EliteCommander

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Science Lab

---

In its present state, the science lab was, speaking generously, underwhelming. It had been cleaned up to a degree, but combined with what Dr. Lambert had been told already, it would not take much deduction to take a good guess at what had happened. Almost nothing in the room had been properly secured before takeoff, so there was a good deal of equipment that had either been subjected to impacts from loose objects, or had been the loose objects. If the state of the ship on the way here was any indication, it was a problem that had not been restricted to the science lab. It did look like someone had gone through and stuffed most everything that had been flung around into boxes, though even a cursory glance would show that there was no organization to it. Broken, undamaged, and salvageable equipment had all been thrown together into the same crates.

At the moment, there was just one other person present. He was a middle-aged man, fair skin, mostly bald, and wearing an officer uniform. Notably, his left leg was in a cast, and he had crutches propped up next to him against his seat. He appeared to be going through one of the crates, cataloging its contents with the tablet beside him, and organizing it all into different crates based on their function, or if they were damaged.

---

Shuttle Bay

---

Amid all of the chaos and confusion, the thoughts that Gar’Tan conveyed to Itxaro still came into her mind calmly and clearly. Minds are not nearly so easy to read as the words on the pages of a book. Even in the most normal and collected of minds, unwelcome thoughts can invade in a moment like a malicious spirit. A Thought mage can feel it all, but it takes experience and effort to be able to discern true intent from such a sea of chaos. The Humans have been stranded in a place they do not recognize, and are soon to be forced to make decisions to potentially take sides between political entities they know nothing about. What followed for a moment beyond that from the S’tor was a feeling of sympathy.

“Please, give me one moment. I must focus myself on these new minds I feel.” Gar’Tan said aloud. Trying to communicate effectively while also translating between the two sides required him to split his attention in many places at once. The Inquisitors’ Guild, which Gar’Tan serves, is a neutral entity between all of Kanth-Aremek’s nations. Its purpose is to enforce the responsible and approved uses of Thought magic, and to hunt and destroy any rogue Thought mages. The Inquisitor Guards around him would defend Gar’Tan’s life with their considerable talents if he were attacked, and would equally slay him without hesitation if he were to abuse his power on anyone around him. Gar’Tan could not say if Castigator Nellara was lying, because he was not permitted to use his abilities on anyone but the Humans. He was simply speaking aloud to convey the Humans’ words to them.

Gar’Tan could only give them advice based on his knowledge of the nations involved. Mythadia is a place that finds their religions more important than in the Ascendancy. That they might see the Jotunheim as a religious symbol is believable. Though, he is not so sure that they would go as far as holding the Humans prisoner. Mythadia is not so violent as the Kolodon Empire of old. Still, they would not want the Ascendancy to claim advantage from the Jotunheim, just like the Ascendancy would not want Mythadia to have it. Gar’Tan doubts that either side is going to act selflessly. However, he is also sure that neither side truly wants war. They might be willing to fight over something like the Jotunheim, but both sides know how costly it could be. There are threats from S’tor on their northern borders which could certainly take advantage of their armies being occupied. If the Humans were to negotiate, they might use that fact to their advantage. They might be able to avoid a war by treating peacefully with both sides.

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Though the Captain was otherwise occupied, Wodan had been keeping her appraised of the developing situation in the shuttle bay. There were still no shortage of mysteries, but what was readily apparent was that no one could afford to simply sit aside at the moment. She arrived at the bridge without a word of warning. She appeared tired, most certainly, and perhaps irritable by her expression. However, she gave no complaint. Indeed, there was little emotion in her words, so it was hard to say exactly how she felt. But, her orders for Mallory were clear: head down to the shuttle bay himself and see what was happening with the locals while she took over on the bridge.

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Through the interior cameras in the shuttle bay, Wodan observed this meeting at its entrance. He could hear what was being said, but it was still difficult for even him to process what was transpiring. Itxaro and Vigdis were speaking in English, and a bit of Spanish, while the natives were still speaking their native tongue. Yet, everything about their words suggested that they were somehow understanding what the natives were saying, and vice versa. Wodan double-checked his audio equipment, but there was no fault he could detect. He had no information on how either side could have learned the other’s language so quickly.

For Gar’Tan, the arrival of the large machine was unnerving, but his companions were not panicking, so he kept an appropriately calm demeanor. Besides which, peering inside revealed the presence of another mind: a Human mind, at that. It was not a machine, but must have been armor of some sort.

Yet, as Gar’Tan opened his mind to those around him, he could not stop feeling another presence. More eyes on him, more minds aware of him. He followed the feeling, and ended up gazing straight up into one of the cameras looking down on them.

<Huginn: The reptilian appears to be observing the security camera.>
<I do not have any data to suggest that it would know of its significance.>

<Muninn:Maybe it just observed some glare from the lens?>

I am observing you.

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Kareet of Arcaeda

---

It went without saying that Kareet was hanging on every word that Gar’Tan conveyed to them. He was not permitted to use Thought magic on anyone but the locals at the moment, so he simply spoke their responses aloud for them. He did not have the exact words the Humans spoke, but their meaning was preserved. Quite well, in fact. He was reading her intentions directly, so even idioms and the like would be understood by him as their intended meaning. The only things he could not translate directly would be concepts too foreign to him to understand.

