Markings
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 1 - June 1982
It's been a quiet few weeks at port, preparing for the arrival of our special prisoner. The Faith keep insisting that they are not a prisoner but rather an honoured guest, but when your ship has spent 9 months docked whilst it is fitted with prison cells for a single passenger, that passenger is definitely a prisoner!

I'm not yet sure who this passenger is, but The Faith have spent an awful lot of time and money refitting my shipping vessel into a suitable state for them.

In addition to the usual requirements for security, such as door locking systems and security checkpoints, The Faith have also issued a strange set of instructions; the workmen are to etch specific symbols and words from a language I don't recognise over practically every surface. Even the windows have the unfamiliar markings!

Bizarre indeed.

The Corangelus
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 2 - July 1982
With only a few days to go until our prisoner/guest arrives, I have received message that the ship is to be officially renamed from 'The Kerryson' to 'The Corangelus'.

An interesting choice of title, although I am unclear why we'd change the name of a ship whose existence is meant to be a tightly kept secret. Either way, The Faith pay the bills so they call the shots. I'm not completely at ease about this but I did accept the money, so I can't really complain.

Anyway, it'll be good to get back out there to the open seas. Being on dry land for so long makes me anxious.

At least the weather here is glorious.

Just a girl
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 3 - July 1982
The prisoner has arrived. I caught a brief look at her - she's just a young girl. I can't imagine why on earth we've built layer upon layer of security as there's really not a huge amount to her. I don't know what I was expecting in all honesty.

She had the strangest restraints on her wrists and back, etched with similar markings to those seen all over the ship. It's the same phrase written over and over, like a prayer or cant perhaps?

Once we'd got her settled and secured in her quarters I made an effort to speak with the Minister of The Faith who has a permanent residence on board. I asked what was so important about this prisoner but he replied only with "All in good time".

This is not how I like to run my ship.

Blessed
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 4 - July 1982
I am now aboard the Corangelus; a simple shipping vessel that had, overnight, become the single most Holy and important location on the planet.

I am the highest ranking Minister of The Faith onboard, and it is my duty to care for the Seraph and make its stay with us as pleasant as can be. I am blessed, but I only hope I am up to the task.

I shall not fail Him!

Important or dangerous
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 5 - August 1982
We set sail earlier today, finally back out into the open ocean. I have been given no heading as such but we are to sail far out to the Arabian Sea and circle without dropping anchor.

Judging by this behaviour I believe we're trying to keep even the location of our young passenger a secret, but from whom I do not know.

She must be either very important or very dangerous. I'll make further efforts to speak with the Minister of the Faith, Stephan Kayle, and see what I can find out. I'm beginning to worry about the safety of my crew.

Vessel
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 6 - November 1982
She's a Seraph! A genuine, real life Seraph! I honestly can't believe it.

Well, I say "she" but really a Seraph is apparently without gender, or so I'm told. What I'm looking at is her human host; a girl from the middle eastern country of Kahranistan, about 120 miles inland from here.

I wouldn't have believed it for a second had I not seen her eyes light up and glow with bright, furious light when she spoke to the onboard Grand Minister. Even though her cell is completely sound proof, I could see through the viewing window that she was full of rage and fury. It was quite terrifying.

I'm sure she's being treated well here, but I can't imagine why she would need to be shackled at all. Surely she serves The Faith?

I've never been much of a religious man, but perhaps now's a good time to start praying.

Valuable
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 7 - November 1982
The Seraph is at once both magnificent and utterly terrifying to behold. Most of our contact involves it screaming vitriol and threats at myself and the other Minister for hours at a time.

It is clearly unhappy with they way it has been treated, but what choice do we have? The Seraph is so fantastically valuable to us; it can reveal greater depth to His teachings, give us new insight to what He wishes for us and of course aid us to convert those who are non-believers to The Faith.

With permission from the Arch Minister in-land I intend to begin work on a new book for our holy text, The Codex. What an honour that would be!

The Doctor
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 8 - July 1983
Today I meet my mysterious patient.

Before I took the position here on the Corangelus, the Faith explained that I would care only for one patient exclusively whilst at sea and that her identity and location was to be a closely guarded secret. I was offered a ludicrous amount in compensation to practice on the ship so of course I accepted the terms. This was despite knowing that I suffer from almost perpetual sea sickness!

Whoever the patient is, she must be a very important, or a very disturbed individual. I look forward to our first consultation in just a few hours' time.

Comfort
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 9 - September 1983
We've been at sail now for just over a year, with a steady stream of visitors from various countries and backgrounds. Most have been followers of The Faith, but some have been government officials or similar men and women of great import.

It's my job to personally vet the credibility and identity of each and every visitor here; a task that I take extremely seriously. I believe there's nothing more valuable on the face of the planet than our Holy guest.

A few months ago we brought in a specialist Doctor to begin monitoring and maintaining both the physical and mental health of Seraph and her Vessel. I'm told by the the Minister that he and the Doctor are making great progress with her. They both believe that one day soon we should be able to relax the security around her. It'd be nice just to remove her special shackles or scrub some of the imprisoning etchings perhaps. I do feel she deserves a greater level of comfort and respect than we currently afford the divine being.

I want her to feel more like a guest here than a prisoner. I guess these things take time.

Silence
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 10 - September 1983
It has been some months since I began consulting with the Seraph but unfortunately it refuses to talk with me. It says nothing. Not even a single word.

It just sits there in a catatonic state, golden eyes open but unblinking. I intend to focus my efforts on making contact with Seraph's human host instead, although quite how we'd do this is beyond me. Perhaps this is the key to making a connection with the Seraph?

Prisoner
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 11 - August 1984
There have been many occasions throughout the past year that I have been able to make contact with the vessel herself. Obviously, the Seraph doesn't need to sleep as such, but it does occasionally lessen its grip over the vessel's consciousness. In those rare, fleeting moments, we are able to talk to the vessel directly. Once she has calmed down enough, of course.

