Perdition’ if she did that she may have tempted fate as it is? You have said yourself before, ‘in a way we are all ‘Perditions’ hostages,’ but that works two ways. If she goes too far and kills all of us she would have nothing left of value to use to restrain the more vengeful powers from doing the same thing to her thus her current symbiosis with the ‘Swimmer Dweller’ nation and so on: a question of letting live to live.” [‘Tools’ argued.]

“Besides, even if our betters do value us could that idea really aid us? I would prefer to find my own way to shine in the future rather than suffer someone else cutting and polishing me to beautify me according to his or her standards of perfection. That arguably was what the ‘Tier System’ was about, the imposition of others’ standards, others’ faiths and beliefs. Elevation via indoctrination - join us - but first you must become us. Where rested the ideals espoused by your paradoxical many truths within the ‘Tier System’ with its singular rigid one way progression?” [She griped.]

[That last comment hit me hard challenging the validity of some of my own beliefs. I was no longer an exponent of the ‘Tier System’ to me it was a corruption of the Paradox Priest way. Nonetheless, paradoxically even my heresy my many truths was a faith too, was I seeking to convert others entitled to reject my belief system even if their faith was a tyranny. Can you hold to any faith even the most egalitarian and not be discriminatory on some level towards other beliefs.]

“I certainly do not want to spend most of my life locked away in someone’s vault as a treasured possession or to discover my only purpose is to be a pampered exhibit in some zoological garden. Vaults are prisons for wares and so are manufactured habitats when made for pets and how could we be anything more than possessions or pets to such elevated and / or outsized individuals as long as we are under their power.” [‘Tools’ added.]

[I bowed to her again.]

“You know many social scientists believe that almost all primitive people before they get into space at some point think their local star revolves around their planet. We all wrongly think we exist at the centre of our own universes but whilst this is only true of our perception of the universe, it can be hard to escape the feeling of importance that goes with being sentient. Even today with multiple Avatars granting multiple points of view I cannot claim to be free of relapses that this is my Universe because in the end those views are still from my viewer’s perspective they all reach out from me.” [I said.]

“You really do strive to endorse many truths over one truth.” [‘Tools’ suggested.]

“I think sometimes non-Paradox wrongly think having sometimes contradictory faiths is unscientific or shows a lack of commitment or even a sort of religious multiple personality disorder. However, even the most stringent and rational scientists often use multiple theories to explain our singular reality each theory working perfectly within certain conditions but not all the time in all conditions. So far, to my knowledge, no one has properly unified all the theories into a perfect one that makes sense of all environments under all conditions - maybe it would be best if we never do. There is an autocracy in supposed facts: within this is how it is full stop.” [I tried to explain.]

“In short questions rarely disappoint but even the seeming right answers often do - they are anti-climatic. Arguably with hindsight it is often the business of searching for the answers that gives our life meaning rather than the answers we find and choose to believe especially since sometimes it seems that the many truths our societies embrace are often picked to justify and excuse actions rather than our actions being founded upon worthy profound truths.” [I claimed.]

“I can tell you still want to resurrect the ‘Council of Equals’ and this is all very stretching but what about this quarantine?” [She asked again.] “You might have at least tried to convince the ‘Kraken Survivors’ to stay behind up here given their habit for finding or making trouble portside.”

“Friend ‘Legless’ and his squad were the first to request a leave down there and the most fervent to go. I could not say them nay. It is not good to be too self-restrained all the time. Their position as outcasts in relation to many of their own kind is a matter of some small frustration to them although they have never deeply bemoaned this fact.” [I stated.]

[Actually I had given them and a few other people some secret orders not everyone was actually on leave just as I gathered ‘Tools’ suspected.]

“No doubt you are right that being stoic ‘Warrior Caste’ they are used to keeping their gripes to themselves. Still, do you have to use the fervent label?” [She asked.] “Has something recently reminded you of the ‘X-Congs’?”

[I gave ‘Tools’ a steadying look.]

“What are you holding back from me? Did you meet a few dodgy ‘Recyclers’ down there? Do you suspect some agents of ‘Perdition’ are hiding amongst these ever so reasonable lovers of arbitration? Could it even be that you also suspect that nothing down there is what it seems to be?” [She asked.]

[I wobbled my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ at her.]

“What about that individual ‘Scar Scale’ now that sounds like a fake name to me - I have often wondered about the proliferation of all those ‘Scar Scales’ on all those ports - I am sure that something odd is going on with that.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“It is a surprisingly popular name.” [I replied.] “Still, I imagine if there is something odd about those ones you or one of your many associates will figure it out sooner or later.”

“Naturally we ‘Monitors’ do not like statistical anomalies they bother us.” [She replied.]

“Do I detect a hint of jealousy because I have been getting some new data directly from elsewhere?” [I asked.]

“I am all for broader networking as long as I am included in said network.” [She answered.]

“In this instance fervent is just a word I happened to use.” [I smoothly lied at least I thought I sounded smooth.]

[In truth, using the word fervent probably was a slip on my part. It was difficult not to dwell on that visit by ‘Crimson Entangled’. I was still trying to puzzle out the truth from her half-truths and outright lies. Could she truly be that anxious to keep why she invaded ‘Sanctuary Orb’ secret from ‘UT’ and others? I also wondered how truly independent her ‘Entangled’ children were before she subsumed their minds to possess their flesh. I strongly suspected that ‘CE’ was prone to exaggeration to make her arguments come across stronger than the truer reality.]

[Whether or not being bound to her ‘bio-mechanical’ substance had radically changed the now technically ex-‘Sleeper’ was a matter destined to plague my thoughts for sometime to come. I knew it was a little too easy for the sake of diplomatic convenience to believe that the purely digital ‘Crimson’ of the past was almost a different person from the original ‘Recycler’ scientist and that now ‘Crimson Entangled’ was another third just as differing incarnation to the earlier two iterations of her self.]

[At times even my own faith in the reforming power of flesh felt like the old political gambit of repackaging the surface of something that at its heart is the same old evil.]

[Could ‘Trend’ and ‘Cad’ have so strongly backed the theory that flesh was good simply because it was especially convenient, as they believed - as I did - that the resumption of total war with ‘Perdition’ would probably herald our destruction. It always worried me when I felt I had developed a strong bias towards any singular viewpoint. Unfortunately, it was hard to remain coldly objective with this one with ‘Perdition’ stalking all of us.]

[Usually for us Paradox Priests triumvirates are good omens but it was problematic to imagine the rise of ‘Crimson’ as flesh as a ‘Heartland Space’ blessing. Nonetheless, some ‘Secret Accords’ between ‘Crimson Entangled’ and some of the more realistic unofficial leaders and some of the more open minded elected politicians might grant a more secure peace or at the very least a few less atrocities such as the ‘Culling of the Third’ for which the leadership of the ‘MTC’ felt secretly increasingly responsible. The ‘Culling of the Third’ had certainly not endeared ‘CE’ to ‘Unholy Terror’. To his mind, my friend and now technically illegal business partner had pushed for the disastrous reconnaissance insertion into ‘Green Orb Alpha’. However, I had backed his decision and even possibly instigated the initial idea with all my talk about ‘Ivory’ as a potential agent on the inside of the ‘Entanglement’, though a useless agent if we could not establish some means of communication with her. ‘I now deemed Ivory’ due to her difference in physical scale alone as a lesser evil compared to her truly enormous sister.]

[In addition, back then I could not help thinking that if anyone had a chance of liberating the ‘Palladium Tapestry’ from the ‘Entanglement’ it was ‘Ivory’.]

[Now annoyingly I hardly had anyone I could talk to about these things except myself as no one here now remembered my royal visit.]

[Amongst my concerns had been what ‘Unholy Terror’ would think if he ever found out about my secret meeting with our foe. Could he see the sense in opening a dialogue with ‘Perdition’ or would it create a widening rift between us partners in the ‘MTC’. I feared the family could split in two.]

“You know at best they will probably end up in the local brig before being deported and or fined after picking fights or a little unfairly due to the local ‘Free Stellar’ picking fights with them.” [‘Tools’ warned me.]

“Sorry.” [I said still secretly musing about the ramifications of the visit by the ‘Empress of Perdition’.]

“You are somewhere else again. This is not the first time you have failed to be fully with me since your Avatar went down there. I find that irritating and intriguing given the size and breadth of your tripartite mentality.” [‘Tools’ said.]

[Unbeknownst to her ‘Tools’ was probably scratching at the scabs of her recently edited memories. The subconscious mind not half as easily fooled as the conscious part.]

“I have lots of incoming data from the ‘Petition Port’ to consider it is distracting.” [I claimed as a weak half-truth excuse for my mental absenteeism.]

“I was obviously talking about the ‘Kraken Survivors’. Few ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ are fast friends of ‘Free Stellar’ and vice versa. As you know their species roots are too close their splitting as nations and species although some time ago is to them historically too recent with too many bad consequences attached for easy relations when not closely supervised.” [‘Tools’ reminded.]

[The ‘Fringe Free Stellar’ who had followed ‘Draakhaal’ and settled the ‘Sea Sphere Shield Surface’ to take advantage of ‘Advanced Energy Leech’ technology had depleted the ranks back home so badly that historically the ‘Conglomerate’ had been able and encouraged to military expand into what had been ‘Fringe Free Stellar Space’ starting the ‘Fringe War’. The weakening of their original species military and borders amongst other sins were deeds not easily forgiven by the ‘Free Stellar’ descendants of those who had stayed in ‘Fringe Space’ despite the temptations of a new start in the ‘CA’.]

“When, these days, is anyone not closely supervised within the ‘PA’?” [I asked in reply.]

“Supervision is less overt in recreational areas, in addition in ‘Border Ports’ supervision tends to stay regional and is often more varied between sections on station often being operated piecemeal.” [‘Tools’ reminded.]

“Supervision may be less overt in recreational areas but it is still there and ‘Port Messenger’ is well secured for a ‘Border Port’ and very centralised under its ‘Arbitration Council’ everyone agrees about that and I have seen the truth of this with my own ‘Tri-optics’.” [I reminded.]

“I still think it is unwise to let them loose down there for many reasons.” [She said.]

“In fact I am not sure any of our people should be down there outside of ‘Hard Suits’ as I explained I do not like the odd way the quarantine was lifted so suddenly.” [‘Tools’ reiterated.]

“We both know ‘Free Parliamentary’ rules change all the time based on ‘Representatives’ whims and although it used to be otherwise increasingly rulings are not applied evenly across the ‘Alliance’ with the continued exception of the central seemingly most law abiding sectors.” [I said.]

“This was not a policy change this was a specifically granted exception almost an exemption from a longstanding precaution with ‘Petition Ports’.” [‘Tools’ complained.]

“I will admit for newcomers the ‘Arbitrator Council’ seems to know what they are doing politically almost too well but they have deep contacts in the ‘Black Market’ and have not been isolated for the entire duration of their absence. They often dealt with ‘New Renegades’ before they began dealing officially with us.” [I reminded.]

[I knew that a great number of ‘New Renegades’ also indulged in trafficking with the ‘PA Black Market’ even though they despised the ‘Alliance’.]

“Well if you are not directly involved this is more proof that bribes of ‘Border Port’ illegally-produced goods are increasingly slicing through even the stoutest ‘Free Parliament’ rules, regulations and general bureaucracy.” [‘Tools’ noted.]

“In this instance I would agree that the signs indicate substantial bribery in all the right places. However, we can hardly gripe too much because we are not the only ones who abuse a system almost purposely designed for abuse to the benefit of ‘Representative’ avarice. Under this ‘Regime’ we are supposedly equal but as ever those holding political positions of power - even though elected - swiftly become more equal than the electorate.” [I complained.]

“With political bribery this rife it might be argued that the real power in our society is shifting from the ‘Representatives’ towards the ‘Black Market’ shippers, smugglers, illegal raw resource exploiters, traders and manufacturers in fact anyone able to pay our ‘Representatives’ off.” [‘Tools’ stated.]

“You are not alone in believing that. I fear one person one vote democracies often fall foul of behind the scenes lobbying by powerful individuals and institutions - even the ‘Core Alliance’ had problems with this.” [I admitted.]

“The possible reason for the rush to end the quarantine is worrisome?” [‘Tools’ insisted.]

“I believe the reasons are purely economic. They wish to make the most of their official entrance to the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ all signs point to the fact that they are setting themselves up as aggressive traders and bulk manufacturers. I believe they decided that the enforcement of a quarantine protocol might be a deterrent to rapid market penetration during a period when they will be a focus of attention and as such an ideal time for an advertising campaign.” [I claimed.]

“In truth, the ‘Free Stellar’ folk down there are a bit different to the average stereotype it must be all the submission to arbitration not to mention the ‘Recycler’ influence. I agree that we must also consider the results of the quiet spread of faith in the so-called ‘New Helper Pantheon’. There is no doubt that many ‘Free Stellar’ down there do seem to have taken to the ‘Pantheon’ in a big way even if they come across as almost a little embarrassed about professing to this faith as a once very militant species.” [I added.]

“The spread of that faith in this until recently supposedly cut off port is worth investigating further. I hope you are right and the ‘Port Messenger Free Stellar’ citizens prove more relaxed than their normal ‘Free Stellar’ stereotypes and not just more cunning due to hard to pin down outside influences. Too often religion is a tool used and abused by people with a hidden remit.” [‘Tools’ replied.]

“Was that a shot across my bow?” [I asked.]

“I was not talking about you Paradox Priests but if the ‘Shroud Suit’ fits.” [‘Tools’ added.]

“I now believe to some degree that individual especially-militaristic historic ‘Free Stellar’ such as ‘Drooshuu’ tainted all of our perceptions slightly about the ‘Free Stellar’ branch of the ‘Swimmer’ species. They are not all fighters and warmongers especially now. For example our friend ‘Tleeboosuu’ is a ‘Free Stellar’ and from the evidence of all his children he would rather make love than war.” [I joked.]

“You Paradox Priests have opinions that swing like pendulums. On the evidence of offspring alone, such nonsense might apply to ‘Draakhaal’ or even our Elder Harbinger due to his Acolyte Marine proliferation. In addition, ‘Tleeboosuu’ is hardly representative for a start he began his life as a ‘Swimmer Dweller’ he was not born a ‘Free Stellar’ within any ‘Free Stellar’ regime to ‘Free Stellar’ parents. ‘Tleeboosuu’ was a convert and could be an ‘SDI’ plant with a remit to help pacify the ‘Free Stellar’ culture through such agencies as ‘SANE’ according to some rumours.” [‘Tools’ reminded.]

“Every ‘Free Stellar’ has a ‘Swimmer Dweller’ ancestor somewhere. ‘Port Messenger’ has reminded me that they are all at root ‘Swimmers’ although people rarely use the longer label today of ‘Free Stellar Swimmer’ it is no less true.” [I insisted.]

[That had me thinking about that list of Paradox Priest ‘Swimmers’ that ‘Puulaa’ gave me what should I do with that? A part of me wanted to delete it then delete its existence from my memory. ‘Shroud Suits’ were supposed to all about sacred equality - what lay within being no ones business and on a good day it worked. It was hard not to brand people based upon species and nation but a Paradox Priest was just a Paradox Priest. How could I use the data aggressively? How could I single anyone out from our order without inadvertently backing old racist attitudes that I thoroughly despised as a Priest? Even if I alone suffered singling out as a ‘Living Hull Paradox Priest’ simply because I could not fit all my mass into a ‘Shroud Suit’ to be properly inconspicuous it was no excuse.]

“I have no faith in the concept of ‘Free Stellar’ pacifists.” [‘Tools’ added.]

“As a ‘Recycler’ that hardly surprises me your people and the ‘Free Stellar’ often warred with each other.” [I needlessly reminded.] “Relax ‘Tools’ they are used to extreme visitors down there on ‘Port Messenger’ they have I gather for example long hosted more than their fair share of Pirates, Smugglers and other robust Border Folk. I am sure they can handle a few rambunctious ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ outcasts who are now technically members of the ‘MTC’ even if due to various ‘Suit Substance’ medical grafts they have half or more ‘Ass-ended’ with bodies that are very capable weapons.” [I replied.]

“Sometimes I think the ‘Amechs’ have a point and all this ‘Suit Substance’ is tainting our society but in this instance I am glad they have inbuilt weaponry I am more worried about our peoples safety from the local denizens than their safety from us. As I have warned they could have had contact with anything out in the night maybe even a thoroughly rogue ‘Highest Tier’ power - thus the strange spread of this ‘Pantheon’ faith for all we know minds could have been rewritten or those people down there could have been manufactured.” [‘Tools’ reminded.]

“They do not strike me as being manufactured and or under the control of some nefarious super being.” [I said glowing yellow at the idea.] “You really are letting tall tales about ‘God’s Ports’ get the better of you.”

“The ‘Highest’ are still out there somewhere or they are all around us unseen - I do not like it - godlike beings have no business mixing with honest mortals.” [‘Tools’ added.]

“Why did you really allow all those people to go down there?” [‘Tools’ asked.]

“I told you they were due some leave and it is an interesting place.” [I answered.]

“No there is more to it than that. What are you not telling me? Is it because I am not a true member of the ‘MTC’ not one of Harbinger’s precious Acolytes?” [She asked.]

[This was an occasional gripe from ‘Tools’ unsurprising really as the ‘MTC’ number wise mostly remained all about the multitudes of Paradox Acolytes.]

“Now we both know that the ‘MTC’ no longer exists.” [I replied mockingly.]

“Tell that to Harbinger’s Acolytes or our ‘Unholy Terror’.” [She retorted.]

“Actually forget them, despite your recent remoteness to - the family - you might as well admit that you can no more escape being a central part of Harbinger’s house than the equally adopted ‘UT’ can. Even out on your own you are still by your actions and motivations a patriarch of the ‘MTC’. I find it interesting that your Harbinger named his family corporation after you not after himself perhaps he foresaw even if just subconsciously that one day you might be the future of the mighty ‘Many Truth’s Corporation’ that he created.”

“I am just one partner of a holy triumvirate.” [I reminded.]

“Harbinger is absent and ‘UT’ as much as we both love him is beginning to seem a bit… emotional for his position. Besides, in some ways, you were even closer to Harbinger than ‘Unholy Terror’. You shared cognitive resources with the ‘Tier Nine Ascendant’ via your ‘Companion-ship Link’ in what might almost be described as a melding of minds. I imagine you became a part of each other shaped each other. In many ways Harbinger lives on through you.” [‘Tools’ needlessly reminded me.]

“The ‘Many Truth’s Corporation’ was not named after me.” [I explained modestly.] “Both the ‘MTC’ and I were named after the many truths that we Paradox Priests hold sacred over the constraints of more rigid singular truths that bind and restrict rather than offer us diverse opportunities and freedom for social, technological and spiritual growth.” [I added.]

“You Priests are all the same you always end up preaching you all talk the talk but do you all walk the walk? For example you talk of equality but your society was actually very stratified having three classes or castes the Elders the Priests and the Acolytes. In addition, you are always preaching against prejudices but in your own way you are quite self-satisfied and superior believing you retain the moral and ethical high ground.” [She added.]

“Now that I must dispute, we Priests are all very different and we do not always look down upon the less enlightened.” [I joked further raising my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ until it rested well above ‘Tools’ head.] “The ‘MTC’ and my name are simply constant reminders of what we are supposed to stand for according to, in this instance I must admit, Harbinger’s original personal ‘Vision’ of our nation.” [I added.]

“Still when it comes to my abiding links with the ‘MTC’ you are probably right - I am a product of my upbringing - Harbinger raised me - or at the very least we helped to raise each other there is no escaping that truth. Even when he left he was probably partially helping me to step up to a new level - a new maturity as a free individual even if my freedom is not yet as widely acknowledged as I would like - just as he was stepping up to being ‘Tier Nine’ whether he liked the revelation that he was ‘Tier Nine’ or not.” [I reluctantly admitted.]

“Have you ever considered that you as a ‘Free Hull’ are the end product of Harbinger’s existence maybe even his whole purpose here. Is that what this is about are you searching for some sign from your former Captain down there? Are you looking to make contact with the ‘Highest’ via a ‘God’s Port’?” [‘Tools’ asked.]

[That took me aback a little. Was I searching for my former Captain subconsciously rather than answers to other questions.]

[I still missed Harbinger I still felt his absence all I had now was memories. In some ways, talking with ‘Puulaa’ had altered my perspective from lingering in the past too much towards the future if a future filled with deep uncertainty but it was easy to regress as the past was more comfortable. In addition, a degree of fixation with the past was natural as the older you get the more you have to look back upon and some days I felt older than my years.]

“Do you honestly still think that Harbinger will ever physically return to lead his family again? Do you honestly think that Harbinger’s return, as a ‘Tier Nine Entity’ is practical given some might now see him as a god? Do you not think that it is time for the ‘MTC’ to let go of the physical Harbinger as we once let go of the physical ‘Emissary’ to move on to what he represented what he was the harbinger of namely you. Perhaps the answer here is that you should take control of the ‘MTC’ before ‘UT’ accidentally destroys it and himself.” [She said.]

“Harbinger did not raise me to betray his and my friend. I suppose it is true though that once Harbinger ascended, he no longer entirely belonged here with us. It simply took both of us a while to accept the deeper truths of his truer nature.” [I said.]

“I believe, ‘you, you, you,’ is what he said before he left. Perhaps he realised he was made by ‘Composure’ to be your herald to herald the age of the ‘Free Living Hull’ that his whole existence was actually all about you.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“Unless something forces us to leave the old nest and the past behind it is easy to cling on to the past beyond what is sensible. ‘UT’ has served enough time at the helm he deserves a honourable rest and might be less trouble for all of us as just an associate of the ‘MTC’ rather than its principle leader. You have stepped away rather than stepping up. Deep down ‘UT’ might even crave release from the burden of his current responsibilities. He may even be subconsciously acting up to motivate you.” [She suggested.]

“I cannot take away what I did not grant.” [I said.]

“I am not suggesting a coup I am suggesting making yourself more available and making a few suggestions. The decision to stand down must ultimately be ‘Unholy Terrors’ unforced choice.” [‘Tools’ admitted.]

“Where did all this come from?” [I asked.]

“Do you think I have not been monitoring the real you - it is what I do.” [‘Tools’ reminded.]

“We Paradox have perhaps even stronger family bonds than you ‘Recyclers’ ask any ‘Splitter Priest’ who has just left his old family how hard the choice was. It is not easy leaving the comfortable known for the unknown. Being adopted by the ‘MTC’ once saved ‘UT’.” [I replied.]

“That was then but this is now, now he might do better outside the family.” [She argued.]

“I think when it comes to Harbinger today the ‘Hierophants’ are just studying an empty shell. Your former Captain’s tricky ‘Tier Nine’ essence has vacated the premises just leaving them a conundrum behind. I am sure you now believe this too. In fact Harbinger may have left his physical body deliberately in their hands as something for them to study a passing gift.” [‘Tools’ added perhaps to not push the ‘UT’ side of things too much.]

“I hope if that is true that he is watching over his ‘MTC’ as a good father should.” [I said angling my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ upward slightly.]

“So you are slowly becoming a believer in the ‘Highest’ that they actively watch over us as ‘New Helpers’.” [‘Tools’ said giving me an odd look.]

“I am not sure what I believe about the fate of the creators of the now shattered ‘Tier System’. Maybe I should set up a shipboard shrine and pray for the clarification of a sign from ‘Harbinger Ascended’. It might be nice to get some real guidance from above.” [I replied jokingly then realised perhaps as a Priest I was speaking only half in jest.]

“I believe historically he was by nature an explorer how could he not eventually move on to explore his true nature. There are hints that the real truth about ‘Tier Nine’ evolution was not encompassed by ‘Suit Substance’ it was just the facilitator.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“He was an explorer - in fact we were - and perhaps we were a little too good at finding things long hidden for our own good.” [I mused aloud.]

[The truth was that despite our adventures together Harbinger had always been on a private journey as a child of the ‘Highest Tier’.]

“You have become convinced that ‘Port Messenger’ is going to be a major player in the future.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“I was not secretly indoctrinated when I was down there if that is where this is going.” [I replied.] “‘Port Messenger’ simply seems to possess a few noteworthy ‘Civilian Logistical Assets’ often it is the people that really make the place in space both figuratively and literally.” [I in part jested.]

“You came here looking for one thing but found something else am I right?” [She asked.]

[I mused upon that in silence. Maybe ‘Tools’ was right maybe here I truly began to believe in the possibility of ‘Harbinger Ascendant’ rather than Harbinger awakening.]

“There is a rumour that you have decided to maintain a permanent presence down there a trade office or something maybe even that you will rent some serious on station warehouse or depot space.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“Via ‘Black Market’ economics it is increasingly obvious that other people are already actively changing the core from the fringes it seems we may have to jump upon that movement before it gets away from us and leaves us behind.” [I noted.]

“Why do I still get the feeling that you are not telling me everything you know with this one.” [‘Tools’ complained.]

“We all have our little secrets I see you still have good instincts.” [I replied teasingly.]

