Desven

A way to take soil samples, water samples, or just things in general to check under a microscope. Doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, you just pick up some dirt or water and put it in a petri dish, the rest is fluff.

I interviewed Queen Tupii. She used me to start a war. War in Heaven, Part Three: “Hail horrors,” Article 2 By Emily Kaplan This article was originally published on Emily Writes Online!💖 on May 25, 2466. The original author has since regretted its publication, but the article remains for archival purposes. I was fresh out of high school when Biesel made first contact with the Vaurca. I’ll never forget—I was at the store, buying some milk for my mom, when the TV talked about a large Hiveship that was relocated to Valkyrie. After paying for the milk, I immediately grabbed my bike and rushed home. I was so interested in knowing more about this story that, at one point, I dropped the milk, splattering my legs, but kept driving. At home, I turned on the TV again, seeing a Vaurca for the first time in my life. My mom, confused, just asked why I was soaked in milk and where the carton was. However, I was enthralled—I thought it was super interesting that we had met a new species and that our government was willing to aid them. Flash forward a couple of years, I’m almost done with my Journalism degree and I see stories about Flagsdale pop up. I thought it was mostly unfair how many people treated Vaurcae, especially because the few I had come across seemed ultra nice. By then, I had already joined the school newspaper, so one of the first stories I wrote was about the k’ois outbreaks and what safety measures to take. However, I tried to word my article in such a way that didn’t seem biased against Vaurcae—many articles at the time instead were focused on how Vaurcae were dangerous and to keep your distance. I wanted to provide something helpful that didn’t marginalize these vulnerable communities. My career in journalism took me then to Foop!, a website that is now sadly defunct but that I truly believed in. We did our best to talk about social issues in an easy to understand language, something all of us spoke. Many of our articles weren’t even 500 characters long—we tried to make news as accessible and fun as possible. Foop! closed in early 2463 and seemed almost overnight. I went to the office, picked up my puff chair and my keyboard, and cried all the way home. By then, I was struggling to pay rent and live on my own. I called a couple of friends, told them about what had happened to Foop!, and asked them to help me find a new job. I spent weeks on job boards, trying to find something interesting. I did get a few gigs as a freelancer—and these were probably the worst articles I had ever written. I was like an auto-pilot, trying to produce to survive. After four months of not finding a stable job, I was ready to drop the towel. I called my mom and told her that I couldn’t afford paying rent anymore. She helped me pack up my things and I was back at my old room. I thought about my career and realized that, perhaps, being a writer with a focus on social justice wasn’t a viable option. The Republic of Biesel has been, for the most part, too conservative, and the current elections are scary because of how much spotlight the Cetian Conservatives are getting. I had hit rock bottom and didn’t think I’d be able to recover. Then, a friend called me. She was one of my Foop! coworkers and had been recently hired by the Caprice Sun, a brand-new newspaper that had opened its offices right at my hometown, Belle Côte. The best part was not that I was only recommended, but that the supervisor had learned about the k’ois story I had written back during my college days. According to my friend, the supervisor said they needed someone like me and offered me a job. I was amazed; just as I was about to quit journalism, I had found a new opportunity at something I was truly passionate about. I met with the editor-in-chief the following day and within a week I was already hired. My years at the Caprice Sun were amazing. I really don’t have anything negative to say about anyone or the team as a whole. I enjoyed talking to people, traveling to new places, and writing thought-provoking pieces that could further our cause. We had a strict policy to not cover any controversies or anything negative about Vaurcae. I never questioned it. It seemed logical, especially as everybody was always looking for something to make Vaurcae look bad. We were trying to focus on the positive and it was honestly the best place I’ve worked at. Then I was tasked with interviewing Queen Tupii, and my whole world took a turn. Throughout my time at the Caprice Sun, I never saw or spoke to any queen. Occasionally, I knew that Queen Athvur would step into the offices, but we never saw her. I interviewed Gynes, Bulwarks, and even highly augmented Workers, but never a queen. Needless to say, I was terrified. I knew this was the most important interview of my career and I didn’t want to spoil it. Now, at the Caprice Sun we had focused almost exclusively about Zo’rane issues, though there were times where we also had to write about the other two hives. I knew Tupii because we had covered her coronation and one of my colleagues was even sent to Moghes for two weeks. Sadly, my interview was to occur via the extranet, but that didn’t stop me from preparing myself. I researched deeply into the K’lax Hive, their issues, and their queens. During this time, I learned a lot about them, mainly about Tupii and Zkaii. My journey for more knowledge took me three weeks and countless talks with experts on the matter. Then something felt wrong. I don’t know how to describe it, but it was like a hunch. I noticed that although Zkaii was the High Queen, Tupii was doing all of these amazing things and trying not to take credit for it. It was almost as if she was too modest. At that point, I knew Tupii wanted to achieve something within the Hive, but I didn’t know what. Finally, the day came in. Although it was just a voice call, I still prepared myself by wearing something formal. I sat in the conference room with a notepad and my laptop. I couldn’t believe I was about to speak to a queen, but before I could say anything, Tupii greeted me warmly, as if we were already friends: “Hello, Emily.” The questions I made were not inflammatory and instead stemmed out of genuine curiosity. I wanted to understand this figure. I did my best to ask her things that would be relevant for our readership and I didn’t hold back. Queen Tupii did the same as well—she answered with grace, but also, very careful. Each of her words seemed almost planned, as if she wanted to ensure that she was sending a message by responding to me. And she did: Queen Tupii wanted to start a war, and she used me to achieve her goal. After the interview, I learned that I was chosen to interview Tupii not so much because of my experience, but because of the kind of questions the staff knew I would ask. Apparently, Queen Tupii had requested a reporter that was willing to “ask her into a corner.” In other words, she had asked for me because she knew that I would ask about sensitive topics that would, inevitably, stir the pot. Her plan worked, and less than a day later, Zkaii had already replied, calling the Caprice Sun a “tabloid.” It was never my intention to make the Queens look bad or fight each other. It wasn’t also my intention to make it look as if we cared more about the drama instead of the interview. I was genuinely interested in Tupii, but I was manipulated. And it cost me my job. In less than two weeks, I was fired. The only reason given to me was that Vaurca Equality could no longer trust me. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I had helped the newspaper from the start, and I was now being told I was “untrustworthy,” even though it was Queen Tupii the one that baited High Queen Zkaii. In these past few months, a lot has changed in my life. Luckily, I found a new job much sooner than expected, although I’m now trying to stay away from Vaurca topics. However, every now and then I read my name on some articles discussing the conflict between the K’lax. I’ve been called “responsible,” “monstruous,” “guilty.” I don’t know where people get these ideas from, as I was simply doing my job interviewing an important figure. I didn’t do anything else beyond that. I never asked Tupii to respond to something specific, and I definitely didn’t advise her to start a war within her own Hive. I feel like the scapegoat of this whole situation, while the Queens have made it clear they won’t take responsibility for their actions. I want to state that I don’t feel hatred. I do, however, feel cheated. I don’t think my experience is one that should be used to attack Vaurcae or further vitriol. However, I have realized that the leaders of the Hives aren’t as amazing as I once thought. They’re looking out for their interests and don’t mind pulling the strings and hurting a few people along the way. I was in their path, and I don’t want to be there again. I’m still healing from this whole experience, but I know that I still have a long way to go. To my blog readers, I implore you: support independent journalism. I’ll be trying to launch a few other projects in the future, hoping we can still focus on social justice topics without having to deal with large NGOs and other institutions that claim to be looking after the most vulnerable. I’m committed to honest news but I’ll need YOUR help. Please support my blog and follow me so you can get the latest updates about me. There’s a lot I still have to do and I’ll document my whole journey here!

