~~~IC~~~

::Neither the Bishop nor the Archbishop managed to get to you today, and the stay on the straw mats was about as uncomfortable a night's sleep as you would expect. The next day's breakfast is a thin oat gruel.::

::knows where his honeymoon is not going to be::

Ugh. I wish there was something more interesting to show you guys around here other than a bunch of weeds, and some well guarded boxes, with numbers on them.

::the mess hall is actually fairly well lit, a flame-colored stained glass window providing adequate light in the morning, even though it coats the room in an orange hue. You can see the passionate but wan faces of the novitiates clearly for the first time::

S'alright, I like plants. Even on this planet.

Well, technically I didn't even get to see the boxes with numbers on.

We could have a rousing theology debate. ::mutters, supping his gruel::

::looks to Maria:: Well, we'll make sure to schedule you some time at the spa.

Actually, the "spa" here is just where they boil the water to make it potable.

I did some research on that. The tanning beds, sauna, and exfoliating scrubs are second to none. The massage therapy and moisturization routines leave something to be desired.

Do they do that hot stone thing here? I've always enjoyed that.

But if you are really feeling let down about the boxes, we can go take a look at them this morning. Might as well do the one other thing of interest here.

Well... they *do*... but not how you'd expect

Besides, the Vault IS kind of impressive.

Uh, look at them?

Are we.... allowed to do that?

Might be. I hadn't asked, but the worst the guards can do is say no. Well, that's not entirely true.

Couldn't they say, "no, and you're a sinner for asking"?

The worst they can do is light us on fire. But I think the entire "burn sinner burn" thing is highly unlikely, considering that you folks are guests.

Can we get that from highly unlikely to... not possible?

Considering where we are, it's only highly unlikely that we could be burned at any moment for anything

Well, if they did torch you without at least telling us to leave first, then they would be put to the flame themselves, so yeah, It's pretty impossible. Unless the guards have completely snapped of course.

That novitiate over there has been staring a hot streak at all of us all morning.

::looks around:: Like, staring angry? or staring curious?

::looks over and does a little wave::

::the novitiate does seem to be staring angry::

A moment please. ::rises, and walks over to the novitiate::

You seem troubled, son. What is the cause of the anger in your heart?

You walk with sinners, yet they feel no fire

::raises eyebrow:: Have you told your elders of this gift? To see the sins of man with little more than a glance?

We are all sinners, yet they walk unshamed

Ahh, so you say they have not paid for their sins, despite knowing nothing about them?

We have all sinned, yet those that have paid bear their penance heavily

((Ah, the old no-sense-of-humor thing.))

Then consider one of your lessons today: There are as many ways to bear the burden of penance as there are sins. Now do yourself a favor, and try not to insult guests of the Bishop or this Cathedral with your demeanor in the future. ::walks back to his seat::

((Well we've always done really humble well... oh wait. Strike that. Reverse it))

::looks up at Martel:: Everything alright?

((fortunately, in the avesti hierarchy, Pride is the least deadly sin... followed by sloth, greed, lust, oathbreaking, wrath, envy, blasphemy, heresy, and antimony))

::looks a little embarassed at his fellows:: sorry about that. Some of the less well trained Novitiates have a tendency to lose their manners in front of company.

Understandable, I'm sure they don't get guests that often.

So what were we planning to do today while we wait?

Visit the vault, wasn't it?

With or without the burning part.

((incidentally, the themesong for this episode is http://www.tekh.org/elemental/Music/aaw.mp3 ))

Without. I'll go first, and I'm flame retardant. Deal?

You gentlemen's call. ::shrugs::

Lets make it happen.

Allright then. ::takes one last bite of the gruel, spends a few moments regretting it, and then rises again:: If memory serves, it should be off of one of the main hallways...::orients self:: this way.

