• Nobles of Null is a forum based roleplay site where sci-fi and magic collide. Here, Earth remains fractured and divided despite humanity reaching out to the stars. Worse still, the trans-human slaves of one major power have escaped, only to establish their own Empire, seething with resentment at abuses of the past. Even the discovery of aliens, though medieval in development, has failed to rally these squabbling children of Earth together with its far darker implications. Worse still, is the discovery of the impossible - magic. Practiced by the alien locals, nearly depleted and therefore rare, its reality warping abilities remains abstract and distant to the general populace. All the while, unseen in the darkness of space, forces from without threaten to press in. For those with eyes opened by insight, it is clear that an era is about to end, and that a new age will dawn.

IDS Yīnghuā - Log 2.0: "If you are far from the enemy..."

Still upset, but reigning it in, Reina lends a comforting hand to Lady Nimue in a 'there, there,' gesture.

At the Cafe table, Reina props up her head with one of her arms, elbow on the table. She slowly fidgets with a fork, poking it into a small tea cake in front of her, obviously tired and not in a great mood, but still remaining present.

"The grandkid of your first cousin or, alternatively, the first cousin of your grandparent. Not that I see why that's relevant. They're still family and she's upset, and probably a little relieved, at the news regardless. Emotions tend to do weird things to your psyche and composure when mixed like that."

A flicker of excitement shows in her eyes as she looks up to see the marble, but her thoughts bring her back into her current situation.
 
Wen wanted to say something about the worth of familial relationships, especially one this distant, but decided to keep his mouth shut. Even he knew he wasn't an expert in this field, and giving his opinion would only invite unnecessary argument. He nonetheless made a face at Reina's explanation, then returned his attention back to the floating structures.

What currently intrigued him was the Aos Si's use of signal lamps. With everything else they used so far, besides the magic that raised their apparent technology level abnormally high, their regular state seemed to be high-medieval. But the use of signal lamps with complex messages and codes was distinctly industrial, requiring a level of coordination and social development that wasn't possible for a medieval society.

Of course, the Aos Si weren't a medieval society. Their presence on multiple planets, the similar cultures they shared, showed that they not only were once an interstellar civilization, but also had the coordination to properly act like one too. The question was, if they fell from grace, how did they preserve certain technologies, but lost others? How did they preserve signaling technology, but are reduced to riding large fauna for transportation? What was the exact timeline of events that led them to such a state? How could the Empire exploit these events of the past to control the Aos Si, and prevent such a fate for themselves?

Wen stayed quiet during these observations and speculations, but he recorded his thoughts in a public log that others could review and annotate.
 
"Right. Family..." Hoshiko's voice trailed off at Reina's explanation. "Totally know about how family works," she muttered under her breath. "Definitely had a not-dysfunctional family growing up."

"I'll...try and see if I can set up some arrangement for you to talk to her regularly," Hoshiko awkwardly suggested. "Since talking to her directly from this planet's surface needs equipment, we'll have to send you a - " The tiger princess paused for a moment, realizing she needed to pick the right words for things to make sense given their different tech-levels. " - plate that collects energy from sunlight, in addition to the device that lets you see and speak to her directly," she offered.

"Say, Aitana?" Hoshiko pointed her fork at the feathered woman. "You wouldn't be able to beat into Xian's head how her mother actually works, would you?" she asked. "She doesn't have that same arrangement that The Tiger General and The Mother-Empress do, and unless that gets through, she'll keep getting in trouble," the Tiger Princess pointed out, glancing at said trouble-maker for emphasis.

"I apologize for my loss of composure," the Aos'Si rubbed the tears off her dark cheeks before, sweeping stray strands of gold out of her eyes. A soft and gentle hand fell onto the small of Reina's back as thanks. "More importantly, we have a decision to make, and quickly." Outside, Xian could see the massive hulk of marble pulling closer and closer to the cliff side their testudine mount was heading towards. The sparse 'crew' of artisans were more focused on surveying the chunk and its associated 'hat' of jungle strata, so she was certain they hadn't spotted her specifically yet. "Do you want to declare yourselves as passengers to the artisans piloting the marble hulk, or conceal yourselves until arriving at the city?" Lady Nimue asked.

She subconsciously began to rub Reina.

"Ugh." Hoshiko looked at Jun. "If we announce ourselves, you think waving your arms around like a happy bimbo so your tits bounce will persuade them to take us onboard? Otherwise, I'd rather we all cloak again." Looking at the others, her electric blue eyes settled on Reina before glancing down for a moment. "Actually, maybe you too," the princess pondered. "We just have to have our helmets project our faces like I already am, instead of remaining all scary looking."
 
