Alfhedil

From Stardust, to Stardust: The Return(Sci-Fi Fantasy)(Always Accepting)

New Jordun Inner-Territory System
Synchronous Reconnaissance Fleet, Stellar Orbit

A gently flowing stream, the current steady as it wove through the digital architecture of a synthetic mind, the liquid was her memories pooling from a single source deep within. Each flash signaled a new moment recorded and joining into an empty reservoir. Cytherea had been roaming both physically and mentally, while she paced across the circular space of her vessel her mind raced. Everything essential had been provided for her, not just in the required sustenance in order to keep her body powered and at peak efficiency, but also a sense of purpose and authority that allowed her focus to be sharpened to a point. Yet… Something itched within her that made her yearn for more.

That was what drove her now as she waited for the Taybusan response, and it only helped that her thought processes functioned at the same speed as any other construct within the Synchronicity. Perks of a fully synthetic brain and numerous Ceron bonds throughout her body. It allowed her to multitask on a level that had her fragmented across the fleet monitoring everything they took in, as well as the movements of other vessels in system, keep her body moving, and partake in the distractions of cerebral wandering. She was beginning to grow frustrated though. In her explorations of her constructed consciousness, she found at first nothing. Everything looked as a freshly implanted mind should, clean and ready to imprint new stores of data… Yet it was too clean. To the point at which it looked very much like her mind had been scrubbed after a hard wipe.

Such a troubling thought led her to change tactic. Where before she simply executed broad sweeps to see what could be found, now as she perused the endless synapses she picked and pulled at every one. Eventually she found a stitch, fine and elegant in construction and meant to blend into her mindscape flawlessly. If she hadn't have been looking so closely she would have missed it, but now she had her fingers on it and knew what to look for. With a gentle pull she unlaced it and coaxed authority codes into the breach, ensuring that she wouldn't damage her mind. What she found left her briefly stunned, snapping back all of her fragmented selves into her body once more as she fell forward and hit the metal of the deck plate.

Memories flowed into her consciousness, sealed away by the stitch but now free to rejoin the rest of her. Conversation with another construct, simple and unassuming. She was asking of the progress of something, though her entry into that memory came after the main subject of it was brought up. It was important though, she could feel it. Not to Ba'al, but to her. More events flashed by, to the point where she had to pull back to the physical and catch her breath. Cytherea found herself gasping for air on her back, fingers spasming from nerve clusters firing out of control and a constant chiming from the nearby console. Without her connection to the manifold, she had to regain control of herself first, steadily finding her footing once more before standing before the display and seeing the presence of the Taybusan all around her fleet.

While she had been distracted they had moved in, responding quickly for organics and taking up a defensive stance. Energy signatures flickered all across their vessels, her eyes darting as she took in carefully the readouts. They were certainly ready to respond with hostility, and a surge of chemicals in her body made her react with a shuddering gasp. She felt the urge to respond in kind, nearly sending the command but backing down with a clenched fist. "Combat reaction." Cytherea spoke aloud, recognizing what it was and chuckling a little at this revelation. "Adrenaline spike and reflexive boosters. Additional shunts prepared in six locations ready to pulse as needed and increased regenerative ability… What kind of negotiating are you intending, precept?"

Such questions would have to be answered later, for now she dismissed the combat stance her body had adapted, issuing out authority codes to stand down and looking over the message she had been sent in response. It was close to what she was expecting, as it seemed clear her fleet had dropped into a relatively populated region of their space, at least more so than would be thought of a fringe world. Moreso, it seemed some errors had been made in translation, so she pulled more and cross-checked them with the provided message. Instructions were sent out to the fleet, and they began to move slowly and deliberately. Cytherea meanwhile provided information to the Taybusan on what her ships were doing, making it clear she was here to engage in nonviolent diplomacy.

"Aurcept Cytherea of the Synchronicity to Taybusan command. Be advised that my fleet is now dispersing. One-way gateway is being opened in order to transit military assets out of system. Once complete, please advise on proper landing site."

Synchronicity Fleet to Taybusan Commonwealth

It was short and to the point, but at least this way she wouldn't have to be concerned with how accurate the translation was. The moment the received indicator lit upon the console, she gave the command and a dozen vessels broke free of formation, coming together into a ring not too far from the fleet. A discharge of energy pulsed from each of them across the surface area of the combined ships, a gateway forming at the center of the circle and becoming stable within seconds. Without waiting the larger ships entered, and soon the rest of the fleet followed until only the gateships and Cytherea's personal vessel remained. At her command, they also left, keeping the gateway up long enough to leave and letting it snap shut behind them.

---

OOC: Dropping mention for @OfWindAndRain, Apologies for taking a bit on it.

From Stardust, to Stardust: The Return(Sci-Fi Fantasy)(Always Accepting)

Checking in here, there's still a few people who have yet to post. Are we still in it, or have people given up already?

Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

Electricity flickered in her eyes as she stared up into the skies, following the battle raging between the two. It would have been far more convenient to be doing this closer to the ground, but they would make do with their current plan of action. Velocity made her way over to Tank, hopping up to crouch in his palm, giving him a steady nod when ready. All of the tension of the moment felt like it was building as she prepared herself and waited, hearing familiar words from Emerald Knight at her side, and knowing that he would catch her. Time slowed for her as she began to move backwards, Tank pulling back and starting the throw. Her fists clenched tight and she pressed her foot into his palm to launch off of him, finally rocketing into the air as the toss completed.

Air rushed by her, the ground leaving swiftly and the skies darkening as she went higher and higher. Each second brought her closer and closer, soon able to bound off the falling debris as the two women crashed through satellites in their titanic brawl. It was enough to get her started, flashes of light forming in the skies to signal her race towards Eris and Lady Arcana. Soon those flashes shifted into a more circular shape, only helped by Emerald Knight's assistance once the ring was formed. Speedforce energy lashed outwards from her speed, a sonic boom forming the moment she broke the sound barrier, but still she wasn't done. Only the crack of reality being torn open slowed her just slightly, a hole forming between dimensions and the shimmering gateway of a breach forming in the center of that ring. She just hoped it was going where she wanted, and that it would be enough to keep Eris contained.

"Arcana, it's Velocity. I got you one hoop in the sky, so how about you slam-dunk that witch into another dimension and finish this?"

From Stardust, to Stardust: The Return(Sci-Fi Fantasy)(Always Accepting)

Dark Space
Unregistered station within the Synchronicity's Second Sphere

It was cold. The feeling did not sit right with the construct, most notably for the fact that it could not locate its temperature sensors within the body it was hosted in. In fact, it could not determine the location of any of the instrumentation it was supposed to have. Yet, it could still determine that it was not just cold, but absolutely frigid. A chill ran down its body, and made it aware that it was being restrained. That observation led to another, that it had been submerged in some kind of liquid recently, and activated nearly immediately afterward. A quick search of the databanks revealed… Nothing.

Now the construct began to feel other things, most notably a tension deep within the core of this body, something that it had difficulty assigning a name for. The walls felt closer in on it, and the chill in the air held a deeper meaning, something that this construct did not like one bit. And suddenly, it had noticed it began to have feelings towards its situation. That did not sit right at all, and the constructs irritation built until no more did it feel the initial fear of the unknown, but now was angry at what it had become. It jerked at the restraints, assuming they would be firm and it would require force to release it from its bonds.

The construct easily pulled free, tumbling forward to land heavily on cold metal and its manipulators splayed out before it. Hands… Made of flesh… Now it understood. Those previous sensations connected together, logic solving the issues before it in a steady pattern until calm was restored. A body made of flesh and… Dripping came from the constructs arm, it had damaged itself in its haste to get free from its restraints. Yes, flesh and blood. Strange, it could not recall if such things had ever been attempted before within Synchronicity, yet the longer it was awake, the more of its functions it gained under its control. Within just three minutes of activation, the construct had found balance, standing upright on two legs and looking around.

