[Area] Pasral

The planet Pasral, fourth in the system. A small world in the cosmic scale and one unconnected to the universe at large, a backwater world where magic was so scarce as to be doubted in existence by one of its two primary, primarily industrial continents. The other, a spiritualistic kingdom holding magecraft in reverence. Conflict was inevitable, but on the verge of war a small group made up of people of all races and creeds hailing from both continents were able to defuse the fighting. Peace won out, and the two combined magic and burgeoning steam technology to progress leaps and bounds.

That was 5 cycles ago.

Today, a testament to the hope and potential that lies in cooperation, Pasral is a planet on the cusp of planetary exploration. A planet on the verge of discovering and forging its own place in the universe. But today the sky above rebels, almost like an ill omen. The prismatic sky above and phenomenon, illusions popping into and out of existence.

"Judgement from the heavens...! This is our punishment for daring to even think of treading beyond our born bounds!"

"Repent before its too late! The world is on the verge of destruction, if we do not change course there will be nothing left!"

"Oh would you give it a rest, already?!"

Here, in this village. Arguments break out in the streets, even as others rush to pack up and flee. Panic, anguish, and feelings of malcontent run rampant, the factory in near the village rear looming ominously. And amidst the chaos... Two figures stand, eyes in the storm.

"What a mess."

The shorter, and evidently younger of the two, a seemingly human girl with serious blue eyes, about 5'9 feet to her, long black hair and a nifty poncho, speaks up simply. Her taller companion, dressed in a red white and blue outfit of elaborate make, blows air through pursed lips, black goggles hiding his eyes from view.

"I didn't expect things to get this bad.... but, then, I didn't expect the sky to start flashing pride colors either so. Today's just full of surprises!"

Chuckling despite himself he earns a quizzical look from the girl, and he hastily cuts his laughter short with a sheepish rubbing of the back of his neck.

"I... right, no time for jokes. My bad."

"Not that... merely. What do you mean by pride colors?"

"I. Oh, man, hahahahaha, old world reference, don't worry about it."

Her expression grows a little irritated at that but she turns her gaze back ahead, crossing her arms

"The work they've put into that craft meant for the stars... Do they really intent to invalidate it in the name of superstition?"

"That work is what's brought on this omen!"

The girl blinks, finding herself face to face with a man pointing an accusatory finger at her. Out of the corner of her eye she can see more villagers forming a ring around the pair, expressions severe as they block any escape routes. The small mob closes in, the circle around them growing tighter as another woman steps further forward.

"That work, and collaborating with those faithless Jehtians! That factory and every symbol of our peace... Look what it's brought on! How can this be anymore more than a sign to avert our course or face dire consequence?"

"Travelers from parts unknown, and you helped us out yet look so unperturbed as to stand around! Did you know something like this would happen? What do you know?!"

"Explain yourselves!"

The girl's hand tightens below the poncho, eyes narrowing with irritation. And she takes a step forward, only to stop at the signal of the taller of the pair's raised arm. The mirth of his last expression, gone now.

"Is that really what you think."

Pulling his goggles down he turns to stare down the crowd with a gaze so withering it prompts them to take a few steps backward. And now, his expression falls, seriousness fading to... melancholy, maybe.

"...We're here to help. And, losing our heads isn't going to. But you guys...! You guys just, lose it the moment any sign of trouble starts, and blame any and every person you can! The thing is I don't know what's causing this, but I do know that right here is the most important thing, because just, think about who you're hurting with your mistrust and reflex! The kids here, the people you trusted and who trusted you, and yourselves! 'Cause if you've got so little faith in yourselves that you're willing to toss out all your and their hard work on a hunch! Then what was any of it good for?!"

"I..."

The man looks to the ground, many of the others doing the same. Others look away. And his eyes turn steely as he slaps a hand to his chest, his companion merely watching with a blank expression.

"Whatever's happening... You've gotta realize, there's so, so much more to the world then what's right here. So it's not your fault, and its not a reflection on you guys! And, maybe you can't do anything about it, but you don't ave to. Because it'll pass, like all storms do, and as long as you've weathered it, you'll be stronger for it! That's what you guys have... No, that's what we have gotta work on, right now!"

"...Something awful is happening."

Someone steps forward from the crowd. A young woman dressed in formal wear, with a beret fixed carefully on her head.

"I can just feel it. Whatever's happening is bad news, for sure... but. Do you really think that as long as we stick together, we can make it through?"

Smiling, the wild-haired smith nods. And she responds with her own smile, some others in the crowd joining in.

"Well, Sir Craftlord. I'm holding you to that declaration. If things go poorly, I'll know who to blame."

"...I have some family a few villages over. If we can spread the word..."

"How quickly can we spread the message out?"

"This is a time of peace and cooperation... I'd almost forgotten but. That has to mean something, doesn't it?"

The crowd begins to disperse, discussing plans as they consolidate again on a march through the village that gains numbers. The chaos of before fades, to iron determination as they resolve to spread this message of unity. And remaining, are those three. Craftlord. Apprentice. And Trainee.

"Impressive words. You always do have a way of getting people to listen to you."

"She's right, its almost uncanny... Are you hiding something from us? Some sort of secret swaying power? It's in your hair, isn't it? I bet you scatter pollen like a flower and sway everyone to your way of thinking! Something like that, right?"

"Yes, undoubtedly."

Lowering his head to hide his eyes Rob grins in spite of himself, shaking his head out as he raises both arms to bring down on the heads of the two, hard knocks.

"You two are the worst you know that? Anyway Marina, you've got a Contact, right? Get ready to head out, we need you at the port to keep us updated. Just in case."

"Ow...ay ay, Sir Craftjerk." Turning around, she begins preparing some sort of magic circle on the ground in chalk with a petulant pout. And Virtue looks to Rob with that same neutral expression, crossing her arms.

"...Is this okay. Whatever is happening, are you sure our talents would not be better spent seeking out and combating the source of this strange state of things."

Looking to the prismatic sky he sticks both hands in his pockets, a smile making itself apparent after a few moments.

"...I dunno what's going on. But... I can feel, something out there. I just know that someone, somewhere, is fighting hard. A lot of people, I think.

...And I've got faith in those people. So, I'm gonna do my part here. I'm exactly where I need to be, I think."

"...Too bad. I could really use a good fight."

Rob snickers, shaking his head out.

"Yeah I figure that's where your head is. You oughta work on that one-track mind of yours V!"

"As if you are one to talk. And, I am here, am I not?"

"Guess so... guess so."