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”So Haydee. As you were the one to seek me out, I’ll have to inquire about your intentions.” Selendil asked a fair bit more politely than she’d usually act when meeting a new person. This being had enough power to match her at least on the surface, so she deserved to be treated as an equal.

“Fair question I suppose, though one that’s going to require some explaining. I would be somewhat concerned in your position as well. I don’t suppose you’ve run into too many people of similar strength to us, so someone like me just showing up will raise some worries. To give a very short summary, I’m here because of two reasons: curiosity and because someone asked me, as a favor, to approach beings like us that I run into on my travels.” The being replied while maintaining a light smile that implied self-assuredness more than any amusement or pleasure. If she was worried about the situation, she certainly didn’t show it.

“Beings like us? You mentioned a word. Nakshatra was it? Whatever is allowing us to understand each other isn’t translating that word.” Selendil pointed out. It had already become obvious that they were speaking different languages, but somehow everything they said was understood by the other party. Or at least almost everything. This intrigued Selendil as a practical invention, but it was a matter too minor to bring up in the current situation.

“Ah, about that. When it comes to travel between universes, an item that allows the crossing of language barriers is a necessity. The reason the word you mentioned doesn’t translate is because it is a title and there is no equivalent in your language. It the same with the title you told me. I did not understand the word Keeper. I was given a literal translation since the word has one, but I doubt that is accurate. As for the word Nakshatra, it is a title of those of us that cross a certain threshold in power. How that threshold is defined depends on who you talk to, but to make things easier, it also coincides with the person turning into an energy being.” The being called Haydee explained.

Selendil tilted her head a bit. “My people were energy beings to begin with.” She pointed out.

"Hmm, just like Solarians of my universe. No matter. You should've also felt the energy that you are constituted of change in nature. In the end, what matters is that you crossed that threshold, and thus you qualify for the title. There are not that many of our kind, hence why I was asked to keep an eye out.” The woman clarified.

“Solarians?!” Selendil looked at the woman sharply. “You’ve met Solarians before?” She was quite sure that this Haydee meant the same Solarians that the Dhar had fought in the past since the word had been translated into the Dhar word for Solarians. The word the woman used had been different.

The woman noticed Selendil’s suddenly more aggressive aura. “Oh, I see. Your people have a hostile relationship with them? Well, you will find out that most races are represented in multiple universes. I do not know why that is the case, but there it is. I’m not particularly fond of that race either, but yes, they do exist in the universe I was born in. I would not carry any grudges to other universes since the beings of that other universe had nothing to do with the original conflict. Just as a small tip. One that I myself sometimes struggle with.”

The woman’s words suddenly sparked a faint hope for Selendil as she realized something from them. “So that means there might be my kind in other universes as well?” She still had some skepticism about the woman’s claims about being from another universe, but her sudden hope pushed those worries away.

“I have not met any yet, but I have limited experience personally. There are people at the Crossroads that would be better equipped to answer that.” To Selendil’s disappointment, the woman wasn’t able to confirm her hopes outright. Her tone got serious. “Do forgive me if I’m treading on ground that I should not, but the way you phrased that question suggests that your people are not common in this universe.”

Selendil contemplated answering the question, but decided that it was worth it to try to gain this being’s trust and maybe even sympathy. The potential gains far outweighed the downside. “I am the last of my kind. The universe made a deal with my people in the past. The end result of the deal was what you see before you. Hence why I asked about my kind elsewhere.”

“My sympathies. I did sense that like myself and the only other Nakshatra that I am aware of, much of your power was based on death. As I happen to be powerful in that particular element, I could sense that practically oozing off you. I did not realize that it was the deaths of your people that I sensed. My own powers are in large part gained from the deaths of my enemies.” The woman said in a sort of half-apologetic and half-explanation.

