Chapter 665
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Chapter 665
Focusing on cultivation, even for just a few hours, kept Anishka from thinking about the Sergeant and the others out on their mission. She didnt want something to happen to any of them, but especially not the Sergeant, her longest term friend in this place. Patka was close, but she found the Sergeant rather quickly after leaving home. She would have to thank her and the Great Queen if they both survived, though she wondered how the Great Queen had known. Or perhaps she had been just the right amount of paranoid.
There wasnt much anyone could learn in just a few hours, generally just indiscernible improvements that would build upon each other with days and months to a greater cultivation level and control of natural energy. But it was a good way to distract herself trying out new techniques.
She came back into focus when she felt someone nibbling on the back of her hand, or rather the natural energy there. It seemed the Sergeant had returned, and was trying to grab her attention. And also all of the others. In good health, too. Welcome back.
Mission accomplished. We have recorded the full complement of cultivators above Body Tempering. No cultivators surpassing Life Transformation detected. The ship in question was located and confirmed to taste of spatial distortion as it should. It is deemed functional. We were unable to test human entrance methods to determine if it was locked. Finally, I have arranged a route that will bring you near the minimum anticipated number of individuals on the way.
Thank you, Anishka breathed a sigh of relief. Without you, I would be useless. I cant even do anything for you.
You provide significant utility in transportation and data collection.
That wouldnt be an issue if we made ships and books sized for void ants.
You also provide intellectually stimulating new ideas.
You like that one? Anishka asked. Im not an engineer, so Im not sure if things could actually be miniaturized that much. But at least levers, buttons, and readouts could be made convenient.
I am not sure if I like the thoughts, the Sergeant said. They are uncomfortable. But so is training and combat, so if I ultimately end up better I will like it.
Alright, how do we get in? Anishka gathered the others around and translated the plan.
Given the lack of human training in stealth, the plan is to assign two void ants to each of you to rein in your ambient energy. The efficacy of this plan depends on how well you each conceal your own auras. We understand humans are not as sensitive to such things as us, but they will be looking. We will do our best to judge the likelihood of success based on your results in a practice attempt.
Formal. Very formal, but that was how the Sergeant was and this was the correct time for such things. And where do we sneak in?
I will direct you towards a gap in the wall, unrepaired damage from some previous military operations most likely. It is large enough for each of you to fit through. Then you will walk up to the ships and enter our chosen vessel to perform your tasks.
Thats it?
The airfield takes up a significant amount of space and cannot be placed in the middle of the base. It is already exceptional that it fits all of the ships there, with the ransoms.
Right. You implied we would all go together?
Why would you not?
Well, if we dont need someone then if they are revealed, they could give us away.
How?
Because wed get in a fight or have to flee.
The compromised individuals could provide a distraction.
Theyd die!
Perhaps, the Sergeant admitted. It seems you find the thought distasteful. I still recommend you go together for strength in numbers. You cannot guarantee all tasks can be accomplished by a single human and my squad.
That was true, though the others wouldnt know how to work the ship. Then again, it wasnt too hard to flip a few switches. They should be labeled, even.
Im not going to make anyone risk themselves like that, Anishka said.
You dont have to, Patka interjected. I would like to help, if I can.
Whats an autopilot? Ilona asked.
Press that one!
What do you mean?
Touch the words with your finger!
Now its asking about flight plans. I dont recognize any of the destinations.
Anishka levered herself up one one of the bolted-in chairs to see the screen Ilona was looking at. Weos- there.
Planet?
Any of them!
... I did it. Nothings happening.
The barrier of the ship trembled, and Anishka heard shouting outside. Great, it was busted. Anishka looked at Ilonas screen. Hit activate!
Ilona pressed the screen, and then again. I pressed emergency departure. Was that-
There was a sudden grinding sound, everyone found themselves pressed down for a moment- and then they were weightless. Anishka could sense the ships ring rotating, flinging away the attackers climbing onto it. Then the whole planet rotated. No, that was just what it felt like for the ship to rotate with the internal dampeners active. They rose up from the ground, and everyone began to pick themselves up.
Without gravity pressing them all in the wrong direction, it was easier to orient themselves. Everyone took a position, though they didnt really know what they were doing. There was a huge burst of energy from below, but the spatial distortion ring deflected the attack. Then they were too high for further assaults.
A moment later, there was a beeping. On the screen in front of Anishka was a warning- Ilona apparently had the same one, and read it off. Route blocked by energy anomaly. Set to cruising. Override?
