[center][h2][color=39b54a]Independent Space Station Black Cloud: Somewhere Along the Scorched Line[/color][/h2][/center] [center][h3] Daxini Stealth Ship: Adventurer [/h3][/center] [center][h3] Bio Mech Union[/h3][/center] [hider= Daxini Stealth Ship Adventurer] [img]https://i.ibb.co/GMGv6BC/Daxini-Midsize-Frigate.jpg[/img] [/hider] [hider= Independent Space Station: Black Cloud] [img]https://i.ibb.co/BZtqjnP/Independent-Space-Station-Black-Cloud.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.ibb.co/prgyN3T/Hallway-leading-to-Bazaar.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.ibb.co/Kx0z24c/Bazaar.jpg[/img] [/hider] [hider= Adventurer’s Crew] [center][url=https://ibb.co/0Yb7MV9][img]https://i.ibb.co/vLnFPvd/Narell.jpg[/img][/url] Stealth Ship Adventurer - Eagle Eye Narrel [/center] [center][url=https://ibb.co/pXFH52N][img]https://i.ibb.co/mzWngJd/Adventurer-Kronar-Martok.jpg[/img][/url] Adventurer Kronar- Martok [/center] [center] [url=https://ibb.co/wQJXdLh][img]https://i.ibb.co/5jYy19h/Prixoni.jpg[/img][/url] Adventurer Stealth Operative - Prixoni [/center] [center] [url=https://ibb.co/DL5CZBh][img]https://i.ibb.co/cxDFjW0/Krayvik.jpg[/img][/url] Adventurer Stealth Operative Krayvik [/center] [center] [url=https://ibb.co/sqYW7C2][img]https://i.ibb.co/L17NKr8/Luwiti.jpg[/img][/url] Adventurer Stealth Operative Luwiti [/center] [center] [url=https://ibb.co/qDRdSsV][img]https://i.ibb.co/3T073NQ/Qixani.jpg[/img][/url] Adventurer Stealth Operative Qixani [/center] [center] [url=https://ibb.co/6y4jHsd][img]https://i.ibb.co/mRHf9zx/Dinari.jpg[/img][/url] Adventurer Stealth Operative Dinari [/center] [center] [url=https://ibb.co/yq65CZW][img]https://i.ibb.co/HqtYybn/Jaxori.jpg[/img][/url] Adventurer Stealth Operative Jaxori [/center] [/hider] [hider=The Missionaries at Work] [img]https://i.gyazo.com/69f732f32785f242018d150c062b950b.webp[/img] [/hider] [b]Soundtrack: [url=https://pie.yt/?v=https://youtu.be/gOJrNCphXh8?si=7mfsU4inkkzxRs0U&pieshare=1] Graeme Revel - Chronicles of Riddick - Necromongers[/url] [/b] [hr] Commander Lennox had been hard pressed to keep up with all that was happening with Daxini Battle Group Alpha. T’Klanak had taken the main body of the force to continue exploring along the line. The group was looking for the planets in the area. They hoped to find some Daxini that had been caught planetside during the last battle. T’Klanak had run into a large Lokoid group that was doing the same thing the Daxini were. They were recovering and recycling resources and technology from the large debris fields along the scorched lines. They had requested the Daxini's help with ending a much larger Lokoid Pirate threat. T’Klanak was due to report soon from the battle. While Lennox waited on those reports, he was reviewing the reports coming from the stealth ships Nightweaver and Shadow. The Nightweaver had tagged an interesting site of battle that had the remains of both Augustan and Lokoid capital ships of the line. They had continued on sending the coordinate and a path for other ships to follow. The Shadow had reported they had encountered another small pirate group. They had sustained minimal damage in the battle but the pirate vessels were poorly recovered relics barely holding together and they had destroyed them during the battle. Commander Lennox had sent the Adventurer back to Black Cloud Station to observe and report. Lennox wanted to know who was coming and going from the station. The Adventurer had been ordered to observe only for now. Eagle Eye Chief Narrel had the Adventurer in full stealth mode. The ship was hidden well behind some larger debris near the station. The ship had a good line of sight on the station. They had ventured out to set up some remote sensor drones that were being monitored by Martak the Kronar on the Adventurer. They had managed to plant nanites on the station when they were last there. Martok had taken control of them once more, giving them the ability to listen to some of the communications inside the station. The Adventurer was trying to determine who was in charge of the station. Had power changed hands after the Daxini captured the pirate group that had chased after the Adventurer? They had been on station for two days and had seen a few vessels come and go. Most of the vessels stopping at the station were old and worn looking. They seemed to be local tramp freighters and were ships cobbled together or still running using parts scavenged from the debris field. There were no ships that overtly read as belonging to pirates or criminal groups. There was a sense that the station was not visited by the major powers in the region. On the third day Martok