“You mentioned Crossroads? That translated in a very odd way. My people also use that term, but I get the sense that you’re using the term for a completely different purpose.” Selendil decided to change the subject and go for more information. The woman seemed talkative, so why not ask questions? For some reason, Selendil also sensed that it was not really in the nature of this woman to be so talkative and that the reason she was doing so now was because she was asked to do it.

“Right. That would be a good place to start. I have no idea if you have any concept of travel between universes, though you did seem to take my mention of it quite lightly. Anyway, Crossroads is a place between universes, and as the name implies, it is a juncture where you can travel to other universes. I have no idea whether it is just a singular place of its kind or if there are many of its kind, but if you want to travel to other universes, that’s the first stop you will need to make. That brings me to something you asked, and the reason I’m answering all these questions without asking anything in return. The Crossroads was created by the other Nakshatra I mentioned before, and she paid me rather handsomely to give a bit of guidance to any other of our kind that I run into on my travels. I didn’t really expect to run into one so quickly, but here we are.” The woman stated, and Selendil was starting to figure out a bit of her motives.

“So why does this being care?” Selendil asked the logical question. “And what sort of payment could interest someone of your strength?”

“Her payment was also partially information, and partially currency that can be used at the Crossroads. Normal gold or credits will not buy anything there, and she promised me enough that I won’t need to do other work. Rather lucrative considering how little I have to do in return. You can acquire many interesting and useful things at the Crossroads after all, so funds are useful. As for her motives, I have to admit that I’m not sure. I don’t like to dance to the tune of others, something she could sense, so she didn’t ask me to do anything specific, but if I were to speculate, she’s likely gathering our kind for some specific purpose. It hasn’t been much work for me so far. I’m not sure if you realize, but our kind is not very common. In fact, we are extremely rare. There are beings of similar strength around, but they did not come to that power naturally. For instance, all universes have a being known as the Guardian, and that being can be around our strength, but that’s just because they get to borrow the strength of the entire universe. Speaking of, you mentioned that your people made a deal with the universe, did you mean the Guardian?” The woman asked.

“No. I meant the universe itself. I don’t know why I know that, but I do know it to be true.” Selendil admitted.

"Ah, that's because becoming a Nakshatra grants us some abilities that we should not possess. Usually, those abilities are related to something we were already proficient at. I'm going to guess that knowledge is part of your abilities, and that the title Keeper likely has something to do with knowledge.” The woman made a guess that was scarily accurate, though fairly obvious in retrospect.

“Yes. I safeguard the skills, knowledge, memories, and expertise of my entire race.” Selendil said thoughtfully.

“That would explain it. And damn, that’s a useful ability, especially in a universe like this. I’m going to make another bold assumption that your race was a fairly advanced one too. Putting aside how you know this for a moment, what you said earlier sounds a bit odd. I haven’t heard of the universe itself having such awareness.” The woman tapped her chin in thought. “Do you know what is required for the creation of a viable universe?”

“Fairly well actually. The ships of my people draw their power from nascent universes at the moment of their birth.” Selendil replied a little smugly.

"That's…ok, that's impressive and something I’d like to learn more about, but not what I meant. However, that does work as a great example. Are you aware that a universe like that doesn’t actually possess the necessary ingredients to become a proper universe?” The woman looked suitably impressed, although with her generally stoic face it was hard to say for sure.

"Let's say that I am." Selendil didn't bother mentioning that of course, they didn't. The universes they used in their power cores didn't have the necessary energy to not collapse on themselves given enough time. She got the sense that this wasn’t what the being whose name was apparently Haydee meant.

“…I get the sense that you’re mocking me in your head. I’ll let that one go since your grasp on such things is likely better due to your greater scientific knowledge. However, you likely aren't aware that there's another reason. Every universe is doomed for quick failure unless they have three elements present during their birth. To be more exact, they need three beings. Someone to take the position of a Guardian, which I already mentioned, as well as a being to take on the role to rule over time and space, as well as another being to be in charge of the souls of the dead. Usually when people talk about ‘the universe’ they mean one of these beings.” Haydee took the implied jab in good humor and went on with her explanation.