We were able to confirm what we had suspected for some time; the vessel's consciousness is indeed present at all times, even if it is unable to enact any motor control over her body. She is simply repressed, deep down inside her own consciousness. One can only guess at the levels of psychological torment the vessel experiences on a daily basis; unable to sleep, unable to move, unable to converse with other human beings.

This is likely the main reason that the first thing she does when she regains control over her body is to scream and weep uncontrollably for several minutes. This has actually became our primary indicator for when the vessel's consciousness is available to speak with us.

Talia
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 12 - September 1984
Once the vessel is able to gain enough composure to speak with us, it's often difficult to get her to stop! It's hard to say how long each session will last with the vessel before the Seraph is able to wrest control of her once more. Sometimes only a few minutes, sometimes as much as an hour.

Her name is Talia Javadi and she comes from a town called Jursan in Kahranistan, a few hundred miles west of our current location. She was twenty-two when The Faith found her. Despite all of the wondrous things I've seen in my time here, it's the fact that she's still physically twenty-two years old that affects me most. It is at once awe inspiring and unnerving.

Her parents are both tailors and she has a younger sister, Tabitha. She lived with her husband Navand, in a small home in Jursan. We obviously already knew a decent amount about Talia, as The Faith were following her movements before she even became the Seraph's vessel, but it's great to hear this information straight from the vessel herself.

It's a relief to finally have a patient to converse with!

The Mission
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 13 - September 1984
Today the Seraph shared with me details of its mission to Reality. It had come here as an assassin, to put it bluntly! Seraph had watched a man named General Asad Hashadi ravage his people and wage war in the name of profit for decades. He'd assumed the role of the leader of Kahranistan and ran his country as a dictatorship. Seraph had become convinced that his death would ultimately benefit humanity, so made the case to the Seraphim council in Origin.

Whilst the argument was compelling, ultimately the council unanimously agreed that they should continue to remain impassive to Humanity's affairs.

Seraph was dissatisfied with their decision, to say the least, and took it upon itself to look for an alternative plan of action.

The alternate plan
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 14 - September 1984
Not long after the meeting with the council Seraph had contacted Talia. It had required a healthy, young human vessel to inhabit during its time in Reality, as a Seraph cannot exist here without one. Within moments of leaving a human vessel, the Seraph would instantly return to Origin.

Talia, obviously personally affected by the violent oppression of General Hashadi, listened intently to Seraph's plan and finally, after consulting with her local minister of The Faith, agreed to become her vessel.

The failure
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 15 - September 1984
The plan had always been to inhabit Talia for no more than 48 hours. Seraph would arrive in Reality, guide Talia to the Kahranistan Airforce Display the following morning and await General Hashadi's speech to a crowd of several thousand local citizens. It had become mandatory for all local residents to attend the display of power, so there would be a significant crowd to hide within.

Seraph would then smite the General down with divine powers and escape under cover of confusion and chaos. However, due to the actions of The Faith, this would not come to pass. Members of The Faith had reached the vessel first and captured her. We had inadvertently destroyed the rashly conceived plan.

But how could we have known? We can never condone murder, of course, but General Hashadi is such a terrible force in the world, perhaps we would have been right to leave the Seraph to its work. Regrettable, certainly.

The fact that the mission was unsanctioned raises many questions, foremost; what does He think of the Seraph's insubordination?

Joy and hope
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 16 - September 1984
Talia does not know exactly how The Faith located her and Seraph, but she has her suspicions. In the time leading up to her possession she confided in her local Minister of The Faith, a man named Majd. She revealed to him that she had conversing with a Seraph for some weeks.

Talia had explained to him that she would be "going away" for a few days on a mission for The Faith. She had expressed her fear and excitement over her impending "joining of souls" to her Minister, and over time he began to believe her story. She had said that she first made contact with the Seraph whilst washing dishes in her home.

Seraph had appeared to her as a voice only but Talia said that, at the time, the voice had filled her with an unbelievable sense of joy and hope. That same voice now fills her with indescribable sadness.

Once Majd was certain that Talia was telling the truth, he did what he felt best and referred to the Kahranistan High Minister for council. This is how we first learned of Talia and the existence of the Seraph.

Voice
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 17 - November 1984
It had never occurred to me before today that when we hear the Seraph speak to us, it is actually the vessel's voice we are hearing. We have never heard the Seraph's true "voice", and likely never will, although Talia explains that she can occasionally hears its thoughts, especially so in the hours leading up to Talia's awakenings.

Talia believes that Seraph is able to isolate its own thoughts from the vessel, but at moments of weakness or extreme exhaustion it lets this barrier slip. Talia is then able to feel what Seraph feels and learn what it knows. She also believes that if Seraph was ever to let its guard down fully, Talia would learn everything about... well, everything.

This would be an incredibly interesting development for me and The Faith, for obvious reasons.

Two minds
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 18 - November 1984
Whilst my personal knowledge of the The Faith is limited, I imagine that a divine being and their vessel are never meant to be joined for extended periods of time. The stress of two minds sharing one physical space must be intolerable. It's on days like today that I question whether my work here is ethical at all. I suspect it is not.

The sheer force and emotion behind Talia's awakening screams is always horrifying; blood curdling. I am convinced I can hear them even when I am not on the same deck as her, as if they are more than just sound carried by the air. But today's screams were different. They were even more disturbing than usual, if that were even possible.

Talia announced her arrival to the ship with her usual discord of misery and despair. When I arrived at her cell I assumed my usual position on the bench near the vault doors. However, rather than her eyes being closed, tears streaming down her face, this time her eyes found mine. Her wailing seemed to increase in intensity whilst I struggled to maintain my composure, her gaze burning into me, eating away at my conscience.

What has she learned from the Seraph since we last spoke?