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"I can certainly try, Princesa," Aitana replied with a warm smile. She moved to sit next to Xian, both in reality and VR, then began to thoroughly explain how her mother and the Mother Empress complement each other as leaders of the Empire. The albatross mused on how the Tiger General's keen and ruthless military mind paired with the Empress's savvy diplomacy and political leadership, and how their combined efforts advanced the Empire's position in the galaxy.

"It would be the height of presumption to compare myself to the Mother Empress," she noted. "But I can play the role of diplomat for you. Our soon-to-be friends will be more likely to take me seriously when I have an exemplary Imperial soldier at my side." Hearing Hoshiko's suggestion to Jun, she lowered her voice and continued. "And even now, there is an opportunity to learn. You see, your feminine charms can be a powerful tool when you want something from someone. It is unwise to rely on that, though. While most Daqinren, including yourself, are quite beautiful, there is no guarantee that an opponent will be receptive to your wiles."
 
"Yeah, you don't want to go tits-out all the time. You def don't want to look like you are desperate to upstage your hosts either. When we get back we'll work on your flirting for sure. Also maybe we re-evaluate some of your wardrobe? ALSO lets go to a party that doesn't have as many monsterthings trying to kill us." Jun replied, "... ALSO ALSO. We've got a party to get into right? It'd be easier to sneak in if we pretend we're supposed to be there already. If we look like we're trying to hide its gonna draw everyone's attention.

I've still got the party favors too. Lets just get up there any introduce ourselves already."
 
Reina ignores Wen's silent 'comment,' but winces in response to Hoshiko's rebuttal on her family, "That's not what I... I'm sorry... What I meant to say is that they are important to her regardless. I didn't mean that as a critique of you and yours."

In the real, Reina acknowledges Nimue's comforting touch and straightens a little more, putting effort into not dwelling on the negatives of her situation and trying to stay focused on what they were there for.

--------

In response to Hoshiko's 'bimbo' suggestion, Reina cringes, "I would prefer we didn't. We'd need better first impressions than we had with our present Lady... otherwise, they're bound to share their thoughts about us to other Aos'Si and that could have a negative effect when we try to make our case at the meeting. As to cloaking..."

Reina hears Jun's thoughts on the situation, "I'm unsure. I agree with Jun that hiding doesn't look good, but either option, presenting ourselves or hiding, has benefits and negatives. Being upfront would show our sincerity, but gives up our initial advantage as I'm sure those one the hulk might send word ahead of them. Cloaking would keep that advantage and help us maybe bypass initial problems... but if we are found out, might cause anger and suspicion."
 
"Wen and I can remain wait concealed while the rest of the group faces the enemy." Xian stated, not wanting to sound too eager to get past the discussion of family but being eager to do so all the same. She would endure Aitana's lecture on how her mother operated, filing it away with all of the other lectures about how to conduct herself given out by her mother. "Any sneaking we need to do will be easier if they think they can see all of us already."
 
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At the suggestion of stealth, Wen retorted quickly. "Our stealth systems have failed every time when interacting with these Aos Si. Attempting stealth would only anger the Aos Si further if they discover us. I don't mind getting into a firefight mind you, but it's ill advised if we're trying to be diplomatic. Furthermore, how are we going to convince our patron here," He eyed Lady Nimue under his helmet, "To allow us to spy on the other Aos Si like so?"
 
"Oh!" Hoshiko perked up from her sulking. "It's fine Reina, I'm just venting. Totally not sus." Turning her attention back to the matter at hand though, she looked at Xian with a "Tempting, tempting," but widened her eyes at Wen like he just said something wise and profound. "I think Wen's on to something here!" the tiger princess wagged a finger at him with approval. "Ever since their attack on our settlement years ago, they must have been trying to figure out how to deal with us the whole time," Hoshiko realized. "That means we're probably better off using things they haven't seen. Like the zhànshòu and combat walkers we have in our dropship."

Though the connection was spotty, like with all else in the imperial network, its fusion thrusters were bringing it into position high above them quickly. But that left another matter. Hoshiko briefly eyed Jun, and though she was tempted tune the heifer out...wasn't this a party? A stuffy diplomatic party, but still a party. "Back at the Forbidden City, did you happen to learn how to get the juicy gossip out of people? Because we really need to know what the pointy ears have been up to, to to try and kill us." It was worth asking, since the astrogeologist-cum-princesshood might have other skills they didn't consider.

"No stealth. Like good guests, we'll have ourselves announced as your invite," she answered Lady Nimue. Hardly a moment had passed since the Aos'Si had asked the question.

