Xaihi

CODENAME: Xaihi

GENDER: Female

AUTHENTICATION: Cabal of Tranquility

DOB: May 16

RACE: Sarkaz

[ORIPATHY INFECTION STATUS]

Oripathy positive (infected), based on medical examination reports.

[INTEGRATED PHYSICAL EXAMINATION]

PHYSIOLOGICAL STRENGTH: Normal

COMBAT SKILL: Standard

TACTICAL ACUMEN: Standard

ORIGINIUM ARTS ASSIMILATION: Excellent

Séraphine Xaihi is a member of the Cabal of Tranquility. Since Endfield Industries and the Cabal of Tranquility are jointly carrying out Originium Information Technology research projects, Abbess Vronta recommended Xaihi to work at Endfield premises. Xaihi is currently building the Dijiang Protorig Network and performing various data engineering tasks such as systems integration.

Xaihi seems to be extremely interested in my mechanical construction and sentience module. During our conversation, she repeatedly inquired how my linguistics converter transformed sentience logic signals into digital code interpretable as audio wave outputs by my voice generator. In every occasion, I politely requested her to focus on the ongoing HR interview. Xaihi appeared rather disappointed and expressed her desire to install a duplicate set of my components into her physical body, her reasons being: "This will prevent me from suddenly voicing bursts of esoteric verbiage, and thus avoid incidents of misunderstanding and disturbance." I pointed out that Xaihi's human organ — namely, her cerebrum, is far more capable of generating expressions more complex and effective than machine-generated language. Miss Xaihi, out of personal etiquette, gave me a smile in response.

Besides this minor incident, the general profile of Xaihi matches an individual capable of living together with mechanical constructs. This matches her knowledge and background with the Cabal of Tranquility. Her introverted nature, however, differed from other Cabalists whom we have communicated with. The Cabal, after all, is an organization known throughout the world for their openness as well as eagerness to link up with others.

— Martin Marvin Malen, Assistant, HR Division, Endfield Industries

Visiting Operator Xaihi during non-working hours is a process so convoluted that people have regarded it as a form of "filter". However, Xaihi herself does not see it that way. The process begins at one's arrival at Dijiang via the TP Point next to the Central Ring. You, the visitor, shall then walk through the lengthy corridors of the living quarters while avoiding the crowd. Make the turn onto the narrow lane, then stop at the unassuming cabin on the right at the very end. The smooth door is almost at the same level with the walls, and seems unwilling to accept entry. You might hesitate and think about rumors of the non-existent "Ghost of Dijiang" as you follow the illustrated instructions and depress the third wall panel next to the door. This is the only action that will reveal the dial hidden beneath.

Your wait is not long, because the actions of visitation have been permitted by the lady of the alcove. She may exhibit a touch of shyness when she opens the door for you.

"Revelations of the Law have predicted your arrival," she said as she folded her hands before her skirt and bowed slightly, "I shall seek the object of your desire."

The door slowly closes before you, denying you visuals of every action and potentiality taking place within that little alcove — the very same location that many operators have esoterically described as "One of the Egresses of the Assimilated Universe". The noise and clamor of Dijiang is only a dozen yards away. You suddenly notice the peculiar tranquility within the narrow corridor. Across immeasurable stretches of time, you, the visitor, is prevented from committing to the flow of verbal exchange. Instead, the collision of stars echo within your ears as teachings and gospels of eons flood your mind. All point toward the nebulous path that yearns to make itself known.

The door then opens. The gentle Sarkaz girl named Séraphine Xaihi shows herself again. She gives unto you a specialized operational asset that you have applied via the Endfield Office Administration System: A brand new handheld terminal.

You, the visitor, offer your thanks as you take a quick glance at the alcove interiors. You see a seat showered in the eerie blue of a dozen monitors. There is also a narrow bed for one, blankets neatly folded and moored at its end. And this is all that is contained within "One of the Egresses of the Assimilated Universe".

