RyverStyx: Sandbox2

The Fleet of the Srom

The Fleet of the Srom (FOTS) was rediscovered in 2460 CE and is a generation fleet that launched in the year 2058 CE; 2 years after the start Glorsh-Omega’s rule. Members of the early generation fleet were subjected to precursor variants of the Inoculation GLSH-MG. The original launch of the fleet also included a guidance vessel; the Zi'Quarq. The Zi'Pluax was discovered by a Qukala member who entered the Srom. Upon entry the Qukala agent noted an increase of activity; something that was exceedingly rare within the Traverse. This is what led to Qukala agents scouting the surrounding area and locating the defunct Zi'Pluax.

Upon re-contacting the Zi'Pluax, Qukala members were surprised to find more than three quarters of its members asleep within cryostorage and only a small number of stewards attending to the helm, cryogenic bay, and hydroponics garden. Members of the bridge crew were equally shocked to see the Qukala. Bridge crew relayed that shortly after the launch of the Zi'Pluax they experienced a major systematic failure in the majority of their equipment, including hydroponics and communication terminals; the sudden failure caused the fleet to lose the ability to sustain itself or call for aid. During this time, contact was also lost with the Zi'Quarq; which has recently been rediscovered in 2465. Due to their situation, for over 400 years the crew of the Zi'Pluax and Zi'Quarq have been within rotations of cryosleep, and by extension, crew members have been within The Srom for extended periods of time. This has led to a newfound cultural identity forming within the Zi'Pluax and being universally adopted by all of its members.

During initial contact, the Zi'Pluax had declared independence from the Nralakk Federation due to their culture and practices being declared deductive by the state, and while under Federation law the fleet members are recognized as Federation citizens, they experienced little to no interruption from the government beyond preventative surveillance. The fleet command declined help from the Federation outside of having their communications restored; repairs to the hydroponics bays were denied by fleet command. Members of the fleet will often leave the fleet for mandated cultural work at the age of 150, something that had been ordered by the bridge crew of the Zi'Pluax, in hopes of attracting more members to the fleet. This can be shocking and disorienting for the Dreamer who had been disconnected from the ship’s Srom and they often found themselves oversleeping while performing their cultural studies abroad.

The Zi'Pluax's location is currently unknown and its current crew being declared fugitives due to their proximity to the Marauder Systems and their open involvement and cooperation with Ti'Rakqi operating in the area. The Zi'Pluax left many of its inhabitants behind across the Federation and elsewhere, who were not on the ship at the time for one reason or another. Fleet of the Srom Command members are now based out of the Zi'Quarq and all operations will resume as normal from the vessel.

OOC Note: Only Skrell are allowed to be from the FOTS. Members from the fleet living out in the Spur below the age of 150 are incredibly rare and will most likely be considered deserters by fleet command. Skrell from the FOTS living abroad have only been a thing for the past 4 years due to their recent discovery. Members of the FOTS are expected to take Federation citizenship; this includes taking a Federation passport in the loadout. Escaped punished mind members will most likely have fake documents.

Culture

All free members of the fleet are referred to as what is colloquially known as "Dreamers". While the crewman of the Zi'Pluax would refer to their culture as the true path of Weishii they understand and accept the name "Dreamer". The Federation recognises the religious and cultural practices of the fleet as an offshoot of the Weishii faith, but considers it to be a deductive behaviour under the social credit system; mainly due to its practices regarding oversleeping. Zi'Pluax members focus on the Srom and its relation to the Skrell psyche and psionic capabilities. When Dreamers enter the Srom they will often ritualistically cover their faces. What started as merely affixing oxygen masks within the cryogenic systems evolved to hold great cultural importance; with Dreamers often creating their own masks. Showing an individual your own face is Srom is seen as something deeply personal to members of the Zi'Pluax and is only done with those who are deemed especially close. Many Dreamers believe that the inner-mind, the one who inhabits the Srom, is the true self while the outer-body, the one that is awake in real life, is merely a constrained vessel. This means that the face of the Dreamer when in Srom is seen as the true manifestation of their soul; something worth guarding.

Due to their culture, Dreamers treat the Srom very differently than the average Skrell might. For instance, these Dreamers have spent such an abundance of time within the Srom that they have begun to form a rudimentary hivemind; albeit not in a literal sense. While their minds are not linked, the effects of the Srom on lying have allowed these members to know virtually everything about each other. Elder Dreamers often refer to themselves as “Disciples of the Srom” due to the amount of power they hold over the scenery and landscape within. The amount of information that is known between Dreamers allows them to easily conjure a near replica of any deceased individual through "Srom Manipulation"; something they call an "Elegy". These elegies are thought to be the true manifestation of the deceased individual's soul by the Dreamers and will not wear a mask whilst in the Srom; this is due to their soul being released from its worldly "vessel" and becoming free. While many scientists of the Federation believe that these elegies are merely a hollow shell of memories with no proper soul, the Dreamers believe that the individual has persisted even after death; this is often also seen as a cultural reverence for their ancestors and those who passed. Dreamers are often very respectful of their elders and superiors; both living and deceased.