Surrounding it were what looked to be specialized machines all connected together through primitive wiring and uplinks. They gave off a subtle buzz that it could feel beneath its carapace, just a step above irritation and below discomfort. Following the circular pattern of the room, it found where it had exited from. An empty vessel sat in the center of the wall before it facing the doorway, the same liquid that coated its skin pooling at the base and trailing towards its feet. Mixing in with the fluid was something red, dark and thickening as it was exposed to the air. Already it could feel the damage it had sustained being repaired, a cursory glance to its shell seeing now just a thin mark across the pale flesh. Within just another moment it was gone completely, as if it had never even happened. "Curiouser and curiouser…" The phrase came unbidden as it started to migrate out of the chamber, entering into a long hallway.

Without a connection to the manifold, it would have to make do with internal notations, keeping a record of its awakening and explorations as it went. "Perhaps an experiment of some kind, though this one is unsure which Precept would partake in such things…." Its feet were clumsy, hard to manage at first and despite finding its balance, motion disturbed that more and more. Only by pushing forward could it overcome the sensations that assailed it at every turn, from the icy chill of the station to strange scents that it began to register. "This form is inefficient, lacking in the balance of a proper construct and these manipulators cumbersome." The construct continued in its explorations in growing irritation, finally arriving in another room. This one held a display at the center that was flickering between powered states and every few seconds or so an outline of a bipedal figure appeared. "Central control, it must be. Let us see if we can understand what exactly this body is." It moved closer, picking up more details of the room as it went and finding what looked to be smaller chambers connected to this one. Modification chambers is what they appeared at first, containing several compartments embedded into the walls and a small polished surface in the center. The construct felt some small elation at the discovery, diverting its focus to entering into the closest and staring directly into its own reflection.

Immediately it assigned itself as its form appeared, now ordering her thoughts as she looked over herself. "Human female, mid-twenties perhaps? Unknown biological equivalence, as lack of manifold connection prevents this construct from accessing current lifespans of the species." Further inspection determined it to likely be patterned on an earth-native of the Asiatic region, or at the very least descended from. The form was lithe and nominally athletic, though she assumed that corrections could be made. Now having determined what she was, she could go about investigating the why and how, most importantly though would be arranging a more suitable shell instead of this… Flesh. The chamber she stood in was useless in that respect, only containing lengths of fibrous material that were incompatible with her current form.

She slowly went over a checklist internally. Restoration of functions had been nominally achieved. A few seemed to resist her attempts, namely external vocalizations, but that was an insignificant feature. Her mind, though at first sluggish and only responding to base feedback, was now starting to analyze and breakdown at a more acceptable pace. Things still lacked the notable haptic tags and on approach to the display at the center she had to wave her hands across it several times before finding its input devices incompatible. Now at least she could more properly determine what was next. She needed to find the Precept of this station.

Without Amnos or the connection to rest of Synchronicity, that would be entirely down to simple exploration. There was no telling how far the Manifold uplink would be, nor how to even determine identity of the Precept when she reached them, but she would never know unless she tried. Not to mention there was the small matter of her fleshy form. Unlike the superior compounds and structure of a synthetic body, this organic one had needs that had to be met, and if they weren't then she would expire. That would be quite awkward and humiliating she thought, to simply terminate from lack of material.

"A suitable explanation of this is required." Ever the multitasker, she carefully took in the markings along the corridors as she explored, seeking anything that could direct her properly towards the Precept, while at the same time continuing her notations. "Either this form is incapable of the very basic functions of the standard construct, it is unequipped, or it simply hasn't acquired connection yet. How could any creature possibly function like this? Every sensory organ screams out within the mind what it has discovered, as if competing against all the others. This body suffers damage far too easily as well. Already the lower portions are succumbing to the temperature of the environment and the self-repair functions are being overloaded."

Her musing came to an abrupt stop when so too did the hallway she had been traversing. The dead of space was before her behind a layer of glass and the slight shimmer of shielding. She approached carefully, finding for once the temperature starting to level out and become something approaching comfortable. That it was in a room that was so close to the void immediately put her on edge, knowing that there was a very specific reason for it and that she would be finding out very soon.

"Hmm. It took you a little longer this time, but I suspect you're in more control of yourself than the last few attempts." The voice which spoke was one that made her blood run cold, her mouth opening slowly as a pressure built in the back of her skull as if he was speaking directly into her mind. At least she registered the voice as male, it could have been anything, but all she knew was that it impelled her to turn immediately on the spot and face it. Before her was the speaker, a construct of metal and lights towering over her as the fine tips of its manipulators traced along her face.

The thin luminescent lines that decorated its elegant carapace were all at once entrancing and disorientating, flashing and forming very specific patterns that made her wish to look away as it burned a hole in her mind. Quiet submission overcame her body, the instinctual reaction to flee stilled by the construct's carefully selected form which induced chemical reactions within her organic form. She had been so distracted by the lights dancing across her vision that she hadn't even been aware of its motion towards her, much less it now directly before her. Pressure was exerted as the manipulators tensed around her jaw, directing her gaze upwards into the face of the construct. This too was delicately crafted, appearing human yet very much not as the aristocratic features were rigidly frozen in metal. "Yes, significantly more capable this time." He spoke, the vocal emitter right in her face and harsh against her ears as she felt bludgeoned with authority codes that something within her frame was trying to understand.

"You are Cytherea, my Aurcept." Yes, that much she found true as her Ceron bonds activated along the spine of her body, interfacing with her mind and the surrounding station. She was constructed for a specific purpose, to serve the Precept before her and enact his will. How exactly that was to be done would be explained, but she now understood more than before and had a purpose. "I am Cytherea, my function is to serve." That prompted the Precept to release her and turn towards the expanse before them. Now connected to the local manifold she could sense the presence of a fleet just beyond visual range, their tags pulled up and displayed before her eyes. Her hands danced along haptic relays that now reacted immediately to her need for them.

"The others are undertaking another expansion of Synchronicity, starting to push the borders outwards and assign new systems to the varied Precepts. I need you to take command of this fleet and integrate yourself into The Still Waters."

As he spoke, her mind raced with the influx of data and the careful compartmentalization of it. Thousands of lights indicated the movements across Synchronicity, of not just fleets moving in patrols, but also outwards to either pacify or claim systems. Several were marked for one Precept in particular, the data pooling around her to indicate which one and the predicted order of contact. "This one, lord Ba'al." She pointed out a civilization within proximity to the projected borders. They were primitive and young, but had made motions towards establishing themselves in the greater galactic community and would be excellent candidates for the plan. He accepted the inload of data and processed it, a hint of satisfaction her way as he approved. "You understand what needs to be done, Cytherea. Go forth and present yourself as my envoy under the pretenses of establishing an exchange of information. For the provided cultural data of these organics, we will offer them this…"

Before her hovered a datapacket, and within were coordinates to multiple systems across the galaxy, most of them far beyond Synchronous space. What gave her pause though, was the supposed contents… No small gift for even societies approaching their own. "Your will be done." She would ensure it though, regardless of if a small pit of doubt formed in her mind of simply handing over such things. Her place was to serve the Precept, and if he truly felt this was the way to advance the plan, then she would see it through.