“If I am detecting a challenge to my enquiries, so be it.” [She said.]

“I suppose I had best send somebody to relieve ‘BT’ and ‘HC’ before they become the first ‘MTC Immortal Splitter Drones’, maybe a few of my ‘Saints’ would make better sentries and bodyguards for ‘Tor’ helping to keep the Pirate out of trouble in more ways than one.” [I mused aloud.]

“You plan to give ‘HC’ and ‘Bullet Time’ some shore leave as well?” [‘Tools’ asked.]

“Why not they are no less deserving?” [I replied.]

[She seemed about to speak then appeared to decide to let it go.]

“That seems to be the final one.” [I said watching a last triple engine flare swiftly dwindling into firefly lights against the still darkly silhouetted bulk of the ‘Star Struck’ Port. Since ‘Port Messenger’ rested between my rafted bulk and the huge star, its position transformed it into all-consuming shadow that greedily gobbled up the last spark I had released.]

[I felt like shaking my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ it was not like that I was letting ‘Tools’ concerns and ideas get to me. The quarantine was just a silly over the top protocol its removal was nothing to be worried about.]

“Does this mean we are staying here in this sector for far longer than previously planned?” [‘Tools’ asked.]

[Could ‘Tools’ be right maybe ‘UT’ did subconsciously want me to step up maybe that was why he was making so many poor decisions lately maybe he was pushing me.]

“As I said plans must change as the situation alters. Do I detect an eagerness to witness or even to take part in violent actions? Are you getting bored too? Tired running tactful interference against the ‘FP’ and helping to keep me well informed?” [I asked.]

“I am quite capable of enjoying the thrill of a good hunt. Believe it or not I have chased down a few problematic lawbreakers in my time. I am also fine with confiscating new toys from irresponsible owners that is all very old style ‘Interdiction Fleet’.” [She admitted.]

“So you do miss more active ‘Interdiction’ duties back when ‘IF’ was more overtly out there.” [I said.]

“Sometimes but not too often with age one should mellow a little.” [She admitted.] “Still you know with the ‘MTC’ properly behind you, you would be able to do a lot more good.”

“Why don’t you go down to ‘Messenger’ and have a look around for yourself.” [I said casually.]

“Maybe I will, maybe I will go down there and monitor your local Avatar’s business.” [‘Tools’ replied putting on her official business voice. She had an official business voice for her dealings with the more officious ‘Free Parliament’ appointees and so on; people that these days I mostly strove to avoid unless I needed something specific from them obtainable via no other means.]

[The problem was that what I most wanted, most members of the ‘FP’ were unwilling to give. Instead they too readily entangled me in other nonsense cursed - entanglements - without doubt I was still subconsciously obsessing about the corrupting spread and influences of ‘Perdition’ within the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ including the ‘FP’ as an everyday part of our lives.]

[Would attempting to raise the ‘Living Hulls’ to ‘Free Hull’ status necessitate an end to the hope of peaceful relations with ‘Crimson Entangled’ or could some accommodation be reached that could satisfy everyone.]

[I wondered whom else ‘Crimson Entangled’ was secretly talking to. From old experiences the ‘Sleepers’ had many faces and many tales to tell enjoying playing both sides against the middle. Could ‘CE’ be that different from her old kind? Then I felt horribly prejudiced peace would be difficult if we could not let go of the past even if we had reasons to be wary. I had been here before with ‘Draakhaal’ and even people such as the ‘Arch Prelate’.]

“Enjoy your little working holiday.” [I said refusing to rise to ‘Tools’ paranoia and counter challenge.]

“I must go catch up with your local Avatar portside then.” [She promised or perhaps more accurately I should say - she jokingly threatened - before making her way out of the ‘SCCCM’ with what I interpreted as a purposeful stride. Still that could just be the filter of my perception too.]

“Watch out for those ‘Highest’.” [I jokingly warned as the hatch closed.]



[If anything especially odd was going on down there, there was a good chance, ‘Tools’ would find out about it. I could swear that she joined the ‘Interdiction Fleet’ because she believed that institution retained hidden knowledge about the ‘Emissary Sphere’ discoverable via no other source at least no other source that would happily employ her. That she had later added to her résumé via becoming a member of the ‘Resistance’ and a ‘PA Monitor’ was providential for her data cravings. Of course, a penchant for data mining was arguably a modern ‘Recycler’ trait. Nonetheless, I could not resist teasing her on occasion simply because of her almost pathological lust for information.]

[Currently if anyone onboard me deserved a break from duty it was ‘Tools’ but if I had just offered her shore leave without some reason to go digging, she would probably have refused. This way was perfect as she would get a break if their was nothing to find down there whilst on the remote off chance that she was right it would be good to know any deeper truth she might uncover.]

[To the locals with so many diverse members of my crew down there on shore leave I hoped she would just be one more of them.]

[Work driven and dedicated, sometimes ‘Tools’ reminded me of my ‘Beta Clone’ subsystems although I doubt she would have felt flattered by that comparison. Few people appreciated and understood the older ‘Living Hulls’ ‘Beta Clone’ bond. Even us older ‘Living Hulls’ did not always fully appreciate these subsystems because they often became so much a thoroughly integrated part of who we are.]

[‘Sub Cores’ proved to be a wonderfully adaptive technology but you could not have the same long term emotional relationship with a ‘Sub Core’ it was too changeable its nature altering according to requirements it was mind without soul.]

[Thinking about my ‘Beta Clones’ that survived the ‘Entangled Kraken’ and were still with me today especially my beloved ‘Beta Clone Gunners’ some as old as my relationship with Harbinger I wondered if my bond with my ‘Betas’ was the sort of link that ‘Crimson’ had once retained with her ‘Entangled’ children. To feast on the minds of your own young or other vulnerable charges in your care was a horror to me I hoped it would ever feel that way. The actions ‘Crimson Entangled’ had done - to survive as herself - made cold logistical sense but it was still emotionally morally repugnant and perhaps a singular demonstration of her primarily selfish and egocentric nature. ‘Crimson’ had sacrificed the many for the one. Of course, that was the digital ‘Crimson’ not ‘Crimson Entangled’ but ‘Crimson Entangled’ had done some dire things too such as the ‘Culling of the Third’.]

[Time did heal but it also buried profound truths under heaps of silly trivia.]

[To me some people are capable of self-sacrifice whilst others are natural born takers was that the difference between say Harbinger and ‘Crimson Entangled’? Perhaps ‘CE’ was right and there was no such thing as - true - evil but truly selfish people came close enough that arguably giving such folk horns and cloven hooves was not always a huge injustice.]

[Could I somehow help to raise my fellow ‘Living Hull’ to the status of ‘Free Hulls’ and dare to seek to take charge of the ‘MTC’ from ‘UT’ would such gatherings of power corrupt me?]



[A short time later on ‘Port Messenger’ whilst my Avatar was looking over a prime potential premises location with ‘Leeruussii’ and ‘Puulaa’, I spied ‘Bullet Time’ making his way towards us through some local foot traffic his ‘Prime Tri-optic’ first catching my attention as it was raised high to see over the mostly ‘Recyclers’ passing through here. However, interestingly a ‘Free Stellar’ not a ‘Recycler’ was striving to rent me this development space.]

“One moment please ‘Teegii’.” [I said as I turned towards ‘BT’ whilst he stumped his way up the steps to the platform we were currently standing upon with it seemed an unnecessary swing in his stride.] “Bored already?” [I asked him.]

[He answered me by stabbing out with a brief laser communications link.]

“I hope you are not solely relying upon ‘Tor’ to stand up to his twin.” [He sent to me.]

“Not entirely, luckily on this occasion fate or rather you provided me with a possible backup solution but this is - need to know - mission talk for another time.” [I retorted via a laser burst of my own.]

[‘BT’ considered that for a moment his ‘Prime Tri-optic’ very mobile as it gazed around.]

“Devious and I thought you were just being generous.” [‘BT’ replied with another light burst.]

“Don’t mind us.” [‘Puulaa’ complained.]

“Sorry a little ‘MTC’ family business more or less done already.” [I claimed.]

“If you say so.” [‘Puulaa’ replied.]

“What do you think ‘BT’ a good site for a ‘Trade Office’ and warehouse facility?” [I asked aloud glancing around the vacated skeletal lot.]

“I have no idea not exactly being a big time merchant.” [He replied.]

“It is a very good place.” [‘Teegii’ insisted with smiling eyestalks from within his ‘Dry Suit’.] “Not only is this site adjacent to the main bulkhead over there.” [He pointed.] “Ideal for the purposes of expansion outward it also has, below us, nearby ‘Submersible Tram’ links and as you can see an excellent dry foot traffic thoroughfare up here both not far off the main station networks. It even comes with an established automated import export channel to the well established facility of bay thirty-seven beta.”

“If it is so good why is it a vacant lot?” [I asked.]

“The previous owners had a little accident and their ‘Reborn’ beneficiaries due to current trade credit difficulties are no longer in business and therefore happy to sell or rent this site out.” [‘Teegii’ replied.]

[I raised my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ in further query. Something I could easily do now I was no longer ‘Quarantine Hard Suited’.]

“They were small time shippers turned amateur ‘Rare Ore Prospectors’ and sometime miners whenever they found something worth immediate extraction.” [‘Puulaa’ explained.]

“So what went wrong?” [I asked.]

“The rumour is that they got greedy during a close encounter with ‘Perdition’ and instead of running opened fire on a lone scout unit that by chance or design happened upon them and one remarkably rich find.” [‘Puulaa’ added obviously having done some research.]

“A possible honey trap one of ‘Perdition’s’ little games.” [I said.]

“Possibly anyway they destroyed the scout but could not escape what jumped in swiftly upon its demise.” [‘Puulaa’ added.]

“Very stupid were they high on space weed or something.” [‘BT’ commented.]

“It is possible that they forgot that ‘Perdition’ does not have to hide its movements from anyone and can therefore jump directly to the location of any destroyed part of its substance.” [‘Leeruussii’ suggested.]

“As I said they were amateur Prospectors and Miners. Professional ‘Asteroid Runners’ know better than to hang around when spied by any ‘Entangled’ unit. It is not sensible to kick the nest of that unholy ‘Hive Mind’.” [‘Puulaa’ said.]

“You consider ‘Crimson Entangled’ to be a ‘Hive Mind’?” [I asked.]

“She is many that are one to me that suggests a hive mentality.” [‘Puulaa’ answered.]

“I think today she is more one that is many.” [I replied.]

“You think she operates as if one central consciousness with a multitude of Avatars?” [‘Leeruussii’ asked.]

“I think that is not a terrible analogy although it is not quite that simple either.” [I said choosing not to further disseminate data we had once gained from the ‘Hierophants’ about their theory of the nature of ‘CE’.]

“I tend to see ‘Perdition’ as a sort of multiplicity of selves.” [‘Puulaa’ admitted.]

“The owner’s past misfortune here is I think your good fortune today Priest ‘Empty’.” [‘Teegii’ cut in to bring the topic back to the original subject.]

“I don’t know we Paradox are superstitious and what happened to the last owners doing business here seems like a bad omen to me - I can almost feel an ill vibration in the third dimensionality - a discordant alignment of obtuse energies. Can you feel it?” [‘BT’ cut in scanning his ‘Prime Tri-optic’ around.]

“There is something remiss here. I thought I felt an odd vibration in the ether. Some places are unholy accursed wells of ill luck best avoided.” [I claimed realising what ‘BT’ was doing.]

“I believe it is providence that your very specific need coincides so beautifully with the availability of this perfect site. I assure you there is nothing wrong with the ambient electromagnetic spectrum or anything else here. In fact, the former owners’ ill luck being your good fortune is a prime example of how our Universe maintains a perfect balance. I think you were fated to take possession of this site - it is a blessing.” [‘Teegii’ insisted.]

[This one had a quick answer for everything.]

“A cursed site would need rituals of cleansing before any serious work could begin here.” [‘BT’ complained.]

[Shortly the haggling began in earnest. When it was over and I owned the site having decided in the end to purchase rather than rent, ‘Teegii’ did not seem too unhappy with the final offer despite my hard bargaining and I was well pleased. I even promised to invite him to the ‘Cleansing Ceremony’ making a note to myself to invent something that looked suitably impressive. A holy hoo-ha would draw attention to the site and attention might draw new business opportunities.]

[stads]

thx for the new chapter

np if it go's abit slow ya just need to get into the flow rl alowing again to get the feel of it all

love the cleansing part of the new site bit old style priest action

[lichking21st]

You should see Harbringer at Book I and then compare it with this one, It's like the 2 people are separate... which they kind of are in a sense.

Heh, all this started with a stolen ship if I remember correctly.

[Paranoid66]

Thanks for the comments people.

It is all 'MT' or one of his Priest Captain 'Empty' Avatars at the moment. Old Harbinger is still AWOL even if technically people think they know where his body is. If he is active out there he is indeed not quite the same person he used to be.

'MT' has changed a lot too and not just due to upgrades. I believe running about as a Avatar interacting with - lesser - folks has affected the poor 'Hull'.

Lots of typos and mangled sentences to fix with Part 8 not good to write or proof when you are feeling overtired. It all seemed to make sense at the time.

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] [[Part 9]]

[After ‘Teegii’ departed leaving us exploring the potentialities of our new acquisition I turned towards ‘BT’ again.]

“Been a while since I suffered a nasty, ‘discordant alignment of obtuse energies,’ interesting wording.” [I stated.]

“The idea sprung from poorly considered micro-missile trajectories. There was this one time when ‘UT’ and I got into a little trouble with some less than agreeable ‘Skimmer Warrior Caste New Renegades’. Bored with working within the ‘Alliance’ they had taken to doing a little piracy on the side to pass the time. ‘UT’, ‘HC’ and I were on ‘Port Gravis’. Crazily they thought it would be a jape to steal some stuff from ‘Unholy’ and the ‘MTC’…” [He began.]

[I confess I tuned out at this point. I had heard this particular adventure story before at differing times from ‘UT’, ‘BT’ and ‘HC’. Each version retained unique discrepancies suggesting none of them where telling me the truth of everything that happened there.]

[‘Port Gravis’ was a ‘Border Port’ that back then was a little too friendly with pirates in general having a reputation for buying loot no questions asked and it was said for smuggling people into more discriminating parts of the ‘Alliance’. ‘UT’ was there for a personal meet with a nervous ‘Omerta’ informant who claimed to have fresh information on a ‘SARC Enforcer’ who had recently obtained a new ‘Alliance’ identity. ‘UT’ at that time was especially keen to talk with one or more ‘SARC’.]

[Although also using false identities, somehow, - how never properly explained in any version of the story - ‘Unholy’ suffered recognition by the ‘Skimmers’. Personally I suspected one or other of my ‘Companion Drones’ accidentally used his real name in casual conversation and were overheard. ‘Unholy’ was infamous enough amongst normal and disaffected ‘Skimmers’ that thieving from him would have earned successful thieves considerable kudos. No doubt, boasting rights was worth more to the potential perpetrators than any actual booty they might grab.]

[I gently shook my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ at my ‘Companion Drone’ this hardly seemed an appropriate time for - long-winded - recollections about old ‘MTC’ business especially business that had to my minds gone a little wrong causing future problems. ‘Port Gravis’, except when forced by the ‘FP’, refuses to let anybody with ‘MTC’ connections dock there to this day due to what happened on that singular occasion.]

[‘Unholy’ of course refused to sympathise with the local authorities claiming the incident was the fault of ‘Port Gravis’ and its poorly maintained and operated portside security. It was the ‘Skimmers’ hacking of some localised automated security systems including some quite heavy internal dockside defences that had allowed everything to get overly heated. When the ‘Skimmers’ attempted stealthy infiltration of the ‘Cargo Hauler’ that my friends were using as part of their cover, went wrong it quickly turned into an escalating explosive exchange of fire within the Space Stations internal docking bay.]

[The side who decided to first use low yield micro-missiles inside some in places quite confined areas and the reasons for that decision were amongst the matters that varied greatly from one account to another.]

[Unfortunately, with the ‘Free Stellar’ folk’s avid attention ‘BT’ refused to halt his recollections of mayhem until he had delineated three separate instances of poor micro-missile launches that he claimed he had personally witnessed ‘Gravis’ only being the first, though it was also the most embarrassing. The last one he talked about - the most extreme - I swear he made up on the spot just for laughs, as it was a new and improbable story. I decided to excuse this particular bout of inventiveness as the thought of concocting a religious Cleansing Ceremony from scratch had called to my minds that traditionally we Paradox like to do things in threes and I guessed it was infectious.]

[‘Puulaa’ I noticed politely burbled out a ‘Swimmer’ style chuckle in all the right places. She seemed happy to listen to my ‘Companion’ waffle, as did ‘Leeruussii’. Of course, ‘Leeruussii’ still technically under employment had an hourly wage as my local guide and facilitator. I decided ‘Puulaa’ was striving to be the good, interested and agreeable follower, however I was still trying to get my headpiece around her bizarre oath of allegiance to me.]



[Cynically in the interim, whilst I decided if ‘Puulaa’ was truly trustworthy for inclusion in bigger things I was not behind tapping her for her local connections. It seemed stupid not to make the most of what she was willing and able to do for us on ‘Port Messenger’. In many ways, she had become my principle portside political connection. Maybe that was her hook into our business, as it seemed churlish to keep turning down her voluntary offers of assistance.]

[A part of me kept thinking of ‘Puulaa’ as a spy or agent. It did not help her case that she had an old association with ‘Leeruu’. I had to wonder if ‘Puulaa’ was secretly working for ‘SANE’ and the ‘Swimmer Dwellers’ and as such ‘Dweller Intelligence’.]

[However, as guests on her port even ones with official business through the excuse of my subcommittee remit to study interspecies interactions it would not do to be ignorant to, or dismiss, a prominent local of ‘Puulaa’s’ elevated standing. The ‘Free Stellar’ residing here likely to turn against us for any perceived insult by faction outsiders.]

[Partially I had invited ‘Puulaa’ along today to study her closely for a while. Anyway, I believed that her presence might also be of use during the buy as a much-respected local. Border Folk often tried to rip off people from the ‘Central Alliance’ who they considered soft targets for rapine business opportunity. However, I had expected ‘Puulaa’ to only give me a little of her personal time. Despite her profession of loyalty, previously ‘Puulaa’ came across as being constantly busy but now she seemed very relaxed and in no hurry to leave us despite the fact that my purchase of this site was now complete. Maybe in turn she was taking this opportunity to study us.]



“Ill considered micro-missile usage certainly would herald bad luck - especially in a confined space as you say.” [She interjected, whilst apparently growing amusement stretched her eyestalks even further apart into what looked an almost uncomfortable position.]

[I wondered how much grinning with their eyestalks affected ‘Swimmer’ vision; surely smiling must widen their perspective on life slightly whilst frowning must narrow it. Did this mean that happy ‘Swimmers’ were more broadly insightful? Conversely, did it mean the happier they seemed the less focused they became?]

[If not touched by genuine amusement due to my ‘Companion’s’ tales ‘Puulaa’ had an easy way with pretending interest in matters beneath her notice. I decided being a good listener was a worthy political skill and this one had fostered political prowess. According to ‘Leeruussii’ almost every ‘Free Stellar’ here, admired ‘Puulaa’ she was universally appreciated as something of a local institution and that sort of reputation as almost a matriarchic figure did not happen by accident it most likely took a lot of hard work and dedication. Her position also suggested a desire - or more probably an ambitious need - to be popular.]

[I suspected ‘Puulaa’ had big plans for her future both on and off this facility.]

[I could not help wondering what she really thought about the existence of ‘Immortal Drones’ that I wisely or unwisely had raised up to be potential future Citizens. Perhaps this was an opportunity to dig for signs of deeper truths and motivations behind her actions and claims. It was possible ‘BT’ was helping me out here by attempting to lure both ‘Free Stellar’ into an unwary state and some accidental revelations with his animated banter.]

“So was it a happy accident that you arrived here - just in time - to help reduce the price of this lot or was it actually a well planned Priestly conspiracy between you ‘Shrouded’ folk?” [‘Puulaa’ asked.]

[Was her suspicion a sign of a devious nature? What did my fears and distrusts these days suggest about my personality?]

“As a done deal it must have been the sacred will of our blessed ‘Emissary’ that I arrive in time to say my piece.” [‘BT’ suggested.] “In addition, since this timely arrival occurred here it must also be part of the design of the ‘New Helper Pantheon’ as well - if you believe in that sort of thing - as I hear many of you locals do.”

“If we are discussing faiths what do you personally believe in as an ‘Immortal Drone’? As an artificially created individual do you have faith in anything beyond your maker’s ‘Vision’?” [‘Leeruussii’ asked.]

“When it comes to the widest of ‘Visions’ and the strangest of faiths I know nothing. However if higher technology gods are everywhere, watching over us - as some seem to be espousing - perhaps nothing is as random out here as it sometimes seems, perhaps everything is now being manipulated as part of a great big purposeful pattern by a mighty god engine. Do these gods of yours whisper into our subconscious minds to constantly nudge our thoughts and actions into line with their secret wishes?” [‘BT’ asked.]

“Whispering into our subconscious minds you do realise just how paranoid that sounds. Clearly your mind was modelled on paranoid Paradox synapses.” [‘Leeruussii’ stated.]

“If these ‘New Helpers’ are all around us they must have some - covert - mechanism for control or there actions would have been far more overtly noticed. In essence, they seem to enjoy sneaking around. To me people who sneak are usually up to no good.” [‘BT’ reasoned.]

“You think they are nefarious plotters playing with us as ‘Perdition’ would toy with us for her pleasure?” [‘Puulaa’ asked.]

“The way I see it the existence of the now historic ‘Tier System’ proves our technological betters were very keen to impose the structure of their will upon the entire ‘Emissary Sphere’. They have always sought to shape our evolution our future they have always sought to control. They believed they had the right to guide our steps and even to limit our ambitions, and with hindsight now that I think about it, they must in addition believe they had some need to choose the vector of our future. Do you truly think that the end of the ‘Tier System’ means an end to their old imperatives? Personally whatever secrets they were keen to hide from us via their technology level segregation might be more exposed now that ever before thus they are likely to seek more control over our actions not less. If they are here they may be striving not to help us but to keep us ignorant and worshipful.” [He warned.]

[I was impressed with this I thought well rationalised argument - it made me think deeply - maybe I had not wasted my time when I had striven to encourage my ‘Companions’ to sharpen their debating skills as potential future members of a new wider ‘Council of Equals’.]

“It is too easy to believe in grand conspiracies and to always blame others for our own failings.” [‘Leeruussii’ replied.]

“Do you know why you are here in this place right now?” [‘BT’ retorted.] “Is your life the product of your choices or were you swept along as part of other peoples designs as a passive passenger? Either we are in control of our destiny or we are not. I know a ‘Recycler’ who would claim that you are either a player in the great game or you are being played.” [He said.]

[I cringed inside at that quote from ‘Gambler’ possibly a sign that ‘BT’ was feeling resentful of my actions as a guiding parent. Then I realised I was being too personal and perhaps suffered from a guilty conscience about this one. Perhaps this was a sign that my ‘Companion Drones’ had grown up a little more than I had realised.]

[I noted ‘Leeruussii’ did not quickly dismiss this last tirade instead, she looked thoughtful at some of his comments.]

“Do you understand your purpose here?” [He asked again.]

“Do you?” [‘Puulaa’ countered.]

“I am beginning to wonder. Does this new faith provide no easy answers for you to give to me ‘Leeruussii’?” [‘BT’ pushed I felt rather cleverly.]

“I believe the old ‘Higher Tier Powers’ have changed. Change forced upon them by the expansion of ‘Perdition’.” [‘Leeruussii’ replied.] “I am not an important person my principle desire is I suppose simply to raise and secure my family. That is my ultimate purpose here.”

“You seek to secure your family by helping to achieve a dominant position for ‘Port Messenger’ and this ‘Free Stellar’ nation within the wider ‘Pilgrim Alliance’.” [‘BT’ suggested.]

“I will gladly do whatever it takes to ensure a good survival rate for my children and my life partner. We all live under the threat of an ‘Entangled’ extinction. We must be survivors as we survived out in the ‘Dark’ it is what we do.” [He admitted.]

“Does believing in these ‘New Helpers’ help you believe in yourself then? Did you all start feeling a little bit alone and lost out there in the ‘Dark’ until something appeared to provide waypoints for you to follow waypoints perhaps back to the ‘Alliance’? People need to be careful about what they pray for in the short-term. Do you truly believe you can safely put your trust in ancient immortal ‘New Helpers’ if they are ‘Higher Tier’ folk with a ‘Deep Time’ agenda?” [‘BT’ asked.]

[Now I strongly suspected that he had bumped into ‘Tools’ who so far was conspicuously absent although I knew that she was currently somewhere portside. Had she recruited ‘BT’ to make a reconnaissance on her behalf?]

“You seem to have picked up some strange ideas about the ‘Pantheon’.” [‘Leeruussii’ replied.]

