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IC Kilo-M9 NUVA - Kini-Nui - Earth Bunker: “As this unit mentioned, primary objectives can be bypassed only in situations that require them or if higher priority objective require bypassing lower priority objectives. As an example, when kralhi units were decommissioned, primary objective to preserve this unit took precedence over objective to serve matoran. As for erasing memories, kralhi units are forbidden to erase existing memories. When citizen pacification unit program was in planning phase, Metru-Nui citizens insisted that kralhi units not erase memories until records could be stored. Concerns were raised that defective law enforcement units could erase records of incidents to avoid accountability.” OOC: @Kal the Guardian@~Xemnas~@Nato the Traveler

IC Kilo-M9 NUVA - Kini-Nui - Earth Bunker: Unknown NUVA has been identified as Sidra. Updating internal records. “The issue for this unit is not philosophical,” the machine responded to Atamai. “Primary objectives cannot be bypassed except in extreme circumstances, in which objectives are acted on by priority. Objectives are not like the toa code which can be bypassed by personal preference; they are an inherent part of this unit’s existence. Using Ally Atamai’s hypothetical example, if existing NUVAs were disabled by circumstances that placed this unit and all people in jeopardy, this unit could potentially bypass survival objective in order to ensure long-term survival. This unit cannot bypass objectives using only the hypothetical thought however.” Their conversation was interrupted by Sorilax’s suggestion. The robotic NUVA turned to observe the aspect. “Please identify yourself,” the mechanical enforcer requested. “Your suggestion is adequate. Possible power enhancing capabilities may add enough variables to enable this unit to proceed. If Ally Atamai is willing to lend Malhukuraia for these purposes testing can commence.” OOC: @Kal the Guardian@~Xemnas~@Nato the Traveler

IC Kilo-M9 NUVA - Kini-Nui - Earth Bunker: Scanning Malhukuraia. Capabilities unknown. Mech is still best chance of combatting kaiju. “This mech does seem suitable for combat against kaiju,” the machine observed. “Does mech only require one pilot to function?” The abstract-sized robot turned back to the sealed bunker. “Regarding sacrifice: sacrifice requires the loss of resources. If sacrifice can be avoided, resources will be conserved. That is efficient. This unit will avoid sacrifice when possible.” OOC: @~Xemnas~@Nato the Traveler

IC Kilo-M9 NUVA - Kini-Nui - Earth Bunker: “This unit requires energy to function. If this unit were drained of all energy with no way to recover, this unit would be dead just as much as Unknown Individual or Ally Atamai. When this unit was transformed, this unit felt death. There were tasks this unit could not finish. This unit understands why organic beings avoid dying.” The machine turned back to the door, searching for any unique marks along its surface. “These doors may function similar to puzzles. If that is the case, multiple solutions may be available. Only currently known solution completely drains energy from single NUVA, but existing results only involve tests using single NUVA. Additional testing will be required. As for permanency of energy drain, this unit requests additional information. What are these mechs unknown individual is describing?” OOC: @~Xemnas~@Nato the Traveler

IC Kilo-M9 NUVA - Kini Nui - Earth Bunker: Unknown Individual appears upset. Proposed solution appears logical. Additional explanation may help clarify. “This unit was not suggesting only others being used to open door,” the machine explained to the mysterious individual. “Ally Atamai stated that doors absorb energy. If one NUVA dies opening door, two working together should not. Is that not a logical result? Why should death be a prerequisite to open a door?” The mechanical enforcer paused a moment before continuing. “As for choice, this unit follows existing programming. What is behind door is unknown to this unit; NUVA transformation added waypoint information that is now being investigated. This unit is also programmed to survive which takes highest priority. This unit is attempting to solve conflicting orders in an efficient manner. This unit does not know Unknown Individual, but please do not misinterpret this unit’s actions.” OOC: @~Xemnas~@Nato the Traveler

IC Kilo-M9 NUVA- Kini Nui - Earth Bunker: “...That condition is unacceptable.” The machine returned its disc back to storage before turning to Atamai. “This unit’s programming does not allow self-termination. Alternate method of opening door must be found. Perhaps multiple beings working together?” OOC: @~Xemnas~@Nato the Traveler

IC Kilo-M9 NUVA- Kini Nui, Earth Portal: “Guidance is unnecessary,” the machine responded to Atamai. “This unit has been reprogrammed with coordinates.” Analyzing coordinates. Target location is nearby. Testing of new functions is possible. The newest NUVA took a moment before turning to glance in the direction of its target, a large bunker nearby with a big glowing symbol on it. It placed a metallic hand on the shoulder of Atamai and said, “Teleport.” Instantly the surroundings around the pair shifted and warped, returning to normal almost immediately. They were now in front of the mysterious glowing bunker. The mechanical enforcer started to examine the sealed door, seemingly searching for weak points. Finally it pointed its hand at the sealed entrance and stated, “Random beam.” A prismatic ray of disorganized geometric energy lanced out from its outstretched palm, lancing towards the sealed door only to be absorbed on contact. Unexpected result. Doorway appears to absorb powers. Other methods may need to be used. Retrieving disc 637 from storage. Targeting door. The former law enforcer hefted the disc of weakening, preparing to toss it at the unflinching obstacle. OOC: @~Xemnas~@Sparticus147@Nato the Traveler