::the path towards the vault takes a few wrong turns, as Martel hasn't been back this way in years, and it's deliberately hard to find... but ultimately you wind your way in a direction that is mostly into the mountain... after a while, no other rooms branch off the path, and there is simply a long hallway into the rock... in a few moments of walking, you can make out a dimly lit vault door within flamegun range, just as you cross a strangely well-lit patch of floor::

::from behind cover:: Halt and state your business

Deacon Martel Azo, and guests, to observe the Vault.

Proceed. Slowly.

::proceeds to the door with hands well within view. Slowly::

::habitual bland smile::

::as you leave the patch of light, you can better make out the defensive arrangements. The vault must be surrounded on all sides by hundreds of feet of stone, unless there is a flaw in the mountain, its only entrance a huge vault door of iron. This door is part of a small foyer that gives the lone guard a clear view down the tunnel but also cover. He has an uncomfortable chair, a lamp, and an alarm bell::

::is currently tracking you with a flamegun with one hand, while resting his other on the pull chain for the alarm:: We don't get many visitors, Deacon

::looks around a little but keeps his eyes on the guard.::

::the vault door seems fairly impressive, for low-tech construction. A large keyhole is centered on the device, and several latches seem to radiate into the stone around the door. It would only take a few minutes with...

Understandable, all things considered. However, my associates here consigned a few boxes down here yesterday, and I thought they might like to see how we have things set up down here.

guild-approved cutting or digging equipment, but by then the rest of the Avesti might be there::

And you have the Bishop's key?

I do not. Just seeing the entryway is good enough. ::Bows:: Thank you for your time, Brother.

We run a tight ship here, Deacon. Those blasphemies will never fall into the hands of sinners again.

It is impressive. ::he says quietly::

And may many more heresies fall into your capable hands. ::slowly walks from the room::

Mmm. Glad to see it's so secure. ::nods faintly::

::follows::

::likewise::

::walks back up the long hallway:: So, you remember what those boxes looked like, right? ::holds up a rumpled piece of scratch paper with "I see a box with numbers: B-836.
Those that hold it do not know its power.
If you prove your rights in the desert, you can walk in and take it." written on it::

Look familiar?

Oh yes... that. I had almost forgotten?

::Squints::

Yeah. I didn't think about it till quite late last night. Needless to say, however, this does put quite the fine point on this visit.

((fixing andy's wifi, continue roleplaying amongst yourselves))

Indeed it does.

((AFK for a second, brb.))

((afk bio, all you Bill!))

::rubs his eyes, sneezes:: To whom? ::mutters::

::Wracks his brain to think of a way to prove himself, in the desert::

((back))

((WB))

So, the bishop's got the key huh? Let's hope THAT conversation goes well.

((Bak))

So. What sort of man is the Bishop, then?

((I...I...I DON'T KNOW!!! *sobsobsob*))

((You guys never really hung out, I reckon.))

((yeah, you don't really know))

((done doing tech support, btw))

Not sure, really. I'm personally hoping he's intelligent, sensible, and pre-disposed to assist us in all our endevours.

Somehow I have sneaking suspicion that that isn't the case.

Well, let's face it, odds are, he'll hate you dirty, sinning bastards, and hate me by proxy for hanging out with you.

::shrugs:: Can you argue with that?

I was trained here, so yeah, I can argue with anything. It's going to be at least partially up to you guys to prove you AREN'T godless, sinning, crimes against rightiousness.

Good point. Hopefully if we are able to explain to him that we came across some information about a certain item they may have in their possession that was perhaps more dangerous than they understood we'll be able to at least get a look at it.

But then we'll never get to take it

Well, you know. I can go on ALL day about theological niceties, but is that proof enough? ::shrugs::

True enough. I guess the question we first have is what is it?

Before that, even, is "Proving our rights in the desert". Then, chances are, we'll be able to walk in and take it.

Do you think we're in the desert enough for it to count, or are we actually going to have to do something outside?

I'd suggest that trying to skip steps by making up stories about how something in the box we've heard is dangerous might not be the right tack to take.