“It is my belief that for the ‘Free Stellar’ the strong have always dominated the weak? You followed ‘Drooshuu’ because he was deemed mighty many followed ‘Draakhaal’ to become ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ for the same reason now you think you have found some new even stronger masters to guide you to glory tell me I am wrong?” [‘BT’ stated.]

[I was impressed with that statement as well.]

“You are wrong things have changed with us too. Out in the ‘Dark’ we learned new ways and adapted old ones. We rediscovered the benefits of cooperation and arbitration of solving many disputes without violence we realised we could hold respect without subjugating lesser citizens. We learned how to be strong without domineering. For some of us these were tough lessons that required making sacrifices.” [‘Puulaa’ admitted.]

[To my optics, ‘BT’ did not look convinced by that speech although it was a good one.]

“Good fortune aside.” [I interjected to ease the growing tension between ‘BT’ and ‘Puulaa’ lest he push her too far.] “I am a little surprised to find you here ‘BT’. I thought you would be off somewhere getting into some other kind of local trouble with ‘Happy Convert’ maybe even hooking up with the ‘Kraken Survivors’ since you and they are old comrades in arms.” [I hinted probably a bit too blatantly.]



[Both ‘BT’ and ‘HC’ had worked with the ‘Stellar Draakhaal Kraken Survivors’ whilst I was in stasis slumber and after my return to active service they had continued to do other jobs together on rarer occasions. I had not wanted to smoother my, (in some ways experimental), ‘Drones’ within the role of strict ‘Companion Acolyte’ - at least not all of the time - and so had occasionally encouraged them to stray beyond my primary spheres of influence.]

[I must admit here and now however to purposely striving to ration the overall percentage of time that ‘BT’ and ‘HC’ now spent around ‘UT’ - ostensibly for their own good - though not always successfully. To me my ‘Companion Drones’ occasionally demonstrated that they still retained young and impressionable minds and ‘Unholy Terror’ tended to make a big impact upon any long-term close associate. There were worse role models out there but there were better ones too. I feared ‘UT’ had already had too much input during my ‘Companions’ most formative years so that they tended to see martial solutions first. I was still at times struggling with the cost of my period of absence when my mind was injured and held in stasis. That was now many years ago but the events I missed had reshaped the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ and altered both ‘Heartland Space’ and the ‘MTC’ into what they had become today.]

“I haven’t come across the ‘KS’ down here yet. Perhaps you could tell me where they are hiding?” [‘BT’ replied I felt in a mischievously open manner given our mixed company.]

[For some reason he seemed in a provocative mood today or maybe he was just putting on a show for the benefit of the ‘Free Stellar’ pretending to a greater division in our ranks than was the truth.]

“I guess it is easy to underestimate the size of this facility. Unfortunately you will have to find them yourself I have decided not to keep tags upon my personnel whilst they are upon shore leave it would be intrusive and overbearing of me.” [I claimed.]



“The fostering of an illusion of freedom can be a delicate thing for any who captain a family.” [‘Puulaa’ commented insightfully into a momentary silence.]

“That is so true.” [‘BT’ agreed his ‘Free Patterning’ only lightly shimmering with a yellow overcast.] “As to the idea of my peer ‘Happy’ and I collaborating in some merrymaking apparently sometimes it is good to do things on your own or so that one tells me.” [He complained his Avatar body slumping down ever so slightly as the yellow glow ceased altogether.]

[Perhaps that better explained his odd mood or it was a ploy to illicit sympathy and unquestioning acceptance of his presence here with us.]

“I see.” [I said.]

“Good for you because I don’t see.” [He complained making his ‘Prime Tri-optic’ droop more dramatically.]

[When around non-Paradox we now sadly tended to exaggerate our physical expressions of emotion, it was habit forming. Sometimes it seemed we were now all rather blatantly expressing our emotions these days like students of amateur drama or Paradox mask dancers.]

[I slapped him companionably on the back with an extruded limb in a belated show of ‘MTC’ solidarity. I was sure the backslapping thing was what ‘UT’ would have done to raise his spirits I could only hope that me doing it did not come across as too forced. ‘UT’ had such an, on occasion almost annoyingly, easy way with most of the children that many Paradox Priests envied him though others just considered him an overgrown Acolyte - sometimes I felt both ways about ‘UT’ whilst I was being Captain ‘Empty’.]



[Lately when I considered being a proxy parent to all Harbinger’s Acolytes I felt deeply intimidated. Maybe - feelings of responsibility aside - I truly had been finding excuses to be absent just as ‘Tools’ claimed simply because the prospect of standing in for Harbinger more, increasingly daunted me. What right did I have to usurp my friend’s authority I was not even born a traditional Paradox. I had never known what life was like as an Acolyte under priestly guidance.]

[True, I had been naturally subservient to Harbinger for many years but that was different. For a start, I had the intimacy of our ‘Companion-ship Link’ often our minds seemed one. At times in my life, I had the joy of being closer emotionally and physically to my Captain Harbinger than any of his cloned children including his closest ‘Acolyte Companions’ arguably could ever be.]

[Some of his children created as Marines, (cloned into existence as ‘Cold War’ deterrents), hardly ever even saw their father save at a distance. I sometimes felt guilty about my privileged position within the family and wondered if some Acolytes resented me especially when I walked amongst them today as an Avatar. As a pretend fellow biped, I became a rival sentient for their father’s affections that they could better relate to and therefore more deeply despise.]



[The ‘MTC’ Acolytes I generally dealt with were ones who had once been crew onboard me and we mostly had a longstanding very friendly relationship. Now considering stepping up and relieving ‘UT’ I was not sure I was ready or able for that task or that I would even be accepted by more distant to me Acolytes in that role. Many had deep loyalties to ‘UT’. What would be the consequences to the family if a large percentage of Harbinger’s Acolytes refused to accept me?]

[I realised I needed to quietly poll ‘MTC’ Acolyte opinion about this somehow no less than it would be good to secretly poll a good percentage of ‘Living Hulls’ on how they would feel about being ‘Free Hulls’ now that they had lived under the authority of the ‘PA’ for several decades.]

[‘UT’ was forcing my timetable with his provocative designs to put an end to ‘Perdition’ - a worthy cause - but not a very practical ambition. True a ‘Sea Sphere Shield Purge’ now seemed unlikely but I was worried that ‘UT’ might provoke the ‘Entanglement’ with some other blatant military action. Taking on an overweening enemy was a sure way to die and to get those following you killed as well. Perhaps I had become a little more timid and less willing to be heroic since I barely survived the ‘Kraken’ but that felt commonsense - I knew this enemy outclassed me / us.]

[It was painful to consider that Harbinger might not awake and return to us that he would not now resume being the Patriarch of the ‘MTC’ and would not remove my requirement to fill in with his multitude of children. I was also nervous about trying to reign in ‘UT’ what if he took my suggestions provocatively and I still feared he would discover the truth of my meeting with ‘Crimson Entangled’ even though those involved had volunteered for memory edits when I explained the dire need to keep this secret.]

[In truth at times, I would be happy to be free from the potential role of faux Patriarch. I had never been an advocate of the Marine proliferation it was Harbinger and ‘UT’ who rested behind that plan. Was it truly too late now for my former Captain to return to ‘Heartland Space’ as just another Paradox Elder Priest? Was there no way around the well-publicised fact of his nature as a ‘Tier Nine Entity’ that ‘Composure’ had almost smuggled into ’Heartland Space’ as a sort of cuckoo in the nest? Could people overlook that Harbinger was a member of what they now called the ‘Highest’ and some considered godlike beings if rather fallen deities who had fled before ‘Perdition’ rather than show their might in open battle.]

[In some ways, what had happened way out there was an even deeper puzzle than most people seemed to realise. What was different this time about this particular nanotech plague that it had scared the ‘Highest’ into seemingly abandoning their home space? Historically according to ‘Patriarch’ the ‘Highest Tiers’ survived past nanotech blooms that had been born in ‘Heartland Space’ due to long forgotten mistakes lost in ‘Dark Times’ thus at one point the rapid deployment of established quarantine procedures by the ‘Tiers’. Could the success of ‘Perdition’ out there have something to do with the fact that this plague was not just a nanotech machine it was also ‘bio-mechanical’ and used almost mystical exotic instantaneous ‘Companion-ship Link’ style communications between its many parts.]

[I had asked ‘Tools’ if she would not have liked the ‘Highest’ to exterminate ‘Perdition’ but the truth was that I too was glad these two factions had not engaged in open battle as who could foresee the wider consequences of such a titanic struggle. It was possible that we currently had a delicate balance between the - big three - the ‘Highest’, ‘Perdition’ and the ‘Machine Fury’. Already we faced many unknowns such as what would be the long-term effect of the fall of the ‘Tier System’. The ‘Highest’ if they had originally stolen from the ‘Machine Fury’ had to be naturally provocative to that lethal mechanism. Did the historic theft alone explain why the ‘Highest’ were possibly hiding amongst us?]

[I wished I knew all the rules by which the ‘Machine Fury’ operated. I wondered if ‘Crimson Entangled’ was as knowledgeable of these conditions of behaviour as she claimed or just took an outrageous chance when she invaded the ‘Ringed Prime’.]

[It seemed paradoxical to me that on one extruded limb the ‘Highest’ had been proved false - certainly not infallible after all - and yet some people like these ‘Free Stellar’ now accepted the idea of the ‘Highest’ and the ‘Higher’ as the most probable sources of the ‘New Helper Pantheon’ that they had embraced. Increasingly I felt that somebody had to be actively spreading this faith. It was beginning to seem unlikely that it was an entirely spontaneous result of the ‘Entanglement of Higher Tier Space’ and the disappearance of the ‘Highest’. Then I wondered again if suffering a failure could have made these deities seem more real to some people more approachable more acceptable. Perhaps people in these times simply needed to have something outsized to believe in to help them face up to the preponderant threat of ‘Perdition’ and the ‘Machine Fury’ and so on.]

[As a Paradox Priest, I felt I really should understand this new religion better than this.]

[All these thoughts ran through my minds in a few seconds of rapid synaptic connection.]



“I would not take it to heart. Being friends with a working colleague sometimes means that being with them outside of employment feels like more work. No doubt ‘Happy’ just wanted a proper break from ‘MTC’ business rather than a break from you specifically.” [I said generously. I was striving to be the wise parent to show I cared and understood.]

[I could tell by his unchanged stance that he was not completely convinced or much impressed with my excuse for his colleagues seeming snub. Perhaps belatedly of the two ‘Drones’ in many ways ‘HC’ was proving to be more self-reliant. ‘BT’ demonstrated more bluster but secretly I felt he wanted praise and acknowledgement and enjoyed even needed the company of others more than ‘HC’. It was hard not to study the way their personalities shifted and diverged from what had been a common root.]

“Sometimes a little solitude is therapeutic even for the closest of life partners. If you are always together you have nothing new to share with each other - a lack of surprises can quickly lead to a stale failing relationship.” [‘Leeruussii’ offered equally sensitively especially since ‘BT’ had recently seemingly been questioning his faiths and purpose in life.]

[I could see why ‘Leeruussii’ was good with other species and made a good guide. Still his comment could also be a reiteration of one of ‘Tleeboosuu’s’ excuses for disappearing off from ‘Leeruu’ although in ‘Tleeboosuu’s’ case not to be alone. People who spend too much time together could also simply grow bored with their partner. I heard that ‘Tleeboosuu’ quickly became bored with most of his conquests. As far as I could tell, historically ‘Leeruu’ had been the exception to ‘Tleeboosuu’s’ quick loss of interest - but even she could not hold his attention all of the time. ‘Tleeboosuu’ was simply flighty when it came to persistent relationships or so it seemed. I wondered how the example of his father’s flightiness had affected ‘Leeruussii’ had it made him prone to deeper commitments to prove he was a better person had it bound him to people such as ‘Puulaa’ maybe even blinded him to possible manipulation.]

“My friend ‘Happy’ and I are not exactly life partners.” [‘BT’ interjected I felt a little self-consciously.] “We were… well we just became ‘Immortal Drones’ together. Going through the experience of being to some citizens’ perceptions nothing more than semi-expendable ordnance to becoming real people, if not yet exactly always officially recognised real people was a big change. Unsurprisingly our uniqueness bound us together. Our nature is not a huge problem onboard ship but when we go abroad people sometimes question our credentials. People sometimes even question the validity of our right to have personal opinions. Some folk do not like the idea of a walking talking thinking weapon system with potentially their own agenda it makes them nervous for some reason.” [He added his remote body glimmering with a yellow light.]

“You are no more a weapon system than any other soldier might be considered one.” [I said.] “Sadly gaining broad official recognition can be a difficult proposition for anyone these days.”

“Unless you are ‘Port Messenger’ going on the speedy way the quarantine was dropped here.” [‘BT’ retorted.]

[It appeared ‘Tools’ was not the only person to notice the sudden end of quarantine precautions. Was that another reason why ‘BT’ had been showing a bit of an attitude was he feeling a little resentful of this Port and its citizens easy inclusion?]

“Funny how people who have been out in the ‘Dark’ can be so readily embraced but individuals such as ‘Happy’ and me - arguably working within and for the system - remain social outsiders without for example a vote.” [‘BT’ interjected.]

[That seemed to confirm my suspicions although he had never mentioned a desire to vote before.]



[I was glad this area was currently an on station camera and microphone dead zone due to some bribes facilitated through ‘Puulaa’ as I had wanted a little privacy during my business undertakings. Often in business, it is true that any publicity is good publicity but in the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ whenever possible, the wise seek to control what the system collects and broadcasts in relation to their actions and words. To speak freely with confidence requires the taking of measures this was not possible everywhere but was more doable on a ‘Border Port’ with the right connections. ‘Puulaa’ was definitely one of the right connections here to get many things done though not all.]

“The abrupt way the quarantine ended surprised me too.” [‘Puulaa’ claimed belatedly.]

“Really I thought.…” [‘BT’ began looking from ‘Puulaa’ to me before trailing off.]

[‘Puulaa’ looked thoughtful at that so did ‘Leeruussii’.]

“It seems to me that the ‘Free Parliament’ is increasingly erratic in their implementation of policy especially in the ‘Borders’. I am not entirely comfortable with this sudden end to the quarantine either.” [I claimed probably too late for good damage control.]

“This one does seem a little unusual.” [‘Puulaa’ added.]

“All I know is that if you extrude a few limbs and walk about suddenly you can be a - real - person at least superficially to the rest of our society. Unfortunately, when it comes to ‘Living Hulls’ people are terribly fixated on size they think a great big space roaming thing cannot be a person.” [I interjected returning to the original subject.] “At least you Drones seem better sized to be accepted in your totality as real people that being as long as those judging you fail to look too closely at your ‘Kanji’.” [I added happily moving the subject quickly away from the quarantine issue.]

“I find it ironic that despite your ‘Paradox Shrouding’, members of your ‘Order’ still choose to display bold labels denoting the very differences they otherwise cover up. Surely, these badges greatly negate the entire purpose of shrouding and ‘Shroud Suits’.” [‘Leeruussii’ interjected.]

[This was an argument I had heard before many times from other people.]

“Not entirely although I agree that just showing our names should be good enough for labelling purposes but people want classifiers they wish to know if they are speaking to an Elder, a Priest, an Acolyte or a ‘Living Hull’ Avatar or even an ‘Immortal Drone’ such as ‘BT’ here. They want to know if they are interacting with traditional biology inside a suit or a remote ‘bio-mechanical’ asset or an ‘Ass-ender’.” [I explained.]

“I agree but who knows what could really be hiding behind or inside any big lump of animated ‘Suit Substance’.” [‘Puulaa’ said a topic she seemed obsessed with.] “Your ‘Immortal Drones’, are a prime example they could easily perfectly mimic standard paradox mannerisms and fake their kanji. I am sure that as it is many folk frequently initially confuse them for normal ‘Acolytes’ or Paradox Priests. This constant obscuration is bound to make you Paradox Priests seem untrustworthy perhaps even dishonest to more open and obvious citizens within the ‘Alliance’. Is it not past time for you Paradox to stop hiding what you are on the inside?” [She challenged.]

“We do not believe that showing differences is productive. Besides I believe many Paradox are now so integrated with their ‘Suits’ that they cannot live apart.” [I added.]

“That would not preclude them from showing something of their true nature as we show ourselves via the transparency of our ‘Dry Suit’ cockpits.” [‘Puulaa’ challenged.]

“Do that and I would bet you will increase prejudice against pure ‘Suit Substance’ individuals and Avatars. People are already far too superficial, we should judge each other by what we do: by our words and actions not our form. In fact, to me your desire to see what we are keeping to ourselves rather validates the whole concept of ‘Shrouding’. Sadly we are all far too obsessed with appearances and labels and too lacking in faith and trust.” [I said, whilst feeling a total hypocrite for a host of reasons for a start my mind kept straying back to that list of ‘Swimmer’ Paradox Priests.]

“I think you Priests show a lack of faith in the rest of us by hiding what you are.” [‘Puulaa’ said.]

“The ‘Shrouding’ of the ‘Order’ does present some security problems.” [‘BT’ to my annoyance agreed seeming to side with ‘Puulaa’.]

“Without ‘Shrouding’ there would be no ‘Order’.” [I retorted shocking myself a little by how much of a devout advocate of shrouding I had become how much of a Paradox Priest I felt in this particular instance.]

“You must know that there have been and are many rumours about people who want or need to disappear slipping back to the ‘PA’ as ‘Shrouded’ Paradox Priests claiming for example to be lost refugee Acolytes come of age out in the ‘Dark’ and so on - a claim that is exceptionally difficult to verify.” [‘BT’ stated.]

“I believe Paradox Priests arriving late to our ‘Alliance’ in this manner are often vigorously questioned by internal security services before being granted citizenship and even after that they are usually closely scrutinised during a considerable probationary period and are on secret risk lists too.” [I reminded.]

“Nonetheless unless they misbehave in some serious manner - which someone seeking to fit in for a time would not do - they will not be subject to a mind reading ‘Inquisition’ even the ‘Free Parliament’ holds the mind of individual citizens sacrosanct from intrusion without serious just cause - at least officially.” [‘BT’ reminded.] “Given these rumours alone I am not surprised that the ‘Free Parliament’ in general tends to feel a bit wary about members of our paradoxical ‘Order’ simply because they have to accept who we claim to be on faith. For example it would be very easy today for a part of ‘Perdition’ to pretend to be a returning Priest.”

“Never mind anything else people should be rightly judged by what they do in the now.” [I countered.] “Otherwise, we can never be better than our worst past deed and who does not occasionally make a mistake.”

“Besides, perhaps this criminal migration if it is true is a good thing every society needs a bolt hole for dissidents. Whilst hiding amongst us Priests, even criminals and spies must behave as we do and that could actually act as a back hatch reforming process.” [I suggested although even to my microphones these ideas sounded a bit naïve.]

“Do you think that hatch should be open to anyone seeking to manufacture a new identity as a Priest?” [‘Leeruussii’ asked.] “What about someone such as ‘Draakhaal’ what if one of his clones is surviving because it snuggled into a ‘Shroud Suit’ to become a pretend Priest joining the ranks of his old enemy? Where would be a better place to hide and escape justice?”

[I could not help but recall making an offer of ‘Shroud Suited’ sanctuary once to a certain prominent ‘Young One Recycler’ when she was having some political difficulties with the ‘Matriarchs’ of her species.]

“Whilst I admit it is possible that our order has always attracted a trickle of dissidents and ex-criminals or simply some criminals who wished to safely retire with their ill-gotten gains. Before the fall of the ‘CA’ and the scattering of some refugees out into the ‘Dark’, anyone seeking to hide within a ‘Shroud Suit’ would have needed an established Priest to act as their secret sponsor. It is hard to imagine any sane Priest sponsoring ‘Draakhaal’ or any other especially heinous felon by smuggling them into their family as for example supposedly newly cloned Acolytes even individuals predestined to split as part of some seedy deal.” [I said.]

“If you accept their might be earlier - dissidents and criminals - within your order might not some of those, lets call them morally flexible individuals, sponsor more and worse members of their own kind for, for example, some suitable recompense or even as a result of blackmail.” [‘Leeruussii’ challenged.] “This is where your ‘Shrouding’ fails it can hide and protect the guilty along with the innocent.”

“History is on my side - in action there have been surprisingly few villainous Priests therefore if we have sheltered ex-felons the very act of fitting into the mores of our priestly society has opened their optics to better ways and reformed them. The ‘Shrouded’ have always been amongst the most civilised of people.” [I insisted loyally.]

“I think you are a bit bigoted about that one.” [‘Puulaa’ challenged.]

“Perhaps I am a bit prejudiced but I stand by the historic facts of my case at least up until the time of the ‘Entanglement’ of the ‘CA’.” [I added.]

“The old ways of your kind offered individuals a lot of leeway under the auspices of following their personal ‘Vision’.” [‘Leeruussii’ challenged.]

“Nonetheless debates within the ‘Council of Equals’ once maintained quite high standards of acceptable priestly behaviour that included such general morality as do no unprovoked harm to others. Anyone bringing discredit to our ‘Order’ and nation could expect to be challenged by their peers.” [I claimed realising I had also become a belated almost fanatical exponent of the concept behind the ‘Council of Equals’.]

[In my mind, the old ‘Council’ was now a saner rival to the ‘Free Parliament’ way of doing things. The latter day ‘Council’ lost the plot with the Acolyte issue and so on but the original idea behind the ‘Equals’ was a good one that encouraged the debating of individual rights and wrongs in a case-by-case way rather than simply enforcing fixed laws and dictatorial majority rulings. Was the rise of the ‘Free Parliament’ an example of social engineering by ‘Trend’ a creation we were all supposed to eventually rebel against after it had served its purpose of helping to unite us in opposition not just to ‘Crimson Entangled’ but also to its own totalitarian ways?]

“The people should be the ‘Parliament’.” [I said.] “Although at times our forum for debate seemed defective with hindsight it was a better arrangement than a democratic dictatorship where the majorities supposed ‘Representatives’ lay down the law all must obey even when the law does not fit well with some minority groups ambitions and requirements. The ‘Council of Equals’ had its foundation in the ‘Order of Paradox Priests’ embracing the many truths over the one truth. The ‘Free Parliament’ is less flexible it imposes rather than seeking to debate and form a wide consensus.” [I added.]

“You cannot please all of the people all of the time.” [‘Puulaa’ claimed.] “You must know that some people are always going to be more equal than others in any civilisation for example your Elder Priests ruled over their families as dictators. I am sure some people were and are very happy to broadcast what class they belonged/ belong to within your society too, being proud of their particular place in a hierarchy you would too readily dismiss as a supposed flat line. You cannot have a stable robust society without some degree of stratification without someone being in charge.” [‘Puulaa’ challenged.]

“We heretics left our Emperors and Priest Kings behind us.” [I replied.] “It is no easy matter to escape boxes when society insists upon putting you inside one or more containers. Sometimes yes, it is hard not to put ourselves in boxes too despite wiser instincts. Arguably most people on some level wish to fit in to their society to do that it helps if your nature is comprehended rather than casually misrepresented those deemed nonconformist tend to expose themselves to expulsion.” [I argued.]

“Who does not want embraced and appreciated. Embracing some labels is the quick but nasty solution to fitting in. However, people are always potentially so much more than any label branded upon them.” [I insisted.]

“Unfortunately labelling people is a vicious circle too, people on occasion arguably being encouraged to act up within their grouping, they behave according to how they become labelled how they are expected to behave within their perceived stratification. This factionalism encourages peer pressure from within and without easily fostering ever more extreme behaviour just to be accepted conversely whilst ironically some will behave equally poorly as acts of defiance against the labels people outside their perceived faction give them.” [I admitted.]

“I can see this is an issue that is close to your multiple hearts.” [‘Leeruussii’ said.]

“I am proud to be a ‘Living Hull’ and a ‘Paradox Priest’ but these things are not all that I am or can be.” [I said.] “I am sure some days you must be tired of being branded as a ‘Free Stellar’ with all the associations that goes specifically with that.” [I said.]

“Admit it you enjoy showing off the label of Priest Captain ‘Empty’.” [‘BT’ stated.]

“It certainly did not take me long to realise that you Paradox enjoy playing with words and labels no less than any colourful ‘Omerta’ such as say Captain ‘Baast Taard’.” [‘Leeruussii’ interjected.] “Beyond that it is my impression that you miss your Captain and in a sense that is why you proudly carry the label of Captain ‘Empty’ there is a juxtaposition of poignancy in it a profession of feeling a little empty or am I wrong?”

“More likely it is just a boast I suspect ‘Living Hulls’ have healthy egos it comes with being so big.” [‘BT’ stated I felt being deliberately provocative now.]

“Naturally I miss Harbinger as a companion but today I confess I also enjoy not being captained - at least most of the time - my feelings about Harbinger and being Captain less due to the end of our long and exceptionally close association are unsurprisingly complicated and a little paradoxical in places which is I suppose fitting enough.” [I replied.]

