Continuum

Region: Genesis

Location: Pakhshi IX – Moon 20 – CONCORD Bureau

Date: 18.05.117

Time: 01:14

The last few days of the Pakhshi Peace Conference had been rough. Following the tragic death of Dr. Arkon Sarain, everyone had been on edge and it had taken little to spark a flurry of emotionally charged debates. Today’s argument had centered on delegate Natheniel’s proposal on slavery – a topic any peace conference has the inevitable joy of addressing. 

“The issue with slavery in the Amarr Empire needs to be addressed. I propose, in the interest of creating a chance at peace, that slavery be made voluntary. Those of the Minmatar, who wish to leave, should be permitted to do so. This will give a compromise to the Minmatar, to allow a chance for that war to be resolved.”

Of course the Minmatar delegates were offended by the proposal, more so out of pride than logic. Who did this Caldari think he was anyway, suggesting what was best for their people?

Sahriah sighed, sipping her water and zoning out of the argument that had migrated itself to the coffee house. She was distinctly unhappy with delegate’s decision to combine the commission on ‘Emergent threats’ with her one on ‘CONCORD’s Suitability to Maintain Peace’. While the Drifters were high on her agenda for this conference, Emmaline’s commission had now been merged to incorporate all emergent threats, including Sansha, rouge drones and any other ‘obstacles opposed to peace’. Not only did this water down the commissions focus on the Drifters, but having it now merged again with the commission on CONCORD meant that both important issues would now need to contend with irrelevant ones for attention. 

Her neocom beeped and she stood, making her way towards the exit before bothering to check the notification. It would undoubtedly be another target ‘casually’ inquiring as to why CONCORD had approved a war on them. It was something that had grown to become one of Sahriah’s favourite aspects of mercenary work: watching their act of confidence while they tried to glean information on who her client was. Often there was no client at all, but it always made it easier to negotiate when the target thought she was just doing her job, instead of indulging in.. piratical tendencies.

As she slid through the small crowd, nearing the door, she overheard something that caught her attention.

“I'm not your typical Matari however”

"No, you're Sabik. I'm not sure if that makes you better or worse than most Minmatar."

Sahriah paused and looked over to the source of the conversation. Simeon and Samira were sitting together nearby, having a quiet but seemly intense discussion. Both were Minmatar by blood, but Samira lived in the Empire and had been working with the Amarrian delegates during the conference, while Simeon, despite only being a public observer, had been quite active in contributing to the Minmatar coalitions resolve on many matters thus far.

“I don't deny what I am, it is what it is. However it is every Matari's right to follow their heart, mine led to this. As yours has kept you in the Empire” Simeon replied.

"Well. We'll discuss it. That's what we can do."

“That's all we can ask for really. Talk can lead to action”

Samira looked tired "The call to action is on the Republic, though."

The neocom beeped once again, demanding her attention. She lingered for a moment, hoping the conversation would steer itself back to Simeon’s apparent affiliations, but it did not, so she continued out the door, making a mental note to glean information on the subject later. 

Sitting down on one of the couches in the security hall she tapped the screen, before giving pause to the flashing communication request it presented her. Azaziel Rei  

Azaziel was an astute Khanid woman whom Sahriah had first met in YC111, shortly after she had joined the Amarr Militia. A former member of the Khanid special forces and a cyberknight, Ms. Rei's commanding presence and intriguing philosophical stance led to the two conducting several joint operations together and resulted in a partnership centered around research into Takmahl and Sleeper technology.

She tapped the accept button and opened voice communication, routing it directly through her implants as to not be overheard.

Azaziel’s voice flooded into her mind “Ms Bloodstone. I hope your "peace" conference is proceeding well.” 

She smiled. Of course she knew exactly where Sahriah was, Azaziel was never one to be uninformed. She thought back her response, curious as to why every old acquaintance was now springing forth at once.

 “Ms. Rei. It has been some time. I see you are as...informed as ever. What can I do for you?”

“I am contacting you from [REDACTED] in Anoikis. I've set up a link through some unstable connections to Federation controlled Space. I understand that you are ... probing CONCORD for information concerning the entities now appearing in known space. As I am sure you are aware, these Drifters, as they are being called, are similar but not quite the same as the Jove. What you may not be aware of is that following the detonation in Jove space, that there have been some ... developments in the project.”

Sahriah leaned back in her chair “Developments?”