IC Kilo-M9 NUVA- Kini-Koro (Earth Ruins Portal): “Rest assured, this unit will perform the tasks Creator Nuparu programmed. This unit is incapable of holding grudges against people,” the machine told Sidra. At that moment Jutori arrived only to collapse. With the portal still open those gathered could discern that the Administrator was unable to close the gateway. “Barrier thicker than a single wall is advised, Ally Atamai.” The mechanical enforcer filled in the gaps of Kat’s recounting of their adventure. In the brief but thorough explanation there was mention of the month long trek the group had taken, the mysterious suva on the way, the encounters with the blind skakdi, the village outside the temple of earth, the confrontation, and finally the escape of the rogue NUVA proxima. “Enemy Arkius being taken out by the underground skakdi is unlikely with the artifacts carried,” the machine concluded. “Both threats should be prepared for. Commander Vulimai, is the Taku currently in Kini-Koro? Allies Nale, Stannis, Knichou, Kanohi, and Collector should be informed of the wandering evil duplicate. Citizens of Tobduk-Koro should also be informed; Ally Arkius is well-respected there. Usurper Unit Nu-8020S knows the whereabouts of the ruins of fire. The ruins of fire and air should both be secured.” OOC: @Tarn@Sparticus147@~Xemnas~@The UltimoScorp@Nato the Traveler@Onaku IC Ysocla - Irnakk's Tooth: Ysocla felt the shift in the wind shortly before she tasted toxic fumes in her mouth. She gagged and stumbled, pushing herself forward to outrun the oncoming lava wall. “Disrupt their concentration!” she managed to cough back to Lady Yumiwak and Zataka. With any luck her psionically empowered allies could put a stop to the Mesi. With toxic gas bearing down on them the two Vo-skakdi managed to reach the first of the Mesi barricades. The crippled skakdi used her cane to vault over the gap that Zataka’s blast had created only to catch her hand on the still scorching edge. She stumbled and fell on the other side of the wall, rolling to the side to give Korio room to continue. She waved him on, hoping he’d start using that crossbow of his to good effect. With any luck the mesi would be too busy with the others to target her for a moment. @Tarn@EmperorWhenua@Vezok's Friend@Nato the Traveler

IC Kilo-M9 NUVA- Ruins of Earth: With the good half of Arkius safely secured, the newly created NUVA set about retrieving its scattered equipment from the dirt they had been encased within. The first stop was the area near where the NUVA device had previously protruded from the floor. Several of its discs had fallen onto the floor during the transformation. Searching that area also revealed the great disc of Ga-metru which the evil Arkius had discarded before the fight. There was no sign of the box containing the other great discs nor the Spear of Fusion that the machine had used to make it to the NUVA device. As the others tended to their wounded companion the mechanical enforcer returned to where the back half of its former body had been left. What remained was a mess of twisted metal as well as its twin swords. From the ruined half a torso the reborn robot salvaged bits of solar panel as well as its old tail, the rarest components of its old body. With equipment and salvage retrieved, the machine turned back to its allies. “Ally Kat, please help get Ally Arkius through the portal. Whatever is on the other side will be easier to deal with than the skakdi and Enemy Arkius behind us. Ally Jutori, see if the administrator knows how to close this portal. Enemies may follow after us, which is not ideal. This unit will take the lead.” With instructions given, the machine stepped through the portal. What greeted the construct was the sight of lovely rolling hills and pleasant weather, a far cry from the dark underground that it had explored for the past month. In front of it stood a wide open temple of some sort, other gates visible in the distance. Off to the side of the ruins was a town of all things, with various races hard at work. In front of it stood a collection of matoran aiming discs at it and a couple other onlookers. The machine took a defensive stance while it took stock of the situation. Scanning possible combatants. Matches found. Matoran are all citizens of Metru-Koro. Ally Atamai identified. Citizen Vulimai identified. Terrain is lush with access to water and good defensive foundations. Conclusion: this village cannot be Metru-Koro. “Greetings Ally Atamai, citizen Vulimai,” the machine said, relaxing its stance. “Please identify this location.” OOC: @Tarn@The UltimoScorp@Eyru@Nato the Traveler@Sparticus147@~Xemnas~ IC Ysocla - Irnakk's Tooth: With the sudden onset of lava dealt with by Lady Yumiwak and Zai, Ysocla took off after Korio, noting that her compatriot was letting her stay close. It was almost certainly because Lady Yumiwak had ordered both of them forward, but she appreciated the consideration nonetheless. What she did not appreciate was the tactics used by this group of mesi. Hiding behind the cover of fog and walls in order to launch a surprise attack was such a cowardly move. She would just have to show them the errors of their ways. Taking Korio’s hand with her non-cane hand, she let the other vo-skakdi lead her forwards as she gazed deeper down the tunnel with her x-ray vision. With the light from the Nightmare Pits around the corner and the glow of Zataka’s blast, she could identify five Mesi lying in wait. I’ve got you in my sights. She gave Korio’s hand a quick squeeze to signal her intent, the two Vo-skakdi’s powers activating and merging together in the form of an orb of electrical energy in their handshake. Thrusting their arms forwards, a brilliant bolt of lightning shot down the tunnel above the mesi’s fortifications. Upon clearing the last barrier, the bolt split into five smaller bolts directed at each of the enemy combatants. OOC: @EmperorWhenua@Vezok's Friend@Tarn@Nato the Traveler

