Peace between worlds

[srwu_npc3]

"The Spirit Emperor said that I understand the importance of my duty, and he isn't wrong. When the time comes, I will go to Balmar, as the Priestess of Zehirut."

"But until I am needed there, I wish to stay on Earth. Experience more and more of it - and I have all of you to thank for the opportunity to do so."

Armana's thanks are extended to all members of Project Unification, and she's not the only friendly Balmarian now. Apparently ESUN and Balmar have achieved peace, and a large Huleh is now landed near Alhambra. Its crew are mostly Balmarian cloned soldiers who don't have anything important to say - but not only them.


"Until that time comes, I will guard the Princess with my life. I am Luria of the Qayits noble house. We met on the battlefield twice, but I hope we can coexist in peace now."


"Wa ha ha! Well said. After all the Spirit Emperor nominated me, Baran Doban, as the Balmarian representative to Earth, so we should get along. And though we are finally at peace, I must commend you: You fought well, warriors of Earth! Such determination and tenacity, it reminds me of myself in my younger days."

Wish you to talk to the Balmarian Princess - or perhaps one of her colorful bodyguards?

Comments

[majestic_keiki]

[There's a skinny Rabbit talking to you, Luria.]

You were a soldier doing your job.

[srwu_npc4]

"So were you. For what happened on the battlefield, I don't harbor any grudges, or hard feelings."
Even if Luria was beaten pretty badly on both occassions.

[majestic_keiki]

Yeah.

How does it all work with the Zehirut and how it needs sacrifices? Is it magic?

[srwu_npc4]

"It's not mere parlor tricks. Zehirut is our god - the giant crystals you saw are mere copies, manifestations of his form in this world."

"The Spirit Emperor communes with Zehirut and channels his power. Through him, all of Balmar may exist. But that attunement grows weaker over time. To sustain it, a sacrifice of life force must be made, one of someone who is also very close to Zehirut. The Priestess of Zehirut."

[majestic_keiki]

How does he allow you to exist? Power source? Ancient curse he's staving off? Something entirely different?

[srwu_npc4]

"..."


"It's alright, Luria. I'll tell her. It's because of the Apocalypsis."

[majestic_keiki]

And the way it's destroying Balmar would have done it if the Zehirut didn't keep it at bay or mitigated the effects?

[srwu_npc3]

"I'm afraid so. Apocalypsis is a world-ending force whose power can manifest in an incredible variety of ways. Even now, it rains on Balmar as a meteorite shower... and we need the Spirit Emperor's power to stave it off."

[majestic_keiki]

I wonder how that works. Seems like other planets have different ways to handle it too.

[srwu_npc3]

"Apocalypsis threatens all sentient life in the galaxy. The Wulgaru genes failing are a facet of its influence... but even if it is defeated somehow, a new crisis will appear shortly after."

"But, the Spirit Emperor can push off the threat, not just for Balmar but for everyone. At least, for a time..."

[majestic_keiki]

So what causes Apocalypsis? It's clearly not a natural phenomenon the way hurricanes or comets are given how many ways it can manifest.

[srwu_npc3]

"I... don't know. I don't even know if it is truly sentient or just something inevitable but acting without purpose."

"But it is a force just as dangerous as the Lady. Possibly even more - I think there might be some connection. The Lady is trying to come back just as Apocalypsis grew so much stronger."

[majestic_keiki]

Both threaten the universe in different ways. Maybe one dominates the other, maybe they're partners or even manifestations of the same thing.

[srwu_npc3]

"I wish I knew more about it. When it is time for me to return to Balmar, you will have a chance of an audience with the Spirit Emperor. He will share his vast knowledge with you, I'm certain."

[majestic_keiki]

Okay. It seems important to understand.

Any

[caressedthedarkness]

...What of the pilots of the two superweapons?

They do not seem like the type to agree to this...

[srwu_npc4]

"They're a troublesome duo, aren't they? But they have their orders, and no one's orders are more important than the Spirit Emperor's! No Balmarian would even think of disobeying them."

[caressedthedarkness]

So they have been sent back for now...?

[srwu_npc4]

"That's right! You won't see them any time soon."

[caressedthedarkness]

Well...it is just that...there seemed to be much more to them than just following orders...

Among us there are those with similar circumstances behind their birth. Perhaps it is too naive for me to think that they can coexist.

[srwu_npc4]

"You'll find Balmar full of clones, young one. Only the Noble House members were born the normal way, and then not all of them."

[caressedthedarkness]

Are all of them...like that?

[srwu_npc4]

"Many clones are created only to listen to orders. To be soldiers or servants - others are made with more autonomy. But they all have their own tasks..." Baran Doban looks thoughtful there for a moment.

"Still it means they are all different! Just like other people."

Armana and Luria

[prismphantom]

Well... say what you want about him but your Spirit Emperor certainly knew how to stop a war.

And neither of you're too shaken up, are you?

[srwu_npc3]

"Selena! No, I am perfectly fine. That was a very surprising action, the one you took, but I managed to somehow move the Varuch Ishar to safety."


"Of course. The Spirit Emperor has only well-being and future of Balmar in mind. All his actions serve to make sure that future may come."

[prismphantom]

Well... thanks to him we have peace in space unless I'm missing a race or three out there. And soon another component of the Discovery too.

There's just...

[... Selena pauses for a moment, looking at Armana.]

... It won't hurt, will it?

[srwu_npc3]

"I... don't know." Armana decides not to lie. It's not that her track record with them is any good.

"But it will be worth it. It's just me, giving up one life to save countless others. It may seem harsh but this is a choice I made, willingly."

[prismphantom]

I know.

[Selena pauses again, her eyes slowly shutting as she sighs.]

I'm not happy about it but... with the way things are it might be the only thing we can do to save Balmar.

[Never thought she'd say that until recently. But a smile blossoms on Selena's face once more.]

But in the meantime, there's making sure you see everything you want. And with with how everything's settled down, a princess like yourself should have no problem with that.

[srwu_npc3]

"I barely know where to begin... it seems as if I will need a responsible and well-learned guide, too."

"I think I know just the person..." Armana also has a smile on her face.

[cloningblues]

Baran Doban... There's something about you that feels familiar.

[srwu_npc4]

"Is that so? I am the first of House Doban to step foot on Earth, and we do not use clones either. Perhaps it is my battle aura! Ha ha ha!"

[cloningblues]

It's that general feel of... boisterousness. I think.

I thought all Balmarian organizations use a lot of clone soldiers. Guess I was mistaken.

[srwu_npc4]

"House Doban has a proud military tradition, passed from one generation to another just like the mighty Bemidoban. And it's true, there is a lot of clone soldiers on Balmar - but many houses use them like tools. We don't need tools, but brave warriors!"

[cloningblues]

Tools... I guess some things are the same no matter where you go.