Tag: Sorisana Kelvaris

#Lore 24 – Entry #120 – Sci-Fi Month II #29 – Puff the Dragon Magic

From the Personal Journal of Seiko Kajira, Galactic News Gazette reporter, assigned UEF-04 Maharani Morgiana.

I thought dragons were supposed to be exciting, and yet all we’ve done for weeks now is dig in the dirt at some old, ruined dragon city.  No actual dragons, just a bunch of really old, boring statues and carvings of them.  Oh, and the deadly wildlife.  Have I mentioned the snakes down there?  Holy shit, the snakes!  They look horrifying, their heads very much draconic, and they can spit venom.  The scouts killed one that had to be thirty feet long!  Then they ate it!  Urgh.  Count me out; the smell made my nose hurt.

Where is all the magic that dragons are supposed to be known for?  It’s the same story all over again.  I’m not an expert, right?  But even I know that on every world we’ve found these ruins on, the dragons come, they wreck stuff, they get all the races pissed off at them, then they leave.  I mean, they sound pretty unpleasant if you ask me.  Why else do they keep getting shoved off their planets, hmm?  Give me something more exciting to report on!  I fell asleep like six times just trying to write up the report I mailed back home.  SO. BORING.

I’ve fallen back to entertaining myself aboard the Morgiana since my visit planet-side, decided to advance a few of the plot lines I’ve been working on for my impromptu reality drama series.  Still plenty of people aboard during the ruin exploration to mess with, after all.  Kiara’s storyline took a surprising twist without my help, though; apparently he’s started seeing that dark elf Over-Warden.  Hasn’t helped his tardiness at all, so I imagine he’s getting abuse on and off the clock now.  The new mistress must really like his ass in those SexyTech shorts, though; he hasn’t taken them off since their first night together, and I’d swear his skirts have gotten shorter to help show’em off. 

I met one of the fighter pilots last week when I had to go blow off some steam at the gun range, Sorisana Kelvaris.  She’s practicing to become a quick draw artist apparently, even uses a big fuck-off revolver.  She’s got secrets; I picked up on it within minutes of talking to her, and not just the usual kind of secrets elves keep.  It’ll take a while for me to get her to warm up, though; she’s a cold one.  May have to start spreading some rumors, put her under a little pressure.  Wonder what kind of past she’s running from?  Hmmm…corpo intrigues are overdone and boring as hell anymore, so maybe something with the Great Houses?  Exiled princess, maybe?  Or maybe she’s a sneaky assassin type, on the run from justice, has to keep her shooting skills sharp because she can’t know when someone will find out about her?  Decisions, decisions!

I really need to start working on some of the security team guys; the ones following me around are pretty boring, though, like soldier on guard duty boring.  The CSO must’ve picked them out personally just for me; I know he doesn’t trust me.  Probably a good idea on his part, but everyone’s got their secrets; it’s only a matter of time till I find something on him that’ll spice things up.  Think I’ll start working on that orcish fellow who comes into VV’s place ever so often when he’s off the clock, Morzod Fiedskinner.  He’s got ties to the Badaxe Clan going by his tattoos, and he’s definitely seen some shit, a lot more than the other security guards I’ve talked to thus far.  Bet once I get him to warm up to me, he’ll give me all kinds of juicy tidbits.

Then there’s the twin librarians, the Seraph twins; on the attractive side for Chroniclers, and on the gullible side, too.  Probably brought up sheltered, just now getting out into the world for themselves.  Both of them usually have their head in the clouds thanks to those thought-recording implants they sport, but I think I can work with them and get something going.  They’re at that age when humans find it hard to control their baser instincts, so a little nudge here and there could get results.  Maybe I should go for the twincest crowd?  Nah, that’d be a bit too niche… But…maybe some tension between the churches would be fun?  Could try to get one twin tied up with Erisaya’s crowd, the other Yurisaya’s, then watch as the sparks start flying when their next disagreement ramps up.  Would have to be careful, though, let it build up slowly; those of the Lovely Sisters know how to read people better than I do…but what’s life without a little danger?

#Lore 24 – Entry #102 – Sci-Fi Month II #11 – Security Systems Analysis 02 – The Unpredictable Factors of the Fleshy Sentients Within the Hull of the Great Ship that Explores the Deep Space of the Region of Demonic Beings

 

From Personal Logs of Gadri “Burnout” Quickbyte, Cybersecurity Specialist / Security Systems Analyst, assigned UEF-04 Maharani Morgiana, decryption algorithm successful, translated from original Gnomish script.

Translation Note:  Possible issue with either the translation or decryption algorithm relating to Gnomish script; subtitle of this entry is accurate but manual translation yields something more sensible: “Suspicious Persons Aboard the Maharani Morgiana“.  Further translation of this entry has been reviewed manually and properly translated to Common in proper fashion for readability; original version is attached for further review in case I missed something, though it is at least fifteen times the length.