“Are you familiar with the connection of previously documented systems in Anoikis with new as of yet un-mapped systems?”

“You speak of the shattered systems?” 

“Yes”

“I have traveled to a few, including Thera, but I have not spent much time in them. They’ve been crawling with other capsuleers since we gained access”

“Are you also aware that these systems contain a location known as "The Epicenter? I use that terminology since it seems to be how the neocom chooses to interpret the sensor data. I have been observing a few of these sites and they are very interesting.”

Sahriah listened intently, cueing Azaziel to continue 

“Do you remember my Theory that I told you once. That capsule technology was given to humanity by the Jove for an ulterior motive? That there was something more at stake than the worlds we know?”

“Of course.”

“I believe the shattered systems that have been documented may "be" Jovian.”

Sahriah frowned. “Jovian? How?”

“I believe that they were possibly destroyed by either the Talocan, or through the use of Talocan technology. Every shattered System I have visited contains an Epicenter, every Epicenter contains a series of artificially created wormholes, and the gates holding these wormholes open read as Talocan in origin. Additionally, the locations appear to have constructs of sleeper origins. I suspect that the apparent destruction of Jove space, and I am now fairly confident it was destroyed, was a volley in a war which will soon be at our doorstep. I also believe CONCORD knows, or rather suspects this."

Sahriah remained quiet for a moment, considering her words and stood, heading towards the elevators “You are aware of the recent Scope video?” 

“Yes I am.”

She entered the elevator and hit the Docking Bay button. “CONCORD’s actions surrounding this whole event are suspicious. They said that recording was at least six months old. I had my doubts, but if what you are saying is true, that may mean that invasion force attacked Jove space first. Now they are here uncovering Jove structures in our space… Have we been able to penetrate these epicenters?”

“No they are too unstable. I have also heard that there are similar holes near Jovian structures in Empire Space. There are also rumors of caches of Sleeper technology located in Empire space as well. If that is true I believe the Empires are on the threshold of being attacked. It is imperative that we learn everything we can about the drifters.”

The doors opened and Sahriah stepped out into the hall, heading towards her ship. 

“I agree. We believe the Jove structures are observatories of some kind. They are very intent on accessing them currently. They also continue to scan our structures and ships while CONCORD does nothing. Most other capsuleers have buried their heads in the sand concerning it also. ”

There was a brief pause before Azaziel’s voice materialized in her head again. “They will. They have no understanding of what is coming and no understanding of their responsibility to humanity. I believe the Drifters may be looking for "evidence” of something. There is a "presence" in Anoikis. It guides the Sleeper Drones.” She paused briefly before continuing. “Are you still on board with me on our ... endeavour?”

Sahriah eyed the security guards as they increased in number, a signal that she was close to the bay. "I am. What is your next step? Do you know anything about this Talocan technology?"

“I've asked Ms. Rel to join me out in Anoikis. I will be consolidating the rest of my forces soon. For now I'd like you to continue to monitor the situation with CONCORD. Maintain your position within the mercenary alliance you are operating. Notify me immediately if you happen upon anything associated with the drifters.”

She nodded, then quickly remembered Azaziel could not see her. Before she could internalize her reply Azaziel continued. 

“And watch your back. The closer you get, the closer CONCORD is likely to monitor you. They are professional so they will not move in the open; they'll come at you sideways. I've established a base here in [REDACTED]. Come here if things get out of hand in K-Space. Let me know ahead of time though. The automated defences don't take kindly to strangers.”

She passed the last security guard and stepped onto the docking ramp of her beloved Stratios class cruiser, turning and glancing back at the big CONCORD sign engraved into the station panelling with a sly grin. “A little hard considering I work with them on a daily basis and the peace conference I am attending is in one of their stations. I’m sure they are monitoring me. Ms. Vesran from the DED has replied somewhat coldly to my attempts for information”

The amusement was reciprocated in Azaziel’s voice. “For now they are likely amused by your inquiries. Keep it that way. They will become less amused as you get closer. The delegates will likely know nothing individually. You need to piece together the picture from the threads they all have. Some of them likely have information they don't even know about. Be careful of false conclusions. Just gather the data, analysis will come later.”

Boarding her ship, she headed towards her quarters. “There are a few delegates who seem particularly insistent on confronting the drifter threat. A Miss Emmaline Fera and Mr Frenjo Borkstar. I intend on probing further. I have also managed to join a mailing list for the Arek'Jaalan, of which Mr. Borkstar is an associate of. Are you familiar with them?

