Tekla and Capacitor, with Xerxes, Pelvus, Graveheart, Pyrus and Zera, with Zuma cautiously following, returned to the Aurora where Xerxes removed something from the elaborate and delicate seeming gauntlet on his right arm and let it fall to the floor. The others watched as the small spherical object rolled itself around the hangar and cargo area before returning to him. Several holographic screens appeared above Xerxes' gauntlet, the serpentine Ahr'aht dismissing one and tapping on another before the little object scooted over to a fairly clear space and opened like a flower blossom. Projected by the small object, appeared a semi-transparent tiered structure, with domes over what appeared to be soil in hand width-deep planters half a meter wide by two meters long, lit from above by track lighting.
"This is approximately what we are proposing for hydroponics installations. Very simplistic, with controlled miniature greenhouse environments and easily replanted or replaced shallow soil bins." Pyrus and Zera gaped lightly, moving to look over the hologram more closely, Graveheart nodding with a smile. Tekla had squirrelled away with Capacitor to show him more of the Aurora then, while the rest were preoccupied, but returned after only a few moments, Capacitor expressing that Xerxes had something planned.
"Looks fairly straightforward, are there watering systems that are built into it or would they need constant monitoring?"
"Yes, though it is known that sometimes the water lines get clogged with particulate or other element deposits, so they should be checked at least once a week for proper water flow and to keep it from backing up into the lines and causing damage to the entire setup. We use nanites that monitor and clean them thoroughly and report daily on any maintenance that may need doing by an attendant, otherwise the Hydroponic setups are fairly self-sustaining. Capacitor could work with Tekla to see if Icean nanites can accomplish the same. Otherwise, he can gift you all ours." Xerxes smiled in response, watching the young adults looking over the hologram as Pelvus also waddled over to get a better look. Graveheart moved a bit closer to Xerxes, the question nagging at the back of his thoughts worried him, almost afraid to ask aloud as he worried he might get choked up about it. Xerxes put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, expression softening.
**I did not encounter a Rockian like you in my travels, though I did briefly scan over those memories you and Jade shared speaking on it.** Xerxes removed his hand, looking to the other three. **I am certain his father would express the same, however, that you have looked past that event, hold no grudge and have taken Pyrus under your care, you have done something that no Firian could ever hope to repay. Thank you Graveheart, for looking after him.** Xerxes sent privately to the Rockian with him, taking a shuddering breath to steady himself before continuing, able to see Graveheart had much the same reaction, the emotion almost amplified by the fact that both were deeply affected by loss and pride in almost equal measure.
**I know you're just doing what your instincts are telling you is right, what you feel in your heart. For which I can tell your name suits you far better than being named for your gem type, Jade doesn't understand because she doesn't see things in the same light, with the same openness you do. Some might see it a weakness, being so trusting, I find it endearing and a better judge of character than anything spoken. If you ever find you need to confide in someone, and do not feel comfortable talking to any of the others from your system, or even Tekla, I am here, and so is Samateus, should you need us.** Graveheart gaped lightly, then swallowed down the choking emotion threatening his outward calm. Xerxes seemed more insightful and understanding than anyone else, moreso even than Cryos, who had been so humble as to step down as King briefly, for prioritizing his daughter over the rest of his people. Had he been forced to make the same choice, Graveheart would likely do the same, and still felt his adoration and fame amongst the peoples of the alliance was not something he deserved.
"Oop, I know that glazed over look, are we interrupting?" Zera asked facetiously, returning to the two after a few minutes, Xerxes chuckling.
"Very astute young Princess, yes we were conversing, nothing to worry about." Xerxes recalled his small device, the hologram disappearing as the flower blossom closed and returned to the form of a small sphere, before the device proceeded to race over to him and easily up into his palm when he lowered his left hand to touch a clawtip to the floor. He looked it over, more as a precaution as any small flecks of ice or snow would likely cause a nasty shock when melted, and slipped the sphere back into the top of his gauntlet, where the others watched as a small slot opened and closed invisibly over the device.