Continuing the requested analysis of the Morgiana’s security systems, as I continue the deep dive into the system architecture, some further concerns have come to light during the review of personnel aboard the ship.  Below are people of interest who my algorithms have determined to have red flags on their records which could indicate possible security concerns.  Please review and act accordingly.  Not organized in any particular order, judge each risk as you will. 

Sorisana Kelvaris – Female Elf, Starfigher Pilot assigned to 1st Squadron – Signs of tampering with her personnel records, possibly significant alterations or pure fabrication.  Exceptionally well-done manipulation, done by an exceptional talent; doubt many would have caught the discrepancies on this one.  Cannot verify authenticity, however, as communication between here and the other side of the Barrier is currently unavailable due to Barrier radiation fluctuations.  If fabricated, could indicate a sleeper-agent level false identity.

Szoreth Delyl – Male Dark Elf, Under-Warden, prisoner work division – Another long-time prison employee, his records have a sealed section, from the company, following a period of military action approximately two-hundred-fifty years ago, lasting for another eighty years before he began working at the prisons.  May indicate nothing aside from state/corporate secrets that need to be maintained, could mean some clandestine operations that have further reaching consequences, could mean nothing. 

Brawnik’ush’Fangren AKA “Devil Dog” – Male Feradogian, assigned to scouting and recon division, ground operations.  Records are spotty, typical of the Ferians due to constant periods of warfare between their peoples.  Has tattoos and ritual scarring that indicates involvement with guerrilla factions on Feria known to value brutality of the old ways.  Outwardly easy going and personable based on other crew interactions, seems to be developing relationship with kerryn arcanist Kiara Mizutani, but loyalties cannot be easily determined, nature is somewhat chaotic and suited to being a loner. 

Provissh Longtail – Female Kobold, Technician, assigned to Engineering section.  Has served on over two-dozen ships in her time.  No direct evidence of misconduct on her part, but each ship suffered severe mechanical failure during her time aboard.  Could be coincidence, unlikely.  May be blessed with bad luck, possible actual jinx.  Technical abilities are solid, supposedly. 

Chiasa Charity Chiasakaniki – Female Kitsune, IT Specialist, assigned to IT Department.  Excellent coder, has talents that meld her natural magical abilities with her technological talents.  Known hacker, exceptionally curious, very likely she will be attempting to access backdoors and give herself heightened access to the Morgiana’s computer systems.  No indications of intentional harm, but possible she could be manipulated into threatening actions. 

Kourtney Bradigan – Female Human, Priestess of Erisaya.  Native of PLANET, has known ties to political factions there, and has confirmed involvement in violent revolution there.  Has a tendency to manipulate people with her charms and stoke fiery passions.  Unconfirmed ties to both the weapon-smuggling organization known as the Church of Violence and the militant historic society, the Seekers of Hidden Truths; would fit her personality and record. 

Donerail Wintergreen – Male Equinarian, Inmate, Prison Work Division.  Mercenary by trade, wound up on the bad side of an attempted coup on Odrade III.  Took down a lot of combatants but was captured when he decided to save some children caught in the messy evacuation.  Has been bouncing around the prison system since.  Could be useful, could be dangerous; was listed as non-violent, but has been confirmed as a combatant in unsanctioned prison fights.  May have unknown triggers that get him riled up.  Psych profile is outdated, so cannot verify.  Assigned to Under-Warden Delyl’s heavy construction unit.

Gragnesh Cracktusk – Male Orc, Inmate, Prison Work Division.  Also assigned to Under-Warden Delyl’s heavy construction unit.  Another mercenary, involved in space-based operations, trained as a ship’s gunner and for hostile boarding actions, possible links to pirate groups during time as a mercenary.  Has been a model prisoner on paper since incarceration, but also known to take part in the prison fights when he’s not been working the porno shoots.  Will dig into other prisoners assigned to that detail; may have some kind of secret combat unit here, or some very serious muscle loyal to Delyl.  Does Delyl have plans on something?  Recommend observation and a look at the gap in his records that was mentioned previously.

Vyrlesska “V.V.” Verlucia – Female Succubus, Entertainer and Procurement Specialist.  Runs one of the cantinas aboard the Morgiana, sings and dances there as well.  Known to be quite capable of obtaining often-illegal goods for her clients.  Could be useful to have someone like this aboard, certainly, but she’s a free spirt, and may not be too discerning about what items she’s procuring.  Likely has many contacts in many areas, again, useful, but she appears to be out to make a profit for herself first and foremost.

