Session Start: Sat May 26 21:17:41 2007 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 39 - Blockade Runners | Location: Offshore Takkar | Pools: 720 §, 4 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | Everyone should copycat Saki in journals.' == SESSION START == It has been some time since the Fragarach has left the port of Takkar on schedule, despite Angie's wishes to have a large party of explorers aboard. The two surprising stowaways proved to be worth their salt, and everything was going smoothly.. at least until they reaches the offshore region of the Panama Barrier... Saki was attempting to keep her calm as the voyag progressed, and noticed Yuriko was doing likewise, always not far from her. The blue haired girl was practicing a few katas, summoning a ball of chi, controlling it's size intently. Everyone at this point had cleared the bridge to grab a quick meal and plan out some strategy, leaving the two time to talk alone. * Saki is probably best described as having passed her time hovering near Yuriko; while as inactive and restless as she usually is through any stretch of journey, she's spending the time near the other martial artist out of some vague feeling of normalcy. [Yuriko] You've been very quiet, Saki. Am I disrupting your meditation? The girl lets the energy mote shrink and juggles it around her wrists idly, coming to a stop and staring at the kindred fighter. * Saki blinks out of a dazed stare into the middle distance across the water, shaking her head. "Nn," she responds in the negative, then decides to grace it with a comment. "...It's been impossible recently in any case. Whatever's down in the south is loud." [Yuriko] So, it is calling you there? A voice inside? * Saki actually chuckles at that; it's a little dark, perhaps. "... more than a voice. ... the Prophets want the old me back," she adds, just a little wistfully before a violent shake of the head snaps her out of it. "... it's been an eventful few weeks." Yuriko pauses to digest her tone a moment, then smiles slightly. "I can believe it." [Yuriko] I know we have not talked much... and not many people know this, but.. [Yuriko] I'm actually a little like you, Saki. * Saki makes a noise between a bark of laughter and a cough, and somewhat weakly leans her head back against the bulkhead she's resting against. "... haaahh. I've stopped believing in consequences." «ooc: ... coincidences » [Yuriko] Yes, it does seem that things happen for a purpose. We will find our purpose one way or the other.. either to fight it.. or accept it. [Yuriko] I feel as though this 'voice" wants me to become stronger, and to save someone I hold dear... * Saki is silent for a long beat. "... Rachel wants to rest. ... I've talked to her, thanks to John. She's angry, and just wants out." [Yuriko] So, that is her name? The anger I sensed in our first fight? * Saki tilts her head just a little. "Nn. She's--" A random wave of the hand. "--waking up, or... something, because of all of this. The Prophets." [Yuriko] I'm afraid I don't fully understand what you are facing, only that is is unnatural. This feeling led me to bring a weapon here for you. [Yuriko] I probably sound very silly to most, but you.. you can understand. Intuition hasn't led me wrong yet... * Saki slumps her head forward, raking her hair with a hand. Letting out a long breath, she nods. "...yeah. I'm playing it all by ear." [Yuriko] That energy that wounded me was definitely like what I sensed from these "Prophets" -- and now you might travel into their lair alone. Even with friends, you face your own problems with none. << er noone by your side >> [Yuriko] I am afraid that you might become Rachel, and no longer be Saki. * Saki frowns at the deck, lapsing into silence. ... she's sincere. --I believe, at least. As far as the others go... [Yuriko] I hope you are right... you need to make peace with yourself. And I need to discover what "the other me" is trying to do... * Saki hoists herself up to her feet and ... looks awkwardly sheepish, or at least out of your depth. "... we're getting there. --I hope." [Yuriko] It is interesting that we both turned to the arts, for a similar reason. [Yuriko] I know with training we can both acheieve so much if we hold true to who we wish to be... * Saki makes a noise of acknowledgement, then a little pride shows through in a slightly unpleasant grin. "... we still need that rematch." Her hand goes to her head as she feels the ship lurch a little. "... though perhaps not until this is out of my head." Yuriko tightens her fists ever so slightly. "Yes, yes we do! I look forward to it." [Yuriko] For now, I'll be here to guide you through a dark time -- someday I'll need the same favor, I feel. * Saki nods slowly, her gaze far-off again. "... I think we'll need all the help we can get." Yuriko looks far off wherever Saki is looking as well, having a moment of silence. "You've got some wonderful friends. I'm glad you took my advice." [Yuriko] ..or are they only following you