Also true. You don't think that had anything to do with the bat do you? ::smiles lightly::

::looks confused::

I rather doubt the Bat has helped us prove ourselves to anyone.

Arnesto

((btw, what in the flying ratfuck is Antimony?))

((excuse my grammer))

((It's evil creepy theurgy?))

((Er, no, it's an element.))

((Technically it's Antinomism - Anti, against, nomism, the name of - anything that goes against the name of the Pancreator, but primarily trafficking with demons))

((p 172-173 of the main book))

((ahh. I was spelling it wrong, and getting bunches of elemental references))

((Antimonianism is a 3rd republican movement to create fireproof stuff, for obvions reasons.))

You mean, the bat in the shuttle? Were we supposed to do something with it?

Fine, I don't think Arnesto has managed tohelp us prove anything thus far.

::looks like somebody should tell him to shut up::

((functionally, it's Qlippotic spheres from Mage - using the demon realms to fuel occult powers))

((Qlippothic rather))

Well I think with the information we have right now we're really unsure of the path we need to take. It might be best to wait for our meeting with the Bishop to determine the next step.

Agreed, thought I'd add that forcing the issue is not going to be in our best interests. But at least if they give us some kind of open-ended boon, we know what to ask for,.

Agreed.

For now...wait in our rooms? There really isn't much else to do here, unless you are of a mind to work or worship.

I'd offer to work in the gardens, but I expect it'd just be disruptive. ::wrings hands::

::and time passes. A light noon snack of vitamin-rich leafy vegetables and water is offered. You pass the time as best you can. Finally, a novitiate comes to take you all to the Bishop's chambers::

::dresses well, but not flashy::

Well, we weren't forced to wait a week, so at least he didn't HATE us.

::follows along with bland expression::

::the office is higher in the cathedral, and you get the sense that there's some central worship area that you haven't bothered to visit yet. This thought is borne out when your eyes start to adjust to brighter light... it seems the Bishop's office is off of the main area and there are stained glass windows here looking into the nave, which is currently brightly lit from sunwells in the roof. The office itself is a small, uncluttered room with a shuttered window, presumably onto the worship floor::

::the bishop is pacing within, neglecting a desk for several small, simple tables in the room where he walks from stack of papers to stack of papers. he is a man of middling height, weight, and years, with graying brown hair and beard, and intelligent gray eyes. He wears a simple cassock of brown like all the others here, though his appears to be of slightly finer material... the room is lit with enough ka-oil lamps to read, and the smoke is actually lighter here than in other places, apparently due to a flue in the ceiling::

Ah, Martel and, if I have my information correct, his Questing Knight leige and fellow cohorts. Welcome. ::the tone borders on accusatory, but Martel's newly learned political savvy makes it feel more like a test::

I've only one leige, sire, but I am proud to call these folks friends.

Any particular reason you accepted an Imperial badge without consulting with the Church first?

It was requests by the Imperial Eye that I release my information to them before it was made public. In the fallout of doing so, the badge was offered. I chose to accept rather than risk insult. Should you wish that I return it, I would of course be willing to bear to shame of doing so.

Fine. If Alexius wants to give us more involvement in his administration, then let him, so long as you remember your first loyalty to God and your secondly loyalty to mother Church.

As it ever shall be, sir.

Right, well, this is a bloody mess that's dropped on my desk this morning ::and, indeed, it looks like most of what he's looking at is your reports in longhand... must have been an awful big carrier bat:: Are your cohorts willing to explain their involvement to us in their own words?

::glances at Martel and nods slightly, shrugs::

My apologies sir. If it helps any, it was a bloody big mess back on Aragon too. I'm certain that my Associates will be capable of answering any questions you have for them.

::an, looking over the office, does notice a box that would nicely hold a set of oversized cathedral keys::

::looks over the box again wondering how close it is to him::

Well, unless they have anything they need to add up here, I'll summon the Canon to take their statements. ::gives each of you a piercing look:: They seem fine people, bit thin, little too modern, but not so bad for guildies and nobles

::a tight smile creases his face:: I've found them rather adiquate myself, sir.