Why Vaur Is a Better VP Choice Than You Think [Pictured: a pin featuring High Queen Vaur’s friendly avatar. The pin reads: “VAUR FOR VICE PRESIDENT 2466.”] When President Dorn decided to team up with High Queen Vaur as his running mate, the buzz was real! 🎉 Finally, a chance for Vaurcae everywhere to have their voices heard in the political arena. But of course, where there's excitement, there are also critics raining on the parade. 🌧️ They've tried to throw shade on this momentous occasion, questioning Vaur's ability to handle the VP role. But fear not, because here are five rock-solid reasons why High Queen Vaur is the absolute best choice for VP, and why you should be pumped to vote for her! 🗳️ A Sage Leader Who's Overqualified 🌟: High Queen Vaur isn't just your average politician—she's a seasoned leader with millennia of experience under her belt. Leading her brood with finesse and grace, she's proven herself time and time again. Plus, as the new head honcho of the Zo'ra Hive, she's been acing the game of integrating Vaurcae within the Republic of Biesel. Talk about an overachiever! 🏆 Boosting the Executive Branch's Power 💪 : Vaur isn't just about sitting pretty in the VP seat—she's all about beefing up that executive power. Recognizing President Dorn's overloaded plate, she's on a mission to supercharge the executive office. With her by Dorn's side, they'll be tag-teaming to rule not just the capital, but the entire Republic of Biesel. Now that's what we call a power duo! 💥 The People's Champion 🗣️ : When it comes to being the voice of the people, Vaur takes the crown. She's got a knack for understanding the needs of those under her wing and isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and get things done. Whether it's for the Zo'ra Hive or all citizens of the Republic, Vaur's got their backs. A true champion of the people, she's ready to make some serious waves! 🌊 An Honest Politician Unbought by Parties 💼: In a world where politics often seems synonymous with shady deals and backroom negotiations, High Queen Vaur stands out as a beacon of honesty. She's not swayed by political parties or special interests—her loyalty lies solely with the people she serves. With Vaur, what you see is what you get, and that's a refreshing change. 😌 Breaking Barriers and Making History 🌈: Choosing High Queen Vaur as VP isn't just a bold move—it's a historic one. This isn't just about politics; it's about breaking barriers and paving the way for proper representation. With Vaur by Dorn's side, it's not just about one leader—it's about a whole new era of inclusivity and progress. Get ready to witness history in the making! 🌟 So, there you have it—despite the skeptics and the haters, High Queen Vaur is shining bright as the perfect VP pick for Biesel. 🌟 With her sage leadership, commitment to amplifying the executive branch, and unwavering dedication to the people, she's more than ready to take on this historic role. So let's brush off those doubts, embrace the excitement, and get ready to make some serious waves in the realm of politics. With High Queen Vaur by President Dorn's side, the future of Biesel is looking brighter than ever before. Get ready to mark your ballots and be part of history in the making! 🎉