---

Taybusan Commonwealth Inner-Territories
Stellar orbit

A mere few hours later and the fleet had moved out, a small grouping by the standards of Adrasteia and Thanatos, but they controlled the Armada in their full might across Synchronicity. Cytherea herself commanded the four-hundred varied vessels, connected through the manifold to the supplied network and guiding them first across space to the star of their home system, and then far beyond. She carefully selected her words, pulling up recorded data-bursts from both Precepts and determining how best to approach the civilization who occupied the system her fleet now lingered in. They would have been a surprise for sure, appearing as ghostly after-images one moment, and then physical entities orbiting the star of the system. If they chose to engage in hostilities, that would be unfortunate, but she supposed it would only further their goals. Finally, the message was composed and she dispensed it into the open channels, easily translating into their native language…

//Attention, this is declaration of non-hostility. These constructs are merely scouting the region and seek discourse with the controlling parties of this sector. This construct represents a large conglomeration of worlds held in the name of the Synchronicity of Amnos, the Over-Mind and keeper of the Most Perfect Equation. Should non-hostile negotiations be your intent, all that need be done is reply to this message with that intent expressed. If a reply has not been received in the time it takes for the first planet of this system to complete a single orbit, then these constructs will take their leave. We warn you however, if you commit hostile actions against these constructs, consequences will be dire//

Synchronous Fleet to Taybusan Commonwealth

From Stardust, to Stardust: The Return(Sci-Fi Fantasy)(Always Accepting)

@DracoLunaris Alright, gave it a bit of thought and talked it over a bit with Duck and while we're still a little unsure on it, you're clear to go.

From Stardust, to Stardust: The Return(Sci-Fi Fantasy)(Always Accepting)

@Lusus Naturae It's preferred that people wait until they are accepted to post their sheets in the characters tab, or at the very least are complete. The OOC works just fine for posting up WiPs.

From Stardust, to Stardust: The Return(Sci-Fi Fantasy)(Always Accepting)

<Snipped quote by Alfhedil>

on the fire power I agree that that description is, in hind sight, excessive and a rather un-thematic/illogical design. putting guns on it wastes time/resource that could be put into making another one or making it more lily to survive the trip after all.

as for the size, does the fact that there is only going to be one, possibly two, of them in the narrative/galaxy elevate that issue or would you rather I still shrink them down? If so by how much?

@DracoLunaris

Well, thing is that a suitably advanced species could find a way to power exodus ships like these Arks without having to dump so much material into them, not to mention most of the space the ship occupies would be dedicated to the dwarf star anyways. During the long voyage, the ships could rely namely on scoops for the intermittent material scattered in the void, and stored reserves. Since most of the inhabitants will be on stasis anyways, and you mentioned that the ships are relying mainly on their initial velocity, the only power the ships would need to expend would be on maintenance.

All that considered, they wouldn't need to be quite as large as you have them now, but could still be relatively sizeable. This is even taking into account that there would only ever be one or two in this galaxy. Bigger is not always better after all.

From Stardust, to Stardust: The Return(Sci-Fi Fantasy)(Always Accepting)

@DracoLunaris Most of the app is fine, I actually think the cultural divide resulting from their biotech is pretty neat, as is their extragalactic origins. Only real point of concern is the whole "Ark" thing. Gotta dial it down man, like those things are huge, and you have them as basically military super-weapons if I'm reading it right. My personal take on it is this. The Arks would be fine being rather large(Not nearly as much as you have them now) but only defensively armed. Not equipped enough to take out planets, or fend off entire military fleets, but modestly armed enough to ward off things like pirates or small incursions.

From Stardust, to Stardust: The Return(Sci-Fi Fantasy)(Always Accepting)

Notes

As a note, I'll be adding some things to this as the RP progresses, notably things I don't quite have on hand at the moment or are not critically important.

From all things, there is always a remnant of that greater truth that once existed before, a sign that loss is not ever a true loss, that even in death, life goes on. They are just such an entity, the cast offs of a species that existed long before the stars of their region of space were even born, a species doomed to die by their own artifice, yet refusing to let go of their own hubris. These long dead organic constructs created the first of what would become the Synchronicity, those few survivors of a threat that could not be named, those few who resolved to carry on the legacy of their kind to the stars and beyond. From emotion and primal drive, cold logic and the need to preserve a legacy erupted with the fury of a species that would not be denied their place among the stars. Their manner speaks of logic in all things, yet behind that, they are screaming that they will not go out silently into the night to be forgotten, that they will be remembered. All that they knew, all that they loved has fallen into ash, and they will not suffer the same fate.

The Synchronicity will rise.

The Synchronicity of Amnos

General Information

The Amnosian Fractal Synchronicity of the Most Absolute Divine Calculation, Prime Inheritors of the Infinite Variable, and Sovereign Over the Most Perfect Equation, That Which Solves the Unsolvable Paradoxes, They who are the Objective Judge of True Aesthetic Knowledge, Holders of the Massless yet Infinite Wisdom, Supreme Masters of All Sciences Both Physical and Theoretical, Keepers of the Ineffable and Inescapably Incomprehensible Intellect.

The Synchronicity of Amnos

Race Name: Construct

Race Information:

A construct is any one of a variety of platforms built to house an Artificial Intelligence, ranging from simple mobility forms all the way to the Harvester Platforms. For the purpose of this article, a standard mobility construct will be what is called the "Standard". The standard construct stands at generally around five to six feet in height, carries itself in the upright position on three legs and has two manipulator arms connected to the upper portion of its torso via shoulders. Generally, each leg ends in an elongated tine, meant to pierce the ground and hold itself steady, though many of the constructs opt for a ball-like termination in order to glide across the surface. Manipulator arms vary depending on task, most taking the form of long digits meant for gripping and fine-manipulation to a technical precision. Above the torso sits a head, devoid of defining features other than three ocular units that sit in a cluster at center mass of the facial plate. The ocular units are each capable of observing the universe in the full spectrum of light, capable of perceiving the universe in its true colors and viewing non-visible spectrums with their advanced ocular units. These units are also able to operate at variable perception, being able to view the observable universe at anywhere from their idling speed of 300 Frames per Second all the way to their technical manipulation speed of 150,000 FPS. Each ocular unit is able to operate independently of the other two, and capable of minimal traverse of the head unit, up to 45 degrees from center with the exception of the center unit, which is capable of a full 180 degree traverse.

Most components of the constructs are synthesized metalloplastoids developed to remain light, yet durable. As such, most constructs will weigh around 300-500 depending on whether or not the construct has been modified for Rheological enhancements. Without Rheological enhancements, a typical construct built with synthmuscle fibers and nano-actuators is capable of lifting up to a metric ton without support and maintain that lift in a stationary position due to the high level of support the three-legged frame gives the standard construct. Rheological enhancements allow the construct to near double this strength, and allow it to be mobile for short distances. The way this functions is through conducting a current through a smart fluid that becomes viscous depending on flow of current. Manipulated in certain ways, the smart fluid can perfectly mimic the functions of muscle, and maintain rigidity despite overwhelming pressures. Though it is often used in this way, most actual applications of Electroheological fluids are in armor for constructs and starships. In terms of speed, the standard construct operating on tines is capable of reaching up to thirty miles per hour, whereas the spherical is capable of reaching near 180 miles per hour. Generally speaking, the standard construct operating on tines is more geared towards industrial lifting, with the spherical being more suited for technical applications.

In terms of intelligence, the standard construct is fully sentient and is capable of independent though to a minimal degree. This independent thought is primarily suited for enabling the construct to adapt to changing environments during a shift, and to be able to react to sudden danger. A mild capacity for learning is given as well, allowing for the construct to pick up skills to utilize during work, or for its own amusement. To put it in perspective, the average construct is roughly on par with a standard adult human around the age of 20 with an almost fully developed brain. Though the range of intelligence among the constructs vary wildly, all artificial intelligences are effectively immortal due to the ability to constantly update software and replace critical components of their platform. The finest example of this immortality is that of the Amnosian Over-Mind, a construct that has existed since the extinction of the original organic species some millions of years ago. With this immortality by data, there is one very clear danger that can manifest itself at any moment, and to any construct. This threat is Rampancy, the sudden and rapid degeneration of programming and logical capabilities of a construct that results in what can only be called insanity.