“No?” She sounded puzzled. “What are they doing?”

Sahriah grinned as she sauntered down the corridor “That is unlike you Ms.Rei. The Arek'Jaalan is a group intent on researching and exploring Sleeper and Talocan technology, their founder was Hilen Tukoss. You can find their public data here." She accessed the related files and transferred them through the communication link. "They are currently engaged in a unified effort to track and study the drifters. They’re also conducting a search and rescue operation for Hilen."

“Interesting ...” her response was thoughtful “A rescue operation is pointless but it motivates them, and they are likely to discover a fair amount of information in the effort. Recovery of his sensor logs could be very informative. Keep tabs on them”

“I will forward you any relevant data they uncover. I am attempting to rectify a commission on the Drifters that was…altered by the congress today. I am hoping it will allow me to glean more useful information relating to this.”

There was another pause before Azaziel’s response. “If they are likely to provoke a response in their activities, I recommend caution. An informed and measured approach must be pursued. Do not lose sight of the fact that we are facing an unknown threat, in numbers, disposition, and capabilities. Provoking them at this point would be unwise. That said, this group would likely provide a good shield for our activities.”

 

“I think the capsuleers out here are already provoking that response. The number of drifters I see patrolling high-sec have been increasing slowly. They not only venture into Amarr now, they sit outside the Emperor Family station.” She tapped the pass code into the door and stepped into her quarters, sitting down on her bed.

Azaziel's response was succinct. “If you need to contact me before I contact you.  Contact a man called Shinzu Hatake.  He is ... A friend. Take care Ms. Bloodstone.” 

Sahriah laid her head back onto her pillow as she felt the communication link fade. “Fly safety Ms. Rei”

In Memoriam

Region: Genesis

Location: Pakhshi IX – Moon 20 – CONCORD Bureau

Date: 12.05.117

Time: 15:22

A loud chime sounded in the room, rousing Sahriah from her sleep. She rolled over slowly, arching her back and stretching. The beds here were stiffer then she was used to, and her back was aching, the result of a restless sleep. The chime sounded again, this time seemingly louder, and she propped herself up in bed hitting the dismiss button on her neocom. The time read ‘15:31’. 

The Pakhshi Peace Conference had been running for three days now and so far with mixed results. Run by The Honourable Dr. Arkon Sarain, its aim was to develop, support and pursue an honest discussion regarding a path to peace. In addition it sought to cultivate a plan, through the use of various commissions proposed by the delegates, to de-escalate tensions between capsuleers and provide a workable roadmap for reconciliation. 

As with all high profile events, this one had attracted an assortment of politically and emotionally driven participants each peddling their own agendas beneath the cloak of co-operation. The first official conference, which had occurred two days ago, had been set aside for delegates to provide an introductory speech stating which entity they represented (if any) and why they were attending. Naturally the conference, which was scheduled for a total of two hours in duration, ran for five, and in addition to the general conversations that followed afterwards, most had not returned to their quarters until quite late. The second day was focused on the creation of commissions which would serve as the basis for identifying and discussing issues deemed vital to peace. Delegates were permitted to put forth a statement on why a particular commission should be created and in turn the rest of the room was able to comment, amend and finally vote on its creation.

Sahriah picked up her neocom, calling up the previous days notes. Thirty-one delegates along with two special observers comprised the committee that would attempt to hash out a mutually agreeable roadmap for the issues ahead. In addition, various press and members of the public were authorized to sit in on the debates and although not allowed to speak during the chamber sessions, were able to interact with the participants before and after each conference. 

She scrolled down her list of notes slowly, recalling each delegate along with their affiliations and stated goals. It was a large amount of information to memorize and it would grow each day the conference continued, but this was her speciality. As the minutes for each session were recorded, Sahriah periodically shifted her attention away from the speakers and to the inaudible interactions of the other delegates. From the congregation of Ammarians quietly whispering in the corner of the room, to disapproving frowns, quick glances and late comers: each told a silent story on the politics at play around her. Who were friends? Who were enemies? A good hunter always understood her prey.

She had avoided using the personal computers provided to each member during the chamber sessions, instead using it only to transfer the meetings minutes across to her personal Necom. Trust was a scarce thing these days and with the conference being held inside a CONCORD station she was sure the lines of communication would be monitored.

