Session Start: Sat Mar 10 21:23:23 2007 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 32: Dreadnaught | Location: Kali Forlorn | Pools: 728 §, 7 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' == SESSION START == A day has passed since you discovered the relic ship "Fragarach'... Emiria and Vytor as wella s Angie working overtime to modify it to become seaworthy. At last it is ready! Leah also arrives with the Land Cruiser and finds it can be loaded onboard! Your equipment is also returned to you unharmed and better than ever. * Amy can be found chatting with Leah...she appears to be discussing some passages she found in the book. * Amy is now known as Niri << Ack, invader! >> << YEAH THAT WOULD HELP >> * Niri can be found chatting with Leah...she appears to be discussing some passages she found in the book. << haha >> * Vytor is still down in the reactor spaces, running back and forth from dial to dial, making sure they're registering accurate info. * Saki is visibly relieved upon getting back her equipment; she instantly sets herself back up at the first opportunity, then whiles away her time idly. With nothing much to do and no technical skills, she spends most of the day like a trapped rat, pacing, training, or just trying to meditate a little and failing miserably. * Angie watches Vytor dance about, trying to follow his movements but not daring to interfere. There is a small channel leading out of the dock into the open bay, from what you can tell from the bridge of the warship. The reactors are still warming up to full power, having never been placed on active status. The lead shielding is brittle, but serviceable as long as it is not damaged in a heavy firefight. But then again, how many functional battleships would they encounter...? * Mikel is standing where the gangplank meets the docks, watching the water and making some of it move this way and that with flicks of a hand and will. * Ryllan stands vaguely at the helm-area, watching it and figuring things out slowly - or at least, he thinks he's figuring out. * Trune is leaning against one of the 'walls' of the ship, pouring over his notes and a crude map of the world. Well, crude in the fact that Trune himself drew it and it's obvious Trune cannot draw. * Vytor takes this opportunity to test the intercom, "Engineering to bridge. Anyone there?" The deck guns are silent, fore and aft, while the defense turret is still non-functional. The front torpedo tubes have been sealed over by Emiria with her iron-shaping technique to make the hull solid. The black sheen of it gvies an imposing feeling, seeming to suck energy away from anyone nearby. * Ryllan picks up the intercom and stares at it a moment, before picking the most likely-looking button and saying, "Uh, Bridge here, I guess. If I'm usin' this thing right." (From Engineering) Ah, Ryllan. Good. The reactor's primed and operating at 1% power. We're ready here to ramp up when you are. But try to keep the power needs low if you can. I've done my best to shore up their shielding, but let's not test it unless we have to. * Trune 's expression turns into one of annoyance as he begins to rub out a mistake on one of his notes, and then scribbles something else in it's place. * Mikel lets out a yawn before turning and beginning to head up the gangplank, whistling a tune as he walks along. * Tanan is near the front of the boat, looking as though he's both eager to get going. * Niri finishes chatting with Leah and wanders through the ship, looking for people. Eventually she spies Tanan and heads toward him, book in hand. Emiria is engrossed in her work not far from Ryllan, watching the ship's computers, and kicking one or two that don't immediately work. >.> * Mikel spies Trune out of the corner of his eye, shifting to walk over to the other mage with a grin. "Feelin' better now, Trune?" * Saki gets up from where she's spent the last hour sitting, frowning and making a face at the grey hulking thing. After a moment's thought she skulks slowly onto the dock. «ooc: deck » Leah looks thoughtful, wondering what Niri's findings could mean... * Vytor goes back to his work minding the nuclear teakettle. * Tanan turns his head at the sound of someone approaching. "Ah. Hey, Niri." Not far away from Ryllan's intercome is a map of the world, using stored data and not the failing linkups. They are represented on a clear overlay jutting up from the floor with a red dot pulsing. The coast of the continent is displayed. To their west is a small island outpost clearly marked "Pearl Harbor - Port of Call". * Saki , as soon as she's on the deck, pretty much flops back down to a sitting position a short distance from Tanan and Niri, looking rather uncomfortable. Hi, Tanan! I did what you asked and read up on stuff... *she waves the book* I'll tell you right now that I'm far more confused than I was before. *she lowers her voice a little and looks around* And worried, too. * Ryllan looks at the Map, "That's where... Pluto is, right Em'?" Oh dear. That's not a good sign, though I suppose I wasn't expecting one. What'd you find? [Emiria] This is the best I can do from the databanks, considering this GPS-thing isn't responding. That sounds like what Trune was talking about. If this thing can move fast, we could get there almost in a matter of hours. Well, they're ready whenever we are, but we should probably keep it lowerspeed if possible, they're not sure how it'll hold up under high demand. Emiria looks itching to take her out, and in response to the command, takes the console that seems to be the helm, and starts pushing a couple levers forward. The reactor systems' cutoffs immediately disingage slowly, the level rising... 1/4, by Vytor's calculations. *exhale* Here we go. There's a swirling that goes on underwater at the rear of the vessel, as the turbines spin up! A small ripple becomes a cyclic wave, and the Fragarach begins moving forward at a gentle pace. * Angie holds up both hands, fingers crossed. She leans on the intercom button, addressing it like a confidante. "OK, gang! If you're still alive in five seconds, that's how you know it's working." * Ryllan walks back over to the intercom and picks it up, "You just give us a call if something shows signs of exploding, alright?" (From Engineering) Aye aye. * Saki huffs out an annoyed breath, sending a worried glance over the side. She may or may not be holding her breath just slightly. << Hmm, can I tell Tanan what I found? Hmmm. I think I'll do that in PM so no one hears :o >> << Also! BRB, must order dinner >> << so sekrit >> Nothing seems to blow up, though the ship seems sluggish at first, the metal groaning a bit as it changes shape slightly with motion. The speed increases gradually, Emiria slowly going to half power. There is now movement into the narrow channel, and sunlight is poking through to you... <> * Vytor races back and forth from dial to dial, trying to handle a job meant for more than one person. Beyond the path widens and the bay awaits. All about is the wrecks of similar crafts. They are no longer burning, but truly in a sad state. The remains of a huge suspension bridge lays twisted on the distant bank. Vytor notices the system straining to adjust, as well as Emiria, and holds at this speed for now. * Ryllan looks out at the bay, "Wow. That's not pretty, is it?" * Angie assists where she dares, but Vytor is in his element here, and for the most part Angie is unable to keep up with him. Straight ahead, once in the bay is blue, open ocean... it seems so inviting after this scene of devestation and despair. * Mikel shifts his footing a bit as the boat moves, shifting his eyes from Trune out to the view. "...least it isn't on fire anymore." * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 32: Dreadnaught | Location: Pacific Ocean | Pools: 728 §, 7 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' * Saki watches the horizon move slowly, trying her best not to feel ill; wobbling slightly, she opts for introspective instead. * Niri plots with Tanan! Okay, well, she answers some questions he'd had earlier. If anyone comes near, she shuts up and talks eagerly about the weather. those unadjusted to seafaring migth be feeling the effects as the craft starts chugging along at quite a few knots! * Niri doesn't feel ill, in fact she thinks this is kind of fun! A flock of seabirds flies overhead, cawing curiosly at this big gunmetal grey ship, striking out west Angie, if the pressure dial moves past the fourth mark, let me know as soon as possible. [Emiria] seems we should hold this speed... any more pressure on the front hull and a bulkhead could crack. * Tanan leans in close and mutters with Niri, keeping his voice down * Vytor starts adjusting internal pressure to compensate for the system strain. * Angie nods to Vytor's back, directing her attention to the dial. Her eyes begin to wander within a matter of seconds, but she does her best not to leave the dial unwatched for long. * Mikel sets his staff against the ground to help keep his balance, letting out a whistle. The dial appears to stabilize safely once the pressure is adjusted several times. [Leah] I haven't been on a ship inawhile.. certainly not like this! Shiro runs around the deck, chasing a seagull that landed. * Vytor exhales with relief as the readings stabilize. (From Engineering) Bridge, this is Engineering. We've got the system stabilized. We should be OK if we hold things here. Good work Angie. I think we can relax a little now. (From Bridge) Okay, glad to hear it. There's a salty breeze that washes over the deck, as the craft finishes it's maneuverings and sails due west at about where Emiria expects the island to be. Theashen sky is filled with white clouds and a sense of peace. No wonder the charts seem to call this 'Pacific Ocean' * Angie throws a lingering gaze over her shoulder. "Mind if I head topside for a bit?" OK, just be ready in case I need you. * Trune looks up suddenly and blinks, "...When did we start moving?" A while back, Trune. * Trune looks sheepish suddenly and puts his notes away, realizing he was way engrossed with his work and missed everything, "Figured, that." * Mikel chuckles. "A while ago. Yep. Still out of it a bit?" * Ryllan leans against the wall, watching