"Very well then." The cocoa skinned woman nodded at one of her maidenguard, and soon enough, the signal lantern flickered. Though seemingly modest in size at first, the massive slab of jungle topped marble grew bigger and bigger until it became clear it was the size of a small frigate. One that uncomfortably looked like it was threatening to crush them! However, Lady Nimue and her Maidenguard paid it no heed, and soon enough, it sunk enough so that the top leveled with their ground. With an earth shaking thud, it impacted rock and soil, but their testudine mount paid it no heed and clambered over as other Aos'Si guided them in.

With another rumble, their ride reversed and wrenched itself free, revealing where they had been moments earlier - just one of many floating chunks of jungle, earth and stone.

"Is it true?" One of the Aos'Si below shouted up at them. "There are aliens on board? Do they speak our language?" Though clad in a simple tunic and trousers, his belt was heavy with all manner of arcane tools. He brushed his messy blonde hair back and excitedly followed along.
 
"What? No." Jun said, sounding almost offended, "I mean Fuuuuck no. If I find out what people's secrets are then I'm going to get swept up in court drama. If I get swept up into court drama then I'm going to have to do all that spy stuff and that sounds exhausting."

Jun tried to hold her breath in the virtuaity. She clearly wanted to say more but was trying not to say it.

Eventually her need to speak would win out.

"But yes... people love to gossip. Just ask follow up questions and be SuPeR iNtErEsTeD in whatever it is they have to say. People say all sorts of things when they feel comfortable around someone else...

... also I've still got the drugs."

Jun would hold up her hands, a treasure chest appearing above her that opened up to show the popsicles she was still carrying.

"You know, to help things feel a bit more intimate without getting TOO intimate."

"No, there are no Aliens here." Jun said in meatspace, shouting back down at the Aos'Si that was questioning them.

"I think the Aos'Si are calling us Aliens." Xian calmly explained in the virtuality.

It would take Jun a moment for the realization to hit, "Wait, I mean yes. I mean I was born here but I think some of us might not be? We're not like bug-aliens or anything. I also brought gifts!"
 
"We're aliens to them, they're aliens to us, it doesn't matter." Wen dismissed the semantics that Jun was making. Instead, his attention remained on these floating islands. The fact that they were made of the local jungle terrain explained how they didn't detect these floating islands from orbit. Still, it's odd that the Empire has detected nothing when it came to the Aos Si's aerospace capabilities. Wen scanned along the edge of this floating island as they floated upward. It would've taken a tremendous amount of energy to lift something like this up into the air without aerodynamic lift. Where was this energy coming from? Where are the radiators? If it was all just catonite, surely the Empire should have detected spacetime anomalies from orbit?

After all, gravimeter readings had to be made on a regular basis to maintain an accurate map of the planet's gravity profile, so that shuttles could land and go without incident. How did these anomalies slip past the reports? Wen decided that he would pay the satellite operators a visit once this was all over. How were these primitives allowed to get away with so much, right under the nose of the Empire?

He made no attempt to hide his dismay, and casually logged his thoughts in the public notes.
 
Aitana, on the other hand, was mesmerized by the strange and mystical landscape. "Fascinating," she mused. "Absolutely fascinating. This must be the power of the heartstones, right?" She stood and walked to the edge of the howdah, setting her worries aside for a moment as she absorbed the scenery.

"Princess Jun makes a good point," the albatross remarked in VR. "A bit of friendliness goes a long way, especially with a generous supply of... social lubricant. Xian, Wen, you and I would do well to gather any military intelligence as we can, and try to identify suspects who may have carried out that attack. Volunteer as little information as possible, preferably none, and make note of anything they tell you."

Glancing down at the gathering Aos Si, Aitana smiled and waved. "Good day, everyone," she greeted. "Yes, we are the aliens. We come in peace, and in service of the Dàqín Dìguó."
 
At the cafe table Reina takes a small bite of the cake she was playing with and shrugs at Wen, "I assumed that not every Aos'Si would have the same capabilities as our current host, but you are right that we should be cautious in this. Again, I am all for not upsetting those that we wish to beseech."

-----

She makes a slightly disappointed face at Jun as she brings up the popsicle again, "If they were as accepting as Lady Nimue about it, I really don't think its a good idea to proffer it on anybody without them knowing strictly what it is... and even then I'm hesitant to say that it would be a good idea to offer to just anybody. Some might take offense, no matter how good intentioned you are about it."

In the real, Reina smiles at Aitana's seeming interest in the magic before them, "And imagine what more it can do? We've seen plenty of examples since we got here and I'm excited to see more." She pauses in thought, giving a slight shiver with a tinge of worry, probably thinking about the warped flesh creatures they fought earlier. This passes quickly as she takes in more of the sight and the massive stone lowering toward them.
 
What Hoshiko asked - since it couldn't hurt - turned into something that made her sit up a little bit straighter in their virtual cafe.