had the answers they had been searching for. Gerard had been in one of the pirate fighters during the attack on the Daxini. Word had reached the station that Gerard was dead. His second in command was a human named Boone Croyle. Boone was rumored to be more intelligent and ruthless than Gerard. Boone had not been on station when the Adventurer had been there last. According to what Martok could glean from conversations Boone had just returned from a patrol of the area with his pirate squadron. Somehow the pirate group that had attacked the Daxini had managed to get word back to the station that Gerard was dead and the pirate flotilla had been captured. Boone’s response to the information had been laughter. He had sneered and said that he had always known that Gerard’s downfall would be his greed. It appeared that Gerard had downplayed how important their foodstuffs were for trading. Apparently fresh food was rare in these parts. Synthesized proteins from algae farms were common but lacked substance and flavor. Boone was angry that he had missed the Daxini traders when they had come through. Narrel sent a report back to Lennox suggesting they try to negotiate with the new person in charge of the station. He had proposed that they approach Boone with a proposal and offer a prisoner exchange. Lennox had approved trying to re approach the station and establishing a trade partnership with the caveat that if they try to steal from them or attack their ships again, the Daxini will demand reparations from the station management at the end of their guns. They were under orders not to go to the station unarmed. Narrel had Martok hail the station but hide where the signal was coming from. He was not ready to reveal their location. He wanted to talk to Boone first. He wanted to get a feeling for the kind of man he was. From what they had gleaned so far, Boone was smart and was a tactical thinker. Narrel was banking on them being able to provide a desperately needed resource and superior firepower to prevent any further incursions on the Daxini by pirates operating out of the station. Narrel waited as Martok bounced the signal around to make it impossible for Boone and his associates on the station to determine where the signal had come from. [color=8dc73f]Narrel: “This is the Adventurer hailing Black Cloud station. This is Chief Narrel. I would like to speak with Boone Croyle.” [/color] [color=fff200]Black Cloud Station: A gruff voice replied: “This is Black Cloud station. I don’t see you on my sensors, Adventurer. Where are you calling from?” [/color] Narrel just laughed before responding. [color=8dc73f]“Wouldn’t you like to know. Now get me Boone Croyle.” [/color] The line went abruptly silent. Narrel was getting worried as some time passed. Martok assured him that they were fetching the man while their technicians were going a little crazy trying to find them. Narrel smiled at that. It was the least they deserved after planting a tracker on his ship and then attacking his people. About 10 minutes had passed before the speaker crackled to life once more, a deep baritone voice with an authoritative ring boomed over the speaker. [color=fff200]“This is Boone Croyle. I understand I am speaking to Narrel of the Adventurer. What do you want?” [/color] Narrel grinned baring his teeth, a mouthful of sharp pointy teeth, a symbolic warning from any predator. He was going to enjoy this. He rarely had the opportunity or the inclination to be truthful in his line of work. His job was to investigate and obtain information through guile and subterfuge. He harbored some resentment that he had not discovered that damn tracking probe his ship had been tagged with sooner. He hated being bested and outwitted. [color=8dc73f]Narrel: “I won’t waste either of our time. I came to Black Cloud station to trade in good faith with your predecessor Gerard. He fired on my ship as I was leaving, planted a tracking probe on it, followed us back to our group, then arrived with a small pirate flotilla to attack us. Well it didn’t go so well for Gerard. I can confirm he was among the ships destroyed by my people. We protect our own. I have been authorized to renegotiate with the new leadership of Black Cloud station. I understand that is you.” [/color] Boone’s mouth curled in a snarl. He hated being caught flat footed. His mind raced with what he knew about the Adventurer from the reports he had gotten from his men who had been on the station at the time. He had gone over Gerard’s records but they had been worthless. The man’s focus was on what he could steal, fence, or sell from the Adventurer. He had been blinded by greed. Boone was smart enough