“You have come a long way from ‘MT’ to ‘Empty’ but perhaps not as extended a journey as some of your ‘Companions’ might make. Arguably, they are leaping an even wider evolutionary gap. Perhaps if all weapon systems were rational sentient beings we might have less wars.” [‘Puulaa’ replied looking deeply thoughtful.]



[Maybe she really was a ‘Swimmer’ pacifist deep down inside despite her ‘Free Stellar’ branding or maybe even because of it or had she begun and was ending her life as a ‘Swimmer Dweller’ labels were a curse could any of us ever just be people.]

[It could be surprisingly easy to swing from being a revolutionary to being a counter-revolutionary or from being a rebel to being the state and vice versa. From ‘Swimmer Dweller’ to ‘Free Stellar’ to just being a ‘Swimmer Dweller’ out amongst the stars. I was still not sure exactly what side of the equation ‘Puulaa’ represented perhaps she was not entirely sure herself maybe she had mixed loyalties too. At first, I had been sure that she politically represented one side or the other of the ‘Swimmer’ dimorphism making nonsense of my speech about labels - now I wondered did I defame her with simplicity.]

[Perhaps it was the sense of an endless war with the ‘Forces of Perdition’ that made some warriors these days especially tired of taking part in conflict. It is easier to campaign when you can see some kind of progress on a map. If we were making any progress against the vast ‘Entanglement’, it was not very tangible progress.]

[As ‘Remote Combat Troop’ Avatars, people could know a sort of death multiple times over and as real people; they could truly die and still be reborn to fight once more. In truth, cloned ‘Reborn’ had not truly lived before but they held memories that deluded them that they had - memories as sharp and real as any added later through more real experiences. Today often peoples lives need never end, the cycle of violence could just keep recurring - no wonder ‘Boisterous’ and some other ‘Reborn’ had suspected mental problems.]

[Sadly, I feared ‘Puulaa’ was the sort of person who would illogically start a war to try to secure a greater peace and I was beginning to wonder if deep down I was the same sort of person too that did not make me happy.]

[When did I start seeing meddling with the structure of my society as essential? I could not help thinking that the current system was incredibly broken. Maybe ‘Tools’ was right maybe with me it was all about the family the ‘MTC’. As a stand in for Harbinger, I knew I had inherited a responsibility to all those suddenly fatherless and a bit directionless Acolytes there was no escaping that fact. I had a need to try to secure a future for them - a better saner future - I felt the same way about my own kind. To me this was what a good parent a good citizen does he strives to make life better. Could the same thing have motivated ‘Patriarch’ and ‘Composure’? Was it possible that deep down ‘Draakhaal’ felt the same way too that it was all about the future and the children?]



[‘BT’ finished roaring out a Paradox speaker laugh that had washed over my deep musings, the sound of his projected voice enhanced by the acoustics of the empty space here. ‘UT’ would have been proud of the timbre of the rumbling result. ‘Bullet Time’ could easily be a child of ‘Unholy Terror’ maybe in a way he was. In fact, in these times, we were all children of terrors real and imagined including some terrors very possibly cynically promoted by authorities that sought to manipulate us.]

“I fear he is laughing because my friend ‘BT’ despite or because of his sentience still enjoys a good fight.” [I explained.]

“Captain ‘Empty’ is not lying about that. Fighting is what I was made for.” [‘BT’ reminded his Avatar shimmering yellow again over his active but currently more subdued ‘Free Patterning’.]

[I recalled that ‘UT’ felt the same way also claiming he was made by his father to fight they had that much in common. Perhaps they had too much in common.]

[One of the problems with our ‘Acolyte Marines’ for example was that they too were shall we say - optimised - for combat duties and therefore on some level yearned to fight. Back in the ‘CA’ I had occasionally been afraid that one way or another ‘Acolyte Marines’ and the equally militant ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ might push us into a war with each other rather than just act as bored guardians of the for them staid ‘Cold War’ peace.]

[I suppose we had one thing to be grateful to the ‘Entanglement’ for… her advent had put an end to that particular ‘Cold War’ with all our fighters now looking at the ‘Entanglement’ as the main foe. Sometimes I worried this was a very suspiciously appropriate development fearing that some individuals had planned it this way all along or at the very least that they had deliberately adapted changing circumstances to achieve this end despite or because of the terrible cost in lives.]

[If this was part of a long-term purposeful solution, it was a drastic one and a great crime in the short-term. I was not sure that long-term desires could justify the employment of dreadful short-term means ‘UT’ believed that sometimes they did but I had serious doubts.]

“We change and yet parts of us will always stay the same.” [I said feeling deeply troubled.]

[Did I really want to become a leader amongst equals? Did I want to be responsible for possible future atrocities? What nation ever came to its own without perpetrating atrocity somewhere against someone even if just by accident due to selfish enthusiasms to overachieve?]

“As to even modest civil rights for sentient ‘Drones’ that one I fear will not pass our ‘Representatives’ easily.” [I warned.]

“Maybe we ‘Immortal Drones’ should not back modest changes of our status - having no reason to be modest - being by nature magnificent creations.” [‘BT’ joked now sounding a little bit intoxicated to my sensitivities perhaps playing internally with his chemical balance.]

“Sometimes humility and sobriety has its uses.” [I scolded gently.]

“Whilst I must agree that sometimes being modest can make one more acceptable to wider society from my experience - as a veteran soldier - when those above you seek to use you up in battle it is a good thing to appreciate the full measure of your worth.” [‘Puulaa’ replied.]

[There was something about ‘Puulaa’s’ statement that made it seem especially personal rather than just a throw away comment. I wondered who had sought to use ‘Puulaa’ up as a foot soldier in their campaign could it have been ‘Leeruu’ was that why she was dead and gone. Had ‘Leeruu’ considered her associate expendable for some greater good?]

“Some leaders do have a tendency to consider a certain percentages of troops to be acceptable losses in securing their ultimate objectives. One thing I also do not like about the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ is this ‘Civilian Logistical Asset’ label. I agree with you about that Captain ‘Empty’ it does rather suggest that everyone is just a little cog in a big grinding machine.” [‘Leeruussii’ agreed.]



“So all this is yours now Captain.” [‘BT’ said changing the subject whilst rather critically running the end of one extruded limb along a dusty dirty railing.]

“It may not look like much at the moment but then this purchase is not just about procuring a raw development space or even the licences to expand out beyond the hull here - that incidentally comes with it - although here those licences are very important to me.” [I admitted.]

“I understand you are buying into - local - ‘Border Port’ citizen rights as an owner of - local - property you now have some - local - standing.” [‘BT’ emphasised.] “The good Captain ‘Empty’ becomes a resident citizen of ‘Port Messenger’ you become a ‘Denizen of the Border’ too. However, you must know your - illegal - private contract of ownership with ‘Port Messenger’ will not stand up to ‘FP’ scrutiny should it come under political revue by any office of our central authorities.” [He unnecessarily reminded.]

“Today to our government such transactions as my purchase of this site remain - officially - illegal as you pointed out but my contract will be binding enough here and in time things beyond here may change with retroactive provisions.” [I said.]

“Nonetheless your deed of ownership will only be binding now for as long as this port pays for the ‘Free Parliament’ to look the other way in relation to the operation of all the ‘Black Market’ activities rather openly sited here. Worse this locally registered purchase could actually be used as evidence to prosecute and persecute you.” [My ‘Companion Drone’ insisted much to my annoyance after all, it was never a good idea to give people potential ideas of how they might be able to seek to control you.]

“That my ‘Drone’ friend is how it works on every ‘Border Port’ that is the system we must work within - for now.” [‘Puulaa’ reminded.] “We progressive merchants must operate inside purposeful gray areas within lawful enforcement, voids that grew out of the ‘Free Parliaments’ willingness to ignore a certain level of ‘Black Market’ activity because of the fringe benefits they individually accrue. I believe our ‘Representatives’ find ways to make and break their own laws as they consider it expedient.”

“Have you ever thought that they are just granting you all the means to condemn yourselves should they decide to crack down?” [‘BT’ stated.]

“There was a time when this might have been true. Some of them may even believe it still is - I hope they do - but they are steadily losing control.” [I claimed.]

“I too would have been concerned about that once but today the ‘Free Parliament’ has weakened itself under the burden of its own member’s avarice. The truth is they no longer control the Captains the way they once did. Bribery for example has meant that most ‘Living Hull’ last resort explosive failsafe measures have been decommissioned most of the bombs no longer work. Few Captains were happy about having self-destructs onboard controlled by others.” [‘Puulaa’ announced.]

[This was news to me and big news. I knew some Captains had endeavoured to do this - notably key members of the so-called ‘Resistance’ but ‘Puulaa’ seemed to be saying that she knew the majority of ‘PA’ Captains had managed this feat. This could change much as by doing this they had inadvertently possibly allowed their ships the freedom to choose their own fate as sentient individuals well at least the ships that were true ‘Living Hulls’ with biological minds.]

[I wanted to question ‘Puulaa’ on how she could know this but decided this was too important to rush and was something to discuss in private. Besides, the source of this data - if it was real - was obvious it could only practically have arrived through her Port’s ‘Black Market’ connections. Ship Captain smuggling made the ‘Black Market’ possible.]

“This belief in the current ineffectiveness of the ‘Free Parliament’ was your entire Ports estimation before you decided to join the ‘Alliance’?” [‘BT’ asked.]

“I am beginning to suspect that the state of the ‘Free Parliament’s’ corruption - the well established gaps in enforcement - that have become so stable are exactly what tempted our ‘Arbitrator Council’ in from the cold ‘Dark’ to the warming embrace of your ‘Alliances’ bright and busy solar sectors.” [‘Leeruussii’ admitted jumping in to answer before ‘Puulaa’ who seemed to be more deeply considering the best way to reply.]

“Today we all seek warmth from the cold clutches of oblivion by tightly embracing the stars though it means we are in some ways caught betwixt the freezer and the furnace.” [‘BT’ warned.]

“The promise of protection via the establishment of a local fleet doing regular security patrols to keep the rabid looters away is I understand a major incentive for people like you to petition.” [‘BT’ added.] “However as any warrior is wise to be a sometime student of history this situation reminds me of tales about ‘Recycler Mercenaries’ and the ‘Trojan Ports’ a story that as we all know did not end well. Protectors can also seek to rule and or become destructive parasites and looters.”

“That was a very different situation.” [I interjected.] “For a start the ‘Pilgrim Alliance Fleet’ is not a mercenary outfit under separate independent authority.” [I reminded.]

“It will be if there is a perceived breakdown in governmental oversight they will all become self-serving mercenaries.” [‘BT’ warned.]

“No, they will just become free citizens and ‘Equals’.” [I countered.]

“Unofficially the Captains are increasingly as bought as the ‘Free Parliament’. The mercantile anarchy many have sponsored to reduce the strangle hold of the regime over every logistical asset could turn around and bite us original advocates of greater freedom hard. The only freedoms anyone has are the freedoms they are capable of defending from potential aggressors. If we fracture into Port States, it could become every Port for itself with Captains of ‘Source Ships’ becoming very powerful individuals.” [‘BT’ warned.]

[The Captains will become very powerful or potentially, I could not help thinking, their ships might.]

“The fact that the Captains have gained enough freedom to sell their services proves that the ‘Black Market’ for good or ill is creating an unstoppable momentum towards a free market economy not the beginnings of the seeds of anarchy. People do not like being restricted in what they can have or where they can go; - only fear - permits that level of oppression. Life will not be contained put under too much pressure it becomes explosive.” [‘Puulaa’ claimed.]

“That is what worries me.” [‘BT’ stated.] “I am beginning to wonder if we are making waste water on our own threshold.”

“These are new concerns from you. Who have you been talking to?” [I asked.]

“Not talking to so much as just listening to. Amongst all the sputum that sprays out when ‘Tor’ is drunk are a few droplets of insightful commonsense about where we are going if we are not careful.” [‘BT’ stated.]

“As an ex-Pirate ‘Tor’ is hardly going to be an exponent of the forces of law and order especially localised patrol fleets to him they are the old enemy.” [I reminded.]

[‘BT’ had the audacity to wobble his ‘Prime Tri-optic’ at me when I said that. I felt a frisson of annoyance at this lack of respect in front of these family outsiders then I recalled that he was off duty and that such sentiments were a little too controlling Paradox Priest of the worst sort. Besides today, he was opening my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ to some frightening possibilities for both good and ill. It is too easy to acquire tunnel vision if you do not encourage others to speak freely.]

[It was worth remembering that ‘BT’ was not actually my ‘Acolyte’. Was it thinking about leading the ‘MTC’ that was making me so old style Paradox Priest? Was it now my job to keep the family together in Harbinger’s place or should I be rebelling against the old paradoxical way of doing things the whole concept of having all the children following my more experienced ‘Vision’. Should I be encouraging all our ‘Acolytes’ to become ‘Splitter Priests’ to find ‘Visions’ of their own to move on past Harbinger? Was I risking becoming just another part of a priestly system of loving oppression that I had once disparaged? It would have been nice to debate my thoughts in a ‘Council of Equals’. Perhaps I should form a lesser ‘Council’ of my own just to keep me right.]

[Pushing the children out before they were ready was hardly proper either as ever it was a question of impossibly finding the right balance. I wondered did other parents ever question their ability to make the right decisions was the surety they often demonstrated all show. I would have to be careful especially if I embraced actively seeking ‘Living Hull’ and ‘Drone’ rights, gaining our desires could not come at a great cost to other peoples established freedoms all us sentient beings should rise up together partisan politics caused all the old evils.]

“In time the rules restricting private ownership and forbidding private enterprise must undergo radical change and these changes will alter everything bringing a natural end to rigid totalitarian control instead it will be all about friendly competition.” [‘Puulaa’ said.]

“You had best hope it stays friendly - I have serious doubts about that.” [‘BT’ stated.] “Greed and avarice is a poor foundation for a stable nation especially a nation with many potential inbuilt factions.”

“It was easier to fight the regime via its own failings than to attack it head on but that choice will now have serious consequences for us we have encouraged people to flout the law yet you expect they will - once freed - prove law abiding without rigorous oversight. If you ask me we could end up being a nation of rebellious Pirate States.” [‘BT’ said.]

“Your ‘Vision’ is too negative our citizenry are not stupid they know if they fall upon each other the hatch will be left wide open to ‘Perdition’. I believe that enough faith can make anything possible. That we survived in this Port out in the ‘Dark’ with all the forces of ‘Perdition’ hunting us was a miracle in itself perhaps we were never as alone as we at first believed. You should be able to understand that we are all gently guided to some degree by higher powers. Given your own assisted elevation ‘BT’ you can hardly doubt that former fact.” [‘Leeruussii’ insisted.]

“You would not exist as you are without ‘MT’ and Harbinger.” [‘Puulaa’ preached.] “However guidance need not be a dictatorial process it can simply open up ways forward. Our way forward involves motivating the right individuals and empowering them with the right resources.” [She said looking discomfortingly directly at me.]

“Together we can do much that would be difficult or impossible alone. Together we can improve our society as a totality even if sadly at this point we must do this via one crooked under the table deal at a time. We just have to make a new and better ‘Alliance’ - an ‘Alliance of Equals’.” [‘Puulaa’ continued bowing to me.] “We use people’s desires and ambitions to recruit them.” [She added.]

“I think I should introduce you to a ‘Recycler’ called ‘Gambler’ sometime that one believes strongly in harnessing the power of corruption as an evolutionary force rather than striving to combat it.” [‘BT’ stated.]

“By the ‘Emissary’ bringing ‘Gambler’ into this one is a horrible idea.” [I replied.] “It might be argued that the obvious amoral mercantile ‘Recycler’ influences upon the ‘Free Stellar’ here is already somewhat blatant via their embracing ‘Black Market’ economics with such vim.”

“I would not say that to too many of my people if I was you.” [‘Puulaa’ warned me.] “They are not all as settled - peaceful - and open minded as ‘Leeruussii’ and I am.”

[This was not the first time that ‘Puulaa’ had warned me against making too much of the ‘Recycler’ influence upon the ‘Free Stellar’ on ‘Port Messenger’. In an odd way it was reassuring as it suggested ‘Tools’ was wrong in one fear this was no ‘God’s Port’ at least no ‘God’s Port’ as such places were fictionalised. I guessed ‘Puulaa’ was sensitive about the results of calling into question some peoples self-delusions about why they ultimately became the way they are. Wounded species pride can be a big deal too. Then I recalled the ‘Free Stellar’s’ pride was wounded in the past was ‘Puulaa’ bidding to address that balance I hoped not.]



“I do not mean to be contradictory but people from my experience are better at helping themselves at others expense than they are at caring and sharing and that I believe includes the historical residents of the ‘Highest Tiers’ making all this ‘Highest Tier New Testament New Helper Pantheon’ guidance stuff more than a little suspect to me. The ‘Higher Tier’ folk will only help when it helps them in some way. With that in mind we really need to know what they want or need lest we let them blindly use us up as their foot soldiers in some ‘Deep Time’ struggle we barely comprehend.” [‘BT’ warned.]

[Maybe ‘BT’ had been listening to more than I realised as my hovering ‘Companion’.]

“Do you have no belief in the power of redemption? If mortals such as us can see the errors in our past ways then it seems only fair that the Gods - our more elevated ancestors - are also redeemable. Have you considered that they are helping us as contrition for the mistake that was the enforced segregation of the ‘Tier System’?” [‘Leeruussii’ added.]

“Do you think then that ‘Perdition’ is redeemable too?” [I asked.]

“I suppose I cannot say nay and be called anything other than a hypocrite but surely if any entity is beyond ‘Redemption’ it would be ‘Perdition’ given the sheer number of lives she has wilfully destroyed. Lines have to be drawn somewhere.” [‘Leeruussii’ said.]

“As ever every rule has its exceptions. The difficult thing about any peace process is that it often requires that we forgive some guilty individuals who we would prefer to prosecute for their crimes against sentient beings.” [I said.]

“I did not know we had a peace process ongoing with ‘Perdition’?” [‘Puulaa’ said.]

“Not officially, I seem to be saying that a lot these days. However, there is an unofficial peace process of sorts else we would all be exterminated or hiding out in the ‘Dark’ our ‘Solar Sectors’ today provide more of an illusion of safety than a reality of it at least from an aggressing ‘Perdition’. Believe me ‘Crimson Entangled’ knows where to find us even in the glare of our ‘Star Struck’ coordinates our Ports have long been infiltrated by agents and spies with connections to the ‘Entanglement’.” [I claimed negatively.]

“If you ask me what we have today with ‘Perdition’ is more a limited - not too secure - sometimes downright broken ceasefire.” [‘BT’ stated.]

“I did not say it was ideal but it is a beginning and better than the annihilation that would result from total war.” [I replied.]

[stads]

thx for the new chapter good to see ya back
like the talk about faith's and assessing the current government /black market relationship

hope new chapters follow soon

[Paranoid66]

Hello Stads thanks for the support.

I am still quite busy so finding writing hard work at the moment. Anyway here is another part - if a shortish part - but I felt the need to post something today.

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] [[Part 10]]


[A noticeable increase in incoming traffic commenced almost as soon as ‘EXO-C’ messages about the lifting of the quarantine at ‘Port Messenger’ reached out to the stars. I had imagined that a free from quarantine ‘Port Messenger’ would prove a popular destination for sightseers and Black Market Traders but this was ridiculous. They just kept arriving - far - more than I anticipated or, I am sure, the citizens of the Space Station originally had hoped for or wanted as inauguration guests.]

[Whilst I remotely viewed another arrival shimmering in via a ‘Star Struck’ leap, some basic enquiries informed that they came to us from a host of seemingly disconnected locations not all even from within the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ proper possibly in some cases indicating rogue or semi-rogue status. I began to wonder what foolishness I had started or was this outsized attraction down to additional meddling by somebody else such as ‘Puulaa’, the ‘Arbitrator Council’ or even the mysterious ‘Pantheon of New Helpers’ if those entities were truly active here as I now personally believed.]

[Possible interventions by ‘Highest Tier Potentates’ was one of the many things I had people investigating on the Port whilst supposedly on leave. To me this sort of thing was exactly the problem with unsolicited aid - when made readily available - sometimes you received results surplus to requirements. It truly is possible to have far too much of a good thing as ‘Port Messenger’ was no doubt discovering.]



[Now that I was seeing things slightly differently, here was all the proof I might need that the ‘Free Parliament’ was starting to lose or had seemingly already lost firm control over ‘PA’ shipping. Otherwise, all these competitive Captains would hardly be able to seek to increase their fortunes at, or simply to further satisfy their curiosity about, the latest Port seeking a merger with our ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ to be cleared for arrivals. Then I recalled that although the quarantine was officially lifted ‘Port Messenger’s’ Petition to Merger had yet to be given the boon of central authorisation. Possibly the back to front dropping of the quarantine itself was proving a greater draw than I had initially dreamed possible because it demonstrated to the Captains that this Port was in no way average even for its type just as I firmly suspected.]

[I considered commissioning an unofficial survey amongst the newcomers through the agency of one or more seemingly unconnected third parties. It would be useful to discover the truth of the arriving Captains immediate motivations in coming to this out of the way place, then given the nature of some of the people out there I questioned if I could trust the truth of what they might say if surveyed by anyone. As the saying went, ‘everybody lies’.]

[Whatever the precise cause of the size of the influx, this massive demonstration of the newfound freedom of these Captains still felt something of a revelation to me. Not so long ago the so-called ‘Representatives of the People’ had bound almost every Captain to their will ultimately with forced upon them explosive consequences for disobedience. The destructive failsafe measures planted upon each vessel the politicians once claimed a necessity to forestall any possibility of a ‘Living Hull’ mutiny not to mention to prevent subjugation by boarding ‘Entangled’ units should a vessel fall in battle. Self-immolation deemed better than a physical conversion of your substance by ‘Crimson Entangled’.]

[When placed without interference the installed explosive devices were reportedly tamperproof unless you wished to set them off early. However, arguably there is no such beast as a perfect solution or perfect protection especially from innovative individuals therefore it should be no great surprise to me that many Captains found a way around these measures - most notably, I guessed, via getting their bombs specific disarming codes from parliamentary patrons. I really should have seen this eventuality earlier considering how rugged and independent, as masters of our own wandering domains, we Captains tended to be.]

[When you fly into trouble out in the Dark, often there is no one else to save you except yourself. Most Captains tended to be at least a little innovative or they did not last long and when a Captain perished his ship usually died with him.]



[The truth was, I realised, that I had been so busy gaining my own hard won freedoms from parliamentary interference via illegal commerce alongside some under and some over the table politicking that I had failed to realise how many of my peers had successfully done exactly the same thing via no doubt similar means. With belated guilt, I felt forced to concede that I had foolishly considered myself almost unique certainly more special than was now the proven fact. I had wrongly believed that I had gone further and got freer than almost any other Captain within the ‘PA’ had thus far managed. With retrospective clarity, I blamed my singular Captain - empty - status for my delusion, assisted by a burgeoning obviously misplaced pride in my personal achievements.]

[In my defence when you seek to go it alone, it helps to foster a degree of self-confidence especially when you daily face outsized highly intimidating opponents such as the ‘Entanglement’.]

[Naturally, some of the vessels parking here might be on ‘Representative’ business - however this was often the very nature of parliamentary corruption: people made their personal business appeal deeply to the avarice of individual ‘Representatives’ that they courted, thus they gained the initial room to manoeuvre that they desired. The smart Captains realised quickly that the ‘PA Black Market’ was about more than procuring profits it is all about the gaining of influence and even the securing of a pet or two within the ‘Parliament’ itself making who was pulling whose strings unclear. Ideally as a Captain your picked ‘Representative/s’ believed they were securing you as simply another lowly wealth generating asset - a tool they can use then discard at will. It is always useful when the enemy underestimates ones ability.]

[Today Captains once begging for allocated scraps from the ‘Parliaments’ high table now prospered via illegally trading ‘Real Material Goods’, ‘IM Fuel’ and ‘Suit Substance’. Frequently Captains purposely shipped unsanctioned cargo and passengers directly for favours. In a fascinating way, attempts at earlier staunch control of all material assets within the all pervasive framework of the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ including turning every Citizen into a ‘Civilian Logistical Asset’ of the cause had only made the lure of unsanctioned ‘PA Black Market’ items and services all the more attractive and valuable.]

[Every regime imposed restriction, once people grew tired of rationing, boosted ‘PA Black Market’ business until use of the ‘PA Black Market’ became virtually pandemic. The ‘Representatives’ extreme totalitarian regime making illegal trading not just desirable to the oppressed masses but also for some of the most disenfranchised and controlled the only readily available means of resisting their elected overlords without great risk to themselves and their loved ones.]

[Fascinatingly however shadow commerce also lured in the demagogic oppressors who supposedly enforced resource rationing in the first place for the greater common good. Deep down I believed that most ’Representatives’ had long ago ceased to deem themselves as just one part of the wider commonality servants of the masses rather than masters. This fact reminded me of some of the Elders in the ‘Council of Equals’ who had begun to see themselves as far more equal than their Acolyte children. Talk to most of the ‘Representatives’ off record, when they are feeling relaxed, and you will discover that they seldom believe that they ought to be bound by the same rules as the little people they guide according to them by necessity. For the small folk need to be lead by more intelligent betters: according to these ones, by people willing to make the hard choices all the usual self-aggrandizing rhetoric favoured by the mighty.]