Dont press that, Anishka said. I think it would try to break through the barrier.
Could it?
I dont want to find out it cant the hard way. Anishka had never stopped looking through menus, only to find what she was looking for on the top level demarcated by a symbol with three curved lines. Space efficient, perhaps, but not quite what she wanted.
A staticy voice came through in front of Anishka. This is the Trifold Alliance Fleet. Please state your query.
Uh do I have to press something? Anishka spoke aloud as she looked. This is Anishka of the Fire and Ice Palace. I have escaped captivity and gained control over a stolen ship. Anisha had an unpleasant feeling, which was only verified when the screen showed ships of unknown origin on its display behind them. She could feel their energy. She might not have much time to speak. Ekict has a Technique they call Transferral which steals cultivation.
One moment please, the voice came back. Oh good, she was broadcasting. Verifying your identity.
Excuse me, said a familiar voice. Anishka?
Grandpa! Im uh- enchanted bolts scraped the hull of the ship even through the various shields. Im being chased by ships.
Where are you?
I dont, uh, I cant find the location broadcast.
Third console to the left of the pilot, came the initial voice.
Anishka turned and pointed, and Celina pressed the button. Did you-
There was a sudden flash of light and fire, whiting out the whole cockpit. The formation above trembled. Then another dozen arrows landed in the same area, and even more in a continuous stream coming from somewhere. Meanwhile, something from behind punctured the ring, setting off at least a dozen alerts on various consoles.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 665
Focusing on cultivation, even for just a few hours, kept Anishka from thinking about the Sergeant and the others out on their mission. She didnt want something to happen to any of them, but especially not the Sergeant, her longest term friend in this place. Patka was close, but she found the Sergeant rather quickly after leaving home. She would have to thank her and the Great Queen if they both survived, though she wondered how the Great Queen had known. Or perhaps she had been just the right amount of paranoid.
There wasnt much anyone could learn in just a few hours, generally just indiscernible improvements that would build upon each other with days and months to a greater cultivation level and control of natural energy. But it was a good way to distract herself trying out new techniques.
She came back into focus when she felt someone nibbling on the back of her hand, or rather the natural energy there. It seemed the Sergeant had returned, and was trying to grab her attention. And also all of the others. In good health, too. Welcome back.
Mission accomplished. We have recorded the full complement of cultivators above Body Tempering. No cultivators surpassing Life Transformation detected. The ship in question was located and confirmed to taste of spatial distortion as it should. It is deemed functional. We were unable to test human entrance methods to determine if it was locked. Finally, I have arranged a route that will bring you near the minimum anticipated number of individuals on the way.
Thank you, Anishka breathed a sigh of relief. Without you, I would be useless. I cant even do anything for you.
You provide significant utility in transportation and data collection.
That wouldnt be an issue if we made ships and books sized for void ants.
You also provide intellectually stimulating new ideas.
You like that one? Anishka asked. Im not an engineer, so Im not sure if things could actually be miniaturized that much. But at least levers, buttons, and readouts could be made convenient.
I am not sure if I like the thoughts, the Sergeant said. They are uncomfortable. But so is training and combat, so if I ultimately end up better I will like it.
Alright, how do we get in? Anishka gathered the others around and translated the plan.
Given the lack of human training in stealth, the plan is to assign two void ants to each of you to rein in your ambient energy. The efficacy of this plan depends on how well you each conceal your own auras. We understand humans are not as sensitive to such things as us, but they will be looking. We will do our best to judge the likelihood of success based on your results in a practice attempt.
Formal. Very formal, but that was how the Sergeant was and this was the correct time for such things. And where do we sneak in?
I will direct you towards a gap in the wall, unrepaired damage from some previous military operations most likely. It is large enough for each of you to fit through. Then you will walk up to the ships and enter our chosen vessel to perform your tasks.
Thats it?
The airfield takes up a significant amount of space and cannot be placed in the middle of the base. It is already exceptional that it fits all of the ships there, with the ransoms.
Right. You implied we would all go together?
Why would you not?
Well, if we dont need someone then if they are revealed, they could give us away.
How?
Because wed get in a fight or have to flee.
The compromised individuals could provide a distraction.
Theyd die!
Perhaps, the Sergeant admitted. It seems you find the thought distasteful. I still recommend you go together for strength in numbers. You cannot guarantee all tasks can be accomplished by a single human and my squad.