Anguish
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 19 - November 1984
After what seemed like several minutes I felt compelled to leave my usual place on a nearby bench and approach Talia. I extended my hands, palms up to try to assure her I meant her no harm, yet her anguish only intensified. I winced at the sound, becoming physically uncomfortable with the assault on my senses.

She kept repeating a phrase: "Origin is our past! Only Terminus is our future!".

When I could bear her anguish no longer I gently placed my hand on her shoulder, attempting to comfort the tormented girl the best I could. However, the very instant my palm touched her skin she went absolutely quiet.

I looked into her eyes and I could see she was gone; Talia's deep green eyes replaced by the familiar golden glow of the Seraph's. The divine being had resumed control once more.

"Touch me again," it said "and it will be the last thing you ever do, Philip."

This was the first time that Seraph had actually spoken to me. I was quite shaken by the encounter, to say the least.

Pointless war
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 20 - June 1985
I am just about to start my third year of service aboard the Corangelus.

Regrettably, we've been unable to relax the security around the Seraph. It's made it very clear that she believes it doesn't belong here, despite our best efforts to assure it otherwise. Doesn't the Seraph want to help the human race? Think of the good it could do for us? The pointless wars and conflicts it could bring to a swift and painless end almost immediately?

I can't help but feel that the Seraph might be acting a little selfishly. Not really what I expected from a higher being.

Breakthrough?
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 21 - June 1985
In recent months The Faith has given up attempting to convince the Seraph that she belongs here, with us. She simply won't listen to reason. In some ways I think she doesn't even want to help humanity, although I understand that to suggest as much is probably blasphemy.

The Grand Minister here has instead begun to focus on other ways she can help us. According to ancient texts in the possession of The Faith, there's a way to transfer a portion of the Seraph's healing energy to another human, albeit temporarily.

Just imagine! Being able to cure the sick or just extend the life of those most deserving. If it works out, this could be the breakthrough we've been looking for.
Perhaps she'll be able to help us afterall.

Breakthrough
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 22 - September 1985
It worked! It worked and I feel amazing. In fact, I don't believe I've ever felt better.

I have become one of the first people to experience the newly discovered ritual and can confidently describe it as a true miracle. The Faith call it a Cleansing.

I must admit that I've been struggling to accept The Faith for some months, having only been a light believer since childhood, but the Cleansing is a life affirming experience. I look visibly younger, a headache I've been nursing for near 2 days now is completely gone and I no longer need to use my reading glasses.

Quite incredible. No, miraculous. The Seraph is a gift to us.

The Cleansing
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 23 - September 1985
Since we became successful in our first Cleansing I have been approached by many high ranking Ministers of The Faith. It seems that being able to leverage His power to do tangible good for Humanity can raise the profile of a humble Ministers such as myself.

Unfortunately, there are a number of Ministers within our ranks who suggest that the Seraph is not actually from Origin, but rather is the Deceiver itself, sent here from Terminus to test and manipulate us. Having spent some considerable time with the Seraph I can emphatically conclude that it is a force for good, but I can understand the concerns of those who do not believe as I do. I have invited them to partake in a private Cleansing, to see if experiencing His love and power first hand might convince them.

Exhausting
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 24 - October 1986
It's been about a year since the first Cleansing was successful. The stream of visitors to the Corangelus has been steadily increasing as more members of The Faith arrive to take advantage of the holy gifts bestowed upon us by the Seraph.

The fact that there are more government officials and world leaders arriving is more concerning. I know we need their assistance and continued cooperation in order to keep the Seraph's existence and the ship's location a secret, but how often must they visit? It's starting to feel a little crowded around here.
The ritual is clearly exhausting for the Seraph so shouldn't we make efforts to reduce or limit the frequency of Cleansing rituals?

The Faith have started asking for a contribution to our running costs for each Cleansing performed. A reasonable request, given the vast amount this ship costs to maintain.

Me
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 25 - January 1987
Whilst Seraph now occasionally talks with me, it has previously spoken at length with the Grand Minister onboard; Minister Stephan Kayle. He mentioned that Seraph had always very clearly referred to Talia as "my vessel", but now it's tending to use the pronoun "me".

I suspect that the Seraph is beginning to find it difficult to differentiate between her own consciousness and that of Talia's. Is it confused or are they blending in some way? I am concerned that the Cleansing ritual is becoming detrimental to its mental health.

Spite
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 26 - June 1987
Today has been a… trying one. The Seraph grows more bitter and spiteful with each passing month.

This morning, after a particularly confrontational exchange with the Seraph, she called me "unbelievably ignorant" regarding a matter of little importance. I had rather jokingly responded with "Well then, when I stand before the gates of Origin, I shall ask Him for myself! We shall see whose interpretation is correct". She immediately threw her head back with laughter, which quickly turned my pleasant demeanor sour.

Finally, she responded: "You actually believe that the human race is destined for Origin? Why, you have already been there once before, for it is the cradle of all life; it is your Origin. What awaits you now is Terminus, a fate shared by us all!". Her expression was smug, as though she held the winning hand in a game of poker.

It was horrifying.

Trickery?
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 27 - June 1987
As much as I try, I cannot shake the haunting words Seraph spoke yesterday. In one short breath she has shaken the very foundations of our Faith: the idea that our actions in this life influence where our souls will spend the rest of eternity.

Without this simple rule, what is the point in being good? What is the point in self sacrifice? In charity? Why should I... we bother?

Could she be speaking the truth? Is the course of all life linear and inflexible? To begin in paradise, transition to mortality and then end with eternity in torment, regardless of our actions or beliefs? She had also implied that whilst all humanity had once lived in paradise, our Origin, the moment we leave it, we forget we were ever there. How cruel this is.

I simply cannot believe all of this. It is too terrible to comprehend and surely must be lies and trickery borne of spite. It must be.