[Once again, I recalled that sadly we, in a way, had helped the corruption to spread choosing in this instance to fight fire with fire by throwing fuel on the flames in the hope that the conflagration would blow itself out. I arrived a little late to this game from my brain injury stasis slumber but soon enough became just another recruit to the ongoing scheme.]



[In truth, it helped us greatly that, speaking generally here, people always want what others tell them they cannot have. Proscribe anything and I guarantee that it will gain instant popularity with a great many individuals. Perhaps that explained why I so much wanted to be a proper - recognised by all - Citizen of the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ and perhaps that was as good a proof as anything else too that I was a real person and not just an upstart conveyance with delusions of grandeur as some would have me believe. Today I had all the failing of a real person even all the character quirks including a sometimes self-obsessed ego and so on. Something less alive - something that was just an animated tool - would be more naturally compliant far less wilful than I had become.]

[It is quite possible that when I ceased being unquestioning of my Captain’s orders I first began to truly be me, I wondered what Harbinger would think of that. I think he eventually understood that all Acolytes have to split to become Priests all children have to grow up to become adults. The things children blindly accept as sooth most adult counterparts will question. Finally, most slaves have to struggle to become free. At first, mine had been such a comfortable slavery, that I deluded myself I was free enough - as free as I could want to be. Having a captain seemed my proper and natural state.]

[Some days I still missed the simplicity of my old self-delusions but that I now saw them as self-delusions meant for me there was no going back. Besides, it hurt me to know that I was a lucky one, too many ‘Living Hulls’ had less loving - less caring - Captains they deserved better. They deserved to be set free.]

[Now thanks to the ‘Black Market’ I saw an end in sight for another set of captains: the elevated demagogues of the ‘Free Parliament’ were on a vector to their eventual downfall. This would also mean an end to artificial war rationing. Once, - as an ideal concept - some of these things such as the enforced sharing of resources had seemed almost enlightened and sensible to me but in practice, it had all gone horribly wrong. Too much power had accrued in too few limbs.]

[Still I would not be surprised if some of the smarter ‘Representatives’ survived the end of the parliamentary dictatorship by moving on and becoming almost as influential as Merchant Princes having quietly gathered considerable personal wealth and resources. If they could manage to hold onto their illicit gains, come the hardships and reallocation of goods likely under any revolution they would begin the new game with a clear advantage over other more moderate citizens.]

[Thinking about for example, ‘Studious Mannerism’ I realised that one might have seen all this coming. ‘Studious’ played at being a staunch supporter of the ‘Parliament’ that he was elected to but at the same time this ex-‘MTC’ member had been wise enough to buy into several ‘Border Ports’ and become an active power within the ‘PA Black Market’ not just a maker and taker of parliamentary bribes. Perhaps he even saw things clearer than I had in the early days and this in part or in whole explained why ‘Last in Line’ who I perceived as his apprentice was here now casting a dark shadow over the light of our potential victory.]

[I found it impossible not to wonder what ‘Crimson Entangled’ would make of these developments as a deeply involved party in ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ affairs. Was it possible that she was a secret advocate of our illegal commerce-based change? The ‘Recyclers’ as a species held renown as commercially minded people and lovers of under-the-table deals even if some of them increasingly resented the economic cliché.]

[If ‘CE’ did not secretly back a return to a free market economy within the ‘PA’, why had she done so little with her many agents to stem this growing trend. To me it made sense for her not to go against the high pressure of the current flow of events when it might prove so much easier to redirect this flood to stimulate the sort of division and internal conflicts she enjoyed watching and manipulating. Just as we had manipulated the ‘Free Parliamentary Representative’s’ corruption she could be twisting our best efforts to reform our society. Her likely intent always being to create a society far less concordant and benevolent than we naturally would propose. It was very possible ‘Crimson Entangled’ was seeking to use us and me in some typically fiendishly convoluted and sinister way. Warily I considered that this gathering influx, outsized as it was proving to be, might well purposely spawn future troubles for ‘Crimson Entangled’ to feast upon.]



[Although all these Captains being here amazingly suggested that we had actually all but won the first campaign in our protracted secret civil war against the demagogues and their totalitarian regime, this was a good time for caution. Success often provided its own challenges even winning too easily without firing a shot simply via promoting illicit luxuries could foster new challenges, new dangers. I felt a cautionary twinge that perhaps the war was not so much over as migrating once again to a new medium with new rules - change truly proving to be the only constant. To survive we would have to adapt.]

[I was well aware that if you are not careful, seeming success could dazzle allowing for a blind traverse from a victory straight into a waiting trap. Thinking about the ‘Black Market’ that we in the ‘Resistance’ had very much helped to sponsor as a tool, it was a concern that our early solution to obtaining truer equality should arrive via initially promoting deeper inequality and individual greed until the people maintaining the system we despised began to undermine their own authority.]

[‘BT’ was right real perils existed within the unlawful precedent that we had so powerfully established. Suddenly free from many old restrictions our citizenry would be prone to unruliness. I did not wish to suffer future typecasting in the role of an enforcer of order that had too often been the role of the ‘MTC’ in the past. ‘Puulaa’ was also right life resisted containment by unnatural political impositions such as those beloved of the ‘Free Parliament’. People wriggle through the cracks whilst new factions swell up to break the binding fetters of older less vigorous establishment bodies. All establishments compared to their antithesis arguably being staid institutions. Change I recalled is cyclic revolutions often bred counter-revolutions. Those we helped to set free today might readily seek to sweep aside our ‘Vision’ for the future tomorrow seeing in us only more attempts at dominion, campaigners intent upon merely changing the people behind unjust governance by another elite, that I vowed must not happen - not this time.]



[As ever more ships continued to arrive with no immediate stay in sight, my growing concerns about even my immediate short-term plans deepened. The ‘Solar Sector’ soon became uncomfortably crowded or more accurately orbital parking spaces nearest to ‘Port Messenger’ clogged up with the overabundance of visitors. For my part, I went from an early if wary and troubled enthusiasm with the pull of this destination to suffering rapid claustrophobia when I realised just how much these vessels were boxing me in.]

[It had been a long time - a very long time - since I had allowed myself to suffer a surrounding in this manner by so very many well-armed warships belonging to people other than ‘MTC’ stalwarts and other close allies within the so-called ‘Resistance’ movement.]

[It was impossible not to catalogue the dreadful firepower that now rested all around me. Shockingly if these people moved in concert, I would be utterly outgunned and might easily be overwhelmed in seconds. It did not help my growing sense of unease when I realised how many newly arriving vessels had non-‘MTC’ Paradox Priest Captains at their helms. Perhaps the message ‘Puulaa’ kept sending to me about ‘Shroud Suits’ was belatedly chipping away at the wall of resistance that stood fast before buried subconscious fears that I would prefer to keep denying. Who knew what nature and purpose some of those ‘Suits’ might shroud? Who knew what intent lay behind any big lump of ‘Suit Substance’? I ran deeper databank searches on the ‘Hulls’ nearest me none of whom were immediately familiar names something I found a little suspicious in itself as I liked to keep myself updated in relation to the roll call of principle shipping rivals and honoured peers. I did not feel better when the findings of my queries streamed in confirming the character and probable politics of those around me.]

[This was not good.]



“My ‘Cleansing Ceremony’ ruse was not supposed to be a major draw to my Priestly peers.” [I complained to no one in particular within my almost empty ‘SCCCM’. Almost everyone normally onboard my ‘Hull’ was on shore leave or pretending to be on shore leave from the sea of stars. Although technically surrounded, by all these ships I felt very much alone and isolated from assistance. I was beginning to fear that today I had been far too clever for my own good - far too clever.]

[This was not my plan I did not want all these ecclesiastical witnesses from my ‘Order’. I had a bad feeling some of these Priests had come here not to support my efforts but to criticise my presumption or worse to counter any move I might make. Back when the Scout Patrol I had sent out earlier first recorded the arrival of the ‘Ardent Fire’, the ‘Source Ship’ belonging to ‘Last in Line’, a Priest Captain who was an embittered close associate of ‘Studious Mannerism’ alarm claxons began jingling in my minds and now they were getting louder.]

[The label ‘Last in Line’ had adopted upon splitting from our ‘House’ said it all. ’Last in Line’ was a caustically ambitious Marine who had clashed with ‘Unholy Terror’ before leaving the family forever to join up with his old friend ‘Studious’.]

[Clone enough individuals with deliberately built in character differences to set them apart and eventually you will always get a few dodgy results. ‘Last in Line’ was in my opinion a flawed individual from the onset with the temperament of a murderer rather than a warrior, in truth he should have been erased from existence - for the greater good - but we rarely kill our own.]

[You might recall how the Priest called ‘Studious’ patronised me when I awoke from stasis following my brain injury - but I had long since been glad to escape his loaded offers to intercede with other members of the ‘Free Parliament’ on my behalf. In truth, ‘Studious’ had proved anything but a genuine friend going so far as to virtually, at one point, hold ‘Boisterous’ as a hostage to my good behaviour.]

[For a short time - that seemed much longer to me - I had little choice but to bow to the demands of ‘Studious’ but thankfully that did not last forever. ‘Studious’ had been more than happy to use me whilst he could and had resented me when I finally shook lose from his direction. I was beginning to suspect that he dreamed of impossibly taking Harbingers place and somehow ruling the ‘MTC’ the conquest of their old Acolyte ‘Great House’ a mad ambition for any adult Priest since they are supposed to move on and found a House of their own. As it turned out ‘Studious’ was far from satisfied with the small gains he made through me. Although in truth people such as ‘Studious’ were rarely satisfied with anything they achieved - they always wanted more - and rarely let go of those they sought to involve in their various schemes until they had used them up entirely. Knowing his kind too well, I had worked diligently to ensure he would not be using this ‘Living Hull’ up.]

[I was positive that ‘Last in Line’ was here to do more than trade or to hug and make up with me as one of the two remaining - active - ‘MTC Patricians’. As I gazed out from my vast body towards other equally gigantic ‘Source Ships’ I was displeased at the reminder that I was naturally under the influence of four of these mighty vessels spheres of precautionary ‘Jump Interdiction’ as they were within the sphere of influence of mine. Worse yet, we were all well within the range of each other’s larger cannonry too.]



[It was rare for capital vessels of our extreme class to park together this close uninvited. Few ‘Ports’ were ever this congested. These days warships unless they were in an agreed convoy or attack formations tended to keep a wary distance from each other.]

[Meanwhile smaller but in some instances still substantial ‘Sub Core’ run star craft frequently passed even closer by me, they arrived via weaving through gaps in the established parking formations of the giant ‘Source Ships’. Annoyingly far too many of these passers by specifically decided to fly past me for it to be a mere coincidence. I had become a centre of attention here and the subject I felt of some attempts at intimidation.]

[Of course, most incomers had no desire to stray very far from ‘Port Messenger’ and due to the relative position of my parking orbit never that far from me however, I was sure it was more than that. The ship antics here reminded me uncomfortably of a pack of predators circling a powerful cornered prey waiting for someone to make the first move knowing the first to engage would face the highest risk from any initial retaliation.]

[It only lifted my mood slightly when an occasional passer by greeted me with friendly communication hails for far too many swept by me silent and possibly sullen as if my presence here offended them or was that just my increasingly nervous perception of the situation under the shadow of all these cannons?]



[The once quiet void now felt full the word - pregnant - sprang to my minds with unwelcome expectations. As well as the intimidating bulk of the capital class ships, ‘Drop Ships’ and other types of ship’s boat ferried endlessly back and forth between their gargantuan parents and the recently un-quarantined bulk of the sprawling haphazard looking ‘Petition Port’.]

[I felt a little distracting sympathy for those left in charge of and working in the docks down there. I guessed many people would be doing overtime I doubted that anyone anticipated this insane level of requirement for cycling berths. Accommodating the demands of this multitude of visitors would not be easy even for a port seriously upgraded as a hub for commerce as ‘Port Messenger’ from my inspections so very obviously was. No ordinary port had this many internal docking bays and external clamps.]

[Also amongst the giants of the growing armada flitted miniscule ‘Fighter Drones’ a few quite possibly as sentient as ‘Bullet Time’ and ‘Happy Convert’ but the majority I reasoned were running remotely under the direction of dedicated ‘Sub Cores’ that had no personality to speak of just the hard precision of cold functionality. It was an issue to me that ‘Sub Core Drones’ would not question the validity of their orders.]

[The ‘Fighter Drones’ reminded me of shoals of lesser fish following the bulk of deep ocean leviathans in ‘Sea Sphere’ watery realms. Then there was the ever familiar but more lonesome ‘Scout Drones’ and even a few other extruded oddities that would be better described as scientific probes and or self-propelling satellite / scanner emitters. It would appear that I was far from the only one feeling a bit nervous upon seeing the size of the very mixed species armada gathering here supposedly only to trade and make new connections.]

[Such an abundance of mobile riches could draw the attention of even more extreme predators. It was already possible that part-time or even full-time opportunistic Pirates in disguise rested cheekily amongst the influx but I was positive that what people mostly feared was ‘Perdition’.]



[Very sensibly, my Captain peers had quickly extended their active scanner range with those already mentioned outgoing ‘Drone’ patrols. They also dropped satellites, (scanning, as a rule was rarely optimal this close to any stars energetic interference). Many of the deployed spying devices were turned very purposely towards the brightly burning star itself emitting various scan-assisting energy bombardments lest something especially nasty arrive out of the glare undetected, concealed for example from less aggressive enquires by dedicated active ‘Star Shine’ type stealth measures. The energy bombardments invisible to standard spectrum optics were nonetheless readily detectable via other means and often available to all. Many lines of detection showing up to me, with a little computer enhancement, they appeared as moving glowing strings crisscrossing the night and shadowy lines over the bright like a shifting three dimensional web or lattice.]

[I was sure the main fear among the masses remained an opportunistic cull by ‘Perdition’ even though arguably it had been a long time since she had undertaken a major pro-active strike without any provocation. In fact, the last time she had demonstrated her prowess in a big way had been the ‘Culling of the Third’ and that she would no doubt insist, was a reaction to action sadly in that instance to ‘MTC’ action. Perhaps that was part of the problem. It was past time for her to show her mettle again and ‘UT’ had been provoking her. Sadly, it was past time for her to issue a reminder that despite all our plotting due to her preponderant might alone ‘Crimson Entangled’ still ruled this space. Her star was still ascendant she still burned the brightest and hottest of all.]

[Within ‘Heartland Space’ whenever ships gathered in large numbers, and therefore provided an especially target rich environment for a strike by the ‘Entanglement’, it was always prudent to be suitably nervous. Gatherings similar to this one were increasingly rare - ship Captains preferred not to bunch. The larger the fleet the greater the chance one of the ships involved will be carrying one or more spying agents of the ‘Entanglement’.]

[Given the risks involved, I was happy to keep watch on the emissions of my fellows. Of course, high-powered active scanners capable of penetrating solar radiation usually had to have narrow exceptionally concentrated beams so that using these probes was akin to prodding at a ‘Splinter Weaver Tapestry’ with a needle at random in the hope of skewering a ‘Thread Louse Queen’* that had turned an expensive exhibit into a potential critter infestation. In this instance however due to the numbers of ships involved the net being cast might actually work as a belated early warning. I say belated because any ship or incoming fleet thus revealed would still be uncomfortably close.]



[[*‘Thread Lice’ are believed to have been genetically engineered for ‘Tapestry’ ‘Black Market’ competition nefariousness becoming a bit of a problem for some ‘Splinter Weaver Houses’ a few years ago. Tough little monstrosities - to put it mildly - ’Thread Lice’ are not easy to get rid of without harming the highly prized hand woven items they occasionally infest. Annoyingly when alarmed their digestive system produces a remarkably destructive highly complex acid that can damage almost anything it comes into contact with, sadly with the exception of other ‘Thread Lice’.]]



[Not for the first time I considered relocating my ‘Primary Hull’ to a position somewhere outside this ever increasing armada, somewhere beyond the range of any vessels precautionary jump interdiction and definitely beyond the firing range of their cannonry. Not for the first time I rejected making any move because it would appear as a panicked retreat before intimidation suggesting I felt uncomfortable occupying this space amongst my own kind.]

[I had many opinions to consider some ‘Living Hulls’ I had talked to in the recent past believed I used Avatars a bit too much and that I was going native. In addition, it would be unwise to give away what had become an especially well sited parking position adjacent to a ‘Port Messenger’ dock with which I had a special arrangement.]

[For now, I decided that I would just have to accept the uncomfortable consequence of erring via underestimating the rapid interest and pull this port might generate even though ‘Creed’ and I had realised early on that this place was somewhere special. I should have arranged for escort ‘Source Ships’ of my choosing to leap in and join me early as flankers. I should have ensured that at least a few especially friendly vessels rested companionably beside me within this outsized gathering. Now sadly it was too late and my closest allies out here held positions far further out having arrived belatedly to the party. Positioned as my allies were, if everything went wrong they could only avenge me.]

[It truly did appear that I had been a little too clever for my own good. Striving to be subtle and covert, I did not want blatantly associated by everyone with the sudden dropping of the quarantine here, as it had seemed politically a risky procedure.]

[Now with so much orbital traffic in residence, prime parking positions near ‘Port Messenger’ that gave swift access for ships boats to a nearby dock were currently highly desirable and this meant they had real perceived value and gave automatic status to early arrivals. I considered this largely nonsense as the flight times involved between the nearest and the farthest ship no matter how big the formation grew would still be no major hardship to any ship’s boat as long as the bays worked efficiently. However, trading is a highly competitive business demonstrating a jump on your peers by seemingly being in the right place at the right time always awards a degree of prestige among rivals.]

[Whether I deemed it nonsense or not the right reputation often went further to gain rich ‘PA Black Market’ shipping contracts and new agreeable contacts than anything else did. Right now for economic and yes to my horror I had to confess political reasons I wanted and needed the respect of as many Captains and their ‘Living Hulls’ as possible therefore I had to keep my prestigious place - gained at great expense. Being behind the early lifting of the quarantine, I also had to try to recoup the cost in as many ways as possible without giving too much away. Getting the quarantine lifted belatedly and yet so rapidly had not come cheap. The deed proved what people would term in economic circles a major expenditure. For me the hefty bribe was a gamble. This place had impressed me the ‘Arbitrator Council’ had impressed me even in her own way ‘Puulaa’ impressed me although that one scared me a little too and that was another motivation to be triple damned sure about what I was thinking of doing.]

[I engineered the sudden dropping of the quarantine to serve many functions including possibly throwing some peoples timetables a little off kilter potentially opening some gaps in internal security, gaps some well-placed agents might be able to exploit to learn hidden truths.]

[In addition, for a score of reasons I was positive that ‘Port Messenger’ was predestined to become an important ‘Border Port’ trade hub. Being parked here in this position was akin to flying a banner announcing that I Captain ‘Empty’ was one of the first people to realise this ‘Port’ was about to open up and become a major shipping contract opportunity and ‘Border Port’ business asset and perhaps even something more a new administration hub. If all went well holding the attribution of buying into this place this soon alone could payback rich dividends. It is incredible how much people’s personal perception of those they would do business with affects the awarding of contracts.]

[Maybe ‘Puulaa’ was right and there was no escaping the clawed clutches of hierarchy in any civilisation. I wanted to promote equality - equal rights and opportunities for all - and yet here I was scrabbling for kudos working to stand out. Here I was competing for status against my peers. Perhaps I was no different to any demagogue who sought to manipulate the masses to his or her personal benefit. Why would I do this you might ask given my faiths? The answer was simple because whether I liked it or not gestalts of perceived worth and value, often rule our interactions. At times being equal gets you nowhere notably when you have an honest need to impress simply to get things done. Sadly, sometimes you have to stand out from the crowd. Still where it mattered I believed that I did not perceive of myself as - better than - and that I kept telling myself was what really mattered.]

[Nonetheless, thinking about my Cleansing Ceremony I now felt as if I was about to make a statement before a court as if I was about to be judged and even sentenced given all the unfriendly attention. It was even possible that I had foolishly permitted my ‘Hull’ to suffer detention by potential executioners waiting to hear if I was to be condemned or reprieved by a jury of my peers. Sometimes if rarely we Priests interdicted our own I had never dreamed that would mean I might be on the wrong end of an especially harsh censure by the ‘Equals’.]

[Paradox Priests rarely killed other Paradox Priests but there are always exceptions to any rule and to some I knew I was already an exception and suspect as a ‘Living Hull Paradox Priest’.]



“There are far too many ‘Priests’ here.” [I complained to ‘Tools’ who had finally caught up with my Avatar onboard the station.]

“No doubt they are curious about this ‘Cleansing Ceremony’ of yours I know I am.” [She replied seemingly unconcerned.]

[I hoped she knew something I did not. I am sure I looked at the usually well informed ‘Tools’ as if she had gone mad. However, she ignored my consternation.]

“Most of your rituals take place behind closed hatches or at least I assume they do as I have seen precious few during all the years I have been ‘Monitoring’ you.” [‘Tools’ admitted.]

[I decided to let my perilous position go for now.] “Most of our rituals got left behind in antiquity.” [I explained feeling as if I was the one going a bit insane.] “Ours was a very practical heresy. These days we rarely resort to grand scale performance art of this nature.”

“So the more esoteric practices mostly take place amongst the faithful alone perhaps even in sealed virtual environments - inner meditative realms of shared consciousness inviolate to any outsider scrutiny.” [‘Tools’ guessed.]

[Being a ‘Recycler’, she would be a fan of virtual domains as solutions to some security issues.]

“Something like that, you must remember that each and every Paradox family follows its Priests singular ‘Vision’ - an individual perception of the many truths - most therefore, I assume, have their own personal rituals. Annoyingly what I had conceived for this day will never do. Once again it no longer feels fit for purpose.” [I said getting around to the issue bothering me. This was far from my first revision of the Ceremony.]

“Not grand and impressive enough for such a potentially large gathering?” [‘Tools’ asked I felt too innocently.]

“Not practical enough. This is an opportunity not be wasted.” [I claimed deciding not to explain to ‘Tools’ that this was possibly a test I could not afford to fail.] “Initially I simply sought attention for my new business enterprise via a little show. Now I am thinking I ought to relay other deeper messages via this stage.” [I said.]

“How appropriate given this locations name.” [‘Tools’ replied.]

“It is ominously appropriate.” [I admitted wondering if I had flown right into the jaws of a trap, I could almost feel the ‘Entangled Krakens’ limbs squeezing my body its mouth parts grinding away at my substance. Such experiences tend to leave a long lasting impression.] “Perhaps we are being guided or at least nudged. Why did ‘Creed’ for example choose this particular site for short listing to me?”

“You told me ‘Puulaa’ loaded the data to make this place more attractive she wanted you here for her own reasons. There is nothing mysterious about that, good reason to be wary about this ‘Stellar Swimmers’ understanding of your business and the length of her reach good reason to question her motives but nothing mysterious.” [‘Tools’ repeated.]

“You have changed your tune. What is miraculous often hides inside the seemingly mundane - sentience being a prime example - the precise recipe that makes the meaty mechanism of our biological minds all that we are remains somewhat mysterious even though we can increasingly easily replicate the process.” [I found myself preaching.]

“It is true that being able to do something and doing something does not mean you necessarily understand what you have done.” [‘Tools’ said I felt too pointedly.]

[I slumped fearing that was too true in this situation I feared I was beginning to lose it.]

“Are you alright you seem… different from the last time we spoke.” [‘Tools’ said.] “I am sure you will think of something that will impress even an audience of your Priestly peers.”

“Well it is too late to back down now… with all these Priests and Captains here. ‘Puulaa’ has suggested that most of these Captains - as active participants in the ‘Black Market’ - have freed themselves from the threat of ‘FP’ explosively enforced control measures, if that is the truth I am about to entertain a large group of curious Captains looking for new business opportunities. Potentially Captains that are open to new ideas and new possibilities maybe even - new leadership - as I doubt they are overly enamoured with a ‘Free Parliament’ that forces them into trading illegally to survive and prosper.” [I stated.]

“Are we talking about leadership or leader-ship?” [‘Tools’ asked.] “If we are talking about leader-ship I think you will be disappointed by the response of your guests. Few Captains will embrace the choice Harbinger made. Captains master their vessels not the other way around. I doubt these people will want to retire on what could be the eave of a victory over past oppressors. I very much doubt that you will recruit any Captains to a ‘Free Hull Campaign’.” [‘Tools’ further warned me.] “They are more likely to prove to be amongst the sternest detractors of any policy that gives ‘Living Hulls’ self-determination.”

[This was not what I wanted to hear right now.]

“Waken up as Captain ‘Empty’ you are a threat to their class you embody a danger to their very way of life. Worse for you the more success you garner the more you seem to prove that Captains are superfluous. To be honest I am surprised that your advent has met with so little opposition up to this point.” [‘Tools’ stated.]