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The Hivenet Watch: A Shield Against Uncertainty War in Heaven, Part Three: “Hail horrors,” Article 1 By Bob Knowles This article was marked as a 'Quality contribution' by our forum members. Subscribe to VUO to receive more articles like this in your inbox. The Hivenet Watch is perhaps one of the most misunderstood organizations of our century. Even among forum members, I see a lot of unsubstantiated claims about it. Mainly, some people are concerned with how the group came to be, how it is funded, and if it can really be trusted. Conspiracy theories have risen, claiming that Vaur is behind the whole operation, trying to pretend that Hivenet is being properly monitored. Others believe that the Hivenet Watch is simply a scam—the organization justifies receiving enormous grants by "pretending" to advance the monitoring of Hivenet and Vaurca Virtual Reality (VVR). None of these theories have any basis in reality and merely demonstrate the depths to which Zo'rane-funded disinformation campaigns will stoop to sow hysteria and spread fake news. What Is the Hivenet Watch? The Zo'ra arrived in the Republic of Biesel in 2456. The Dorn administration didn't think twice about taking them as refugees: their ship was immediately docked in Valkyrie—where it remained an eyesore for over seven years—and its crew was swiftly relocated to various locations in Tau Ceti. As with many of the more "enlightened" decisions made by Joseph Dorn, not everyone was happy with this. Congress immediately ordered for the surveillance of the aliens, but the contractors were the usual suspects: the NanoTrasen Corporation. Zo'ra immediately cooperated with the projects, even providing partial understanding of how their communication network works, as well as the enciphering of its protocols. From here it is evident: President Dorn wanted for the young republic a wave of cheap labor and to inflate its population numbers. The NanoTrasen Corporation, no stranger to meddling with aliens for its gain, saw the benefits as well. And Vaur, the puppeteer behind the whole charade, was more than happy to pretend to be the puppet while she reaped the benefits from this supposed "surveillance." In 2460, Biesellite Congress used the constant maintenance required for the Flagsdale relay to enact a five-year term in the Hivenet surveillance contract. Bidders were organized by early 2461. Despite the documented bribes from both NanoTrasen and Zo'ra to have the megacorporation renew the contract, Congress—losing the grip of the Free Market Party—elected the Hivenet Surveillance and Research Organization as its new contractor. The Hivenet Surveillance was created only three months prior to the deadline. Many criticize the organization because its founder, Nikola Shasho, is a highly private man. A quick search on the extranet throws virtually zero results of him. However, the identity of Shasho, while mysterious, shouldn't be of concern—people are entitled to their privacy and don't have to share details of their life for everyone to read. The Hivenet Surveillance quickly positioned itself as a serious organization. On January 1, 2462, the Hivenet Surveillance expanded its influence to the Nralakk Federation, changing its name to the Human-Skrell Alliance for Hivenet Surveillance and Research. It is now widely known as the Hivenet Watch or Hivewatch, and it has its headquarters divided between Mendell City, Biesel, and Zuvl'Qlip, Qerr'Malic. In 2466, the Hivenet Watch expanded its operations to Skalamar, though this is mostly related to the ongoing conflict between Zkaii and Tupii. Why Is the Hivenet Watch Important? Since its inception, the Zo'ra Hive has been less cooperative with the Hivenet Watch than expected, despite legal requirements for surveillance. President Dorn, Vaur's closest ally, has attempted to shield Hivenet logs from analysis. Fortunately, these efforts have been blocked by Congress. In response, the Zo'ra Hive has feigned compliance by cooperating with NanoTrasen on projects like the newly inaugurated "Vaur's Tower," a purportedly advanced Hivenet surveillance system. However, the Hivenet Watch was not involved in its construction, and the claimed "improvements in pherolingustic expression analysis" require proprietary NanoTrasen software, not easily accessible for the Hivenet Watch. Vaur's Tower is just another example of a gray area in Caprice, proving that if someone is above the Constitution of Biesel, it's Vaur and her cronies. The Hivenet Watch is perhaps the only organization that can ensure the Zo'ra—and Vaurcae as a whole—do not receive "special benefits" as so-called refugees. Its stance as an organization independent from corrupted governments and greedy megacorporations allows the group to force transparency among the Vaurca. For example, in 2458, it was reported through Hivenet that warmonger Zoleth planned to mobilize war-constructs to Caprice. This led to the foundation of Dis. The documents were partially declassified last year after a request made by forum user @againstredwave via the Information Transparency Act (ITA) of Biesel. The user, identifying themselves as a 48-year-old Biesel native, made various requests for three years, all of which were denied. The existence of this operation was only made public by whistleblower Frederik Callahan, who was sentenced to five years of federal prison in 2460 due to this leak. Callahan had averted that NanoTrasen knew about Dis and decided not to report this information to the Republic of Biesel. The declassified documents, while heavily censored, confirmed Callahan's report. Now take for instance the Court of Queens. This coupist organization was established in Caprice in 2463 to form what can be considered a parallel government in the planet. While the reach of their policies is alarming, they have been heavily trumped by the Hivenet Watch. It is estimated that around 87% of all Court of Queens' logs are public and can be publicly accessed here. The remaining 12% remain classified but have been sent to the Republic of Biesel, while only 1% of the logs remain in revision. We can assume this would be different if NanoTrasen was still in charge of the surveillance of the Hivenet, given their poor record. We can also thank the Hivenet Watch for advances in trying to decode VVR. When the NanoTrasen Corporation held the government contract for Hivenet surveillance, they repeatedly promised to crack VVR, often using this as justification for increased funding. The promise was never delivered, and a leaked 2462 internal report in growings shows that VVR technology wasn't even considered in NanoTrasen's budget. Conversely, the Hivenet Watch has made VVR their main focus since 2463. The organization understands that most of Vaurca private conversations occur inside VVR and that this technology holds the key in disarming the "Arthropod Cabal." Conclusion The Hivenet Watch is perhaps the only true organization interested in protecting Spurrians today. The recent conflict among the K'lax has only launched the organization into mainstream, with many following Hivewatch's Chirper account to receive updates. Their pseudo-Cephalon technology is commendable and proves to us that human and Skrell technology isn't as far away as Vaur has tried to make us believe. Despite Hivenet Watch's best efforts to secure funding, the organization is still fairly small when compared to NanoTrasen. This makes it especially vulnerable to lose the contract later this year. As a result, Hivenet Watch accepts public donations. While Vaurca Updates Online isn't officially partnered with the Hivenet Watch, sending your receipt of donation to info@vaurcaupdatesonline.net can make you eligible for a free month of subscription. Terms and conditions may apply. Remember: The Hivenet Watch is not about fear-mongering or xenophobia. It is about taking responsible precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of all in the face of the unknown. Bob Knowles is a Europan ex-pat. He is the author of several sci-fi stories, including Zap!: When Ants Attack and The Mystery of the Cyber Princess. His contributions to Vaurca Updates Online are usually under the pseudonym @spined_and_proud.