Exciting developments
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 28 - February 1988
Exciting developments: The Faith have commissioned some enhancements to our vessel. The Corangelus will be fitted with the very latest nautical technologies and equipment and, most importantly, jamming equipment to ensure that our presence is always blocked from all forms of radar and even those brand new satellite technologies.

Finally, we are to devote an entire deck for our visitors and pilgrims, who already have an almost constant presence here on the Corangelus. Whilst I hate to share our ship with civilians, their contributions are vital for guaranteeing the Seraph's continued safety and wellbeing. The crew will just have to make do with less space.

Prepared
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 29 - November 1988
Whilst the new renovations are superb, it's the addition of a small fleet of support ships that's been life changing for all aboard the Corangelus.

We have a constant stream of supplies and upgrades at all times, whilst the onboard kitchens now have a world class Chef at the helm.

At the request of our expanding securities team, we also have two military grade gunships sailing with us at all times. We've not encountered much pirate activity over the last few years but it's always good to be prepared.

$1million
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 30 - November 1988
I realise that for every minute I spend with the Seraph I gain knowledge but lose my faith. We strive for truth and knowledge, but when we have what we looked for, why does it taste so bitter?

I don't feel this newfound understanding of the afterlife is something I should share with The Faith. Not the congregation at large, at least. I believe society could potentially crumble should people understand that there is no point in abiding by rules or law. I shall contemplate my options, but I suspect this knowledge is a burden that I should carry alone for the rest of my days.

At least with the Cleansing, my days could be very long indeed. I suspect I shall be laughing last, Seraph. I have to admit that I feel a little bit… relieved in some way. With no incentive to be pure and just, why bother?

In unrelated news, I've proposed that we increase the donation required for the Cleansing to a minimum of $1million.

Pressure
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 31 - December 1988
In the interests of the Seraph's comfort we've now set the minimum donation required to perform a Cleansing at $1million. The visits have become far too frequent for my liking, putting significant strain on my crew and the security staff. Background checks take time, so this level of contribution will ensure the best possible service and, of course, the Seraph's complete safety whilst on the ship.

However, Grand Minister Kayle continues to pressure me into clearing potential Cleansing candidates faster and faster with each passing week. I feel that he's become quite distant in recent weeks. He barely says a word when we meet.

Mistakes are made when deadlines are tight and we really can't afford to make a mistake with the Seraph.

Pilgrims
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 32 - April 1994
The Faith is pushing forward with opening up the Cleansing to more pilgrims in the coming months. The monthly income from contributions has become sizeable, but there could be no nobler cause than The Faith. We will see to it that a large portion of this money is dedicated to charitable causes, once we've had time to assess which ones are most deserving.

The contribution requirement for the Cleansing has again risen, but honestly, who can put a price on a healthier, longer life? What good is personal wealth if you don't live long enough to enjoy it?

The only real issue is that the Captain seemingly takes longer and longer to vet each potential Cleansing candidate. I understand he wishes to be thorough, but really, she is an important being; how much risk is she at? We are all true believers here, surely none could ever wish her harm?

Although, maybe they would if they saw her as I do now.

Incident
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 33 - February 2000
There has been a terrible, terrible incident. Earlier this morning I was informed that a Minister and, more importantly, the Seraph, have been significantly injured by a pilgrim.

A man named Lars Hannes Gottschalk, a German Ambassador and supposed member of The Faith, requested a private Cleansing with only one attending Minister. This is unusual, due to the Cleansing usually requiring three Ministers be present, but for some reason we honoured his request.

Once alone, he produced a small blade from somewhere about his person and stabbed the minister, before turning the blade on Seraph. Whilst we do not monitor the Cleansing via a video feed for religious reasons too numerable to mention, the Minister survived and was able to describe what occurred.

Murder?
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 34 - February 2000
According to the Minister, Mr Gottschalk grabbed Seraph's vessel by the hair and began to saw through her throat. The Seraph, restrained as she usually is by the chamber's runes and wards, was unable to prevent the assault. The Minister's description of events suggested that at one point the Vessel's head slumped to the back as her attacker's blade cut right through to meet her spinal cord, such was the ferocity of the attack.

It was at this point that the Minister began to crawl away, intending to flee the chamber as nothing more could be done to save the Seraph. However, before he left he did witness one final, shocking event.

Black ash
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 35 - February 2000
Once Mr Gottschalk had completed his murderous assault on Seraph he turned to the wounded Minister and cried: "She is fallacy! We suffer not the lie as we are the Followers of the The True Sight!". Then, according to the Minister, there was a blinding flash of brilliant white light, followed by an almighty explosion within the room.

Once the Minister had regained his composure, he saw that the Cleansing chamber was in ruins. Small fires had broken out and the decor was almost completely charred from the explosion. Although soaked through with her vessel's blood, the Seraph appeared to be alive and unharmed, still restrained at the epicentre of the blast. The German Ambassador was gone, with only a streak of black ash across the chamber floor to show he was ever there.

It was at this point the security team had entered the room and secured the Seraph.

What a disaster.

Tragedy
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 36 - February 2000
There has been a tragedy onboard. A minister has been gravely injured and the Seraph attacked. I am stunned that such a thing could have occurred, but it seems we have confirmed that the Seraph is indeed immortal. Or at least, close to being so. Shortly after her demise, she was seen to resurrect in a rather explosive and overly dramatic manner. Not even death can take her from me.

Silver linings, and all that. I'll commission an investigation shortly, but I suspect some heads will roll for this lapse in security, starting with Captain Thorpe. I'm starting to dislike the man's abrasiveness. It'll be good to get some fresh blood in around here; someone more closely aligned with the vision and goals of The Faith.

However, Thorpe is well liked by both the crew and The Faith. This may take some time.

This whole assassination attempt feels like the work of The Followers of The True sight. I'll make some enquiries, but I know for a fact that they have access to our sailing routes through their moles within The Faith.