carefully over Emiria's shoulder. No, no no, just trying to figure some things out is all. Oh? Anything specific or just this whole mess in general? * Angie is off like a dog let free of its leash. She clambers up the ladder and onto deck and rushes to the nearest railing, taking a deep breath of the sea air. Emiria crosses her arms and sits in a convenient cushy chair that you can imagine an ancient captain resting in. As she does so, something about it seems "right" that can't quite be explained. Well, trying to figure out exactly where Pluto is. I...think I might have a general idea but I'm not sure. * Vytor relaxes in a chair, some of the nervousness starting to leave him. * Saki stares dully off at the sea, evidently not quite understanding the joy of it. "... it's not as blue as I expected," she remarks outloud. * Mikel ahs, nodding as he leans against the railing. "Well, in the end you can just follow her voice, right?" * Tanan looks away from Niri for a second, staring off into the distance, before turning back and saying something. * Angie grabs Saki from behind in a sort of tackle-hug. "It's the colour of the sky," she says, grinning ear-to-ear. "Too overcast today." [Emiria] It's automatic now. Just have to see if Trune's information is accurate. I'll keep watch over the controls. * Trune nods, "True, but I haven't heard her since. I mean, I still feel her somewhat but she hasn't spoken in a long while." I'm sure she'll speak any moment now and make me look like a retard though. Thanks Em. * Mikel snickers. "Universe has to go out of its way to prove you wrong?" * Ryllan doesn't move. * Trune smirks, "Always." * Saki gets suddenly Angie'd, staggering against a railing but taking it in remarkable stride. "There's a lot of it," she adds helpfully, still rather bemused. * Angie frees Saki from her unbreakable master-lock and slides up beside her, rising up on tiptoes and pressing her stomach against the railing to lean over as far as she can. "They called it the Blue Star," she says. Her eyes search the flat, cloudy horizon, and she falls into a wistful trance. After a minute's silence, she abruptly says, "Can you hear it? It's saying hello." * Mikel yawns, tapping a finger on the railing. "Welp, maybe this time it won't. You could use a break after the episode with Mars.... speaking of which, any idea if she's doing any better?" * Niri finishes up her hushed conversation with Tanan and looks around to see who might be nearby on the deck of the ship. * Saki deadpans. "It sounds more like 'splosh' to me." * Niri grins suddenly. "You know...I still don't like the ship much, but this IS kind of fun. << +" >> Mars? I haven't felt anything sense...which is a relief, honestly. That entire experience just sucked. * Saki then scratches at her hair, still somewhat at unease with the whole situation. "... it would at least be nice if the Blue Star said hello without saying 'You're going here next, guys.'" * Tanan nods, looking back out ahead of the ship, and smiles. "Yes. It's all.. open and refreshing." * Mikel nods. "Nothing from the Doc, then?" * Trune shakes his head, "No, nothing." * Angie waves a hand in Saki's face and shakes her head enthusiastically. "No, no, not at all! It says, 'Good morning, Angie! Come play with me! It's been so very long a time and I've heard so much about you!'" She strains over the railing and flails a hand, waving at the ocean. "HELLO! I'VE MET YOUR SISTER! I HOPE WE'LL BE GOOD FRIENDS!" * Niri eyes Saki and Angie, some distance off, and points. "Someone else is having fun, too!" * Niri blinks as Angie shouts O_o * Mikel ...blinks. No radioactive icefields, no horrible flaming mountains, nothing to break the calm at a- Except Angie. * Tanan turns to stare at Angie and then collapses against the railing laughing. "Hahahaha.. yes. Except.. hehe.. Angie." * Saki stumbles back a couple of stops at Angie's sudden lunge, and combined with a lurch of the ship, ends up on her backside on the deck, blinking upwards comically. * Trune blinks several times at Angie, "...You know, they say you go mad in close quarters on ships for long durations but holy HELL what the fuck was that?!" * Angie twirls on the ball of her foot and bends over, offering both hands to Saki. "It takes a bit of getting used to. The best bet is to stay on deck until you've got a feel for it." * Niri starts giggling like crazy at her strange companions, Angie in particular. * Saki sighs out with something of a wan smile on her face, and lets herself get tugged back up. "... I'm getting there. I think I just prefer solid ground." The Fragarach cuts through the waves, breaking against it's massive bow with a sploosh. A fin in the distance catches your eye. Oh hey, what's that? *Points at the fin* * Mikel chuckles. "If I had to guess, it's Angie embracing th-..." He stops, peering at the fin. "What's that?" * Tanan turns to look where Niri's pointing, still smiling. "Hrm? I... don't know! Some sort of big fish?" Would stand to reason. More water should mean bigger fish? Hmm. The urge to get my fishing hook is really strong right now. 'Magine if I could catch that sucker. We'd be fed for weeks. You brought a fishing rod? * Trune coughs, "Well....you have to come prepared, all right!?" Sadly I'd be lucky to catch a guppy with it. It's not much. ...is the line long enough? * Mikel peers over the edge. Well, um....probably not long enough for that big fish but maybe we can catch something small. It's quite aways down to the water. There's a few lifeboats and colored rings not far away from Mikel, just incase a man goes overboard. * Angie scratches her nose. "I doubt you'd catch much," she says. "Those engines are pretty loud." * Saki uses the railing as support, leaning against it and idly watching the water pass by. "... I've been told it's not about the catching, just about the fishing." I swear that almost sounded like a challenge! So, how far are we going? And how long will it take us to get there? * Niri has by now wandered over to where the others are, looking back to see if Tanan will follow and be sociable * Angie leans an elbow on the rail and cups her chin in her hand. "I can get behind that, I guess. It's the only sport that encourages you to sit around and look at the water." A sudden rocking of the ship makes her slip off her palm, nearly whacking her chin on the rail. She regains her balance and chooses a more reserved posture. * Tanan has indeed followed along, figuring it's more fun to talk than to stare at the water for too long. * Mikel eyes the lifeboats, adjusting his stance a bit. "Should make ourselves a set and just go fishing for a week." I still feel uneasy about this ship...boat...thingy. But it's much nicer out under the open air. * Angie grins over her shoulder at Niri and waves her over. * Trune overhears Niri and chuckles, "Ship...boat...thingy? So articulate, my dear." * Niri walks up to Angie and pokes her. "You look like you're having fun!" She then elbows Trune. "'Scuse me? Mr. Out-Cold-All-Day, are you mocking me?" She grins. * Mikel rolls his eyes. "Hit the decks. They're going to start again." Ha. Yeah, Angie. We could hear you from way over there. Did the sea say hi back? ...What do you mean? :P *Makes a face at Mikel* Hey! Leave me alone! I was sick! It's not my fault I ...sort of passed out on deck. It's not like you haven't done it! * Mikel gives Niri an innocent smile. * Angie puts an arm around Angie, sweeping the other hand in a wide, encompassing arc. "This is the real thing, Niri! We are on a fucking adventure." She drops her voice a decibel, loosening her grip. "I know you don't swear too much but at sea you have to say "fuck", it's the law." Fuck yes, Angie. Fuck yes. Er. Yeah. * Niri thinks. "...I have?" She grins. "Just be glad I didn't, oh, say, do your makeup while you were out." * Niri blinks at Angie and grins. "That so? Where'd you learn all about the sea, Angie?" You seem to know a lot about it, and what you're supposed to do on it. Do my makeup? Heaven forbid. I don't want to know. * Saki just watches, clearly perplexed and possibly looking to Tanan for help. * Niri gives Trune a devious grin. "Just watch out next time you go to sleep." * Angie disentangles her arm and holds onto the railing with both hands. She sways back on her heels, looking up at the cloud-obscured sun. "ohhh, it was a long time ago!" She pulls herself back up to the railing, nearly falling into it. "Say...six years?" * Tanan shrugs at Saki. "It's in the sailor's code! You have to eat limes and swear. Possibly drink rum in water. I don't know." ...Why limes? ...that's a new one on me. [Leah] "Limey"? I like limes. If you don't eat limes you die. Ever heard of scurvy? Aah. I was the star of the Academy! But I was given an opportunity to drop out of my classes and go on an exploration with the prof I liked. I was on that ship for a good three years." * Saki tilts her head, looks lost a little more, then opts to stare down at the sea again, frowning mildly. What? Lies. I often go months without eating a lime, and I'm still alive! And wow, Angie! That sounds so cool! Did you keep a journal? I think it has to do with what's avaliable on a ship. Well, there's other foods like limes. Lemons, oranges... Oh, so...fruit? And stuff? It's some sort of vitamin or nutrient you're lacking if you don't eat them. * Angie shrugs and smiles wistfully. "I have my notes, but they're not really...together. It's all up here," she answers, tapping her temple. Almost any fruit or vegetable should do it, I think. Ah! Well, you'll have to tell us some stories after dinner then. You know. We can sit around and listen to your tales of adventure on the high seas! I guess maybe if you ate nothing but... I donno Were you ever a pirate, Angie? *she grins* * Mikel raises an eyebrow, looking at Angie. * Angie darkens, narrowing her eyes and sizing Niri up with a sly look. "That's a story for another day." Ooooh. Mysteeeeeerious! * Niri waggles her fingers * Tanan stares at Angie, then starts laughing again as he leans against the railing * Niri grins at Tanan I can... haha.. just see you.. waving cheerfully.. and then boarding.. hahah Arr? You know...I feel a lot more chipper when I'm not, you know, surrounded by burning debris. >> Time