for the food? *giggle* * Saki smirks. "... they'll be the death of me, I'm sure of it." [Yuriko] Oh.. actually I think I hear them coming! The meeting must be finished... * Saki deadpans, crossing her arms and leaning back against the metal wall. "Damn. I shall have to disappear into the night." * Vytor heads up the staris to the deck, taking a breather from monitoring the reactor. Greetings you two. Anything of interest going on up here? Yuriko bows a little to Vytor as he comes into view. * Saki keeps up the deadpan. "You missed the school of dolphins and the flying pigs." Oh good. That's considered a bad omen amongst sailors ;) Somewhere below decks you hear Laike and Leah gabbing to each other about a few adventuring tales.. So Saki, you have any idea of what we're going to expect down south? Shiro is meanwhile happy to curl up in the shadow of a unused deck gun. He seems to have gotten over the scary factr of the ship, mostly./ * Saki shrugs expansively, her attention fully settled. "... mm. Not really. Tombs; I don't really know, beyond that." I suppose we'll see some amazing things on the way. The wind shifts to a westerly flow, as the vessel is on autopilot, rounding a large peninsula jutting out from the land to the west. T the east, the large island of the city of Carribia can be seen. [Yuriko] Misogi should be very valuable if we meet the undeads. They also are very vulnerable to fire, or should be, if the legends are truthful. * Saki buries a hand in her hair, looking a little aggrieved. "... I could do with a lot less amazing things and a lot more dull and boring, to be honest." I imagine we'll get little of dull and boring util this business is ended. * Trune clambers up the stairs, his face close to a book of some sort. He seems to be deeply engrossed in it, whatever it is. Hey Trune. Anther good book? Yuriko sighs briefly. "It'll be awhile before Meribia is back to dull & boring..." Er, huh? * Trune looks up from his book, blinking a few times as if pulled from deep thought, "Uh, oh, nothing much." * Saki shakes her head with something of a wan smile. "... some things never change, I suppose." What are you reading anyways? You've been engrosed in reading for a while now. The land to the west, after the large round peninsula dwindles into a very narrow isthmus. This must be the region called the Panama Barrier, as it is the only entrance via land to the great green beyond. * Tanan walks into view from the rear of the ship, looking out at the island in the distance. He starts over when he sees everyone else, but hesitates at a slight distance away. * Trune shakes his head, "Nothing much...just some magical theory." * Saki , for all her joking, tenses just a little; a tilt of her head makes it very obvious that she's aware just where Tanan is. Meanwhile, some light vessels bearing the flag of the League's Merchant Marine are also spotted some distance away. Compared to the massive gunmetal destroyer, they are little more than wood & silver toys bobbing about. * Vytor leans aginst the railing, "So has anyone been this far south before?" * Tanan reaches down to the sword at his side, touching it briefly as though he's considering removing it. He lets go and takes a few steps backward instead. Misogi rests firmly in it's ceremonial sheath at Tanan's side. * Trune shakes his head, "There's not really even many maps of this area." * Saki winces visibly, but not out of pain; she holds up a hand in apology. "... it's alright. I'll--she'll have to deal with it." It's hard to tell from this long range, but the Panama 'barrier" does definitely exist - a brown walled fortification on the tiny strip of land. This sea route is very unguarded indeed. Its always been a little too warm down here for my liking. ...you sure? I can go back over there. * Vytor blinks as he hear Tanan's voice, "Hey Tanan. Didn't see you over there." The temperature is indeed increasing. It is hot and humid, like a tropical rainforest not far away. A couple islands have palm trees and beautiful sands, making Carribia known as a great vacation spot. * Saki tilts her head. "Mm. It'll be ridiculous if we have to stay 100 yards apart while trying to deal with the Prophetess. Let me get used to it now." I dunno...I kind of like the heat. The weather near the academy can be pretty bitterly cold. Unfortunately, your vessel is not a run of the mill cruise ship or a merchant boat. Sailing southwards without hesitation, you cross a couple of bouys marking a controlled access sea lane. I prefer the cold. Its easier to escape than hot is * Tanan nods and walks over to the others. "True. We don't need to be ducking away the entire time we're down there, or it could get inconvenient. Not intending to stand outside and shout in for updates on what's happening." This immediately flags a handful of league vessels which start speeding over to you from the Barrier's direction. It is a formation of 3 patrol frigates, sparsely manned, with a flashing blue light and a single Takkar