Shock of grey
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 37 - February 2000
Grand Minister Kayle believes that what the attending Minister witnessed was in fact a reincarnation. It seems that when a Seraph is unable to leave its Vessel due to our imprisoning runes, the vessel cannot be allowed to die.

Dr. Clark reports that the Seraph is physically well, although is visibly weakened by the attack. More troublingly, the vessel now displays a shock of grey hair, a clear sign of aging and the first I've seen since I began my captaincy nearly a two decades ago.

Perhaps she's not quite as immortal as we once thought?

Terminus
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 38 - March 2000
I've noted that Talia has regained her composure much faster after awakening in the weeks since the temporarily fatal attack on the Seraph. In addition, she no longer screams or cries.

I can only assume that Seraph's resurrection of Talia has severely weakened its control over the vessel. Whilst this is obviously troubling, a possible advantageous side effect could be that we may finally learn more details about Origin, Terminus and the other Seraphim. I believe Talia actually knows far more than she is telling us; I need more time alone with her.

The True Sight
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 39 - June 2002
The assassination attempt in 2000 was apparently a precursor to a larger set of attacks.

We have been attacked no fewer than three times in the past two years. Each time, civilian and crew members' lives have been lost defending the ship.

Each assault on the Corangelus originated from a young but seemingly well funded offshoot of The Faith called "Followers of The True Sight". Most of The Faith consider members of The True Sight to be deluded and sycophantic. Clearly they believe in their cause strongly enough to risk injury or death in their assault on us.

Saviour/Damnation
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 40 - June 2002
Whilst it was the first I'd heard of The True Sight, apparently Grand Minister Kayle has been aware of their separation from the The Faith for some years now.

The beliefs of The Faith and that of their newly founded sister denomination are almost entirely the same, save one key difference; The Faith believes the Seraph to be our guide and saviour on Earth, whereas The True Sight sees her as our destroyer and the beginning of our damnation.

Minister Kayle explained that the definition in the Holy texts is indeed unclear on the matter, and the Seraph's existence on Reality could be interpreted as either one.

Violent attacks
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 41 - June 2002
The True Sight continue to launch violent attacks on the Corangelus.

Visitation from all high ranking members of The Faith and other paying pilgrims has ceased until we can bring this situation under control. There will be no donation income from the Cleansing until we can put a stop to the violence.

It's saddening for me that the wondrous gift that is the Seraph has become so heavily tainted by death.

Exposed
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 42 - January 2003
Due to increased violence from The True Sight, I have commissioned a new Corangelus. One better equipped to repel attacks from the heretics. This one shall still possess all of the political protection afforded by our current location out at sea, yet with none of the vulnerabilities of a mere converted shipping vessel. We are far too exposed to the insane actions of The True Sight on this ship, and it's become painfully clear that we require a proper, easily defensible base of operations for the Cleansing.

The new facility, Corangelus II, shall be a floating platform; a small, seaborne city. Like an iceberg, a great deal of the facility will be found beneath the waves, protected from attacks on the surface. In addition, it shall be fitted with the very latest in defensive systems; the finest that money can buy.

Nothing but the best to protect our most valuable asset.

Corangelus II
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 43 - October 2003
Work is well underway on the Corangelus II. I have overseen the design myself and I can say without any doubt that it is indeed quite magnificent.

From sophisticated automated threat assessment systems, to AI controlled anti-air missile bays and of course a network of subsurface mines surrounding the platform, we should be able to resist and repel an assault of any size from The Opposition. This will be, of course, powered by the very strongest energy source we have at our disposal. The Corangelus II shall be as beautiful as she is impenetrable.

Many of the weapon systems have been provided with a generous discount by my good friend General Hashadi, a frequent visitor and pilgrim here on the current Corangelus. When I think about how his visits must make the Seraph feel I cannot help but allow myself a small smile.

Probably not
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 44 - June 2005
It has been nearly three long years since we collected our last donation from a Cleansing, but construction on the Corangelus II is finally at an end. We couldn't afford to wait much longer for the new facility; only last week we came under attack from The True Sight. It was a fierce naval battle that resulted in the sinking of two of our six gunships and great loss of human life. They are martyrs to our cause now.

Will He pluck their brave souls from Terminus? I can only hope so.

Probably not.

Final log
Andrew Thorpe,
Captain of the Corangelus
Log 45 - July 2005
It seems I am... to be replaced.

I can't say I blame Grand Minister Kayle as it was on my watch that the attempted assassination occurred and the skirmishes with The True Sight began.

I am to prepare the vessel for transportation to a new, secret facility that has been under construction for several years now, without my involvement or knowledge. For how long have I been kept out of the loop here? What else is there that I don't know about?

This is my final log. I regret that I will no longer be able to act as the Seraph's protector at the new facility. I hope this honour will be bestowed on someone more deserving than myself, yet I worry even more control will fall into the hands of Grand Minister Kayle. That man is secretive and overly ambitious; two qualities you don't want to have in a protector of the vulnerable.

Oh, and the Cleansings have once again resumed.

First week
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 46 - July 2005
I have just completed my first week of duty aboard the brand new Corangelus II facility. Whist it is breathtakingly beautiful, from both an architectural and engineering standpoint, I am fully aware that its existence is enabled by the suffering of a single individual.

I met briefly with Dr Philip Clark, the facility's Chief Psychologist. I was told in no uncertain terms that access to the Seraph is strictly limited, and that I would only be allowed access later next month.

As the Overseer of this platform, I believe I shall meet it whenever I see fit. It shall be within the week.

Complication
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 47 - July 2005
There is a new complication to my work. Captain Thorpe's replacement has arrived; a 40 something year old woman named Ava Nazari. I can't help but feel she's a little young for the role of the Overseer here, but apparently she's more than qualified.

The trouble is that Nazari clearly doesn't like me. She doesn't believe that we've made any significant progress with Talia or the Seraph over the past few years but what does she know? She also says she has concerns regarding Talia's health since a portion of her hair turned white after the reincarnation.