Inoculation GLSH-MG

Due to the departure of the Zi’Pluax falling after the emergence of Glorsh-Omega; the original Skrell fleet members were given the GLSH-MG inoculation before their voyage. After their communication and systems failure all contact was lost with their home-system. This led to many speculations about the X’Lu’oa side effects that followed in their isolated timeframe. For instance, Tuux growths were often checked by fleet medical crew on whether they were malignant or not. If the Tuux were healthy; it was a sign of a healthy manifestation of the soul. If the Tuux were malignant; it was taken as a sign that the individual needed to meditate further and find the agitation of their soul’s manifestation.

The fertility rate aboard the ship saw an almost immediate decline after their departure with most clutches consisting of only one viable egg. At the time, members of Fleet Command saw this as a blessing. They would not have more mouths to feed while their cryogenic pods are filled and their hydroponics systems were only partially functioning. This meant that Dreamers were able to start families without seeking approval of Fleet Command with no fears of overpopulating the ship. Until recently the population of the Zi’Pluax has been steady with a slight downward trend. However, with their systems operational, Fleet Command has started Cultural Exchange in hopes to boost the number of Dreamers so that they could fully staff all available ship functions.

The Containment Zone

A door leading to a Containment Zone checkpoint aboard the Zi'Pluax generational ship.

Many Skrell of the Zi'Pluax were not able to grow accustomed to the constant cryogenic stasis and developed what fleet members called the "Punished Mind". These members were actively sought out and moved to the ship's detention area, something locally called the "Containment Zone", so that they would not interrupt the daily workings of the Zi'Pluax. The lower levels of the ship's detention area was converted to stop the transmission of psionics to those in the general populace above. Much like the rest of the ship, this zone has living quarters, defunct hydroponics bays, and general service corridors. Much of it has gone into disrepair due to the lack of tools and supplies that are allocated to the area. It is said that those of Punished Mind actively poisoned the Skrell psyche with their negative emotions and ideals; causing dark figures to spread throughout the Srom and anxiety to penetrate the Wake.

Stewards of the Zi'Pluax would often have to take rotations watching over the Containment Zone entrance to ensure that none of the individuals inside were able to penetrate the barrier. They would dispense what little food and rations were designated to those contained while also seeing keeping an eye on the sub-level. Some say that the madness encased within the Containment Zone is enough to breach the metals and affect those who slumbered close to the border. Fleet command ensured that the stewards assigned to the Containment Zone were of strong psionic aptitude to resist the madness within. Stewards also noted that a crude hierarchy formed within the Containment Zone in which the strong survived and the weak were looked down upon.

Containment Zone members may choose to follow the same cultural practices as the Dreamers, or they may choose to disregard them completely. However, universally the members of the Containment Zone hold a high disdain for Fleet Command and some of the harsher Containment Zone Guards. While contact between the different inter-fleet factions is limited; Punished Minds will occasionally need to speak or cooperate with the guards. Whether it be for evaluations or a simple information exchange they are expected to listen to commands the first time and not back-talk; lest they face punishment.

During the year 2404 CE punished minds of the Containment Zone staged a rebellion in an attempt to breach containment. Those of punished mind were able to breach the first checkpoint while all stewards in the localized area were activated and sent to the Containment Zone with weaponry from the ship's armory. Due to the overwhelming firepower and overall organization of the stewards, the rebellion was quashed. There were no officially recognized losses from the Stewards; however, the Containment Zone losses have never been officially counted or released by the fleet command.

Mutiny of the Zi'Pluax

During the 2464 mutiny, many groups from within the Containment Zone struggled to fill the power vacuum. Various gangs from the zone used what crude weaponry they had to establish a hierarchy through violence. The Dronoqs, named after Jul-Dronoq Viix themself, were the ones to finally seize control of the Zi’Pluax bridge and establish themselves as the dominant faction on the Zi'Pluax.

There are concerns that the Marauder-aligned Zi'Pluax will use their connections to continue the Cultural Exchange programme by utilising Ti'Rakqi connections. Jobs abroad in human space can be secured through fake documents and other illegal means, allowing the Zi'Pluax to fund itself and its new allies. Federation citizens working abroad are expected to report any suspicious activity to their nearest Federation Representative. Those who are caught harbouring criminals or otherwise knowingly assisting them will see social credit score deductions, deportation, and criminal charges leading to rehabilitation.

