Session Start: Fri Mar 03 21:06:09 2006 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging #lunar-iog2 to 'logs\#lunar-iog2.log' * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 6: An Element of Surprise | Location: Ruined City of 3 Rivers | 4185 § | 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc' * Niri changes topic to '-= Chapter 6: An Element of Surprise | Location: Ruined City of 3 Rivers | 4185 § | 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' all ready? :) Yes sir! Si Meep. We are vigila- I mean ready lol. the price of rpg is eternal vigilance == SESSION START == Considering the ominous feeling of camping out in the ruins of a once great city, the night passes rather uneventfully. Leah is true to her word as the barrier does indeed make you earn a good rest! The last embers of the fire are dying as the sun starts to rise upon the campground, black half-tower reflecting it's majest this way and that. A chill wind also has picked up, as clouds are rolling in. Soon they will blot out the horizon. « er majesty » * Niri is now known as Moto * Moto is now known as Niri * Gayo is now known as Hsup * Vytor is already awake, prodding the embers into renewed life * Hsup is now known as Gayo As Vytor pokes the fire, he catches a rumble in the distance. It sounds like that of a Lovelace engine. << We're still waiting for what comes after "will blot out the ">> « -horizon » * Trune is still sleeping, and apparently the engine in the distance isn't changing that. * Saki looks ... bleary and dishevelled, apparently having not slept well propped up against a wall. As she starts to get up she winces hard, then spends the next few minutes working out kinks. . o O (What the heck?) * Vytor stands and looks in the direction of the noise * Tanan yawns and stretches, rolling over. * Ryllan sits up with a bit of a start, "Someone drivin' around out here... Guess I can't feign sleep any longer." [Leah] *yawns* Who'd be driving all the way out here? It's hard to make out, but there's definitely a cloud of dust kicked up and drawing closer, coming from the direction of the Academy. * Saki hops up to her feet, and continues to stretch out the pains of sleeping outdoors in a strange position. "Yesterday we disappeared down a hole in the Academy and weren't seen again. Could be a check-up." * Tanan sits up, rubbing his eyes. "Wha? Huh." Considering the direction its coming from, that's a good guess. * Tanan slowly stands up, dusting himself off and straightening his hair a little. "That's good. I'd just as soon not have to ride through those tunnels back, and it'd be a long walk." * Vytor goes back to getting the fire going again, figuring the vehicle will either come by, or not. * Ryllan yawns back at Niri, before turning to Trune, "We've got incoming. No idea if they're hostile so you might wanna keep awake. Mmggh? Wha? leah begins walking around, removing the 4 barrier stakes and replacing them in her pocket. 'They might've noticed the enrgy signature of my little items and come over here." * Niri skips back into camp, looking flushed and tired. She grins at everyone. "Morning!" «ooc: I meant Leah,. I didn't yawn at someone who wasn't here yet. » What's this about keeping...oh geez don't do cheery yet. Please don't do cheery. Morning What? What'd I do? *Scowls* And why are you in such a bad mood this morning? * Tanan blinks, looking over at Niri. "Good morning. Where'd... eh. Whichever or. Looks like the academy may have sent us a ride. Hopefully." * Vytor feeds a few bits of kindling into the fire, and soon its crackling merrily once more Shiro is following the exhuberant Niri, wagging it's two tails and panting. Hey Shiro, let's get some breakfast! *Waves to everyone and walks over to Leah* A ride would be great. *nods* * Tanan shrugs and walks over to the fire, squatting down and holding his hands out toward it. "Good thinking, Vytor. 's a bit chilly this morning, isn't it?" * Saki opts not to do cheery, and instead helps Ryllan out by prodding Trune with a boot. "Come on, kid. You're the one with the staff." As a few more moments pass, the shape in the distance is becoming more distinct. It's definitely a Land Cruiser.. though this one is bigger than most. Perhaps the Destiny? Ow! Okay okay! I'm up! I'm up! It is chilly. And we'd best prepare to fend for ourslves if our visitor isn't looking for us * Dragon_Formal (~Windstar@cpe-66-69-213-24.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #lunar-iog2 Or possibly even if they are. By the way, thanks for making dinner last night, Saki * Windstar (~Windstar@cpe-66-69-213-24.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout) * Dragon_Formal is now known as Windstar * Niri 's stomach rumbles, reminding her that she fell asleep before she could eat dinner! Is anyone taking care of breakfast? ;_; [Leah] *laughs* Youw ere so out of it, you missed dinner! You could, Princess! * Saki leaves Trune alone, and nods. "It wasn't much," she adds quietly; "When I've time and space I'll be able to pull something a bit better off." I'm sorry! I was just so tired! * Tanan looks over at Saki. "Yeah, that was really pretty good! Forgive my saying so, but you didn't strike me as the type who'd cook." Well, I COULD make breakfast, but I dunno if it'd be very exciting. Saki would probably glare at me. ;) Maybe you could ask her for pointers. * Zack is now known as ZackAFK I....could. I guess! ...But I don't much like cooking. I don't have the patience for it. But I don't have the patience to wait for breakfast, either! What have we got as far as food supplies? *Starts rummaging in bags* * Trune rolls his eyes, "(w) Heaven forbid if you're ever left on your own" * Saki blinks at both the praise and Niri, looking completely confused; it's a bizarre change from her usual glare. When the girl dives for the bags she's close behind. "... what? Hey! Hold on, they're packed up tightly for a reason." The rumbling draw nearer, as the Destiny is now within sight. At the driver's seat is a familiar middle-aged adventurer in blue. He honks his horn from a long distance away, presumably trying to get your attention. I'm sure we have a few things. Some vegetables, maybe some dried meat.. a snow mongrel.. * Tanan grins at Leah, reaching over to scratch Shiro behind the ears. "Kidding, kidding." * Vytor looks at the approaching vehicle, wondering if its Jack [Leah] Hey, that's not funny! :( Eep, sorry! *Takes a step back from the bags* Leah put her hands on her hips and pouts at Professor Tanan. * Niri , seeing the Destiny, runs forward, waving eagerly! "Hiiiiii!" * Trune peers out at the cruiser, "Seems your dad found us, Niri." Of course he did! * Ryllan snrks, "Better start running, Trune." * Tanan assumes an innocent expression. "I'm only joking. Besides, he seemed pretty fierce back there in the tunnels. I wouldn't want to try to take him on anyway." Running? Psh. Hiro starts to accelerate and swerves right by Niri as she runs, pulling a flashy slide that sends concrete and plant debris flying. Kind of a daredevil driver, isn't he? * Saki breathes out a long-suffering sigh as she checks the food, but glances over her shoulder to keep an eye on the approaching craft, turning stunned when the crazy idiot nearly runs his daughter over. [Hiro] Finally found you! Hey Dad, cut it out! *Makes a face* You know Mom would have a fit. Besides, I'd rather not run at him while he's driving like he's got a blindfold on. Crazy driver! I meant away. * Vytor waves * Tanan blinks. "Oh dear. Ok, he's not driving back. Anyone brave enough to tell him that?" Ah, then that makes a little more sense, eh? * Trune looks a bit embarrased. Hiro leans out of the door window and grins. "Sorry. Guess I got carried away. I've been driving for awhile after I heard you left." * Vytor chuckels Sortof an unplanned camping trip, yeah. Hiro hops out of the vehicle, dusting himself off. "That's my girl. Already trying to one-up her dear old man with a new discvery!" * Saki stands up, having ensured their supplies are sufficiently Niri-proof. You bet! [Leah] Hey, if it wasn't for Shiro running away, it'd never be found at all! Except for that big earthquake and all. * Trune coughs. I'm pretty sure someone would have investigated the big gaping hole even if he hadn't gone down, yeah. But maybe not as fast, I'll grant. Not as fast and... not as enthusiastically, I'd wager. [Hiro] Leah, you're here too? That's weird.. I was just going to ask ol' laike where you were. We need some help at the Big Dig. What're we digging up? [Hiro] Don't tell me you forgot already Niri? The Old Capital, remember? Oh yeah. Well, I meant, what did you need Leah's help with? * Vytor sits and listens as plans seem to be undersay <> [Hiro] Well, we're gathering everyone up for another stab at the pentagon basement levels! Your friends got the Elementalor Staff, so we might be able to breach the golden door. Nothing else seems to be working. [Hiro] Explosives, willforce- nada. I've had the best minds on the Blue Star trying to figure it out this whole time. Sounds like fun happy times are a comin'. Question, old man. What happens if this staff doesn't work? It's still worth a shot Oh well, yeah, I'm just wondering. Even if it doesn't work, all we've lost is a day or two travel time, and at least we'll know You buy us all drinks? * Saki frowns, slightly. "This is a... bit of a detour. Does Haylee know?" Hiro laughs. Ooh. You think that's safe, Dad? We don't know what's inside there...or if it's friendly. *Ponders this* I wonder if there's a way we can try to approach carefully so as not to upset it. [Hiro] Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me, Saki. Haylee wanted to elt you know that Prophetess has ben rumored to be heading southwards, too. No specific information, but I'm heading that way too, so... If you're offering a ride, I'll not say no. ...Though I will suggest that you let me drive. Please. Ough. The headmistress did want to talk to us yesterday. She'll understand though. Probably. [Hiro] Technically, it's Vulcannon Lab's ride, not mine! I needed to get it out to you guys, though. Oh no, I hope Haylee isn't mad. :/ The Headmistress doesn't usually get ruffled about little stuff. Don't sweat it. Cosidering what happened, she'll unerstand [Hiro] Don't worry, Niri. She has her hands full, and already knows about what happened. She's thankful you took the time to explore the caves. I'd love to hear about it on the way there... * ZackAFK is now known as Zack * Saki runs a hand back through her hair, oddly anxious for a moment... then she nods. "Well, I suppose it can't hurt." I don't suppose YOU brought anything to breakfast, Mr Salyan? [Leah] I guess I'll tag along... maybe Laike is already down there! I need to let him know what happened. * Tanan frowns. "South, huh? You know... something's been bothering me." Hiro pulls out a large sack from the back. 