::near enough that the bishop's constantly wandering path puts it between you two... even when his back is turned towards the papers in the far corner::

::selects one of a series of bell pulls to ring, then turns back to his reports... from over his shoulder:: So, Griffen... what's better, accountant or knight?

(( http://www.eslcafe.com/grammar/using_personal_titles09.html ))

Truth be told, I've been a knight for such a brief time, that its hard to judge between the two. But I have been given the chance for a greater calling, so I embrace that and will enjoy whatever I can. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest, as they say.

((suck up))

((:-)))

::thinks and almost mutters "That's kinda... creepy." ::

Maybe you can find your way to the church one day, boy... that kind of smooth talk is the way, on some of the smooth planets... could use a slick fellow like yourself to spread the Word

::nods politely::

::the old man from yesterday arrives, obviously not having come in any special hurry:: Father?

Take the statements of these individuals here to pad out Martel's file.

::smiles at the old man blandly::

Yes Father. Has your Excellency had the opportunity to go over the documents on heretical materials catalogued yesterday?

Oh? Yes. It looks fine. Your judgement appears solid to me. Go ahead and inter them.

...Sir, might I ask a question about the Vault?

::cringes::

Yes?

::pre-martel-question-cringe::

I am aware of how items get into the Vault. How would one go about requesting that an item be removed?

::stops dead:: Nothing in there was ever intended to be removed. Why do you ask?

I was, some time ago, given information that an item in a box might some day be needed.

By whom?

I am afraid that I cannot say for certain. I'm not even sure what the item IS.

(( Could it be.... ))

So... an unknown source asked you to get an unknown item from our vault of heretical artifacts?

This unknown source has been pretty accurate so far, sir. In this, it said, we would need to "Prove our rights in the Desert." I was hoping you would know better than I the meaning of that phrase.

You're going to have to be very specific

::I pull the sheet of paper from under my robe that says "I see a box with numbers: B-836.
Those that hold it do not know its power.
If you prove your rights in the desert, you can walk in and take it." and hand it to the Bishop::

There was more, but that is all I have on my person.

What is this?

A portion of what was told to me, by the unknown souce.

Okay... back up and start from the beginning... what, when, where, why, how?

::nondescriptly gets Lan's attention::

::nondescriptly motions to the box of keys::

::nondescriptly shift to cover Lan::

::nondescriptly does a dance::

::doesn't actually do that last one::

::bland expression winks with a dubious wink. Thinks: "Oh, come on, he can't be serious."::

In the course of my recent investigations, a prophecy which detailed great potential destruction came into my possession. ::notices no nondescriptness::

::lan is not that skilled at sleight of hand, but he's much better at that than distracting others without being an obvious distraction::

From where?

Grail, in the mountains.

((... is this going to be one of those situations where the players get pissed at me for playing from character? ))

From whom?

((dunno, just pointing out that, were someone to filch keys, Lan is the only one with the appropriate skill to do so))

::closes his eyes, and, expecting the worst, says:: Etyri, sir.

((Nope. Do your thing, if you don't think he'd do it then don't. Its definitely better to stay in character for the sake of the story. :)))

The Etyri sent you to take an artifact from the Vault?

((Heh. K. Feel free to be mad IC. ))

No. In fact, they had no context at all as to the prophecy. They didn't understand it.

::shrugs helplessly, and moves out from behind cover, shufflingly::

No vault was mentioned, and I'd be somewhat shocked if the Etyri knew how we stored blasphemies.

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 14 1

So... Etyri, which have never had the best relationship with the Word... have a prophecy of unknown provenance seeking a blasphemy... an old blasphemy... from the Vault

In short? Yes.

I don't believe you're insane... it's possible you've been corrupted... can you give me a straightforward reason why you took this seriously rather than immolating the "prophet"?