She's requested a private visit with Talia the next time she awakens. I've had to reluctantly agree; The Faith are giving more power to the military and defensive personnel on the Corangelus since the attacks by The True Sight.

The Corangelus feels more like a military compound than a place of worship these days.

Sister
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 48 - July 2005
I spent a large part of today re-reading the reports from Dr Clark. He's spoken at length with Talia without the influence of the Seraph over the time he's spent with her, however, it seems that since the attempted assassination the frequencies and duration of her awakening periods have increased.

More importantly, Talia told Dr. Clark that since the Seraph has weakened slightly, she is able to protect more of her thoughts from the divine being. Perhaps it is nearly time for me to meet with Talia for the first occasion in thirty years.

The thought of being reunited with my older sister again after so long is intoxicating!

Access
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 49 - July 2005
It was not easy for me to gain access to the Seraph. Once I'd learned that Talia was still alive, and that her claims to have been in contact with a divine being were actually possibly true, I knew what I had to do. Over twenty years ago I abandoned my old life in Jursan, created a whole new persona and identity in Ava Nazari and fully devoted myself to learning the teachings and scripture of this ridiculous Faith. All without any guarantee I would even see the Seraph, let alone gain access to her. Risky, yes, but Talia would have done the same for me in a heartbeat.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I was recommended to replace the former Captain, Andrew Thorpe, on board. I was deemed to be more "in line" with the thinking of the Grand Minister of the Corangelus. A statement that I read as "easier to control". Well, if it gained me access to Talia after all these years, then so be it! I would dance to whatever tune he would play.

Tabitha
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 50 - July 2005
Today I met Talia for the first time. It was an incredible moment for us both! She's not aged a day since I saw her last.

When I entered her cell her eyes lit up for a single moment and she silently mouthed "Tabitha". However, clearly realising something was amiss, she immediately regained her composure. Once I had cleared the room of all personnel and was certain that all audio recording was disabled (I have complete authority over all security systems on board), I sat in front of my sister and explained that I had come to rescue her.

She nodded in silence for a few minutes as I recounted my journey over the last few decades. How I had come to be sat before her. She smiled when I spoke of our parents and became saddened when I told her that her husband had passed away of a short illness only last year. He had never believed she was dead, right until the end.

Then, once I had completed my summary of the life she had lost outside of captivity, we began to work on her escape plan.

Parasite
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 51 - August 2005
Having now met the Seraph I don't quite know how to feel. It was incredible to gaze upon a face so familiar to me, yet, so different. Those beautiful deep green eyes I remember, now replaced by the Seraph's golden gaze.

I found myself in awe of the obvious holy energies contained within Talia's body and at the same time sickened to my stomach. I must never forget my mission here; the Seraph is merely a parasite, albeit a very powerful one.

Him
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 52 - October 2005
Ever since I first met with the Seraph, the wondrous and fantastical have slowly become the ordinary and the mundane. Every single day we bear witness to the cure for cancer, restoring vision once lost and an array of other such incredible feats. Miracles are simply everyday occurrences onboard the Corangelus, and my time here had started to become… boring.

That was until today! Today, for the first time in my life, I heard His voice inside me! I felt His presence and understood His message to me.

He said: "Stephan, I have noticed you, my son. I am impressed."

Whispers
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 53 - October 2005
A few months ago I began to hear faint whispers. They were so quiet they were almost imperceptible, but after some time spent in quiet prayer I realised that there were distinct words and phrases amongst the noise.

I had initially assumed I had finally began to lose my mind after all I had seen here onboard the Corangelus, but over time the whispers became clearer and more defined. He was speaking to me! He had finally acknowledged my work here! All of my sacrifices!

Frustratingly, just as I had begun to hear His voice, we came under fresh attack from The True Sight. I witnessed Nazari command our defensive forces first hand and she was magnificent. Our fleet of autonomous submarine drones made short work of The True Sight's attacking ships, whilst any airborne assailants were efficiently shredded by our mini-gun turret defences. Nazari was indeed the perfect choice for the Overseer.

Besotted
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 54 - November 2005
Since the new Overseer's initial visit with the subject a few months ago, Talia now requests her presence almost immediately after awakening. I barely get anything from her anymore; I fear she is not talking with me and saving what she has to say for when she next meets with Nazari.

The Faith has become completely besotted with Nazari, especially after her supposedly "astounding" first engagement with The True Sight a few days ago. Grand strategist or not, she's no psychologist. Why should she speak with Talia so often? How can I assess the mental and physical health of the subjects if neither will speak with me?

It's all becoming very frustrating. Very frustrating indeed. But, alas, I have no choice but to allow Nazari to meet with Talia again.

Terminii
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 55 - September 2006
I've visited Talia perhaps once per fortnight since that first visit over a year ago. Finally, I feel an escape plan is beginning to form. We obviously can't break her out with force as The Faith has an entire army of enforcers stationed here permanently, but perhaps we might receive aid from a less corporeal ally?

Talia explained that Seraph has been hearing the call of daemonkin, known as Terminii, for several decades now. The whispers began almost immediately after Seraph was captured, and although Talia can barely hear the voices, she knows that the Terminii are offering to free the Seraph from captivity here.

They plead and tempt it relentlessly, night after night, but Talia explained that the Seraph had always remained silent and strong in its defiance. That was, of course, until the divine being tasted a small fraction of our mortality; when her throat was cut open and the Seraph understood that its time in reality was finite. It is no longer immortal.

Now, when the Daemons speak to it, it speaks back. Seraph's will is wearing thin and it is only a matter of time until it breaks. Perhaps only a few years.

Unacceptable
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 56 - October 2006
The Overseer never reveals what is said in her discussions with the subject, but she has explained that Talia won't speak with her unless all camera feeds and audio are disabled. I have no idea how Talia knows, but on any occasion where we've secretly enabled surveillance during a discussion between them, she has immediately ceased communication and stared directly at the cameras. Is she able to sense us? Have some of Seraph's prescient abilities come under Talia's control? Everything has changed since the assassination attempt all those years ago.