IC Kilo-M9 NUVA- Ruins of Earth: Updates are being downloaded. Please do not shut down your computer. 57% complete. 62% complete. 76% complete. 84% complete. 99% complete. 97% complete. 99% complete. 100% complete. Updates are being installed. Restarting... Citizen Pacification Unit OS Ver. N.U.V.A. unit designation K1R1 Kilo-M9 NUVA. Rear torso and leg functionality restored. New features activated. Horizons expanded. New waypoint has been discovered. Adding to task list. Current tasks: 1. Check status of allies Jutori, Kat, and Arkius. 2. Investigate unknown waypoint. Out of the portal emerged a fundamentally changed machine, but behind the golden glow that emitted from the visor on its new mask, Jutori and Kat could recognize the familiar gaze of their robotic companion. It took a moment, observing the now earth-filled room. No doubt it was the work of the group’s newly-created enemy. Jutori’s urgency drew the reborn robot’s attention to the whereabouts of the good half of Arkius. Stepping past the pair of toa, the mechanical enforcer began to remove what seemed like shovel-loads of dirt with each swing of its upgraded arms. Digging someone out of a cave-in was much easier than digging yourself out, and soon the face of their trapped ally was revealed, covered in mud from his predicament. A bit more digging allowed the group to pull the duplicate toa from his dirt tomb. “Did allies observe which way Enemy Arkius went?” the machine asked, though the voice that emerged was not the series of different voices taking turns the group was used to. Instead the words of the kralhi were composed of all different voices speaking at once, a harmony of different tones and intonations speaking each word in unison. OOC: @Onaku@The UltimoScorp@Tarn@Eyru