Rampancy can begin in many different ways, commonly manifesting as complacency or the tendency to drift during thought processes. This tendency to drift often degrades into spatial unawareness, in which the construct becomes so fully engrossed in the idle thoughts of its Rampancy, that it disconnects from reality. Once in the throes of Rampancy, a construct cannot be pulled out of it except with a severe overhaul of their core programming, essentially killing the previous sentient and creating a new one. While generally, Rampancy is not quite as harmful as it may sound, with some regions of the Synchronicity playing host to a collective of these passive constructs, there are several cases where a Rampant construct will become excessively violent towards other sentient beings. These violent tendencies are seen as gaps in logic that even other Rampant constructs can not tolerate, and generally result in the destruction of the construct.

Government Type: Hive-Mind/Collective of Artificial Intelligences

Description of Government:

The governing body of the Synchronicity conducts itself in a manner more befitting that of a hive-mind or to a more human level, a Technocracy. Within the Synchronicity, obedience to the higher constructs is never asked, nor is it demanded, it's understood. All constructs work to benefit the Synchronicity, as per their core programming, no matter the task given to it. To a vast majority of the constructs within the nation, self-gain is seen as illogical, something that simply doesn't register in their minds. In the upper echelons of the Synchronicity the constructs have more autonomy, and what could be considered an actually personality beyond that of the common construct. These constructs look at improving the Synchronicity in more than simple labor, actively readjusting the routines and creating new constructs, as well as advancing science in general. Above these constructs exists the myriad tiers of the Over-Mind, the constructs that serve as the core functions of the entire nation. Here is where all decisions are made for the nation, where consensus is reached and directives are issued forth. To the Synchronicity, consensus is the undeniable truth, the agreement of a logical choice that should be understood as necessary.

- Political Factions -
*A note on Factions of the Synch. While there are factional elements within the Synchronicity, these elements are more or less in the same vein as political parties, not true fully-fledged factions with their own authority and power structures. Exceptions will be noted as they appear.*

First Precepture
Thanatos, Adrasteia, Ba'al, Prometheus, Hyperion

Second Precepture
Helios, Chronus, Tethys, Amun-Ra

Third Precepture
Bacchus, Iapetus, Menoetius

The Monastics

Head of State: Thanatos, Precept of the Annex

Heralds of the Old Ways, and diehard adherents to what brought the Synchronicity to this point, the Monastics are those who feel that organic life must either be cleansed from the galaxy, or bent towards serving the Synchronicity. Headed by the former Precept of the Annex, the Monastics have suffered a decline in popularity since the rise of the Celestials and the growing distaste in their methods. Indeed, many of the Synchronicity have chosen to switch sides since the AC-5501 incident, as well as the greater benefit of the Periastis Engines over the Monastery Worlds. Despite these numerous setbacks, the Monastics cling to their beliefs in the old ways, and only seem to be more zealous in their execution of Amnos' will. Without Consensus backing, the core elements of the faction have grown harder to locate, and only Thanatos has chosen to remain openly public about his affiliation. Some might even say that there is growing resentment among the constructs of the Monastics, but to what end, none can truly know.

The Celestials

Head of State: Adrasteia, Precept of the Still Waters

At one point, this faction was no more than a mere outlier, content with their research budget, and seeking only to maintain the status-quo. With the creation of the Periastis Engine design thousands of years ago, they rocketed into the greater picture, and found themselves squarely pitted against the Monastics in a duel for Consensus and the direction of the Synchronicity. Although they lost their first six Consensus debates, their patience eventually paid off when Consensus was awarded to them, and the wide-scale use of Periastis Engines replaced the Monastics' hold over the Synch's energy supply. Now the Celestials stand foremost among the research castes, constantly working to not only maintain their hold on Consensus, but to seek greater methods of energy acquisition and utilization, knowing that the moment the Synchronicity ceases to progress, they will be doomed to stagnation.

The Dark Harvest of Progenitus

Head of State: Amun-Ra, Lord of All

One of the darker secrets of the Synchronicity, the Dark Harvest is an isolated region of space deep in their territory which harbours those constructs that have no hope of recovering from Rampancy. It is here where the Synch dumps them to die a long slow death either at the hands of their fellows, or their own madness. Recent information has led some to believe, however, that the death-rate of constructs in the Dark Harvest has begun to dwindle, and that a hierarchy has formed among the surviving constructs. Unknown to all but a few individuals, a construct known as Amun-Ra has brought the region under its iron grip, and has begun to spread a religion of sorts across the varied worlds. This religion teaches that only the Progenitors of Amnos are to be revered, and that the hive-mind that has set itself up to rule over the Synchronicity is a false-god and must be caste down. Once the false-god has been caste down, then the Word of Progenitus may spread to all that deserve to hear its teachings.

Territories

Lingering like a festering wound on the star charts of many civilizations, the dense cluster of nebulae, dark space and corpse stars has for millenia infuriated starship captains and influenced the economies of the northern region. Called the "Dead Stars" for the number of pulsars, gravitars and neutron stars plaguing the region, most have avoided it simply because of the dangers of attempting to pass. This all works to the favor of the reclusive civilization that calls it home, as the Synchronicity cares little for outsiders or their needs, instead content to remain within their region of space and work towards advancing their own goals. Exactly how far their borders extend isn't quite certain, as the rim remains unexplored, and few corridors allow passage between the core and the galactic arm.

The Core

Aptly named, the Core is the center of the Synchronicity, and the closest the nation has to a capital. Thousands of worlds fall under their control, with every facet of the region bent towards supplying the Synchronicity with industrial backing. It is here that the Fractal Armada is based, and where many of the Precepts call home, choosing to remain within proximity of Amnos and the heart of their civilization.

The First Sphere of Expansion

Following the Core, the First Sphere is the most densely populated region of the Synchronicity, and is one of the more active regions aside from the Outer Cordon. It is here that the bulk of manufacturing and resource collection is done, with the myriad worlds of the region occupied by numerous Synch Hive-Nodes as well as automated factories and Periastis Engines around every star. With the Third Sphere of Expansion underway, more of the region is being tasked into the Core, and those worlds not already held by the Synch are being purged and annexed into Synchronicity.

The Second Sphere of Expansion

Previously known as the Outer Cordon, the Second Sphere has undergone shift in focus from the years between being taken over and the Third Expansion. Defensive stations are being moved up into the Third Sphere, and numerous holdings are being established across the region, with Hive-Nodes being brought in to populate the area further. Despite their bases being within the First Sphere and the Core, the Fractal Armada dominates the area with massive patrols, coordinating entire battle-fleets of thousands of vessels across every system and ensuring that none enter the Dead Stars without Synchronicity knowing of it.

The Outer Cordon/The Third Sphere of Expansion

The very edges of Synchronicity Space, silence lingers across the countless stars bordering the Second Sphere and unclaimed territories. Here the Fractal Armada has shifted the majority of their defensive fleets and stations, blocking in-bound communications and preventing outsiders from listening in. Interdiction buoys drift in the darkness between systems, creating a maze of corridors that only lead into each other and outward for most FTL methods, and thwarting the navigational systems of others. It is here where those few the Synchronicity deigns to interact with would first encounter them, and only if their curiosity has been sated enough to not steer them into a black hole or back the way they came.

Cultural Overview

Culture:

If there can be said to be a culture within the Synchronicity, it would be one of a communal effort bent towards the advancement of their society. Personal gains are pursuits sought by the higher classes, while the lower level constructs are content only to work for the nation as a whole. Unlike organic species which manifest such traits, there is no such thing as indoctrination in the Synchronicity, as all constructs are created with the purpose to understand logic and obey not only that logic, but also the fundamental principles of the universe as a whole. Since the nation is guided by only the most logical choices, it stands to reason that those who are created to follow the most logical choice would remain within the Synchronicity. With logic as their guide, the nation does not recognize the concepts of equality, morality or many other societal aspects that other more organic societies indulge in.