Hi. This app is good, albeit short. I have some questions: 1. How was Dugi trained to be an engineer? Vaurca characters are still expected to have qualifications. 2. Dugi left Tret for the first time in its life. How has this affected your character? Has it gotten used to interacting with other species?

What Is the West Phoenixport Law Center? A couple of days ago, presidential candidate Åke Torvald held a political rally in Virklund, New Gibson. When commenting about the gentrification of the Xerxes biodome, once a safe haven for one of the Zo’rane broods, Torvald accused High Queen Vaur—President Joseph Dorn’s running mate—of neglecting her most vulnerable populations. The remark was finished with the candidate name-dropping the West Phoenixport Law Center (WPLC), an institution he believes is the only advocacy group in Biesel that addresses pressing matters for the Hive. Torvald’s surprise mention of the West Phoenixport Law Center sparked a wave of curiosity, sending Biesellites scrambling to the extranet for information. What they found was an unassuming organization with a growing social media presence, dedicated to advocating for the rights of the “Queenless” Vaurca—those unable to prove their lineage to the Zo’rane broods and therefore not qualifying for citizenship under the Universal Citizenship Program. The WPLC operates out of Phoenixport, providing legal aid to the city’s most impoverished residents, with a focus on making legal services accessible and understandable to all. Their advocacy work extends beyond the courtroom, with the group actively championing the rights of Vaurcae living in Flagsdale and other marginalized communities. In November 2465, the WPLC organized the largest peaceful demonstration in Flagsdale’s history, an event that likely caught the attention of candidate Torvald. The Tau Ceti Times reached out to the West Phoenixport Law Center, who readily provided a statement. Representative Ta’Akaix’Myur’kha’aalik C’thur, founder of the WPLC, said: “We’re very happy that our cause is gaining momentum and very grateful that good men like Åke Torvald have noticed this. We’ll always gladly join any public forums that are willing to discuss the rights of the Queenless.” When asked about Vaur’s bid for VP, the representative replied: “We at the West Phoenixport Law Center don’t have a unified stance on politics. However, many of us aren’t happy with High Queen Vaur and her eugenic policies.” This new pressure from a civil rights group comes right after Prefect Za’Akaix’Reku Zo’ra suggested moral concerns regarding the Peacekeeper Mandate. High Queen Vaur and her campaign staff declined to comment on either matter.

Maybe derailing the topic, but I don’t want hoverbeds to just become the reason why we avoid accessibility and better mapping. I think remapping Medical should be priority now with the dangerous stairs in mind.

I swear I once made a thread about this, but I can't find it. Maybe I just thought I did. Regardless, I'll address the very first thing people say when I usually mention microwaves returning to Aurora: I don't want microwaves to have any cooking recipes or steps. Microwaves are pure fluff. They heat your food and that's it. Outside of frozen foods like hot pockets, there really shouldn't be any benefit from microwaving stuff. I'm a fierce supporter of microwaves, even in break rooms. I don't think they would make the chef lose customers or whatever. However, imagine your character has a lunch box and wants to eat their food. You can just walk to the microwave, heat it, and eat it. Or you ordered food from the chef and the shift got busy, so the paper bag stayed there for an hour at your desk. You grab the food, heat it, and eat it. Why would you do this at all? Well, I just think it's charming and adds to the RP. You would get a nice message saying "Your food tastes pleasantly warm" and that's it. And if you don't want to heat it yourself? Well, you can take it to the chef, ask for them to heat it in their microwave, and eat it. Again, I don't think this is offensive or would cause any trouble. I doubt we'd get to a situation where microwaves need to be removed if this were all they did.