Nearly every word that Gar’Tan spoke, Kareet copied down into her notes. Some of what Itxaro said they had already guessed, but it was good to have confirmation. It was still hard to wrap her head around the fact that these Humans came from an entirely different world, but it was hard to deny at this point. Apparently, the Humans were the only intelligent beings on their own world, which already sent plenty more questions racing through Kareet’s mind. She wondered if that meant it was a much more peaceful place overall? Clearly it was not completely peaceful if the reason they were here was because they were attacked by other Humans.

With the palpable excitement Kareet was showing, it was hardly a surprise when she jumped on the chance to answer Itxaro. “Silbermine is a noble from Mythadia. I know you are likely not aware, but your ship has crashed right on the border of two major nations: Mythadia and the Ascendancy. I wouldn’t say anything has been solved. I would wager that he has sent for more forces and is biding his time. It is what I would do, in his situation. This is one reason we needed a Thought mage. We need to be able to communicate with you, and we don’t have the time to wait. You need to be able to speak to them and tell them you do not intend to be claimed or conquered. Luckily, your opinions on this may actually matter to them. Something about their gods. Your people might be able to keep this from escalating.”

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Gar'Tan

---

As soon as a new Human came into view, Gar’Tan’s gaze settled upon her. His magic anchored into her mind so he could hear her thoughts. He was capable of listening to multiple minds at once, though trying to filter between multiple minds thinking over one another could be difficult. If he missed something, he had to reach into their memory to determine what they said.

Looking upon the S’tor, the knowledge he had given to Itxaro would also begin to come to Vigdis as well. He is a S’tor named Gar’Tan, a Thought mage from the city of Lenkik, along with Kareet of Arcaeda and Castigator Nellara. He finds this gift he has been given to be curious. It creates light without flame. Does it use Lightning magic?

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Kareet and Gar'Tan

---

Seeing Itxaro arrive, Kareet’s eagerness could no longer be contained. The need to rely on just a few, scattered words to try to communicate was nearly over. She tilted her head towards Gar’Tan. “Tell her who you are, what you can do. And I suppose introduce all of us, properly this time.”

As Gar’Tan had been formally unshackled by his handlers, he already started forming the connection the moment Itxaro came into view. The invisible tendrils of his magic lashed to her mind and set roots as deeply as they could, tethering her thoughts to his own. Yet, in all of it, there was no sensation for Itxaro. There was not even the mildest feeling of the intrusion; everything would simply seem normal, apart from the few moments where he silently stared her down while he made the connection.

What followed did not come in words. Gar’Tan could not understand her language any more than the others could. However, he did not need them. He could read the meanings of her thoughts and memories directly, and through the tether, impart the meanings he wanted her to understand onto the surface of her mind. Her mind would put words to those meanings all on its own.

She was correct. This lizard is a S’tor, and his name is Gar’Tan. He is a Thought mage from the city of Lenkik. She might have been joking to herself, but her instincts were right. He would indeed read her mind. Alongside these thoughts, he started to chuckle aloud. The others Itxaro had already met. Kareet of Arcaeda, Seeker of the Order of Sages. She is particularly excited to finally be able to communicate properly. The other is Nellara, Castigator of the city of Lenkik. Itxaro could speak her response or simply think it, Gar’Tan would understand all the same.

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Kareet and Gar'Tan

---

Kareet had, naturally, taken great interest in the gifts that Itxaro had for them. The fact that the Human had simply given her one of their aluminum pens was nothing short of stunning. In fact, she was beginning to believe that the Humans did not understand the value of the metal here. By the same token, Kareet could only conclude that aluminum must not be nearly so expensive for them. Either they did not find it as valuable, or they had far more of it.

Despite how expensive of a gift the pen was, Kareet was initially more excited about the books. The first one she was given she eagerly flipped through its pages for a few moments, though it seemed to be blank from cover to cover. Admittedly, that did deflate her excitement briefly, but it did not take much for her to realize that the book itself was likely the gift. It was probably a notebook, like her own. The paper felt different between her fingers, as did the cover. Kareet could not place what this material was that the pages were bound between. It was hard, but still quite flexible. The closest thing she could compare it to would be leather, but it felt noticeably different.

---

With the Glen establishing their own camp across the way and the Humans mostly returning to the Jotunheim, there was little to do for most of the day except wait and rest. The return of Kerchack with the Though mage, though, marked an immediate shift in the situation. As much as she liked to portray her professionalism, Kareet practically jumped up when she saw them land. In traveling with Shirik and J’eon for a few days, she had already reversed her schedule, so she still had plenty enough energy in her for at least a few more hours. Though, she would give up as much sleep as needed if it meant finally having the chance to study the Humans. Regardless, she stayed out of the way for the moment while Nellara and the Thought mage spoke. She would have her chance soon enough.