In the meantime, Captain Qua’Sar has allowed any Zi’Quarq crew, or members of the Zi’Pluax who escaped during the initial mutiny- either aboard the Zi’Quarq or through using escape pods, to extend their cultural exchange indefinitely. This invitation is only to members who are in good standing with both the Fleet and the Federation. These members are also allowed to freely travel between the Zi’Quarq and their work abroad when convenience and scheduling provides. Captain Qua’Sar does warn that cryo pod space is limited aboard the Zi’Quarq and members are expected to schedule their return with Zi’Quarq Fleet Command. The Zi’Quarq does however ask that returning members make a donation that is in some form intended to help the ship’s continual efforts and goals.

Captain Qua'Sar's press conference

[June 16th, 2465]

What exactly was the guidance vessel that Fleet Command evacuated on?

"While our ship was moving through the Q'elpi region the Zi'Pluax detected a faint signal from a previously unexplored asteroid field… it appeared to be a faint SOS signal used by Skrellian vessels, so we moved in to investigate. As we maneuvered closer and made visual contact, we realised that it was our guidance vessel - the Zi'Quarq - that we had lost contact with in the late 21st century. It is a modest vessel when compared to the Zi’Pluax, but its importance to our people and our fleet's history cannot be understated.."

Were there any survivors on the Zi'Quarq?

"Unfortunately, we discovered only the command members of the Zi'Quarq still alive, locked away in cryosleep- an event not dissimilar to the situation faced on the Zi'Pluax. Due to the limited number of cryosleep pods, many opted to live the rest of their life normally. While it was a welcome surprise to see our fellow fleet members, we were obviously not anticipating that they took the same drastic measures that we did."

What can you tell us about the mutiny aboard the Zi'Pluax?

"Without revealing too much information regarding an ongoing investigation, I can tell you this: we believe that the mutiny was pre-planned. Many members of Fleet Command- myself included- along with several other members, elected to board the Zi'Quarq once we realised what we discovered. While we were assessing the situation, members of Fleet Command that stayed behind opted to seize the ship… along with members that were held in the Containment Zone. We believe these members of the fleet have held anti-Federation views since rediscovery, and have bided their time until they could seize the ship and flee without any bloodshed. Without loyalist command members, and with members from the Containment Zone taking part, we are assuming that the regular crew have been strong-armed into following the Zi'Pluax's new commanding officers and their goals. We don't know what their plan is exactly, but we do believe that the rediscovery of the Zi'Quarq while in proximity to Marauder activity was not just a coincidence; the rogue fleet is more than likely now moving to a Marauder stronghold in order to offer their services."

How was the mutiny successful?

"We were able to receive garbled communications from loyal members still aboard the Zi'Pluax during the mutiny. As far as we can tell, the defunct research wing was used to outfit members held in the Containment Zone with improvised weapons, including drug-delivering devices such as aerosol grenades and makeshift stun batons. While we were well underway on the Zi'Quarq, the traitorous members still aboard the Zi'Pluax opened up the checkpoints to the Containment Zone and allowed its members to overwhelm security forces. As of now, we believe what is left of the loyalist members of the crew are locked up in the Containment Zone; a true perversion of justice."

What happens now?

"As of now, members of the fleet who are loyal to the Federation are represented by the Zi'Quarq, while the mutineers and those who ally themselves with them are represented by the Zi'Pluax. In the past we had elected to keep our distance from the Federation, instead choosing to lead our own path- while still adhering to the laws of the Federation and its Grand Council. With the threat that our ship poses being led by our Punished Minds, we can no longer offer nothing less than our full cooperation in good conscience. What resources we have left will be put towards finding and intercepting the Zi'Pluax, preventing the Marauders from using the ship for their own nefarious purposes.

We strongly urge our Qu'Draa abroad to make contact with us or their nearest Federation officials, and to disassociate themselves with the Zi'Pluax - those found still loyal or otherwise in contact with the Zi'Pluax will be considered accomplices to the mutiny, and criminals under Federation law. We have already begun repairs on the Zi'Quarq and expect to be fully operational soon. While keeping in mind that space is even more limited now that we are based out of our old guidance vessel, we still encourage members to return to the fleet- at least to reconnect before going back out to the Federation and wider Spur. We welcome you with open arms. I have also taken on a new position on the Zi'Quarq… the role of Captain; elected by vote amongst the remaining loyal Fleet Command members. I will have overall authority over the Zi'Quarq and its members.