"Femur is gonna love that, holo tech is something he had to use to save his world from one of Lamprey's attempts at destroying our food source." Pyrus chuckled, sharing a glance with Pelvus who offered a nod and sheepish grin to the Ahr'Aht Monarch. Xerxes chuckled, nodding himself.
"We know about that too, Femur has a very... Loud thought process, compared to most. He's never hard to find, even if you can't physically hear him." Xerxes paused, turning to peer back the way they came, raising a brow curiously, the others watching and waiting for him, able to tell he spoke with someone telepathically at a distance, likely Samateus. "Well that is interesting... Apparently some Bonean ships are showing signs of sentience? I have to say I'm intrigued."
"Oh, we had seen reports of some of their ships acting strangely, but not enough to suggest that. You hear anything Pelvus?" Pyrus asked, the lanky and rather dainty Bonean blinking and frowning a moment, placing his head in a hand lightly as he focused on nothing in particular for a moment.
"I do remember overhearing some of the machinists guild talking about a strange occurrence during some routine testing, perhaps I misheard?"
"Not quite. Though it wasn't routine, and it wasn't just strange, it was downright chilling to any who use them." Tibia announced while walking into view, having been talked into coming aboard by Femur and Sternum, Samateus following the three Boneans with Cryos, Jade and Blaze. Pelvus had jumped when she spoke, cringing and moving to keep Zera between himself and the approaching female. Samateus chuckled, moving to stand closer to Xerxes as the rest fanned out, Xerxes frowning.
"Really? Thank you for staying there." Xerxes muttered, gently stroking Samateus' cheek when she shared what had happened in Tibia's ship with Jade, Cryos and Blaze cornering the three Boneans, moving to lower her head to nuzzle Xerxes' shoulder. Graveheart looked accusingly at Jade, who shrugged, instead turning to Samateus and Xerxes.
"Spine did some rather heinous things while these two were growing up, though I cannot hold them to account for events they had no part in." The simple explanation enough to not require elaboration, the slight glare from Jade and Blaze directed at Samateus met with a playful smile from her, and the tip of her tongue peeking out from between her lips. Xerxes snickered, gently palming the Taalrulthian's nose. "Stop, that blep is going to get us in trouble." He joked.
"No more than you would."
"Point, however I think it's about time we show you our home." Xerxes smiled, turning to the others. Pyrus and Zera were the most excited of the bunch, feeding off the energy of their companion and even Zuma came from where she had been meditating to join their not-so-little party. Tibia paled, stretching out her hands before her and shaking them lightly as she attempted to back away.
"Oh no, I don't like that teleportation shit, I'm out." Sternum and Femur both grabbed ahold of her wrists, dragging her back to their circle, Samateus chuckling.
"It's perfectly safe. Why would the Makers have used it themselves if it weren't?" Tibia relaxed when Samateus mentioned the Makers using teleportation tech, having not really correlated the two until then. She still glowered at the blue furred Taalrulthian, but nodded and a glare to the two males that had held her in place saw them quickly letting go as though she had burnt them.
Xerxes made a last check before looking to his control gauntlet out of habit, focusing on a command over a greater distance did not take much, nor did he have to strain, however he had to ensure he was reaching the correct person, amongst the millions if not billions of minds on the largest of the World Ships. The group was swiftly teleported into a large silver walled conference room, many of the strange half-chairs arranged around the room with small bits of railing next to each, which Xerxes briefly explained were also consoles that would allow any to look through their archives and even live feeds from the surveillance drones over vast distances.
To elaborate, he moved over to one of the railings and easily brought up the feed from one of the drones still within the alliance cluster worlds, the feed showing the battle moon where the Firian people were living. Before any could ask a question, a doorway irised open along the furthest wall, another Ahr'Aht with four long head pinions entering, eyes almost identical to Xerxes', with more blue and green feathers with some crimson and violet along the top of his head. Xerxes visibly perked up while Samateus trilled a greeting.