Vaur's VP Bid: The Vaurcae Voices She Doesn't Want You to Hear By James McCoy After Vaur's inclusion in the Dorn ticket, many have speculated the Free Market Party will get thousands, if not millions, of votes. However, not everyone in the beehive is happy. I came back to Biesel after six years, heading straight for my hometown, Phoenixport. Aside from a brief visit with Mom and Dad, nostalgia was noticeably absent. Instead, what struck me was the jarring sight of Einstein Engines propaganda plastered everywhere. And, of course, the swarms of red Vaurcae that once overwhelmed the city during my last years there were now conspicuously absent. After a pleasant dinner at home, I made my way to the West Phoenixport Law Center, a modest establishment housed in a strip mall nestled in the city's most downtrodden district. Inside, a small reception area with a dozen chairs faced a glass-enclosed desk. The desk was attended by a C'thuric Vaurca whose erratic chittering filled the otherwise quiet space. After a ten-minute wait, my host emerged: a towering C'thuric Vaurca adorned with an oversized lavallière that draped impressively. She introduced herself as Myur'kha'aalik, requesting to be called Aalik, and ushered me into her office. Aalik belongs to a group of Vaurcae that arrived in Tau Ceti in 2463. Within their hive, they're considered "punished." Their crime, as considered by the tribe, was to get lost in The Traverse—a mostly unexplored area of the Nralakk Federation. Upon migrating to Biesel, Aalik and other Vaurcae left in her charge established the West Phoenixport Law Center (WPLC), a place that provides legal counsel at an accessible price. "We're a better option than a public defender because we have a lot of our Workers focusing on one case at once," explained Aalik. "Many of our clients are locals that are going through a myriad of legal processes, and we help them navigate that." Aalik is a legal permanent resident of Biesel. Next year, she's expecting to apply for citizenship. When asked who she would vote for if she could, Aalik's response was adamant: "Not Dorn and Vaur." Aalik is just one of the many Vaurcae that doesn’t agree with Vaur and her mingling in Biesellite politics. The West Phoenixport Law Center has been vocal about its opposition to the Zo'rane leaders. While the WPLC pays rent by providing counsel, they're really interested in the advancement of the civil rights of the "Queenless," a group of pariahs that have been shunned from Vaurca society. In some cases, these outcasts have endured the treatment even before leaving their home planet—many being subjected to servitude in Sedantis. The "Queenless" cannot lay eggs on their own. For millennia, they have relied on the goodwill of the Zo'ra and K'lax to continue their line. However, these groups have done their best to erase their original culture. Aalik shared with me the story of Reushka, one of her friends and fellow advocate. Reushka was part of the Vess'ek Nation in Sedantis, but the current Vaurcae she oversees have no recollection of that. Many "Queenless," Aalik says, do not even know what their original hive was. In 2464, Vaur decreed that the "Queenless" would no longer receive eggs. If this isn't reverted, "Queenless" will go extinct by 2485. Reports of this quiet genocide are scarce—the initial news gathered some attention, but no follow-up has been provided. Vaurca Equality—the watchdog group led by Vaur, responsible for censoring Vaurca Updates Online in Biesel—actively avoids the topic of "Queenless," not even mentioning them in their advocacy material. West Phoenix Law Center has raised attention to this issue and many of the other hardships "Quenless" face. Since 2465, Vaur has responded against the WPLC. The "Court of Queens," a para-governmental organization led by Vaurca leaders in Caprice, has complete control over Vaurca bureaucracy. It has gone as far as the Republic of Biesel won't receive paperwork from individual Vaurcae if it lacks the seal of the Vaurca Office of Administrative Services (VOAS). VOAS used to accept any Virtual Reality training in Biesellite law, given it was adequate, as a prerequisite for submitting the documents to the Biesel Bar Association. Now, in order to fulfill the bar examination prerequisite, VOAS has claimed that only Virtual Reality syllabi approved by the Xavier Trasen Medical School are sufficient. If it sounds strange that a medical school has to approve material provided for law students, it's because it is. The Xavier Trasen Medical School is just another institution colluding with the Zo'ra. This move has left the Vaurcae of the WPLC feeling uncertain, especially because they're in danger of losing their bar at any moment. However, perhaps the situation isn't as dire. As I was leaving Aalik's office, a large magenta-colored Vaurca entered the room. This was an anomaly—the individual, leader of the WPLC chapter in Flagsdale, was two things that do not add up: a Bulwark and only one year old. Aalik was quick to explain. That Bulwark—under the supervision of another "punished" C'thuric Vaurca—was hatched out of a "smuggled" egg. When I asked how these eggs were "smuggled," Aalik feigned ignorance. However, my C'thuric host also mentioned that these eggs were not viable in the long term—they were usually damaged, leading to poor development. That Bulwark, Aalik said, wouldn't live longer than five years. As I was in the spaceport, ready to return to Xanu, I saw a clip of a rally led by Åke Torvald. He had officially acknowledged the WPLC: "Queen Vaur thinks we're oblivious about her atrocities done to her own Hive. President Dorn has allowed the extermination of [...] the Queenless Vaurca of Flagsdale. Everything about Vaurca Equality is a pathetic front for Vaur's own agenda. The West Phoenixport Law Center is the only advocacy group in Biesel that has bothered to bring this to light." I couldn't cancel my flight, so I gave a call to the WPLC. Aalik greeted me in a tone I can only guess was happiness. "This is great news for the Center. I'm now next to the phone, hoping that Åke's team contacts us next!" Before hanging up, I asked Aalik if she thought Dorn and Vaur would win the elections. She remained optimistic: "Yes, but anything can happen." One thing is true: the hope that this election can change the future of "Queenless" remains high.