Thus far, said prophecy has led me to crush the Decados drug trafficking, and destroy a Demon. The stakes the prophecy mentions are no less than the free will of all man. I would be a poor inquisitor indeed if I were to wager all that against my ability to hunt down the prophet again, and consign him to the flames, once I descovered he was speaking in heresy.

It is not my place to question how The Pancreator chooses to deliver His Word. My place, is to determine IF he was speaking in Heresy. So far, I have found no such proof. Had I done so, he would have long since been ash. You know full well that I am willing to put my own feelings aside when it comes to performing my duty.

Actually, I believe both the Fervitudes and Redemptory Protocols have very specific methods for determining the divine origin of a message, not to mention the Instructiones Inquisitorum. You know as well as anyone that the greatest lies of the demons are mostly truths that lead down dark paths

::looks, honestly, unnerved::

If I am wrong about this, sir, I will gladly face the flames for my sins, as it will be obvious that my purpose has been corrupted. But... If I'm right, if the prophecy, even given in such a place, and such a way, is true, then I would give my life gladly to see it fulfilled. After all, who can place limits on how the Lord chooses to speak His Word?

You are, perhaps, aware of just how involved debates are over prophecy, yes? How the upper echelons of both Avesti and Orthodox spend a great deal of time and contemplation trying precisely to do that? You should have brought this "prophecy" to Mother Church on day 1

I am aware, and worried by them. If this prophecy is embroiled in such a debate, it could take years to resolve, sir. I suspect we don't have years. Thus this more...personal approach. Father, might I ask something?

The future is something the cursed psychics see constantly. What if one were to tell you three true things and one false? We have many things that would make seers mighty in evil ways. Can you be certain this is not just a ploy to obtain such things?

Can anyone be certain that any actions they take will not lead to ill? Should we not strive to do good, for fear of doing evil?

We are not here to save the world, Deacon, we are here to save souls. What is the outcome you fear without this heretical device?

This prophecy has had me fighting things that would strive to destroy both.

::looks adamantly convinced about that, to be sure::

War would be the outcome, Father. The Destruction of the Hazat. Countless lives destroyed, and immesurable dispair.

What do you base this belief on? Fact, or more dubious prophecy?

::has the good graces to look a bit embarassed:: Prophecy Father....err, a different prophecy. This one in the Ghast Desert.

::clears his throat politely::

::massages his temples while he lets the enormity of this sink in:: Yes, Don Griffen?

Your Excellency, might I make a suggestion. What if your order and us investigate this item. Discover its true purpose. If you find this item to not be for a greater good than you allow us to use it. Which we will under your order's supervision until our quest is done... At which point we will turn the artifact back over to your order, and you can make its use public. Something to bring the glory of the Pancreator to your order and bringing more doubting citizens to the arms of the church.

You're saying if it's *not* of the greater good you still want it?

If we find that the item to be corrupted or evil upon inspection then we will leave it to your interment. And imagine if the object appears to be clean but is a deception then its use can be easily dropped on us, with no such blemishes falling on the Avesti.

::sighs, and thinks for a moment::

Imagine the influence you could gain in political markets if your lending of a holy artifact leads to an evil plot being uncovered and lives being saved.

So there's the four of you. By accounts above suspicion. Of course, those accounts are from an inquisitor that has obviously been running his own agenda contradictory to doctrine.

Either way. We have a reputation of being influential world savers.

You have recently engineers a coup of epic proportions in getting the Empire to attack the damnable rot at the heart of the Decados, and you did it at the behest of one, possibly two, prophecies of unknown provenance.

((engineered))

::nods:: I may not always follow all of the rules, but I do occasionally produce good results.

If you're all completely honest, faithful, and with the best interests of the universe in mind, you are following this prophecy in the hopes of saving the Known Worlds. If you're tainted, or just following bad advice, who knows what evil you're being led to perpetrate? If I bar you from the Vault and detain you, I stop a potential evil forged of dark prophecy cold. If I help you, I hazard to help, I help stop a potential evil revealed by true prophecy.

Wouldn't a prophet forsee this kind of dilemma? ::mutters::

Conversely, if you bar us from the

Speak plain. What do you expect to find in this box? And what do you think it will help you against that necessitates opening the vault?

