Sepherim's story, The story of the Founder of the Ordo

[Sepherim.]

From the Diaries of Sepherim, first Keter of the Ordo Quaesitoris, at the beginning of the Empyrean Age:

It seems that someone opened the door of the ghosts tonight, and let them all free from their captivity. One was not fully surprising, as Sonisi has been active for some time even though he had left the Ordo right before becoming an Acolyte. He has been in 0.0, far in the north, fighting pirates and the other major alliances.

The other two were completely surprising. Sardoniac has returned after a long period completely lost to the void. He has retaken his position as Chockmah of this Ordo, and should continue with his duty soon. The Ordo has changed a lot since he disappeared, and I hope he will adapt back with ease.

The last ghost I haven't directly seen, only a message from him, and a reference by the other Brothers and Sisters, but it seems like Ekir Atari is back too. Something must have happened to him, as it seems like he has lost his memory and doesn't remember much. I'll have to investigate it.

Aino deserves mention too, as she just became the first Chockmah Acolyte in the history of the Ordo. So it seems that, in a way, past and future have just shaken hands together, as the old vanished Chockmah Sephiroth has just met the new Chockmah Acolyte. Quite a nice symbol, if you ask me, very inspiring. And opens a bright future once again, as it seems that the downward cycle is finally closed. At least for now.

[Sepherim.]

From the Diaries of Sepherim, first Keter of the Ordo Quaesitoris, at the beginning of the Empyrean Age:

I've noticed the changes in myself. It is easy, I just have to look back into the previous entries of this diary to see them, written before me in black letters. It is curious, how they enter your soul slowly, and you don't realize them unless you compare to who you were.

Duty is ever present, of course, now as it was back then. But what it exactly includes, and how it is performed has varied greatly. I used to be known as a man of shades of gray, bound to all sides in relationships that many frowned upon. I was a progresist, seeking change in some elements in the Empire. And yet, war destroyed that all.

Becoming an effective pilot in the war required my attention elsewhere to be directed to it. Contacts were lost, and many channels no longer were attended. Becoming a fleet commander demanded even more, to the point that I no longer am the ears of the Emperor, as someone called me a long time ago, but devote all my attention only to following the different channels of militia intel and those of the Ordo's inner working.

And yet, sometimes, I feel specially uneasy. Though my duty is clearer than ever before, I sometimes think that I'm betraying myself for following this path, and sacrificing all I was once to the altar of war. It feels like I've done everything there is to do in this empty space between the stars, and yet nothing has changed.

At least, the Ordo is growing strong. I don't know if I'd be able to go on if it wasn't for my Brothers and Sisters.

[Sepherim.]

From the Diaries of Sepherim, first Keter of the Ordo Quaesitoris, at the beginning of the Empyrean Age:

The call has finally come. I knew it would, sooner or later it had to come.

And yet, as I sit here watching this walls Iīve known for so long I canīt help but remember everything that has happened in between them. Faces, stories, losses and victories. A dark night outside the Hedion University, when for the first time I flew without instructor. It seems so close. Ships bursting in flames, somewhere in unknown space, and barely making it out alive. Complexes defended and conquered against the Minmatarr heathens.

But, most of all, I remember the faces of Brothers and Sisters. Some have left long ago, and yet I see them so clearly as if I had just crossed paths with them tonight. Others may be sleeping just in the next room.

I guess I should have done this before, I just didnīt have the strength to do it. Now I will, no more delaying. I leave my diary here, in my chambers. I hope to be able to write in it some time. Until then, tell my story to those who may come asking. Tell them who I was... tell them... tell them who I wished us all to be... tell them of my flaws and virtues... tell them of all that is gone into the void of the past. Tell them... just tell them, let them judge.

[Sepherim.]

From the Diaries of Sepherim, first Keter of the Ordo Quaesitoris, at the beginning of the Empyrean Age:

It is good to see you lying in the same place I left you, old friend. And yet, standing here by you, ages seem to separate us. I must admit that, at first, I had fear of taking this digital pen up again, and thought about putting you into a shell again, and forgetting about you. But, in the end, I chose otherwise, as you can see.