"Yeah, but you'd think Jun would have tried becoming a femme fatale spy gal that gets all the guys and stuffs or something" the tiger princess raised an eyebrow. Though she initially only knew Jun as a traveling companion of convenience, Hoshiko now knew that there was a greed to the heifer that was hard to satiate. "Getting more presents, money, all sorts of gifts by just flirting and shaking your ass every now and then? Maybe trading some gossip for said goodies?" she suggested to Jun with a wry smirk. Meanwhile in meatspace, the Aos'Si down below looked up at them, ears ever so slightly drooping. Clenching his jaw, the Daqinren could see what normal humans couldn't - that he was trying very hard to maintain his composure and keep that award-winning-smile beaming.

"I am Stonemaestro Nardual Permaer. May I board your mount?" he called up again, perhaps pretending he didn't hear that bit from Jun.

"Well, this stone craft is not my specialty," Lady Nimue replied to Aitana first. "Perhaps you two could try plying him for answers. I too would not mind hearing the details," Lady Nimue suggested to the feathered woman and Reina, still subconsciously petting the latter on her lower back. The dark skinned Aos'Si nodded to her maidenguard, and their great steed came to a rest, laying down on its armored belly.

"Maestro Permaer, are you certain? Aren't they the great enemy of our people?" an apprentice ran up to his master's side.

"As Stonemaestro, I must inspect the terrain for our quarry. This includes checking the vast tracts of land, the great mountains, and all the little peaks as well!" he harshly whispered back. "Do not question my judgement!" he hissed, sending the apprentice packing.

"Hmm...you think if the tops of the crafting materials already have jungle, just a little bit of magic could hide them from looking like they're moving around?" Hoshiko pondered over Wen's open-notes. "They gotta be doing something to keep us off their backs." The tiger princess wasn't an expert on magic, and the one that she did know was locked up in a high security suite while being pampered, so asking wasn't going to be easy...or was it?

"Lady Nimue of the Great Dune Seas, I see you keep dangerous company!" Having leap-stepped on board, the master craftsman proudly placed his hands on his hips. "Now, will the danger introduce itself to me?" the Aos'Si man beamed. Hearing this, Hoshiko was a bit less than pleased in their virtuality.

"You know Reina? If this guy is curious about us, then Nimue is probably just putting up with us or watching. Judging. Trying to figure out what to do with us?" Thinking it over for a moment, the princess started thinking. "Maybe," Hoshiko replied to the Aos'Si man. Knowing her, they could feel her scheming like a gremlin. "Do you want a frozen fruit juice treat?" Reaching into Jun's cooler, she offered one of the popsicles.

Completely unaware, Narudual began reaching out to the spiked treat!
 
Xian expressed her displeasure with the situation with a stern look in the virtuality as she took up a position near the group while being entirely visible




"uuuuugghhhhh... This is why your career as a streamer failed. You think that I can just show tits and a gobble dick to get ahead. You never understood that everything is about sex except for sex. Sex is about Power. Super Hitler said that I think, IDK I don't actually care who said it. Point is: Guys can get a blowjob ANYWHERE for like 20 space bucks. It is nothing special. I mean, its kinda special. Most guys won't turn you down if you offer a blowjob but the point I'm trying to make is that having some powerful woman completely schoolgirling over you is way hotter than sucky-sucky for 20 dollar. Guys feel like if they fuck you they get your political value so you gotta develop that so that the guys feel like they are really achieving something with their lives by fucking you. Like, if this guy thought knocking you up would mean his child was next in line for the throne he'd kill his own mother just to get your attention."

Jun decided to focus on what was really important.

"By the mother empress' thighs why the FUCK have these savages not offered us a drink? I'm seriously starting to think they've got no idea how to throw a party. That our party-technology so far outstrips theirs that they can't possibly comprehend how to have a good time by our standards. I swear to your fucking mother that I've had better parties in the H EF FUCKING R than among these Aos Si. I'm not even asking for Odin's private brand of giga-mead but at the very least be offering us something with some cultural weight."

Jun looked like she just had a major epiphany

"This is why these people are dying out. They don't know how to enjoy fucking. They don't even enjoy having a night together. These popscicles are going to obliterate their culture. These poor saps are about to have more fun tonight than their entire civillization has had for the duration of its existence."

Jun collapsed into a pile of maid-uniform

"FUCK I'M NOT EVEN GOING TO GET PAID FOR THAT!"

"I swear to your mother Hoshiko. She better appreciate what I've done for the Empire and reward me accordingly but also not put me anywhere near the line of succession. I want an EASY LIFE not having to deal with internal politics. Also I want to be fucking TOASTED. How the fuck have we been going to this party for a so long without one fucking drink?!"


"Yes, try one of the popsicles. It will help you enjoy the party for sure!" Jun said happily and calmly.
 
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