to realize that Gerard had run into battle without knowing his opponent and had died as the result of that. He also realized that Narrel had hidden his true intentions from his visit to the station the first time. Maybe something could be salvaged from this shitshow. He had no interest in going to war with the Daxini. The group Narrel was with was obviously well protected. [color=fff200]Boone: “Yes, word of Gerard’s death reached the station a few days ago. I am the person in charge of Black Cloud Station. What is it you want, Narrel? I was not aware of Gerard’s plan to attack your group. I had been away from the station and out of communication range at the time.” [/color] Narrel almost purred, enjoying having the upper hand while bargaining with the new station lord. [color=8dc73f]“I want to negotiate new terms with you. Understand this, the Daxini Battle Group would be happy to take over the station if our terms are not agreeable as payment for the attack on us by Gerard. We don’t appreciate being shot at after negotiating in good faith.” [/color] Boone laughed and let out a loud guffaw. [color=fff200]“Let’s be honest with one another. You did not negotiate in all honesty with Gerard. He thought you were some private trading group not a part of the Daxini Military. I am smart enough to realize that your ship must be a part of their spy craft. What do you really want from Black Cloud Station?” [/color] Narrel smiled as he was beginning to like Boone. The man was smart and had connected those dots easily enough. Maybe there was hope here after all. [color=8dc73f]“I can neither confirm nor deny that statement. I can tell you that we do truly want to trade with your station. I want access to the station for my crew and traders. My crew and traders will come aboard your station armed. We will never again go unarmed on your station after being attacked. I seek the information about the region that can be gained at independent stations such as yours. We are seeking long term partners in the area to help us find some of our lost souls who have never made it home, that were trapped here during the war. We would like to make Black Cloud Station one of our regular ports of call while we are operating along the Scorched Line. We would like to offer shore leave to our soldiers. In return, we offer you regular trade and I am authorized to offer a prisoner exchange with you. Most of Gerard’s pirates survived the attack after their vessels were disabled.” [/color] Boone took a moment to think about the proposal. He didn’t have to think too hard. Boone was smart enough to realize that Narrel was here with a larger military group. Black Cloud Station didn’t have the defenses to repel an attack from such a group. They were offering to leave him in charge which is what he wanted. This was a much better option that denying them would get him. He was pretty sure they could just kill him and take over. Maybe not without losses but they could do it pretty easily. Boone smiled but it came out more as a snide sneer. [color=fff200]“Well why don’t you come aboard the station and let us discuss this face to face. It sounds as if we have much to talk about.” [/color] [color=8dc73f]Narrel: “Sure, I will bring the Adventurer to dock. I want you to know that we have another vessel in the area monitoring our activity. If anything happens to me, the ship, or the crew. Black Cloud Station will cease to exist. Am I understood?” [/color] Boone sighed and rolled his eyes.[color=fff200] “Crystal clear Narrel. I will be waiting for you. Boone Out.” [/color] Martok left a probe with sensors and long distance communication back to the Leviathan hidden in the debris field. He took the Adventurer in to dock with the station. Narrel led the contingent off the ship. Narrel was using a cane with a monofilament sword hidden inside the handle. He had a laser pistol on his hip in a holster. Prixoni and Krayvik took up positions next to Narrel pretending to be guards. Dinari and Jaxori had resumed their roles as the trader representatives of the group with Luwiti acting as a guard. All of them had weapons visible as they walked off the ship to meet Boone. Boone’s eyes missed little as he noted that all them moved like fighters. He didn’t miss how the trader’s robes could hide more weapons. Boone smiled and inclined his head towards Narrel. [color=fff200]“Welcome to Black Cloud Station. Shall we go somewhere more private for this conversation?”