The vent’s animation is much more subtle. I still think it’s too fast, but vents are less common than scrubbers, the color of the animation isn’t as contrasting (making it pop out less), and the animation cycle itself doesn’t flash as much as the scrubber one does; it’s a thinner, subtler blue circling around. I don’t think they’re comparable because the scrubber animation really has the whole thing light up ultra fast. The scrubber has the whole thing blink blue at one point.

It's way too flashy and plastered everywhere. I find it way too distracting as the floor is just constantly flashing blue now. If it's not reverted because you REALLY want to show that the scrubbers are active, make it much slower and subtle. I think the pumps are not bad (though they're much more sparse) and are a good reference. Other than that, perhaps it's better if we port the scrubbers from /tg/ or another codebase.

CCIA Staff Application Background Information BYOND Key: Desven Character names: Currently: Pierre Godard, Ka'Akaix'Pax C'thur, Za'Akaix'Mon Zo'ra, Arthur Lopez, Rhiannon Conway, and occasionally Theofanis Metrakis. I might also play Cocktails every now and then. Age: 24 Time zone: (GMT-6) What times are you most available?: I usually arrive home at 7 p.m., though sometimes I might get back home a bit later. I'm mostly free Saturday and Sunday. I'm available on Discord all day basically (so around 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.) Experience How long have you played SS13?: Since late 2020? I think. How long have you played on Aurora?: I joined the server in early 2021. How active on the forums, discord and/or server are you?: Lately, I've been checking the forums almost every day. I'm really active on Discord, especially on the lore discord. I've been playing at least 2 or 3 full rounds a week, but latejoined many more. Have you ever been banned, and if so, how long and why?: Nope, never banned. Have you ever volunteered as moderation staff for any other servers, SS13 or otherwise?: No, aside from once moderating a small Toontown Discord server. Do you have any other experience that you believe would be relevant to a position in the CCIA?: I write lore. In real life, I run a department of 10+ people, so I'm familiar with writing reports and coordinating with others. I'm also familiar with hiring/firing, IRL HR activities, and so on. Personality Why do you want to join the CCIA?: Aside from lore, CCIA is the only other staff team that really interests me. I really like the idea of IC moderation and guidelines, and I love in-universe paperwork. I've thoroughly enjoyed my brief interactions with CCIA before and how the roleplay goes. Outside of that, I just like doing interviews, staff investigations, and stuff like that in real life. It can get tedious, but I thoroughly enjoy it. What do you think are the most important qualities for a CCIA Agent to possess?: Overall, I think professionalism. Yes, it's a game, but you're also RPing as Central Command, so you want to present yourself as serious business. Other important qualities are probably patience (dealing with in-game stuff and real life can take a bit), and just being fair and impartial in general (especially when friends are involved). What do you think the purpose of a CCIA Agent is in an ongoing round?: Respond to faxes and just continue roleplay. It's always ever-rewarding when you send a fax to Central just to get back a response; it makes the world feel more alive, like there's stuff actually going on away from the Horizon. What do you think the purpose of a CCIA Agent is outside of the server?: Resolve IC investigations. I've always loved reading IRs because there's something charming about having a dispute that doesn't require OOC consequences. I also know that CCIA investigations are often partial to IC knowledge of the characters and I find that amazing as well. Even when issuing punishments, you're furthering roleplay. How do you handle stress?: My job in real life has deadlines, sometimes we get a project that needs to be done from start to finish in less than 24 hours. My industry is known for its tight deadlines and working against the clock. I think I can handle it fine. How well do you work autonomously?: I think I can manage myself pretty well. It's always best when you have multiple people working on something, but I can take to tasks (no matter how small or big) and finish them. A proof of this is just some of the lore I've released. When my deputies are busy with real-life stuff, I can finish a project by myself.

I really liked this application, especially because of the effort it was put in. I think you've showed over time that you really care about Vaurca lore even if you hadn't sat through and read it fully. It's always a joy to hand a whitelist to people who are passionate about the species and care about IC developments. Accepted.

