January 18, 2019, 4:19 pm.

Once I realize I'm not being put to sleep, I immediately purchase the codex for the Thenite Skyscreamer as well as the World-ship that was sitting beside it. I don't read the codexes immediately, choosing to read them later once we start searching through all the boring quarters again. And since I'm here, I decide to grab another four codexes. However, after going through five different codexes in rapid succession I discover an unfortunate side-effect.

"Alexis, you okay, kid?" Beth checks when I gasp out in shock, stopping two codexes before I'd been planning to. I barely notice Smoulder nuzzling me.

Brain-freeze. Not only is it painful, but I've also cut myself off from my facet and mana. Luckily, when I check conditions, I discover that it's a temporary condition called system overload that will go away in five minutes. Whew.

"Yeah. Just a bit of an overload. I'll be fine in five," I respond while taking a deep breath and offering Smoulder head-scritches to reassure her.

"Perhaps I can assist," Roberts offers, leaning over.

"That would be amazing," I accept, opening my eyes to find him staring down at me, holding out a hand to me.

Taking his hand, I feel the strange feeling of his Reprieve washing into me. "Hmmm. Yes. I think I see," Roberts mumbles as the brain-freeze mercifully abates.

"Excellent. Now, kid. What did we learn about these guys?" Beth asks, casually gesturing her pistol at the stasis chamber.

I read out the entire codex for them, pausing at the end. "I also gained an intimate understanding of their biology. It's kind of hard to explain that part though," I add with a shrug.

Beth nods, staring at the stasis chamber, deep in thought.

"I wish I had direct access to this codex. It would be useful in ascertaining the Yrken's status," Roberts mentions as he helps me to my feet.

I laugh out loud when I see that the system seems to have heard him, a notification popping up on my screen.

"You have received a request to share the Yrken codex with Forerunner Roberts. He would like to know more. Share the full codex for 18.6 focus and 13.7 facet."

"Kid?" Beth worries as I continue to laugh.

Holding up my hand, I finally control my sudden outburst as I explain, "sorry. I just thought. Nothing, it's not even funny. I can share the codex. That's all."

Honestly, I'm not entirely certain what I found so funny about the notification. I share the codex with Roberts. It's unfortunate that I have to pay the same cost to share the codex as I do to download it. But I'll get the facet back quick enough. And I'm barely needing to use focus lately.

"Oh. Oh my. This, this is amazing. I wish I had… GAH!" Roberts screams out as he crashes to the floor.

"What the hell just happened," Beth yells as Josh flips Roberts over, checking him for… something.

"I don't know!" I yell back, staring down at Roberts in shock while Smoulder butts against him gently. His eyes are open and his eyelids are fluttering rapidly.

"I just shared the codex and then," I gesture at Roberts who's still lying on the floor, cradled in Josh's arms.

Then as suddenly as he collapsed, Roberts recovers, sitting up with a start, sending Smoulder dancing back in alarm.

"Roberts. You okay there? You gave us a hell of a scare," Beth checks as she drops down beside him.

"Yes. I believe so. That was thoroughly unpleasant. According to my conditions, it would appear I didn't have the 'Spirit' to receive the full codex safely without a 'System overload.'" He informs us as Josh helps him back to his feet. Wait, he got the same thing at only one codex? Eep.

"Sorry Wes," I apologize to which he just waves his hand dismissively

"Looked rough," Josh comments once he releases Roberts.

"Most definitely. But I'd say it was worth it. I now have a full understanding of our friend's biology. This is beyond what I've ever known about human biology. It's remarkable how different they are."

"Great. I'm glad you're okay, Doc. Kid, a moment?"

"Yeah Beth?" I ask as we step around the stasis chamber, Smoulder offering Roberts comfort after I grievously injured our friend.

"First you get hurt with this codex, and now Roberts. Seems kind of ominous doesn't it?" Beth asks while glancing back at the doctor.

"Uhm, I downloaded the codex without any issues. It was the other four codexes I grabbed afterwards that gave me my headache," I admit, slightly chagrined.