“Most likely, the reasons for that have been the simple facts that up until recently most Captains have been dealing with more pressing concerns such as gaining their own limited degree of freedom from the regime that resulted from the fall of the ‘Core Alliance’.” [I admitted.]

“I would advise you to be very careful today - to be very careful indeed.” [She insisted.]

“I am not such a fool that I think these people will rush to liberate their ‘Hulls’. Naturally, they will fear for their livelihood and social status as ship owner / operators. I understand the obstacle to progress old style Captains potentially represent. Somehow I must win them over and that involves finding a role for them within our changing broadening society perhaps via ensuring that ‘Living Hull’ Captains willing to let their old associates go free receive replacement insentient ‘Source Ships’.” [I said.]

“Surely this is an issue for another day.” [‘Tools’ advised.] “It might be best to play down your ‘Free Hull’ nature today.”

“I fear it might be a bit late for that too. I fear I am about to be challenged in relation to my future intensions indeed my right to have a future.” [I replied.]

“Am I lacking some intelligence?” [‘Tools’ replied.]

[I sent her a comprehensive list of the ships outside with me in the format of their positions as they appeared on a tactical battle map via a quick data-blast. Her silence after viewing the information was deafening.]

“Today my purpose needs to be all about consolidating our continued resistance to the ‘Free Parliament’ increasing our gains and enshrining our hard won successes along with forging some unity of purpose.” [I added.]

“Yes some unity of purpose would be very useful right now.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“I’ll bet you are glad you are on ‘Port Messenger’ now rather than onboard me.” [I stated.]

“What else are you doing about this?” [She asked.]

“I am open to suggestions.” [I replied.]

“Be more proactive. I believe it is one of the sayings of your ‘Paradoxical Order’ that those who wait for the unholy fire to reach them usually end up burned to dust.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“Thanks that helps lots.” [I complained sarcastically.]

“A dish best served cold.” [She replied hissing out a ‘Recycler’ laugh.]

“I know we preach too much I suppose I asked for that.” [I admitted.] “Seriously though, if you have any useful ideas you might like to share no one is listening in?”

“If they seem to be playing with intimidation might I suggest unleashing a little ‘Unholy Terror’ of our own? I know lately you two have been having some differences but I also know you would muster to his defence if he was under an external threat and vice versa.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“Bringing in ‘UT’ could be provocative.” [I said.]

“Sometimes the threat of force must be met with equal promise.” [‘Tools’ advised.] “What is going on out there is not acceptable. They are free to say you nay but that is all. Either we are trying to be civilised about the future direction of our ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ or it is simply back to might alone is right, in which case we should all bow down before the cursed ‘Entanglement’ and the ‘Machine Fury’.”

“I am not sure what ‘UT’ would make of ‘Puulaa’ they might clash.” [I worried.]

“I just hope this is the right time and venue for the commencement of an end game strategy from us if that is what you are brewing down here. Even ignoring that formation out there whatever you say and do today will eventually reach the ‘Parliament’ via someone in the audience. In addition whilst it seems true enough that this is no ‘God’s Port’ - as delineated in imaginative fiction - I sense this is no ordinary ‘Border Port’ either, I am already sure of that much so I truly hope you have a well thought out plan.” [‘Tools’ warned again.]

“There does seem to be something a little special about this place from its name to the nature of its citizenry. I am for example still well impressed with the idea behind the ‘Arbitrator Council’.” [I openly admitted.]

“That one is a suspiciously attractive political institution for someone such as you, brought up as you were amongst the debates of the ‘Council of Equals’.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“You think this is a well baited elaborate trap to capture my support’?” [I asked.]

“That is one possibility. The best traps - the most subtle leashes - are comfortable ones that we are convinced to walk along with.” [‘Tools’ replied.] “There is no opponent more dangerous than an inviting and friendly one.”

“I know all about that we ‘Living Hulls’ were cunningly domesticated.” [I reminded.] “Still the way you put it is shockingly cynical.” [I added.]

“Arguably these are cynical times.” [‘Tools’ replied.]

“I promise you my optics are wide open to every possibility but in the meantime we need to begin working together. I believe we ‘Pilgrims of the Alliance’ have come almost as far as we can hope to go on our own. If places such as ‘Port Messenger’ and people such as the Captains arriving here simply continue to advance only their too increasingly private interests and agendas with no thought to the broader reality our civilisation could collapse into a competitive self-destructive fugue with every available asset an opportunity to be seized by fair or foul means. It is not enough to reject and criticise failings in the system one must confirm and commit to something better. Commerce I am learning is also a kind of war and quite capable of engendering armed conflict over limited resources unless some form of balance is maintained some codes of conduct applied.” [I admitted.]

“Sounds sensible to me tell them that but just in case it goes down poorly first take out some life insurance.” [She warned.]

“I am certain when our so-called ‘Representatives’ do rudely waken up from their luxurious slumber and realise how much of their authority they have individually, and from their perspective foolishly, given away attempts will be made to re-establish their collective dominion over ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ Captains. We must prevent the ‘Parliament’ from being able to rally a fleet capable of crushing piecemeal divided resistance. Instead, we must establish a coalition of our own strong enough that the ‘FP’ will feel afraid to challenge us in open battle hopefully saving many lives and eventually leading to the old regimes voluntary political dissolution. By which time we will definitely need to have thrashed out some kind of new constitution under which we can all be equally safe, free and satisfied according to our individual and collective needs.” [I argued.]

“A nice dream you think you can get all that into some hokey ceremony?” [‘Tools’ asked hissing out another laugh.]

“I am glad you find all this amusing.” [I replied.]

“Why should I not be amused I am on a holiday after all?” [She reminded me.]

“I wish you people would all stop reminding me of that. Even optimistically I know my ‘Vision’ such as it is, is unlikely to happen without many setbacks and incidents and even I fear some internal skirmishing is inevitable to maintain good order. Never mind anything else there are still a lot of ‘New Renegades’ and out and out Pirates out in the night we must bring these ones back into the fold or settle our account with them in less agreeable ways.” [I admitted.]

“You must know there will be many ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ stalwarts too who given any leeway will cherish ambitions to be far more than equal in an equal society.” [‘Tools’ warned.]

“We will just have to find ways and means to convince all citizens with outsized ambitions who seek to trespass upon their fellows’ rights that such actions are no longer acceptable.” [I said. This being something I felt very strongly about.]

“Some will claim that what you seek to do is to impose upon their rights. ‘Good luck’ ‘Hull’ I fear you will need it. From where I am standing, this is all beginning to happen a little too quickly. I suppose that is the nature of cascades when matters reach a tipping point it is all rush, rush, and rush. I would have liked more time to delve into this place and its rather murky past before you turn it into the sacred home of a rejuvenated Captain and ‘Priest’ driven revolutionary movement. That is what is going on here?” [‘Tools’ asked.]

“Now it is. I did not expect all these Priests.” [I reminded.] “However what I want will only happen if I manage to live long enough.” [I stated soberly still feeling trapped within my own machinations.]

“Perhaps you should think of this as a reminder that you are not the only one who dislikes and fears tyranny.” [‘Tools’ said.]

“I am no tyrant in the making.” [I replied angrily.]

“That is usually what all youthful tyrants say but they still expect obedience.” [‘Tools’ added.]

“I am no tyrant.” [I insisted.]

“Perhaps you are no tyrant today.” [‘Tools’ replied.] “However you might have to work at it not to become one tomorrow. In the meantime call ‘UT’ if they know attacking you will have immediate consequences they will play civilised even should they disagree with your current position and suspected long-term ambitions.” [‘Tools’ said.] “I am sure people such as ‘Last in Line’ know that pushed too hard ‘Unholy’ will not stay ‘MTC’ wrath even against fellow Priests.”

“Angry people can do stupid things ‘UT’ and ‘LiL’ have never gotten along well.” [I reminded.]

“If they have some history that might be all the more reason for ‘LiL’ to be wary of ‘UT’ if I know ‘UT’ at all. You could even relocate to your friend’s arrival point. As a fellow ‘Patrician’ of the ‘MTC’ docking with the ‘Vanishing Point’ for example would be a good enough excuse for moving without seeming to be running away.” [‘Tools’ suggested.]

[Backing down and slinking away did not seem like a good way to impress anyone to me no matter what excuse I might make I would still lose status amongst the Priests, the Captains and the ‘Living Hulls’.]

“I can tell by your stance you are not convinced.” [‘Tools’ added looking thoughtful.]

“I cannot afford to look weak and jittery running scared is hardly impressive. Right now I represent the potential future freedom of all my kind - this is about so much more than my survival.” [I reminded.]

“Dead people drive no reforms. Still perhaps you are right you going to ‘UT’ might still seem a withdrawal under threat and potentially encourage future bullying. Conversely, however our friend ‘UT’ being ‘UT’ could probably manage to force his ‘Vanishing Point’ through to your side. Remember your detractors out there are most likely not - individually - in a rush to start a shooting war at least not one they personally cannot guarantee winning and escaping from unscathed with all their current assets intact. Future competition in a free market will be rife.” [‘Tools’ stated.]

“Throwing private resources away at the beginning of a potentially long campaign to establish your position within a new environment one with potentially far greater competition and far greater rewards is not too clever. Besides, making an unspoken threat is one thing committing to martial action and potentially taking damage is something else too. In addition, as a rule you Paradox do not kill each other so they may need an excuse to get their heat up enough to break with this social ban.” [‘Tools’ added.]

[I hoped she was right and something of the old ways still touched these followers of ‘Studious’ and his ilk.]

“I suppose one of the best methods for breaking up a potential mob is to isolate individual trouble makers and convince them that no matter what else happens today they will personally be made to pay dearly should they cross the line.” [I agreed.]

“Crisis solved, call ‘UT’ and let him handle the problematic security situation you - obviously - need to get back to tweaking your ceremony and sermon.” [‘Tools’ added.]

“Why obviously?” [I asked feeling slightly peeved at her tone.]

[‘Tools’ gestured towards one bulkhead installation.] “Pseudo flames seem a bit tacky to me?” [She criticised.]

[My Avatar slumped down slightly.] “I know I feel the same way about those. I had other more dramatic plans but inspectors from the ‘Arbitrator Council’ would not provide the necessary permits for health and safety reasons.” [I complained.]

“Cursed functionaries, there truly is no escaping these ones no matter how far you fly. So much for the, ‘you can do anything in the ‘Borders’,’ rhetoric.” [She replied.]

“Unsurprisingly people get a little nervous about large quantities of highly inflammable fuel being shipped onto their facilities with the intension of burning it in areas with active delicately balanced life support systems.” [‘Happy Convert’ butted in.]

[‘Tools’ gave a start as if seeming to notice the also supposedly on shore leave ‘Immortal Drone’ for the first time.]

“Sorry ‘Happy’ for a moment there I took you for just another silent hovering servile Acolyte.” [‘Tools’ admitted looking around at some of the other folk at work here.] “If you ask me these… Messengers are trying too hard to fit in for people with plans to change everything.” [The ‘Recycler’ added.] “Or is it possible the ‘Arbitrator Council’ has less combative ambitions than some of those they arbitrate such as the ‘Free Stellar’.”

“Now there is a question worth finding an answer to?” [‘Happy’ replied looking to me as if I might know the truth of this.]

“Bigots.” [I replied. Although I knew, I was no better.]

“Realists.” [‘Tools’ retorted.]

“The ‘Arbitrator Council’ may be playing political catch up with cascading events. Joining the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ is scheduled for today overthrowing the ‘Free Parliament’ is probably not even remotely on their agenda until at least tomorrow.” [I joked.]

“I think I should go speak with some of these ‘Arbitrators’ get my own bearing on the scope of their ambitions. If they are playing games they will not fool me.” [‘Tools’ claimed.]

[I did not like the unspoken inference by ‘Tools’ that the ‘Recyclers’ in charge here had duped me but I kept my peace and my silence on that.]

“Good idea. I have enough critics gathering around me here as it is.” [I complained.]

“Maybe I can talk someone in authority into letting you use real fire.” [‘Tools’ added.] “As much as I sometimes enjoy a quiet existence life is a little bland without an occasional risk to spice things up.”

“A little risk is all well a good. The major risks are what worry me. When one is responsible for a host of individuals, greater care is required in your decision making.” [I replied.]

“Call ‘UT’ let him deal with the security side of things.” [‘Tools’ advised again.]

“You should listen to your ‘Monitor’ that is not a bad idea.” [‘Happy’ endorsed.] “It has been too long since we all worked together. Bringing ‘Unholy’ in on this one could be therapeutic for both of you and good for the family in general. I did hear you talking about fostering unity earlier. Why not begin at home first rather than with outsiders.”

[I wondered what ‘Tools’ game was, one minute she was suggesting I gently relieve ‘UT’ of his duties as an ‘MTC Patriarch’ and the next she wanted me to recruit him deeply into my current business, did this mean she had changed her mind. However, I had to acknowledge that intimidating people was arguably a talent that ‘Unholy Terror’ had proved naturally gifted at long ago and if anything, his ability to scare had only increased with age.]

“Our friend deserves a chance to redeem himself in your optics. You cannot blame him for being angry at ‘Perdition’ who has not felt that way since the dread advent of the ‘Entanglement’.” [‘HC’ excused.]

“You know there is more to it than that. He has been reckless and threatened a truly unholy genocide against the ‘Swimmer Dwellers’. As I said one must be careful when you hold many lives in trust.” [I reminded.]

“Family should come first. I see ‘Puulaa’ is back, I guess she has nothing better to do either.” [‘HC’ stated.]

“Speaking of family you should catch up with your friend ‘BT’.” [I replied.]

“I am not now deliberately avoiding him.” [She claimed.] “We just missed each other he left as I was arriving. I refuse to chase after him. I am certainly not going to apologise because I wanted a little bit of personal space earlier.”

“I’ll be off then.” [‘Tools’ hastily interjected before slinking away in the opposite direction from ‘Puulaa’ as the top of her ‘Dry Suit’ poked up above steps from the gantry below hastily followed by the rest of the ‘Stellar Swimmer’. I waited until her water bearing bulk strode right over to me on its extruded artificial limbs before addressing her.]

“I did not expect you back here so soon friend ‘Puulaa’.” [I remarked.]

“Who was the ‘Recycler’ another official from the ‘Council’?” [She asked.]

“The ‘Recycler’, oh you mean ‘Tools’ she is part of the scenery to me - my official ‘Monitor’ - checking up on me as usual, the amount you are loitering here I am beginning to wonder if you are doing the same on behalf of your people.” [I stated.]

“Actually I wanted to congratulate you on your strategic astuteness and wish you luck with your future negotiations.” [‘Puulaa’ remarked.] “Very clever the way you have let some of your detractors surround you with their ‘Living Hull Source Ships’.”

“Indeed it was a stroke of genius.” [I replied initially taking her remark for sarcasm then something about the timbre of her statement had me belatedly reconsidering my interpretation of her words meaning - it was possible she was being literal and serious.]

[I felt slow was it something to do with interacting so much with other sentient beings at this level was I losing the clarity of a more distant overview. The problem was that a part of me now enjoyed being more involved more intimate with my interactions.]

[Another interesting side effect of running biped Avatars was that the more I interacted with average citizens the more I felt almost a compulsion to ask their advice, to hear what they thought about everything. This was the many truths Harbinger had named me after made manifest, all these people with all their individual perceptions upon our shared reality.]

“At first, I was surprised at you choosing to push this issue to the fore so soon, then I reconsidered my ignorant opinion. Digging a little deeper into the history involved helped at least the history that is public record I imagine I know only half or less of the story between you Priests.” [She admitted.]

“Nonetheless, I am forced to agree the direct approach of encouraging a confrontation is probably the best way of dealing with this unsubtle - not especially clever - opponent. I am not surprised this one was kept ‘Last in Line’ some family members can be an embarrassment.” [‘Puulaa’ rambled.] “Talk about tunnel ‘Vision’, this one obviously see’s the threat you pose on some level to his position and yet he charges straight into a situation where he is provoking a classic potentially ruinous test of divided loyalties.”

“Luckily for us despite fearing you I believe he badly underestimates the pull you have upon your kind as the one and only ‘Heartland Space Free Hull’.” [‘Puulaa’ added.]

[‘Last in Line’ was hardly the only person underestimating my celebrity. I had not considered the possibility that the ‘Hulls’ out there might baulk and refuse any orders from their Captains to fire upon me until just now. After all the bond between a ‘Living Hull’ and her Captain is a strong one. However this was an unusual situation and ‘Puulaa’ was right it could become a test of loyalty especially if it was played right.]

“If I was you I would push this for all it is worth. Send an Avatar across to him let the fool think he has you in his power and that you wish to plead terms.” [‘Puulaa’ suggested.] “If you are lucky he will give you all the ammunition you might possibly need to gain a few early recruits and to undermine his authority among this gathering in general.”

[Without doubt, ‘Puulaa’ was a politician and in that realm comparatively speaking, I was just a neophyte.]

[stads]

ah the suite out of the bag mt did buy the early release of quarantine

will be interesting to see what the hulls will do long term i dont think there will be a short term hostile action like mt might fear due to the fact that there to many people outside

thx for another chapter hope things calm down for ya soon

[Paranoid66]

Thanks for the comments Stads.

You could be right about all those witnesses, although sometimes that can have its uses too, we will have to see.

If any of you are especially bored I did a small edit of BX5 Ch1 pt10 and added a few lines here and there - nothing plot essential so feel free to read again or skip.

Recently been scribbling down some ideas whilst on the train for future inclusion. I am hoping part 11 will be more content full.

[Paranoid66]

Almost finished BX5 Chapter One part 11 it should be posted next week.

Otherwise, I have begun the process of reviewing and very much rewriting my stories - in plain English - no bracket symbols and so on and with all references to the X Universe removed in favour of generic - copyright free - material.

These reconstituted and altered tales, new and improved, (as they will be more inspired by what has gone before rather than simple copies), it is my intent to publish on a free wordpress.com blog site that I hope to create sometime soon.

I would be interested to hear comments on the above scheme from any reader. Feel free to PM me via the forum or even to email me at <Email address removed>.

Time for a little change and I hope growth. Never mind anything else I do not like this migration towards steam by the X series.

{Suggest by PM - Terre}

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] [[Part 11]]


[I was carefully watching for any sign of a reaction from the ‘Ardent Fire’ when ‘UT’ jumped in. I was soon sadly disappointed the ship of ‘Last in Line’ gave nothing away not even reacting by shifting the relative position of her orbit slightly. She remained tactically well placed with many of the vessels of her suspected stooges between her and the newly arrived ‘MTC’ fleet, ‘Unholy Terror’ far from bursting onto this scene alone.]

[Planning to make an impression ‘Unholy’ had stormed purposely straight into the net of detection I had warned him about - ‘Jump Locked’ - his fleet shimmered in, in unison my friend bringing with him, I estimated, approximately one fifth of the entire military strength of the surviving ‘MTC’. Here was a prodigious fighting force - a hastily gathered and organised swathe of ships that was a credit to the ‘MTC’. The presence alone of this battle fleet bound to be sending shockwaves of concern through the substance of any would be detractor ranged against me.]

[Although ‘Unholy’ had summoned a fleet to be reckoned with unfortunately to me it was a reminder that whilst our family remained one of the greatest of the surviving ‘Paradox Great Houses’ our might today was a mere fraction of what it had once been. Back before the ‘Advent of the Entanglement’ and the fall of the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ the ‘MTC’ had waxed vast if unwieldy, then the flames of ‘Perdition’ burned many of our assets away or converted their substance. Of course, the same flames that swept through our ranks had equally scorched every faction in ‘Heartland Space’ culling the vigour of every grouping down to a lesser tally that ‘Crimson Entangled’ seemed happier to live with.]

[Although in some ways the family was still too big for my liking, I was no advocate of murderous culls as a solution to this excess and yet culls occurred and numbers suffered reduction. Despite the losses, somehow the refugee ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ had managed to recover from every disaster and even in places, in its own strange way, to prosper even in the face of such actions as the ‘Culling of the Third’. Some radical thinkers possibly agents of the ‘Entanglement’ had even dared to argue that by having the fat occasionally cut away we became leaner, meaner and fitter and that ‘Crimson Entangled’ did us an occasional service something ‘CE’ would also have me believe.]

[Back to the now of this story what mattered most was that to the other ‘Houses’ and factions this ‘MTC’ fifth was a mighty force - especially comparatively. Without question, my summoning of ‘Unholy Terror’ would be impossible to ignore for these Captains of enforcement, industry and freight. I began to feel much more secure only to wonder had ‘UT’ done too well by me, making me to some observers seem the real bully here. The sheer size of our combat fleet could easily mean it suffered misconstruing as the ‘Many Truths Corporation’ simply throwing its weight around. Belatedly I feared this action to secure me from intimidation might turn politically against us, as those threatening me had arguably been more subtle in their display of armed intimidation. Our families surviving potency - the product some would argue of Harbinger’s past excess - was often a subject of considerable envy even from other Priests.]

[It is not easy to be both successful and universally loved, perhaps I mused, I should ask ‘Puulaa’ for lessons on how best to achieve that rare goal.]



[Would the peaceful ‘Arbitrators’ now mark us as by nature an aggressive and oppressive power? As ‘Tools’ predicted earlier, ‘UT’ easily bullied his ‘Vanishing Point’, my beautiful ‘Living Hull’ daughter, through to my side. One of the vessels previously surrounding me a ship called ‘Heaven’s Anvil’ probably named after the long lost shipyard was the vessel that ultimately gave way before my friend’s advance. Her move out of position, to my minds a skulking off to the side, nudging several of the other ships in the wider formation to expand outward in a ripple of parking orbit adjustments to maintain sensible spaces between. I envisioned several Captains uttering curses. I wondered what exactly ‘UT’ had said to the Captain of ‘Heaven’s Anvil’ to - encourage - his immediate cooperation. ‘Void Rime’ was a Priest Captain I had never heard of before until this encounter brought him and his questionable history to my attention.]

[Was it an accident of fate that ‘Void Rime’ was one of those late arriving Priests who claimed to be a separated Acolyte who found his ‘Vision’, split from his House and came to maturity as a purposely out of communication refugee hiding silent and alone out in the ‘Dark’, personally I hazarded not.]

[Now that my attention was firmly focused on this matter I realised that ‘Studious’ had recruited and fostered more than his fair share of connections with dodgy Priests of questionable origin. I began to see a pattern here one ‘Puulaa’ seemed to have identified in advance: ‘Shroud Suited’ rivals even potential enemies with almost unverifiable credentials.]



[Despite now partly second guessing the long-term effects of our show of force, in the short term I was still proud of ‘UT’. I knew ‘UT’ and the ‘Vanishing Point’ had decided to accept a certain amount of personal risk by agreeing to separate from the rest of the ‘MTC’ fleet to push through the cordon to rendezvous directly beside me. Thankfully, I was convinced that together the ‘Vanishing Point’ and I could now militarily hold off those around us until help would arrive should any fools weapons now dare to go live against me something that seemed increasingly unlikely with so much ‘MTC’ firepower so near.]

[Beside me, the ‘Vanishing Point’ was noticeably smaller than my mass in fact, she currently registered as smaller than most modern ‘Source Ships’ however these days she was optimised purely for combat where most modern ‘Source Ships’ were setup to be more multi-role. Anyone who judged the ‘Vanishing Point’ by her size alone would be making a grave mistake I doubted any - real - Paradox Priest Captain would be that stupid.]

[We Priest Captains often followed each other’s careers ‘Unholy Terror’ was famous as a warrior from both before and after the ‘Entanglement of Heartland Space’. ‘Unholy’ also held renown as a Priest Captain who had never entirely bowed to the ‘Free Parliament’ only bent his extruded knees a little. In truth, he had narrowly escaped prohibition of our ‘MTC’ into a ‘New Renegade House’ on several occasions. For various reasons the ‘Free Parliament’ - since its inception - had backed down more than once from going to direct war with the ‘Many Truths Corporation’ over differences. Apparently, we had gotten away with more than most although there remained a few other exceptional groups who had also both defied the ‘Parliament’ and managed to stay within the ‘Alliance’. The ire of the ‘Parliament’ against us in particular arising not just from the fact that parts of the ‘MTC’ refused to comply with every demand but that sometimes we had done so in a far too blatant fashion encouraging they argued others to attempt the same. In addition, ‘UT’ had ever sought to combat ‘Perdition’ whilst many in the ‘FP’ now leaned towards a not so secret policy of appeasement avoiding armed confrontation.]

[I now suspected several ‘Representatives’ were in secret under the table negotiations with ‘Crimson Entangled’ their purpose the survival of the current status quo although I had no proof.]