'Always prepared.. the adventurer's way!" I figured as such Inside is a nice smattering of stuff from the Hylan cafeteria. Not super hot, but it's fresh! * Saki nods in vague, thank-god-the-scary-girl-can-leave-me-alone fashion. "I didn't have time to get appropriate things for breakfast." ...Holy. Muffins. [Hiro] I can give you a good meal once we get to the tent city facilities. * Vytor partakes of what Hiro brought Oh yum! *Niri's eyes go wide* Thank you * Trune snatches a muffin and chomps down on it. I'm starving! I missed dinner last night. ;_; I promise to tell you all about the caves if I can please please please have a pastry? * Ryllan snatches up a muffin as well, chowing down, "You know, you can take the food out of the cafeteria..." No, Niri. You can't have a pastry EVER AGAIN. [Hiro] How could I say no to my little Niri? Eat up and let's ride. It's going to rain pretty soon. The fact there's like five there pretty much means you can have one. Just as he utter this, a moment later a droplet hits Shiro on the nose and he whines. * Tanan shrugs, and grabs a muffin as well. * Vytor stuffs a half-eaten muffin into his mouth, and starts collecting his things * Niri makes a face at Trune! * Saki raises a dubious eyebrow up at the sky, and sighs out. "Guess I'm riding inside this time." * Niri grabs some pastries and hops up onto the Destiny. We don't bite, promise * Trune pulls up the hood on his overcoat and collects his stuff, before hopping on the Destiny. * Vytor hops up into the Destiny * Tanan grabs his things and starts stamping out the fire. * Saki grabs her bag and a couple of the others, getting them inside the Destiny before they get seriously rained on. The fire is tomped and sizzles a bit as some water hits it. The creatures in the underbrush seem to have also hidden themselves as a few ripples echo through the river/marshland. « stomped » * Ryllan hops into the destiny, very pointedly taking the driver's seat before Hiro can. Ryllan jostles his way past Hiro, hip rubbing up against the sword of Althena's scabbard, The legendary explorer doesn't seem to mind being edged out.. he had his fun for today. So how far is it to this facility we're visiting? * Tanan gives the fire another stamp for good measure and climbs into the destiny * Saki gets into the back, looking a little distasteful. [Hiro] It's not far, Vytor. We should be there in a couple hours or so. Sounds good Sweet. * Tanan sits down, nibbling on his muffin. * Ryllan grabs the wheel, taking a quick look back to make sure everyone's in. [Hiro] It's huge too! Just about any expert alive I could get my hands on is down there. We'll solve this mystery yet. I hope it won't be crowded then It's a big ruin. It probably will be. Big and crowded. Must be a lot of experts in there then [Hiro] Well, on the plus side we've dealt with most of the robots that attacked me & Niri the first time down there. Most? Oh fun. We'll be fighting toasters. [Hiro] Hey, there's a lot of minor ones that aren't hostile unless you trigger them in specific ways. * Ryllan turns the Destiny back on, and, assuming that nothing explodes, begins driving off, following Hiro's directions. Like opening a big sealed door maybe? * Saki raises an eyebrow, tugging on her gloves. "'In specific ways?' Niri, Trune. No touching anything." I really wish you hadn't said that. * Radien (zipo@c-67-171-223-140.hsd1.or.comcast.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 What? I do NOT have the hyperactive touching problem. That is someone else, who will remain nameless. The Destiny is humming beutifully, apparently having received a free tune up somewhere along the way yesterday. The eight wheels kick up some sand and mud, and start off to the south, leaving the outskirts of the delapidated plaza. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 6: An Element of Surprise | Location: Hylan to Old Captial Road - South | 4185 § | 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' * Vytor enjoys the ride, pleased to see that the Destiny seems to be working fine * Tanan stares out the window for a moment or two, then looks back in, turning to Hiro. "You said the prophetess was seen to the south?" * Trune rummages through his bag and pulls out a book, thumbing through it. Do you think she's going after the same thing we're headed for? [Hiro] It's possible. There could be something down there she wants. or someone at the site... I've ordered security beefed up. I don't understand why she's being so public about everything. It doesn't make any sense. Hiro frown a moment as he realizes something, but doesn't say anything. * Saki stares wistfully out the window; it's clear she'd rather be riding along on the top. But she lends an ear to the discussion. "I think she's interested in us, too. We got out of there, after all." Us? Why? She let us go. Two possibilites, Tanan. 1) She needs to be public. for whatever reason 2) She doesn't care if she's public * Trune eyes Tanan, "Maybe she's trying to lure us." If she needs to be public, it almost has to be for the reaction she's getting. We all saw what she did, she could have done that whenever she wanted. I'm sure Bree didn't sleep with that staff. [Hiro] She only seemed to be after a ceratin objective. I mean, I'm still here, right? I'd think I'm the biggest target in all of the world. Maybe she's nuts. There's always that Are you? You're certainly well known, sir, but... [Hiro] Well, she's sure powerful! It was like watching Johnathan's evil twin up there on stage. But they're the Seekers. [Hiro] If she's looking for the seekers, then Leon Blackfire in Takkar might be next. But the information I got didn't seem to point there. Are there any seekers to the south? And she passed up the headmistress right there... If not then something's more important to her Unless the headmistress and the headmaster are too strong for her to tackle...yet. Or she's nuts Vytor. Nuts should be our last resort when assigning motivation. There's always a method to madness, yanno. Not always Well, let's be fair. Vytor could be right. Do you think the prophetess could have anything to DO with Johnathan? Usually. It seemed the Prophetess has something in mind. I dunno what, but she seemed pretty ...I dunno, purposeful? She had something in mind. She seemed determined somehow. To do with him? * Saki leans back and sighs, letting her mind drift off and listening idly to the possibilities. Yeah. Dad said it was like watching John's evil twin. Do you think there's a connection? Maybe she uses similar powers? For all we know, her ultimate goal could be to grab everyone's attention, and then balance of the back of a miniature pony while wearing nothing but a captain's hat and a coin changer, screaming the word 'verbotten' into a conch shell. [Hiro] There could be. But something was definitely.. different.. about it. ....That would be...rather pointless, Vytor. You mean like all that time mojo she was waving around at the final? [Leah] *blinks then starts laughing!* * Trune bursts out laughing at Vytor's comment! What, Leah? ...Oh. Right. I.. don't know. Has anyone seen master Hylan do anything like that? Or even seen him at all lately, for that matter. [Leah] Niri, don't get too serious about this... it's not like you. Not for a very long time I...haven't ever seen him. My dad proably has. What, me serious? :P Well, all joking aside, I can be when I HAVE to, you know. [Hiro] Only Haylee sees him at all these days. I mean, I could request an audience, but it always seems like he's busy. Always busy? Sounds like avoidance to me. Hmmm. It might be a good idea to talk to him. Unless he's aware of something we're not [Hiro] What I can tell you is that he's aware there is a change in the air. I got the impression alst time we met that he was preparing for something very grave. [Hiro] That was a few years ago. Why didn't he warn anyone? Hm Say something like, "Oh gee guys, in a few years we might be in the shitpit?" * Tanan drums his fingers on the window, staring out again. It...seems weird. Wasn't sure? Maybe, but you think he'd let some people know. I dunno, John's a real...enigma. I don't know that much about him, even from Haylee. If he knows something, his sharing it would be nice [Hiro] Maybe if too many people spoke with him it'd screw up his gazes into the future. At least, i always thought that. * Saki all of a sudden shivers, then turns away from the window to focus more on the discussion. "... we... can hardly walk up to him and ask, though." What's the point of gazing into the future if you don't warn anyone about anything? It's kinda selfish * Vytor raises an eyebrow at saki, but let's the comment pass [Hiro] I trust him, though. He's helped me greatly in my life's work. Johnathan must have a very good reason for what he does. The landscape passes by, great pine forests that line either side of you. The rain is beginning to patter down the sides of the Destiny, and a single blade starts wiping some off the windshield automatically so he can see the quickly muddying roadway. We could try asking. I don't know that he'd see us, though. We could ask the headmistress to ask, I guess. « er he= Ryllan » Uh...Dad, how DID Johnathan help you? [Hiro] Well, he's given me open access to just about everything in the Academy, including many talented personnel. Oh! I see. Yeah, that does help a lot! [Hiro] In turn, I contribute my findings to go on display and record there for further study. It's a mutual relationship! I guess I sometimes forget he's in charge since Haylee's the one who does all the day-to-day work. :P Handy [Hiro] She's really the de-facto manager of what's become a vast city. * Trune goes back to reading his book. [Hiro] kinda like me.. I wodner if our dig site will become permanent in a few years. « er wonder » She could call herself mayor instead of headmistress if she wanted, really. True So, how much further? [Hiro] Just sit tight.. almost there! It hasn't even been a couple of hours yet, Niri. Well, my rear hurts from sitting! I need to get out and move around or my legs will cramp up. Whatever you say, Princess. I'd just finished working out and training when we left, you know. Didn't get a chance for a proper cool down. Meanwhile, grab a book or something. Time'll pass faster. Stop calling me that. *Makes a face* How would you like it if I called you names? * Saki has been apparently lightly dozing at the back of the Destiny. I wouldn't care? I am quite frond of Prune, myself. ...It fits! Knock yourself out. Your soul is all dried up and shriveled. Ooh, bestill my heart! The insult! * Vytor looks out the window as the bickering rises I may just throw myself off the Destiny now and die