passes, the imposing ship (though small by ancient standards) sailing on with purpose! After a couple hours, there's a sight on the horizon. Yeah, burning stuff is such a downer. ...and that's the story of my pirate adventures! «ooc: ...nuke » << hah. >> «ooc: NO KEEP IT. Argh noooo! » * Tanan covers his face with his hands for a moment, calming himself down. "Sorry. Heh. It does really.." suddenly, there is a time lapse. Tanan is standing near the bow again, looking serious. <> << Bwaha! >> <> << Har >> «ooc: snrk! » Approaching is a small speck of land. The most visible is a huge mountain that towers over it. The land is a familiar ashen color from volcanic debris, though unlike Kali it does not appear to be hot and active. Whatever buried the island under a grey pile of soot is long quiescent. ...Now that's depressing. :( * Saki runs a hand through her hair, staring off at the island. "... guess that's it. Fitting." * Trune suddenly looks up, alert. ...Uh oh. Is Pluto angsting at you again, Trune? * Ryllan looks up, "That's our destination, Em'?" * Mikel raises an eyebrow, peering out at the sight. "...man, with that sort of landscape I'd be angsty too." Shh...quiet. Same here. Though I bet Angie wouldn't. [Emiria] Hmm.. I'm getting some erractic energy readings on the sensors. * Tanan stares at the island. "It's.. gloomy. I expected gloomier though." * Angie rubs her mouth with her palm and eyes the distant speck of land. "Want me to get my instruments?" she asks. * Saki shrugs lopsidedly. "Couldn't hurt." * Ryllan looks at the screen, "Can you make any sense of them?" For that matter, can he? * Trune looks confused for a moment, scanning the horizon. [Emiria] This ship isn't build to detect such things, it looks like. The best I can see, there's a huge energy field around that area. Taking the ship in might destabilize the reactor... * Tanan squints, taking a sideways half-step towards the others. Ah hell. ...always something, it seems. * Mikel glances at Trune. "What's up?" Wow....I may be wrong, but I don't think she's like the other elementlors. I think she's been awake a while. Maybe years....she's trapped in there. * Ryllan leans out from the bridge door, "ANGIE! GET YOUR BUTT IN HERE!" So... she's over the psycho period then? * Angie wastes little time in getting her butt in there. Within a minute she's on the bridge. She stands straight as a board and snaps Ryllan a smart salute. "Reporting for duty, sir!" * Tanan looks at Trune. "Is she lucid?" * Trune shakes his head, "It's pretty vague. Some big accident happened here and she ...she's stuck in some alternate space or something." * Vytor is racing back and form between dials and various instruments, trying to keep things in order. * Mikel ...tilts his head. "...alternate space?" Yeah. It's pretty unclear to me to. Tch. And this is one of the many, many reasons I hate darkness willforce. It does all sorts of messed up things. [Leah] Oh, like how those doors disappaear but don't when we walked in? «ooc: urgh, too even » * Ryllan points at the screen, though a wry grin flits over his face at Angie's respect, "Sounds like we've got a problem. Could it destabilize us if that energy interacts with our engine?" Hmm. I wonder...it might end up being difficult to get to Pluto. Is she calm, or upset, Trune? Neither. She's...sad. * Mikel ponders, tapping a finger on the railing. "Darkness willforce can drop you in alternate spaces?" Hrm. * Tanan sighs. "Probably. I really hate the dark." Maybe she needs a hug. :/ * Angie blinks stupidly for a second before catching on. "Ohhh! Hmmm. I guess you can't rule it out. We're not running optimally yet, and they weren't used to dealing with large willforce sinks back then. I'll check with Vytor." * Niri eyes Tanan Maybe Tanan needs a hug, too. * Angie is gone in a streak. * Saki shivers faintly against the rail, then blinks around herself, instantly looking a little hunted. It's probably the 'element' we know the least about. It's not something that actually exists, unlike the other seven." * Mikel sighs. "So glad I stick with water and lightning." So it... I don't know. A lot of negation and weird alteration willforces use it a lot. Yeah, darkness leads to some whacky shit. But I haven't read much about these alternate spaces, though. I'm going in blind...also fuck I made another unintentional pun shoot me now. * Vytor looks up as Angie arrives, "Thank gods you're here Angie, I don't know what's going on but the system is freaking out. Help me clamp things down!" * Tanan looks at Niri, and chuckles. "Well, I wouldn't say _no_, but I don't think I'm about to curl into a little ball and cry any time soon either." * Saki pipes up in Tanan's direction. "... I can feel it a little, even this far out. There's a lot of power around." Em, make sure we don't get any closer to that thing until we get an all-clear. * Vytor slams a fist on the intercom, "Engineering to bridge! I don't know what's going on up there, but we need to cut back power ASAP!" Emiria eases up on the throttle immediately as the ship lurches to a halt * Angie takes stock of the situation quickly, then dives for the controls, working frantically to keep the system under control. "It's the ambient elemental magic, I think. The entire region is messed up from the power surplus." (glumly) Great. Anyway, we sho---whoa! [Emiria] Roger! Returning engines to idle setting and holding position! * Trune lurches to the right as the ship comes to an abrupt halt. There's a brief klaxon as the ship shivers, though not critical emergency occurs. ....Gyah! Cutting back to 1% power. Emiria navigates alongside what appears to be a crackling distortion in the air to starboard. * Saki yelps sideways, staring wildly around her; when she catches sight of the shifting air she balks, scrabbling backwards. Oi, careful! * Vytor races from instrument pannel to instrument pannel, hammering switches and turning dials. * Mikel grabs onto the railing before he takes a spill into the drink. The entire region around the circumference of the island exhibits this characteristic. It is easy enough to see through, but something is amiss, and Adepts of the group will feel the lines of Dark element force forming a barrier. * Angie ducks under Vytor's arms as he rushes by, flipping switches. She moves to where he was, keeping an eye on a row of gauges. * Mikel frowns, tilting his head. "Access denied, it seems?" A ...barrier? I wonder... * Niri frowns. "Whatever it is, it has my skin crawling." Angie, stand by that scram switch. Just in case. Think we can get through it? * Trune pulls out the ECC for a moment, flipping a few dials and sticking his tongue out in concentration as he works, "We'll know in a sec!" The Fragarach comes almost to a straight and dead stop after a few moments of rocking. * Tanan stares at the distortion, his right hand clenching in a fist. * Vytor wipes his brow, "There we go. Good work Angie." * Saki shivers again, trying not to look straight towards where the barrier shifts and crackles. Though she's protected by some of the field from the bracer still high on one arm, she doesn't look at all pleased to see it. Trune tries to sue the same frequency that the Professor employed against Mars, thinking it a good thing to try. ALmost imemdiately there is a reaction as the atmosphere twists and warps, like a spider's web. Individual strands begin to appear, and one of them snaps. Kickass, I was right! * Mikel glances at Trune. "What'd you do?" (From Engineering) Engineering to Bridge. We're stable and green. Reactor powering down to idle and standing by. * Ryllan looks at the strand, "Can you do that again? Or... Hrm." Just fiddled with the dials and set it to the same frequency the Professor did. It actually worked! Huh... er, wait. That worked with Mars before, right? * Trune nods. Where the "break" was the affected space seems to normalize, then it reveals a... hallway? Suspended in midair. * Niri blinks. ...Ohhhhh that is just awesome right there. That's...weird. * Ryllan peers at it, "Now that's interesting." It's only a short distance above the deck level of the ship. * Mikel ponders. "Doesn't that mean this is made from Pluto, or is it just willfo- hello." But awesome! I'm sure it'll kill us but that LOOK SO AWESOME. OK Angie, let's lock this thing down and head topside. I can't even explain just how creepy that is to me. * Niri eyes Trune and snickers I don't want it blowing up while we're gone. * Mikel heads towards where the hallway is, assuming it isn't like 20 feet away from the deck's edge. * Saki balks /again/, staring at it in disbelief. "... there's not a chance I'm getting into that." It...is kinda creepy. Are we going to have to go in there? I like it better then the burning death place, anyway. This is a step up! Can't we have.. giant spiders or something instead? * Angie nods. "Right," she says, hands on the valve. Is that the way to get to Pluto, then? I think so. Apparently, but I don't like it a bit. Nnng. * Niri grins suddenly. Could drop us at any time if Pluto gets pissy. This could be fun! * Tanan stares at Niri ...What? It could! The hallway seems entirely normal and solid. The floor is metallic, a lot like many other facilities. Man, you people are whiners. It's perfectly fine! I mean it's dark and creepy and we're likely to be eaten by something. But it's fine! I mean, come on! It's a floating hallway! How cool is that? * Tanan grins. "I was about to ask if you were serious about that comfort-hug, but now I'm afraid of you too." * Vytor finishes his final preparations, then turns to Angie, "OK, let's join the others." * Mikel reaches up, trying to grab onto it. Oh, bah. *Sticks out her tongue at Tanan* No one's forcing you to go. I'm just curious! It looks really weird and I want to know where it leads. [Emiria] I'm not leaving this ship, whatever you decide. Someone will have to bail you out incase it goes sour. * Angie finds the party gathered on deck when she emerges from down below. "Hey, what's all the...oh." She slows in her advance, coming up behind Niri. "Gee." Besides, a little kid is lost in that space. The least we can do is get her out. [Leah] I'm nto scared of some dark dungeon, right Shiro? Isn't it weird, Angie? It's great! * Trune