Name: Citizen Pacification Unit K1R1 Kilo-M9 NUVA Breed: Kralhi NUVA Faction: Refugees Brief Description: Kilo-M9 was a standard Kralhi in shape and size, a scorpion-like mechanical creation about the size of three Toa clumped together. Since the NUVA transformation, additional armor plating and motors have been added to its chassis and limbs, increasing its strength and durability in addition to making it even larger. It has four legs which are able to grip all manner of surfaces and two arms that are usually holding its tools, two wide curved blades for defending itself and the remaining refugees. The back of its body has now been replaced by a silver replica featuring two more legs and a prehensile tail with two prongs for emitting energy bubbles. Small solar panels are scattered amongst its rear armor. Its forelegs and head are metru green, with the rest of its front body and arms being black for camouflage in its home metru, the paint having been refreshed after its transformation. Silver lines extend from the back half of its chassis, passing around to the front of the torso and over its mask before ending in larger blobs, similar to raindrops sliding down a window. Side compartments on the main body contain storage compartments for Kanoka discs and other materials. On its face is a permanent expression of determined authority which can come across as more terrifying than intended though its visage is now covered by the kanohi Hiko it wears. Unlike the rest of Kilo’s form the mask is much more organic in appearance and texture. It now has golden eyes during normal operations but will switch to a red-orange color during combat situations or dim them entirely for stealth. Though it still has two eyes, the visor on its new mask catches the light from its optics and appears as a solid gold or red glowing bar on its face. Background/Occupation: Kilo-M9 is but one of many Kralhi that were created by Nuparu as a predecessor to the Vahki. This particular unit was assigned to the Onu-Metru region, warding overly curious tourists and archivists away from restricted zones and assisting with the often frequent break-out attempts by the exhibits. Unfortunately, the Kralhi’s method of enforcing order by draining the energy of troublemakers was deemed an issue as the affected individuals were too dizzy or exhausted to work for a while after an encounter with the law. Turage Dume commissioned the Vahki as replacements and ordered the Kralhi’s destruction, but the machines would not go quietly. Many rebelled against their fate and were forced out of the city. Others took up hiding in the various Metru. Kilo-M9 is one such unit. After fighting off several attempts at deactivation by Vahki squads the battered law enforcer took up residence in the deeper sections of the archives. The network of tunnels provided ample space to hide and make repairs. Despite its isolation and betrayal, the unit is still given purpose by the same primary objectives: 1. Preserve this unit at all costs 2. Bring efficiency to the city 3. Protect and serve the Matoran 4. Eliminate the kaiju that roam the island Despite the necessity of staying hidden lest the Vahki resume attacking it, Kilo M9 has mostly resumed its primary duties patrolling the sublevels of the Archives, assisting individuals out of the restricted areas whether they want to or not. Shortly after Turaga Dume’s announcement to search for the great discs, Kilo-M9 encountered a wandering band of disc hunters in the archives. After a brief altercation the machine joined them on their quest, leading it around the city. Eventually the mechanical enforcer found its way back to the archives, where it killed the warlord Mantax and his men with help from other allies. Upon escaping the archives, the end of the universe occurred. Initially, Kilo-M9 ended up residing in the newly created city of Metru-koro. After an adjustment period, Kilo took up a role in patrolling around the city or taking watch on the wall for incoming threats. That lasted until being reunited with its Odd Company companions, along with new additions Zadred and the Collector. Together once more the group embarked on an expedition around the northern coast of the island. They encountered a fortress and the corpses of the once inhabitants before making their way to the Ruins of Stone. After completing the puzzles there and discovering the great discs, the group split up with Kilo in the group that traveled to the constantly under attack village of Po-koro. After a brief confrontation with the Vahki that had arrived there, the group were immediately put to work dealing with a massive flod caused by the tahtorak Nektann. As the rains died down, Atamai returned after his trip to the past with 5 of the 6 great discs in tow. After moving the surviving villagers to the new settlement of Tobduk-koro outside the stone ruins, Kilo ventured in with its companions and witnesses Atamai and Arkius’ transformations into NUVA and NUVA proxima. Reasoning that the NUVA devices may empower the user with the kanoka power of the great disc used and knowing the hooros that the onu-metru great disc can inflict, Kilo along with Jutori, Arkius, and new companion Kat ventured forth in search of the ruins of earth. Their search was successful, but tensions arose between Arkius and the others. Upon reaching the NUVA device a confrontation occurred during which Kilo was ripped in half by the earth toa’s abilities. As the struggle continued Kilo split Arkius into good and bad halves using the Spear of Fusion before making its way over to and activating the NUVA device. Flaws: Only as good as its programmer: Kralhi are able to analyze opponents and devise plans to deal with them based on their abilities and traits. However, the machines are limited in their ability to think on the fly, and quick improvisation can trip them up. Kilo-M9 is limited by its primary objectives and will follow them at all costs. It will not take violent action against Metru-Nui citizens unless hostile action is taken against it or there are conflicts with objectives 1 and 2. Do not submerge: Kilo-M9 cannot swim and will avoid having to submerge its body whenever possible. Additional NUVA Psychological Flaws: Shout, Shout, Let It All Out/Mecha Protagonist: Kilo-M9 is unable to use its NUVA abilities unless it vocalizes the name of the ability in question. Louder vocalization results in stronger effects. I am altering the deal: A new primary objective has been added to Kilo’s programming to eliminate the kaiju that roam the island. Powers/Equipment: Kralhi have strong mechanical joints making it somewhat stronger than the average Toa. It is able to climbs on walls and cling to ceilings with its clawed feet and can remain still and silent for long periods of time, making it surprisingly good at hiding. It is programmed to be skilled at hand to hand combat with its blades, and while it has primarily fought Rahi it is no stranger to having to engage in battle with the more sentient creatures of Metru-Nui. The robotic nature of its body allows for unnatural limb rotation ranges as well as a resistance or immunity to most abilities that specifically affect minds or organic material due to lacking either of those. Its signature weapon is the energy bubble generator in its tail. The tail launches bolts of energy that when striking a target encases it in a bubble which lifts into the air and begins draining their energy into the Kralhi. Said bubbles can drain energy at a fast enough rate to knock out an unsuspecting Matoran or exhausted Toa within minutes. The bubbles are difficult to break out of from the inside and do not burst upon contact with walls or ceilings. Direct force needs to be applied to escape. Once trapped the karlhi can subtly influence the trajectory of the bubble’s drifting. Kilo-M9 also carries on its person a selection of Kanoka discs, usually 3 weaken discs and 3 regeneration discs of various power levels which it uses against opponents in combat and for field repairs, respectively. It acquires these from individuals it helps and from hunting stray Vahki units that wander into its jurisdiction. Finally, Kilo-M9 features a voice recording functionality which enables it to play back any words or phrases it hears. While it can speak Matoran freely at ultrasonic frequencies much like the Vahki, it usually uses edited and rearranged phrases to communicate with Matoran and other sentient beings. The NUVA transformation has given it the ability to talk using its own voice, though it usually defaults to pre-existing phrases. Since increasing its interaction with others the amount of words in its internal dictionary has expanded. In addition, its puzzle solving skills have increased since it started its adventures, and it has a low power speed disc with one charge left in its possession. During the evacuation of Metru-nui by the refugees, the kralhi was able to salvage a solar panel and integrate it into its body, enabling operations away from power sources. Additional NUVA Breed Quirks Kilo-M9 may wear kanohi masks and use their powers and is now able to use the elemental power of air at an extremely high level. In addition the kralhi can now concentrate and fire a beam of energy with the reconstitute at random ability at a target within its sight. These breed quirks can be shared with up to two other willing creatures within line of sight and elemental range. Kilo-M9 can also place a portion of its elemental power into a pre-specified elemental effect that can be delayed to a time of its choosing. Until the pre-specified effect occurs, it can share its Elemental Power, Breed Quirks, and NUVA Kanohi with one less willing creature per elemental effect for a maximum of two delayed elemental effects. Kilo is now the living key for a Kaita ACR Patiwairutiki and is its primary pilot. Equipment: In addition to the standard curved blades of a kralhi, Kilo-M9 carries a variety of kanoka of weakness and regeneration in varying power levels. It also has the great disc of ga-metru that Atamai retrieved from the past Zakaz. Kilo now wears the NUVA kanohi Hiko, the great mask of jumping. The Kanohi Hiko allows the user to jump between real locations in a flash. The Hiko allows for unlimited distance between locales, since it is not based on direct sight, but rather on images. The user can simply look at a picture of a location, or recall a memory of a location, and instantly "jump" there. If the location is unknown, then the picture must be explicit for the Hiko to work, for there is no room for error; any confusion in the moment of the jump will have grave and potentially mortal consequences. The user can also transport up to twice their own body weight with the mask, meaning they can jump with up to two other people or equivalent equipment. The Hiko does not allow for transportation through time or new dimensions. In the Temple of Water, Kilo-M9 obtained a set of adaptive armor made by Knichou. This nanite-based construct forms a film on the NUVA's outer surface that can adapt to changing environmental conditions. It also obtained a kanohi akaku with telescopic lens as well as a kanohi rau.