in shame. Not to interrupt, but can we not have a melodrama fight right now, please? It's still too early for that. It's far too cramped in here, to boot. No melodrama while I'm driving. Please. * Saki speaks without opening her eyes or moving position, calm and quiet: "Also, remember I can bench press you both. One in each hand." Don't mistake melodrama for sheer sarcasm. Anyway... * Niri sticks her tongue out at Saki but shuts up. * Trune then tosses his book towards Niri, "Or you could actually take my advice and read. He's a good author. S'book about exploration and adventure. You may like it." * Tanan stares at Saki for a few seconds. "...I will bet you 40 silver that you can't really do that." Ooh, okay. *Grabs the book and is soon absorbed in it* * Vytor chuckles I dunno. They seem pretty light. I want in on this, Tanan. Let's not and say we did. * Niri pointedly ignores everyone! It's more a problem of balance, and getting them both up there at the same time. * Saki grins nastily all of a sudden, still with her eyes closed. "It would be remiss for a proper martial artist to back from an honourable challenge," she intones with an amused edge to her voice. * Trune mumbles, "Can't say I totally didn't bring this on myself or anything..." Can we hold off the benchpressing of collegues until we stop and get out of the car? * Tanan laughs There's no room in here, Vytor. Of course we'll wait. >> Time passes! And the storm gets stronger all the while. A couple hours later you are jarred by some bumps in the roadway ahead. * Vytor tries to weather the bumps as best he can Ack! *Drops the book* Ugh, I'm getting sick to my stomach...got to stop reading anyway, I guess. Rough roads... Shiro catches the book in its mouth, and holds it for Niri. * Tanan fumbles with some papers that he was making marks on. "What'd we hit?" * Saki barely notices them, sitting on her seat in a meditative position; she's gotten jumpier the past couple of hours, and is trying to relax. Hopefully not something that important. Thanks, Shiro! *Takes the book and carefully puts it away.* Looking ahead, you just seem to have hit a couple potholes made by a large amount of traffic passing through this area. And no doubt the reason why.. a sign on the right proclaims "Old Capital Dig Site.. straight ahead!" Aha! Guess we're almost there. Good, I'm getting roadsick. ;_; Just potholes, that's all.... Oh, good. We're here! Niri, you can stop complaining now. Or maybe you can't. Oof! [Hiro] Roadsick? Sure that food i brought was OK? Oh man, if there are tourist shops at this place I may just slap myself. « er I » Oh yeah, Dad, it's just that I was reading while we drove through a storm! My fault. *She makes a face at Ryllan* And you shut up. * Saki unfolds, breathing out with relief as they appear to be near their destination. * Vytor looks at Saki, "You OK over there?" * Tanan gathers his papers up and puts them back in his pack, then reaches over to Niri. "Try pressing inward on your wrist there, it can help nausea a bit." The trees begin to recede as you go over a small hill. On the way down, the dirt road opens up to a huge town made of entirely tents and other temporary dwellings. It is surrounded by a sturdy looking security fence and lots of guards. They don't have any aprticular uniform of note, sporting all types of gear native to the region they volunteered from. * Saki fidgets a little to herself, but nods in reply, surveying the approach of the dig. "Don't much like being cooped up with nothing to do. I'll be fine." * Vytor nods * Ryllan slows to approach the security fence, "Hey, Mr. Sylan! We could use you again, methinks." * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 6: An Element of Surprise | Location: Old Capital, Staging Area | 4185 § | 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' * Niri nods to Tanan. "Oh, thanks...I'll try that..." [Hiro] Great to be back! Just leave it to me, Ryllan. One of the guardsmen motion for you to stop, as the rain pelts off his rainslicker. * Tanan shrugs, leaning back. "More useful to some than others. Concentrating on it is sometimes used as an exercise in introductory restoration. Or whatever they're calling the class this week." [Guard] Reduce speed, please... we need to conduct a manditory- Hiro waves from the front of the Destiny. "Hey, easy fellas. It's just me." The guardsman salutes, smiling. "Oh.. welcome back, sir! Everyone's expecting you at the meeting hall! Don't let me delay you." Heh! Yeah, Prof, I think I looked into that, but...that kind of magic comes more instinctively to me, if at all. The way is open for Ryllan to drive through the gate, as a couple workers yank it open for the Destiny to pass. Fair enough, fair enough Hiro gives a thumbs up, and sighs a bit. "Guess I have to do the briefing again. It gets so boring. I don't think I'm going to be able to go down there with you this time, Niri." * Ryllan vroom vroom. * Saki looks antsy; moreso, now that they're within the compound. For someone who made fun of Niri earlier she's not looking so hot. You won't, Dad? :/ Okay. Well, at least I remember where we're going... Do I need that security disc again? * Trune actually looks a little surprised Hiro isn't tagging along. * Vytor slides another glance at Saki, but says nothing Hiro pulls out a small round object and hands it to his daughter. "Sure. Most doors are pinned open now, though. but just incase." Thanks, Dad! Don't worry, we'll take care of things for you. *Salutes* Have fun in your meeting! Niri also notices that Hiro's got something else in his hand. It's a slim staff with two dragon's wings atop it. So....are the rest of you guys all coming with us? Oh hey, the white dragon wings... I kinda have no choice. I'm part of your theory, after all. Might as well now that I'm here I'm coming. I owe it to a pet theory I've got. [Hiro] Niri, I want you to have this, too. If anything scary happens, just concentrate and run back to me right away. Just like we did before. [Hiro] I'll get the gang together and send it packing. ;) * Saki shrugs lopsidedly, and tugs at her gloves to make sure they're on. "Prophetess or no, I said I'd help guard." Oh, Dad, I can handle SCARY. :P But if things get a bit too tough to handle, we'll come back. Thanks. >> Niri acquires the legendary White Dragon Wings tool! "White Dragon Warp" can now be used! Wow. Are those really the...? I...guess so. I had no idea he had them. Handy Though now that I think about it I shouldn't be that surprised. [Hiro] What, you think I just run into things without a backup plan? Hahaha! ...Well, to be honest... But those're.. legendary... * Tanan looks at Hiro's sword. ..right. [Hiro] It's too bad. I wonder if I'll ever see old Nall again. [Hiro] He was the white dragon of Lunar you know.. *lauches into another tall tale about meeting all the dragons, even having one as a pet* * Niri gives her dad a hug. "Don't worry, we'll be back soon, hopefully with answers!" She turns to the others. "So...are we ready to go?" * Niri rolls her eyes. "And yeah Dad, I've heard all about your 'dragons'!" * Trune actually kind of seems somewhat intrested in Hiro's spiel, but then shakes his head, "We'd better get going." * Saki doesn't look much better out of the Destiny, but seems to cheer up a little at 'Let's go.'. Wow. You really met them? I'd like to hear about it! I guess now's not the time, though. * Tanan looks towards everyone filing out. * Ryllan nods, "Let's go." * Vytor shoulders his belongings, "Ready here." Oh, he'll tell you more than you ever wanted to know later, Prof, trust me! He's great at fish stories. Or cat stories in this case, I guess. Hiro hops out of the car with a flourish. "Oh, I've arranged for one of the scientists to meet you at the Pentagon site! A Ms. Angie Baker. She's eccentric, but pretty good at mapmaking and geomantic studies. She's been studying the strange energy discovered in that place by our Adepts. I'll let her explain the rest..." * Saki intones in a deadpan, while shouldering her pack. "I trust you won't be needing another sudden impromptu meal. We're down to parsnips." * Gayo is now known as Angie I suppose parsnips beat nothing [Hiro] Feel free to load up on whatever supplies you need or visit the comissary, gang! I've got to go do the "brave leader" thing. I kinda like parsnips. You do? Really? Parsnips aren't bad! In stew. Not raw. :P Well....not RAW, but... Saki's a good cook! She could probably do something awesome with them. And with a quick hug to his daughter, Hiro takes off running for the main domed tent in the center of town. Anyway, I think we're good as far as food, for now. Can we go? *Surveys the group* If everyone is ready, follow me! *Strides off toward the ruins* Later Dad! * Vytor waves to Hiro, then sets off You've been down there before, right? Lead away. Rock on, Princess! Lead the way. * Niri rolls her eyes! But ignores it for now, keeping her good mood while taking charge. * Niri heads toward the ruins of the building once known as the Pentagon! * Vytor follows, counting on Niri to know the way * Saki ambles along behind Niri, keeping pace near the front of the group. Leaving the Destiny at camp, you proced through the staging area on foot and out the back gate. One of the guards there offers you free rainslickers, as it doesn't look like the bad weather is clearing up anytime soon. Leah forms a little umbrell out of spiritual force and repels the rain away from her body. Handy trick. Just what can't she do? Shiro hops into her arms to stay dry. ^^ * Vytor gratefully accepts a rainslicker * Tanan gets wet. And a rainslicker! * Ryllan blinks, "Interesting trick." Privately, he murmers, "little wasteful, though." And takes a rainslicker. * Trune gets a rainslicker, but already has on a pretty durable coat. But hey, goodies! Thanks! *Nods to the guard and wraps herself in the slicker* You know Leah, sometimes I'm jealous of you! You have a cute pet AND you can stay dry easily. * Tanan wrinkles his nose. "There's some sort of disgusting film on this. It's really repellent." <<....sorry had to. Strike that!>> * Saki rejects the offer of a coat, rebuffing it on the basis she needs to be able to move easily. [Leah] Heehee. Well Niri, look who your mom and dad are! [Leah] I don't exactly have parents... Well, yeah. I guess that's true! But still. Cute fuzzy! *Points at Shiro* Oh. :/ * Niri suddenly feels bad! But....at least you have Laike, right? He's great. Remember when we were kids? He'd let us stay up as late as we wanted and he'd help us bake cookies. * Trune tries not to snicker at the thought of a grizzled adventerer in a pretty apron baking cookies. So.. where is this door, exactly? « back » [Leah] yeah! Amazing how time flies. The air begins to get decidedly less cheerful, and the riverbank is now replaced with scarred roadways. They move outwards in a network from the edge of town, showing the planning that may once have went into this place. The shattered remains of several large white structures rises above the near horizon. Once long ago, they stood taller and prouder. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 6: An Element of Surprise | Location: Old Capital Ruins | 4185 § | 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' * Niri begins to feel less nauseous and more excited as they appreciate the fascinating ruins once again. ^_^ The rain falls all around you on the cracked pavements, overgrown in a manner similar to the city you left behind. but here the destruction seems much greater in scope. Man, this place is really wrecked. It's a pretty big mess, yeah Before long, after crossing through several circular intersections, you begin to see a structure that is remarkably intact. It is not tall, but the sheer fact it sticks out among the leveled skyscrapers enhances the effect. * Saki seems to keep having her attention grabbed by little things; glancing at corners, at ruined structures, and so on. But she follows along. The thing is much more imposing up close. The outsides are charred and ashen from multiple explosions it once sustained. The outside walls have remained remarkably intact, compared to anything else you've seen before. This place was obviously built for a war... * Niri hunts around for the entrance she and her father used... Nice place Near the perimeter you catch sight of a group of slicker-wearing workers coming out of a few tarp covered entranceways hewn out of the stonework to be safer and more manageable entrances. The western wing is still collpased, but the shrapnel that Niri recalls dotting the lawn is cleaned up. Aha, there we go! *Heads for the workers* * Ryllan follows, "I do hope you know where you're going..." Sure do. I was here not that long ago. * Niri stops to chat with some workers about the conditions underneath the building, asking about stability of the structure... You can see a plaque hanging off one screw on a wall, or at least it was, before it was repaired. You can make out a five-shaped structure embossed on it with the words "The Pentagon" clearly visiable. The next line says "US Dept. of Defense Personnel Entrance" At least things are somewhat labeled Those whacky ancestors of ours. [Worker] Oh, hello Niri! Things are going real well. The structure's well rpeserved. We've reinforced some areas, but a lot is hopelessly crushed to the west. * Saki frowns around at the landscape, saying nothing. * Angie is difficult to distinguish from the rest of the workers in her plain brown slicker. She's a head shorter than most of them, and when she turns to face the group, the big round lenses of her glasses glint in the light, all that's visible from beneath the hood. She rises up on her tiptoes and waves enthusiastically. "Heeey!" Wacky? Howso? Great! We can probably get down there safely enough. *Motions to the group to enter the building with her* * Niri stops, seeing someone waving! * Trune shrugs, "I dunno. Ruins always seem somwhat alien to me. Intresting, but strange. The past can be too." * Vytor realizes the group is being waved at by someone Oh hey, who's that? *Waves back* OY! [Leah] Oh, is that the scientist lady? * Ryllan waves, "Uh... hi?" Is that who we're supposed to meet? [Shiro] arf arf! * Angie runs up, scattering water with each footfall. She skids to a stop abruptly, sending a mist of water into the air. "Is one of you Nirika?" * Vytor points at Niri * Saki points wordlessly at Niri, then gamely attempts to dry out her hair a little. * Tanan wipes some water off his face, watching the woman carefully. * Ryllan starts to point at Niri, but only gets halfway before not bothering. That's me! *Waves to her fellow four-eyes* You're Angie? >> A bright grin flashes from deep inside the shadows of the hood. "That's me! Oh boy, you're pretty young, eh? Well, come on! Let's get inside." Uh...yeah, so? :/ *Follows Angie inside the building* * Saki ducks under cover, following the others, and starts expertly making a long puddle. * Vytor follows along, figuring proper introductions will be make shortly * Angie turns and zips off, not catching Niri's response. She ducks inside the ruins. The floor here is still sopping wet, but at least the roof doesn't leak. * Niri hurries to catch up! Agh, wait up! * Trune follows! * Niri footsteps are wet and squelchy! *Sploosh sploosh sploosh* * Tanan sighs. "Oh dear. This could be interesting." * Tanan follows them in Niri notices the rubble of destroyed office spaces is picked up, the glorified hole she entered with her father before now is a circular and sturdy tunnel, which eventually opens up into the inner hallways. * Saki nods, following the Professor and looking somehow weary. "I feel old." * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 6: An Element of Surprise | Location: Old Capital Ruins, The Pentagon | 4185 § | 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' * Tanan nods to Saki. "It's been a long week. Longer for you and Ryllan than most of us, what with that tournament and all." The red emergency lights inside are still on, but now supplimented with extrenal generators. The intact rooms are filled with researchers and tools left out as some are on break chatting. * Angie throws back her hood, revealing a small, rounded face half hidden behind an enormous pair of glasses. Her hair is cut so close her scalp is visible, accentuating her babyish appearance. "It's really exciting meeting you! I've been around here a little bit, but not into the bottom area yet." She coughs into her fist. "This isn't what I usually do, but I can't pass up a mystery." What do you usually do, if I can ask? The hallway appears to be at a junction. You can go stright ahead, or to the right. A nicely preserved sign on the wall appears to indicate that up ahead there is an elevator to 'DARPA Divsion'. Niri recalls this leads down into the bowels of the place. * Angie flicks her hand, and suddenly there are a pair of calipers in it. She spreads them with two fingers and leans forward, holding them up to Ryllan's face. "I measure the world." * Niri blinks ...Geography, then? * Saki tries to squeeze some of the water out of her clothing, shaking her hair dry. With not a little satisfaction as she pelts everyone else with water. [Leah] Measure the world? * Tanan sounds curious. "How big is it?" * Trune gets spritzed X_x Shiro gets wet fur from Saki and then shakes it off, throwing the water back on her a little bit. :p * Angie claps her hands at Tanan's question. Wait, where did the calipers go? "I'm glad you asked! From our current measurements, the equatorial circumference of the Blue Star is estimated to be about 26000 miles! * Vytor brushes off what Saki threw onto him " That's...a whole lotta miles. O_o Isn't it, though? But I also took a lot of geomancy, and that's what I'm here for! Gimme a second. * Saki listens to Angie with a weary look and a slightly defeated air, trying to get some more water out. * Angie vanishes into an office, leaving a trail of drips behind. Hmmm...so the Blue Star is quite a big place then * Niri wrinkles her nose as Saki sprays her with water So, uh....wait, she left. I think she's coming back...maybe? * Niri mutters. "I'm not that young! Sheesh, she looks my age! What's she talking about?" Oh come on Niri. I'm young, and so are you. Get over it. Twenty six thousand? Wonder if that's right? * Angie reappears with a glass ball and a long string in her hand. She drops the ball, and it stretches the string taut and bobs back and forth like a pendulum. "Check this out. Looks like a plumb line, right? But not quite." * Vytor blinks at the curious whatzit Angie now has * Niri blinks and watches, waiting for it to make sense * Angie steadies the swaying ball with her free hand and holds it out in front of her, eyes fixed intently on it. She paces slowly around the room, keeping her eyes locked on the glass ball. Wait, did it just bob on its own? A flicker of light briefly illuminates the ball, and it is tugged to the left by an unseen force. Did that thing just move? Whoa! * Tanan watches, half interested and half baffled. What are we watching, again? I mean, it's very cool! But what does it mean? Ryllan and Trune can detect the faint trace of ambient Thunder elemntal force exerting itself on the ball. * Angie moves to the left, and the ball rises ever so slightly, as if pulling her forward. The light inside grows brighter -- it's as if tiny thunderbolts are dancing around the sphere. Abruptly, she flips the ball up and catches it in her hand. * Angie beams so wide her face is in danger of cracking. "Aha, I thought that would spark your interest! Did you get a charge out of that? The whole place is full of lightning energy!" It is? * Vytor looks around for it * Ryllan looks at Angie, "Not one of those horrid punsters." * Trune looks behind him suddenly, then shakes his head. * Angie doubles over, snickering to herself. ¬_¬ Oh, VERY funny! * Saki looks... generally horrified at the world. * Trune doesn't look like he's laughing. He keeps glancing behind. * Angie makes her way back over, rubbing her palm against her forehead. "Ehehe...you could say it's very important to...current affairs." [Leah] I guess Hiro wasn't kidding when he said she was eccentric. ^^ I don't see any lightning Session Time: Sat Mar 04 00:00:00 2006 * Angie pulls herself together. "Hiro said what? Oh, I'm slain!" She pouts. * Tanan buries his face in his hands, shaking his head slowly * Niri shrugs to Vytor. "Well, I can kinda feel it in here. This place has a lot of electricity." * Vytor wonders why everyone's acting so weird and there's no lightning around * Niri shakes a finger at Angie. "But you'd better stop that! You've used up your pun allotment for the day!" * Trune takes a few steps away from the group, not enough to be seperated from them, but enough to glance down the hall. We do need to get going, though... Harrump. Okay, anyway! The energy is invisible; you can't sense it unless you're specially trained. So just trust me! Anyhow, the energy is more concentrated the lower and more central you go. The deal is there's a door in the basement we can't open, and we think that's the source. Oh (pretending he understands). * Ryllan grins, "I can see it." He pauses, "Er, Trune?" Yeah, and to get to that door we have to take the elevator down. So...everyone ready? * Saki runs a hand through her hair, which is clinging to her head in clumps and strands, still rather soaked. "Apparently we have the key." I guess * Angie graces Ryllan with a smile, then tromps off in the direction of the elevator. Uh... * Trune bites his lip, "I thought I