sounds...surprisngly sincere. [Shiro] Arf! * Vytor arrives topside, and blinks at the floating corridor. A little kid, or a millenia old biological weapon? There's a slight difference! * Niri grins and scritches Shiro on the head, then follows Mikel to go examine the hallway. The heck...? Still... we have to go in. * Mikel tries jumping as well if just reaching doesn't work. Mikel find he's a little short to reach it. If he stood on something or got a ramp, it would work well enough. Yeah, and either way, she needs help. Hey, Saki! * Vytor walks over to join the others Gimme a lift please? Have we got anything we can use as a stool? * Vytor offers a boost to those who want it. * Saki sighs with resignation; with a low mutter, something about having to guard kids and stupid damn elementals, she starts yanking a lifeboat over. * Mikel takes Vytor's offer in the meanwhile. * Ryllan looks at Tanan and shifts his eyes toward Emiria, cocking his head just a little. We could probably boost each other up. Or.. yes. That works, Saki. * Niri takes Vytor's offer of a boost after Mikel! Up ya go. Saki uses her impressive strength to haul a boat over. Flipping it upside down and using it as a stand, you can reach the landing of the spooky hall. * Mikel helps hoist Niri up if nothing tries to eat him. Thanks, Saki. You know, I'd have helped you if.... right, you're way stronger than I am. Nevermind. * Niri grabs Mikel's hand to help her up the rest of the way, then waves to Vytor in thanks. She brushes herself off and peers down the hallway, checking to make sure she has her gear ready. Anyone hoisted up and rgabbing on or falling in will land in the metallic hallway. It splits into a T intersection some distance away, and is lit by lamps, still functional. They cast long shadows down the silent passageway. * Vytor hoists himself up as soon as there's room. * Tanan hesitates before using the boat to haul himself up * Ryllan climbs into the hall, shrugging slightly as he passes. He reaches out to the field of energy and breaks off a little piece of it, bouncing it up and down in his hand. * Mikel peers down the hallway with Niri, hrming. "Well, it's certainly a new way to get in." * Angie grabs her gear, hops onto the raft, and clambers into the hallway with none too much grace. * Mikel takes a couple of steps down to the intersection, peering down each way. * Trune hoists himself up via the raft, also not exactly graceful, but not seeming to care all that much either way. * Saki makes a low growl in her throat once she's done manhandling the boat around. She nods once in recognition of Tanan, then - very hesitantly - makes her way up and into the passageway, shivering slightly as she stands up in it. "... I don't like this much in the least," she mutters, "But let's go." Ryllan finds the willforce pliable and plentiful. Whatcha think, Niri? * Tanan holds out a hand and concentrates until he's got a nice glowing ball of light in it. * Tanan stares at it and then relaxes a little, seeming a bit more comfortable. "There." It is not held here by someone's will like Mars.. it appears to be more "naturally" manifested, without form or direction. * Angie sets her travel box down, flips the latches, and opens it up, removing the glass ball on a string that she uses to detect elemental energies. It seems to be filled with smoke that pulses and throbs, every so often coalescing into an almost-recognizable shape. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 32: Dreadnaught | Location: Warped Pearl Harbor | Pools: 728 §, 7 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' * Ryllan frowns, "Hey guys, this isn't Pluto's doing." * Trune rummages through his backpack for his small lantern, flipping it on, "I know." ...whose is it, then? Angie's globe gets a tug towards the right of the T. * Mikel taps one of the walls, frowning as he taps on the walls hesitantly. You also have the distinct feeling something is.. watching you. * Vytor looks around warily, not liking the idea of random corridors in mid-air. << ...er wow >> << strike a tapping >> * Niri hmms in answer to Mikel * Ryllan shrugs, "No idea, but they're not powering it anymore." He bounces the Willforce in his hand a little more, "If they were, I couldn't carry this around with me without more of a struggle." A few globs of darkness seem to start following Trune. I don't know...I said this was cool, but it's actually pretty creepy. * Trune blinks, "What the hell?" WHat are those? * Niri stares at Trune. "What's going on?" * Trune stares at the globs of darkness, finally starting to look a little spooked, "I'm...not sure." They form a vague outline of him in the light. But it doesn't seem like him at second glance.. it's a woman. * Tanan holds up his light. "See? What'd I tell you. There's a reason only weird people focus in darkness willshaping." * Ryllan reaches out to them as well, giving them a very small metaphysical tug, just to see if they resist, "Any idea what those are?" Um... hello? * Saki grits her teeth, tugging on her gloves in a rather twitchy fashion. She places her feet very carefully, avoiding the willforce crawling across the floor, and levels a glower at Ryllan. "If that gets anywhere near me, I'm knocking you back out this passage." * Tanan pauses. "...no offense to you, Pluto, if you're listening. We can't help how we're made." [Shadow] So you do exist! I'm glad. Pluto? ? * Niri blinks at the shadow. "Wait, are you..." * Angie holds out the elemental plumb line. It tends deeper into the darkness, and she follows it toward the others. [Shadow] Only a living thing casts a shadow in this realm, when struck by the lights. Wait...so then... [Shadow] And from the shadows, many things emerge.. nightmares.. dreams... and even me, eventually. * Trune looks incredibly perplexed, "You're...wait...huh?" So... wait, what are you? * Niri frowns. "Are you familiar with the concept of a straight answer?" * Saki twitches again, her glower levelled at the ground now. "... that's not helping." Who are you? Uh... [Shadow] I'm Pluto. Though... just a shadow of the true thing hidden here somewhere. * Mikel frowns. "I'm reminded of Neptune." * Trune frowns, "Yeah, me too." ...Lovely. Don't suppose you know where She who Cast the Shadow is? * Angie says nothing, lingering in the back of the group. [Shadow] An experiment went wrong, and the system malfunctioned. Creating this space of all of her energy dissipated. ... So this is /her/ energy? * Mikel frowns. "How long ago did this /happen/?" [Shadow] You need to find her yourselves! The true one! She's very lonely. We're her only playmates. * Vytor keeps quiet, having no clue what's being discussed. We were planning on it, but you're not going to help us? Wait... ... Hide and seek? Is there any reason we can't make this simple? So, there's a bunch of Pluto duplicates wandering around here? How can we find the real one? [Shadow] You want to go right, here. It will take you into the Umbra-generating area. Trune, I don't suppose you can talk to her and get any clues? Collect them all? Umbra-generating? Umbra? The hell is that? Umbra. Shadows. Darkness. Ah. I'm...trying, but she's been quiet since we came in here. [Shadow] It's what this... darkness.. is. But ultimately dark is always generated by light. Find the light to free her from this formless purgatory. Not just shadow. Darkest part. Wouldn't that be where Pluto is then, if she's the source? * Saki drags a hand through her hair, nodding once. "It sounds right. ... this place feels like all the others, just weaker and wider." More quietly, she adds a "Let's go. I see enough dreams be real daily." [Shadow] That's right. You have to go very deep... it is dangerous. [Shadow] There's not always a friendly entity walking behind you. watch your backs... We can handle danger! It'd be amazing if there was a safe trip. Yeah, we sort of figured we wouldn't have an easy ride. Thanks for the warning. We kinda knew we'd be screwed. But we're going in anyway. * Angie passes the glass ball to her left hand and draws out her gun, chambering a round with her thumb. Also we---what the... So...to the right first then? * Trune closes his eyes tightly for a moment, "Damn, how many are there anyway?" Looks that way. [Shadow] Too many... * Mikel shifts over towards the right, taking a few steps down as he peers. With that Trune's original shadow returns. * Niri joins Mikel and goes on ahead! * Trune shakes his head as if to clear it, and follows the others. * Vytor follows the group quietly, not knowing what else to do in this situation. * Saki stalks ahead of the group, hunched over just a little; wary and alert and really kind of pissed. * Angie seems happy to let the others take the lead. She follows along warily, weapon pointed at the floor. * Ryllan sighs, following the group. * Mikel leads the way fearlessly! Heading right you reach a set of double doors cast open. It looks like they are the reinforced seal of an area beyond.. this must be the testing area. Walking forward it seems like an impenetrable darkness exists inside. It's creepy... but then a pin point of light appears. Several of them, arranged like a jagged path. * Tanan talks to himself under his breath as he follows along The faint light reflects off of a few banks of silent machines, LED displays glowing eerily green and white in the shadows. Hm... follow the lights? I guess Not much else to follow. When in doubt. * Mikel tries a few steps towards the first one. * Angie examines the dark engines as she passes by them. * Niri peers at some of hte displays. Careful. The lights appear to be cast by some device overhead. They start moving back and forth as Mikel approaches, one almost shining in his eyes, forcing him to shield them. The shadow he casts to the right wavers, and a black orb rises up out of it. * Mikel reaches up to do just that, squinting ahead. "Oi!" Wow, that didn't take long. It apparently is a inky eyeball, staring at him... ? * Trune pulls out his athames and steps into a defensive position. * Mikel ...glances at the eyeball, raising an eyebrow. "I spy with my little eye..." * Trune scoffs, "Oh hell you did NOT JUST SAY THAT." What?! * Angie flexes her fingers around the grip of the gun and maneuvers herself into