Beth stares at me for a second, before glancing around the room. Then she starts to laugh.

"Thanks, kid. That makes me feel better. Much better," Beth chuckles cheerfully as she moves back to the guys. "So, what do you say doc. Time to crack open the orcsicle or should we move on?"

Considering for a moment before he answers, Roberts decides, "I'd like to take another look now that I have a more intimate understanding of his biology."

Beth gestures at the machine as she replies, "go ahead. We'll just get out of your way."

"One moment, Alexis. Could you create a platform or ladder? It's rather awkward working here while hanging off the end of the machine," Roberts interjects as he gestures at the machine. Wow. I got so used to not being able to change things in here I forgot one of my most basic tools. Silly Alexis.

"Yeah, sure," I answer as Smoulder hops onto my shoulder while Beth and Josh step outside the room.

"His name is Lugett Ull, by the way," I mention as Roberts stares at the Yrken with his eyes closed. "And he's way more powerful than we are. Like around Ivicka's level."

"Hmm. Well, Mr. Ull here should be fixable," Roberts replies as I pull all my metal out of my pack to fashion a platform for him to work on.

"I wanted to ask you a question. Mostly unrelated to our friend here," Roberts adds as the platform comes into place. He steps to the edge, one hand ready to climb before pausing to look at me, "do you have a codex for humans?"

"Uhm," I pause before responding, quickly checking my codex. That's kind of weird. I don't have a codex for my own species.

"No… I don't think I've ever tried to analyze a human either," I answer.

"You should try. Go ahead. Analyze me," Roberts suggests, letting go of the platform while gesturing to himself.

Well, with an invitation like that, what lady could resist.

"Creature Analyzed - Error, species not found. Gene-seed D.

First reported to the System in Galactic year 13,183 when they triggered an apocalypse level device on their homeworld, this species has very little system data available.

"Name: Roberts."

"Attributes: Physical; Minimal, Mobility; High, Magic; Low, Awareness; Low."

"Attacks: Basic physical attacks, minor water manipulation."

"Defences: Able to erect shields to protect self and allies."

"Note, for a proper analysis of this species, submit a specimen to your nearest registered Builder."

"Ha. Apparently, the system thinks your full name is Roberts," I laugh out as I read through the description. "The analysis isn't that detailed. The only thing in here that I might not have known, is that you have high Agility or Endurance. At least I'm pretty sure that's what mobility stands for."

"Hmm. You're correct. Both were my highest attributes by a wide margin when we first arrived. They hardly reflected my abilities at the time. A strange acknowledgement of my youth, I feel."

"Oh. Do tell?" I wonder, intrigued.

"Perhaps later. Suffice to say, I wasn't always a doctor. And I may have taken a less… direct path to earning my education than others," Roberts avoids answering with a small chuckle while turning to Beth.

"I'm certain we can wake him. However, Alexis has told me that her analysis indicates he is approximately as dangerous as Ivicka," Roberts calls to where they're waiting in the hall.

Coming back into the room, Beth pulls her pistol, holding it at the ready while beckoning me towards her.

"You said it was injured, right? Wake it up. But hold off on healing it until we know it's not going to attack us," Beth orders.

"I think not," Roberts disagrees, causing Beth to snap her head in his direction.

"Care to explain, doc?" Beth prompts, her voice flat and emotionless.

Shaking his head, Roberts explains, "my understanding is that he will be in immense pain once we release him from stasis. I can't conscientiously release him from stasis to then subject him to what would essentially be torture until you're satisfied he's not dangerous."

Wow. I didn't realize it was that bad. It just looked like a couple of little nicks to me.

"I'm with Wes," Josh agrees though he doesn't put down his spear or shield.

"Okay. We do it your way, doc. Heal him as soon as we bring him out of stasis," Beth amends her order. Even as she speaks, she keeps her pistol levelled at the chamber. "Everyone else, stay frosty. We don't know what kind of Yrken we're waking up."