That was true, though the others wouldnt know how to work the ship. Then again, it wasnt too hard to flip a few switches. They should be labeled, even.
Im not going to make anyone risk themselves like that, Anishka said.
You dont have to, Patka interjected. I would like to help, if I can.
Whats an autopilot? Ilona asked.
Press that one!
What do you mean?
Touch the words with your finger!
Now its asking about flight plans. I dont recognize any of the destinations.
Anishka levered herself up one one of the bolted-in chairs to see the screen Ilona was looking at. Weos- there.
Planet?
Any of them!
... I did it. Nothings happening.
The barrier of the ship trembled, and Anishka heard shouting outside. Great, it was busted. Anishka looked at Ilonas screen. Hit activate!
Ilona pressed the screen, and then again. I pressed emergency departure. Was that-
There was a sudden grinding sound, everyone found themselves pressed down for a moment- and then they were weightless. Anishka could sense the ships ring rotating, flinging away the attackers climbing onto it. Then the whole planet rotated. No, that was just what it felt like for the ship to rotate with the internal dampeners active. They rose up from the ground, and everyone began to pick themselves up.
Without gravity pressing them all in the wrong direction, it was easier to orient themselves. Everyone took a position, though they didnt really know what they were doing. There was a huge burst of energy from below, but the spatial distortion ring deflected the attack. Then they were too high for further assaults.
A moment later, there was a beeping. On the screen in front of Anishka was a warning- Ilona apparently had the same one, and read it off. Route blocked by energy anomaly. Set to cruising. Override?
Dont press that, Anishka said. I think it would try to break through the barrier.
Could it?
I dont want to find out it cant the hard way. Anishka had never stopped looking through menus, only to find what she was looking for on the top level demarcated by a symbol with three curved lines. Space efficient, perhaps, but not quite what she wanted.
A staticy voice came through in front of Anishka. This is the Trifold Alliance Fleet. Please state your query.
Uh do I have to press something? Anishka spoke aloud as she looked. This is Anishka of the Fire and Ice Palace. I have escaped captivity and gained control over a stolen ship. Anisha had an unpleasant feeling, which was only verified when the screen showed ships of unknown origin on its display behind them. She could feel their energy. She might not have much time to speak. Ekict has a Technique they call Transferral which steals cultivation.
One moment please, the voice came back. Oh good, she was broadcasting. Verifying your identity.
Excuse me, said a familiar voice. Anishka?
Grandpa! Im uh- enchanted bolts scraped the hull of the ship even through the various shields. Im being chased by ships.
Where are you?
I dont, uh, I cant find the location broadcast.
Third console to the left of the pilot, came the initial voice.
Anishka turned and pointed, and Celina pressed the button. Did you-
There was a sudden flash of light and fire, whiting out the whole cockpit. The formation above trembled. Then another dozen arrows landed in the same area, and even more in a continuous stream coming from somewhere. Meanwhile, something from behind punctured the ring, setting off at least a dozen alerts on various consoles.
Chapter 665Focusing on cultivation, even for just a few hours, kept Anishka from thinking about the Sergeant and the others out on their mission. She didnt want something to happen to any of them, but especially not the Sergeant, her longest term friend in this place. Patka was close, but she found the Sergeant rather quickly after leaving home. She would have to thank her and the Great Queen if they both survived, though she wondered how the Great Queen had known. Or perhaps she had been just the right amount of paranoid. There wasnt much anyone could learn in just a few hours, generally just indiscernible improvements that would build upon each other with days and months to a greater cultivation level and control of natural energy. But it was a good way to distract herself trying out new techniques.She came back into focus when she felt someone nibbling on the back of her hand, or rather the natural energy there. It seemed the Sergeant had returned, and was trying to grab her attention. And also all of the others. In good health, too. Welcome back.Mission accomplished. We have recorded the full complement of cultivators above Body Tempering. No cultivators surpassing Life Transformation detected. The ship in question was located and confirmed to taste of spatial distortion as it should. It is deemed functional. We were unable to test human entrance methods to determine if it was locked. Finally, I have arranged a route that will bring you near the minimum anticipated number of individuals on the way.Thank you, Anishka breathed a sigh of relief. Without you, I would be useless. I cant even do anything for you.You provide significant utility in transportation and data collection.That wouldnt be an issue if we made ships and books sized for void ants.You also provide intellectually stimulating new ideas.You