Episode 3

After both previous coordinates have led to unfamiliar places, Arii is surprised to exit her Nexus Machine to somewhere she knows. However, it's definitely not somewhere she should be. Visually, this place resembles the interior of a Dyson Sphere, but cut into a crescent so that much of it is open to space. The surface is inexplicably covered with vibrant green grasses and hills bending upwards with the crescent's curvature. Interlaced among the verdant landscape are veins of what looks like deep red molten glass. These veins occasionally intersect with tall sculptures connected to spheres. The surface of these spheres is fibrous, with glassy red filaments constantly warping into arcs and knots. Each undulating sphere has tendrils extending upwards toward a blindingly bright orb. Despite its strangeness, this place feels akin to a garden. The lush grasses are perfectly tended to and interspersed with ornate paths and bridges. Arii's companions, however, can not imagine what crop could be grown in such a place.

Before she can explain anything to her companions, a flash of shimmering silver and scarlet fins appear from beyond the hills. As if it were in water, a creature swiftly floats towards Arii. Its curtain-like fins wrap and warp as it moves, defying the local gravity. Now closer, the creature's fins appear to extend from a body covered in silver silken fur. The only other source of striking red, aside from its fins, are its double irises inside its two large eyes. Around its neck is a circular necklace made of what seems to be made of a dark metal strung into thread-like strands. Now hovering above Arii, the creature begins making a sound akin to whale song. It echoes across the strange landscape and, while beautiful, its meaning is entirely alien.

After the creature falls silent, Arii confesses that not all her companions are fluent in their language, but she refers to the being as a member of the Emberon. A short pause follows and a shrill, robotic voice emanates from the Emberon's necklace. It becomes clear that this necklace is some sort of universal translator as it states that Arii and her companions are not permitted on the surface of Ember. It directs them to return to their ship in orbit of the nearby planet Scorosha, where they can make "calibration requests". Pointing to the materialised door of her Nexus Machine behind the Emberon, Arii explains that that may not be possible with her mode of transport. The Emberon turns quickly towards the door and then back towards Arii, stated bluntly that portals, wormholes and teleportation equipment are not permitted on the surface of Ember. Despite Arii apologising profusely for the transgression, the Emberon's anger somehow bleeds into robotic voice of their translator. It reiterates its previous statement.

Pointing to the translator around the Emberon's neck, Arii explains that she knows her language was detected as Ark'torii meaning they know she is one of the Ark'tor, and that while her people respect the Emberon deeply, she wouldn't be here unless it was necessary. She implores the Emberon to allow her a moment to explain the situation to her companions, who are still entirely in the dark regarding this apparent intergalactic incident. Given their recognition of Arii as an Ark'torii, the Emberon grants her time to talk with her companions, but emphasises that she will have to explain her transgression on her return. Arii moves away from the Emberon, after thanking them for their patience, walking a few paces through the verdant grass. The Emberon remains behind, their four pupils fixed on Arii as she leaves.

Moving out of ear shot of the Emberon, Arii begins to elucidate the situation her and her companions have walked into. She explains that they are currently standing on an artificial moon called Ember, which orbits the large ringed planet Scorosha. Continuing, she says that Ember is a huge part of how advanced civilisations calibrate their interstellar and intergalactic navigation systems. The custodians of Ember are called the Emberon, and they are the only beings permitted on Ember. Their role on Ember is to grow supernovae, in particular, Type 1a supernovae, as they are called on Earth. Arii defines Type 1a supernovae as a supernova that occurs when a white dwarf stellar remnant draws gas away from a red giant star, until the white dwarf exceeds a critical mass and implodes, expelling a huge amount of energy and creating a Type 1a supernova. She further explains that these supernovae are important because they always have the same luminosity, meaning you can tell how far away they are by how bright they appear. As a result, they are known universally as "standard candles". Walking over to one of the red fibrous spheres scattered around the concave surface of Ember, Arii refers to them as tiny representations of red giant - white dwarf pairs, which are grown on Ember and their full-sized counterparts placed anywhere in the known Universe. Concerned, her companions ask if they are in any danger, but Arii assures them that the stellar representations are completely safe on Ember. Connecting to the device surrounding the stellar pair, she is able to locate the real-size counterpart in a totally different galaxy. Looking at the screen of her scanner, Arii continues to explain that races come from far and wide to Ember to request standard candles be placed in their vicinity or an area they wish to go to. She says that in order to use long distance drives, precise calibration is required, so that ships don't materialise in the wrong location or even inside cosmic bodies. Looking outwards towards the ships orbiting Scorosha, Arii tells her companions that space-faring races come to Ember, request standard candles and the Emberon will get around to growing them. It is clear to Arii's companions that the Emberon perform a vital role, allowing everyone to traverse the Universe safely. Arii concludes her explanation by describing the Emberon are almost as ancient as the Ark'torii, but somewhat more inclined towards plain-speaking and rather intractable when it comes to rules.