PROLOGUE I: "Paradise Lost" PROLOGUE II: "Chant of the Mirrored Self" PROLOGUE III: "Ode to Gist"

This thread is for the War in Heaven community story organized by the Vaurca lore team. This will be a build-your-own-adventure type of story where we will present multiple choices ending each paragraph. The story will focus on the War in Heaven arc, particularly how it's being lived by soldiers inside the Xathul Xon. If you have any ideas for the protagonist, please submit them here. The only hard requirement is that they need to be a Warrior from the Tupii or Zkaii brood who is fighting in the War in Heaven. On-ship characters are not allowed. You can post any more questions you have over the Vaurca channels on the Lore Discord. The name of the thread will be changed when the winning character is announced. We'll set up a poll after we have multiple candidates. Submit your candidate if you want it to be part of the story! Runner-ups might still appear as cameos. Lastly, this thread will be ONLY about the story, which means it's not open for everybody to post. If you want to submit your headcanon material regarding the arc, post it here. This other thread is for the community to post any material they want about the war and doesn't have to be limited to letters.

Hegemon Announces Hatchlings Expected, Invites Vassals to Celebration War in Heaven, Part Two: “Through a Mirror, Darkly,” Article 8 Joyous news from Skalamar today, as the Hegemon has announced that he and his wife, Lady Hizoni Izweski, have laid a clutch of three eggs, expected to hatch within the next few months. The matter of succession was a contentious issue during the period leading up to the Hegemon’s wedding, and the couple have expressed excitement for what these hatchlings may entail for the nation and its future. To celebrate this occasion, the Hegemon held a grand feast at the Izweski keep in Skalamar. Nobles from across the Hegemony were invited—from the Heartland to the furthest outer colonies, with hundreds reported in attendance. Outside of the nobility, High Priest Korza Azandar and Hephaestus Guildmaster Yukal T’zakal were both present at the banquet, with the High Priest bestowing the blessings of Sk’akh upon the expected hatchings. Hephaestus CEO Titanius Aeson also made the journey from Biesel, in order to congratulate his long-time friend the Hegemon. Though the Ouerean summit with the Nralakk Federation is still ongoing, the proceedings have been put on hold, and several of the Skrell diplomats accompanied Overlord Zik’san as guests of honor to the banquet. The leader of the Skrell delegation, Grand Advisor Ormish Jrolk, gave a brief toast to the unborn hatchlings, delivering a small yet moving speech on how beautiful a new life entering the world is, particularly in light of the infertility inflicted on many Skrell during the reign of Glorsh-Omega. The speech was generally well-received, though Lord Juyzi Izaku of Mudki was reportedly seen leaving the palace shortly afterwards, complaining of headaches. The High Queen Zkaii, Overlord of Tret, was also present at the banquet—along with the Queen Tupii. This marks the first public appearance of either Queen since the beginning of the K’lax dispute, and reportedly many eyes at the feast were on the two of them. Attendees reported that the two Queens were cordial and amicable to one another, with no mention of the ongoing conflict. Sinta Articles approached both Queens for comments on their current relationship, as well as the Hegemon’s new announcement. High Queen Zkaii declined to comment, but a representative of Queen Tupii responded by saying: “The K’lax are always very eager to serve the Hegemon and be present for him. There is no bad blood between the other Vaurca queens and I, and this press speculation only distracts from other pressing matters.” The Hegemon and Lady Hizoni thanked the guests for their presence, and hoped that the occasion would serve as “a reminder to look towards a brighter future for our nation, even in an age of such uncertainty.” The Hegemon’s full speech can be seen here. The mood outside the palace was reportedly one of high spirits, with many of the common citizens of Skalamar hosting their own celebrations of the Hegemon’s announcement. Sinta Articles issues our warmest congratulations to the Hegemon and Lady Hizoni, as well as our hopes that their hatchlings grow to be strong and wise leaders of the nation. May the Three Heads bless them.

I really like the app and I’ll post my thoughts later. For now I only have a main question regarding the War in Heaven. - What does Zhuyix think of Xeru?

My Dearest Lord Han’zkar, A month has nearly turned since my last letter reached you, and the memory of its ink stains my hand even now. Yet, a new dread now overshadows the worries I once confessed. The whispers of the Xathul Xon, The Crucible, have grown into a deafening roar, and the chilling truth of its nature cuts like a crystal shard through hardened chitin. No longer is it a mere realm, shrouded in secrecy. Rather, it is a desecrated wound in the very fabric of the Aether, a weeping, twisted place that poisons the triumph the Hive Queens vowed to us after the Lii’dramachy. I have delved into forbidden conversations, my Lord, desperate to grasp the true extent of this horror. They speak of a place where shadows coalesce into monstrous forms, birthing abominations that writhe against the sacred equations of the universe. Each night, the fragments of these twisted forms linger like a cracked shell haunting my dreams. These are not mere weapons, but manifestations of a hunger that gnaws at the essence of life. This, they say, is the battleground within The Crucible. It is a perversion of the term, for it tempers only darkness and despair. Victory, they claim, will be ours. Yet, a gnawing dread coils within me, a serpent refusing to be soothed. The whispers of the courtiers now take on a new, sinister light. Is this truly the path to dominance, or have we unleashed something monstrous? The very concept of waging war within the Aether, where our souls find solace, feels like a monstrous transgression, a violation of the highest order. It is as though we have pried open a forbidden door, unleashing a darkness that hungers for all existence. Sleep eludes me, my Lord. Haunted by the spectral echoes of these twisted beings, I find solace only in the memory of your voice, a beacon in the encroaching storm. Do you recall those silent nights, my dearest, where the sweetest symphony was the unspoken pulse between us? That beauty seems a distant echo now. Never did I imagine the Aether, once a source of strength, could be transfigured into such a place of torment. The warriors of old, those who clashed mandible against mandible, would weep to see the path we tread. Their battle-scarred shells, discarded in the desert sands, whisper a warning we have ignored. There are whispers too, hushed and fearful, a shared terror born of the Queen’s ambition. But such whispers carry a heavy price. The weight of loyalty sits heavily upon me, a duty that threatens to crush the fragile hope I cling to. Yet, even in the face of potential ruin, my faith in you remains unshaken. You, with your unwavering spirit and discerning eye, would surely see the folly in this path. Until we meet again, my dearest friend, may the echoes of honor guide your steps. Hold fast to the warrior’s spirit within you, for it may be the only light that pierces the encroaching darkness. Yours eternally, Za’Akaix’Sess K’lax