heard something. Now I'm not so sure." * Niri glances over at Trune. "From what direction?" That's just it. I'm...not sure really. Huh. Well, maybe it's underneath us...in which case we should press on. Unless you want to stay here? Does it look like I want to? Seesh. Let's get going shall we? * Saki drags her hand through her hair again, glancing around and looking on edge. "... yeah." She moves to the front of the group, apparently wanting this done with. Angie finds the elevator without too much trouble. The doors to the lift are already open, along with a lot of warning signs plastered to the walls. It is then that you notice the control layout. This thing only seems to have a button for this floor. Every other number, B1-10, has a strange round glass lump where a button would be. * Ryllan wanders down to the lift, looking at the warning signs curiously. * Niri waits for everyone to get aboard! She stands next to the controls. Is this thing safe? * Angie stops to read all the signs, allowing the group ample time to catch up. Finally she steps inside, squinting at the buttons from behind her thick lenses. * Vytor steps into the elevator Uh, relatively safe. Worked fine when I was here last. Wha...no food or drink in elevator? Why? *reads a sign closer* Heavens forbid we get crumbs in here. * Niri waits till everyone is aboard, then takes out the disc Hiro gave her and tries it on the same basement floor indicator they used before. * Saki tries a deadpan. "Curses; my weakness is revealed," she jokes, but it doesn't reach her eyes - she's fidgety and unsure. A shrill noise begins to be emitted. The beep is coming from the elevator itself. A crackling computer voice begins to try to speak something. * Angie gets backed into the corner, having been the first in the elevator. fzzzzt.... Scanning... RFID... G...d Morning, Mr. Defense Sec...ary." 'Unloc... Level 1-10 completed. Ple... proceed." What's all that supposed to mean? The elevator's buttons all light up, apparently functioning now. The door closes. You guess that these clear lights must respond to touch like normal buttons. All that's left is to pick a floor. It's quite tempting to go straight down to the 10th basement... that is after all, where the door is. That thing Niri has identifies her as "Mr. Secretary" "Mr Defense Secretary" has access to that floor. ... * Ryllan eyes Niri, "Something you haven't told us? All right if we go straight there? [Leah] It must be that thing Hiro gave her. * Niri blinks at Ryllan. "Huh? Not really. It's this disc Dad found in some ruins elsewhere. He tried it in here and it worked. Not much to tell." Sounds good to me. There're still a few robots wandering around, so it's best not to dawdle. Fun, toasters. Let's go! *Pushes the button for B10* Right over her head... *Shakes his own* YEah, let's keep moving. There's a harsh "ding", and the lift starts descending! It's a lot smoother than Niri last remembers it! the display starts counting down the floors as it picks up speed. To be totally fair, I didn't realize you were trying to tell a joke either. * Saki looks frightened and jittery, just as she was in the Academy's elevator; at least this one has walls, though. * Vytor slides yet another glance at Saki, still saying nothing * Angie seems to have picked up on the sober mood, and is quiet as well, if a little fidgety. Right! Now let's see...which way did Dad and I go? *KLUNG* The elevator stops. the door slide open to the infamous floor B10! * Niri tries to remember the layout ...Well, here we are. You find yourself in a well-lit corridor. A plate up above reads "DARPA Level 10 - Meta-Science Projects" * Niri hops out of the elevator as soon as they stop! Meta-science...huh. The place seems extremely spotless, almost untouched by the damage from up above. here are many arrows on the wall corners, pointing the way to different sections. You can't make out what they say, as the old Blue Star terms are entirely lost on you. OK this is different You also get the distinct impression you are being watched. The security camera Hiro disabled is still lying lens down in a corner. Hmmm...last time we used color codes to find our way. I think....we took the purple route, maybe? * Angie waits for the rest of the group to pile out, then reaches inside the folds of her raincoat and pulls out a sleek black-and-wood pistol. She kisses it. "Let's do some exploring." The elevator doors begin to rumble closed again, and she catches them with a yipe, squeezes through, and catches up with the rest of the group. Something about this place really weirds me out. I don't like it. It is a 4-way intersection. A purple arrow goes rightmost, a green near right, a white far left, and a red near left. Green seems familair.. that was the computer room Niri got the books from. Which way? * Saki is tense and silent as she follows the group, looking nervous. She's clearly on edge down here. * Trune stops and concentrates a moment. Purple maybe, or purple definitely? If we have time to explore later, we could check out the library. That's the green route. But I'm pretty sure purple leads to the door we're looking for. *Heads down the purple path!* * Vytor follows quietly Off we go. * Angie lets the glass ball hang loose again, and it is tugged forcefully in the direction of the purple arrow, straining at the string. "Yeah, that's got to be it." She flips the ball into her palm again and is jolted with a spark of static. [Leah] You alright Saki? Don't worry, you can beat up any old robot down here! * mikey (~e@adsl-70-142-134-20.dsl.irvnca.sbcglobal.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 The bright corridor widens out and stops at a doorway. It branches off left and right, around it.This door seems starkly different than the ones you encountered previously. It is a golden color for one, and it is heavily reinforced by the looks of it. On the outside is some writing: * Saki shakes her head, and stops walking for a moment to take a deep breath. When she starts again, she seems a little improved. "Just... don't like the feel of the place." And along she goes. "WARNING - Elementalor Control Center. No Unauthorized Entry!" Oh my. This is it. * Tanan adjusts his shield. "Elementalor.. this is the door, huh? Wonder if that staff'll work here.." And we're about to open the door that says: warning Well, let's find out. Niri thankfully notes there is no loud rumbling like before. But there is indeed the sounds of machinery in operation. It almnost seems like a rymthic pulse. Yeah, this is it.... Vytor- Well, yeah, that's the fun part! :D * Trune takes out the staff carefully and looks around for anywhere to stick the staff in. Hmmm, sounds like that machinery is still going....wonder if it's still reading life signs? ...Oh my. * Saki drags a hand back through her hair, then puts her hands in fists and waits resolutely. ...You don't sound too good, Trune. * Trune looks down at the staff, "Your dad was right, Niri. This thing is reacting like a powderkeg." Only one way to find out. And Saki doesn't LOOK too good. * Angie rocks from one foot to the other, scanning the surroundings and toying with her gun. Guess we should hurry up and get done with this. Give that staff a try, okay Trune? Trune doesn't find anything remotely like a keyhole. but as the staff is brought closer it begins to throb with power. Bits of the lightning in the air starts to materialize and draws into the thing. * Vytor takes a good deep breath, trying to get himself ready for...whatever happens next * Trune braces himself and brings the staff a little closer to the door. * Saki frowns, taking a step back from Trune, and shakes her head. "I never look good. Don't worry about me, I'll... I should be fine." * Angie hops back like a skittish cat, then inches forward slowly, peering at the staff. "Oh, wow." . o O ( Oh man, I hope I don't blow up or anything. ) What appears to be a circuit of plasma leaps out from it to the door, firghtening Trune with it's forcefulness. The pulse spreads outward through the door, a netowkr of microscopic circuits in the thing activating. They soon cause the door to completely vanish and slide away. It's doing _something_, anyway! Hope this is good Whoa shit! O_o ...Whew. Eep! ...Awesome. :o Right...uh...guess we can go in now? * Niri peers beyond the door * Trune sounds very startled. A bit of mist fills the air, as Leah coughs a few times. The door is gone, though the Elementalor staff is still glowing. Wow. * Niri cautiously heads through the door! Interesting * Angie hacks into her hand. "Phew. Is that really Bree's...?" The one and only. Yeah. Niri almost trips over a random cable that lies on the floor! * Saki follows the group into the room with an air of reluctance. * Angie licks her lips and looks between Trune and the Elementalor Staff, but says nothing more. * Vytor steps through the now open door * Trune slowly steps inside. Ee! *Flails, arms windmilling* Dormant systems start to activate as soon as you enter. The dark hallway fills with artifical light. The energy in the air is much more rpevail here, as it seems to flow through circuits mebedded in the walls themselves. « prevailent » * Niri keeps an eye out for anything with clues to the Elementalor's whereabouts (After getting her balance of course) There is a glowing line on the floor leading forward, and a few more of those cables running off to a room to the left. * Niri follows the suspicious-looking cables and peers at the door of the room.... * Angie jumps as she feels something skittering underneath her raincoat. She flails her arm, and the glass ball slides out of her sleeve and clatters to the floor. It crackles with energy and rolls off down the hallway, dragging its cord behind it. << Is the door opaque, or does it have a window or anything? Any signs or labels? >> Niri finds there is no door. It's blocked by a field of pure energy. * Vytor makes a grab for the retreating ball, but misses it ...Whoa. Wonder how we get past THIS? The staff again? Or maybe there's some sort of switch? * Niri peers past the barrier, looking to see what's in the room! * Angie suppresses a shiver and proceeds deeper inside. Niri can't quite see through it, but you can make out vague shapes. It seems like more monitors .. and.. a table.. with tools? There is some glass windows as well, possibly for observation into the rooms ahead. Do we still ned that ball thing? Hmmm. Looks like a control room of some sort. We might! Or the staff. * Saki waits against the wall with a hand at her forehead, apparently trying to calm down while she lets the boffins work things out. * Angie sucks air through her teeth. "Let's not worry about it right now. I don't want to go running around too much in here." * Vytor nods This is exciting, though! I'm really