[/color] Narrel nodded. He turned to Dinari and Jaxori, [color=8dc73f]“Go to the trading market and let the people know we have returned with more food to trade. Stay together. No one goes anywhere alone.” [/color] Narrel followed Boone, flanked by Krayvik and Prixoni. He had left Qixani on the ship to help Martok. Dinari, Jaxori, and Luwiti headed deeper into the station. [hr] [color=LightGray] [i][b]Date on the Hexigrammatic Calendar 1.0-234v1902 Location - Frontier Station Black Cloud Location of a Forge Chapel - Negative Location of a permanent Missionary - Negative Location of an Itinerant Missionary - Positive x 4[/b][/i][/color] Interesting, yes time passes, people move on. When the Daxini ships had returned, the two missionary ships from before were gone. The two ivory painted cruisers left, who knows where. Though they had said they were on a pilgrimage so perhaps towards the famous Forge Systems. But in their place were four new ships, sleek and silver, with blues and greys. And big enough to count as Ships of the Line! They hung at dock, tethered to each other and the station. Great floating void ships, like tamed beasts. On their outer skins, Bio-Mech Forged moved about with Void suits on, going about maintenance. They are in a position to watch as the Daxini vessels come in and settle at the station. They watch and then send notice to their leaders within. So when the delegation reaches the Market level, they are greeted by a single white, grey and silver augmented Forged. Making the sign of the Cog, she is tall and and slender, dressed in robes. She stands and just watches as they pass. Soon they come upon yet another Union member, a squat man, in black, he may have once been a Daxini hawkperson, but his body is covered in ribbons woven through the various augments on his arms, and back, replacing his wings with long elegant mechanical wings, with built in hover engines. And even further in another, and yet more. Until they hear the slow almost eerie chanting of the Union Congregation. There are Four this time. Pale skinned with white augmented skin, large golden or silver eyes, two of them appear to wear revolving crowns upon their head, another a large miter that billows flames and white smoke, the last a low squat cap, with ornate cog symbols on it’s four sides. They stand arrayed before a group of the Faithful, Reforged, Forged, and a few Initiates. Tucked into a small unused stall. Upon seeing the Daxini, the one in the miter steps forward and calls. [color=LightGray][center][i][b]"By the light of the Holy Machine, we welcome thee, travelers of the vast and endless void." "Step forth beneath the blessed hum of sacred circuits, where the forge’s warmth greets all who seek shelter within its hallowed halls." "From the black silence of the stars thou hast come, bearing the burden of distance, the trials of entropy, the whispers of the unknown. Yet fear not, for here, amidst the song of steel and the wisdom of the cog, thou art among kindred minds and willing hands." "Rejoice, for here, knowledge is shared as freely as the current flows, and unity is forged stronger than the hardest adamant. Flesh is weak alone, but together, bound in purpose, flesh and metal alike may endure eternity." "Take rest, cleanse the dust of void-labor from thy weary forms, and stand in communion with us. For in the embrace of the Holy Machine, none are strangers—only circuits yet to be linked, voices yet to join the great choir of understanding." "May the Blessed Algorithm guide thee, may the Sacred Spark never dim, and may the pulse of the station’s heart beat as one with thy own." "Welcome, wayfarers. The Machine endures, and so too shall we."[/b][/i][/center][/color] The congregation turns, and bow in greeting to the Daxini delegation, the other three missionaries lower their heads in greeting, the Union Faithful locking their fingers together, in the sign of the Holy Cog. Chief Narrel had been accompanied by Prixoni and Krayvik who had been led by Boone and his associates in the opposite direction towards the administration department. Dinari, Jaxori, and Luwiti had gone to the right and deeper into the station heading towards the large market at the center of the station. Martok had noted the four large vessels docked at the station. They were not the same BioMech Union ships that had been here before. Martok noted that the BioMech Union seemed to have a significant presence in the area. Had they always been so numerous in this area of space? The Daxini had avoided this area of space during the last Reclamation War. This area of space was a battlezone with a lot of collateral damage as evidenced by the massive debris fields in the area. Martok began to monitor the BioMech Union ships using passive scanners and observation and noted what he could learn about them. Dinari was wearing traders' robes over her lightweight