a clear shot. It was pretty bad. Hello? * Saki chokes out a strangled yelp as the eye raises up, moving into position already; she's far too nervous in such a bizarre landscape. "... better time for this..." I'd like to see you do better! * Tanan leans forward a little, the ball of light in his hand glowing a little brighter As he spies the eyeballand Trune's comment, he doesn't notice his own shadow rising up and shoving him forwards! * Mikel gets shoved! "H-hey!" Mikel narrowly dodges a huge set of teeth the eye grows, nearly gnawing his face off o_O Looks like we're beating on things again. Like there was doubt. You okay, Mikel? * Mikel quickly scrambles back, waving his staff about. "Oi! I'm not lunch!" I had hope. * Vytor draws his hammer, "Back off spooky!" As Mikel moves, the light moves too, and the assailants vanish again. * Mikel ...blinks. Alright, who here can weild Light? ...okay what? ... * Mikel tries a step forward again. They're toying with us. * Angie grits her teeth and stows the glass ball. She grips the gun in both hands and aims at the eye...only to have it vanish. Not about to let her guard down, she keeps her eyes on the spot where she last saw the enemy. If this is Pluto you'd better say so because otherwise you're getting shot! The light strikes Mikel from a different angle now, casting the shadow deep behind him next to Angie. Another eyeball slowly coalesces * Vytor looks lost, not understanding what's happening. * Mikel turns about, hefting his staff and trying to prod this eyeball. Damn...this is bad! * Ryllan frowns, "We can't go forward. If we do, the lights give us shadows to animate." Maybe if I can... * Saki shakes her head and whirls to drive a fist into the eyeball, spinning a second time to keep an eye on her own shadow. "Shoot that damn thing above us!" she yells. * Ryllan reaches out to both the lights and the umbra around the group, attempting to push them both aside! High above is indeed some kind of light-generating ball... Only living things cast a shadow here, huh? And we have to find the light to find Pluto... Ryllan causes the lights to start rocking back and forth wildly. Distortions follow in its wake briefly * Angie steps back and lets a shot fly. It ricochets down the hallway with a staccatto series of "pings" Saki's fist catches nothing as it disappears. *ping ping* goes the ricochet until there's a *SMASH* somewhere. What'd you hit? One light de-powers ...nice * Angie grunts a "dunno," or at least something easily mistaken for it. There's now a gap several spotlights in. * Ryllan frowns, "Okay then..." He throws his ball of Umbra at the Lights above, pushing it, willing it to expand to cover them! ...I don't like this. Ryllan has enough energy to form a sticky, inky blanket over one light. Another hole opens up between the rows. It is possible to pass by several of them now. Sweet! We can bypass fights by using the ooc channel << >.> >> ... * Niri frowns, then pulls out her boomerang and carefully aims at one of the lights. <> << ... >> <> <> << Bwahaha >> * Tanan (~Nehn@24.239.125.230) Quit (Quit: brb!) Alright, everyone through the holes. I'll keep the cover over us if we have to. Right! Thanks! * Mikel starts running down the way. * Angie inches toward the lights, keeping the barrel trained dead ahead. * Vytor starts moving before something else weird happens. * Trune follows closely behind, keeping an eye out behind him in case his own shadow decides to kick his ass. * Saki sticks near the front of the group, trying to see through the darkness. * Niri hurls her boomerang at a light as she follows after Trune and Mikel Mikel runs through a few patches, shadowy little hands grabbing for him but missing as he doesn't stay still. * Tanan (~Nehn@24.239.125.230) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o Tanan Niri's boomerang, impeccably aimed, thuds into something overhead. There's a spark, and the whole bank of lights dies suddenly. [Leah] Awesome Niri, you got 'em! * Mikel smacks away grabby hands with his staff as he dashes down. "Mind the hands!" * Ryllan gets moving himself, moving his shadow as ... Well, never mind. Instead, he pulls it back to him and sets it on his shoulder. The room is now very dark, but an emergency red light comes on, revealing an exit far away down the square room. The walls have banks of rotating lights, now dim. Ha! *Gives Leah a quick victory sign before hurrying after the others* * Saki heads for the revealed exit with all due haste; a light's still a light, after all. * Angie is abruptly cast into darkness. She takes off toward the door as though the hounds of hell were at her heels. * Mikel makes for the red! * Vytor tries to keep up. * Trune tries to keep up with the others, making sure not to fall too far behind. * Ryllan moves his butt!] Swiftly making for the door, you bust right through it into another chamber! This time it is filled with rectangular "pillars" and other shapes, scattered about another wide room. There is a light at the far end, encased in a protective sheath. As you enter hurredly, the light strikes you... and from behind a group of the creepy eyeballs appears! There's little time to react! Gah! Agh dammit! >> COMBAT! >> Enemy Front: Evil Eye A, B, C * Vytor tries to get himself between the eyes and the party. * Mikel whirls about, raising his staff. "Fine then, let's do this!" * Tanan steps towards the eyes, forming another ball of light in his hands. Oh great. :P * Trune steps to the back, holding out his athames, "I thought we were in the clear, too. Damn damn damn!" * Niri brandishes her boomerang. "Hey! Eyes on me!" >> Round 1 >> Declaration Phase. * Angie says nothing, drawing a bead on the nearest eye. * Vytor gets ready to attack. * Saki wheels in a circle, skidding around to put herself between the enemies and the less durable party members. * Ryllan sighs, "Who here has the strongest light spell?" Dunno, but I've got one! * Niri prepares to cast it on Evil Eye A >> Evil Eye A stares down Ryllan! Evil Eye B prepares to cast a dark spell towards Angie! Evil Eye C starts gazing at Niri. * Niri sticks out her tongue and waggles her fingers at Evil Eye C. "Just go ahead and try it!" * Ryllan looks at Eye A, "I don't like that much, but... Tanan! You're with me!" * Mikel raises his staff as a bit of yellow light flows about it, glancing at B and C. "Not on my watch!" >> Battle Phase. >> Saki's action. * Tanan nods, apparently trying to stare down the first eye. * Trune begins to draw a pattern in the air with his athames, the wake left behind is a strong red, "Careful!" * Saki darts forward from her position, wasting no time in going on the attack; first an elbow then a punishing kick in the first eyeball's direction. * Niri grins, beginning to shine faintly in the darkness with a soft, yellow-white light as she hums softly, preparing to unleash an attack. >> The girl tries to attack, though it proves hard to see and land a solid hit. 72! >> Vytor's action. * Vytor takes a shot directly at the pupil of Evil Eye A! >> The silversmith is equally frustrated, but does much better.. 81! 66! >> Mikel's action. * Mikel waves his staff at the pair of eyeballs, the yellow light at the tip flashing brightly as a thunderclap sounds right behind them. "Heads up!" >> Mikel uses Expecting a Shock on B and C! Both are DAZE for 2 turns@! * Niri grins. "Shocking display, Mike! Good job!" Nice. << Mikel, what the heck >> * Mikel smirks, flicking a thread of hair back. "Haven't gotten to use that in a while." << strand >> >> Evil Eye A gvies Ryllan a hard glance, as he's sent into a DAZE for 3 rounds himself! << Uh oh. He did a hair thing. ;) Cue Niri fangirling! >> * Ryllan stumbles back, blinking. >> Eye B swirls around, missing Angie and firing a huge Dark Wave at Trune! 152 damage! ...okay, not so good. Ouch! Aaagh! >> Eye C can't keep focus and gazes at Eye B instead. It resists the MINDROT and is immune to dark. Damn! >> trune's action. Hang in there, Trune. * Angie stumbles backward from the shock of the blast, but being unhurt quickly regains her bearings and levels the weapon again. * Trune stumbles backwards, fuming, "Okay, that does it. You are so dead!" Cord of flame, pierce the enemy with your power! Flare Arrow! * Trune holds out his athame towards Dark, and a single point of flame appears at the tip of the blade, expanding and growing larger. Suddenly, it flies towards Dark in a stream of fire and smoke, impacting Eye dead-on! «ooc: Yay my alias upchucked! :D » >> Trune casts Magi- er, Flare Arrow at the darkness! 92 damage. >> Angie's action. * Angie fires when she sees the whites of their eyes. >> The explorer aims perfectly, striking thrice! 31, 50, 44! The first Eye is dispatched! Nice shot! >> Niri's action. * Mikel lets out a whistle. "That's some sharp shootin'!" * Angie dances past the deflating foe, holstering the gun. * Niri glows as she gathers power to herself! She aims her spell at the next Evil Eye, drawing its lifeforce out to give to Trune... 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. Session Time: Sun Mar 11 00:00:00 2007 >> Niri's song washes over the dark creature. It is weak to Light! 112 damage! Trune recovers 56 HP. Ha, take that! * Trune draws in a deep breath, and gives Niri a thankful nod, "I owe you one!" >> Tanan's action. * Tanan half-turns sideways and raises his hand, point his palm at the closest eye. "Tch. Unnatural creature. Sear!" A beam of bright light pulses from his hand, lancing towards the eye. I take payment in cash and sweets, Trune! ;) I lack both. Can I just smile and nod instead? Sure! Or, you know, keep ME from dying next time. That works too. Deal! Just wait until we get to a town. All the chocolate you can want. * Niri gives him a thumbs up and goes back to focusing on battle! * Niri grins. * Ryllan gathers his focus long enough to cause the light to branch out, hitting the other eye as well! >> Tanan strikes the Eye with a light and holy beam.. as Ryllan's instinct power flares, and causes it to hit the other eye twice! 