Ah. That explains why she's worried. It didn't even occur to me that he might be one of the combat Yrken.

Roberts starts messing with a panel on the edge of the chamber, making adjustments. Waiting patiently, I prepare to drop into pause at a moment's notice.

The humming from the machine gets louder as whatever Roberts is doing wakes it up.

"This may take a little longer than I thought. Probably a good five minutes before the stasis lets me treat him," Roberts lets us know.

"Understood," Beth acknowledges while I decide to quickly review the codexes… codi… codices? The new codex entries.

They're interesting, but none of the information is immediately useful. Top speeds, crew capacity, cargo, weapons. I was hoping for some sort of history behind the ships, but they're all technical specs. Unlike with a biological codex, the intimate details of the ship aren't beamed directly into my brain, though the attached schematics and specs are probably very useful. If a person had a facility to produce this sort of thing.

I guess if all else fails, we can… build a ship? Not sure we'd make it home in time to avert the apocalypse that way.

I'm keeping an eye on the stasis chamber as I check over the schematics. It's as I'm reviewing the fourth schematic while wondering if there's a codex for inter-material phase transducers, whatever those are, that there's movement from within the chamber.

The large form shifts only slightly but it's enough that Beth raises her gun once more while Josh stands up straight, no longer leaning on the doorframe.

"Hmm. Appears simple…. Yes," Roberts mumbles to himself as we all wait, ready to act.

The giant next to him suddenly makes a low gargle sound before pushing itself to the side while shaking violently. A moment later he stills. Then he lets out a low groan while groggily mumbling in a low rumbling voice, "what happened?"

"You were severely injured. I've dealt with the damage, but I'm afraid we've only just arrived. We've no idea as to how you sustained your injuries," Roberts responds, answering in Astreum while stepping down from the stasis chamber.

"Who… What are you?" The giant asks as it sits up, looking down at us.

"I'm doctor Roberts. An outlander, I believe we're called," Roberts answers, remaining between us and the giant, who has now turned his dark eyes on us. His dark eyes which are disquieting but beautiful, nearly black but with flecks of blue sparkled throughout.

"Obviously you're not native. I mean what species? How long have I been in stasis?" Luggett, the recently awakened orc, I mean Yrken, demands half-panicked as his eyes scan the room.

"Ah, yes. I'm not sure how to tell you this. Still, I suppose the honest approach is best. According to the records, you've been in stasis for over four hundred of your galactic cycles," Roberts answers.

"Oh, thank goodness," he exclaims as he flops backwards into his chamber, surprising me. A galactic cycle is slightly longer than a year. Why is he happy he was inside for four hundred years? Weird.

Roberts startles, glancing back in our direction. At which point, Beth steps forward, deciding to take over the discussion.

"Pardon me, Luggett. But I had some questions," Beth states as she climbs up onto the platform. As I'm watching her, I realize the platform is kind of ugly. Hardly my best work.

While he's sitting back up, I pull all my extra metal out, small amounts of gold, silver and the titanium from earlier. I've been collecting every bit of metal I can get my hands on. I've got over a cubic metre of it at this point, mostly steel which is already in the platform.

At least the platform lets Beth stand at eye level with the giant Yrken. She's staring into his strange eyes as he responds, "Nuh-uh. I still don't know your species. And if I don't know your species, I don't know how I should be interacting with you."

"We're humans, from a planet we call Earth. I'm Beth," she answers, holding her hand out to him while I experiment with the platform.

I use the precious metals to work line several grooves, giving Beth's perch a nice subtle flair. Luggett ignores Beth's extended hand, exclaiming, "Human? Oh no. Your species isn't in the system. But you're a citizen. This won't do. Nuh-uh, this won't do at all."

The large creature pushes himself out of his stasis chamber, clumsily grasping at the side before retrieving a pad from a hidden pocket underneath. I wonder if the cook has a hidden storage spot as well. We might need to check that.

Sitting on the end of his stasis chamber, Luggett turns to Beth.