getting a charge out of this. ^_^ ....Wait, did I just say what I think I did? ... YES. YOU. DID. >_< Yes. Yes you did. * Ryllan looks back at Niri, "...Yes. Never say it again." ...ARGH. Angie! Stoppit! Hey now. Don't get too negative about it * Tanan smiles faintly Don't YOU start too, Prof! * Angie looks startled by the outburst. "Agh! Don't blame me." Ignoring, yessir You words echo through the forgotten laboratory. Either there is nos ecurity here, or sound doesn't trigger it at least. You're an evil influence! * Tanan grins. "Sorry. Hard to resist. or. * Trune ignores the crazy people and attempts to hold the staff near the field of force. * Niri raises a hand as if to slap Tanan. ;) * Tanan chuckles and takes a step back as though scared * Angie swallows hard and steps away from the group, lowering her head and mulling something over. * Vytor looks around, wondering what all this rigamarole could possibly be for * Tanan turns to take a look into the room to the left. Trune gets a reaction from the staff, as it sucks in the energy of the forcefield and displaces it into the wall circuits, acting like a conduit. The barrier is gone. We're in! If you're done with the puns we can go on now. Anytime. Awright! Puns? I have no idea what you're talking about. * Ryllan nods, "...Let's go. And I want one of those sticks." And if we did make one or two, it's not my volt. Of course, Professor. ;) .... * Saki is unresponsive where she's leaning up against the wall, muttering softly to herself. * Niri leads the way inside Oh man. Just shoot me now. * Tanan does his best to not grin, but fails. * Angie returns to the party shaking her head. "I'm all out." * Trune stops for a moment, "Saki, you coming in?" All out? You find beyond a huge, complex laboratory, filled to the brim with all sorts of ancient technological equipment and bits of robotic implements. Shocking, I know. *She makes a face.* Too easy? * Vytor pushes further on * Saki blinks up, knocked out of her reverie. For a moment she glances wildly about, then seems to remember where they are. "Uh, yeah. Coming." And she follows in. Hmm. Maybe a little. You just need to build up a good capacitance. ...that one's kind of weak too. * Trune pushes on. Let's get down to work. *She sets her gun down on a metal table and sets about poking and prodding everything in the room. "Oh yeah, this is great. Look at this workmanship..." * Niri glances around. "Cool!" There are monitors all along a circular deck, and above them is a glass barrier. Beyond it, thouhg a bit hazy, rests some sort of tube, where the wires & cables on the cieling connect to. Still....not what we're after....maybe we can check this stuff out after we find the Elementalor. *Starts looking for other doors* * Trune stops and stares. In the right end of the room is what seems to be a metallic sort of chair, evoking feelings of a throne of metal and wires. Man, look at all this stuff * Tanan wanders over toward the chair, looking around but being careful not to touch anything * Saki glances around in silence, her brow furrowed. * Niri examines the chair, trying to figure out what it's for! Niri ntoices out of the corner of her eyes the familair monitor screens... the pusle of a heartbeat. « er pulse » Whoa, there we go... *Examines the screens, trying to figure out what the readings mean* * Angie picks up everything she can lift and gives the rest a good looking-over. Eventually she settles on a metal tube with a needle at the end, turning it over in her hands and examining it in painstaking detail. And where is whatever they're reading? There are even more displays here, all entirely funtional. They display a three dimensional image of a human male with pointy ears and long hair, spinning slowly in a hue of green. Whoa. :o Jackpot! * Vytor tries to find something in this place that he actually recognizes * Niri tries to figure out the location of the Elentalor from the readouts! * Trune looks over Niri's shoulder, absolutely awed, "They do exsist." Or at least you think he's human... the words are a jumble of terms you don't understand, but an icon in the corner grabs your attention. "Subject: Jupiter" "Life Signs/Energy Output" .... Hanging from a rack, like a ancient suit, is a skeletal metal figure. Mismatched and assymetrical in composition, it is of about human size and proportions. It's 'face' has a large lens on the right side, and three smaller ones in a vertical line on the left, and a little grille where the mouth should be. The metal gleams slightly, bare but unpolished. « that is next to the throne Tanan investigated. » So they DID make some sort of... living weapons... * Trune 's eyes travel upwards, towards the tube. Yeah, I guess they did. :/ But...where is it? Doesn't seem quite... well, right to do that and then lock them up. I think it's up there. Sure doesn't. * Trune points towards the tube. Up where? *Follows Trune's gaze* * Angie puts down the object of her attention and stares at the tube. Niri ntoices the displays are fluctuating on the "brainwave frequency". It looks erratic. Hrm. Wish I knew more about this sort of thing! And how are we supposed to get to it through a tube? *Blinks* [Leah] Wow... is something alive in there? Sure looks that way, Leah. Any ideas how to get to him? The lines that connect to the lab start pulsing with energy a little more brightly. The air is palpably charged now. ...he's coming to us. ? * Tanan looks at the hanging metal figure, frowning ...What? O_o He's...agh! * Saki shivers softly as she regards the room. "... only a very, very unsubtle way." * Angie jumps a little, scrambling for her gun. "Oh, man." * Trune holds his head! Hey, Trune, you okay? *Grabs his shoulder and shakes it* * Trune looks up, ignoring Niri for the moment and looking straight up at the tube, "We mean you no harm! We're explorers!" * Angie looks from the eerie construct down to Trune, then back. * Tanan jumps a little, turning away to look at everyone else. "What?" The controller? Who's he?! * Vytor blinks, not sure what's happening * Niri looks doubtful, not sure what Trune's talking to, but looks up there. "Uh...whoever you are, yeah, we're friends! Listen to Trune!" Who are you talking to? Him! Whatever is in that tube! * Vytor looks up at the tube * Ryllan reaches out, attempting to calm the thundrous forces in the room, "Trune... you're talking to... An elementalor, I think." As Niri & Trune beesech the phantom entity, there is the sound of a dull rumble and then a roar. The power races outward, then in flash, moves in reverse. The tube draws everything into it power-wise, nearly making the room go black without lightning for a moment. ...That can't be good. O_o Wait, please! The edges of the tube glow and then it slides open... * Tanan squints, looking up at the tube * Niri holds her ground but her heart pounds nervously. ..? The glass protecting you cracks visiable as a bolt of energy strikes it dead on. :o « er visibly » * Angie jumps back, yelping and pointing the gun at the tube with trembling hands. Something stops her from firing, though. She peers over the barrel, breathing heavily. Ack!! * Saki makes a strangled noise of alarm, nearly retreating back to the hallway and barely keeping her ground. [Leah] !! Whoa! Run! It thinks we're hostile! Wait, I have an idea! ...On second thought, don't wait. Yes, run. I'll hold him off! One more surge of power and the shards spray everywhere, forcing you to coevr your eyes from shards and the light. * Vytor tries to cover his face with his hands and arms! « ugh redundant :) » * Tanan takes a hesitant step toward the tube, looking a little more curious than scared, barely getting his shield up in time to protect his face Niri, are you crazy? You can't fight an elementlor by yourself! Not fight! Talk! * Saki covers her eyes and staggers back, but has enough presence of mind to yell at Niri. "What?! Are you insane?" * Angie doesn't need to be told twice. She nearly trips over her own feet getting out of the room. As the window explodes, she is thrown backwards, dropping her gun and landing on her face. Shards of glass rip through her raincoat, but she seems unhurt. * Niri holds her arm in front of her face to shield it from the shattered glass. Oh man, oh man. *She rolls over and scrambles for her weapon, snapping it up and cradling it like a life preserver at sea.* As the dust settles, you come face to face with a tall man, similar to the readout. He has flowing, wild yellow hair, and is clothed in a white robe one would see in a hospital. Wires hang limply from where he ripped them out of their recepticles. All about him hangs the aura of pure electricity. You almost think he's a god, but then he is made of flesh just like yourselves. I think this is our cue to leave * Niri straightens herself. "Um...hi?" * Tanan stares for a second. "Ah....hello?" * Niri says out of the corner of her mouth to Trune, "Does he speak our language?" I...think so. I...I dunno. * Ryllan holds his arms up to protect himself. cursing a little as he hesitantly prepares to work his powers, being careful not to give too much away as to his intentions. Uh...we're not hostile! We aren't going to hurt you. I...just want to talk, okay? * Angie swallows a lump of terror and stares the tall, shining figure in the eyes. He settles into a fighting stance, looking you over. A commanding voice echoes in the chamber, but also directly in your minds. "Who are you?!" It's what I told you! We're explorers! We mean you no harm! . o O (Why did wecome in here again?) * Niri looks at the others, then back at the Elementalor. "I'm Niri. I'm an adventurer. So's most everyone else here. We're just trying to find out what's here. And uh...we found you!" * Saki gags and staggers back, clutching at the side of her head as the voice sounds. "... g... get out..." * Tanan nods. "We're j-" He trails off. "..Saki? Are you all right?" The young man is beautiful, but also frightening. "You.. your minds.. you feel wrong! Don't lie to me.. you are the enemy!" No! We're not! * Saki staggers up, shaking her head to try clear it and growling angrily at the man. "... just don't like voices in my head that aren't mine." Eep. Not good. *Mutters under her breath, quickly gathering magical power to cast a spell. There is a flash and a shower of sparks, and lines of energy from around the room center on Niri. >> Niri casts Thunder Soul! She becomes Thunder elemental! Yah! * Niri glows yellow-white, little arcs of electricity sparking off her skin. * Vytor jumps back from Niri And not a moment too soon, the mysterious Jupiter attacks with a righteous fury! >> COMBAT! No, we're not enemies! We just c- ah hell. * Niri squeaks! >> Vs Jupiter, Electrokinetic Adept! (w) Oh man I study you guys and get kicked out of school from my theory and you try and kill us? This is weak! Fucking weak! ...Wonderful. I tried! Look, we don't want to fight you! We don't- oh, the heck with it. * Angie slides back until she feels the cold metal of a wall behind her. She pushes herself to her feet, letting the raincoat fall to the ground around her. "You can do this..." >> Round 1 Crap! Be careful! He's strong....really, really strong. >> Declaration Phase. >> Jupiter gathers in the ambient energy of the room, as the air around the entire party crackles dangerously! * Ryllan frowns, thinking for a sec, before turning to Niri, "Ready for a head rush?" Listen! We don't want to fight you! We.. why're you.. argh! * Trune draws his athames and traces a pattern in the air, a greenish trail left in it's wake, "We don't have to fight! Please, stop!' * Saki works her hands into fists again and again, panting with agitation and a mixture of fear and anger; her stance is well away from any form of control. * Vytor hefts his hammer, debating the wisdom of attacking this creature with a metal object * Tanan raises his shield, wincing. This is going ot be bad. «ooc: Change Niri/Trune » <> * Angie takes off her Russian fur hat and is revealed as a child of silence and cold intentions! Except not really. >> Battle Phase. >> Jupiter shapes the electricity with his pure will alone, causing it to become a miniature ball and then explode with light that washes over everyone. "Heaven's power... Lightning Storm!" * Tanan raises his shield, trying to hide behind it >> Saki: 133, Angie: 104, Ryllan: 58, Vytor: 89, Niri: Immune! 