In any case, I fear the Overseer is becoming too close to the subject. If these meetings continue I am unable to do my job properly. I may have to request that Nazari no longer has any contact with the subjects. I'll go above her if I have to; all the way up to the Grand Minister.

I simply cannot work under these conditions. It is unacceptable.

Overly emotional
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 57 - November 2006
Today, after Talia's latest conversation, one to one, with Nazari, I noticed that it looked as though the Overseer had been crying. She has certainly become far too familiar with the subject, which as far as I'm concerned means I'm well within my rights to seek to end these secretive meetings. We can't risk the Overseer of this facility being soft or overly emotional; there's simply too much at stake with the constant threat of further attacks. I suspect Nazari's appointment might have been a mistake.

We're no longer making the progress I'd like, medically speaking. Frankly, I fear that Talia and Seraph are more distant with me than ever before. Am I wasting my time here? Do my superiors at The Faith even care? I suspect not as long as the money keeps coming in. I hear we charge near to $2 million per Cleansing now.

Irreplaceable benefits
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 58 - January 2007
I've put up with this for long enough.

Today I went on record to suggest that Nazari should not see the subject anymore. I have catalogued each visit over the past year: Twenty-nine in total! Twenty-nine visits with the subject lasting almost twenty minutes each and yet no one on the ship knows what they talk about.

When my superiors at the organisation FINALLY responded, they asked if either Seraph or Talia were showing any ill effects as a consequence of their clandestine meetings with the Overseer. I explained that this was NOT the issue! As far as The Faith is concerned, as long as she's not dead and is able to continue to generate vast donation revenues then we're all fine! It's disgusting, frankly.

Sometimes I wonder if my work is valued by anyone here at all. I would quit tomorrow, if I were able to find a position at even half the salary in-land. Then of course there's the irreplaceable benefits of the job. The kind that would cost another man a few million dollars a time.

Preparations
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 59 - September 2007
We have nearly completed our preparations for Talia's escape. We expect that Seraph's resolve shall break almost imminently and if that occurs, everyone on the Corangelus will almost certainly perish. I'm going to need some protection if I am able perform my role in Talia's flight.

After some thorough research over the last few months, I have commissioned some fresh etchings onto the inner walls of my private security office. These etchings will protect me from all ethereal beings, whether Seraph or Terminii, should they come to the Corangelus.

In more mundane news, the continued attention of Dr. Clark is becoming tiresome. The man has always been infuriatingly jealous of my connection with Talia, only now it's starting to become an issue. I will have to deal with this before it becomes a problem.

Absolute composure
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 60 - April 2008
When Talia awakes these days it's with absolute composure. She has seemingly come to terms with her predicament and is completely at ease with it. Of course, she says very little to me, often just a "Good morning, Doctor," (how on earth does she always know the time, deep down here under the surface?) "May I speak with Overseer Nazari please?". As per usual, nothing more is said by her until I reluctantly agree to her demands and fetch for Nazari.

Product
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 61 - April 2008
They're up to something. I can feel it. The Overseer is as much Talia's jailer as I, yet, she confides in her for some reason. Why?! What can Nazari offer her that I cannot? Has she promised Talia something? False hope perhaps? Does Talia believe that if she befriends the Overseer, then perhaps she'll one day be free of this place?

Ha! The mere thought is preposterous! Talia will die on this ship, if such a thing is even possible. With every passing day she becomes less of a symbol of The Faith and more a commercial product.

I'll get to the bottom of this sooner or later. Nazari will make a mistake eventually.

Him
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 62 - February 2009
I spoke with Him once again last night. It had been several long months since I last heard Him, but now His voice is clearer than ever! I cannot believe it has taken so long for me to hear it!

He explained that the Seraph is not what it claims to be; that it is not as pure as everyone believes. This of course came as no surprise to me, as I have known for a long time that the divine being is every bit as spiteful and nasty as us humans.

Tannous
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 63 - February 2009
He said that He has a plan to deal with the Seraph Himself, and that I would be needed elsewhere instead. I am to make arrangements to travel back to the coast and head for our Faith's capital city, Tannous. He would explain what was required of me once I'd arrived.

I was initially resistant to His request but He said "You have nothing to fear, my son. I shall be your guide." I shall follow His word. I have never been so sure of anything in my whole life.

Intervention
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 64 - July 2009
Talia and I are not yet sure if it shall be the Terminii or the Seraphim who finally intervene first, but either way we believe that whichever force descends upon the Corangelus, it'll be fatal for any mortal who gets in the way.

The moment I believe an incursion from either Origin or Terminus has begun I am to retire to my panic room in the Ark building, disable all physical security systems on the Corangelus and provide Talia safe passage to a life boat. We are only a few hundred miles from the coast here and she should be able to escape to land with any luck.

Unnecessary expense
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 65 - July 2009
I've also made preparations to have Dr. Clark removed from his post after a particularly heated exchange in my private quarters today. I've earned a few favours from Grand Minister during my tenure so felt it was time to cash one in. I explained that Dr. Clark had been allowing access to the Seraph outside of working hours for his own private Cleansing sessions.

Grand Minister Kayle did not seem overly surprised by this information and simply remarked that "I think we've gone as far as science can with the Seraph, so the Doctor has become surplus to requirements anyway".

Seems the Minister views the physical and mental well being of the Seraph to be an unnecessary expense.

Secrets
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 66 - August 2009
I have been issued a warning! A formal warning! That despicable Overseer has reported me to The Faith, like the spineless snitch she is.

How dare she! I only have the best interests of Talia in mind. I can't do my job and ensure her mental stability if Nazari continues to undermine me like she has for the past few years.