Still, I must state one thing clearly: I'm not goint to write about the months in the darkness, they are too terrible to remember.

So, for now, I'm back in space. It is painful too often, as my body is still fragile and weak, too destroyed to work efficiently. And so many things have changed! There are many more pilots than when I was forced to leave, and we have moved to some new space called wormhole I never had heard of before. There is much work to do, to catch up with the rest of the Sephiroths and be able to do my work as I have to...

But I feel so tired.

Doctor says it will be only a matter of time, but doesn't want to say how long. Well, however it may be, God will provide, and duty guide. As it has always been.

[Sepherim.]

Extract from the letters to Kaileena:

As you can see, Autorictas, I'm back in space. Sometimes, even the simplest things can be so reassuring... but yes, I have been convicted by the Theology Council. Mr Gangleri remembered it to me tonight when I spoke to him. And I know you will too when you answer.

I don't have the energy to fight you.

The world changes, and I expect you to have done so too while I wasn't looking. While I wasn't there. The Ordo has grown in an unexpected way under the guidance of the Council of Sephiroths, and that is good. Meanwhile, the ancient Vigilia Valeria has ceased to exist, and only the 1st Praetorian Guard remains, fighting the Minmatarr in conquered space with the aid of PIE. CVA stilll stands proud and strong in Providence, so something I know remains.

Things inside the Ordo have changed as well, not only on the outside. Leopold holds something inside, maybe before I could have read it, but not now. My head spins too much after tonight's conversation. And the rest also behave different to how we all did in my times... more informal. Maybe it was my presence, or maybe the teachings we all carried from Demiurge.

What do you think of this all? How have things been on your side of time and space? Were the issues with Tendrows solved to your satisfaction?

[Sepherim.]

From the Diaries of Sepherim, first Keter of the Ordo Quaesitoris, at the beginning of the Empyrean Age:

I was in space when it happened, sinking my fingers deeper into the bureaucracy and position of the Ordo. Datasheets displayed before me as I headed to Amarr to carry Lucius' wedding gift, and then the news seeker I use rang. Red, White Rose Society related information had been found.

A man, undisclosed and hiding his identity, had ordered Vikarion and his men to cease the war, and they had just done so. Peace was coming again. Our duty would be able to continue, though new questions had arisen.

[Sepherim.]

From the Diaries of Sepherim, first Keter of the Ordo Quaesitoris, at the beginning of the Empyrean Age:

Today has been a long day, that I must accept. All afternoon before the diagrams and datasheets that detailed the advances and retreats of the war lines between the Amarr and the Minmatarr. News were positive, though new big advances were taking place either. But trying to get myself up to date is becoming a severe problem, as my health doesn't allow me to focus and recall as much as I used to, even with the cyberimplants.

That kept me busy for long, and then when I was getting ready to head to Brother Lucius' party prior to his wedding, Bishop Coralien called. It was the first time he contacted me after my time in his presence, a couple weeks ago. Duty called. I was to transport some important datafiles through lowsec, preserving their integrity from any harm.

It was a long trip, that for sure, almost twenty jumps divided in getting the cargo, and taking it to where it was due. In the end, it was rather dull, as no anomalies took place during the trip, but I missed the party. I was told, though, that Brother Leopold had been behaving strangely before leaving, and departed quickly and hasn't been seen since. We'll have to look into that if it remains that way for long, something may be troubling him.

In any case, all this celebration, and the wedding, is bringing up some issues inside me I had thought long ago solved. Old ghosts. It came to my mind long ago, when I was still a friend of Miss Laerise, that I didn't create some sorts of bonds all too common around me. I have not been in love since I long remember, nor can think of anyone being so about me. It is strange, that so many people around me think that some parts of life are terribly important, and yet I value them so little. And since this whole wedding issue started, I wonder if I am the one doing it wrong.