Vault, you could assist a potential evil.

((damn my slippery fingers!))

((no prophet on the planet can anticipate new randomness caused by interpretation of prophecies))

A stone of Space, I think it was.

In what language is that plain?

An item that could allow a ship, possibly more than one, to move between the stars almost instantly.

Vladimir's stone?

Sorry about that, Father. That's just what the Prophecy said. Wait. A Sword, I think. "Else the sword must be given to those with greater right but lesser need."? It's part of the next line.

Possibly, Bishop. I don't know the full details of the story of Vladimir's Stone. But that is the truth as I know it.

Where do you expect to need to go in a hurry?

We fear that there is an army on the move. Something that we'll be unable to intercept without the stone's speed.

You plan to outflank the Jakovians you have outed?

We have reason to believe that they, or one of their allies have amassed a large force which is secretly on the move to take what couldn't be through subterfuge.

Where?

Though we don't know the consistency of this force nor its direction. We suspect that they may move against unprepared Hazat worlds.

Heathen Kurgans? They've already taken Hira, as I recall.

Hell, The Black Lion would not have signed up with them to save his own skin, would he?

Don Griffen?

::nods after thinking for a second:: Yes I think it could be. They would be force that the unprepared forces of Hazat could not stop. Another great house fallen into dark.

Then, perhaps, this is something worth agreeing over... each world claimed by Heathens is another step towards the darkening of the stars. I will bring this to the Archbishop, but I think he will agree with the following... We will find your hidden artifact. If it is not what you say, or reeks of evil to modern methods, you will all receive an official censure. If it is what you say, then we will send several trusted ::a significant look at Martel:: Avestites with you to oversee your use of the artifact. If you need this device, you obviously don't need it for long.

Obviously.

On completion of your mission, should your ends justify the means, we will take back the artifact, perhaps guard it again until great need arises. You will be commended. Martel will be given a glowing recommendation to a sect that expects less of its members. Don't be wrong, or plan to use this for evil. You won't like what we're forced to do.

::bows his head:: If you feel that is for the best, Father.

Your only option to stay here is years of penance and instruction again as a novice. You play too fast with your authority.

Agreed. ::steps forward and bows::

I don't believe you're a sinner, but your methods are not in line with our sect. We do not play with fire here. We are wary of it, using it for its strengths, but always respecting it. You are playing with the fire of prophecy, and should you not be burned, it will be luck, not wisdom.

Agreed, but I fear for our sects future, and what I've done, I've done to keep it safe. In case I don't get another chance, thank you for taking me in, Father.

::things move quickly after that...

Did he just ...? ::hurries along, worried expression::

A solomn detachment of the Bishop and two guards proceed into the Vault while you wait under guard. What wonders, if Lan had seen it. They return a half an hour later with a long, thin tin case with B-836 on the lid... It is opened to reveal a long, gray, tapering stone rod, about a meter in length. The lamplight plays on raised surfaces and fractal etchings along its length, that seem to shift slightly beyond the work of the fire... it is clearly a philosopher's stone, and Lan is allowed to touch it and move it around under careful observation... Meanwhile, the Archbishop, a wizened, bald man who isn't necessarily all there but seems to have a deft hand at theurgy, tries everything he can to evoke a demonic reaction with no avail... Within a few hours, Lan has figured out the way to hold it to get it to emit a slight heat waver around the blade... and, again a round of testing can't get it to summon demons...

::is wide eyed the whole time, treating the whole thing cautiously::

he also finds that long lines with electrodes at the end can be pulled from the body, perfect to clip into a ship's electrical system...

::is wondering precisely how MANY years he's going to be doing penance for this::

everyone seems to be at least marginally on the side of "dangerous, but not necessarily evil" when Lan manages to wave the blade through the stone table, cutting off a corner with no real effort... after that, they're on the side of "dangerous, but not necessarily safe" and decide to hang onto it except when your ship is in transit::

::looks around with that "did you see that?" expression as table corner klunks to ground::

::a couple of days later you're bustled onto your ship with a trio of *very serious* Avestites. The bishop gave them their orders in front of you to not risk the artifact falling into enemy hands. They all have flameguns. Martel is no longer allowed to carry his.::

((was I stripped of the flame-retardant robes too?))