This is all because we had one slightly heated discussion in her quarters last week. I told her I knew what she was doing with the subject and she flat out denied it. Lies, of course. "You're planning to break her out, aren't you?" I said, "You've gotten too close and now your emotions are running the Corangelus, not you." A fair point, well made, I felt. Apparently I must have struck a nerve since here I am, being disciplined for doing my job.

She thinks she can lie to me. Me! Someone who's spent the best part of 40 years studying people and their secrets. There's something sinister about our Overseer and I'm going to find out what it is.

Sharuzi
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 67 - September 2009
I called in some favours from some of the admin personnel who owed me big. I was able to pull Nazari's file from The Faith's central database system. It was seemingly all in order, except for one irregularity. Her home address is listed in a town called Sharuzi, but even the briefest internet search shows that Sharuzi no longer exists! It was renamed almost 8 years ago now, to Fuzi Sharu, after it was absorbed into Kahranistan by the conquests of the infamous General Hashadi.

Why should this matter? Well, Nazari claims to have brothers who still live in this town, so surely she'd be aware of the name change?

Fraud
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 68 - September 2009
Why would Nazari not refer to her hometown by it's current name?

I could maybe understand a force of habit, or perhaps a reluctance to acknowledge General Hashadi's ownership of her homeland, but I expect there's a different reason; a more obvious one. I believe that Nazari does not have family in Fuzi Sharu at all; none that she speaks with often at least. She's a fraud.

If she lied about this, what else is she hiding? She's not who she claims to be, I can FEEL it! I will catch her out in a lie soon, and when I do, losing her job will be the least of her problems. The Faith takes subterfuge very seriously. I've seen people “disappear” for far less.

Stronger
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 69 - October 2009
Talia explained that it won't be long now. She has been able to completely shield her thoughts from Seraph in the past few weeks yet she can hear Seraph's thoughts more clearly than ever. It's become clear to us both that the Seraph grows weaker with every Cleansing and Talia grows stronger.

Talia yearns for a life of her own and I will be proud to be the one to give it back to her.

However, Dr. Clark is almost certainly on to me. He's asking more and more questions about my personal life. I don't know what he has on me but I can't afford for him to jeopardise our plans. He's got to go and it has to be tonight.

Relocated
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 70 - November 2009
It finally happened, just the way I knew it would. That Overseer ♥♥♥♥♥ knew I was on to her and has conspired to have me removed from my position as head psychiatrist here at the facility. I'm being "relocated" to a different supporting role on the mainland. Let's call it what it is; a bloody demotion.

Nazari informed the Grand Minister that I would allow some of the crew access to the Seraph out of hours every once in awhile. Whilst I was always careful to disable surveillance, Talia must have told her. Aside from the fact that I'm not harming anyone by allowing the visits (on the contrary!), like it matters! I think I deserve a little cut off the top of this whole venture we've got going on here. They make a few million dollars per visit and I don't even see a cut off it, despite the fact I've been here since the very beginning.

I'm nearing retirement age and they begrudge me a little extra income on the side?

Farewell
Stephan Kayle,
Grand Minister of The Faith
Log 71 - December 2009
I have made arrangements to leave the Corangelus. Whilst it saddens me to leave such a triumph of engineering and architecture behind, I know that the work He has in store for me is of paramount importance.

Today was the date that He chose for me to depart the Coranglus, with instructions to never return. I leave within the hour.

I just realised that I've not even bothered to bid farewell to the Seraph. How funny.

Good riddance
Philip Clark,
Chief Psychologist
Log 72 - December 2009
They're both in this together. Whatever they're planning, it clearly wasn't going to happen with me around.

I actually saved Talia from herself. Without me, Seraph would have torn her fragile little mind apart. I brought her back from the brink of oblivion and this is how she repays me? Shutting me out in favour of that lying ♥♥♥♥♥ Overseer?

Well good riddance to this whole ugly situation. I've given most of my life to this organisation and they've given me nothing in return. Nothing! The money isn't even that great, considering what they turnover every damn week on this ship. They're consumed by greed, the lot of them.

The Faith have made their bed now they'll just have to sleep in it. Whatever's coming I could have prevented, but no, they've chosen ignorance over enlightenment.

They brought this on themselves. My transport is scheduled to leave tomorrow. Good riddance!

Daemons
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 73 - December 2009
It has happened! The incursion has begun!

It is more... terrible and violent than we could possibly have predicted. The horror spread across the Corangelus at lightning speed, originating at the Seraphim Chamber at the very base of the facility; Talia's cell.

I'm getting reports of passengers and personnel being torn asunder by violent possession. Their bodies twisted and contorted into new, terrible forms. Arms forming scything talons, bones breaking and fusing to form new limbs and skin sloughing from flesh and being left in hideous piles across the decks.

I do not know whether these creatures are from Origin or Terminus. How would anyone know? What does a Daemon or a Seraph even look like?

Abominations
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 74 - December 2009
Those who are not taken as hosts are instead cut down and slaughtered by the cackling abominations.

Whilst on some small level I feel compelled to assist the security forces in their defence of the platform against the daemonic incursion, my loyalty is to my sister. The men and women who helped keep Talia here for the past thirty years deserve all they get.

Godspeed, Talia
Ava Nazari,
Overseer of Corangelus II
Log 75 - December 2009
All that is left for me to do now is to shut down all communication to the outside world through my lockdown codes and release the security gates between the cells and the platform's surface. The rest is up to Talia and the Seraph now. If she can survive this daemonic assault and get away from the imprisoning runes that keep the Seraph trapped here, then Talia will be free.

If they fall, well, at least I was able to ease her suffering and allow my sister a natural release from her perpetual hell.

I was always aware that I would not survive this day, but now, facing my imminent demise, I can't help but feel fear. I have my sidearm here for when the Terminii eventually discover my celestial safe room. I won't let them take me alive.

Godspeed, Talia. I've done all I can, big sister.