cannon mount visible. * Saki definitely looks tense - her eyes keep straying towards the sword as if it might leap at her, but to her credit she's keeping her ground, especially when the incoming threat tears her attention rather forcibly away from it. Uh oh. Seems company's coming. There's some sort of loudspeaker being employed, as a crackly voice fills the air.... [Patrol] Identify yourselves! This is a restricted area! We're from the academy on official buisness! Hmm...evideny they didn't know we were coming. * Saki glances at Yuriko. "... were you given any kind of identification for this?" [Yuriko] I'm not here on government business, so i doubt I can do anything to convince them otherwise... Although with a boat this size, we could just run them over, I doubt we'd make a good impression. * Tanan moves to the railing nearest the incoming vessels. "I'm not sure what they intend to do, but I doubt they'd be crazy enough to attack." [Patrol] Noone without official orders from the Colonial league or Trade Comission is to progress past the Barrier. This is an order from High Command for the good of all citizens! * Trune rummages through his bag for that old letter from Jonathan, hoping to convince the patrolmen, even if it may be out of date, "This is kind of important! Can't you make an exception?" The ships do not attack, being forced to remain at a fair distance. the wake from the large vessel could sweep them entirely under. * Saki growls softly in her throat. "... forget it. If they can't get close, we just keep going." [Patrol] I don't know who you are, or where you got that relic, but we will open fire if you do not change course immediately! If we don't get you, the flesh eating hordes will! * Vytor watches the boats with some concern. Emiria doesn't seem to pay the boats any mind from the bridge, and maintains course. * Tanan cups his hands to his mouth, shouting back across. "Don't be absurd! We're on official business. We're an Academy archeological expedition, you don't want to start an incident now!" * Trune fehs and pushes his bag back a bit, realizing that even if he found the letter, it'd do little good, "We gotta go forward." There is a moment of silence as the patrol obviously hesitates.. a lot. Those guns look mighty huge on the Fragarach.. Can't you guys make an exception? This is awfully important! Besides! We'd feel really bad if we had to sink you. You're just doing your jobs! If you want, you could file a complaint or something, I'm sure the politicians could sort it out. They don't pay you enough for this, am I right? * Saki grins unpleasantly. "... if anyone knows how to train our guns on them, do it." Let's not take an aggresive posture unless we have to. Yeah, if one of them gets away and calls enough boats...they could sink even a ship like this one. Let's not be dumb. [Patrol] ...this is your last warning! Really! Do you have some death wish going there? This policy is in place for a good reason, damnit. Please go away now! The patrol hesitates some more, holding the line at th crossing point as you increase distance. * Tanan scratches his head, looks at everyone, and shrugs. He turns back to shout again. "Yes? Is this a trick question?" [Patrol] ...so be it, you lunatics. Go to your ends, but you aren't coming back through here again! * Tanan makes a hrmph-ing noise and mutters "Yeah well your moms." Look nice Patrol People, we have a ship this large for a reason? Do you think we're just a bunch of lunatic adventurers who just happened across a boat this size? And thank you too, you jolly polite patrolman! We'll keep it in mind! * Trune bows quite dramatically. The ships pull back and blockade the entrance to Carribia and the Gulf. It's about all they can do against such a goliath. :P Right then, we're sailing further to the east on the way back. Did they really think they could stop a monster this size? [Yuriko] I just think that was for appearances sake. [Yuriko] Though they really are taking this seriously.. both worrisome and exciting, don't you think? Yeah well...I wanted them to stay longer so I could get Niri on deck and convince her to do something stupid...like moon them or something. * Vytor shoots a critical look at Tanan, "Your moms?" * Tanan looks at Trune. "Ha. You just want to see her-... ahem. Sorry. And yes, Vytor. Their moms. They were being absurd." ...what are you getting at? No I don't! With that incident out of the way, you now have utterly open sea to roam about in. The land strip opens up again into lush rainforests and mountains to the south as you turn to mirror the coast somewhat. The problem is there is no good landing zone for anything this size. It's just...she's so exuberant...I bet I could get her to do it! * Vytor represses a smirk * Saki sighs out a breath, dully watching the boats slowly shrink. Ah, I see, I see. I suppose the powers that will sort that diplomatic mess out on their own. There are mazes of narrow shallow rivers a plenty here, and the sounds of many types of