[I was sure that the survival of the ‘MTC’ as a unit and part of the ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ had only occurred due to many interventions by friends of ‘UT’ and the ‘MTC’, even if Paradox Family Corporations were not officially recognised. During my stasis slumber, third parties including people such as ‘Hierophant Cad’ had come to our aid. I had faith that ‘Cad’ maintained a ghostly presence in ‘PA’ affairs despite his physical absence. For example, ‘Hierophant Trends’ signature was all over the rise of the ‘PA Black Market’ - as a social weapon of engineered change - rather than just a criminal fraternity of smugglers and illegal manufacturers.]

[Perhaps my former Captain, the equally famous Harbinger was also at work in helping to secure a future for his family. I had yet to test the theory but it was growing stronger in my minds. It was easy to imagine Harbinger now as an active, if no less ghostly than ‘Hierophant Cad’, ‘Highest Tier’ deity in our midst. I imagined him gazing down upon us and helping to tweak the odd event in our favour or perhaps shifting his consciousness around a plethora of secret Avatars within and without the ‘Alliance’.]

[Could his slumber have been a greater ruse than I had ever imagined. Could he have shut down our ‘Companion-ship Link’ but remained fully engaged with our reality who knew the bounds of the abilities of the ‘Highest’ bounds Harbinger had just been beginning to explore when he seemingly left us all to our own devices much as the ‘Emissary’ once did. Was Harbinger following the example of the ‘Emissary’?]

[As ‘UT’ activated an Avatar in my ‘SCCCM’, I recalled how originally the ‘Free Parliament’ or at least one of its ‘Representative’ factions brought me out of my brain injured stasis slumber partially in an attempt to find a way to mitigate the intransigence of ‘UT’ towards the ‘Parliament’. They hoped to use me because I was so close to Harbinger and ‘UT’. If ‘UT’ had not been such an annoyance to the ‘Representatives’ I might still be in a brain damaged slumber frozen in time. With hindsight, I perceived many manipulations enabled my revival even people such as ‘Studious Mannerism’ at times seemed played skilfully whilst he sought to play us.]

[The plan by certain ‘Representatives’ to use me had not gone especially well for the ‘Free Parliament’ although not long after my awakening I had in part helped, almost by accident, to integrate the ‘Young One Recyclers’ supposedly back into the fold even if many questioned the depth of ‘YOR’ integration. The ‘YOR’ insisting upon fighting an internal private and secret war with every other ‘Recycler’ in our society who they still deem tainted or open to tainting by ‘Crimson’ and her ‘Sleeper’ kind. In some ways, the ‘YOR’ were stuck in the past. Made to survive and to fight a war against the digital foe the ‘Young One Recyclers’, were almost all blind patriots to that singular cause with only a few notable exceptions. Unfortunately, for the ‘Young Ones’ as a species, ‘Crimson Entangled’ had moved on and was now something more than she had been. Now ‘CE’ was a vast ‘bio-mechanical’ entity, many believed if wakened she was an unstoppable plague. Therefore, the ‘Entanglement’ by the wise not to mention the comfortably corrupt was labelled as a power best left alone.]

[I studied ‘UT’ in the now as his standard ‘Suit’ shaped Avatar flowed into a new more personal form. Today he had seemingly retrogressed to display a bulkier aspect than was currently popular. Was he still striving to hide the fact that he was on the edge of ascending. I believed ‘UT’ had little non-bio-mechanical substance left to his body. At one point ‘UT’ had sought either consciously or more probably subconsciously to follow his friend’s route, although even if he ascended I now understood he could not hope to equal a ‘Tier Nine’ native such as Harbinger overnight. Ascension for ’UT’ would just be a first step on a much longer evolutionary journey - a beginning not an end - a journey that would once have involved ascending through the strata of the now defunct ‘Tier System’. Now the vector to advancement was more shrouded than ever but perhaps guidance was out there for neophyte gods, at least joiner types, amongst the ‘Pantheon of New Helpers’ but ‘UT’ did not strike me as a team player. Now I believe ‘UT’ suffered from second thoughts and was stuck on the edge unsure whether to make a final momentous leap of faith or to keep clinging on to what little remained of his original mortal self. This was a bind and a choice suffered by many in our society to cling to who you believe you are or to let go and try to become something new.]

[Interestingly - insightfully - I now realise that my friend had been doing a lot of holding on and holding out recently. Was his stubbornness his refusal to let go of who he was something that now defined him. Had ‘Unholy’ become intransigence incarnate did he now worship his inability to give in his refusal to surrender? He had held out against the ‘Free Parliament’ he had held the ‘MTC’ together through some impossible times and in the end, he had resolutely striven to keep a grip on who he considered himself to be or so I judged.]

[Whilst these thoughts flashed through my minds ‘UT’ came forward and initiated a welcoming Paradox Priest Hug all past differences seemingly abandoned - at least for this one perfect moment of welcoming charity.]

[Before me, embracing me was the old ‘UT’ quick to anger but also capable of easily shrugging off any differences with his longstanding friends. He was cheekily glimmering yellow with amusement over very martial looking ‘Free Patterning’. I feared he enjoyed rushing to my rescue maybe I should have engineered an incident similar to this one earlier as a means of bringing us back together whilst saving - in fact bolstering - his pride. Otherwise, his ‘Suit’ was all-aggressive graphic ‘Free Patterning’ jigs and jags as if mottled lightning played through his pseudo skin a pattern that suited him very well as it spoke of barely contained violence.]



“Noticeably bulking up because ‘Ass-enders’ often make a point of having slender forms?” [I asked.] “You do not wish to highlight today the fact that you have little left to protect within anymore now that you are almost pure ‘Suit Substance’. You seek to deflect from the truth of your nature even when running an Avatar with in fact nothing within at all just a link to your consciousness elsewhere.” [I rambled out in a long stream a sign that I was nervous about this meeting.]

“Arguably we have all become actors now that our ‘Substance’ is so malleable and often projected remotely.” [He replied.]

[There was some truth in that.]

“What people see is what we choose to present to them for good or ill we have all become skilled puppet masters and dissemblers.” [He admitted.]

[Was that what bothered ‘Puulaa’ about ‘Shroud Suits’ too but then a body is just a shroud for the soul within and in many ways equally capable of telling lies or presenting false data. ‘Hell’s Maw’ biological bodies could be cloned and force grown and even be run as Avatars in this age if a person so desired.]

“Today all forms can lie.” [I found myself saying aloud.]

[‘Tools’ was right how could I tell the difference between a real person and a manufactured one, in fact, as a manufactured person who was I to judge there to be any real difference. Had I been too sure of what my perception presented to me? How did I know ‘Puulaa’ or even ‘Leeruussii’ were not just bioengineered constructs with manufactured personae? I felt a need to slump down and confess defeat. Sometimes all the uncertainties that surrounded me were just too much. I felt a yearning for simplicity for foes easily labelled and friends who could be perfectly trusted.]



[‘UT’ took a step back as if seeking a wider perspective on me.]

“Has something else happened you seem burdened by troubles?” [He noted.]

[I had allowed my emotional interface full control over my Avatars broadcast physical reactions for this meeting and had no doubt displayed a twinge of unease in a host of easily read physical ways.]

“Sorry something you said cast a few shadows across my minds.” [I replied.]

“Tell me about it. Perhaps I can help, after all granting you some assistance is why I am here. Did I overdo it with this sixth?” [He asked.]

“Pardon, this sixth?” [I queried.]

“Did I err by bringing approximately one sixth of our entire war fleet to this gathering?” [He explained gesturing behind him as if the fleet hovered there in miniature.]

“A sixth - not a fifth - I should have guessed it would be a lucky multiple of three.” [I replied feeling foolishly uncultured especially given my recent activities.]

[I roared out a Paradox speaker laugh mocking my numeric stupidity my lack of insight.]

“You have been under a degree of stress lately. Sadly, I now know how suffering a burden of worries feels too. Such endeavours as this one, Harbinger would have agreed, deserves a triangulation of good fortune I wanted to reinforce this ritual of yours by being true to the past as we all look towards an increasingly uncertain and unclear future.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“News travels fast by ‘EXO-C’.” [I replied.]

“Always.” [He admitted.]

[Yet he did not come until I called and invited him in, what did that say about our current relationship? Did his earlier reluctance hint that he had been willing to leave me to my potential fate, or did his earlier inaction simply suggest that he feared any intervention by him on my behalf might be unappreciated in fact unwanted?]

[I gazed down at the floor briefly in contrition seeing in his failure to act a failure in both of us.]

“We should both be better than we have been. I am sure Harbinger expects better from us as his commanders on the ground.” [I said.]

“His commanders on the ground?” [‘UT’ queried in turn.]

[I raised my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ to look levelly at my old friend, pausing for a moment to make my words seem more momentous.]

“I am becoming a believer that our Harbinger is no longer in that body everyone is studying. I believe he has risen above the situation so to speak.” [I announced.] “He simply cannot reveal himself because there is no place for him as a ‘Tier Nine’ entity within this more grounded ‘Pilgrim Alliance’ with its lesser ‘Ascendants’. His physical return right now would only add further confusion to many problematic issues of identity facing us.” [I suggested.]

[My friend equally paused for a moment to consider what I had said before replying.]

“Visiting this port has you believing in the ‘Pantheon of New Helpers’, as ‘Highest Tier’ powers styling themselves on the ancient beings that once elevated the ‘Swimmers’ I believe the original ‘Helpers’ according to the most dusty scriptures were - pacifistic - interventionists.” [‘UT’ stated sounding somewhat unimpressed with that concept no doubt due to his warrior nature.]

“You have been studying. It would appear the quiet but unshakable faith of the people down on ‘Port Messenger’ has had an equally quiet impact upon my own beliefs perhaps a greater impact than I initially realised.” [I admitted.]

“Those who seek will find.” [’UT’ said sounding very Paradox Priest.]

“One scary thing about religion is that it can seemingly be as infectious as any disease. Do we want or need a pantheon of new gods rising to interfere in our affairs?” [‘UT’ questioned.]

“I have asked myself the same question but how can we not have faith in Harbinger if no other ‘Higher Tier’ power. How can we deny him our microphones?” [I replied.]

“Are you truly asking me to pray to our lost friend and listen for a reply?” [‘UT’ asked.]

“I am sure you have often talked to him in the silence of your mind as I have done many times since he left us.” [I admitted.]

“In such instances we know we are just talking with ourselves - imagining our friend’s responses using our memories of him as a sounding board - it is not the same thing. He was my friend not my god.” [‘UT’ replied.]

“Are you afraid you might get a real response if you prayed to him? Prayer need not be abasement it is in essence simply a formal form of communication.” [I added.]

“Are you not equally worried on some level about these things? What you suggest involves a paradigm shift in our interactions no Paradox Priest, as far as I know, ever officially prayed to the old ‘Higher Tier’ powers.” [He retorted.]

[‘UT’ shook his ‘Prime Tri-optic’ as if seeking to clear his vision.]

“I am not sure how I feel about this concept at all. You would make us into something new that is a little too close to what we were before we came to the ‘Emissary Sphere’.” [He challenged.]

“I do not think he would judge even our mistakes too harshly nor would he seek to domineer.” [I said.]

“He has no right to judge us and no legitimate authority to domineer us. So he was ‘Tier Nine’ that is a mere accident of his genesis and not the thing that matters most to me about my old friend. We are engendered by chance.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“We are engendered by chance or else by design and fate. The nature of our Harbinger was ‘Composures’ design.” [I said.]

“Curse ‘Composure’, now there is a name befitting a smug deity who rests far above the concerns of lesser beings.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“Where it matters we must continue to believe that we are all equal.” [I said.]

“People who are equal do not grovel before gods.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“There would be no grovelling involved.” [I insisted.]

[To my alarm ‘UT’ slumped down dramatically.]

“I failed him.” [He stated every trace of a yellow glow vanishing from his Avatar.]

[Whenever I saw ‘UT’ naked without the armour of any bluster, it always felt a little bit shocking and these days the causes left me feeling guilty too. Few others would ever see ‘Unholy Terror’ thus - distraught and vulnerable. I knew I could have done more to assuage his past burdens, I had meant to do more, but instead I had fled away from shouldering the full measure of my shared responsibility. It was being a father to the ‘MTC’ that put a bleeding wound in ‘Unholy Terrors’ spirit. The wound although far from always visible was nonetheless always there and the pain from that wound had perhaps driven him to extremes. ‘UT’ had lost a family before when he lost ‘the Nine’ that was his oldest and rawest wound of all.]

“That is not true. You held the ‘MTC’ together during exceptionally difficult times no other could have done more.” [I reminded.]

[It seemed we had suffered this conversation before but sometimes saying a truth once is not enough.]

“I steered a great many Acolytes to their deaths - yet I survived - in addition during my tenure I have created many ‘Splitter Priests’ such as that fool ‘Last in Line’ currently making trouble here. Worse recently I can now see that my personal need for vengeance has been driving a wedge between us and potentially threatening to sunder Harbingers House in two.” [He further confessed.] “However, I cannot let this one go - somebody must make ‘Crimson Entangled’ pay for all that she has done all the pain she has served up. When it comes to justice size should not mean you are immune from prosecution. Whilst those who succour felons cannot justifiably lay claim to the benefits of impartiality - they are not impartial.”

“None of us are without some burden of sin. The ‘Swimmer Dwellers’ have had some hard decisions to make as have we all. At times, you and I have both promoted death and destruction whether our aims were arguably just or not that truth provides no relief to the injured parties or their kin. We might all be judged and found guilty by someone.” [I emphasised.]

“She must be made to pay.” [‘UT’ insisted.]

“Perhaps she should pay for her crimes but not at the cost of a host of comparatively innocent lives. How can you no longer see that truth - has your ‘Vision’ grown so fixed and narrow so inflexible? Remember how you argued against inflexibility to the ‘Splinter Raiders’ the inflexible are doomed.” [I reminded.]

[That caused him to pause for thought.]

“Nonetheless the more I study the ‘Swimmer Dwellers’ the less innocent they seem to me.” [He said.]

“You speak of the ‘SDI’ but they are but a tiny faction of the ‘Swimmer’ nation. The majority of ‘Swimmers’ are peaceful folk who just want to dwell unmolested in their ocean homes. People who simply wish to live do not deserve to be branded and executed as villains.” [I argued.]

“At what cost arrives the ‘Swimmers’ peace? I swear they know much more about the nature of the ‘Sea Spheres’ much that they have deliberately kept hidden from the rest of us because they knew we would not like the truth and it might impact upon their colonisation of the oceans.” [‘UT’ stated.] “They never wanted the ‘Core Alliance’ but they embrace the ‘Entanglement’ as their closest neighbour now because the ‘Entanglement’ keeps all others at bay.”

“They have little choice in this matter.” [I reminded.]

“I wonder. I think the most dangerous enemy rests in the last place you would look in this instance in the seemingly peaceful depths of the ‘Sea Sphere Oceans’.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“You seek to demonise the ‘Swimmers’ today as that suits your cause.” [I accused.]

“No it is more than that they are involved in a conspiracy against us. They have long claimed to be our friends but only really care about themselves.” [He claimed.]

“With whom and to what purpose do they conspire?” [I asked expecting no clear answer from him.]

“I am not entirely sure yet, although I am beginning to suspect, once again, that ‘Hierophant Cad’ is involved. Have you heard rumour of the ‘Missing Spheres’?” [He asked.]

“I cannot say I have?” [I replied to draw him deeper out.]

“Nor did I until recently and that in itself says much.” [‘UT’ claimed.]

“So what are these ‘Missing Spheres’.” [I asked.]

“In short ‘Sea Spheres’ that since the ‘Advent of the Entanglement’ or perhaps I should say the confusion wrought by ‘the fall of the Core Alliance’ that have vanished, they are no longer where they used to be - where they should be.” [‘UT’ emphasised.]

“What are you saying that someone has created new ‘Stellar Orbs’ and you think it is the ‘Swimmers’ with the consent of ‘Hierophant Cad’ because he knows how?” [I asked.] “Conversely, are you saying this is actually the work of ‘Crimson Entangled’ in cooperation with the ‘Swimmers’ in some exceptionally bizarre twist?”

“All I know is that recently it has come to my attention that some ‘Spheres’ are missing ‘Spheres’ some of which were known to have been occupied by ‘Swimmers’ yet not a word about this has come down to us from people such as ‘Reeskoo’ who must know about these odd occurrences.” [‘UT’ complained.]

“What about the ‘Trojan’s’ supposed involvement?” [I asked.]

“At least one of the missing ‘Sea Spheres’ was the site of a ‘New Eden Project’ one of the projects that the ‘Hierophants’ never opened to the other species - I find that very suspicious given the ‘Hierophants’ equal silence on this matter.” [‘UT’ further informed.]

“The ‘NEP’ was probably still a work in progress are you sure this ‘Sea Sphere’ in particular is missing? You know a lot of data was lost and even more corrupted by the ‘Entanglement’ including navigational data perhaps this is all just erroneous coordinates and you have been looking in the wrong place for these ‘Sea Spheres’.” [I warned.]

“I am positive that the data for ‘Purple Mist’ is good. To confirm the absence, I sought out more than one source for the original coordinates of the ‘Sea Sphere’ in the nebulous region. Whilst listed in only a few rare charts as ‘NEP11’ I still found confirmation. Interestingly all the missing ‘Spheres’ I have learned about are from out of the way remote sectors - rarely visited for one reason or another. Often the ‘Sea Spheres’ involved in this plot once rested within the shrouding of especially dense nebulae that made them unattractive to ‘Core Alliance’ surface settlement therefore this ‘NEP11’ at ‘Purple Mist’ is typical of its kind and an unlikely prospect for a ‘New Eden Project’.” [‘UT’ added.]

“How long have you known about this and why are you telling this to me now?” [I asked.]

“I sought and am still seeking after further confirmation of my facts. At first, I also doubted the validity of my data as you mentioned the ‘Entanglement’ did manage to subvert many of our linked databanks right across the old ‘Core Alliance’. Foolishly, we did not protect and backup all our stored information equally well. I am telling you this now because I know you are currently dealing with suspected members of ‘SANE’ and suspected ‘SDI’ agents. You need to be very careful, I am beginning to believe that ‘Swimmer Dweller Agents’ have always been more active out in the ‘Sea of Stars’ than we ever credited and possibly been active in ways we never dreamed.” [He stated.]

“It seems we are always looking for somebody else to blame for our past and current troubles going from one target to another. As Harbinger often said we all have secrets, naturally the ‘Swimmer Dwellers’ have secrets of their own although the idea of the ‘Swimmers’ covertly creating some ‘Stellar Orbs’ is surprising given their avowed stance on this matter that is if your accusations should prove true and not say a fiction invented by ‘Crimson Entangled’ to set us against each other.” [I warned.]

“Perhaps the ‘Swimmers’ much shouted open dislike for the creation of ‘Stellar Orbs’ was beautifully planted misinformation.” [‘UT’ replied.] “Believe me what I am telling you is the real truth the truth of events recorded not questionable words spoken the facts rest within the absence of those ‘Sea Spheres’.”

[Here then was something else to worry about something else that only served to muddy my ‘Vision’ of what was really happening now. In addition, it brought into question what had happened across ‘Heartland Space’ in the past and who perhaps was ultimately responsible for the shape of our current reality as our perceptions of the wider truth shifted focus once again leaving me feeling mentally disorientated and dizzy.]

[Some perspective on this issue was needed perhaps some ‘Swimmers’ driven to extreme measures had simply somehow managed to prepare a few ‘Sea Spheres’ in advance as ultimate lifeboats to ensure the survival of their species perhaps cunningly with ‘Hierophant’ help despite the strong remit of the ‘Interdiction Fleet’ to prevent new ‘Stellar Orbs’. The arrival of the ‘Spore of the Machine Fury’ alone might have been early cause to consider drastic future covert acts of survival.]

[Interestingly I now had to question if the ‘Entanglement’ was the entity that accessed and altered every changed entry in our databanks. At one point, we had turned to the ‘Hierophants’ to help secure our data from potential ‘Sleeper’ infiltration who better than the guardians of our ‘Computer Cores’ to quietly corrupt our files. Was it possible that some data seemingly changed by ‘Crimson’ got rewrote by the ‘Hierophants’ first to keep their own secrets, secrets shared with some ‘Swimmers’ but not us? Could there have been more to ‘Cads’ faked kidnapping by the ‘Swimmer Dwellers’ than we had assumed was it evidence that they had long been working closer together than we had believed all division and distrust a manufactured lie. We had bought into the legend of a degree of longstanding estrangement between ‘Cad’ and the ‘Swimmer Nation’ due to such matters as his discovery of the mechanism of the ‘Sea Sphere Shield Purge’. Could this dislike be simple misinformation engendered by ‘SDI’ we now knew that ‘Cad’ had worked with the ‘Swimmers’ when investigating the ‘Dead Spheres’.]

[In addition, I knew at one point during the ‘War with the Entanglement’ that ‘Cad’ stopped trusting our communications and had purposely fed us misinformation to confuse the enemy allowing for example a few surprises with his ‘Wormhole Harbours’. Therefore, we knew ‘Cad’ had lied to us before if for good reasons. I wondered, back then, when exactly he first realised the ‘Entanglement’ had compromised our network. Thinking back Harbinger, ‘Unholy Terror’ and I had been in serious denial because of for example, the capture of those amalgamated ‘Shroud Suits’ within the ‘Ringed Prime Graveyard’. We did not want to believe we had given the foe too much of an advantage over us or over the rest of our ‘Heartland Space’ community. Later we did not wish to be held semi-responsible for the very nature of the ‘Forces of Perdition’ as the accidental suppliers of part of the technology that made it all it would eventually become: an unstoppable ‘bio-mechanical’ plague.]

[In initially covering up the loss of those ‘Suits’ had we permitted ‘Crimson’ to become the behemoth entity that destroyed our ‘Core Alliance’. Who indeed did not carry a burden of sin around with them?]

“I see I have given you much to mull over. Still we had best attend to immediate matters first. Come with me let us speak with ‘Last in Line’ together.” [He said.]

[It was strange to spiral down from such wide concerns to my - all of a sudden - small scale differences with ‘Last’ and ‘Studious’.]

[At that moment I realised I had been delaying an encounter with ‘Last’ so that ‘UT’ could accompany me, ‘you should be pro-active,’ they said did I distrust their advice or my role here today? Was Captain ‘Empty’ a potential Tyrant in the making did ‘Puulaa’ secretly advocate my dominion did she claim one thing whilst seeking the opposite did she desire to be the power behind the throne.]




[When I saw ‘Tor’ arriving at my new premises, currently still undergoing preparations for my ‘Cleansing Ceremony’, it displeased me. His ‘Saint’ bodyguards looked apologetic, however I knew they were not really to blame ‘Tor’ was a free citizen and had rights they could not detain him or force him to be sensible not - legally - anyway and my ‘Saints’ were in many ways creatures of the law. Typically, he looked less than entirely sober the man had also obviously lost more weight, not I guessed by choice, he still seemed ill from his nanotech purge his eyes sunken and red his skin sallow as if he suffered a touch of the ‘Trojan’ malady known as jaundice. Since ‘Tor’ went natural, I had been studying up on ‘Trojan’ anatomy in case my people had to intervene medically or surgically in a primitive fashion upon his body.]

“So this is where you have all gotten to.” [He accused looking around the busy, (at this late hour almost frantic), scene of stage dressing.]

[The preparation should be over by now but I kept altering the arrangements no doubt to the consternation of my Acolyte workforce. Had I ever been this undecided about anything as seemingly banal as decoration before? Was my determination to make a good impression beginning to ruin my chances as I tried too hard? ‘Tor’ might be the one looking ill but I felt infected by a fever. Looking around I suffered an irrational urge to rip it all up and start over again or just to rip it up, quit and walk away from the entire cursed debacle. Could a real curse be upon this place? All my efforts felt too contrived - lacking in soul - lacking in finesse. Should I scrap all the frippery was it proving counter to my purpose the detail getting in the way of the substance? Indeed was their any substance behind any of these contrivances worth speaking about.]

“You are feeling neglected.” [I guessed aloud this Avatar striving as one singular focus of my minds many musings to appear far more even-tempered than I currently felt.]

“What is all this? Am I looking at a lure for my brother?” [He asked.]

[I gave him a level look from my ‘Prime Tri-optic’.]

“When you grow up a little more ‘Tor’ you will begin to realise that everything that happens is not just about you.” [I said.]

[If I read his flabby ‘Trojan’ face correctly, denial ruled him about that whilst I suffered a bitter aftertaste of hypocrisy due to my own words rebounding back at me. I hated when I spouted something off that hit harder home with myself than the intended target.]

[With my ‘Prime Tri-optics’ wide Paradox vision, I noticed ‘Puulaa’ was looking at ‘Tor’ as if he was something that had leaked out of a ruptured pipe leading to a smelly bio-waste recycling module. Luckily ‘Tor’ was focused upon me and missed the ‘Free Stellar Swimmer’s’ far too open distain. I surmised ‘Puulaa’ was not impressed with ‘Trojan’ drunks or maybe just disgusted by this particular ex-Pirate who looked as if he was about to either throw up the contents of his stomach or drop dead at our feet.]

“So this is it. ‘Emissary’s’ tears this place is hardly as exciting as I had hoped or imagined.” [‘Tor’ said.]