Selendil frowned. “That sounds rather…unscientific.” She knew there were many weird and unexplained things in the universe, but Haydee’s words bordered on things she had not even considered possible.

"That would be because it is. Also, I can see the question in your eyes. To answer it, I have no idea how the first universe came to be. Anyway, you're going to have to get used to the concept of unscientific because other universes don't work according to the same laws as this one. It's actually somewhat inconvenient how different those laws can sometimes be. Returning to my previous point, if you have questions about the universe, these three beings might be able to provide you with answers.” Haydee finally reached the point she had been going for.

“How would I reach them?” Selendil asked in confusion.

“I can’t actually answer that. The ones in my universe reached out to me.” The woman had to admit with a shrug.

“Well, it’s a lead at least. You said that you were hired to approach beings like us. To do what exactly? I understand giving these tidbits of information was part of the deal, but what else?” Selendil returned to the point she was the most suspicious about.

“I was asked to give a rough explanation about the multiverse, which I’ve done, a rough explanation about the Crossroads, which I’ve also done although there’s more in both areas that I should probably mention, and finally I was told to make sure that you have a method of travel to reach the Crossroads. This one I still have to do. I was also asked to report your presence when I return to the Crossroads the next time, but that part is voluntary. I’m still a little suspicious about whether doing so would be a good idea or not. I can’t tell what their motives for needing such information are, so…” She left the implication hanging in the air. If the motives of the being at the Crossroads were, for instance, to eliminate competition, then reporting Selendil’s presence would be quite bad.

"I won't say no to the concept of being able to travel to other universes," Selendil replied freely. She also considered the possibility of trying to find more of her kind in other universes. Maybe that would be a good goal for her after the problems with the Void were sorted? “You said there were many things at this Crossroads place that you might want to acquire. What kinds of things?” She suddenly asked, an idea blooming in her head.

The woman ‘s slight smile widened suddenly. She could sense where this might be going. “Why do you ask?”

“If I could supply you with some of these things you might want, then would you be interested in helping me with a bit of a problem I’m having? An outside perspective might actually be very useful.” Selendil decided to take a bit of a leap of faith. This woman might be able to ease her problem with the Void, as she might have access to methods Selendil didn’t. On the other hand, if she was hostile and just pretending to be friendly…well, at least it would be easier to discover the more time they spent together.

Haydee’s smile became even wider. “Well, as it happens, I think we might be able to accomplish great things together. You are someone with access to the entire knowledge of an advanced race, very advanced judging by the beings that scurried away during our little talk. You also likely have access to materials and tools that go along with that technological level. As it happens, I have access to plenty of methods and materials not available in this universe. Now, all we'd need is someone with great magical abilities and we'd be the perfect combination."

‘Magical ability?’ Nox couldn’t help but ask silently, with a scoffing tone.

"Ah, I see we're not as alone as I thought," Haydee noted.

“You heard her?” Selendil asked mortified. The mere thought that someone could listen in on the communications between her and her personal AI was beyond anything she had contemplated before. It would imply this woman could get behind all her defenses.

“No. But I sensed the presence of a third mind when it communicated with you. A mechanical mind?” It seemed that Haydee had also found something new and surprising. It wasn’t the first AI for her of course, but it was the first one that was just a ghost.

“You sensed Nox, my personal AI. She scoffed at the existence of magic. It’s an old joke that any sufficiently advanced technology seems like magic to those unaware of how it works.” Selendil explained.

To her surprise, Haydee burst into laughter. “Oh magic is quite real, and it is a scientifically observable and studied phenomenon. It just doesn’t seem to exist in this universe. Think of it like you would psionics. Just a different method.”

“Ah, that might explain something. As soon as you arrived, I sensed that your power was…well using the words not-pure implies something negative, but it is the first thing that came to mind.” Selendil said a little gingerly.