#Lore 24 – Entry #97 – Sci-Fi Month II #6 – UEF Defense Squadron 04-1, “White Tigers”

 

From the Personal Journal of Sorisana Kelvaris, starfighter pilot, assigned UEF-04 Maharani Morgiana, translated from Elvish script.

I wouldn’t be hasty enough to say that I’m in the clear just yet, and I might’ve gotten a little more attention than I’d wanted today, but still, it’s been better than ten years now, so maybe I pulled off the vanishing act successfully.  Another week or so and I should be in the clear, on the way into the deep black, a distant star system we call Marchosias, and dangers we couldn’t possibly imagine just waiting for us to stumble upon them.  Still, whatever horrors may lay out there has to be better than facing the queen bitch of DSM again…

Our final trial flights were held today at the request of Captain Silvercask, but it was mostly for the squadron commanders to try to weed out anyone else who didn’t belong on this trip.  No more washouts, so I guess that means we’re the best of the leftovers; all the other good pilots were shipped out on the first three UEF motherships months ago.  Maybe I’m being a little cynical?  I didn’t see any signs of trouble in the other pilots myself, just the typical hotdogging and bluster I’d expect from starfighter jockeys.  Of course, if all those years drudging in the corpo salt mines taught me anything, it’s that you’ll never see someone’s true nature until they’re under pressure and pushed to their limits. 

I’ve been assigned to the Morgiana’s first squadron, designated the “White Tigers”, with the callsign “Tiger 3”.  The squad’s mostly composed of elves and kerryn, with a couple humans, one male ferakatian, and a couple kobolds in the mix; makes sense, quicker reflexes and all.  The higher ups told us these were randomly assigned, but most of the pilots assume that it’s a ranking system, so going by that and what I could glean from my brief interactions with the squadmates, I’ve got at least a dozen laser designators aimed right at me.  It’s bullshit, but that’s just how it is; they’re competitive by nature, after all.  The Tigers’ primary responsibility will be defense of the Morgiana and her support ships of course, but I imagine we’ll be handling a majority of the scouting operations as well, at least for initial system entry and planetary approach.  My primary assigned ship is a Stellar Drake III-class fighter, good all-round specs, average firepower and defense in its current configuration, above average speed, with capability of being specialized for various roles depending on need thanks to the modular design.  Veylani may make impressive transports with that philosophy, but Star Dragon Shipyards is where you go to for starfighters, no matter what the dwarves or elves say to the contrary; that rivalry with the kobolds will never end, I think.  I’m not proud enough to deny that.  DSM could learn a thing or two from either, but profits over everything else and all that.

As to the standouts in the squadron, “Tiger Leader” is a kobold, goes by Chirzed Flametongue.  Don’t know much about him personally, but the name’s familiar at least, has a decent enough reputation, gained some fame during the border conflict a decade or so ago.  Seems like a solid choice for a commander, even has his own customized fighter.  I could see the disdain on Erlareo Enmaris’s face immediately when he found out who was in charge, and he’s got a couple other elves who also made the squadron playing the role of his lackeys, so that’ll be trouble down the line.  I’m sure he’ll approach me eventually and try to weave me into his machinations too out some misplaced notion that we elves should stick together.  The kerryn are as easygoing as ever outside the cockpit, even if the lot of them have that predatory gleam in their eyes while they’re flying.  Can’t really get a read on the ferakatian yet; I’ve always had trouble discerning ferian body language.  Can’t even remember his name either; did he even tell us?  Curious…will have to look into him further, I think.

Though I’ve not used my arcanist talents for some time, now that I’ve been officially assigned a ship, I’m not going to take any chances.  I was able to weave a subtle enough ward upon it, so I’ll know if anyone tampers with it.  Until I get to know the support techs better this might be an annoyance, but I think it’s worth it; at least I’ll know what they touched.  There are several elves among the ground crews, and any one of them could be a DSM plant, and though the magic I used to change my appearance has long since settled into my bones (so no need to worry about anyone spotting the lingering spell aura there), there’s always a chance someone will figure out who I am.  I worked for that department long enough to know never to underestimate them.  If one of the onboard arcanists finds out, then it’s simple enough to explain that I know a few tricks that I don’t exactly advertise; I guarantee there are plenty of others who are part of this mission who do the same.

The squadron has been given leave until our official departure, barring an emergency, so I’m going to spend some time practicing my marksmanship outside the cockpit.  I’ve still not mastered the revolver I’ve taken to carrying, not like Shi, anyway.  I’m a pretty good shot, but nothing like her.  True, I might be a little silly trying to emulate a gunslinger like her, but she left an impression on me back then.  I’ve still got the scars on my chest and back to prove it, little reminders of what I owe her.  I’ll probably never see her again, but who knows?  We’ve both got a few hundred years at least left in us, gods willing, so maybe I’ll have my chance to pay her back for that mess…