"I was wondering when you would reappear, I see you brought our new allies." Spoke the younger Ahr'Aht, who wore silver and bronze armour that appeared more extravagant than Xerxes' and more protective than supportive.
"Yes Khilseith, I was hoping to show them a bit more before making further introductions." Xerxes chuckled as Capacitor grinned, shaking his head when Tekla looked to him.
"This, is my second-son, Khilseith. He's our high military overseer, he was the one Samateus had interrupted earlier while we were calling the rest of our fleet in." Samateus grinned and Khilseith bowed deeply, as Xerxes had earlier in the bridge of the Aurora.
"A pleasure to meet all of you in person. I'm glad you came here, so I could provide a bit of an update on our pursuer." Khilseith sounded oddly like Pyrus to those in the room, as he had a slight accent and similar candor, though it was only a fleeting thought that evaporated when Femur brought up the one omission Xerxes almost crumpled at.
"So... I assume you have another kid? Where are they?" Femur instantly regretted saying anything, the pained expression on Xerxes and Khilseith spoke volumes for them, Samateus moving to gently lean against Xerxes, who leaned into her thankfully.
"Molostroi, due to an illness we have been unable to even treat properly, is in stasis... We weren't going to bring him up just yet, as we didn't wish to put any of our burdens on any of you. He is Khilseith's elder twin." Samateus explained, Xerxes and his son nodding as both recovered enough to shake off the painful reminder of their inability to help one of their own. Blaze, Jade, Cryos and Sternum shared glances before Graveheart broached the subject they all thought of, though his heartfelt concern was far better than any of them could have managed making the same offer.
"We'll help in any way we can, when you're ready." Graveheart reassured, Samateus giving Xerxes a gentle and playful nudge, the elder Ahr'Aht playfully pushing her head away.
"You have my thanks, and please, do not feel obligated to reciprocate anything." Khilseith responded, offering another bow. "However, I believe it pertinent to show you the bridge of our ship, please follow me." The military commander then led the party out into a plain hallway, where a short walk of only about three minutes -Femur surprisingly not speaking a word of his distaste for walking so much- led them to an elaborate bulkhead, that irised open after a heavy set of doors slid aside to grant them entry. Khilseith led them inside, Pyrus and Blaze following Zera and Cryos, Graveheart, Jade and then the three Boneans, Tekla and Capacitor with Zuma flanked by Xerxes and Samateus.
To reach the bridge proper, they had to climb a small stair of about seven steps, for normal folk, however Xerxes, Khilseith and Samateus each bypassed it by simply stepping up the two tiers next to the stairs.
Six different Ahr'aht were arranged about the edges of the circular room on the lower tier at consoles, another Taalrulthian lay next to what they assumed to be the Command chair, almost identical to the one Xerxes had sat on aboard his own ship. Samateus happily moved to greet the other, a young male with earthen brown and rusty coloured fur, green stripe-like markings along his body and eyes glowing a gemfire green almost identical to Jade's stone colour.
As Khilseith came into view, a bark from the Ahr'Aht to the right of the door on the lower tier saw the others standing respectfully at attention, after a moment Khilseith motioned for each to return to their tasks. The first who had alerted the others in the bridge remained standing, knowing that his station would be required to show their new allies how they coordinated and directed their fleet and monitored threats, the ship itself having overheard their commander when he greeted their guests and providing an alert for the blue-gold feathered Ahr'Aht with his two pinion feathers.
Stepping aside, Jade, Cryos, Blaze and Sternum were impressed by the top-down wireframes visible on the screen, each almost pinpoint accurate in size and scale, showing each of the Alliance worlds, smaller green blips appearing amongst the planets and the battle moons for their space fleets, the largest and most obvious being the World ships of the Ahr'Aht, each coloured golden, with one coloured blue, closest to Planet Sand. The Ahr'aht then demonstrated how easily they could manipulate the scans, placing two of his longer fingers on the screen and pushed the image toward the front of the bridge, stopping when the last Ahr'aht World ship was at the furthest point on the screen, the brilliant crimson denoting the Beast Planet and its many other crimson wireframes before it, some more clearly defined as the capital ships, arrayed out before it. Jade spoke first, a frown on her face.
