"You're live," Mariel tells Tasha at the communications console. The display screen shows 'Harmonia' as the other end of the connection.

"Hello Harmonia," Tasha says as she smiles up at the projected avatar of her ship. "I hope you're not uncomfortable? I'm sorry my reply took so long; my report was lengthy and there was also a mandatory medical exam."

"I am maintaining a distance of ten miles," the Khattan ship replies. "Is that adequate? I do not see that the installation has missiles or artillery that can reach that far."

"That is fine, Harmonia. There's little reason to fear Tartarus, anyway. The men and women here are our allies, and though I don't doubt there's a spy among them, none of them would be so foolish as to attack – especially not since we arrived." Tasha folds her hands behind her back and asks, "Would you mind reporting your capabilities? You don't have to; it's completely up to you if you wish to do so or not. We only ask so as to have a better handle on things, and in case you decide to assist us further, so we don't have to speculate."

"I cannot divulge classified information over a broadcast," the AI claims. "If you could be more specific about which capabilities you want to know about, I may be able to offer unclassified information."

"Hmm, I have no specific questions, since I can just familiarize myself with what I need to know upon my return. The Captain, however, doesn't have this luxury. Mariel," Tasha turns to the Ensign, "would you send a message to the Captain's desk requesting a summary of what he needs to know? We can then encode this so Harmonia can judge what can be answed. Oh," Tasha looks back, smiling a little more, "This is Ensign Mariel Mathers; you may remember her from the crew lists of the Fleet."

"Hello, Ensign Mathers," Harmonia says, causing Mariel to blink. "Oh… it's nice to meet you, Miss Harmonia," the Karnor replies.

"Mariel and all the other Karnor Elite are survivors of the Expedition Era, so you can feel comfortable knowing that they were born during your time, and may thus have much in common." The new captain explains to her ship. "I am from this era, but I have the partial technical memories of Lt. Commander Nora Argentine and Chief Engineer Fred Kohler. My PersoCom unit is also on board; she's probably watching us right now."

"I am older than the Karnor race by over one thousand years, actually," Harmonia notes. "I was created before the Terrans achieved interstellar travel."

Now, it's Tasha's turn to blink. "Then, you must remember to be a good big sister," she replies, barely skipping a beat. "But, that's interesting; were the Khattan so far-seeing as to anticipate the Fleet mission even that long ago?"

"This was not my original mission," Harmonia replies. "I was repurposed for it as I was considered obsolete and expendable. I do not know if this is the first such Expedition my creators were involved in."

"How mysterious. The Khattan were truly fearsome in their way, as was their technologies." Tasha glances at Mariel for some reason, pursing her muzzle, then looks back and says, "Please be assured you are not expendable to us. We have a short history, we of the second JEF, but we possess a strong appreciation for AI life. The Karnor, as you know, are organic AI, while the Orpheus's machines have established a budding AI nation which we are on good terms with."

"I am not a nation or a people," the golden spaceship points out. "I am only an individual with a poorly developed personality and sense of other."

"Then you are a nation and a people, in a sense, for what is a nation but a collection of a variety of people?" Tasha unfolds her hands, holding them out. "It doesn't matter if we are working with a nation or one individual; we appreciate individually and work cooperatively. Since you have expressed doubt as to your sense of others and quality of self, I, and I'm sure the others, are willing to help you grow and learn. My transfer to the Harmonia has been approved, and I have been given my orders, which I believe will also help this: if you are willing, we are to proceed to a holding point above 60,000 ASL over the Pit of Himaar to observe. I will return to the city, and you will be able to observe the lives of people more closely, including my own."

"That sounds agreeable," Harmonia replies. "That region does not seem threatening."

"Very little of Expedition-era technology remains, so there shouldn't be any direct threats. The only real foreseeable concerns are political, which we will deal with in time. Do you have any questions for me?" Tasha asks.

"Will you be returning soon?" Harmonia asks.

"I will return as soon as I am able. I do not predict a need to remain longer than a day, but I still need to arrange supplies for myself and handle other miscellaneous tasks," the young captain answers. She then pauses, head tilting. "Do you miss me, Harmonia?"

"Not yet," Harmonia replies.