Gar’Tan listened politely to every order, warning, and complaint that Nellara had for him, though he certainly seemed to have far more of an interest in the Jotunheim than Silbermine and the other Glen. Inquisitors, and the Thought mages who served the Guild directly, were neutral in Kanth-Aremek’s politics, so even if he had an opinion on Silbermine or Mythadia, he would not be acting on it. Still, these new visitors were something of definite interest to him.

“I am Gar’Tan, Thought mage in service to the Guild of Inquisitors. It would be my pleasure to provide translation between their thoughts and your words. Understand that, per Guild rules, I cannot show any preference between you and officials of Mythadia, but I am sure that clear communication will be of great help to your efforts at diplomacy. As long as I have permission to begin my work?” His last question was not directed at Nellara, but the Inquisitors surrounding him.

Without delay, the Iriad spoke up, loudly and clearly. “For the purposes of the mission, you are unshackled in regards to the outsiders.”

Gar’Tan nodded, directing his gaze back to Nellara. “Then I am ready to assist.”

Kareet did not hesitate to follow right alongside Nellara, practically beaming with anticipation. There would be no more guesswork, no more uncertainty, just pure, direct communication. Already, she had her notebook out and was ready to test her new pen.

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Wodan

---

On the question of translation during their meeting, Wodan’s answer might not have been particularly encouraging. He did indeed have programs dedicated to the translation of alien languages. They were based upon the algorithms used by the Yenge during their first contact to establish communications with Humanity. Once the translation was finished, Wodan would be able to upload translation programs to their devices to allow them to seamlessly, in real time, translate to and from this alien language to any Human language. Once they could communicate effectively, it would not take much longer afterwards to do the same for their written languages. However, the act of translation itself was no easy task. Wodan was already running every recording he had made of the natives through the algorithms, but usable translation software could be weeks, or months, away. An entire language was far more complex than an exchange of a few simple words or phrases. It had to be able to parse an entirely alien form of communication, with potentially new types of grammar rules, tones, sounds, and perhaps body language. It was completely possible that particular body motions could augment or change the meanings of words. There was no guarantee that all of the sounds would even be in the range of Human hearing. The algorithm had to account for every variable that could possibly be involved in communication. On top of that, Wodan was operating on auxiliary power, so he could not think nearly as quickly as usual. For a challenge of that magnitude, an estimate of months may have been generous.

---

After she had messaged Mallory, Wodan’s ravens appeared before Zey in her quarters. The eyes of the two in the back kept darting between Zey and the one in the center, while the largest of the ravens was fixated on the Captain herself. “I may guess at least one of your questions, Captain. Whether the natives understand it themselves is unknown, but we have found no explanation for these occurrences that is not wild speculation.”

The Eye of the Needle (where Fantasy and Sci-fi collide)

Outside the Jotunheim

---

The Inquisitors set down a short distance away from the Jotunheim, not far outside where the Castigator’s force had set up camp. They set down the thin wooden box they were carrying and, while still in the form of birds, worked together to open it up. One of the birds grabbed a solid white head scarf and laid it out on the grass nearby, placing its head inside before making the transformation back into their natural Iriad form. The whole time, they took care to ensure they kept the scarf over their head to obscure their face from any observers.

The Iriad did the same for each of the other Inquisitors in turn, keeping their faces covered as they were returned to their natural forms. The last to be transformed was Gar’Tan, though as he was no Inquisitor Guard, there was no need for him to obscure his face. From the box they were carrying, the Inquisitors armed themselves and donned their armor, though with the restrictions on the weight they could carry, their equipment was notably less intimidating than their usual uniforms. They put on simple cloth gambesons with the insignia of their guild stitched on the front. In lieu of halberds or long spears, they carried only quarterstaves. Gar’Tan, on his part, wore just a plain tan robe.

Nevertheless, the Inquisitors escorted Gar’Tan to the Castigator’s camp with all the same military precision as they had exhibited back in the city. The Iriad and the Tekeri marched in front of him, while the two Glen marched behind. When they reached the Castigator, they stepped aside and said not a word.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Castigator Nellara. I am glad to finally have the opportunity to work with you, since your appointment to Lenkik.” Gar’Tan said, bowing his head politely to her. He was physically unremarkable by S’tor standards, but for any Humans observing was still the most massive of the locals they had seen so far.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

“Hmm, perhaps I will still keep an eye on them.” Meesei mused. She stared off into the forest around them, absorbed in thought for a few moments. “Do not worry, you do not need to give any messages to her, or any of the others. I will speak to them myself.”

Eventually, Meesei’s mood became lighter, and she started to smile. “For my future, there is still surprisingly a great deal that is a mystery to me. Granted, I am a…special case. After all my years of service, my accomplishments in the war, I earned a boon from lord Hircine. I could have had many forms of his favor, but with eternity ahead of me, there was one choice that seemed to stand out above the rest. To be…unbound. He will no longer hold on so jealously to my soul. The Hunting Grounds may still be my home, but I can move of my own accord to other worlds, to explore outer planes. And before you ask, no, that does not mean I can return to Mundus on my own. Though they have been weakening, the barriers protecting Mundus are still too strong to cross freely. Especially for someone infused with Daedric essence, like me.”