I guess it doesn't matter, I am who I am, and that is all there is.

[Sepherim.]

From the Diaries of Sepherim, first Keter of the Ordo Quaesitoris, at the beginning of the Empyrean Age:

Today was the party for the inauguration of the Skyhook's new location. It was a success, I guess. Still, it was a tad strange, as most of the "usual suspects" for this kind of events weren't present. Time, death or whatever...

I spent most of my time with Jude Kopenhagen, catching up to what each of us have been doing in this time. He has left Duty behind and joined the Ghost Festival, leaving his place as a leader to become a follower. He event introduced me to his boss, but I have too much of a headache now to remember her name. So much time without my medicines have become quite a stress.

But I have to admit that it wasn't Jude who became the surprise of the night, but Mr Stitcher. A staunch supporter of the Federation no matter what, he announced tonight that he was abandoning it forever, and would either join the Festival or Veto. The man of values, of inner strength, was completely broken. And I couldn't help but feel a bit like him.

I guess that the difference between him and I is that, even so, I strive on.

[Sepherim.]

From the Diaries of Sepherim, first Keter of the Ordo Quaesitoris, during the Empyrean Age:

The gravity of this planet is killing me, that I swear. How much I long to be back in orbit, instead of this region of Tizca. And yet, it seems like there still is much work to do.

In any case, I'm not writing today because of that, but because of the deep disgust I feel inside. I know our enemies are strong, and brutal, and no mercy is to be expected from them... but to see Brother Math'ra murdered publicly in such a terrible sacrifice... well, there are things you never get used to I guess.

[Sepherim.]

From the Diaries of Sepherim, first Keter of the Ordo Quaesitoris, during the Empyrean Age:

The gravity of this planet is killing me, that I swear. How much I long to be back in orbit, instead of this region of Tizca. And yet, it seems like there still is much work to do.

In any case, I'm not writing today because of that, but because of the deep disgust I feel inside. I know our enemies are strong, and brutal, and no mercy is to be expected from them... but to see Brother Math'ra murdered publicly in such a terrible sacrifice... well, there are things you never get used to I guess.

We have to do something, if it weren't for the Vindictus situation that keeps me tied to this planet...

[Sepherim.]

From the Diaries of Sepherim, first Keter of the Ordo Quaesitoris, during the Empyrean Age:

I'm growing increasingly tired. I can't stand gravity and I'm sleeping badly. It's all because of this engagement and I know it. Tizca is taking the best of me as it has been doing since Leopold decided to betray us. and now, there is just too many diplomatical efforts to be made if I am to fulfill my promise and bring this region back to peace.

Meetings with one House, meetings with another. I don't even have time to write here lately, not to mention to get into my pod. And though I'm having a certain amount of success both for the Ordo and for the region, there still is much to be done, and not much more time. Days go by unstoppable, never returning, and the four of us are giving the best of what we can. Granted that Lucius and I are the only permanently destined to solving this issue, but the Ordo still has priority over this conflict, and it needs its Sephiroths in their pods as well.

I miss them. I miss the clear and empty space, the low humming of the motor's vibrations, the blast of laser cannons firing at a target, the hiss of the shields, the fear of those that know me and what I bear as a sign. Fortunately, this state won't last much longer, and for the best or the worse, our chances to act in it will end in almost a week. There is much to be done by then.

[Sepherim.]

From the Diaries of Sepherim, first Keter of the Ordo Quaesitoris, during the Empyrean Age:

The Hands of Maak have been disbanded by their CEO after finding out that his most trusted man had sold some slaves to Mr Merdaneth of PIE. It is ironic, how sometimes it is those that most vocally speak against something that turn out to be the ones doing it behind the scenes. I guess they feel guilty for it, and react by vocally opposing it, trying to appear "pure" that way.

In any case, one less enemi of the Empire will be flying from tonight on. That is something to hold feast for. Now if only I can sort out the internal issues of the Ordo I'd be completely glad, but I guess those will take more time.