174 damage to Eye B, 155 and 197 to Eye C! >> Leah tries to lace together a spell, but fumbles with all the energy around and it backfires harmlessly. >> Round 2 >> Both eyes are DAZE for 1 round. Ryllan is DAZE for 2. >> Declaration Phase. * Ryllan shakes his head, "Sit STILL!" * Vytor winds up for a second attack. * Trune quickly begins to trace another pattern in the air, this time the wake is a strong yellow color, "Focus, Ryllan!" * Mikel shifts his attention towards Eye B, electricty playing across his staff and form. * Saki dances back, then boosts forward again - abandoning stances, she aims for clawing punches at the next eye. >> Both Eye Dark Wave randomly into your direction.. * Tanan brings his hands back together and starts forming another ball of light, staring grimly at the eyes. * Ryllan focuses on Trune indeed, "Don't worry, I'll help you!" >> Battle Phase. >> Angie focuses! she is at max MP/HP. >> Saki's action. * Saki is an angry snarling shape in the darkness as she launches at one of the eyes, attempting to tear into it. >> Saki is once again frustrated as she misses the core of the shadow, dealing 58. >> Vytr's action. * Vytor takes a swing at Evil Eye B this time! >> Vytor lands a solid blow for 93! It's defeated! >> Mikel's action. * Mikel shifts his aim with B's defeat, thunder gathering at the tip of the staff as he chuckles. "Here goes!" There's a spark, and then a nicely sized blast of electricty leaps from his staff, winding around Vytor and Saki and heading for the shadow! >> Mikel's reply to Thunder crackles down upon the remaining eyeball dealing 224! It's blown to shadowy bits! Woohoo, awesome! Hah, bye now! * Angie wastes no time enjoying the victory. She makes for the distant light at a jog. * Mikel spins his staff back behind him, grinning. "That's for trying to eat me earlier!" >> Ryllan tries to redirect Trune's spell, but he stops midway as the battle ends, regaining his bearings win >> VICTORY! * Saki shakes her head, following after Angie immediately. "... let's go. I don't like this place one bit. Here's hoping we don't have to do that again. «ooc: lol win! » * Niri smiles cheerfully at Vytor. "Oh, I bet we will!" * Tanan lowers his hand, looking almost disappointed. >> The creatures drop 103 silver as their magic fizzles. I.. aren't there any more? She says that like she enjoys it. Utterly freakin' crazy, that girl is. << for each >> * Niri looks innocent. * Ryllan Shakes his head, coughing, "Gah, that sucked. Had no clue what I was doing." I think you were about to kill me, so I'm glad you're back in your right mind now. The room is deathly quiet again, the shadows wavering slightly as the entities disappear. Lovely. * Tanan looks around again. * Mikel chuckles, heading towards the light after Angie. "I dunno, I'm with Niri there." The pillars noted before seem to be able to be moved. They block out the light shining on them, casting long shadows, though nothing appears out of them. What now? * Ryllan blinks, "Oh hell." See the pillars? They cast safe spots. Saki, think you can move those? Bet she can. Only living things summon those shadows, huh? Question is... can we make a path with those things. * Angie catches Ryllan's drift and ducks behind a pillar, pushing against it experimentally. "Pretty heavy," she grunts. I.. wouldn't necessarily mind seeing a couple more of those though. You know. For uh. Therapuetic reasons. There's a strange spot on the floor in the center of the chamber, currently bathed in the light. The tiling is different, this square marked off by some yellow an black diagonal lines. I'd rather not. * Vytor watches with interest, wondering where this is going. Because they'd just pummel me again. I'm still sore. * Ryllan frowns, "Do we need to? can't we just file up behind them?" * Mikel steps over towards the spot, crouching to peer at it. The light shields can be moved with effort, it shifts where the shadows are cast. One of them is near the unusual spot, and the shadow it casts crackles a bit with energy. ... There are five in total that are movable. No, no we can't. Maybe we need to put that weird part of the floor into shadow? Sounds like. And without casting a shadow ourselves? This is going to be interesting. * Vytor stands back, as puzzles aren't his strong suit. * Saki paces, looking angry and caged. Vytor notices that this one spotlight has brothers along the other wall they entered from. It may be possible to turn them on if he can find the switch somewhere. * Vytor gives into curiosity, and sees if there is a switch for the lights * Mikel ponders, poking the symbol once before moving to look at the shields. Sure enough, there's a shadowed control console in the corner. On the screen it reads "Exercise Delta - Phase 1. Awaiting Phase 2 command." Hey, anyone know what this means? There's a glowing green button in the midst of several others. and a red one labeled "Abort" Mikel's oke gets a jolt of magic! << poke >> Ack! * Mikel steps back, shaking his hand. Don't poke things like that, Mik. You don't know where they have been. Plus, I kinda learned that lesson not too long ago myself. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! * Mikel heads over to where Vytor is after shouting that, peering at the screen. "...Dunno. Should we hit one of the buttons?" Buttons are for hitting. Yeah but which? * Vytor shrugs, and hits the green button. Angie's experimenting with a movable shield locks it into place on the other side of the square. There's a little crackle as it adds power to the zone. As Vytor depresses the switch, a lamp behind illuminates, causing the shields nearby to cast shadows in the opposite direction. In this way, all of them cast shadows behind. It would be a simple task to move them all around that spot. The zone of power remains unchanged. * Angie jumps away from the pillar, startled by the sound. She spins around and looks down at her handiwork. "Oh!" She says. "Can we try to do that with the others?" * Saki shifts back and forth, taking care as much as possible not to cast a shadow: the overall effect leaves her lurking in the gloomy corners of the room. Interesting. Let's move these things. Alright then. Should I turn the light off? Leave it for now, I think? No, don't! We need to move these things, and we need to do it without being in the light. * Vytor raises his hands away from the console. * Mikel moves over to one of the shields to give moving it a go. Right. No touchie. Surround the thing with these, let's go. The third structure Mikel moves a bit, but then it gets stuck some. He's going to need help. * Ryllan throws his weight into one of them! Gimme a hand with this one! * Trune gives Mikel and Ryllan a hand as well, "Push!" * Vytor stands by if there's need for more muscle. * Angie stands back and lets the others do the work. She pushed that one block, she deserves a break. Ryllan bodyslams another one, budging it into position slowly but surely. The eyes of the shadows watch, but do not attack as they pass by harmlessly. * Mikel pushes! Tanan, get your lazy ass up here. Mikel gets aid from Trune, and the 3 of them set two more in place! One remains on the far side. * Tanan is intently staring at the shadowy eyes, his fingers flexing. He either doesn't hear Ryllan, or is ignoring him. * Mikel moves over to shove the last one in place. "Let's get this one, Trune." Right. * Ryllan lets the mages exert themselves, then, maybe it'll make them stronger. * Mikel throws his weight into that one as well! It isn't much but! Mikel and Trune lug the last polygonal block into place. As it locks in, Trune gets a shiver up his spine, the panel in the floor ablaze with force. It turns into a swirling gateway, as the lights dim and turn off almost entirely. * Trune shudders visibly for a moment, sucking in a deep breath. * Mikel glances at Trune. "You alright?" Nice job everyone. Y--yeah. We're just getting closer. That's a good thing, right? For now, yes. * Angie draws her weapon again. The darkness may be safer, but it's no more relaxing. ... She's gonna... Ah. Alright then. Let's get going. Sounds good! * Vytor nods. Right. Off then. * Mikel attempts to walk through the gateway. Into a brave new world! Or area. The brave mercenary magician feel a sense of weightlessness as he's plunged into a completely dark room. he doesn't know if he's walking or floating... * Ryllan follows. ..as does everyone who follows suit! ...this is kinda cool. * Mikel takes an experimental step. * Vytor follows Hoookaaaaaaaaay....? Did we just step in Headmaster Hylan «ooc: evil! » Why do we do these things? Hoookaaaaaaaaay....? Did we just step in Headmaster Hylan's office again? No. This is something different... guess there's no choice, though. Huh, his office is like this? * Saki yelps as she ends up in the dark space, sounding panicky. Mikel walks, but it's hard to orient yourself, and he doesn't know where he's going. The rest of the group do, however notice that they seem to be casting shadows of light instead of darkness. * Tanan steps forward as wel l [Leah] Funky.. o.o Well, it's weird like this. Did I tell you he can change the entire LAYOUT in like, seconds? It's pretty cool. What the hey? * Angie splays her fingers, watching the luminous silhouette mimic her movements. Seriously? That's pret-... whoa, light. Saki seems to be a very grey shadow, though. Leah as well. * Mikel blinks, looking at Saki and Leah. OK, this is new. * Saki grits her teeth at the different shade, and starts walking /backwards/, keeping her shadow in view. What's with your shadows? * Tanan looks down at his shadow. Why are your shadows different? Because this is the opposite. Nonono. Tanan, it would be noted is VERY bright. What's going on here? Their shadows are grey... holy crap, prof. * Angie turns around, shifting her head to keep her shadow in view. "Huh," she says at last. This place is REALLY weird. :o * Ryllan bounces a ball of light in his hand now, "See? This is Dark-aspected willforce." * Tanan squints, then turns his head to look away. "Bright." * Vytor looks utterly bewildered. So...it just reversed everything, Ryllan? But why? Around begin to appear little grey outlines, as your shadow illuminate something hiding. * Saki shakes her head once. "... hi, Rachel," she mutters softly under her breath. * Tanan holds up a hand and tries to form a ball of light in it, to see what happens. So... why Leah as well? [Leah] I.. have no idea! It might have something to do