A number of delegates had caught Sahriah’s attention during the opening speeches and three in particular shared goals in line with her own. Davlos, a representative from the alliance Mercenary Coalition clearly recognized the threat CONCOND represented to the cluster and the disruption it caused to the natural progression and dissolution of war. Emmaline Fera, of the Interstellar Expeditionary Group, specifically addressed the Drifter threat and called for a serious discussion on the role that capsuleers must play in it, and finally Esna Pitoojee, a delegate representing the Tash-Murkon family and the Amarr empire, spoke on the termination of petty conflicts between the factions and urged the cluster to focus on the true emergent threats of our time, including the Rouge drones, Sleepers and of course, the Drifters. 

Exercising the diplomatic skills she had picked up during her time as a mercenary, her own speech had been tailored to a very specific purpose as well. The empires negligence in managing CONCORD and had resulted in the entity becoming a fully self-sustaining police force that often made its own laws and enforced them with no need to explain itself. More recently however the DED had completely ignored the fact that Eifyr & Co had purposely withheld a video that contained critical information on an amassing Drifter fleet in Anoikis and even went as far as to arrest those that liberated this information into the public view. If she could steer the delegates towards the call for dissolution of CONCORD as an entity, or at the very least raise serious concerns about its legitimacy, she would.

There were of course many others which sought to drag the conference down to petty infighting. To her surprise the main organizer of the event and the Chair of the General Congress, Dr. Arkon Sarain, swiftly and diplomatically diffused and separated the agitators before things could devolve too far. CEO of the Kor-Azor Roving Tribunal and Ammarian by birth, Dr. Sarain forwent the usual self-righteous stereotype of the Faithful, instead leading by example through his level-headed and compassionate nature. Although only having known him for a short time, Sahriah had quickly grown to respect Arkon, who had proven to be resourceful and charismatic leader, and she looked forward to speaking to him in the coffeehouse after each days proceedings.

After scanning through her notes, Sahriah made a quick effort to check her mails for contracts and other correspondence. The conference had taken most of her time away from her normal business activities, but she felt the potential for networking was too great to miss. Her eyes rested on one particular mail that had received no reply.

Jacob, 

I know it has been a long time since we've spoken. If you have some time, I would like see you again. I hope I’ve done nothing to permanently damage our friendship. 

Always,
Sahriah

Sighing, she flicked it off the screen and onto the Intergalactic summit and began to get dressed. Her petition to CONCORD to release The Scope employees had gathered momentum, but the DED continued to refuse the possibility releasing them before their ‘investigation’, whatever that was, was completed. Feeling a tinge of anger, she continued browsing through the IGS news, until something caught her eye that made her freeze.

Liam Antolliere : YC117 – 05 – 15:05 

It is with deep sorrow that I have the responsibility of making the following announcement: 

The Honourable Doctor Arkon Sarain, Chief Justice of the Kor-Azor Roving Tribunal and Chair of the Pahkshi Peace Conference was found dead in his private offices this morning. A thorough investigation by the security team and external forensics and investigative teams provided no leads on the culprit; there were no signs of forced entry, no forensic evidence left behind and the security footage is missing exactly sixty seconds of information, showing the doctor at his desk beginning to work at his console and then immediately showing the aftermath of the murder. 

For religious reasons, Doctor Sarain did not maintain a soft clone and so it is a great tragedy that such an outstanding and remarkable life has now been drawn to a permanent end.

Shock ran through her body as the words sunk in. They were in a CONCORD station, surrounded by not only DED security but by the conferences own personal guards and somehow the leader of a peace seminar was assassinated? Sadness slowly turned to anger as she threw her neocom on the bed, put her jacket on and stormed out of the room.

The rest of the day seemed to pass in a blur. On leaving her room she immediately ran into Aria Jenneth, a member of the press she had met the previous day. Aria sat slumped outside Arkon’s former quarters sobbing and the sight of her had immediately killed Sahriah’s rage. She had sat down beside Aria for a short time before returning to her room and sleeping the rest of the day away. At 22:00 the normal conference session was replaced with a memorial reception and although many beautiful things were said, it was of little comfort. The remainder of the night passed slowly and as she lay in bed, unable to sleep, she could hear Zenariae’s tribute to him like an echo in the back of her mind.

“Ever watch over us...

High voice of the lands and skies...

We preserve your memory...

In the roots of the world...

And foothills of our minds....

Winds carry you, dear Arkon."

