Session 40

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The Hollow Spark and a Theory of Horror (2025-05-24)

Processing the Implications

• Still inside Siz’s mycelium house, the group reflects on the terrifying implications of nanite terraformation.
• Det and Mia discuss the theory’s staggering implications: rewriting physical laws, not just bending them.
• Siz adds that while magic can adjust reality, this is something entirely different—*rewriting the rules themselves*.

Chimes Explains the Difference

• Chimes offers a metaphor: magic is like the complex "i" in maths—part of the equation. But this terraformation changes the *equation itself*.
• He explains that even the Lower Planes (like the Hells) follow coherent laws. The swarm does not.
• His chilling summary:

 *"They aren’t opening a door to another plane. They’re **rewriting the floorplan**."*

• Siz summarises this as a "superstructure cancer cell", a new reality consuming the old.
• Mia notes that in her homeworld, even discussing such ideas led to disappearance.

Chimes’ Restrictions and a New Lead

• Mia checks for FTL departures of the mercenary vessel. Abrar confirms the ship has already left planet.
• Det wonders if Charles might help, or if they should visit **ARS-8** directly.
• Chimes points out: **they could use Magrete’s ship**, which is parked at the local starport.

Heading to the Starport

• After some debate about nanite swarms and fungal bodies, Det, Mia, and Siz agree to inspect the ship.
• They call a taxi. The driver, **Johan** of Fjällröm Transport, shares cryptic Norse anecdotes during the bumpy ride.

First Glimpse of the Hollow Spark

• At the starport, they behold the ship:

 - **The Hollow Spark** — squat, blocky, war-scarred and very much alive.
 - A **Golf-class**, model 2 or 3. Durable, versatile, heavily modified.
 - Still powered. Turret in auto-idle. Covered in grime, but somehow… dignified.

Exploring the Ship

• The group boards the ship:

 - Mia praises the design and starts a visual inspection.
 - Det finds the **workshop** and a sealed crate marked "DO NOT OPEN".
 - Siz is tasked with checking life support systems.

Ship Layout Overview

• **Bridge**: Two seats, manual systems, buggy flight AI named "Twitch".
• **Living Core**: Galley, card table, books, holoslot.
• **Crew Quarters**: Minimal but insulated; none of the lockers lock anymore.
• **Workshop**: Tools, autodoc, drone gear, mysterious sealed crate.
• **Sanitation**: Shower and toilet share space; mirror glitches ignored.
• **Cargo Bay**: Crane, smuggler’s hold, docking collar for rover/escape pod.

Plans Begin to Form

• The group agrees: the Hollow Spark is theirs now. It needs work, but it will fly.
• Chimes expresses delight—and begins dreaming of robot hands and fusion cores.