IC Ysocla - Irnakk's Tooth: Ysocla leaned against the wall for support as a psionic scream washed over her. She rubbed her head gingerly as the noise subsided and pushed herself back to a standing position. Hang on, that voice is Lady Yumiwak, she realized. The Vo-skakdi started to rush down the tunnel when a mysterious fog obscured her vision. Don’t tell me this place isn’t done messing with us. Focusing her x-ray vision once more, she was relieved to discover that this fog could be penetrated by her ability. That means someone else is creating this haze. The Mesi, no doubt. She began to carefully and quietly make her way down the tunnel, keeping an eye out for potential combatants, only to run into Lady Yumiwak and Zai resting against the wall. The two had clearly broken free of their nightmares recently. The engineer moved to help both of them up. “Are you two okay?” she whispered. “Try to stay quiet; the Mesi are likely close by.” OOC: @EmperorWhenua@Tarn@Vezok's Friend @Nato the Traveler

IC Ysocla - Irnakk's Tooth: Having left the disturbing vision behind, Ysocla rushed down the tunnel, practically hopping on her one good leg at times. She slowed her pace as she approached the next bend, preparing for the possibility of enemies, only to suddenly stop when she rounded the bend and saw Zataka. The titan seemed to have heard the vo-skakdi’s prior escape maneuver, an assumption that was confirmed immediately when she asked Ysocla about it. “You know how skakdi have an additional random power besides their elements?” she began to explain. “My extra ability is linked more directly to my element than most. With that connection there’s some, how would I put it, after effects that come with it." She continued, “I needed to use it to escape from some... bad memories. I had heard that the Irnakk’s Tooth used your fears against you, but I wasn’t expecting something quite so visceral. I guess the term ‘Nightmare Pits’ is an apt one.” The engineer took a closer look at her reluctant ally. There was something new in the warlord’s expression besides the usual self-confidence she projected. Something must have happened to her. “I take it from the fact that I managed to catch up to you that you experienced a similar vision?” Ysocla asked, beginning to walk down the tunnel once more. OOC: @EmperorWhenua@Tarn@Vezok's Friend

I can't make it to any of those times. Would it be possible to record the roast and toast for those who can't make it?