Before returning to the Emberon, Arii shows her companions a view of Ember from space. From the outside, Ember resembles a hollow crescent moon with an impossibly smooth outer shell. Extending from the edges of this shell are fine string-like filaments that connect to a smaller crescent-like shape that sits far above the grassy inner surface of Ember. Above the shape, floating freely, is a perfectly spherical orb that gives out a soft glow. In the background are the crimson red rings of Scorosha with a plethora of ships dancing slowly around them. Each ship is entirely unique; one almost snake-like and another expelling red energy like a volcano. Arii tells her companions that these ships would never been seen together anywhere other than Ember. She says that first contacts have been made here as well as wars averted. After being transfixed for a moment, Arii knows that they must return and explain themselves to the Emberon.

Returning to the increasingly impatient Emberon, Arii asks how she can address them personally. The Emberon tells Arii that their name is not translatable by their device and that she may choose a nomenclature. Asking her companions, Arii suggests Crimson as a name and the Emberon accepts. Crimson continues to demand an explanation from Arii for the presence of her and an unauthorised portal on the surface of Ember. Hesitantly, she attempts to explain that she has been following a chain of corruption through the Fray, and that Ember appears to be the next link in that chain. She again invokes her role as a guardian of the Fray and compares it to the Emberon's role as protectors. Her words are interrupted, however, by an ethereal repeating chime which, while subdued, seems to convey urgency. Crimson informs Arii that this chime is a routine occurrence and signifies that a "supernova event" is imminent. Ignoring the alarm, Crimson states that no anolmalous activity has been detected on Ember or the surrounding system. Despite this, however, Crimson expresses the reverence that the Emberon hold for the Ark'torii and permits Arii and her companions to stay under their supervision until she feels the corruption has passed. Arii and her companions sigh with relief as this delicate diplomatic situation appears to be somewhat resolved.

As the ethereal chime continues to reverberate across Ember, Crimson floats beside one of the machines that populate the surface of the moon. They reiterate that a "supernova event" is imminent. Arii and her companions follow them to the opposite side of the machine where Crimson instructed them to observe. Arii realises as the chime continues to build around this particular machine, that this must be the red giant - white dwarf pair that is about it go supernova. Slightly panicked, Arii tries to reassure her companions that they are entirely safe. However, even though this stellar pair is just a representation, Arii is not really sure what they are about to witness. A sound like energy building and coalescing around the machine starts to rise. Pulses of bright scarlet light begin to flowing inwards along the glassy red veins embedded in the moon's surface. The sound and pulses intensify as the white dwarf of the pair starts to glow with a radiant white light. Suddenly, this blinding light explodes violently over Ember, rendering everything else invisible. Following this intense flash of light is a crash that sounds like the moon has just split in two under foot. As the light begins to fade however, the grasses of Ember continue to sway gently over the rolling hills, as if entirely unaffected by the cataclysmic event that just unfolded. Opening her eyes and taking her hands from her ears, Arii sees that there is no longer a red giant - white dwarf pair inside the machine. Instead, there is a deep red cloud of gas, interspersed with bright oranges and golds. These clouds partly obscure a new bright light with the radiance of a newly born supernova.