Xaihi is a calm and reliable operator. She treats her profession with the most zealous of faith, and handles her personal beliefs in the most professional manner. Four years ago, Xaihi came to Endfield Industries as a visiting scholar to support Originium technology projects that we jointly pursue with the Cabal of Tranquility. We did not give her any actual responsibilities back then. However, she immediately committed herself to the repairs of Dijiang mere moments after her arrival. I am inclined to believe that Cabalists have an innate sense of duty, given their knowledge of our past and their hopes for our future.

— Perlica

Her way of thinking is completely different from mine. However, we got along fine. It's nothing complicated. Sometimes she pointed out details that I never saw. Hmm. An example? Let me think. I got one. She said: "People reside in their respective languages." That line alone got me thinking for an entire day.

— Arclight

Wha? Did she really say that? Now I'm curious! Arclight and Xaihi, our two mega opposite techno-gals, can actually talk to each other! HOW?! Well, I guess Operator Xaihi does talk to everyone. That's what makes her so awesome... And convos with Xaihi don't sound as though she's just blabbering on about her own stuff... I guess people do get some tranquil vibes from her.

— Chen Qianyu

I often converse with Operator Xaihi during work. We are both interested in Originium devices. No, that doesn't make us colleagues. Her knowledge and expertise in servers and electronic systems far surpass mine. What do you mean it's rare for me to say something positive about other people? Hurhurhur. I regard myself as an easygoing and casual individual.

...Since you started this topic, I'm actually curious why she chose to bunk in the server room. Yes, I'm talking about the place where all the server professionals worked at. Look, if I apply for an office equipment for specialized electrical work processes, instead of telling me to pick up the thing at the Logistics Division, I have to pick up the device from her place. That place is devoid of natural solar radiation and has non-stop air conditioning to keep it cold. I have not entered there. Exposing a Savra to such conditions for extended periods of time will induce severe lethargy. I must say that living in such environments is a strange and unique choice. Perhaps she is trying to maintain a long-lost tradition of asceticism.

Hey, don't leave. I'm not done yet. Operator Xaihi also has a good tastes in gaming. She is one of the very few skillful adversaries I can respect aboard Dijiang. What game, you say? Sudoku. There is no other real game but Sudoku.

— Antal

Her hands are cold. She said redemption is cold. I shall live with this fact.

— Ember

EXCERPT FROM A NEWSPAPER CUTTING

Firstly, let us offer sincere wishes to Master Shatterus, reborn to us! Secondly, let us offer sincere wishes to the Law that has blessed and protected us! Finally, let us offer sincere wishes to our fellow faithfuls affected by the Domus Collapse! Perhaps some of you are still performing clean up work despite having pulled an all-nighter. But when you retire to your bed and rest, be aware that you must, in a punctual manner, pay your respects to our Lord afar. Our Lord shall forgive you for compensating yourselves after an intense episode of labor.

Now back to the Domus Collapse. The cause of the incident has been identified: Redrawing of the Cathedralis Domus of Codes by Sister Séraphine. The redrawing has caused our Domus, itself based on the ancient and splendorous architecture of Laterano, to undergo unexpected resonance with our massive dataflows. Hence, the Great Monastery Network collapsed for 0.836 seconds. Even fellow Cabalists over two hundred kilometers away felt its tremors. Your faithful correspondent arrived at the site to see that Sister Séraphine had buried her head in a server cabinet and temporarily cut off from any contacts with the outside world. Abbess Vronta and three Cabal leaders later convened an emergency meeting to solve the incident. The verdict for the violator shall be officially announced in the next Session of Exceptions.

Your faithful correspondent believes that there are two sides to every incident. Every massive scale solution offers a minute trail to the future. For example, this incident once again triggered a rather passionate debate if we should, in this generation, continue to provide labor, resources, and constant vigilance to maintain the Domus of Codes, itself a technological marvel. If you wish to share your opinions, please mail them to Box 302, Via Confessa Sancta, Great Monastery. Finally, the Lord is always within our hearts and minds. Good morning to you all!