((probably. you might need to be flamed))

((figures. I'm gonna be friggin 90 before they give me those damn robes back))

((those you can probably keep sans badges of office. the flamegun, though, is a banned weapon only useable by avesti in good standing))

Remember, all. Zebulon died to sanctify the jumpgates and protect travelers from the dark between the stars. History says that Vladimir used this stone without being consumed by evil, so perhaps it uses something of the jumproads prepared by the Prophet. But he met a grim fate. Brace yourself for the use of this artifact, for your very soul may be at risk in transit.

Thank you, your Excellency.

Thank you, Father.

::and, with that, you take off out of the storm. Arnesto finally abandons the windscreen at 1000 feet, dejectedly, flying back home.::

Hey An. I checked with the starport. They had a message for you. Apparently your people on Aragon found information on that document they were helping you look for.

::nods::: Thanks you. Did they have any other details?

Not on an open channel. Want to go back there?

So, you know, padre. Maybe you can get back in good graces by perfecting Kaa oil? ::tries to sound cheerful::

::nods:: Yes I would.

Heh, still saving that one till I think it'll do less harm than good.

Well, then, assuming our new friends are amenable. Let's hook that thing up and see what it can do.

::looks to Lan:: Do the pleasures.

Or the honors.

Or whatever.

::takes it out of its case, comes forward, and does his best hooking it up:: What if this... I dunno.

::the avestites watch closely. Lan agonizes over the first connection as you break atmosphere, finally picking one that seems alchemically sound, if not technically sound, based on a certain harmony pattern...

This is not an ordinary part of reality, gentlemen. It's.... ::agonizing, sighing::

then the device seems to get the idea, as a dozen other electrodes shoot like taser probes for the remaining significant instrument panel jacks in the cockpit...

::holds breath::

::takes his scrupulum out from under his shirt, in case it's needed::

the avestites look a bit shocked, and hold their flamers at the ready, but manage to keep it together as the philosopher's stone lifts to hover in air, in line with the spine of the ship::

::brandishes his Aragon jumpkey:: You kids ready?

Um. ::finds a seat::

Steady, Brothers. If you break this thing before it's needed, there will be problems.

::everyone else does likewise, though the avestites keep their guns ready despite being strapped down::

An?

Engage.

::carefully slots his key in the panel, looking back at the grim needle hovering in midair behind him, then pushes the big red button::

::the hum of the jump engines is usually covered by the all-encompassing roar of an active jumpgate, hundreds of meters wide... now, they are obvious, and apparent... turning through dimensions that may not be exactly euclidian, the sword of stone begins to rotate along its axis, somehow spinning without wrapping up the electrodes still anchored to the cabin... as it spins faster and faster, a distortion begins to spread from the blade, like the heat over a hot road, enveloping the cabin an inch at a time... when it touches your skin, it feels cool and hot at the same time, but not painful... along the hull of the ship, you hear the sathra dampers whining with the strain, as the warp field grows to cover the entire ship, shifting and pulsing with the frequency of the jump engine, dancing along the metal skin of the craft...

::takes Maria's hand::

::closes her eyes and grips tight::

::gives a prayer of thanks to the Pancreator::

then, for one moment, there is perfect silence, the insides of the ship frozen like a picture's subject after a flash... still, unmoving, and just slightly unreal...

I wonder what would happen if.... nah.... ::Watches enveloping field travel up his arm::

the stars outside the canopy are in one configuration one second, then another the next. The stone lies dormant on the floor of the cabin, tendrils retracted...

The ship rolls slightly, and instead of the brown orb of Pyre above you, you see the blue and green of Aragon filling the sky.::

~~~OOC~~~