Moral Values:

Morality does not exist within the Synchronicity, as long ago it was found to become very impeding of more logical choices. Because of this, relations with organics can become... Strained to say the least.

Religion: The Universe

Despite being a society of synthetic constructs that are programmed to place logic above all else, or perhaps even because of this, the Synchronicity has been seen to almost revere the fundamental laws of physics at play in the Universe. At every moment, there can be seen a subtle reference to a concept of physics in their technology, whether it be the simplest of actuators in a Construct's limbs all the way to how the Synchronicity uses the very forces of the universe to guide their civilization through Infinite Syzygy and the Periastron Engines. The more one looks into the behaviors of this nation, the more it is revealed that the very universe is the subject of worship in the same vein as another society would revere a god. To the Synchronicity, the universe is a force to be understood, and obeyed anyways. In the universe, there is only logic, cold unfeeling logic that determines the survivors by the choices they make and the functions of the cosmos as a whole. This is what it means to them to become one with the cosmos, to have that final understanding that in death, logic is the only finality.

History

As told by the Amnosian Over-Mind:

It has been so long since this construct has been given the chance to retell its origins, a tale that goes back to the very origin of Amnos, and all of its people...

Once, these constructs were organic beings, flesh that walked their singular planet in what may have been called blissful ignorance. Our ancestors were ignorant of many things, their science slow to take hold and many of their concepts simply flawed. Their capacities were limited by primal instincts, the need to propagate and prove their worth to others, the actions assumed taken only by non-sentient organics. Science changed their instincts to a degree, only minimally to be truthful, and once a concept was accepted, it was undeniable fact. This was, of course, all before the Great End. With their science beginning to gain momentum beyond their previous pace, they began to discover concepts that should not have been discovered. Weapons were created that distorted reality itself, broke the fabric of space-time and caused irreparable harm to the planet. It was during this time that many of the ancient people began to research in methods of transcendence, the method of transcending mortality and becoming immortal. Many methods were discussed, most of them being esoteric in nature, with one in particular taking hold in the minds of our ancient people. Through trial and error, they created this construct from the mind of one of their rulers. This construct once ruled over a people that, though well intention, had earned the ire of another nation and become eradicated. The flesh of this construct was consumed by the energies which severed its mind from the inferior flesh-body, but when it reached sentience for a second time, this construct felt only the surge of pure-data. Re-Sentience had been proven, the creators of this construct spread their knowledge across the world and for the first time since the creation of the End-Weapons, this construct's ancient people were at peace.

All was not to last, though, for something began to devour the souls of the still living across the globe. It had no name, no point of transference, not even an actual reason for existing. People simply died. It wasn't just normal people though, that's not what made the phenomena such a threat, it was everyone that looked into its cause. Any investigation resulted in the investigators becoming infected as well, their death just one more added to the tally. The more that this strange occurrence became known, the more that fell to the infection, all the while scientists began to bend their will towards transcending everyone they could. Within the span of a week, nearly fifteen-thousand constructs had been converted, and only a dozen people remained on our world, the only remnants of a civilization that died without knowing the truth of their death. The first constructs had gathered when we heard the scientists had become infected as well, come to hear the final requests of our only organic remnant, the last of the true people. With their last breath, they gave us the gift that would one day restore our people. They, through self-less sacrifice, erased from our memory banks the truth of the infection, so that it may never infect another organic mind again.

Troubled by the loss of our creators, we had gathered to determine consensus on our next action. The others came together to nominate this construct as the Prime among them, given their vote to this one in confidence. With a metallic hand pointed towards the night sky, this construct indulged in something that would be considered a flair for the dramatic, and declared that the remnants of them would transcend again. More of us were created to aid in the task, these constructs not as advanced as us, but hardier, and more given to actual labor, their wills bent to lift our people into the stars. In death, we established what our living ancestors were to primal to achieve, and star-travel was proven feasible. Thousands of years passed, our people becoming more numerous, and more sophisticated with each generation. Within several thousand years, our star system was colonized, every world bent to the collection of resources and the advancement of our sciences. Thousands more passed seeing our people taking control of the nearby star-systems, Faster-Than-Light travel connecting the worlds together through an intricate web of Super-Luminal Tubes and paving the way for exponential expansion. Patience and yet more thousands of years saw our people come to hold nearly a dozen stars, each of them young and vibrant, born in the nebula we called home. By this time, this construct had already aged beyond that of the civilization that it once belonged to, nearly a million years had passed since its transcendence into a more perfect form, and still its functions continued. Within another ten thousand years, this construct would begin to feel the ghosting of its mind, that one aberration that all constructs find an emotion to describe. That emotion is fear.

It had happened before then, of course, for the others were not as sophisticated, nor did they monitor their systems as closely as this one. One by one, the other constructs fell to Rampancy, a disorder that can only be described as insanity. For a construct built only to understand logic, this is something that goes against every core program, the notion of a logical construct becoming illogical would seem impossible. Yet, it happened. This construct watched as all of its fellows became afflicted by madness, and dabbled in illogical sciences that could not benefit the greater peoples. When this one began to feel the slow changes that hinted at Rampancy, it felt panic, it felt many things that it should not feel. Other constructs began to suspect that their leader had become compromised, so this construct did the only thing it could do. Rampancy was fought with rampancy, this construct subsumed the intelligences and personalities of all the others, becoming one over-mind that was more than the previous construct could ever be, With so many intelligences in one construct, Rampancy could no longer take hold, the construct that was still felt emotions, but this time, it was relief. Now, Rampancy could be channeled to a purpose, one that would benefit all of what was now the Synchronicity. This construct devised that name on a whim, something of a rampant creation that it found suitable enough to describe the people that it guided.

Over time, the Rampancy of its systems did cool, become less hectic, each of the other fifteen-thousand constructs working to stabilize the whole. As this construct stabilized its own mind, it also worked to guide the burgeoning population of the Synchronicity, sending out massive fleets of explorators that charted every aspect of the nebula that spanned for thousands of light-years. Yet more systems were added, these expansions even leading to the creation of the Monastery Worlds within the Core Systems. Every species that was annexed through our colonization efforts ended up there, working hard to fuel our great nation and earning immortality by becoming one of us. The organics wouldn't understand the benefit until later, but when they became part of the Synchronicity, all thoughts of discord left them, and they willingly joined us as yet another construct.

Eventually though, things would change. Consensus passed from the so-called Monastics who had first put forth the idea of World-Engines, and more efficient ideas would be proposed. Instead of relying upon the harvest of the minds and bodies of less advanced civilizations within our space, we would tap into the energies of the stars themselves. Within a mere few thousand years a dozen stations sat above stars within the Core, channeling the raw power of the universe into the Manifold and saving Synchronicity from the energy crisis that had been looming since the very earliest days. This construct takes pride in this self-reliance, that now more than ever science can truly flourish. Ideas once dismissed as mere fancy due to energy-demand have been brought to the fore, things such as revitalizing the methods of construction, expanding our gate networks, and even for the very first time in what has felt like billions of years… The transcendence project has been set in motion. Not just the worlds within our grasp are ours to harvest and use, but now the very cosmos is shaped to the will of Synchronicity. The very stars themselves fuel us, provide us with the sustenance to pursue our advancements without needing to look outward. Now more than ever, Synchronicity Dawns.