Mesmorised by what she has just seen, Arii bearly hears Crimson as they instruct her to follow them to their control vessel. Impatiently, Crimson says that they must confirm the location of the new calibrator (which is how the Emberon refer to supernovae). Still slightly stunned, but knowing she is under supervision, she follows Crimson along a short path to an Emberon ship docked nearby.

The inside of the Emberon ship resembles a city of silver spires. Each tower is unique, having its own unique smooth and winding form. As the towers twist upwards, they form apertures which have fine black threads extending across them. How this ship could function is impossible to conceive, with no sign of a familiar helm or set of controls. Each silvery spire has a series of platforms at varying heights, which other Emberon float above. A gentle hum fills this expanse under the gentle song of the Emberon. Upon entering the ship, Arii is transported to a platform on one of the spires. Up close, the spires have an almost organic, undulating surface, but are perfectly and unnaturally smooth. Floating by this platform are three silver rocks with large apertures spanned by intersecting black filaments. Arii looks passed these stones out across the spires. She remarks on the beauty of Emberon architecture, also noting that not many have the privilege of seeing their technology up close. Her voice echoes throughout this huge space. Crimson acknowledges her, but their impatience is clear. They begin explaining that within this ship they are able to regulate star growth and confirm the Universal coordinates of their calibrators as well as communicate with the ships in orbit of Scorosha. Continuing this exposition, Crimson states that this area has the "highest density of measurement technology". Slightly confused, Arii asks why that is significant in this situation. It becomes clear that Crimson believes that their measurement technology will allow Arii to quantify the corruption to the Fray. As an aside to her companions, Arii reiterates that the Emberon are a plain-speaking and measurement focussed race. She knows that the alterations to the Fray have had far more extensive consequences, but decides to appease Crimson given the tenuous diplomatic situation. Crimson directs Arii to the nearby floating stones and explains how their calibration system operates. They state that the procedure is normally automated, but given Arii's concerns, they thought it prudent for her to manually assess their systems. Using Tangle as a focus, Arii allows her companions to manipulate the controls directly and they correctly perform the calibration procedure, confirming the location of the new supernova.

On completing the procedure, Crimson inquires if Arii detected any interference with their systems. With some hesitation, Arii tries to explain that the alterations made to the Fray so far have had an obvious connection to the Arctra 5 sector. Clearly offended, Crimson interrupts Arii to state that the Emberon have no connection with Arctra 5, this being a banned region of a nearby galaxy. Backtracking, Arii manages to placate Crimson a little, but it is obvious their patience is wearing thin. She continues by describing some of the effects of the corruption she has seen so far, and suggests her and Crimson move back onto the Ember's surface.

In a brief moment while Crimson is distracted, Arii expresses her frustration to her companions. She knows the imposition she is making by being on Ember and there doesn't seem to be any sign of consequences from the corruption of the Fray. Crimson approaches as the repeating chime signifying a supernova event begins to sound again. Again the sensation of gathering energy builds, this time to machine behind where Arii and Crimson are standing. Light begins to emanate from the white dwarf remnant, but this time flickers instead of filling the area with blinding white. There is no subsequent crash and the stellar pair do not form a supernova. It is clear that Crimson is alarmed by this as Arii tries to question them. They explain that the white dwarf remnant continues to accrete matter despite having reached critical density. Hearing this, Arii is stunned. She tells her companions that once white dwarf remnants exceed this critical density, they have to implode. From what Arii is saying, a fundamental physical law has just been violated.

Having slightly gathered themselves, Crimson says that there are reports of failed supernova events across Ember. They begin flying back towards their control vessel, their focus now completely diverted from Arii, who follows behind. Inside the control vessel, Crimson flies over to the floating stones which were used only moments earlier to confirm the position of a newly formed supernova. They call Arii over and show that the location that should have been occupied by a new supernova is completely empty. Immediately concerned, Arii asks if the automated calibration system has sent out false information; recording the positions of supernovae that have not formed. She knows that if ships using their long distance drives are unable to calibrate before they materialise, the effects could be catastrophic. Crimson's four pupils move away from Arii briefly, before saying that the Emberon have detected an incoming warp signature from a Tyre Pulse vessel. However, they continue by telling Arii that their incoming coordinates are not viable. Both knowing what this means, Arii and Crimson run out of the control ship.