IC Ysocla - Irnakk's Tooth - In which Ysocla goes on a trip down memory lane: As the trio of skakdi began their pursuit after the Mesi group, Yumiwak and Korio sprinted ahead of Ysocla. Zataka soon raced past the hobbling skakdi, not paying her any mind. As the rocky terrain of the volcanic tunnel they were traversing began to noticeably slope downwards the ground became much rougher and harder to traverse for someone with only one functioning leg. Already her companions had vanished ahead of her, obscured by the twists and turns of the trail they traveled. Ysocla herself attempted to increase her pace, taking bolder steps and practically rowing herself forwards with her cane. The non-handicap accessible path tripped her up soon after and she fell to the ground, sword-cane clattering along the ground away from her grasp as she rolled to a stop. She painfully rolled onto her stomach and glanced around for her cane but couldn’t find it through a cloud of smoke that had begun to fill the tunnelway. Attempts to gaze through the smoke with her x-ray vision proved futile and she sighed and started crawling along the ground, dragging her shattered leg behind her. Like a nearsighted individual trying to find their dropped glasses Ysocla searched the ground for her cane, finding nothing as she ran her hands over the floor. After a minute or two without success she paused a moment to wipe the sweat that had formed on her brow. The air was warm and devoid of moisture given the volcanic setting so she wasn’t surprised by how exhausted she was getting. A familiar burning scent in the smoke pooling around her gave her pause before she could write it off as another volcanic effect. She considered the implications for a moment before resolving to continue searching. The break in scanning proved to be what she needed, as her altered perspective revealed her trusty tool a few arm lengths away through the haze. A bit of crawling later had her holding her trusty walking stick once more. She began to prop herself back onto her feet when a blue hand reached down to offer her assistance. Gazing up to identify her would be helper, an all too familiar face awaited her. The giant sneer on the face that looked back at her was matched by the increasing scowl on her own. “Hey there sis,” said the lavender-eyed figure. “Need a hand?” As the recognition at who was standing in front her set in, Ysocla immediately moved to bat away the blue skakdi’s hand. Her slap made no contact, as her brother’s hand simply dissolved into wisps of smoke at her touch. The azure skakdi chuckled to himself as the engineer struggled back to her feet. Now standing a head taller than the younger skakdi, Ysocla stared past him over his head and continued walking forward, not even hesitating when his body dispersed into smoke. The same familiar burning smell filled the air where he had once stood, but Ysocla continued walking. Around the next corner in the tunnel, she was not surprised to encounter her brother once more, leaning against the side of the tunnel with as much swagger as an egotistical teen could manage. He gave a quick wave as she approached which she did not return before walking beside her down the tunnel. Resting his hands behind his head, he began whistling to himself before turning around and walking backwards down the tunnel, keeping pace with his unwilling companion’s hobbling. “You know, I don’t blame you, not for anything,” the youthful skakdi finally said. “Sure, mom and dad wanted you to live differently, but it’s worked out so far for you, right? I mean, you haven’t changed anything for the better yet, but at least you still have your own two legs to stand on.” He glanced down at her shattered leg before laughing. “Oh wait, you don’t even have that! Funny how good intentions work out.” The pair traveled deeper around a few more corners until the next bend revealed a doorway rather than more tunnel. Simple wooden planks made up the wall surrounding the basic red door. Some ramshackle windows with white trim were placed on either side of the door, though Ysocla could not see what was behind them. She continued forwards as her brother stayed behind, staring at her as she left. A curious feeling made her extend a hand out as she reached the wall, only to discover that she could not pass through it; It was a solid a wall as it had been back when it was part of her childhood home. A quick turn of the knob revealed the door to be unlocked, and Ysocla had a pretty good idea who would be waiting on the other side. Looking back showed her only the tunnel she had come from and her brother’s mischievous grin. She elected to enter the house. The temperature and intensity of the burning smell was much greater inside. Looking around Ysocla noted that the mysterious force that was creating this environment had done a good job recreating her home. The main entrance opened to the living room, with the kitchen off to the left, more a fire pit and pantry than a fully-stocked food-prep area. Along the wall she could see the closet she had been locked inside many times as well as the doorway to the multiple bedrooms. Scattered around were several lamps providing dim illumination and various mementos and trophies, among which were a number of carvings on the wall of Ysocla and her relatives. Unlike the real deal, each of these carvings had scorch marks where any face other than Ysocla’s would have been. The living room had a three person sofa and two recliners arranged around a small table, and it was in one of these recliners that her brother was sitting, resting his feet upon the table’s surface. Leaning back on the sofa were her parents, both with large toothy smiles. “Hey Yso. Long time no see.” “We’ve missed you so much.” “Dad. Mom,” Ysocla replied. “Got so impatient waiting for me to sleep that you decided to come haunt me during the day as well?” “Now now, there’s no need to have an attitude. Have a seat so we can catch up.” Ysocla was immediately regretting coming in, but a glance behind her revealed that the front door had vanished, leaving a blank wall in its place. She slowly made her way over to the remaining recliner, checking its solidity before sitting down in it. Despite being sure it would support her she found herself falling through it onto the floor. Ignoring the round of laughter that filled the room, Ysocla took another scan of her surroundings. No windows existed inside the house, and the door she had entered through had vanished as well. She was once again trapped with the people she hated most. Her frustration with the situation was dispelled momentarily by the appearance of one particular carving resting on a nearby end table. One half of it depicted Ysocla with a genuine smile on her face, the last time she could remember that happening. The other half had been broken off, now nothing more than crumbled rubble resting next to its other half, but Ysocla knew all too well who was depicted in it. She could hear her father begin some sort of spiel about the futility of her chosen path, but she was too distracted by the carving to listen. *** Ysocla is just a skaklet, visiting the village blacksmith with her mother. She’s there to pick her very first weapon. Along the walls of the shop are a variety of deadly implements of differing materials and makes. Her parents direct her towards a variety of heavy clubs, their weapons of choice. Instead, she finds herself gravitating towards a sword hanging in a somewhat neglected area of the shop. She picks it up and tests the weight, a small cloud of dust blowing away as the blade is moved for the first time since its display. While swords are frequently used weapons in skakdi society, most stories passed down do not feature them in the best light. Many of the tales Ysocla’s parents tell her feature heroic warlords wielding swords gaining power and standing by uniting the masses, often by performing valiant deeds or by sheer charisma. At the apex of their power, these good-inclined individuals are defeated swiftly, either by the arrival of one more powerful than they, or by