As before, I have spearheaded the implementation of a new Containment Zone for those we have found supporting the mutiny aboard the Zi'Pluax, and the Nralakk Federation has agreed to allow us to take responsibility for handling the punishment of rogue fleet members. I am saddened to say that already our Containment Zone aboard the Zi’Quarq has a sizable population… The Zi'Quarq will be accepting donations and new members as we complete repairs and install new cryo pods and hydroponic bays for returning members. Our new home is already well on its way to be outfitted with the majority of what we need, but we lack materials and specialised labour that we unfortunately lost due to the mutiny."

Fleet Roles

Upper Decks

Fleet Command / Bridge Crew

These members of the Zi'Pluax were afforded the bridge hydroponics system and cryogenic bay. Their quality of life is said to be above average with an equal split of time spent within the Srom and awake. Fleet command are responsible for all policy changes and fleet scheduling. To disobey the fleet command is a punishable offense that could warrant removal to the Containment Zone. Members of fleet command are either birthed into the position or have remained in the position since the ship's maiden voyage. Fleet command are not mandated to go on cultural exchange; however, some members may opt to do so.

Disciple of the Srom

Disciples of the Srom are members who are aged 250 or over who live in a cryogenic pod for at least 95% of the day. Once a cultural exchange member returns to the fleet they will be awarded with this title. These Disciples are considered Elders of the Zi'Pluax and are given great respect from the younger members of the fleet. Their needs and wants are taken care of by the Stewards on a day-to-day basis. Elder disciples can volunteer to head a detachment of Stewards within the Containment Zone checkpoint to guard against Srom and Wake poisoning if they see fit.

Middle Decks

Cultural Exchange Member

Cultural Exchange members are all Skrell aged 150-250 who were ordered by the bridge crew of the Zi'Pluax to perform mandatory cultural exchange work in hopes of attracting more members to the fleet. Skrell who disobey this order are sent to the Containment Zone until further evaluation. This can be shocking and disorienting for the Dreamer who has been disconnected from the ship’s Srom and they will often find themselves oversleeping while performing their cultural studies abroad.

Steward / Dreamer

Stewards see to the daily operations of the fleet and ensure that the remaining hydroponics bays, including those on the bridge, are being as productive as possible. They will often have a 75-25 split with the majority of their time being in the general populace's cryogenic bay. Stewards of strong psionic aptitude could also be designated to keep watch over the Containment Zone to ensure that a breach, psionic or otherwise, does not happen. A steward will not disobey fleet command; if they do so, they run the risk of being sent to the Containment Zone.

Lower Decks

Containment Zone Guard

Stewards and Dreamers who show great mental fortitude are often recruited at a young age to guard the Containment Zone. This work is often grueling with no rewards and long hours spent either awake or in semi-suspended cryogenic sleep. Many who guard the zone often fall victim to the poisoned Nlom/Srom and become Punished Minds. Skrell can volunteer as a guard if they are not recruited directly and Fleet Command pushes for all individuals eligible to try and serve at least one rotation.

Punished Minds

These Skrell are members of the fleet whose minds were deemed "too poisonous" to join the general population; causing dark visages to penetrate the shared dream of the fleet. Punished Minds are locked away in the Containment Zone in an attempt to curb their psionic influence. These individuals often have many illnesses that run comorbidly with their “Punished” status. Those of the Punished Mind are evaluated every 20 years to see if their condition has improved. These evaluations take place within a checkpoint that is heavily guarded by stewards. If sizeable improvement is found, they may be reintegrated into the general populace. However, reintegration is rare as the Containment Zone was not built to rehabilitate.

Notable Individuals

Captain Za'Sha Qua'Sar

Quvs. Qua'Sar has been one of the leading voices aboard the Zi'Pluax since the ship was first rediscovered in 2560. Officially, the fleet ran on a democratic system within its command system, with no one central authority figure, yet many members of the fleet claimed Quvs. Qua'Sar as the closest thing to a Captain the Zi'Pluax has. During the Zi'Pluax's escape to the marauder systems Quvs. Qua'Sar has officially taken the title of Captain of the Fleet of the Srom.

Za'Sha Qua'Sar has been given credit for implementing the "Containment Zone", a controversial method to house those deemed dangerous within the Fleet, as well as the exchange programme that has allowed the Zi'Pluax's crew to work abroad.

Jul-Dronoq Viix

During the initial mutiny, many groups from within the Containment Zone struggled to fill the power vacuum. Various gangs from the zone used what crude weaponry they had to establish a hierarchy through violence. The Dronoqs, named after Jul-Dronoq Viix themself, were the ones to finally seize control of the Zi’Pluax bridge and establish themselves as the dominant faction on the Zi'Pluax.

There are concerns that the Marauder-aligned Zi'Pluax will use their connections to continue the Cultural Exchange programme by utilising Ti'Rakqi connections. Jobs abroad in human space can be secured through fake documents and other illegal means, allowing the Zi'Pluax to fund itself and its new allies.