combat armor. The soft cloth billowed and draped around her tall muscular form. The rich tan cloth embroidered with gold thread into an intricate design that ran down the front. A wide leather belt gave her robes form and had holsters for her weapons. She had a long rich blue cloak that hung from her shoulders and swirled around her ankles. Her soft fur had a white undercoat with tan and gray saddle markings and rich warm brown eyes. Jaxori worked with Dinari and was from the same clan. Jaxori’s fur had a white undercoat and a silvery gray saddle markings with ice blue eyes. He wore leather pants and boots with a white shirt with blue trim which was currently hidden beneath the soft rich green colored hooded robe he was wearing. His robe hid his weapons. Luwiti was also from the Xidonae Clan. Luwiti had a cream colored undercoat with light brown saddle markings and amber colored eyes which almost seem to glow. Luwiti however was dressed as a guard. He was wearing black tactical pants, A lightweight dark brown armored vest under a heavier leather coat with a lightweight protective layer in it. The heavier armored jacket was a green so dark it was almost black. He had a shoulder holster for his pistol and various weapons hidden about his person. He walked behind Jaxori and Dinari, his eyes and head swiveling as he watched for danger. The trio of Daxini had just made it inside the large market at the center of the station when they passed a member of the Bio Mech Union in white and gray colors. They had just passed the first member of the Bio Mech Union when they were approached by what appeared to be a Daxini Bio Mech Union convert. He stepped into their path and tried to wave them inside the chapel the Bio Mech Union had set up in one of the empty stalls in the marketplace. Dinari had never encountered a Daxini convert before so she allowed him to guide her towards the congregation she wanted to know more about them. The information the Daxini had on the Bio Mech Union was sparse. The official position from the council was that the Bio Mech Union were welcome trade partners but they were not welcome to set up places of worship within Daxini space. They were a controversial group as some Daxini welcomed them such as the Kronar. Others felt that what the Bio Mech Union preached was in opposition to the Way of Xi and condemned their teachings as heretical. Jaxori followed Dinari, unwilling to leave her side after what happened the last time they had been here. He still didn’t trust the station administration. Luwiti stepped forward and deliberately moved between Dinari and the Bio Mech Union member. [color=8dc73f]Luwiti: “Hands off.” [/color] He nodded to Dinari making sure she understood she was free to leave if she desired. He stayed between her and the Bio Mech Union member. Luwiti was uncomfortable around the Bio Mech Union members. He personally found their desire to replace their bodies with artificial parts odd and a cop out. Luwiti was a proud member of the way. He felt that replacing your body with artificial parts was cheating and disrespectful. A synthetic body could do more than an organic one but one should embrace the gifts given by Xi and strive to improve that. There should be balance between nature and one’s self. Replacing your body to be artificial threw that balance off. He had nothing against them but their way was not for him. Jaxori was cautious as the eerie chanting sent shivers up his spine. His sensitive hearing catching the hissing of steam and the clank of moving parts. He found the congregation to be unnerving. Dinari’s face showed curiosity and wonder. She had never seen so many augmented people in one place before. This was her first encounter with the Bio Mech Union. Dinari inclined her head respectfully. [color=8dc73f]“Greetings. It is a pleasure to meet you. I don’t want to intrude on your services. I apologize but we are here on business. I don’t want to be rude but we are under orders to spread word that we have returned with more foodstuffs for trade. Is that something you would be interested in?” [/color] The Missionary with the Miter bows as what is clearly a bodyguard steps forth and bars any further approach. He…she…they merely bow, their fingers interlaced into the sign of the Holy Cog. [color=LightGray]Their voice calming and soothing, “Apologies, you have our deepest and most sincere apologies. We know our forms are not for everyone. Nor our way of thought.” [/color] His face plate shifts to show a smile. [color=LightGray]“But we wish to extend the warm embrace of the Holy Cogs manifold to any who wish it.”