wildlife. Almost too many! It would do for a league hovercraft or the like to enter the interior of the continent here, but you aren't piloting one of those by a long shot. The Academy gets a complaint of some kind from New Meribia every week or two, from what I've heard. Just add this one to the list, I guess. * Tanan scratches his head. "Should have told them we were on a secret mission from Bree from before the incident or something." Uh...guys. Where exactly are we gonna get off, anyway? I imagine that they'll be very unwilling to let us back in though. Figuring we're smuggling in zombies or something. * Saki wobbles slightly; she's leaning perhaps a little more heavily on the railing that's supporting her as she - a little dreamily - answers Trune. "... soon. That way--" she points out into the jungle. "--straight. ... there might be a river that way." * Trune gives Saki a strange look, "O...okay?" The ship is now on manual mode as Emiria mulls over a chart of the continent and the oceans on the bridge. Assuming its a deep enough river to support this thing. Otherwise we're swimming in with the Destiny on our backs. * Saki shakes her head, trying to clear away the mental cobwebs. "...nn. --we can either get off here and beeline, or try and find a way around, I think." [Emiria] It looks like that if we follow the coastline east, then turn south, there should be a large river, called the Amazon on these records. * Tanan nods. "I remember seeing a big river on that map Webbly showed us." We can give it a try. But if this thing gets stuck we're pretty well screwed. With that idea, the DDX-14 makes for the east at a good clip. It's amazing how much of your field of view is filled with natural beauty and vigor just beyond on the coast. This area seems almost untouched during the Devestation War. Or, by the looks of it, extremely overgrown settlements that once existed in this region... Man, check out that jungle. Wow... * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 39 - Blockade Runners | Location: Frontier - America, East | Pools: 720 §, 4 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | Everyone should copycat Saki in journals.' * Saki looks solemnly at the landscape; it's hard to tell just which she might be seeing right now. You wonder who lived here long ago...and what life was like back then. What a trip. Hot and sweaty, I'd wager. It's nothing that a cooling unit couldn't han-.. I guess they didn't have willforce units like that back then. Maybe they had some equivalent though The small rivers continue for a good ways, beginning to grow larger as you proceed ESE on the compass. There are some small-scale ghost towns, though they are nothing in size compared to what was found up north. Sure enough, as the land begins to arc south, there's the mouth of an extremely wide river! A few sea animal swim away as the vessel comes around to investigate. [Emiria] Well, here's our waterway. I'm not sure how far I can take her, but it is better than nothing. That looks promising. Hopefully, pretty goddamn far. I'm not up for walking. * Saki closes her eyes, apparently trying to concentrate past the buzzing in her head. We'll probably have to eventually. Not sure how far the Destiny will take us through this mess. * Zack is now known as ZackDinner * Saki nods, eyes still closed. "... that's it," she confirms. Well, a little bit of walking is fine. A lot of walking...not so fine. The captain is forced to maneuver very carefully into the mouth of the Amazon River, though it does fit the Fragarach well enough. Soon you are progressing at minimum speed through the lovely rainforests lining either bank. There are some monkeys in the trees, and exotic birds you haven't seen before flit from branch to branch. The speed would be greater, but the current is surprisingly strong, resisting the advance of the destroyer upstream -- * Trune leans against the rail of the ship, watching the scenery pass by. He's very quiet now. [Yuriko] Such a great place to explore. Biologists would be overjoyd to see this. True enough. [Yuriko] Though I can't deny there's.. something... unsettling here, hiding in the shade of the great trees. * Tanan shakes his head. "I don't know. If what they say about what's in this place is right, we're heading directly into a nightmare. This place feels wrong." It does? ...Wrong? * Trune looks back to Tanan, "What do you mean?" * Saki keeps her gaze rooted on their direction of travel, barely heeding the conversation to her side. Laike comes up on deck to stretch. "Hmm, oh we're here already? Wonderful progress." * Tanan blinks. "Yuriko can feel it but you can't, Trune? I'm surprised." * Vytor shrugs, as once again, in matters of this sort, he's once more out of the loop. I...feel power...But it's not odd or sinister or anything. There's something off here. I don't know if it's just the prophetess' place, but... this is up there on the list of places I'd rather not be going to. Besides, they said that barrier's up for a