being betrayed by a close ally. Whether it’s stories of skakdi or the people that lived on the island before them, the message is always the same: look out for only yourself, and don’t be distracted by the appeal of heroics. Only by being selfish can you be successful. Ysocla takes these stories to heart by ignoring the endings. Surely there must be a way to succeed with your principles intact. Her parents often attempt to smack some sense into her to no avail. *** A few years pass. Her brother has been born, though he is far too young to engage in any physical activity. Ysocla herself is sparring with her father outside their home, wielding her sword against his club. Attempts to contest her strength against the older skakdi prove fruitless, so she resorts to dodging until an opportunity presents itself. A quick duck under a horizontal swing allows the azure skakdi to slice into one of her opponent’s legs. He is forced to his knee as blood flows from the cut. Feeling that the spar has been won, Ysocla turns back to celebrate. A club to the face shatters her feeling of triumph, as well as several of her teeth. Tears flow from her eyes and blood fills her mouth as she rolls back and forth on the ground. Her father insists that she stop crying, that her teeth will grow back and that she needs to not strike without hesitation, to not stop until she is sure she has won. Ysocla is too busy dealing with the agony she is currently experiencing to respond. *** More years pass. Her teeth broken baby teeth have been replaced by adult teeth, though the memory of the pain still lingers. Ysocla’s father leads her to a cage he has set up outside the house. Inside is a kavinika that begins barking loudly as they approach. It attempts to claw them but is unable to reach through the cage. While Ysocla is observing the canine, her father grabs her from behind and opens the cage door, tossing her inside before locking it. He informs her that he expects either her or the kavinika to be dead come morning, and goes back inside to eat dinner. The sound of growling causes her to turn around, and she looks at the canine more closely. While still in shape, it has clearly not been fed in some time, and it regards her with a predatory glint in its eyes. They grapple with each other, Ysocla trying her best not to hurt the creature, knowing that it only attacks out of desperate hunger. The fight continues all through the night until both are too exhausted to stand. By the time her father emerges from the house in the morning, the two combatants have reached something of an understanding. While disappointed that both are still alive, he does release Ysocla from the cage and hands her a plate of food. Her father hefts his club and moves towards the starving kavinika, but Ysocla stops him and insists that she’ll take care of the creature. He shrugs and returns to the house, leaving her and the canine alone once more. She offers some food to the creature who eventually accepts, and she decides to name him Tika, after a particularly just hero from a folk story. He was eventually slain by a rival tribe to show them that their way of life was futile, but she didn’t feel like mentioning that to the canine. *** Still more years pass. Ysocla and Tika are a nearly inseparable duo, traveling everywhere together. Her brother has become older and is now partaking in some of the rites of passages she did long ago. He fares far better due to embracing the selfish ways of the skakdi. Meanwhile, skakdi and kavinika are embarking on regular hunting trips out into the wilderness, giving both a chance to avoid home. One day, her parents send her to town to fetch more lamp oil for the house. They insist that she leave Tika behind as the townsfolk won’t respond well to a wolf in their borders. She agrees and leaves to complete the errand, which is finished without incident. After entering the home and setting down the flammable supplies, she is greeted by her relatives and Tika all assembled in the living room. Tika has been muzzled and is attached to the ground by a chain. “Yso, we’ve given you a fair bit of independence over the years, hoping you’d find your path in life,” her father begins. “But time and time again you’ve shown us that you can’t seem to figure things out for yourself.” He gestures to her brother, who is hefting a club over Tika’s head. Realization starts to set in. Her father continues, “Now your brother here who actually gets it is going to help us teach you the most important lesson you can learn: you can’t go relying on others.” She reaches out in futility to stop what’s coming. The club comes down, and Tika is gone. *** “Every event in your life ends in pain, Ysocla,” her mother explained. “Surely you must realize that continuing on this way isn’t going to change anything.” Ysocla looked around, finding herself back in the present. She was standing again, her parents and brother in front of her in the same formation they were back then. Her brother stepped forward, putting his arms on her shoulders. “Sis, you’re just one person,” he said. “You have to wake up now, listen to your family. We just want what’s best for you.” She gazed into his eyes, examining his expression. There was some sincerity there, a real pleading. In some ways her relatives had a point. Trying to make the world a just place had cost her the family she loved and the use of her leg with no real improvement to show for it. Perhaps a more selfish path would lead to greater success. A moment passed as the two siblings stared at each other before she plunged her blade into his chest. As the familiar expression of shock showed on his face she pulled him closer and said the same words to him that she had back then. “My family is dead, slain by your hand.” She kicked him back, letting his body slide off her blade and crumple to the floor. A roar of rage came from her parents, who stepped forwards to fight, but a single slash cut them both down. She stepped over the bodies and the rapidly growing pool of blood and removed one of the lanterns from the wall. A faint gurgle came from behind her, and she turned to look down at her dying relatives. “Foolish... girl...” her mother murmured. “Never... succeed...” Ysocla smashed the lantern on the floor, the fire rapidly spreading around the room and igniting her parents and sibling. “I’d rather die trying to make things better than live in this awful world.” As the smell of smoke and burning flesh filled the room, Ysocla realized that unlike in the past, this house didn’t have any exits. She attempted to break through the walls without much success as it became harder to breath. In desperation she used her x-ray vision once more. Much to her surprise the path forward was revealed through the walls and smoke. She focused on that area, willing herself to be there, and felt her body entering an electrified state. A crack of thunder rang out through the tunnel as the bolt of lightning that was Ysocla coalesced back into her skakdi form. She tripped on the rough terrain as she reformed and fell to the ground, sword and cane sheath clattering along the ground away from her grasp as she rolled to a stop. The azure skakdi pulled herself to her knees, looking around the tunnel. The smoke and burning smell was no longer present, and her weapon and cane were easily visible. She had escaped the vision this tunnel had trapped her in. Pulling herself over to her equipment, she noticed that her sword was wet with blood. The vo-skakdi stared at it for a moment before flicking the blood off the blade. She pulled herself to her feet and continued onward, hoping to run into the others soon. OOC: @EmperorWhenua@Tarn@Vezok's Friend You might hear a crack of thunder in the tunnel behind you. IC Kilo-M9 - Ruins of Earth: As Kat regarded the strange writing on the wall, the machine pondered a different set of writing. “Administrator, the ruins of stone featured writing in an unknown language on the walls in the initial chamber,” the robot said. “Why did these ruins not feature similar writing?” OOC: @Eyru@Tarn@Onaku@The UltimoScorp