I don’t want to sideline this thread but as a medical player, the amount of optimization is also insane. I don’t get why everyone rushes to fill air canisters to the max if they’re so rarely used. You’re even berated if you don’t do this as soon as the round starts. I would go as far as suggest to limit this behavior because you don’t need the first responder rushing in to fill an air tank that won’t be used at all (even in highly deadly situations) in the IV stand. Also, the amount of O- blood packs is ridiculous. I would go as far as to limit it to one so that medical players are forced to actually check the blood type instead of minmaxing everything. I’ve been campaigning for a long time to add a unique blood type for Vaurcae but it hasn’t been done yet unfortunately.

About Us Vaurca Updates Online (VUO) was founded in 2458 by Nasser Siddiqi, a long-time user of the defunct Vaurca Updates forum and survivor of the Lii'dra invasion of Elyra. We are a Vaurca-skeptic network, composed of a diverse group of voices from all the political spectrum. Our main goal is to deliver truthful, uncensored news about the Vaurca across the Orion Spur. Vaurca Updates Online is not a hate site and condemns any form of bigotry, xenophobia, or threats of violence. If you wish to join our subscriber forum, please donate here. A background check might be required to see if you're eligible for forum benefits. UPDATE 2/24/2463: the authoritarian regime of Joseph Dorn has led to Vaurca Updates Online being censored in Biesel. We stand in favor of free speech and vehemently reject this decision. Our Biesellite users may wish to research tools or methods that are commonly used to access restricted content.

I wholeheartedly agree with this, especially if we want to keep pushing science into an RP heavy department. I think Research Associate or something could work for the scientist learner. Lab assistant can stay as the kid that gets you the vials and oozes at your baking soda volcano. (I would extend this to medical and engineering because of the high age requirement, especially in engineering where your 21 year old could help be the wires handyman or something, but that’s a whole other story).

I don’t want to hijack this thread but… I’m hijacking this thread a bit. I’ve discussed internally that I want Vaurcae to have a “mixed” medical system; it would need to be mixed in solutions (i.e., both medical and the machinist could repair you) instead of mixed in punishing players (you need to go to two doctors to fully heal). Mainly because healing as a Vaurca is already a pain in the ass as it stands. In my original idea, a Vaurcae could maybe repair tissue damage with a welder as well, just to show that Vaurcae are heavily augmented and their flesh is sometimes half mechanical. I favor IPCs getting organs and being “modular” and I just implore you to consider Vaurcae if this is implemented. Vaurcae also have some prosthetics they very clearly need to function, especially in human space. But even if another solution is favored for IPCs, I hope you also consider how Vaurcae can benefit from it. Vaurcae are the closest we have to full body prosthetics and I would like to favor that more in game. That is all, thank you.

Whistleblower Exposes Surveillance Concerns at Hivenet Summit War in Heaven, Part Two: “Through a Mirror, Darkly,” Article 6 Truth Finder has obtained reconstructed fragments of classified documents allegedly originating from the recent Hivenet Watch summit in Skalamar. A concerned individual, whose identity we protect, provided and reconstructed the shredded documents. While unable to verify the documents’ authenticity in full, Truth Finder believes certain elements warrant public scrutiny. These documents confirm the existence of Project N01-58, previously shrouded in rumor. They detail a classified initiative with disturbing implications. The documents reference a device labeled a “pseudo-cephalon”—a computer, possibly biological in nature, designed to function as a backdoor into Vaurca virtual reality networks. A Cephalon, for our readers unfamiliar with Vaurca technology, is a supercomputer that facilitates communication within their vast virtual reality system. A “pseudo-cephalon” would essentially grant unauthorized access to this highly secure network. Chillingly, a recent chirp by the official Hivenet Watch account supports the theory that “Larry” is this technology’s internal designation. These revelations raise profound concerns about surveillance capabilities within the Orion Spur. The existence of “pseudo-cephalons” not only suggests potential violations of Vaurca privacy but raises questions about the security of any private communication network. Truth Finder condemns any overreaching surveillance activities that violate established rights and freedoms. We urge Hivenet Watch to provide full transparency on Project N01-58 and “Larry.” Disclaimer: As a responsible news outlet, Truth Finder does not endorse unauthorized leaks and will not publish the reconstructed documents in their entirety. Questions related to this article can be directed to legal@truthfinder.nt.