like that one? Anishka asked. Im not an engineer, so Im not sure if things could actually be miniaturized that much. But at least levers, buttons, and readouts could be made convenient.I am not sure if I like the thoughts, the Sergeant said. They are uncomfortable. But so is training and combat, so if I ultimately end up better I will like it.Alright, how do we get in? Anishka gathered the others around and translated the plan.Given the lack of human training in stealth, the plan is to assign two void ants to each of you to rein in your ambient energy. The efficacy of this plan depends on how well you each conceal your own auras. We understand humans are not as sensitive to such things as us, but they will be looking. We will do our best to judge the likelihood of success based on your results in a practice attempt.Formal. Very formal, but that was how the Sergeant was and this was the correct time for such things. And where do we sneak in?I will direct you towards a gap in the wall, unrepaired damage from some previous military operations most likely. It is large enough for each of you to fit through. Then you will walk up to the ships and enter our chosen vessel to perform your tasks.Thats it?The airfield takes up a significant amount of space and cannot be placed in the middle of the base. It is already exceptional that it fits all of the ships there, with the ransoms.Right. You implied we would all go together?Why would you not?Well, if we dont need someone then if they are revealed, they could give us away.How?Because wed get in a fight or have to flee.The compromised individuals could provide a distraction.Theyd die!Perhaps, the Sergeant admitted. It seems you find the thought distasteful. I still recommend you go together for strength in numbers. You cannot guarantee all tasks can be accomplished by a single human and my squad.That was true, though the others wouldnt know how to work the ship. Then again, it wasnt too hard to flip a few switches. They should be labeled, even. Im not going to make anyone risk themselves like that, Anishka said.You dont have to, Patka interjected. I would like to help, if I can.Whats an autopilot? Ilona asked.Press that one!What do you mean?Touch the words with your finger!Now its asking about flight plans. I dont recognize any of the destinations.Anishka levered herself up one one of the bolted-in chairs to see the screen Ilona was looking at. Weos- there.Planet?Any of them!... I did it. Nothings happening.The barrier of the ship trembled, and Anishka heard shouting outside. Great, it was busted. Anishka looked at Ilonas screen. Hit activate!Ilona pressed the screen, and then again. I pressed emergency departure. Was that-There was a sudden grinding sound, everyone found themselves pressed down for a moment- and then they were weightless. Anishka could sense the ships ring rotating, flinging away the attackers climbing onto it. Then the whole planet rotated. No, that was just what it felt like for the ship to rotate with the internal dampeners active. They rose up from the ground, and everyone began to pick themselves up. Without gravity pressing them all in the wrong direction, it was easier to orient themselves. Everyone took a position, though they didnt really know what they were doing. There was a huge burst of energy from below, but the spatial distortion ring deflected the attack. Then they were too high for further assaults. A moment later, there was a beeping. On the screen in front of Anishka was a warning- Ilona apparently had the same one, and read it off. Route blocked by energy anomaly. Set to cruising. Override?Dont press that, Anishka said. I think it would try to break through the barrier.Could it?I dont want to find out it cant the hard way. Anishka had never stopped looking through menus, only to find what she was looking for on the top level demarcated by a symbol with three curved lines. Space efficient, perhaps, but not quite what she wanted.A staticy voice came through in front of Anishka. This is the Trifold Alliance Fleet. Please state your query.Uh do I have to press something? Anishka spoke aloud as she looked. This is Anishka of the Fire and Ice Palace. I have escaped captivity and gained control over a stolen ship. Anisha had an unpleasant feeling, which was only verified when the screen showed ships of unknown origin on its display behind them. She could feel their energy. She might not have much time to speak. Ekict has a Technique they call Transferral which steals cultivation.One moment please, the voice came back. Oh good, she was broadcasting. Verifying your identity.Excuse me, said a familiar voice. Anishka?Grandpa! Im uh- enchanted bolts scraped the hull of the ship even through the various shields. Im being chased by ships.Where are you?I dont, uh, I cant find the location broadcast.Third console to the left of the pilot, came the initial voice.Anishka turned and pointed, and Celina pressed the button. Did you-There was a sudden flash of light and fire, whiting out the whole cockpit. The formation above trembled. Then another dozen arrows landed in the same area, and even more in a continuous stream coming from somewhere. Meanwhile, something from behind punctured the ring, setting off at least a dozen alerts on various consoles.