Resurgence

Region: The Citadel

Location: Hatakani VI – Concord Bureau

Date: 29.04.117

Time: 20:24

The crisp sound of boots hitting the metal walkway echoed through the docking bay as numerous ships and their crews arrived and departed from the CONCORD Bureau orbiting Hatakani VI.

Sahriah stepped off the ramp that connected her Stratios class cruiser to the network of access elevators that ran the length of the corridor. Finally. The thought of being home did not comfort her as much as she had hoped. It had only taken a day to return from Houla, but she had slept little during the journey. The past was creeping up behind her and being in the dark made her uncomfortable.

She trudged down the walkway, sliding her hand across the railing, the soft elevations and crevices of Ammarian filigree caressing her fingers as she went. CONCORD Bureaus were always busy regardless of the hour but tonight seemed exceptionally so. There was a constant stream of merchants, traders and military pouring through the arched openings that connected the many bays and cargo spaces together. Stations were generally regarded as the centres of commerce throughout the universe, but in addition to the regular activity, CONCORD Bureaus contained a significantly larger concentration of diplomatic, political and military personal. It was difficult to maintain a reasonable measure of patience living here, but being corporate headquarters meant that she had no choice in the matter.

Brushing past the crowd, Sahriah found the elevator that would take her to her office and stepped inside quickly, pressing the command button to ensure none of the other station guests could intrude on the several minute journey to the upper levels.

Looking down at her data pad she called up the last piece of information she had been studying.  

Shalee Lianne
Corporate History 
No.Mercy [.N-M.] from 117.03.09 23:59 to this day
Imperial Angels [ERIAL] from 117.01.20 05:40 to 117.03.09 23:59
In Exile. [EXIIE] from 114.12.28 02:24 to 117.01.20 05:40
Imperial Outlaws (Closed) from 113.10.09 04:23 to 114.12.28 02:24
Knighthood of the Merciful Crown [KOTMC] from 112.02.05 06:18 to 113.10.09 04:23
PIE inc. [PIE] from 111.04.22 05:40 to 112.01.23 07:44

She vaguely remembered Shalee from her days in the Amarr Militia. Shalee had been in PIE during that time, a highly religious and devoted Ammarian corporation and self-proclaimed ‘defenders of the faith’. Sahriah had sought her out, remembering her friendship with Garst Tyrell and hoping she would be able to assist her in contacting him without forcing her to go to null security space, a decision she now regretted.

The elevator doors slid open quietly revealing a large white and gold corridor. Despite all the commotion that seemed to follow them around, the Amarr certainly knew how to create stunning architecture and it was a pleasant change from the dark blue-grey metal so prominent in Caldari culture.

Keying in the passcode for her personal office, her thoughts drifted back further, to the source of her worries. Tigerfish Torpedo. It had been a long time, almost 8 years to be exact, since she had left her former commander. She had not spoken to or crossed him in all this time and now she suddenly finds him, married, to a loyalist of all people.

Sighing, she sauntered over to her desk, checking the time and throwing her data pad down with more force then intended. Her neocom blinked persistently at her. It had not been checked in several days and there was sure to be an unreasonable amount of correspondence to address.

Sahriah leaned back in her chair studying the newest contract request to appear in her inbox. Her eyes glazed over the text, barely taking in the words in front of her. Sleep. The voice in her head told her, but she resisted, hoisting herself upright with a groan and forcing her mind to focus. Sahriah tapped away, replying to several mails without much thought. She had so much admin to take care of nowadays that she was beginning to feel like more of a secretary then a mercenary. She had significantly less kills this month than during the previous several months and felt as if she was perhaps losing the respect of the pilots beneath her. None of them understood the sheer amount of work involved in providing them with people to shoot at, and that’s all they cared about…shooting at things. 

"You progressed on to bigger and tougher targets, I trust? No longer skulking around Empire hitting soft targets?" 

 

She tried to shake Tiger's voice from her head. 

A familiar notification rang in the office indicating CONCORD’s approval of a war application they had applied for yesterday and she checked the time again, rubbing her eyes and stifling a yawn. She glanced back down to the pad lying on her desk. Has he changed that much? The thought was both hopeful and depressing. He had been her mentor. Had he forgotten what he had once so passionately taught her, or was there something else going on?

Frowning she stood, picked up the PDA and headed for her room.

"Maybe...just maybe, I can understand why you did what you did. We should talk later"

It was going to be a long wait