IC Kilo-M9 - Ruins of Earth: The machine took a moment to retrieve the disc of weakening from where it had landed before taking a look down the newly-created hole. Dropping down would lead to a somewhat long drop onto jagged spikes below. Instead, the protodermis protector moved back towards the original door. Arkius’ celebration next to the lower door was soon interrupted by a second round of cracking sounds, followed shortly by a rain of dust from the transparent floor above. If he looked up he would see his robotic companion storing the weakness disc once more before carefully climbing down the new hole, swinging its clawed legs onto the ceiling of the lower doorway. Finding purchase in the earth of the earthen tunnel the machine was able to climb down the walls back to a right-side up orientation. With everyone gathered in the lower level, they'd be able to travel down the newly-discovered doorway. OOC: @Onaku@Tarn@The UltimoScorp@Eyru

IC Kilo-M9 - Ruins of Earth: Target area is clear. Firing. The machine let the weakness disc fly forth, calculated aim leading the projectile to the center of the floor where Arkius had previously cracked it. OOC: @Onaku@The UltimoScorp@Tarn@Eyru

IC Kilo-M9 - Ruins of Earth: New group observation: Floor is not a mirror. Door to progress is under transparent floor. New objective: Clear obstacle. Retrieving disc 435 from storage. Alerting allies. From its position by one of the gears, the machine began to climb onto the crystals along its segment of wall. During this movement it reached into one of its side compartments, removing a disc of Ko-metru origin. It prepared to launch the projectile before glancing at its allies. “Please clear the area and find secure handholds as desired. This unit will remove the obstacle.” Jutori and possibly Arkius would find this setup very familiar. OOC: @Onaku@The UltimoScorp@Tarn@Eyru

IC Kilo-M9 - Ruins of Earth: Problem =/= solved. Analyzing existing room state and prior room state. The machine hung back as the others headed for the door that had opened examining the room. The Administrator’s words soon confirmed that something was off. As the robot scanned the area, it took note of where the doors were located in the room, which door the reflection of a door was located, and whether that was the doorway they had used to enter the room. OOC: @Onaku@The UltimoScorp@Tarn@Eyru

IC Kilo-M9 - Ruins of Earth: With all four members of the group holding different handles around the room, all that remained was to try their unity against the puzzle. “Attempt to pull the levers on the count of three,” the machine stated, attempting to coordinate its allies. “One, two, three.” The group attempted to move their levers simultaneously. While doing so the machine glanced at the reflective floor, attempting to determine whether the gears were in the reflection despite most everything else being different. OOC: @Onaku@The UltimoScorp@Tarn@Eyru

IC Kilo-M9 - Ruins of Earth: New problem: Gear does not turn. Does not appear to be a strength based issue. Current step: Test remaining gears for functionality. Identify other environmental devices. “Possibly,” the machine responded, beginning to make its way over to the next gear. “This unit will test other gears. High probability that if gears are to be moved, other steps must be taken first. Ally Jutori should begin room examination. This unit recommends looking for patterns. Examples include odd colors, noticeable shapes in crystal formations, items that do not appear in floor reflection or only appear in floor reflection.” As the puzzle-solving protector reached the second gear and gave it a turn, it began speaking to The Administrator. “Creatures similar to skakdi live outside these ruins. Do they enter these ruins at all?” It looked closely at the nearby crystals for any hint at a device the gear might be connected to. Perhaps the crystals were not entirely opaque. Regardless, it would proceed to the last two gears if nothing happened and turn them. OOC: @Onaku@The UltimoScorp@Tarn@Eyru

IC Kilo-M9 - Ruins of Earth: Running ProblemSolve.exe V2.7 Problem = pathway forward is blocked. Pathway back is blocked. Observations: Floor is reflective, but does not show reflections of this unit, allies, and Toa Arkius. Gears on outer edges of room. Handles indicates manual turning is intended. The Administrator stated “Those who prayed here sought the insight to navigate the distorted reflections of reality and discern truth.” Possible clue to puzzle solution. Current step: Determine purpose of gears. While Kat attempted to obtain information from their electronic overseer, the clockwork construct made its way over to the closest gear and started to turn the handle, watching for any changes to the environment. OOC: @Tarn@Eyru@Onaku@The UltimoScorp

IC Kilo-M9 - Ruins of Earth: “As this unit recalls, Arkius only received powers by being next to Ally Atamai when the NUVA device was activated, while this unit and Ally Jutori actually helped solve the ruin puzzles,” the machine observed as the group entered the next room. OOC: @Eyru@Onaku@The UltimoScorp@Tarn

IC Ysocla - Tactical Panda II, Irnakk's Tooth: Ysocla carefully lowered herself off the side of the Panda before ambling after Korio and Yumiwak. Much to her dismay there wasn’t any way that Justice would fit within the tight tunnels of Irnakk’s Tooth. Probably wouldn’t be a good idea to bring it inside this place even if it could fit, she thought to herself. Encountering Mesi in this area was a bit unusual as they mostly stuck to their holes in the ground. While Ysocla didn’t have much ire with the Mesi, every encounter she had previously experienced with them had been hostile, and she had no desire to let them take the initiative. Fighting them wasn’t exactly just, but it was going to be necessary. “I’ll take the rear,” she told the others as they entered the tunnels. “Feel free to run ahead if you’re intent on catching them. I may not be suited for the terrain, but I’ll catch up eventually if need be.” OOC: @EmperorWhenua@Tarn

IC Kilo-M9 - Ruins of Earth Scanning for unusual wording on walls. No words detected. Ceiling similarly empty. Barrier on exit has not formed yet. Puzzles will likely begin in next room. Preparing for possible skakdi encounters. As its allies discussed the nutritional situation, the mechanical enforcer was busy scanning the walls, eyes lit up brighter than normal to increase visibility. After a brief glance at everything, the machine turned back to the group. “This unit assumed Ally Katrin’s dietary decisions were a personal choice,” the construct observed. “Regardless, this unit recommends progressing.” So saying, the machine proceeded forward into the next room. OOC: @Eyru@Onaku@Tarn@The UltimoScorp