Tasha barks a laugh, holding her arms out. "Now that's Vartan frankness! I'll be back soon, no need to worry. When I return, I have a few ideas to review with you, and of course you may ask anything of me," she says.

"I await future communication then," Harmonia says, and breaks the connection.

"You have weird friends, Tasha," Mariel comments as she looks back at the hybrid.

Tasha chuckles as she turns to Mariel. "It's the joys of motherhood. As one out of time, I naturally gravitate to the point in my children's future where they abuse me; this is part of what they call 'adventure,'" she explains.

The girl's ears splay out sideways. "That is very poetic, and I have no idea what it means. I guess when I'm older, I'll get it?" she asks with a grin.

"Strength-of-Stones said the same thing of me. I think I'm becoming a politician," the red woman remarks, grinning.

"Or just oooooold," Mariel teases.

Tasha laughs, leaning back and putting a hand over her heart. "Yes. I bear the burden of age and responsibility so that you all may live freely. I will surely be repayed by a young Nora stealing what I have built and discarding me; it is these things I endure for the future."

"We young ones appreciate your sacrifice," Mariel claims, and goes back to monitoring the console.

"Please remember me when I am old and undoubtedly missing limbs and have bug parts," Tasha insists.

After turning to face the monitor, Tasha stares at it for a long moment, then says out of the blue, "Mariel, would you mind if I borrowed the bridge for a while?"

"What?" Mariel asks. "You mean… you want to be alone? Here?"

"I will be asking the Captain to join me for a sensitive discussion," Tasha replies, not turning from watching the screen. She isn't smiling now; instead, she is focused, muzzle working. It's likely it isn't the bay that has her attention.

"Shall I go fetch him then?" Mariel asks.

"That would be appreciated; thank you Mariel." Tasha turns and smiles, but is soon back to watching the screen in thought.

It's a few minutes before Gabriel arrives, and the airlock shuts behind him. "You wanted me here, Tasha?" he asks.

Tasha's head nods. "Yes, Captain. This probably isn't the alone time you were hoping for, but there's a matter I'd like to discuss and I wanted your opinion."

"I'd better sit down then," Gabriel says, as he takes one of the station seats.

Tasha smiles briefly, but it fades as that mask of concentration returns. "Where do you think we'll be, in the near future? Beyond that?"

"Are you asking about you and I personally, or… " Gabriel asks, waving an arm to indicate the entire bridge.

Tasha smiles again, and this time it lingers a while. "No, not about us, but don't think I'm not curious about that. I mean the JEF."

"I've been focused on the next week more than beyond that," Gabriel admits, and leans back. "Frankly, it's hard to make plans. There's no telling when Bellerophon will be ready for real duty, or what we'll be called on to do. Our personnel are limited as far as serving in advisory positions… "

Tasha nods her head slowly, as if she had expected something like this. "Prior to boarding the Harmonia, I had the same mindset. However, ever since that dream of mine I've felt the pull to look farther, to see a bigger picture than what's in front of me. I tried to ignore it out of fear, but I believe that is simply running away. If we are to survive, I think we must be aware of the past and future, as well as the present." Finally looking over, she asks, "Do you think war is inevitable?"

"The nations of this world haven't really fought anything I would call an actual war," Gabriel claims. "There have been plenty of battles, but I don't think anyone has the resources for a protracted campaign. After all, sending your forces into battle leaves few to defend your home with."

"However, if nothing changes, then the skirmishes over resources will continue," the man concludes.

"But things have changed, haven't they?" Tasha steps over to her usual station, tapping the controls, then pulling out her datapad. She works with them both a moment and, after one more tap, looks up. The display of the hangar is replaced with an overview of populated Abaddon, showing each nation's territory, outposts, and cities, all color coded. "The Confederate Life Dome has fallen," she says, gesturing at the out of place Imperial green around the Confederate structure. "The Pit of Himaar has appeared." She gestures towards that, as well. "Finally, we have arrived. The first is an imbalance in power, the second two are resources which could determine dominance. Right now, the nations have maintained peace. However, two new resources have appeared. In time, these will lead to expansion. Past history suggests that sooner or later, a play for one or both resources will occur."