reason. They might be telling the truth. Kind of like very old magic. The river is grandually narrowing, but progress is being made slowly. In brief moments between the cover of the trees, you notice the mountain peaks far off that seem to scrape the clouds. On this course, you might get there eventually... * Saki barely moves a muscle; this close to their goal, she's taut and some combination of worried and nervous. * Tanan sighs. "It might be really nice in other circumstances." [Laike] What a waste, indeed. Guess we'll have to mop this whole dead zombie mess to make this place safe for tourism? Ha ha. Eesh. I'll leave that to the authorities :/ Bet I'll be bitten by a monkey on the way there. [Laike] I know Leah would love to see this, but she wasn't feeling too good suddenly and wanted to lie down. Laike mumbles a bit to himelf, unintelligible. ..? She's okay, right? [Yuriko] Oh, she was ill? [Laike] The lass will be alright in a bit. This isn't uncommon with her. I'm used to it by now. [Laike] You didn't know about her nightmare problem, i take it? Or maybe, Niri never told you folks? Dreams, huh? * Saki keeps silent, but shifts her attention back to the conversation. Hmm [Laike] It's been getting worse lately, too. She's been all chipper but quite the little insomniac. I wanted to come check up on her -- but don't go tellin' her that. * ZackDinner is now known as ZackPotC3 I won't. But...huh. * Trune shakes his head, "Nah, nevermind." [Laike] I think this place is making it worse, too. But I can't stop her from trying to explore either... * Saki shakes her head, muttering to herself about coincidences and returning to her vigil at the horizon. * Tanan glances at Laike. "I don't know that I'm surprised they've been getting worse. She's... we've all seen some really weird things these last few weeks." [Laike] I also get the feeling I've been in this situation before. Deja vu. Man, first Tanan, then Saki, now Leah? Am I the only one not getting mentally screwed with by this place? * Vytor chuckles ...aaand let's add Laike to that list now. [Laike] Come now, lad. I'm a little tougher than that! And so are you! I think you've got enough on your platter talking to those spirits or whatnot. * Tanan looks at Trune. "Hmm. He might be right. You might be a little less sensitive to things because of interference from the elementalors." [Yuriko] Or maybe shielded in a fashion? Huh, maybe. That'd be a bonus, really. Most poeple I'm nuts for talking to superweapons anyway. [Laike] It sounds like you're going to need them, too. Think you can go summoning a whole army of 'em? Does nine count as an army? Nine? Shiro wakes up at the conversion and ambles over to Tanan. * Trune pales slightly at Laike's comment, holding the book he was reading earlier a bit tighter to his chest, "...Sure. Walk in the park." * Saki smirks, staring off into the jungle. "Just make sure I'm out of the way." [Yuriko] I'm sure it takes great discipline.. maybe you should practice first, Trune? * Tanan reaches down to scratch Shiro behind the ears. "We've only woken seven of them. I guess maybe we can count master Hylan as eight, if we're talking about calling down horrible things." * Vytor counts his fingers, "Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, Dancer, Prancer...wait. Mars, Jupiter, Saturn..." * Trune smiles ever so slightly at Yuriko, "Who says I haven't been practicing?" [Yuriko] I see. But aren't we.. missing one of those? Yeah...Saturn. They said something about there being someone else, too. Jupiter wasn't too clear on exactly who.. or what, I suppose. [Yuriko] I do hope that's enough. It is like a chain missing a link.. would it be strong enough to break one completely united? [Laike] Well, what's one Prophet anyway? They don't seem so tough if you take them on alone. Just a magi with a time magic fetish. No problem. [Laike] That was the idea, eh? Yeah...D-Don't worry. I won't mess up. We've got a little piece of her seperated too, though. Hopefully it'll all balance out. * Trune puts on a tight lipped smile, shaking his head, "Hey. I'm...gonna head down below for a few. There's...something I gotta do. Let me know if anything comes up, okay?" Shiro paws at Tanan a little bit as hengets a scratch, looking almost.. concerned. << er he gets >> * Tanan crouches down next to Shiro. "Will do, Trune. Hopefully we'll have peaceful sailing a little longer." * Vytor looks curiously at Trune, "Ok, seeya later." Thanks. See you in a bit. * Saki makes a face at the jungle. "... I don't like this," she spits out her rallying catchphrase without much in the way of pre-empting. * Trune begins to head down below decks. As he passes, however, it almost seems that the hand holding the book seems to be...shaking? The river narrows, and the unsettling feeling grows with each nautical mile they cover. Saki's phrase proves the best summation of the group's fears... fears about to become life in a few short hours. == SESSION END == Session Close: Sat May 26 23:43:01 2007