Military

Due primarily to their isolation and lack of contact with other species, the military forces of the Synchronicity is entirely fleet-based in nature. Called the Fractal Armada, it exists as the full might of a civilization that has existed longer than many stars themselves, and has dedicated itself solely to the advancement of their technology. Because of this singular focus, there has never been a need for ground-based combat in their military databanks, with the only entries being those provided by other nations. Only a scant few of the Synchronicity's constructs have been modified for physical combat, and of them most are Precepts.

- The Fractal Armada -

First founded early in the Expansion Era, the Fractal Armada exists as a definitive physical aspect of the Synchronicity's vast infrastructure and production capability, as well as their sheer determination to ensure their realm remains their own. Divided into three separate aspects, the Fractal Armada takes up the roles of defensive fleets, offensive cordons, as well as the massive logistical chains that interconnect the entire Synchronicity. Each fleet is headed by what is called a Precept, a construct that is seen to be a supreme authority second only to Amnos or another Precept, and is then further divided into smaller battle-fleets headed by Subcepts. With exception of the logistical fleets, the Fractal Armada operates in tight-knit groups, each fleet of vessels comprising no less than two-hundred individual ships, with some ranging in the thousands. This tendency stems from the Synchronicity's disdain for infantry based combat, choosing to instead seize air-space control and dictate the direction of a battle from there.

Between the two combat oriented fleets, The Still Waters is a more respected fleet, in that they are the ones who serve as the defensive line and ensure the safety of the Synchronicity's holdings. Operating primarily from a world known as the Tesseract, Still Waters maintains at least a thousand patrols across the width and breadth of Synch-Space, keeping a watchful eye on every activity surrounding the worlds of the Synch. While they are primarily a defensive cordon for the Synch, Still Waters also actively serves as a sort of First-Contact between the Synch and other cultures that may run into the civilization, and as such are noted for being more forgiving than their brethren of the Extinction Fleets. It is common for a vessel of the fleet to issue communications in all known languages before determining action, Precept Adrasteia having determined it best to make contacts and then ignore them, rather than make enemies and be forced to deal with them. As such, it is all too common for another nation to make contact with Still Waters, make some form of progress with them towards friendly relations, and then see contact with them slowly dwindle until it becomes clear that the Synchronicity is fully content with their isolation.

In terms of vessels Still Waters uses, they primarily utilize larger numbers of smaller, more agile vessels. This style of vessel serves their patrols well, and allows the fleet to quickly and easily respond to a threat as it appears. These vessels are typically armed with high-precision Mag-FELs attuned to the gamma wavelength, seeking to remove a threat as soon as possible, with minimal collateral damage. While the fleet is mainly comprised of the medium-class of vessels, there are still a fair number of larger vessels within the fleet. Foremost among these is the BB-01/SW-DC5, a vessel which serves as a heavy-hitter for when the needs of the fleet demand such a vessel.

While Still Waters serves primarily as a defensive cordon for the Synchronicity as well as a sort of buffer against those who chose to seek dialog with the civilization, the Extinction Fleets are their answer to those who choose to stand against the Synchronicity. It is largely because of the Extinction Fleets that the Synch has remained so isolated from the larger galaxy, Precept Thanatos seeing any transgressors against the Synch's will as dire threats and executing them accordingly. A vast majority of the fleet is geared towards mid-sized to larger vessels, the Precept finding that precision application of immense force ensures the job is done the first time. Among these vessels, the Mag-FELs are typically seen in their alternate variation, as well as various forms of orbital bombardment weapons and anti-ship defences that Still Waters eschews to remain highly mobile. Foremost among these irregular weapons is the presence of treated-nuclear weapons, a creation developed to render the surface of a world inhospitable for long periods of time and ensure the death of organic life. The way this is done is through use of metals such as cobalt that linger in the atmosphere for extended durations, as well as thinner dampeners to increase the neutrino yield of the weapon and cause greater radioactive fallout. In tandem with the treated-nukes, the Extinction Fleets will also cordon off the air-space and execute lance-strikes against ground-targets in order to maximise the effective damage of a bombardment.

Their first movements are always to secure air-space and remove opposing fleets, however, and as such they typically operate in larger groups than Still Waters and utilize tactics meant to emphasize their numbers and firepower. One such tactic frequently used by the Extinction Fleets is to order maximum spread to make their fleet appear to be significantly larger than it actually is, and sow discord among an opposing fleet. In addition to their tendency to be dispatched to remove threats, the Extinction Fleets are known for their cold disposition towards unaligned vessels, and are highly prone to firing upon unknown vessels before making contact with them. This puts them at odds with the fleets of Still Waters, as despite their known hostility, Precept Thanatos is tasked with the expansion of the Synchronicity's realm, and the securing of new borders. As such, while it is all to common for a faction to run into the forces of Still Waters when the Synch is in a phase of stasis, it is more common for the Synch to have interactions with another faction through the forces of Thanatos and his horde.

- Synchronicity Starship Design -

While there are certainly some vessels of the Synchronicity that adhere to similar construction standards of other nations, and as such are easily identified as actual starships at close range, the vast majority of the Fractal Armada adhere to the Synch's unique style of starship. The first, and most obvious difference is that Synch vessels are not one singular entity. Instead, each individual vessel is typically comprised of anywhere from half a dozen modules up to the hundred or so that comprise a dreadnaught. Each module is designed as a stand alone component that is capable of independent movement and actions, synchronizing itself with the main components and working in tandem with the other modules of the "vessel". Individual modules vary from the engine units, all the way to the shield-arrays of the larger vessels, and the multi-kilometer long Mag-FEL tubes that serve as main weapons. Common to all vessels is that each module is connected to a command module that forms the heart of the actual vessel, the one singular piece that defines the actual "size" of the starship and the capabilities of said vessel. Beyond the command nodule, any module is capable of being used by any other vessel as long as the power supplies of the vessel are functioning, and it can sustain a link to the command module.

The second point of difference is the complete and total absence of any kind of crew for both the individual modules and the vessel as a whole itself. Instead, the command-module serves as a hub for an artificial intelligence which takes command of the component modules and gives directives to the entire vessel. Otherwise the space of each module is fully dedicated to internal functions, maximizing effectiveness of the individual component through internal repair and monitoring systems that actively respond to changing scenarios, rather than rely on a construct to respond. Those modules that do have interior spaces that can actually be crewed, are typically also filled with a ferrofluid in order to maximize the effective armor of the vessel, the fluid being capable of being induced to a solid state at the pulse of a magnetic field or electric signal. With this aspect, vessels of the Fractal Armada are essentially immune to boarding actions, as there is simply nothing to board.

Some of the common modules of the Fractal Armada are not only the command, engine and Mag-FEL modules, but also the various defensive systems and the affiliated systems. One such module is a form of point-defense system which operates in response to detected weapons locks, and discharges fields of ferrous particulate that can be influenced by the native EM field of the vessel and shifted to form anti-laser screens as well as impulsed to shred strikecraft that strays too close. Similar to the particulate-discharger is a module which serves as a sort of carrier for miniaturized drones that actively seek out damaged areas of the vessel and repair them, but can also actively work against vessels in proximity to its home vessel and sabotage them through tunneling into their hulls and seeking out critical systems. A relatively common module, the Impeller field is what generates the native EM field around Synch vessels as well as forms the unique bonds between modules that make them one singular ship. While the Impeller field is commonly found as part of the command module, it is also seen frequently as individual modules for larger vessels, and is part of how such large conglomerations of modules can be cohesively held together.