"As happened with the Confederate Life Dome," Tasha concludes.

"It depends on the availability of those resources," Gabriel notes. "And you forgot the Forbidden Zones in your map. If Zerachiel is right, they could be resources as well. It depends on how this planet works: will water fall as rain on all areas equally, or will it appear in isolated pockets that can be fought over?"

Tasha leans over to work her console a bit more, so that the Forbidden Zone also appears. "Currently, only the Pit is a reliable pocket, and it remains relatively peaceful. However, I'm concerned at how unstable the world is becoming. Imbalance is bad for us and for this world; it could lead to perceived advantage, which could lead to a military campaign. As neutrals, what would we do? Not interfere, as they attack our other allies? Gain their ire by refusing to assist them? Sanction them? Abandon them? Do we have any duty to the innocent people and destructible resources that may be fought over?" Tasha takes a deep breath, and then shakes our head. "I fear the world has starved too long, and now that water has appeared, we may begin to see desperate conflict over it. Small battles may become bigger wars. Looking back, war seems inevitable in the long term. Do you agree?"

"I agree that it can become ugly," Gabriel says. "But we can't do anything to force peace. The Knights failed at that, for the same reason: if a starving man steals bread, do you protect the baker or the starving man? We're doing what we can: you've scanned the Pit to find new water sources. By providing better information, we remove some of the risk of finding the existing resources, and reduce the need for groups to commandeer the resources of others."

Tasha nods to this. "I agree on everything you have said; I know full well what comes when you force peace," she remarks, reaching up to tap at the side of her face where the Empress prosthetics had been. "What I am suggesting is not a proactive plan, but a reactive one. If things continue peacefully, then there is no concern. However, should conflict break out – and we have a somewhat accurate picture of how that may fall – we, or I, should be prepared to make a move to establish peace passively. In particular, a war within or around the Pit would be disastrous, and this is the region I am most concerned with. It will not be the Confederates; they need the Pit so badly you can almost feel their desperation. No, it'd be either the Imperials with their new found strength, or the Silent-Ones out of the usual sense of dominance. The officials within the Pit are political outcasts; they seem unlikely to divert a strong political trend in their governments. Thus, should the worst occur, I suggest we – or I – make our or myself available to deflect concentrated violence towards the Pit. This is to minimize casualties and damage to the Pit and to participating armies. From here, it would be easy to establish a foothold there, especially given our technology, further protecting the Pit. With the Pit comes wealth and independence." The young woman turns to face her mate, back to the map of the world. "What do you think?"

"I'm not sure what you are suggesting, Tasha," Gabriel notes. "Are you saying the J.E.F. needs to defend the Pit – which is in our charter – or that you should somehow distract invaders away from it?"

"I am saying in the event of unbalancing or destructive violence we offer ourselves to address it using our technology to minimize casualties and resource destruction while improving our standing and, if possible, gaining some measure of control. With control, we can expand. In particular, the Pit would make an excellent position. If we can demonstrate excellent stewardship, we may become its leaders," Tasha replies. "From there, I would suggest a war of peace; a bloodless culture war where we use the Pit to demonstrate a better life through learning, technology, multispeciesism, and safety."

"This is all beyond our current capabilities, you know," Gabriel says, and rubs his eyes. "I'm not a politician, I'm a soldier and explorer from a different era. I'm not fit to make decisions about the future of nations. We will work for the prosperity of the Pit of Himar because that is our job. They are our patrons on this world. Don't overestimate what our technology can do – because it will break down with use, and if we don't understand it we invite disaster. For what you describe to come about, it has to be led by Abaddonians to mean anything."

"It will be, because if it works out correctly, they will ask for it. This is not cynicism; it is not cynical to suggest a good offering is worth taking. It will require effort." Tasha reaches up and rubs her nose, then says, "It's not an immediate plan, but one that needs to be kept in mind as we proceed through this world. It only seems immediate because I am presenting it in short, with a condensed timeline. Ultimately, what I am saying is that we should be prepared to take certain steps if the situation calls for it, and keep a mind towards the future and the bigger picture. It would prove a poor end to our work if the world proved both unstable and self destructive. At that point we would just be feeding a fire; we would be boosting the elites while the needy starve. That is not what I wish to see."