with the nature of her power. Wild willforce, she might have an unusual elemental balance. Could be why mine looks like that too. * Angie keeps her elbow bent, gun pointing up, with her thumb on the hammer. She backsteps away from the outlines, expression darkening. Odd... That'd explain a bit. * Mikel glances at the outlines, frowning before stepping so his shadow gets closer to them. * Niri bends down to examine the shadows on the floor. * Niri pokes at the gray outlines Ryllans is also grey, but not overly much. * Tanan looks at the ball of light in his hands. "Not a reversal. This is still working just fine. So those aren't actual shadows, but some sort of projection...?" * Tanan trails off, and looks over at Leah. * Saki makes a whimpering noise under her breath as Niri pokes at the shadow. "... be careful. I don't... like it much." Honestly, Leah, I'd love to sit down with you sometime and discuss how you do what you do. I keep forgetting though. Remind me sometime, will you? * Ryllan frowns, "Which wouldn't explain this." He bounces the ball of Light again. * Mikel glances at Ryllan's shadow for a moment as well before returning to angling his shadow at teh grey outlines. "So what are these?" [Leah] OK, professor... Oh. Sorry, Saki... * Trune is quiet, looking thoughtful. The outlines lit up appear to be the edges of a room. The light cast shows a setup similar to the offices and labs before an Elementalor door. Oh no. Huh. We're pretty close. Well, at least we're here. In fact, a shaft of light from a turning member boucned of a gold sheen. ... Sort of. Hrm. * Mikel heads for the gold sheen! In a wierd fashion to keep his shadow towards it. * Tanan tries to orient himself so that his 'shadow' projects towards the door Trune ntoices his shadow seems fuzzy... concentrating, he has a rainbow colored outline aura, like several people are behind him, though noone is there. Hey, look at that! I'm a colorful guy. Is it because of the Elementalors? You need to be more cheerful then, clearly. * Saki kneels down very slowly, mirroring Niri's action and touching her own shadow carefully, watching it turn left and right. * Mikel gives his a close look, curious now. Maybe, or I'm possessed by rainbow people. That could be, too! But anyway...what now? * Vytor notes what the others are doing, and examines his shadow as well. Saki's shadow mirros her movements, but they are different somehow. The body shape is wrong. It also looks like it has on a robe rather than a fighting suit. Vytor's shadow seems very plain. But there's a spot of dark, the number upon his back remaining dark amidst the light. * Niri looks at her own shadow, to see if it's at all out of the ordinary What are we supposed to be seeing here? * Saki shivers softly at the sight of it; with a heaving breath she bolts back up to her feet, turning away from it for the first time. She's shivering, just a little. "... us." Dunno... something about ourselves, maybe? Hrmph. Darkness willforce! I'd guess they're projections relating to our inner selves in some way. Or things we're carrying with us. I almost wish I could a better look at mine. ...almost. * Vytor nods, but his face clearly shows that he really doesn't understand. * Ryllan nods, "Things we're carryin', it looks like." So...that means my inner self is a rainbow colored hippy? I am so dissapointed. Cheer up, Sunshine! :D ...oh the jokes. It's so YOU. Think about it, Trune. What do those colours represent? The sad thing is I can't retort as easily because IT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. Well, elements. But do they have to be so...rainbowish? << sorry about that. >> Generally. So, if you don't have any colors, then there's no elements involved? Niri's shadow is fairly bright, and buried deep inside of it is a especially bright spot shaped like a crescent moon. I... guess so? Folks, let's go, alright? We can share introspection later. Free elementalors now. Yeah, let's book it. I'm embarrased enough. Yeah... * Trune takes out the ECC and points it at the door, wondering if it'll help crack it open * Niri blinks at her shadow. "Hey, cool..." * Angie takes one last look at her bright silhouette, then heads for the door. But yeah, which way do we go? * Mikel shrugs, still peering at his shadow for a bit more. "Yeah yeah..." * Tanan looks at everyone's 'shadow' in turn * Ryllan takes one look at his shadow, commiting the details to memory, then a quick scan of all the others, before moving to the door. Leah si still looking at her shadow now and again, confused. * Saki looks extremely discomfited, glancing back at herself worriedly. She's shaking very slightly - her composure, doing better than normal in this ruin, cracking rapidly. Ryllan's shadow has a spot of grey ink mixed in. It's swirling lazily. Leah, stick close, alright? * Vytor notes Saki's distress for the first time, and decides to keep an eye on her just in case. The light of your inverted shadows cast by the dark illuminates the doorway. The ECC beeps and causes the door to vanish... Onward! * Mikel shrugs, finishing trying to get a look at his shadow and moving towards the door. "Righto." I'll head in. She's...probably expecting me but perhaps not the rest of you guys. * Tanan looks up when he sees the shadows start moving. "Oh!" Alright, I've got your back. Be careful. Thanks. Be careful Trune. Beyond is a chamber of even more dark than this. In the center of the floor is the outline of a girl. She is sitting on the floor, devoid of motion. Her eyes are blindfolded and hands bound by some kind of jacket. But...I want to meet her too! :/ Check to see if she's gonna go all nuts on us, and if it's safe, we'll join you. * Saki stalks into the room, trying to keep her breathing even; she's spooked, but trying to recover from it. * Mikel takes a cautious step in behind Trune anyways, peering. * Trune catches a glance at the girl and a brief flitter of anger crosses his face before he heads towards the girl, "I'm here, and I brought others. I'll get you out of these binds in a second, okay?" The head of the creature raises slowly. [Pluto] That is.. your voice? >> My pads softly into the room. The click of her gun cocking breaks the silence. * Angie pads softly into the room. The click of her gun cocking breaks the silence. Yeah. It's me. << haha >> * Niri peers in cautiously through the doorway * Mikel takes another step! * Vytor stands by and waits. * Ryllan steps forward, just behind Trune. There's a strong aura about Pluto, but it's dampened by the shackles. * Tanan moves next to Niri, hanging back as everyone else steps in. Miss Pluto, is it alright if we approach? * Angie circles around the edge of the room until she has a clear shot. * Niri eyes Angie * Saki says nothing, skulking into the shadows by the door; pressed against the wall. * Trune 's usual smart alecky demenor seems to have vanished for the moment, He kneels down next to the girl, "I'm gonna see about removing these binds, okay? Hold on." Trune doesn't need to do very much.. as he walks over, his shadow shifts forward and illuminates the pitiful bound girl. (w) What is Angie doing? Or....wait, what the? The moment that occurs, her shadow elongates and grows many times the size and out of it slowly rises the true Pluto. Hello there. * Angie doesn't make any motions to attack yet, but she's wound tight as a spring. * Niri blinkety-blink! The power around them begins to ripple and is drawn into her with a deep breath! Oh my... Is that suppoed to happen? * Mikel lifts his staff, frowning. The light reappears dimly, and the Elementalor yawns tiredly. Supposed to? Yes. Is it good for us? Let's wait. [Pluto] Oh, I forget the last time I could move so! So... we're safe, then? * TheStoryteller opens her dark eyes and looks at Trune. << ack >> * Trune nods, and kneels down next to the girl with a smile, "Nice, isn't it?" OH STORYTELLER TAKE ME NOW I WANT YOUR HOT MANFLESH «ooc: nuke that » * Tanan recoils from Trune * Niri fidgets impatiently Pluto opens her dark eyes finally and looks at Trune. he feels the power wash over him briefly, then it's constant. She doesn't seem violent, infact, like a depressed person looking upon her light. [Pluto] You're a little different than I expected... but thank you all the same, Trune. Illusions form a tight cloak about the girl, clothed in a simple white gown like the others. * Vytor watches with curiosity * Tanan blinks a few times, then whispers "Sweet mercy she's lucid and civil." Don't sweat it. You'll be able to meet the rest of your family soon, and you won't be alone. [Pluto] I don't wish to fight... I just am happy I'm not alone here. * Angie is unswayed. She remains tensed, squinting suspiciously at the girl. So... should we get going, then? [Pluto] I couldn't see or hear or feel... * Niri grins at Pluto. "You have no idea how happy we are to meet someone who isn't going to try to kill us." [Pluto] But then I felt Mars briefly... she is alive? * Niri mutters back to Tanan, "I think Trune's like an Elementalor-charmer. At least this time." Yeah. So is Neptune, Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus. I'm sure the others are, too. * Tanan nods. "Yeah... it really looks like it. Wow." She smiles, looking around the room now. "I wonder how Sister Venus is doing." >> "They're on the moon," says Angie, the first words she's spoken since she entered the chamber. We'll find her too. * Mikel ponders. "Venus, huh?" [Pluto] Yes, she is the Elementalor of Light. She would often tease me... Pssh. Sounds like someone I know. * Trune gives quite a long glance at Niri. * Mikel snickers. * Niri sticks her tongue out at Trune! So, Trune, we gonna get going? I bet this girl would like to go someplace a little more comfortable than this. * TheStoryteller walks forward and holds onto Trune. She appears short, like a little kid tugging on his arm. << gah ;_; >> Pluto walks forward and holds onto Trune. She appears short, like a little kid tugging on his arm. Yeah, dark and dreary doesn't seem exactly the best place to chill and talk. Yeah, let's go. This is obviously much at odds with the huge power level she exudes. It almos makes Trune dizzy being in close proximity. * Ryllan (~doomgaze@staff.lunarnet.org) Quit (Quit: Computer