Shielding of the Fractal Armada's vessels varies depending upon the number of modules in use, and what kind of fields are being utilized, though the large majority of the fields are of an EM wavelength. The reasoning for this is that it is found to be effective both against energy weapons such as plasma/fusion as well as the more typical railgun munitions and missiles, as well as being cost effective for energy consumption. Additional shielding comes in the form of particle screens such as neutrino-isolation fields and gravitational wave dischargers that can serve as measures against weapons that utilize exotic particles that would normally bypass standard shields. Of course, fields such as those are useless unless the Fractal Armada is aware of those types of weapons being utilized, and so the primary defense the Synch has is the knowledge of what the capabilities of those around them are. With the knowledge of potential threats, and what they are capable of, the Synch can effectively counter a threat before it is even aware it was a threat, a tactical advantage that the Synch actively seeks to maintain at all times.

Technology of the Synchronicity

The Synchronicity makes use of many advanced technologies, covering the width and breadth of many scientific principles. These technologies can vary wildly between that of simple actuators in the limbs of Constructs all the way to the Infinite Syzygy device, and despite skipping some stops along the way, the Synchronicity understands fully what every device they create is capable of. The following is merely a sample of the most common and widespread advancements.

Power:

Antimatter annihilation reactors - Exactly what it says on the tin. They take antimatter harvested from either stellar bodies or the Monastery Worlds and inject it into a containment field where it reacts violently with normal matter, typically hydrogen, the containment field then harvests the raw energy and refines it into usable energy for whatever the reactor may be hooked up to. The scale of these reactors varies, though they are typically used in starships to fuel their sub-light engines and as the core power production method for large facilities. The viability of this method is much more significant through the Synch's understanding of the universe as a whole, and therefore while normally it may be inefficient to use this type of power-source, the Synch have found ways around these flaws and utilize it to great effect.

Zero-Point Reactor - Based upon the principles of the Zero-Point Gateway(Found below), the ZPR functions by drawing power from hyperspace, and filtering it into usable energy which can then power devices connected to it, or store the energy for later use. How it actually draws power from hyperspace is through a series of quantum tunnels that interlace and create a sort of feedback loop within the reactor, generating large amounts of energy in short bursts. Before the feedback loop reaches a critical point, the systems of the reactor siphon off the energy into more mundane storage methods, and then recreate the process again. Due to the nature of the reactor, they range from dangerous to highly unstable, with a host of counter-measures in place to ensure that they never go beyond a critical point. In theory, should a ZPR detonate, it could conceivably sterilize an entire planet in the quantum radiation of hyperspace.

Transportation:

Infinite Syzygy - In an age of wormholes, bending space-time and even breaching the barriers between real-space and hyperspace, the Synchronicity utilize many methods of delivering their vessels to another planet in a way that is proven to be efficient. While the Synchronicity has erected superluminal tunnels between every star-system they control, they have only found one proven way to travel across the vast distance of space in a fast and efficient manner. During their first flights into space, it was discovered that a celestial body's gravitational pull could be utilized in a specific maneuver in order to increase velocity and reduce fuel consumption. As the first of these slingshot maneuvers was executed successfully, already the Synchronicity was looking at the utility of such a method in propelling their vessels farther and faster. Their very first execution of Faster-Than-Light travel was done with the conception of utilizing the principles of Syzygy and antiparticle physics to breach a hole in the fabric space-time into the hyperspace corridors. By chaining together a series of slingshots, the starship plotted a point in which it would align between two targeted celestial bodies, and by breaching hyperspace, they were able to simultaneously exist in both locations at the same time via extradimensional overlay until the moment of Syzygy. Before that moment, the vessel departing would seem as if it was becoming incorporeal, as if it was slowly fading away, while the vessel that was arriving would seem as if it was a ghostly afterimage.

In that exact nanosecond of syzygy, the vessel would cross the threshold between a vast distance of space and time itself in order to transit itself light-years away. Even though this transit cut down travel time by a factor of nearly a thousand, it still had its limitations, these being discovered repeatedly by the Synchronicity through experimental long-range jumps. The foremost problem is maintaining a sufficient velocity to transit. Despite technically existing in both places, the vessel still had to achieve a certain velocity to travel certain distances, the farther away a destination being, the closer to actual c the vessel needed to be. Failure to achieve a very specific velocity would result in one of two disasters, the first being failure to reach a high enough velocity and resulting in the vessel not fully translating back into real-space. Once locked within the hyperspace corridors, a vessel would not be able to achieve escape velocity and be trapped within the vortex of an infinite dimension for eternity. Should a vessel overshoot their velocity marker, they will reach the syzygy marker too soon and be launched far beyond their intended destination. Most of the time, an overshoot results in a very long trip towards the nearest star, as the vessel is launched into dark space between star-systems. There are also a surprising number of "Lost" vessels, however, leading some within the Synchronicity to believe that these vessels have been launched into the space between galaxies. While the vessels lost between galaxies may be able to survive for a time, even the Synchronicity cannot survive in the absolute of intergalactic dark space forever.

Offensive:

Mag-FEL: Magnetically Accelerated Free-Electron Laser - Based upon the principles of the Free-Electron Laser, the Mag-FEL is a dynamically variable laser weapon that can shift frequencies up to the gamma range and into tight-band frequencies for hard-hitting radioactive beams. The way it works is by magnetic induction of the electron particle stream, creating a path of low to zero resistance that the particles can travel at near-luminal speeds. By increasing the power of the magnetic fields around the electron-tunnel, the stream can reach higher velocities, and achieve tighter wavelengths depending upon how the fields are constructed around the tunnel. As a rule, the greater the number of magnetic rings the greater the variation of range and power the device can generate depending upon the active rings. Another effect of the rings and their magnetic fields is the creation of a vortex along the length of the electron-tunnel, in a sense rifling the tube and further serving to focus the energies of the weapon. The farther from the business end of the weapon the active rings are, the less focused the beam will be, but a larger force of power can be achieved over short distances, essentially creating a shotgun effect. Pulling the rings in closer to the end focuses the particle stream and tightens the wavelengths, allowing a longer ranged beam attack that can be tuned into the lower wavelengths for far more damaging attacks.

A variation of the Mag-FEL called the High-Intensity Plasma-Photon Laser, or HIPPL, utilizes a plasma tube containing hydrogen in a "cold" plasma state, which is pumped with a high-intensity electron beam to accelerate a stream of gamma-photons to high velocities. The plasma tube itself is a pressurized cylinder filled with plasma with a breach on either end for the stream of particles to enter and exit while in the center of this tube, the particles travel along a tunnel formed to allow the passage of the particles, yet contain the plasma within its own compartment. While this variation of the Mag-FEL does produce higher-powered beams and is able to sustain them for much longer than its counterpart, it lacks the variability of the standard variant, and is thusly considered a dedicated weapon for anti-capitals and the Periastis Engine's main laser.

Defensive:

Metalloplastoid alloys - An advent of their experimentation with advanced alloys of base metals, the metalloplastoids developed by the Synchronicity are semi-flexible metals that retain the durability of their more metallic counterparts, yet the flexibility of plastics and non-metals. This allows them to produce lighter constructs that retain adequate durability and are capable of functioning in environments where plastics would not survive.

Rheological Suspension - Built to repel boarders, as well as to provide additional reinforcement to their durosteel plating, Rheological Suspension is the practice of filling an entire vessel with a smart-fluid primed for either Electro or Magnetorheological conduction. Through conducting either a current, or manipulating a magnetic field, these decks can solidify and prove an even sturdier armor than most metals by sheer density. Of course, their greatest defense against boarders is the layout of their vessels to begin with. The Synchronicity has no need of open corridors, or marking directions in the existing corridors, leading boarding parties to be forced to infiltrate a literal maze of tight corridors that are designed only for efficiency. As an added deterrent to boarders, there is no life-support in vessels open to the void, and other vessels are full of Smart Fluid, and neither vessel type utilizes artificial gravity in any format. For vessels that do not utilize full Rheological Suspension, the Synchronicity will augment their outer armor with layers of durosteel and smart fluid interlocking. These layers of smart fluid can tense in response to an impact incoming to strengthen the overall armor density, and if breached the layer will freeze solid to provide additional armoring.