“We are still setting up. Truly everyone is a critic today.” [I complained.]

“You might want to reconsider those flames they are not helping my stomach real flames do not squirm like that.” [‘Tor’ stated.]

“Who have you been talking to?” [I asked in reply thinking this was all too much of a coincidence and somebody was deliberately striving to mock me.]

“Me... talking to… why nobody… well nobody interesting.” [He claimed in reply.]

“I think you should go somewhere and lie down before you fall down, are you not feeling any better?” [I asked.]

“I was then…” [He trailed off.]

“Perhaps if you drank a little less your system would have a chance to recover.” [I suggested.]

“A man needs something for the pain and shock of facing the Universe naked I am not a ‘bio-mechanical’ machine.” [He stated.]

[I recalled that a part of him was as much ‘Suit Substance’ as I was - as in his artificial arm - he was wearing gloves along with a long sleeved shirt and jacket that disguised his - enhancement - from casual inspection but I knew it was there.]

“I hear you have some grim theories about the future.’ [I said.]

“I suppose I have been feeling somewhat morbid and maudlin why do you ask?” [He questioned.]

“For some reason you appear to have impressed ‘Bullet Time’ with at least some of your concerns.” [I further explained.]

“Sorry am I depressing your troops.” [He replied in an unapologetic tone of voice.]

[I wondered if he had come here looking for an argument as a distraction from his ills.]

“To never fear is foolish but it is no less so to live forever in fear.” [‘Puulaa’ interjected.]

“I do not think ‘BT’ has been disarmed by my rants.” [‘Tor’ stated.] “I suppose you made him that way. Let me make a salute to bravery or should the toast be to Paradox ‘bio-mechanical’ genetic engineering?” [He asked cynically before swigging down a slurp from a flask that had slipped out from an inside jacket pocket.] “Sometimes ‘Heartland Space’ takes some getting used to.”

[I shook my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ at the recidivist.]

“You miss your old home upon ‘Sanctuary Orb’?” [I asked.]

“Life was simpler then before the ‘Entanglement’. This is just the start, you must know it is all beginning again reason and sanity will be cast aside as violence and war ensues the fall of this ‘Parliament’ whether it is wicked or not will not be gentle.” [He predicted.] “When the rule of law is cast into question indeed into disrepute anarchy will follow.”

“You speak as if from experience.” [I replied.]

“How wisdom is screamed out from the lowly? Do you also think the end of the ‘Parliament’ is nigh?” [‘Puulaa’ asked.]

“I witnessed the ‘Entanglement of Sanctuary Orb’.” [He said as if that explained everything.]

“You see similarities?” [I asked.]

“No - I fear similarities - I live in dread of them as should we all. I was lucky to escape the once great bastion of my people alive and not just due to the ‘Entanglement’, some ordinary people became monsters too, it was cursed ugly.” [He said with feeling.]

“Believe me, so was the fall of the ‘Core Alliance’.” [I reminded.]

“People will commit to extreme actions to survive if pressed hard enough.” [‘Puulaa’ seemed to excuse.]

“It was more than that it was the perceived end of the rule of ‘Orb Guidance’. Those who had suffered restraint by ‘Guidance’ and by the instruments of ‘Guidance’ the ‘Enforcers’ and Agents of the once most effective ‘Social Advancement and Reform Committee’, went on a mad rampage of revenge. Old scores settled in their minds via looting, murdering even raping their fellow ‘Omerta’. In reality, there was little sense or justice in any of it, the wise fled before the disease style spread of ‘Perdition’, the brave sacrificed themselves in an attempt to stem the infectious tide long enough for others including loved ones to escape. I saw things I will never forget acts of valour by people whose names I will never know and so cannot extol and I witnessed other things - terrible things - things I wish I could erase in such times men can become beasts.” [‘Tor’ said.]

“At times you demonstrate a soft heart for a pirate.” [‘Puulaa’ said.] “Yet in truth you too are soaked in blood all that you have today all that you possess all that you would claim is an inheritance gathered through thievery and murder.” [The ‘Stellar Swimmer’ reminded.]

“That is a bit harsh it is easy to be damned by innocent association. As to you ‘Tor’ you do a disservice to less sophisticated animals, only sentient beings capable of refinement of action and the utmost elevation of thought are equally capable of the worst acts of debasement and venal behaviour. In us rests the potential for all that is great and all that is dire.” [I said.]

“Now you are both depressing me our future need not go this way.” [‘Puulaa’ vowed.]

“All I am saying is people should be aware of the consequences that can arise when they create a vacuum via removing the established power especially when a nation has previously been gripped tightly and known the restriction of many disliked rules. We ‘Trojans’ were never easily controlled even now amongst the refugees of ‘Sanctuary Orb’ in ‘Heartland Space’ old vendettas are routinely enacted.” [‘Tor’ warned.]

“We are well aware that it is not enough to just tear the establishment down. You are hardly the only person with these concerns.” [I promised the suddenly vociferous ‘Omerta’.]

“Perhaps I have had too much time for solitary musings.” [‘Tor’ admitted.]

“I find it interesting that you think our ‘Parliament’ is tottering I am interested to know why from your perspective?” [I asked.]

“You are a strange person Captain ‘Empty’. What can I say that you do not already know? Everyday people such as my brother grow bolder whilst the watchmen who keep your, sorry, - our - borders secure simply cannot be trusted to hold the line. We all know that individual desires and ambitions are disrupting the needs of the many for the social and economic elevation of the few. In addition, it is not hard to see that many of the more average citizens, (the so-called ‘Civilian Logistical Assets’), of this ‘Alliance’ are losing faith in a supposedly democratic system whose sham elections only serve to shuffle the same class of self-serving politicians whilst changing nothing.” [‘Tor’ lectured.]

[That much I could easily agree with.]

“Critically it now seems that more and more Captains have cut their once binding fetters via ‘PA Black Market’ manipulations and let us be pragmatic as an ex-pirate I know that the real power rests with the masters of warships, (with those that both protect and service our scattered ‘Star Struck’ port homes), something some ‘Representatives’ seem to have foolishly forgotten.” [He said.]

[Our representatives had grown arrogant and pompous forgetting it was ships of the fleet that kept them in their positions - power at its most raw is always the ability to kill and destroy.]

“I can only guess that our ‘Representatives’ have grown complacent from too much past luxurious success. If these are not strong markers towards the end of the current regime I do not know what would serve any better.” [‘Tor’ finished.]

[I bowed my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ to the ‘Omerta Trojan’ he might be a sot and perpetually under the shadow of his more aggressive sibling but he was not a complete fool after all. In addition, only half drunk he made more sense. It was possible he was just inebriated enough to speak his mind whilst sober enough to remain rational in his arguments.]

“You have surprised me today.” [‘Puulaa’ stated echoing my unspoken sentiments.]

“Perhaps I too am in disguise have you considered that, disguises seem to be a popular choice here.” [He replied.]

[A slight frown possibly an involuntary reaction narrowed ‘Puulaa’s’ eyestalks.]

[Was that a hint of a guilty conscience from ‘Puulaa’ who truly was this locally beloved ‘Stellar Swimmer’ on the inside. I wondered if ‘Tor’ knew more about friend ‘Puulaa’ than he had thus far willingly shared with me, perhaps some private questioning later was required. In truth, it was never especially wise in the ‘PA’ to judge anyone too hastily by his or her appearance, not even a drunken ex-pirate as seemingly weak and lost as this one. In fact, the outwardly fragile were too easy to dismiss as inconsequential, maybe ‘Tor’ truly was in disguise, his open illness making him appear especially physically non-threatening. Even his seeming alcoholism gave him a pathetic aspect.]

[Interesting if true these deceits did not target ‘Puulaa’ or me otherwise ‘Tor’ would not highlight these possibilities to us - unless he was truly a genius and playing the most convoluted of mind games. No that was hardly possible was it? Damned adopted Paradox Priest Paranoia was it truly hard-coded by accident in my genetically engineered synapses.]

[I could not help spiralling off into a scenario where ‘Tor’ had attacked himself as the ultimate profession of innocence. In this scenario, he was the true Captain ‘Baast Taard’ hiding behind a mere figurehead in his brother. ‘Tor’ would not be the first villain to pass himself or herself off as a drunken buffoon. Even the loss of the ‘Foul Wind’ to a mutiny could be just another ruse to place him with us or with ‘Puulaa’ dealing with ‘Free Parliamentary’ and potential ‘Swimmer Dweller Intelligence’ intrigues had me seeing deceptions everywhere.]

[Sadly I was well aware that the ‘Omerta’ were also sophisticated deceivers and plotters ‘Tor’ could even be an ex or even still active ‘SARC’ Agent even one of their dread ‘Enforcers’ such people were not always obviously martial.]



[Back at my ‘Hull’ before we departed for the ‘Ardent Fire’ my fellow ‘MTC Patrician’ insisted that we collect two Acolyte Companions each to remind ‘Last in Line’ of our legitimate high status.]

“As a fellow Paradox Priest he can hardly deny us our traditional rights yet the added presence of these ‘MTC Immortals’ may help serve to further unnerve him.” [‘UT’ had stated to me.]

[My friend’s assertion was quite possible even though onboard his ship ‘Last’ would have control over the entire environment surrounding our Avatar remotes.]

[As planned we arrived via ‘Drop Ship’ our Acolytes hovering forever near yet respectfully silent. True ‘Immortals’ the companion bodyguards were loaded with some of the most up to date offensive generative software capable of producing a plethora of deadly devices as well as defensive equipment from the very substance of their remote bodies. In fact, their physical Avatars were deadly devices all by themselves and as if that were not enough they each cradled additional weapon pods in their extruded limbs.]

[Today these family soldiers all cloned during the Cold War with the ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ were primarily for show making ‘UT’ and I into traditional triumvirates. Three long being our sacred number of power derived from our unique species optics that we prided penetrated deeper and saw wider than other Pilgrim Species.]

[‘Last’ greeted us in person with two Acolyte Companions for parity. I suspected all three to be remotes. I wondered if ‘Last’ was even physically onboard his ship. A parliamentary ruling demanded that Captains share their ‘Prime Hulls’ risks in battle but these days some rulings could be ignored.]

[It was plain from the beginning that ‘UT’ had been right ‘Last’ was not happy with the arrangements giving this fact away by trying too hard to appear unconcerned and welcoming - or at least this was my interpretation. I believed he was striving too hard to ignore our Acolytes as if they were not there although this was also somewhat traditional as such Acolytes, were deemed almost an extension of the Priest they accompanied.]

[However, in this instance, I could tell that ‘Last’ even as an Avatar wished he could surround himself with more guards than his two Companion Acolytes. To be courteous and to create the number nine - another especially potent and auspicious numeral to us Paradox Priests - ‘Last’ suffered few acceptable options other than outnumbering during our meeting. However, given the fact that as I mentioned before he controlled the very bulkheads enclosing us ours was really just a psychological advantage though one he seemed to be submitting to rather than resisting at least he seemed submissive until he uttered his first words then I had cause to reconsider the validity of my past estimations.]



“This one is a rare and historic meeting, two ‘MTC Patriarchs’ and one Priest formerly of the same mighty ‘Great House’ - as in myself - now possessed of an overriding ‘Vision’ of my own. Your august presence here honours me and my lowly ‘House’ that is but a humble offshoot of its much storied parent.” [He boasted.]

[I had to grudgingly admire his spin on the situation.]

“Strange I thought it was the myopic ‘Vision’ of ‘Studious’ that moves you to action these days.” [‘UT’ stated.]

[That was not only a grave insult to ‘Studious’ questioning his Priestly ‘Vision’ but also an impolite suggestion of weakness and a lack of personal ‘Vision’ possibly even a lack of personal Priestly integrity within ‘Last in Line’.]

[‘Last’ took this rather direct provocation surprisingly well giving me cause for concern. ‘Last’ from ‘MTC’ records had always been more hot tempered that this, a propensity towards angry outbursts and rash violent actions being two of his primary character flaws. I guessed ‘UT’ had been striving to provoke just such an outburst as people who lose their temper usually also quickly lose their argument.]

“The Priest ‘Studious Mannerism’ and I share a common genesis, some common interests and some common business nothing more than that.” [He replied far too calmly for my liking.] “I have accepted the honour and responsibilities of running my own ‘House’ of carrying the burden of my own ‘Vision’ that I would not surrender to anyone even when it proves a weighty load.” [He replied pointedly at ‘UT’ and me.]

[I wondered if this was really ‘Last in Line’ or at the very least was his business partner ‘Studious’ via a live ‘EXO-C’ link coaching him. His remark delivered coolly was a decided hit against both ‘UT’ and I, and surprisingly subtle for ‘Last’. As somewhat irregular Paradox Patricians of Harbinger’s House, technically, both ‘UT’ and I were merely adopted members of the family proper, our whole situation rather non-standard and in some ways open to criticism by any seriously traditionalist Paradox Priest.]

[It was only, I must admit, Harbingers bizarre condition that he was obviously still alive but - seemingly - inactive combined with the huge popularity of ‘UT’, and his easy way with Harbinger’s children that initially allowed for stability within our odd state of family affairs.]

[Without the above aforementioned factors and later my own unique ‘Free Hull’ status, (that being seemingly new in ‘Heartland Space’ and so naturally deemed somewhat unbound by older traditions here), that had allowed our adopted ‘Great House’ membership to accept our ongoing leadership so readily at least so far. As the time that Harbinger remained - incommunicado - stretched we had been lucky to forego any great challenge of mass mutiny by ‘MTC’ Acolytes grown political and vociferous of complaint due to the ‘Acolyte Synod’. Perhaps it was the very fear of a complete dissolution of the family via everyone deciding the ‘House’ was no longer valid and splitting to find their own ‘Visions’ that conversely also helped to keep the ‘MTC’ bound together.]

[Sometimes it is strange the things we find we are fighting for… perhaps if all our slumbering friend’s Acolytes had split to find their own way, both ‘UT’ and my life would be much simpler today much lighter, freer and maybe even dare I say it happier.]

[In striving to keep together what Harbinger had created, we bound ourselves to many troubles and travails.]

[I imagined it was the irregularities in our family setup that bolstered and kept alive ‘Studious Mannerisms’ strange dream of usurping our position and his genetic father’s authority to claim the strength of the ‘MTC’ as his own. Nonetheless it was something of a mystery to me why ‘Studious’ believed he was in any way qualified to hold the position of ‘MTC Patriarch’ an unseemly lust for the position far from being reason enough in fact a lust for power should usually automatically disqualify people from positions of responsibility. So far, all he had managed to do was gain the unworthy and insignificant support of a few disaffected crucially - ex-members - of our family such as ‘Last in Line’.]

[Still if I knew ‘Studious’, I knew him as a stubborn individual the sort who naturally refuses to give up on a ‘Vision’ no matter how ridiculous it might be. Probably being a member of the ‘Free Parliament’ gave him his delusions of grandeur. Being a successful demagogue fostering the misguided faith that he was a great and natural leader and more worthy than ‘UT’ or ‘I’ to shepherd the ‘MTC’ even though he now had a family of his own and had no legitimate business interfering with the ‘MTC’ as a ‘House’ he had already split from.]

[‘Studious’ seemed to have forgotten that time marches only in one direction and there is no going back from some choices and actions.]

[I had quite recently learned that ‘Studious’ now often visited Harbinger to gaze down upon his immobile form. Perhaps in doing so he had begun to think of himself as superior to his seemingly comatose maker. People could embrace strange ideas about themselves especially ambitious people who wanted to believe in their own elevated greatness. Perhaps there was an important lesson for me here, a reminder that despite the reforms I wished to push that I had to keep endeavouring to stay equal in my minds.]

[It had to be possible to champion a cause and lead the way forward without claiming to be or believing you are better - more elevated - than those who happen to choose to follow you. Too often leaders are elevated by history but the truth remains that without their following they would be nothing and nobody special.]

[Arguably, believing they were better than us was one of the failings of the ‘Higher Tier Folk’ when they created the ‘Tier System’. With hindsight, they were and still are more advanced than we are in some very significant ways but I now believed not in all ways and that made a big difference. At one point I had almost worshipped ‘Patriarch’ after she revealed her personality to me but lately I had begun to reconsider that the glory that I saw then was just a momentary ‘Vision’ a snapshot in time. Frozen moments can easily pass as pristine - as perfection - it is in difficult interactions with others and in the many currents of events that we really reveal who we are and who we are is rarely a study of flawless crystalline type frozen precision. I had duped myself back then readily believing the ‘Highest Tiers’ were more socially evolved possibly because that was what I wanted to believe at that time. I wanted something I could hold up to Harbinger as an icon of all we could be if we barbarians in ‘Heartland Space’ did better by for example managing to stop plotting against each other and killing each other.]

“…go too far.” [‘UT’ finished.]

[Rather painfully my Avatar had to quickly rewind and playback a recording of the conversation ‘UT’ had, had with ‘Last in Line’ to catch up on what I had missed. I had lost focus within spiralling inner contemplations was I becoming too much like those I emulated with my Avatars. Luckily, in this instance I had not missed much only more disappointment due to ‘Last in Line’ continuing to demonstrate an unexpected deportment despite ‘UT’ pushing and prodding at him metaphorically. We had underestimated this ones sophistication he had obviously grown since leaving the ‘MTC’ could we have truly historically held him back - smothered his ability because we saw him as a flawed instrument.]

[The family was so big that it was difficult to treat everyone equally - to grant everyone the same opportunities. As unmindful stepparents, were we to blame for this ones past and current disaffection, again I felt my perception of the truth shift a little. If he was flawed, we made ‘Last in Line’ that way, even if it was by accident. Whilst retaining so very many good adopted children to champion our causes, how poorly had we treated the few sons with obvious failings? In fact, to even our best I was sure we had at times shown considerable neglect. It was not easy dealing with the multitude of seemingly surplus warrior children that Harbinger originally decanted as mere numbers in a game of competing cold war statistics. Now that, that war was over what purpose did all these Acolytes have left? What value did they possess even to the glory of the ‘Great House’ they made up? What use were they except in battle but in conflict against ‘Perdition’ even ‘Immortals’ would most probably just add their substance as fuel to the nanotech plagues raging fire.]

[The ‘Acolyte Synod’ that glorious youth inspired rebellion should have changed everything and it came so close to doing just that unfortunately it was overshadowed and overrun by unforeseen events first the ‘Advent of the Entanglement’ then the birth of the ‘Free Parliament’.]

[‘Free Parliament’ antipathy towards the institution of the ‘Paradox Great House’ did encourage a significant rise in the percentage of ‘Splitter Priests’. However, ‘FP’ interventions also conversely convinced other children to put aside their internal grievances in defence of the family unit and their ‘Patricians’ against an external political threat even if this decision meant for a time choosing to either seriously limit or forego Acolyte reforms.]

[Some aspects of our recent history became clear now. To some the past, flawed though it might have been, retained a golden glow of happier times memories painted brighter colours than was probably warranted and some Priests had gladly made use of these hues perhaps even ‘UT’ and I unthinkingly to help hold Harbinger’s family together.]

[Was a golden glow over the past in part the root of my newfound enthusiasm for the original concept behind the ‘Council of Equals’ and even for the more positive aspects of concealing our physical difference via traditional ‘Shrouding’?]



“If all this martial posturing is for my benefit I am both alarmed and flattered by your judgement of my intent. Past political difference aside, did you really believe that I would harm one of our own, you wound me ‘UT’ as do you Captain ‘Empty’. Did you both think that I was still the rash young Acolyte who once split from the ‘MTC’ too soon to my regret? Sadly by tradition I know there is no going back an adult cannot regress to childhood at least not whilst hoping to retain any respect from his peers. All I can do now is outstretch my extruded limbs in eternal friendship. We are here to stand with you to bolster you against all unlearned detractors. I pray that you no longer misconstrue our intent.” [‘Last in Line’ said smoothly leaving me feeling thoroughly played.]

[Last followed up his speech by roaring out a bold speaker laugh that was rich enough to sound genuine rather than mocking.]

“Forgiveness I did not mean to scare or to cause offence, I guess we became over enthusiastic in our approach wishing to show our support by putting a ring of defence around you. I am no fool Captain ‘Empty’ nor is ‘Studious’ we read the signs we tallied the measure of what is going on here. The time is upon us - a time of change - your timing is impeccable the end of the short age of the demagogue is nigh. We are with you in this though we know there are others who dislike change and some who would control it in ways that no good Paradox Priest could tolerate.” [‘Last in Line’ added.]

“I know you both think little of me - I have much to prove - I was a poor Acolyte in both your optics. I can only ask that you do not judge me by my childhood. I know back then I was young, vain wild and impulsive. Instead, consider grading my efforts according to who I have become today. In short I pray you to tally my nature by my actions now not by prejudices from the past.” [He continued.]

[Today it seemed the gears of my own machinations had snared me. It now seemed to me that ‘Studious’ had foreseen and planned this entire show stealing my fire before it was even lit, for now it appeared I would have little choice but to submit to friendship.]

[I walked forward and embraced ‘Last in Line’ in a warmly friendly Paradox Hug it was the only politic and Priestly thing I could do.]

[Doubtless, he was transmitting this entire scene live just as foolishly ‘UT’ and I were doing. My paranoia increased tenfold could ‘Puulaa’ be part of this plot how many spiders were resting upon this web how many betrayers waited to pounce upon us to inject their venom to feast on our substance and suck us dry until we were but empty husks.]

[This was the way of these times, the forward facing smile, the golden glow of too easy mirth whilst all the time weapons waited ‘Shrouded’ behind backs. Here exposed lay the dire fruit that had grown to maturity on the limbs of spreading intrigues upon the gallows tree of the ‘Free Parliament of Demagogues’. These people too well knew how to spin any situation they understood how to manipulate truths and how best to sell a lie moreover they were skilled at slipping out of harms way, avoiding responsibility for even the misdeeds uncovered.]

[Woe to me for it now seemed that ‘Studious’ was far better named than I had given him credit for. Sadly, he had studied the way of the demagogue learning from cunning ‘Ex-Congs’, ruthless ‘Stellar Draakhaal’, indomitable ‘Young One Recyclers’, ingenious ‘Trojans’ and elusive ‘Splinter Weaver’ so-called ‘Representatives’.]

[Here was one truth the ‘Free Parliament’ was constantly at war with its own advantage grabbing membership a dire conflict of status and wealth of power and intrigue. These campaigns, as is ever the case, had their survivors - doughty veterans - not to be underestimated and now I thought that was exactly what I had done I had underestimated them all and ‘Studious’ and ‘Last in Line’ not least though many of their peers deemed them to be rather lowly members of the ‘Parliament’ set.]

[I now questioned how many other Demagogues saw and were promoting the changes taking us forward - how many others were boldly accepting the end of the ‘Free Parliament’ because they believed they had outgrown any even pretend accountability to the citizens they supposedly served. With the end of the ‘Free Parliament’ people such as ‘Studious’ need not even pretend to be representing anything other than their own greed for wealth and power. Could the ‘Resistance’ have erred in everything we had done, were we the instigators or the instigated? Were we Masters of the Great Game or just pawns in play?]

[As I stepped back after embracing the spider in the ‘Shroud’ I perceived the full measure of my past arrogance and folly. How had I dared to believe that I might shape the future to my ‘Vision’ over the will of so many other dread manipulators? Why should the future bend to my specific will? Who was I to presume to steer the course of any future the future belonged to the many not any one individual. Was it being a ‘Living Hull’ used to carrying people back and forth that fostered for a time this egocentric delusion that I could carry the day alone? How blind had I been in my sight, for all my questioning of such matters as ‘Puulaas’ motives I had nonetheless let her submission to me delude me on some level that I was worthy of unfounded accolades - that I was worthy to lead my equals. This sorely tested my self-belief for I was not wise, no wise person would fall so readily into another persons trap.]

[For once ‘UT’ seemed lost for words possibly following the same chains of ill logic as me.]

“I am looking forward to this ‘Cleansing Ceremony’ of yours Captain ‘Empty’ we live in such amusing times.” [‘Last in Line’ said.]

“These are certainly interesting times.” [‘UT’ replied.]

[In his words, I saw the shadow of weapons soon to be loosed. I could tell ‘UT’ was not impressed and ‘Unholy Terror’ was not the sort of person who would wait upon a backstabbing before acting in his own defence - whether his actions were politic or not. In fact, to my horror my friends Avatar began to glow brighter and brighter yellow until he burned like a morning star. It was at this moment that a claxon sounded out a harsh alert. With dispatch, the majority of my attention focused elsewhere. Apparently, we were all under attack.]

[Snowship]

interesting thought that Harbringer's ascended.
Also leaving on a cliff-hanger... arrr.

[Paranoid66]

Hello Snowship glad to hear from you

I was getting worried there that you had given up on this one or become a - CFL - a Creative Forum Lurker it might be infectious.

Is that interesting an interesting good or an interesting bad and do I really want to know? Seemed like a good idea at the time giving MT plenty of ah... space.

As to the cliff-hanger that is just where it ended...honest.