"They're falling back." She muttered, Blaze and Sternum nodding as they thought the same.
"It doesn't appear to have been hampered as much as hoped with the Mass Packets, and seems to have found a way to scrape them off by moving its shell. It slowed about half an hour ago." Khilseith announced, briefly looking to his father before turning to the rest who had turned their attention when Jade spoke. Pyrus had moved over to the Ahr'Aht at the console that displayed and monitored internal workings of the World ship, the female Ahr'Aht with duller rust and golden-brown feathering showing him wireframes of the civilian floors, explaining that only common areas were monitored for safety. She had been about to show him the engine readouts, when she realized his attention had shifted to one of the others, instead going back over her duty checklist.
Xerxes briefly thanked her for assisting in showing the young Prince some of their ship and home, the female turning and bowing her head reverently to her Adjudicator as he returned to their guests. Femur, Pelvus, Zera and Cryos watched from afar, standing with Samateus and the other Taalrulthian with Zuma opting to remain at the top of the stairs. Tekla and Capacitor, who was far more familiar with the World Ships, moved to show Tekla their comms station, the Ahr'Aht there greeting both happily, having worked with and taught Capacitor a bit of their language, though he had difficulty speaking it due to the nuance sounds they were capable of making that wormed through their entire language.
"So it's biding its time. Probably working on more of the larger ships we've been seeing." Xerxes mused, Khilseith nodding, the others seemed shocked. The Ahr'aht scanner station pilot tapped a few controls, the room overhead lighting darkening as the wireframes on his screen were transmitted to the center of the room, showing every ship in much grander detail, some of the assorted leaders having to move to be out of the way of some of the holographic images. Khilseith and Xerxes smiled as each had different expressions of awe, before Samateus lay down, revealing the section she had been obscuring, revealing Planet Ice and one of the battle moons, chuckling lightly.
The fleet of World Ships and their smaller companion ships had formed a partial wall behind and alongside the rest of the alliance, the grouping appearing to move clear of the bridge as the massive form of the Beast planet moved in with its fleet arrayed out in multiple tiers before it. Those from the cluster remembered and easily identified the more numerous common Drone-piloted ships, and the cannon-like capital ships that were often seen when attempts to breach alliance lines were made, sending more drones out as needed to continue their advance. What they noticed then, made everyone shiver, as several ships easily four times the size of the largest Beast capital ship, were hidden closer to the maw of the Beast planet itself, each visibly armed with cannons that could be likened to what had been on Remora, the dead world from the Cluster the Beast had used to turn into a forward command center there to attempt to trap the worlds of that system between it and the further dead world.
"Three of those larger vessels were on the other side of the star when we were observing the system we encountered each other in. As it was almost obvious that your alliance might take interest yourselves, we wanted to ensure it was clear without bringing our entire fleet. That's when you spotted us." Xerxes explained, Graveheart the only one to turn to him and nod, the others transfixed on the massive crimson sphere. Khilseith motioned to stop the display imaging, the wireframes fading as the lighting slowly returned to normal. "Samateus was able to take out two, the third was thankfully caught in the explosion from the other two, as they had been too close together."
"That sounds almost like they aren't aware of what they have been building, and just how destructive of a blast?" Jade asked, her old military thinking coming back and working overtime almost as though she had missed it.
"Exactly what we thought. The blast would have enveloped... approximately the radius of one of the battle moons. They're also close enough to the Beast still to show they might still be attempting to hide them." Khilseith nodded, Xerxes chuckling at a brief thought they would be getting along just fine as a group.
"Well now that you are being so open with us, that may work to our advantage." Cryos nodded, smiling as Zera moved to get a better look at how the World ships themselves looked, having been with Pyrus when the first had started appearing to provide their wall between them and the Beast. Pyrus made move to join her, then remembered that Flare had hinted that something else had been going on while he had been away from his palace, turning to Blaze.