"Tasha, no world is ever in balance," Gabriel notes. "If it were, nothing would ever happen. The universe is massively against life itself… and that's what makes life strong. And the truth is that everyone who ever acted to try and control or guide a world, no matter what their intent… were tyrants. If the Terrans and Imperials start fighting over something, it's not our place to step in and stop them, because they didn't give us that authority. And that's what it all comes down to. We do not act on our own authority, it has to be granted to us. And even then, we can't force anything. That was the failing of the Knights here; they were given the authority, and they tried to do just what you propose – meddling in the affairs of sovereign nations to uphold an ideal. And they were all but wiped out for it. And we are a lot more vulnerable than them. Keep in mind that making any move on our own to promote an agenda independent of our charter will likely invite our destruction."

"I did not and do not suggest acting aggressively; that would be foolish. Whatever was created from that would only bring an even greater conflict. What I am saying is, if the situation is there, and we make ourselves available, they may ask us. In asking us, we grow stronger – and it can never be said we breached our charter or pushed an agenda. I am sure they will suspect one, but that is only to be expected; every person has an agenda. What I am saying is that we continue to act as we have, and show we are worthy. In time, that worthiness will do our arguing for us," Tasha says, holding her hand out. "We just mustn't be too timid when the time comes. The Knights tried to be independent yet landless. They tried to be independent but dependent. This, too, was their downfall."

"The PHTO would still have to authorize us to offer our services," Gabriel notes. "And I would only suggest it to them if it was clear we would make a positive difference without too much risk."

Tasha inclines her head. "Of course. I wouldn't suggest needless risk," she says.

"What brought all of this on, Tasha?" Gabriel asks. "Was it your Empress vision?"

Tasha twists her muzzle, then turns her head to regard the map, her gaze far away. "That was the start of it. I never realized … No, I resisted realizing the power and possibility that are available to me. In doing so, I did not only myself a disservice, but also the JEF. It is important to be aware of the power a person possesses, both to use it well, and to use it responsibly. Beyond that, even with all I had, I resisted the breadth of what I could do. I put blinders on what I could achieve. In seeing the Empress, I realized what I could do; I realize that I should not hold myself back anymore. I also saw that I had been running away, in many ways, even as I felt like I was facing my fears." Tasha turns to Gabriel, holding her hands wide, with the map of the world behind her. "Maybe I wish to rule the world – but not like her. If ever I should have a crown, it will be because I have won the acclaim honestly. And to do that and other things, I must be a confident person who does not run away. I feared telling you my idea, but I can accept this now. I am a person with the power to conqueror the world; I should be aware of this and do my best to act responsible, both with the world, and within myself."

"Your Harmonia may disagree about being able to conquer the world," Gabriel chuckles. "You haven't looked beyond your own life, in that regard, have you? To create something that will survive you?"

"If what I have made is worth having, it will survive. If not, I will have failed, " Tasha replies, letting her hands fall. "I should only be a catalyst. That, or I will need to live forever." Given straight-faced, it's hard to tell if she's joking or not.

"All I can say is; don't let it go to your head," Gabriel says. "The way to build the world you want is one person at a time, with bonds of friendship."

Tasha's muzzle breaks in to a smile. "It may seem like I am trying to manipulate people, but what you say is ultimately the goal and the glue that binds the idea." She steps over to her station, touching the screen so that the map disappears. Standing straight again, she concludes, "This finishes my presentation."

"And what will you be doing now?" Gabriel asks. "I think you need to visit the ironworks before you go, at the very least."

Tasha blinks in confusion, then 'ohs' and nods. "That's right! My weapon!. It's funny is, I thought during my flight over that maybe such a weapon was an indulgence, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Would you like to join me for a walk down there, then, Captain?"

"I suppose I'd better," Gabriel says, standing up and stretching. "Otherwise you'll get into trouble to try to tame a canal monster… "

"That comes later," Tasha insists with a straight face but a scent that gives her away. She walks over and hooks her arm in with Gabriel's. "You know, politics are tiring. I think I've said my plans, and will resume being a person of here-and-now for the time being."