— Excerpt from Comments on Good Morning Shatterus, an internal periodical published by the Cabal of Tranquility for internal communications

DOCUMENT: A letter (in the form of a secret order) delivered to the mailbox of Supervisor Perlica

RECOMMENDER: Vronta "The Knower of Veritas", Abbas of the Monasterium, Cabal of Tranquility

RECOMMENDER'S ADDRESS: No. 116, Via Ritualis Benevolens, Great Monastery

To the Honorable Supervisor of Endfield Industries, Miss Perlica:

I hereby recommend Sister Séraphine Xaihi as the liaison of our party in the Originium Information Technology project jointly pursued by Endfield Industries and us, the Cabal of Tranquility. As Xaihi's guardian in the Cabal, I have witnessed how she grew from a tender, young child who loved the libraries to a... Pardon me, but the Law demands us to be forthright and act with consistency. And thus I shall give you the answer: She has grown into a Frost of Wisdom.

Truth be told, souls that have not gained the enlightenment of the Law will be easily lost in the vast amounts of knowledge stored within the Cabal. However, Xaihi has managed, in her own accord, to identify a path within the great vault of data. After years of tireless perusal and contemplation within our vault of tomes, we opened the door and saw her remade: Intellect did not lead her astray into arrogance, but instilled a sense of sorrow within her eyes. It was then when I realized that she had seen the future we are headed toward. Of course, this intellect has led to quite an incident on our side, one that is on par with her previous attempt of system optimization.

Though I place no blame upon her, she seems to have sunken into such depths of guilt where self-salvation seems impossible. Hence, I humbly request to let Sister Xaihi continue her good works at Endfield Industries. The Cabal is rooted in our past and history, and hence we are not the perfect place for nurturing a future that is too delicate, tender, and far away. Sister Xaihi is better suited for your path.

I have absolute faith that she is capable of fulfilling the duties demanded of an Originium Information Technology expert. Please contact me anytime should you need further details.

Sincerely,

Vronta, Cabal of Tranquility

DOCUMENT: A prayer slip, kept within a book

O merciful Lord, I praise thee.

Grant language onto me, but lead me not into voicing it with vulgar words.

Grant intellect onto me, but lead me not into employing it for blasphemy.

Grant benevolence onto me, but lead me not into abusing it with arrogance.

Grant vision onto me, but lead me not into corrupting it with base and common images.

Grant friendship onto me, but lead me not into terminating it with violence.

Grant eternal curiosity onto me, but lead me not into wasting it with ignorance.

(NOTE: After verification, prayers of every Cabalist are based on their most truthful desires. The Cabal of Tranquility encourages their members to compose their own prayers. The followers of the Lord have their own belief and will about the Lord. And that is how they define their faith.)

DOCUMENT: Excerpt from a diary

Four years have passed since I boarded this vessel. The task of repair is progressing slowly, but with efficacy. Although the undertaking has become relatively uneventful, I have gradually found my way to return to my inner calm. This is the place where I can work in a dark and cold cabin. The rhythms of machines offer me incredible comfort. This is where I need not worry whether my actions would bring trouble to the others. Of course, this is also where I can share fragmented conversations with data residues of the Originium Network. In the Network, I experienced never-seen-before ruins of splendorous majesty that Sankta share their empathy. I heard the lamentations from myriad souls of the Sarkaz erased from existence. I witnessed the incessant bleeding of rebellion and subservience. And every time I wanted to take another step, these experiences would suddenly cease. The silence is frightening. I continued my calculations and repairs, hoping I can hear it speak once more.

Something I feared even more has happened. I realized that the Originium has been polluted, damaged, and obliterated. It seems intertwined with what I perused in the various tomes of the Cabal. But why is this the case? What does Originium mean with regards to the codes of civilization that we are deciphering? And what is the entity capable of polluting, damaging, and even obliterating the Originium?

Perhaps this is why Abbess Mumu sent me here.

That was the day when I noticed a strange glow on Supervisor Perlica's visage. But this glow was quickly extinguished by her constant pondering. They are whispering. Something big is about to happen. Will it be relevant to the answers I seek?

Black hair, black mask, and black shadow. Operator Chen Qianyu introduced the Endministrator to me. The one who had been hibernating in the medical bay.

And for an instant, I seemed to achieve a form of empathy. A cacophony and impulse for joy, laughter, and tears exploded within me. I could not restrain the shaking of my material form. This entity is the answer, but I have not prepared my questions.