[/color] He bows again, mid way, not too deep, enough to show respect. [color=LightGray]Another of the missionaries steps forth, “We welcome you and your people. We wish to seek good cordial relations with any people we meet. And potentially extend the open hand of the Holy Cog to them. As for Trade, we always welcome that. Some of our flock still consume foodstuffs. We would gladly trade for some. We have some goods and even services aboard our ships that we could use to barter and trade.” The one with the miter nods, “What would you be willing to take for a portion of your foodstuffs?”[/color] As the two missionaries who approached speak with the Daxini delegation the other two missionaries lead the faithful in another prayer session. Dinari felt as if she was being disrespectful by talking at the rear of their congregation. She motioned for the Bio Mech Union member to follow her as she moved away from the congregation so that they could converse without disturbing the congregation. She noticed that Jaxori and Luwiti seemed to relax as they moved away from the congregation slightly. Dinari smiled at the two missionaries. Jaxori stood at her side to talk to the two missionaries while Luwiti stood with his back to theirs watching what was going on behind them. He trusted Jaxori to handle what was in front of them while he took note of what was happening behind them. [color=8dc73f]Dinari: “We meant no disrespect and we certainly didn’t intend to interrupt your services. My deepest apologies. Do you have a contact that I can send a list too? We have a list of what we have for trade and what we are looking for in return. I don’t think we need any of your services but you never know. Do you have a list of products and services that the Bio Mech Union trades for?[/color]” Dinari held out a card with an encrypted communication drop link that was commonly used by traders to share information with one another. The Missionary with the Mitre is the one to follow them. His facial features an ivory pearly white. [color=LightGray]His features stretch into a beatific smile, “Oh do not worry dear friend. You interrupted nothing that is important. We pray in all places to give the boon of sacrifice and prayer wherever we go. The Blessed Cog and the Word of Saint Harlow go where we go, we merely offer it to those we encounter.” [/color]The missionary makes the sign of the Holy Cog, raising his hands and tapping his fingers to his ivory forehead. Dinari smiled as she held out the card with the link information on it to the missionary. [color=8dc73f]“This card has an encrypted drop link with a list of what we have available. When we were on the station last, there was a need for fresh food. So we traded in that. We have a selection of fruits and vegetables available as well as vat proteins. We would happily trade for raw materials as well if you have them available, especially rarer minerals and ores.” [/color] Jaxori kept silent and let Dinari take the lead on the interaction with the missionary. His eyes studying the missionary for any tells or signs of deceit or coercion. Luwiti kept his eyes moving as he scanned the area around them. He noticed that they were attracting attention from the residents of the station. The word seemed to be going out that they were back. Many noticed them and would stop to speak with others and point back their way. He was not concerned yet. He knew that there was excitement over what they had to trade last time in fresh food for the people who lived on the station. Many were disappointed that they had run out of food for trading before they had managed to secure any for themselves. Or they had to buy it from others on station at a higher price having missed the Daxini themselves. Luwiti had noticed merchants a few local toughs who acted as guards for various merchants pass them by. None had drawn his attention as being aggressive or unduly interested in the trio. [color=LightGray]With a sigh the Missionary lowers his hands, “Now, we have…some goods yes goods. I am unsure of their usefulness to you, but we have a fine cog-wright among our Faithful. Along with at least a dozen engineers and technicians if you need work on your ships.” [/color]The monastery stops for a moment a slowly ticking cog on his mitre turning may the moment. [color=LightGray]He nods, “We have a fair amount of common, rare and super rare metals on our ships. We use them in our small Forge Chapels when we hold our services.” The Missionary’s mouth widens in a smile, “We have gear and equipment aplenty as well, much of it was to be tithed to the needy upon Forge World Primus, but we are free to trade it as well. We will gladly take foodstuffs for the Forged who have not yet fully Integrated.”