1!, Tanan: 42!, Lah: 62! >> Ryllan redirects a portion back onto Jupiter! 1 damage! * Vytor sizzles a bit, but stays up >> Trune's Elementalor staff flares to life and blocks the spell! 1 damage! >> Saki's action. * Saki recoils from the blast, only to yell incoherently and run full-bore at the man; there's none of the smooth strikes she normally does, she just appears to want the man /gone/, and she throws her fists forward in a series of frenzied attacks. JUpiter looks wined after the attack, and still slightly confused and groggy... « winded » >> Saki attacks with Flurry of Blows! >> hits twice! 33! 35! Saki's blows land, but they seem to do very little as his flesh is stronegr than it appears. >> Angie's action. * Angie takes a deep breath. "Everything happens for a reason. We only fear the unknown. And you aren't unknown to me." She flicks her hand through the air, tracking a spiderweb of blue light. Then, thrusting her palm outward, she sends the light shooting toward Jupiter, surrounding him in concentric circles of energy. * Angie adjusts her glasses, causing them to shine brightly. «ooc: tracing » >> Angie Measures Jupiter! The information slowly comes to her... >> HP: 1332/1400 MP: N/A, Immune: Thunder, Weak: Plant, Resist: Water, Attacks Thunder property. >> Ryllan's action. * Angie 's head snaps back as if struck. "Agh! That's unbelievable...it's like solid power." * Ryllan Growls, and two spears of light fly from his head and dagger into Trune's Atheme and headgear, "Use it well, Trune." >> Ryllan Handsoff to Trune. Talent increases by 22! Got it! Thanks! >> Vytor's action. * Vytor holds his hammer in front of him and stares at it intensely. It starts to glow red and burst into flickering flames. The fire soon goes out, and the red glow also fades. >> Forge is invoked.. Muscle up by 10! >> Niri's action. * Niri casts Lightning Soul on Ryllan! Electric energy converges upon him, crackling over his skin in branching arcs! >> Ryllan is now surging with Thunder powers.. >> Trune's action. Mother Green, Grant me a limb, and strike! Vine Whip! * Trune concentrates as a large vine suddenly pokes up from one of the cracks in the ground. Growing at an alarming rate, it suddenly wraps itself around him midsection, drawing Jupiter up into the air before slamming Jupiter down to the ground! The vine quickly unwraps itself and begins to wither, then dissapears. If we can hold him off and get him to calm down, I think we'll be okay... Here's hoping then Great job, Trune! How long can you keep that up? I'm not sure! If we can calm him down somehow... >> Trune attacks Jupiter with Plant.. he reels as it gouges into him all too well.. 147 damage! But he still is relatively unharmed. >> Tana is defending. « er tanan » [Leah] I dunno what to do... he's so strong..! >> Leah attempts to weave a spell but fails! Machinery crackles from behind you as the battel rages. Hopefully nothing is seriously damaged from the discharges... >> Round 2 >> Declaration Phase. [Jupiter] Ugh.. this force.. you.. Stop! Stop, we're not your enemies. We don't WANT to fight you! Niri... We need to protect more people at once. * Vytor raises his hammer, "Cover me, I'm going to do something stupid." <> >> Jupiter sets his sights on Trune, noticing the staff. Well, there's only so much I can do....I could cast this on everyone, but then we couldn't fight back. We'd have a stalemate. I can heal a little, but....any other suggestions? That's the best kind of mate! ...er. That sounded wrong. Mulligan! * Saki rounds from her first assault, instantly preparing another. She's barely holding together, yelling hoarse bursts of incoherence. Well. :P We can all sit around and be immune to his attacks until he calms down and listens! But what are the chances of that happening? * Trune stares down at Jupiter as well, keeping eye contact, "We don't want to fight you. Please." ...You might be surprised. Well, should we try it then? ...Screw that, first I'm going to make sure people don't die. >> Battle Phase. >> Ryllan prepares to extend Tanan's spell... * Ryllan nods, turning to Tanan, "Need some extra spellwork?" >> Jupier darts forward, attacking Trune! "That...!" * Tanan molds a little ball of healing energy in his hands. "It'd be a help." Wait-! >> Jupiter strikes 3 times! 1! 1! 1! ...Ha. * Trune holds the staff up in an attempt to protect himself, whichs surprisngly works really well! Jupiter back off, fists glowing with power, trying to size up Trune... >> Saki's action. * Saki suddenly slams into the man from the side with a shoulder then tears into him, her hands alternating between fists and hooked gouging motions. >> Saki attack with a storm of angry punches. Hit 3 times! 45, 40, 38! >> Angie's action. * Angie tightens her grip on her gun, holding it out in front of her like a protective charm. With white-knuckled fingers she pulls the trigger. The hammer slowly cocks back, hovers. Suddenly the barrel explodes in a cloud of gunsmoke and flame, sending a roar through the room that makes the shelves tremble. >> Angie uses Hard Rain. Two bullets find their mark. 37! 39! * Dragon_Formal (~Windstar@cpe-66-69-213-24.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Windstar (~Windstar@cpe-66-69-213-24.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout) >> Vytor's action. * Vytor shoulder slams Jupiter, then swings his hammer up in a two-handed arc, catching Jupiter in the chin as he falls back! * Dragon_Formal is now known as Windstar >> Vytor catches the being off guard with two mighty blows. 71! 59! >> Niri's action. Now you shall face justice...Song of Light! * Niri closes her eyes and begins to sing a wordless melody, its tone clear and piercing - lovely in a way, yet painful, so that the listener can't help but wince. As she sings, she opens her green eyes and focuses on a single enemy, frowning in concentration and willing their own life force out of them. >> Niri drains 44 Hp from Jupiter with her song! >> Vytor receives this energy, healing is life force. * Vytor falls back, nodding to Niri, surprised he didn't just get elctrocuted from that hand to hand attack >> Trune's action. Mother Green, Grant me a limb, and strike! Vine Whip! * Trune concentrates as a large vine suddenly pokes up from one of the cracks in the ground. Growing at an alarming rate, it suddenly wraps itself around his midsection, drawing Jupiter up into the air before slamming Jupiter down to the ground! The vine quickly unwraps itself and begins to wither, then dissapears. >> Trune unleashes another green assault for 160 damage! >> Tanan's action. >> Ryllan can act! * Ryllan grins, looking at Tanan and begining to match his moves, "What can be done once..." * Tanan spins the ball in his hand, then closes his fist, sending a gentle stream of energy over Angie. "Can't let this guy fry us..." * Ryllan turns to Saki, "Can be done twice!" and he releases a very suspiciously similar stream over Saki, duplicating Tanan's spell almost exactly. * Angie waves the hovering cloud of smoke away from her face and nods in Tanan's direction. "Th-thanks." >> Tana uses Restore on Angie! 164 HP healed! maxed out. >> Ryllan duplicates the effect on Saki! Hp max. [Leah] Amazing Ryllan.. we can do this after all! >> The head of the metal figure on the rack raises, visible blue worms of electricity swimming along his form. A harsh synthesised tone comes from it. Unit Homunculi under attack. Jupiter stand-down. Code Alpha-Gamma-Phi-Zero-Zero-3. Jupiter suddenly goes a bit pale and shudders.. Uh....does that sound mean we're in trouble? ...wha? [Jupiter] That voice... it's.. >> Then a human sounding voice comes from it too, male with a strange accent. "Wha--what's happening? Jupiter?" Jupiter lwoers his hands, halting the attack. >> Jupiter stands down! The battle is ended! What just happened? * Tanan slowly relaxes, dissapating the energy in his hands. "I.. don't know?" [Jupiter] I remember now. Doctor Webbly? * Niri blinks * Saki starts to round on the man again, but forcibly recoils, very nearly twisting to assault the mannequin before eventually stumbling back roughly against the wall. "Wh..." * Niri mutters, "Friend or foe?" under her breath * Angie whirls around to point her weapon at the machine, and then, thinking better of it, jerks back to aim at Jupiter. She slowly lowers the barrel. The energy in the room begins to resume a normal, if overcharged, flow, some if it feeding into the strange metallic figure. >> The head turns, but the body is apparently stuck on the rack, legs dangling the in air. A soft glow comes from the lenses on it's face. "Self-Diagnosis beginning." (m) Webly... one of the good ones. * Vytor looks lost Jupiter holds his head in a hand, no resuming his aggression. « er not » [Webbly?] What happened? Who are you all? Good ones? What? Hello? * Angie chews on her upper lip. The gun dips lower, until finally she lets her hands fall to her side. Uh....we're explorers. What - I mean, uh, who are you? (m) the book. long story. We're.. explorers. This place has been buried for a long time. Oh. Right. [Jupiter] Time.. how long have I been asleep? * Trune suddenly looks dazed, leaning against one of the machines and looking close to keeling over. He's holding his head again. Um. A REALLY long time. * Saki slides a little down the wall, head bowed and face hidden; she's shivering a little, it seems. [Webbly?] I am... CORRUPTED MEMORY AREA. DATA INACCESSIBLE. Er? Hello, mr. Corrupted Memory Area. I'm Tanan. <<...sorry, sorry.