Outside Arii and Crimson desperately look upwards for this incoming ship. Suddenly, a bright flash appears in the rings of Scorosha and the surface of Ember tremors. Looking closer, Crimson confirms that the Tyre Pulse vessel materialised within the rings of Scorosha, destroying the ship and all the crew on impact. The remains of the vessel continue to crack inside the planet's rings, the drive continuing to fire futilely. The surrounding ships begin to move more quickly, like a hornet's nest that has been struck.

Frantically, Crimson returns to the Emberon control vessel. The calming hum inside is now inaudible over a piercing alarm. The Emberon fly from platform to platform manically. Crimson flies over to a control stone and lights the emergency beacon over Ember. Arii, who is still on the surface, looks upwards and sees the sphere hovering above Ember begins to pulse with light.

Returning back to Arii, Crimson explains that the emergency beacon above should deter more calibration requests. They express, however, that this is by no means a permanent solution. Both Arii and Crimson know that all space-faring beings that use interstellar or intergalactic travel require the services of Ember. Crimson looks up towards the ships in orbit of Scorosha. They tell Arii that each long distance drive requires several calibrators (supernovae) per use. The other Emberon are frantically moving over the rolling hills of Ember, interacting with all the devices connected to their failing supernovae. Arii is stunned. Looking towards her companions, she says that this has to be the result of the interference to the Fray. Unlike the other corruptions they have come across, however, she tries to communicate just how much bigger in scope this is; a fundamental physical law has been altered across the Universe. Exasperated, she asks how could be in any way connected to False Neuron; the thread that has connected the path of changes in the Fray so far.

Floating above Arii, Crimson demands that she reverse the interference caused by the corrupted Fray. Arii begins to lose her composure in response. She explains that without knowing how the laws of physics were altered, her efforts would only make things worse. Crimson continues to press her, stating that her presence was only permitted on Ember so that she could stop any interference on Ember. Overwhelmed and ashamed, Arii walks away, her concern palpable. She tries to imagine why someone would do this, landing on the idea that this ultimately imprisons all beings to their own solar systems. How someone or something could alter physical law at will is beyond Arii's comprehension. Such power exceeds that of Ark'torii. Her companions try to reassure Arii, but she knows the severity of this situation. Whatever power has done this has snuffed out the candles of the Universe, leaving everyone in the dark.

Composing herself, Arii tells her companions that without more information, there is nothing she can do on Ember. She seems to have a moment of realisation before suggesting that she might have an idea. Arii expresses that she is tired of being ten steps behind whatever is behind the corruption to the Fray. She believes it is time for her and her companions to take their own steps instead of just blindly following the corrupted threads of the Fray. They have to stop playing catch-up. At that moment, Crimson floats over quickly and looms over Arii, their fins fully extended, increasing their apparent size. With reluctance, Arii explains that without more information, she can not reverse what has happened. She says that she may have a solution, but that she will have to leave. Crimson moves even closer to Arii, reminding her again that she was only allowed here to prevent a disaster. They see Arii's departure as her running away from the chaos that followed her appearance on Ember. Arii's face falls, her arms folded across her chest. She says there is one place she knows that may have enough information to begin to understand how basic physical law has been altered. Warily, she describes this place as deep in the Mobius Cluster and called the Waking Library. Crimson somehow scoffs through the their universal translator. They claim Arii is leaving to pursue a myth. Arii turns away from Crimson, she knows the Waking Library is far from a myth. Crimson's fins fall a little, despite their power and size, the Emberon are peaceful. They know they can not prevent Arii from leaving. Quietly, Crimson requests that Arii returns quickly as they look out over the stellar pairs that should have become new born supernovae. Their translator seems to somehow convey their fear. Arii promises she will lift the darkness as tears come to her eyes and her voice begins to tremor. She walks slowly to the door of her Nexus Machine, burdened with guilt and the unwavering stare of the Emberon. Arii departs.

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