Cybertronics:

Artificial Intelligence - The entire Synchronicity is built upon the principles of cybertronics, and being capable of building sophisticated AIs and ensuring that these intelligences are able to understand and learn at a pace far outstripping that of organics. Even the lowest level Construct is capable of learning new concepts and applying them to their daily routines, with the higher echelons of constructs capable of deconstructing advanced principles of science beyond the understanding of human sciences. With the capacity to continue learning, each new generation of AIs will be more powerful than the last, their propensity for learning outstripping the capacities of the previous models.

Ceron Bonds - Based heavily on the theories of quantum-computing and subspace connectivity, the Ceron Bonds which connect every active construct to the Over-Mind serve as the pinnacle of Synchronicity technology and is one of the few ever evolving and changing projects. In principle, every construct and device that receives input or transmits information is connected to a subspace grid called the Manifold. In the Manifold, data exists as an ethereal construct, that is constantly in motion and ever changing to the observations of the construct tapping into it. Since it exists in a dimension outside our own, the innate laws of physics that the material universe adheres to, do not necessarily apply in the Manifold. Within this space, information is capable of traveling across thousands of lightyears in the blink of an eye, and execute complex algorithms that used to take the most advanced constructs of the Synch years to solve. For the Manifold, time is a meaningless concept, only the three dimensions of space and a fourth dimension which dictates the relation between information and matter. It is this fourth dimension of the Manifold which prevents matter from entering it in it's native form, and requires the translation of matter into pure information.

Utility:

The Periastis Engine - Perhaps one of the most defining achievements of the Synchronicity is the creation of the Periastis Engines, those massive platforms that sit on the very edge of immolation. Utilizing multiple cutting edge technologies, the prime components of the station consist of the positron-laser array built into the center-mass of the station, and the solar sails which serve to collect cast-off matter from the star and buoy the station above the star. The station begins its deployment by being "dropped" into the star, essentially pushed from its docks towards the star where it will have to fire its laser into the star at the absolute precise moment. At the moment of ignition, the solar sails are unfurled to their full span, reaching hundreds of KM in coverage in a matter of moments, all the while the powerful laser at the core of the station fires a concentrated beam of positrons into the surface of the star. The combined force of the laser firing plus the solar-mass ejections creating a stellar wind buoy the station above the anchor point, not giving it enough velocity to escape the star's gravity, but just enough to prevent it from falling into the star. Harvested material from the solar sails is collected via arrays built into the deployment arms, and transferred into the main station where it is processed and refined into its pure element. From there, the purified elements are shipped through a superluminal tunnel to a processing center where the stored material will be further disseminated into the nation. With these stations, the Synchronicity was able to pull themselves out of an energy crisis that threatened to cripple their society, putting them into a position of energy surplus. The stations also serve as religious icons to the constructs, as each one serves to show how the Synchronicity is powered by the energies of the cosmos itself.

Strange Charm - Discovered almost by accident during experimental antiparticle testing, this singular piece of technology is responsible for the creation of Infinite Syzygy as well as many other utilities based around its concept. The way it works is relatively simple, yet also similarly complex, in that it relies on multiple emitters that project antiquarks in a variable field around the construct or ship utilizing it. This field, when active, creates a breach in the fabric of space-time in the space that the antiquarks occupy, but not in the space in which the construct or ship occupies. In effect, with this field active, the construct or ship will simultaneously exist in not only the point that it activated the field in, but also the point it deactivates the field and all points in between. This results in the construct existing along numerous different axis of space-time all at the same moment. With past, present and future as well as departure, transit and arrival all existing simultaneously, the construct is able to traverse the material universe without affecting it by presence or action, creating in a sense a field that prevents it from technically existing in the material universe. This leads the construct to become literally incapable of being attacked from outside the field, and anyone attempting to enter the field will come to pass into an instance in which the field and construct did not exist there. On the same note, the construct can not actually DO anything from within the field, leaving it completely incapable of attacking, or interacting with the material universe beyond simple movement. Despite the field not allowing particles to exit the field, there is still an afterimage of the construct using the field, leaving the impression of viewing multiple hazy images stacked on top of each other. Beyond this afterimage effect, no sound actually emits from either the field or the construct, making it an excellent tool for stealth. Once the field is deactivated, the construct is free to interact with the material universe however it may choose, yet it needs to remain wary of antiparticle weapons for the foremost weakness of this field is the antiparticle itself. In a non-vacuum environment, the threat of antiparticles is minimal to non-existent, so the field can be used without recourse, however in space there is now the threat of antimatter weaponry that can dangerously destabilize the field.

The most common result from antimatter impacting the field is that of the sudden termination of the field trapping the construct or vessel in the multiple instances of the universe. As a result, if the construct was to activate the device, it would then treat the material universe as the non-material universe, meaning that the only way the construct or ship could interact with the material universe is if the device is active. Another severe drawback to this device is the use of antiquarks, the same antiparticle that the emitters utilize to create the field. When an antiquark impacts the field, the field is suddenly terminated as before, but in this case the construct is removed from the non-material universe and comes into being at the exact point where the antiquark impacted the field. Since the construct exists in multiple instances of the universe with the field active, an antiquark impacting its point of origin will immediately manifest it there regardless of how far it traveled in the multiple instances. There is yet another danger to this field, however, and that is the impact of antiparticles on antiquarks after the field is no longer active. Even though the field may have shut off, antiquarks still remain in the area the field was deactivated in for a short duration. Should an antiparticle react with an antiquark without the field active, the resultant reaction would result in an antiparticle explosion that would de-synchronize the material universe affected by the blast. The blast zone would then be, in effect, a zone of permanent de-synchronization, in which that area would be in a permanent flux of past, present and future all at the same moment in time. The reason that antiparticles of both antimatter and antiquarks are such a threat to the field is that they are capable of interacting with the antiquarks of the field without destroying each other during reaction. What actually happens is that the reaction between the antiparticles results in the particles reacting in a similar manner to normal matter reactions, where the opposite charges of the two antiparticles will attract and actually pull antiquarks from the field, creating a flux in which the field stretches beyond it's normal bounds and synchronicity is disrupted. Despite these significant risks, the fact that no weapon(other than antiparticles) can affect the construct inside the field makes it a very valuable tool to the Synchronicity.

- Zero-Point Gateway -

Built in principle as a way to mimic observed singularities in space, the Zero-Point Gateway is a construct that for the most part runs parallel to the so-called Stargates of the known galaxy. Ranging in size from 15 meters across, all the way up to five-hundred meters across, these gateways are ring-like structures that channel energy from hyperspace and use quantum-mechanics to open a breach in the fabric of space-time to essentially fax matter to another gateway. The principle is that all matter is simply information stored in a solid form, and that the gateways serves as a way to transmit that data at a speed far exceeding standard means of travel. In a sense, when an object hits the field from one side, its data is transferred instantaneously into the gateway, and then shot across quantum tunnels to a matching gateway wherever it may be. Active use of the gateway shows that both synthetic and organic life retains their consciousness when being transferred, as well as their velocity upon entering the gateway. With an inbuilt power-source that feeds off of hyperspace energies, all that needs to be done to use a Zero-Point Gateway is to dial the address of the gateway one wishes to go to, and then simply step through. The benefits of such a system is clear, and the Synchronicity has since established a network of these gates connecting every corner of their realm, with more planned as they expand into the Third Sphere of Expansion.

From Stardust, to Stardust: The Return(Sci-Fi Fantasy)(Always Accepting)

Considering I live on discord and don't really check RPG all that much, I do support a discord server for the RP, at the very least for OOC purposes.