>> I guess this means we're not being attacked anymore? Shiro hides behind Niri, still not liking this scary living weapon. Yeah...I think we're okay. >> It's gaze seems to pass over the group, the lenses turning with a soft whirr. "Do you have clearance to be here? You don't seem like enemy forces." There are no more enemy forces. It's been a long time, like we said. [Jupiter] You seem to have some kind of Adept powers. But yours are... different. It's been... thousands of years. Your enemies are gone. Everyone with clearance too. * Vytor leaves the weirdness to those who know more of what's happening, figuring its best to stay out of this for now [Jupiter] What? The war is over? What are...Adept powers? You mean, like willforce? * Trune manages to stand upright, still looking a bit shaky. >> It nods. "They all seem to be pyscho-active individuals. What year is it then?" * Niri grudgingly sidles over to Trune, elbowing him lightly. She offers her shoulder. * Trune looks surprised, and grateful, and quietly takes it. Jupiter concentrates a moment, the machiens starting to function by themsleves, typing a million lines of text a minute. >> It's legs waggle in the air. "Erm. I appear to be stuck." The year? I.. don't think you'd recognize our numbering system. It's been twenty years since... people came back. Whatever war it was, it did a lot of damage. * Vytor goes to check on Saki, who seems to be doing increasingly poorly, "You OK?" [Jupiter] The system clocks register the dates as.... 4023. [Jupiter] Heavens. It really is true. [Jupiter] I have been inactive for over 2 millenia... but it seems people have survived. That is good. * Niri blinks Um...can I ask what you were doing down here? * Saki shakes her head, clutching it as if it's going to burst. The words come out in a staccato rush, but her breathing is slowing, and she seems to be regaining control. "No. Don't like it much here, feels wrong. I just need a second." [Jupiter] I... my orders are hazy. But I was designated a special weapon of the United American Nations. Um....do you want to head back up without us, Saki? [Jupiter] Wait.. doctor? Where is your body? * Niri looks sad. "...I see. Kinda what I suspected..." Jupiter walks over to the hanging metal man. Something...Something happened to him. Something bad. [Webbly?] Erm. Aren't I in it? Oh.. no. It seems not. * Angie looks at Saki with concern, but Jupiter quickly recaptures her attention. * Vytor nods to Saki, giving her space to collect herself * Trune scowls, "That wasn't all that informative, was it?" To be honest, it'd be kind of weird for a human body to still be around after this long. You'd need to be in some sort of hibernation. Kind of like it seems you were. *nods to Jupiter* But then...you're not really human, are you? He was working with a machine, and something went wrong. [Jupiter] I'm mostly human. DNA wise... just meant to channel energy far more efefctively. ...Oh. [Webbly?] Diagonostics complete. Right arm inoperative. Several subsystems lacking circuitry. Heavy corruption of memory fields, decyphering has begun. Time to completion unestimable. So...what now? You can't stay down here, can you? Jupiter blinks once and shakes his head. "I.. can't feel the other's minds. Am I the only one left?" [Webbly?] Did something go wrong with the experiment? They're asking us? We found some information on others...like you, Jupiter, was it? * Saki lets out a shaky sigh, then pulls herself to her feet. She looks like crap, a mixture of cold sweat and shaky nervousness, but the good old permanent glare is back. So that's what you meant about our minds, about us being adepts. You're... different, but almost everyone is now, to some extent. * Angie opens her mouth and raises a hand, but says nothing. They might be around, but I'm not sure. We're still doing research and trying to learn more. Some may be...dormant. Or something. * Niri glances at Angie We know the locations to some of them but not the means to reach them. [Jupiter] I think so doctor. *cehcks the computers froma distance again* * Huw turns it's head to Niri. "Oh, Jupiter is human, certainly. Modified perhaps, but definitely a person." The screens starts moving quickly, words popping up as the database is searched. "*** Project Report, Security Rating C5 *** Project Theta-J-4, Remote Operated Elementalor Command Unit. Codename Homunucli (w) Man, they're human. Not quite human but mostly human. This is surreal. Oh! That's good to know. *She frowns* But in that case...why is he down here? Why was he a weapon? Project Update : Adepts as weapons isn't really that surprising, is it? Despite his peers suggestions, Alex has requested to attempt to use the Unit himself, to better understand the process and improve the equipment. It is under consideration. Progess has almost halted, Alex's request is finally approved. Scheduled attempt on 13/2/2013 Attempt failed. Alex in coma, Unit under lock-down until investigation complete. It does not seem active. Sabotage suspected. ...Wait, what? Is this what happened to the doctor? ...? ...Yeah. >> It sags slightly in the rack. "Was that me? The process must have.. succeeded. How heartening." ...Oh. Not good. [Jupiter] But you are damaged, Doctor. Parts of your mind might be permanently lost. What process? [Alex] Ah. Well. At least I'm alive, old chap. Are you well? * Dragon_Formal (~Windstar@cpe-66-69-213-24.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #lunar-iog2 [Jupiter] I'm alright. But it seems the others are beyond my reach. This young woman says they are also dormant. (w) If you call 'alive' as being in a robot. Man... * Windstar (~Windstar@cpe-66-69-213-24.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Connection reset by peer) [Jupiter] And.. you... *he glares at Trune* what are you doing with that! (whispers back to Trune) Could he be inside the metal suit? Or is it just...what you said? [Alex] Oh. That looks like.. could I have a look at that? It could be very important. (w) It sounds as if the experiment he was talking about had him inside something to try to control it maybe...is that what it meant? With this? * Dragon_Formal is now known as Windstar >> Alex points at the golden staff with his left hand * Trune points to the staff, "It belonged to someone else...I'm uh..borrowing it. But we had no idea it was connected to you till recently." ...Just how old IS that staff? * Saki apparently feels the need to do something, since she speaks up after a moment to collect herself, not quite believing she's accepting this. "Er... would you like a hand down?" * Trune hesitates....really hesitates, before finally handing the golden staff to Dr. Webbly. He looks as if he just gave up a cute, tiny, adorable puppy. :/ * Huw strokes his chin with the faint screech of plastic against metal. "Well. It wasn't completed last I remember." <> >> Alex strokes his chin with the faint screech of plastic against metal. "Well. It wasn't completed last I remember." * Vytor watches [Alex] Oh, yes. It would be most helpful, miss...? [Leah] *watches the exchanges, wondering what it all means* * Angie flips the safety on the gun and reaches into her coat to holster it. * Zack is now known as Victor >> Alex looks at the staff intently. "Jupiter. It's got the ECC in it. This unit will probably require that to be fully functional. Can you remember how to fit it?" ECC? Elemental something, maybe? * Saki hefts the robotic thing off it's hooks, trying to manhandle it with a minimum of jostling just in case it feels pain of some sort. "It's Saki. Nice to meet you, Doctor." but she's saying it on rote, still rather in shock. Jupiter wlaks over to the doctor. "I think I can install it, yes. It may take some time." [Alex] Elementalor Control Chip. It's... a bit distasteful. Distasteful? [Jupiter] ...but it's a necessity. Oh. :( * Tanan frowns. "Control chip?" ...Is it possible for the two of you to come topside with us? [Alex] We couldn't guaruntee the stability of... the children. Even Jupiter could slip into a destructive rage, as you saw. But...he was confused! Right? I'm sure he's really nice most of the time! [Alex] Especially for remote use of the Elementalor's powers, the chip is a necessity. [Jupiter] I am still an experiment, and like all such things, I am not always within acceptable parameters. ... That is one of the most depressing things I've ever heard. Experiment... ...I agree with her. [Jupiter] I'm.. sorry to put it like that. *he turns away* Eep! No no, that's not how I meant it! * Vytor blinks, totally not following this It's alright. You needn't worry about offending us. >> Alex straightens. "Perhaps this should wait until I am repaired? Perhaps more of my memory will be decorrupted by then?" They're merely worried that you're... devaluing yourself. [Jupiter] I am a person.. I do have feelings, of a sort. * Tanan makes a cutting gesture with his hand. "Bah! Just because you're an experiment doesn't mean you shouldn't." * Angie finally finds her voice. "Can you repair yourself? I'm not sure anyone knows how anymore." [Jupiter] Don't worry about it. Right now my concern is repairing the Homunculi suit. Fine, it's important to recognize things about yourself, and maybe you get a little out of control sometimes, but if I hear one more word about how... * Tanan coughs * Vytor (dnwwheeler@c-24-7-106-51.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) Quit (Quit: ) * Tanan shakes his head. "Sorry." Jupiter nods to Webbly, then looks at Angie. "You seem to be intelligent. If I instruct you what to do, can you assist me in the process of installing the ECC?" Okay, I think our priority now should be to get the good doctor functional, and possibly to head topside. We have two people who aren't looking too good. * Trune shakes his head, "I'm okay, really." >> Something sparks inside Angie's head, and her eyes light up. "I...yes sir, yes I can!" * Saki brushes back a hand through her hair in agitation, but shakes her head. "Do what you need to do first. I'll deal." On the other hand, probably the doctor can be repaired best down here. So uh...what to do? :/ ...At least Angie's happy! [Jupiter] The rest of you, stay here for now. There is more to discuss when this is done. * Trune almost looks relieved when Jupiter says this. Alright. >> Alex wobbles over to the throne, and flops down into it with a clang. "Ah. Balance is an issue still. Let us begin, boys and girls." * Tanan nods, still looking a bit annoyed. == SESSION END == Tah dah! Session Close: Sat Mar 04 02:35:33 2006