“That’s…not incorrect. However, that would get into the weeds of things and would require another lengthy explanation. Something we’ll have time for later I believe. I also believe you were about to make me an offer, and I was about to accept it.” Haydee got back on track. Both of them were a bit excited, although wary, about the possibilities the other person represented, and they were much more willing to take such chances than usual. They could both sense a sort of kinship in the other.

“We didn’t really settle on a price though.” Selendil pointed out.

“No we didn’t, but we didn’t settle on the job either. I think we can work something out. In the meantime, I’m fairly easy to keep happy as long as I have access to good food and music.” Haydee retorted, seemingly unconcerned. “Just be aware that I’m not, nor will I ever be, working under you. We are trading favors. If we were friends, I could even do something for you just because I felt like it. The main point is that I don’t take orders well.”

“What a coincidence. Something we share. Both the appreciation of food and the not taking orders part. Come then. Let’s get to my ship. My crew can ‘ooh!’ and ‘ahh!’ over your presence, and then we can talk details. I have a feeling that there will be some long discussions in our future.” Selendil replied. This was a huge risk she was taking, but the potential benefits were simply too great to ignore.

-----

"So what did you say was on the shuttle?" Yrala asked Nox as she watched the shuttle land in the Enduring Symphony's hangar. She was still inside the mech, and the only reason she had not immediately destroyed the shuttle was because Nox had alerted her not to just in time. For some reason, the platforms had not fired either.

“It’s a Dhar AI. The one that programmed the platforms to be exact.” Nox replied as her biological body was standing next to Yrala’s mech.

“A friendly one this time?” Yrala asked carefully.

“Oh yeah. Very friendly.” For some reason Yrala couldn’t figure out, Nox made a weird face when she replied to that question.

“The AI didn’t really do a super-efficient job programming the platforms. Not to the level I’ve come to expect from a Dhar AI at least.” Yrala commented idly as the shuttle equalized pressure with the hangar.

“You’ll understand soon enough.” Nox replied with the same expression.

The ramp to the shuttle opened and a completely featureless being that was shaped roughly like humanoid stepped down the ramp. Yrala wasn’t sure if the thing was biological or mechanical, as it looked like it was made of something like soft plastic, and it didn’t even have a face on its head. “Nox! What kind of body is that for a personal AI?” The thing asked with a chipper and androgynous voice, clearly amused by Nox’s appearance. And then to Yrala’s shock, it looked like a wave crossed the surface of the thing, and suddenly an exact copy of Nox was standing in its place. “Ooh, this is nice!” It said in the same tone of voice.

“Pretty great, isn’t it? Selendil finally had a body built for me. Two actually.” Nox replied proudly.

“Not bad. Not bad at all. You could really have some fun with this body.” The copy of Nox admired and touched itself all over.

“Please don’t. I don’t want anyone to confuse us. At least make enough changes to the body to ensure people can tell us apart.” Nox countered.

“Uh, Nox?” Yrala asked a little concerned.

“Ah, right. The bodies of AIs like this one are made of special nanites. They can take any form they please. For all intents and purposes, the bodies those nanites create look and feel like the real thing, but the downside is that it’s still made of nothing but nanites, so it doesn’t have quite the same performance when it comes to extreme situations. It doesn’t have the same strength and can’t take as much punishment as the real thing for example. The upside is, well, you probably already figured it out.” Nox explained.

“Sounds like the perfect infiltrator. That doesn’t sound very Dhar-ish from what I’ve heard though.” Yrala pointed out.

“Ah, that’s because I wasn’t made for infiltration. I mean, I could do that, but that’s just a bonus. I don’t think I’ve actually ever tried it though. The Naaru always knew I was an AI, even though I did take their form to blend in better.” The AI explained.

“So what was she created for?” Yrala asked, now curious. The ability to transform like that seemed suited for very specific needs.

“I’m going to save that explanation until both Selendil and Xiaoli are present. I want to see their reaction, preferably at the same time.” Nox grinned.