going to sleep...) * Trune smirks at a bit at Pluto's gesture and actually ruffles the girl's hair a bit, which is both cute and rather humorus, considering she's way older than everyone put together times...a lot. * Angie follows close behind, keeping an eye on the pair. She's lowered the gun, though. How nice of her. Hey, we got any hot chocolate on the ship? [Pluto] &smiels again, speaking somberly* Shall I take us out of here? I hope so. * Tanan nods, taking a step backwards as Pluto drags Trune towards the door. "We should go. And probably should contact Webbly and the others..." Ooh, you can? That'd be really convenient! Niri? Huh? * Tanan points accusingly at the white dragon wings * Saki hasn't said anything since Pluto arrived; despite the blocking effect of her bracelet, she's too busy feeling overwhelmed by the waves of power. So can you. * Mikel snickers. [Pluto] Of course I can. This entire place is something that shouldn't exist right now. * Tanan grins. Hey, they didn't work too well last time. ^^;;; Well, they led us to the boat. I wouldn't want to TRY to use them in here. So! ...point. Point, set, and match. I vote we let Pluto do it. This time. Objection withdrawn! Pluto raises a little hand and a blob of dark gathers in it. She then blows on it tenderly, and it disspates to encompas everyone protectively. In a split second, everything not in the bubble vanishes entirely. * Niri fidgets. ...oi Whoa. You are floating out in the open ocean. o_o Eep! Above the waves. Weird! ...Yet cool. * Mikel glances down. ...Oh geez! If we end up swimming I will be sad. * Niri spreads her arms out and grins. "I can fly!" Pluto gets a shimmer in her eyes, though winces at the light afterwards... [Pluto] So pretty... ow... * Tanan chuckles at Niri. * Trune looks at Pluto in sympathy, "I was like that when I was trapped. It took me a bit to get used to the light. Eventually you do." * Vytor elbows Saki and gives her a concerned and curious look. Hey, come on. We're floating over the water! How cool is that? Soon the Fragarach sails closer to the floating group, your ride home. Emiria better not freak out. * Saki all but jumps at Vytor's touch; all she really manages beyond a panicky look is a muttered. "... R-Rachel. A bit too much for me--" Well... I suppose it's pretty cool. Yeah, we should probably get you to the moon as soon as we get onboard. * Vytor nods sympathetically to Saki Hey, don't kick her out TOO soon, Angie. She can stick around until she's ready to go, I think. * Angie shakes her head. "It's Emiria," she says, confident that that explains adequately. * Huw is now known as DrWebbly * Mikel scratches the back of his head. "What /was/ up with Emiria, anyways?" >> ECC bleep-bleeps Nnn. I don't know, Angie. It was the other way around. I think it'll be fine. Hey Angie, ease up. She hasn't seen anyone in YEARS. * Trune pulls out the ECC, "Yo!" But really, it's up to Pluto. ...Oh. Right. You got a point, Angie. Well, there's people on the moon, too! Moon chocolate time. Magic people, even. [Pluto] Ohh... you have a communicator. Is that The others? Still! Let's not push her out.. * DrWebbly appears to be wearing a black leather hat, pinned up so it has three sides. (A tricorn) Ho ho me hearties! Pluto, that's Dr. Webbly and the other Elementalors. ... ... ... .... * Niri stares at Webbly, then starts to giggle. ...Uh, hey Professor. * Mikel cracks up laughing. Hi Doc. Oh man. Hello, Dr. Webbly. * DrWebbly tilts the hat back to reveal a eyepatch. His sensors aren't in the right place for it at all. Pluto looks at the ECC curiously, the holographic image appearing. "It's... Dr... Webbly?" Hi Dr. Webbly! Guess who we found! We've come to board you and steal all your little girls. * Mikel is still laughing. The eyepatch just adds to it. ......Snrk. * Niri can't help it and just cracks up. Great! Take Niri! Take her now! At last my prayers are answered! ;) ...H-Hey! * Angie cracks a faint smile. Being out of the extradimensional maze probably helped, too. * Trune gets ready for the inevitable retaliation! * Vytor gives in and starts roarin with laughter! * Niri smacks Trune lightly upside the head ;) 'fraid not, you old sea-goat. Only the cutest girls are good enough for the Sailors of the Moon. * Mikel shakes his head, finally starting to calm down. "How's Mars doing, Cap' Webster?" * Trune ows and seems surprisngly good-humored about it all. * DrWebbly sags a little. "Recovering." And hey! Are you saying I'm not cute? *mock-pouts* [Pluto] Can I see her soon? Oh, so Niri is not cute enough? Well, that is totally understandable! ;) * Mikel gives Niri a pat on the shoulder. * Trune gets ready to retaliate yet another whap to the head. * Niri punches Trune in the shoulder. ;) Mikel, he's being mean. :P The bubble meanwhile is still floating over to the ship, but there's a shrot distance yet before it reaches the deck. * DrWebbly laughs. * Tanan tries to fight back a laugh. "Ooh, ouch. Don't worry, Niri. Apparently you're not the only one one who needs glasses." Should I zap him? * Mikel points a finger at Trune. Nah. I'll get him later when he falls asleep. ;) I have some great stuff in my makeup bag. Ohshitnodonotfireoffwillforceinsidethisbubblerightnow But seriously, guys. I had an accident with some moon chocolate You wish, choir-girl. * Tanan waves his hands in front of Mikel Accident? * DrWebbly holds up a circuitboard. With marshmallows stuck to it * Mikel ...blinks at Tanan. ...Uh oh. Speaking of moon chocolate! I'll bet Pluto would like some. So could you all entertain Pluto for bit? Sure! ...once Tanan stops dancing in front of me. * DrWebbly holds up a pair of big cardboard sweatdrops. * Vytor chuckles [Pluto] ...chocolate...? I don't really require food, but... Sorry. Sorry. I thought you were actually going to do it. * Niri starts giggling again Do you know what firing off a bolt in this bubble would do? Sure thing. Let us know when you...uh...get the chocolate...uh...out of your ....weird mechanical thing. The point isn't that you need food, Pluto. It's that it tastes good and makes you feel better when you're down. Probably break it or fry us all. Are you okay with that, lil' one? [Pluto] Is food like... love? * Angie grimaces behind Pluto's back, but nods. "I guess we can manage." And we're still over water. Wait until we land, _then_ zap him. [Pluto] I think someone in the lab said that. * Saki shivers, watching the ship's deck rigidly - it'll clearly be a relief to be on ... not at all solid ground. Hey, cool. I have a teacher's permission. Pluto looks genuinely perplexed at this concept. * Niri grins. "Not exactly, but sharing food is a way of showing love, for some people." I have this friend back home who's always trying to feed people whenever they feel down! It's her way of showing she cares. Food isn't exactly love, but it does make you feel good. Especially if it's something you like. * Niri 's eyes sparkle all of a sudden * DrWebbly holds up a smiley face. "Just relax and try not to use any draining powers, okay?" There's a little warp of space, and then the group lands safely on the deck! Emiria meanwhile is just staring dumbstruck :o Well, there is that saying about that way to someone's heart. Maybe I should share my recipe for Heaven and Hell! ...Hey, Saki? Can you make that? * Vytor waves to Emiria * Mikel big smile. Can we possibly save this discussion until we're standing on...oof! *She lands in a crouch.* Okay, I'm good. * Niri manages to land without hurting herself Did you all have an adventure? You kind of disappeared off our scanners for while. I think Saki once refused to make it for me. Come on! We have a guest. Let's go and get situated. We can talk then. I'm headed for the kitchens, guys! *devious grin* Anyone in need of serious sugar, follow me. [Pluto] There was a little accident, Dr. We have ice cream on this thing? I mean, we seriously have ice cream? Since when? We're about to find out. Come on! * Saki gulps in a breath of air as she lands on the deck, nearly dropping to her knees. A couple of deep breaths - and a brief move away from the group - and she's gathered her wits to speak. "... M-maybe," she replies, finding her voice after a moment. "... give me a moment first." [Pluto] Ice cream...? * Niri 's eyes go wide. Shiro woofs in approval! If it has ice it must be good! ...oh hell She doesn't know what ice cream is! Quick, I need someone with an ice spell in the kitchen with me, now! * Niri runs off deck! * Mikel chases after! ....I think we have started something truely horrible. Oh crap! Niri! You can tell me all about it later. Go enjoy yourself, while I.. fix.. this.. somehow.. acid ma--*static**blip**transmissionend* * Tanan laughs, shaking his head. * Niri beckons to Shiro and is gone down the stairs! Good old Dr. Webbly. * Trune calls out, "This ship is really old! You don't know where that ice cream has been!" [Leah] Niiiirrriii wait up! * Mikel calls back before vanishing. "In the freezer!" * Vytor heads belowdecks to check on the reactor. You are both crazy! I am going to watch you both -- mostly because I will laugh at your soon to be hilarious antics! * Saki sighs weakly as everyone runs off; when all gets quieter she decides to opt for just collapsing, flopped out, on the deck of the ship, staring up at the sky. * Angie flips out the cylinder on her revolver and shakes out the remaining bullet. Hm. Well. * Niri is now known as AmyAway * Tanan sighs. "I might as well come with you, Trune. This is either going to be hilarious or require some healing. Or result in deliciousness." That is so why I'm going. Plus, I think Pluto ought to see it too. * Angie looks a shade or two brighter having set foot back on the ship. "I'm gonna go tell Emiria what happened," she says, holstering the gun and making for the bridge. [Pluto] ...I want to see this food... feeling good after feeling nothing at all sounds nice. True! Come on, Pluto. We'll show you some stuff before Webbly gets that communication thing fixed. And so the party returns to the ship triumphantly, Trune with a new 2500 year old friend... as well as equally old ice cream in the galley! But as they dispel the darkness, a light beckons them forward... == SESSION END == Session Close: Sun Mar 11 01:34:22 2007