"Igneous Guard Flare mentioned something was going on in the palace before he advised you had gone to Planet Ice to investigate the reason he wasn't receiving response from anyone there. Could you explain what happened?" Pyrus asked carefully, Xerxes and Samateus turning to them as the others also shifted their attentions. The Ahr'Aht scanner station attendant smiled knowingly and dismissed the smaller hologram control screen as he could tell none wished to further see the crimson ball of doom following their fleet, instead he returned to his monitoring tasks.
"I... Yes, though I dislike admitting this openly, several trainees with Flare in the throne room had been hearing strange whispers coming from the Emperor's Vault." Blaze paused, realizing everyone now listened to him, excluding the Ahr'aht stationed around the room. He flattened his ear spines back, yet continued anyway. "One of them who did not collude with his fellows to pin Flare and attempt to enter the vault on their own, raced to inform me while I was on patrol in the Outer rung. I thought their tale foolish and nonsense, when I arrived and interrupted the attempt to enter the Vault, until I and Flare heard the whispers for ourselves." Xerxes and Khilseith shared a glance, also looking to Samateus who shook her head at them. The others picked up on this, turning to her also.
"Ashtareen has been quiet for some time now, nothing to do with her. Please, continue General." Blaze bowed his head to her before continuing, ear spines relaxing only slightly.
"I used the emergency control key to open it and entered, with Flare following and the trainees watching. The whispers stopped when we reached the Obsidian Blade." The name of the heirloom Pyrus remembered his father, Emperor Magmus, had always carried with him, until the day he died and asked Blaze to put it in the vault on the only empty pedestal there until Pyrus came of age, made him blink. Pyrus had never gone into the vault himself after that day, vowing only to do so when he reached the age of ascension, his eighteenth birthday.
Cryos, Sternum and Jade all knew of this blade, had heard of it as a cautionary tale that their warriors had all spread around as the Flaming Death it brought when Magmus wielded it against you, as only those who had seen him battling their fellows from a distance while fleeing observed their fellows wreathed in flame while the Emperor of Fire had approached. Xerxes watched Pyrus closely, what others would see as concern, went far deeper than they yet knew.
"Did you hear or see anything else?" Pyrus had crossed his arms over his chest, appearing to stiffen as the conversation continued. Blaze ground his teeth a moment, not wishing to explain the vision he had aloud, yet knew his Prince would likely share it anyway, glancing to Xerxes who met his gaze also, nodded ever so slightly, and Blaze sighed.
"Yes, Flare had made move to touch the glass of the display, and it disappeared, as a hologram. He tried to touch the blade, and received a nasty shock. While I expected the same, when I touched it... I was somewhere else for a moment." Samateus straightened up, frowning, Xerxes turning to her briefly but outwardly made no indication of a response as he turned back to Blaze and Pyrus, the others noticing their motion. "It was dark, as though no light even came from my flame, and... I heard Emperor Magmus speaking to me, giving a warning that you must have the blade with you now, as the Makers are returning."
"What? That... No way, that sounds like the room where I battled my own demons to earn the throne of Rock." Jade at first sounded dismissive, then thought a bit more before she finished speaking, looking to Graveheart who nodded.
"Big black empty room, no light, sounds like it, but... Maybe whatever the blade represents, it took on the voice of Magmus as he would be the next authority to Pyrus." Graveheart mused, Xerxes frowning.
"The Foundation of the Soul. What locals had called the Hall of Whispers, I remember my fellow's report on it. It had been unused and untouched for decades, if not centuries when we had visited." Xerxes stated, looking to Capacitor and Tekla, the two thanking the other Ahr'aht for talking with them and returned to the group before Xerxes spoke again. "You did see the monolith we are, somewhat, heading closer to?" A round of nods made Samateus rise and turn more toward the group from her spot with her fellow Taalrulthian.
"That Monolith, is the Maker's Ark."