"I'm afraid that we have some paperwork to do. Now, we can do a scan or you can complete the attached form," Luggett shrugs, his large muscles rippling. He hands Beth the pad as she holsters her pistol. Which she does by pressing it against her armour. Her armour reforms slightly, moulding the pistol to be part of it, holding it secure against her leg.

That is so cool.

"I have some questions I need to ask you first," Beth counters, not looking at the pad.

"Nuh-uh. I can't provide you with any information until you've been entered into the system. It's against the rules," Luggett refuses while shaking his head.

"You're sure. You can't even tell us what happened to you?" Beth prods, still not so much as glancing at the pad.

"Nuh-uh. Scan or form please."

"We just woke you from sleep, quite possibly saving you from being suspended forever. And on top of that, Roberts healed your wounds, literally saving your life!" Beth exclaims in exasperation, crossing her arms.

"Uh-huh. Thank you. Please submit to a scan or complete the form," Luggett responds, matching her gesture.

Beth sighs as she concedes, "Fine. Scan me. I don't know how the system doesn't have a scan already, but go ahead."

"Excellent. One moment. Oh. Anti-corruption measures in place. Localized systems to prevent corruption. That's why you're not in my database. Whew," Luggett sighs out as he slumps in relief against his stasis chamber.

"You know, for a minute there I was worried you were Forerunners."

…..

We all go stiff; Josh and I glance at each other for a moment. How does he not know we're Forerunners?

I mean, are we though? I hardly know anything about them at this point except they're the ones that brought us here, and Wyonna is kind of one of them. I never really got any answers about them out of her either, not that I really tried to. It just didn't seem that important at the time.

But he doesn't notice our meaningful glances, rambling on, "Or creators. Not Reavers. That would be bad too. But nope. New biped elvenoid species. No wings. Some redundant organs. Your world hasn't been integrated yet. Ah, must be explorers then. No wonder you referred to yourselves as outlanders. Locals wouldn't receive many ships that can cross the boundary."

"Or more likely you got caught up in a mana-swarm from before the enclosure. Hate to tell you, but if that's what happened, you were out of it longer than I was."

He stops, looking up, waiting for an answer to a question he didn't ask.

"Reasonably sure we weren't caught in a mana-storm," Beth tells him. From what I've learned, I'm not certain that's accurate. But I hold my tongue.

"Ah. So, explorers then. Excellent."

When none of us correct him, he turns back to his pad humming to himself for another couple minutes while we wait. Starting to wish we'd picked up party text. Smoulder's shifting on my shoulder reminds me I need to purchase her pet menu too. So many things to spend points on.

"Okay explorers. I don't know what you did to gain yourselves citizen status, but congratulations and welcome to the Asimari Techdom," he proclaims with enthusiasm, nearly smacking Beth in the face with his expansive gesture as he throws his hands wide.

Asimari. Why does that sound familiar?

Wait. During my class vision, wasn't the crazy guy who blew up a planet an Asimari?

While I'm trying to remember the crazy guy's name, Luggett continues, "A new species gaining their first citizens is normally an event celebrated throughout the Techdom. Unfortunately, with the anti-corruption measures engaged the news won't spread."

"It also means you're not going to be seeing those parties any time soon. No one will be leaving until the situation is cleared up. I'm afraid the barrier will prevent all interplanetary travel in these situations. Even Builders and Architects are trapped," he explains with a deep rumble.

"I do have some good news though."

"Oh," Beth replies while I bemoan the fact that we're not going anywhere until we deal with the summoner. I had a feeling we'd be trying to deal with it anyway, given the rewards and wanting to get Wyonna back. But now, even if we wanted to leave, we literally don't have a choice.

"It would appear that the 1000-year workmanship guarantee for my scale model ships wasn't just bold advertising," he explains happily. Stepping forwards, he lifts a model. The system labels it the Trillian Transverser, it kind of reminds me of several plates stacked on top of each other, ready to fall over. It's not one of the ships I have a codex for.

"Beautiful, aren't they?"