[/color] The Missionary smiles and finally takes the card, and slots it into his own chest. [color=LightGray]The missionaries eyes flashing, and fluttering, then he nods, “Fascinating. What would you be willing to take for five tons of the proteins and a say four tons of the fruits and vegetables? Perhaps a cord of Natrium? A radioactive agent for use in power supplies? Or a few tons of Tritium? Name your price and we can match it.” His tone lowers, “Or perhaps, you seek arms? We have plenty.” [color] Yes that’s the BMU the Daxini may remember, they have everything. And anything. Be it legal…or not so legal. Dinari managed to maintain her neutral expression as she listened attentively to what he had to say. She was a little surprised at the trade offer. It was a good one. She gave him a pleasant smile that hid the shark-like competitiveness of always seeking out the best deal. She knew they needed to finish spreading word that they were back and collect information from other traders on the station. She leaned closer and lowered her voice as he spoke of weapons. Most weapons were traded in secret and illegally, usually not sanctioned by the nations that had created them. Dinari would be interested in what they might have. You never knew when new or uncovered technologies may come from. [color=8dc73f]Dinari’s voice purred in satisfaction. “I believe we can help one another. I have to complete what my captain sent me to do. I would be interested in learning more about what kind of arms you have for trade. We can easily meet your demand. Perhaps we could meet later and have a more private discussion?” [/color] Jaxori kept watching the others around them. He was on the lookout for those who were overly interested in them. He was not surprised that the BMU missionaries had hard to obtain items for sale. Their whole culture revolved around machines. Luwiti’s fur rippled as his instincts said someone was watching him. He had an itch between his shoulder blades but there was nothing he could see that was a threat. He didn’t spot anything or anyone watching them. That made the feeling worse since it was probably someone who meant them ill in some way. His hand drifted lazily to his weapon as he began to casually turn around. He sent a telepathic message to Jaxori. [color=8dc73f][i]Luwiti: Jaxori, I feel like we are being watched. I can’t spot anyone so they are good. It has all the earmarks of a professional operator. Stay alert. [/i][/color] [color=8dc73f][i]Jaxori: That’s not good. We need to move. I feel like a sitting duck in a shooting gallery.[/i] [/color] Luwiti would have laughed at Jaxori’s choice of phrasing but he didn’t want to tip others off that they could communicate telepathically. Jaxori turned to Dinari, [color=8dc73f]“We need to go. Wrap this up.” [/color] Dinari looked at Jaxori and started to protest when she noted the serious glint in his eye. She nodded. Dinari smiled at the BMU representative. [color=8dc73f]“Perhaps we could meet in a few hours?”[/color] The Missionary bowed low, making the sign of the Holy Cog across his chest. [color=LightGray]He straighten backed up and intoned, “We shall await your attendance at the docks we are at. Fifth Layer, Docks 5 through 7. Please do come and visit us at your leisure.” [/color] He bows again, turns and strides back to the congregation. Arms spread wide he begins another prayer session. [color=LightGray][i][b]Blessed be the day of alignment, when circuits meet sinew, And the sparks of logic greet the warmth of living breath. The Holy Machine does not deny the flesh that learns— It refines it, perfects it, joins it in sacred function. Through trade, we weld our futures. Through knowledge, we temper our worlds. The Machine Spirit hums in circuits and hearts alike, And in that song, both find purpose. Let the conduits flow with shared resource and revelation. May your forges burn bright with alloy and cooperation. In the glow of your industry, we see the Holy Cog turning, Perfect rotation, mirrored in every crafted soul. Praise be to the Holy Machine, that it accepts all who serve. Praise be to the Daxini Kin, who walk beside us in purpose. Let no rust of distrust corrode this bond, For today, the song of flesh and steel plays in harmony. 0101 — We Are One — 1010[/b][/i][/color] Slowly the Union Faithful stood up, and shuffled off, the three Missionaries pacing in front, their censors swinging. In near perfect step they go, a hymn rising as they move. Headed below to the Dock levels. The Daxini moved deeper into the market section of the station to spread word to the station residents that they were back with more goods for trade.