Session Start: Sat Sep 08 21:26:02 2007 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * Retrieving #lunar-iog2 modes... * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 51: Land-Ho! | Location: Atlantic Ocean | Pool: 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ =-' * TheStoryteller sets mode: +m == SESSION START == With the mystery of Ien island solved, the storms that plagued Carribia faded gradually in intensity to normal levels for the spring. The winds blew anew in promising directions, as the Polaris sailed back to port and a rondevous with the rest of the convoy before setting out to the uncharted waters of the east! Inspired by their heroics, the crew compliment was filled out and after a quick resupply, the group of three ships under the command of Commodore Mel de Alkirk began the long journey to finally land in the fabled Europe... * Vytor stands at the ready, having checked and rechecked the group' supplies for the future overland portion of their trip. * Saki ... lurks. Vaguely out of sorts and still unable to deal well with lengthy journeys with little to do, she either hermits herself away in her cabin or resolutely trains. Once in a while she will hover around the group, but says little. The 'Polaris' sails in formation at full speed, bringing up the rear behind the flagship 'Venture', and it's smaller sister Jessica's 'Horizon'. It has been a few days now in blue waters and no sign of land just yet. The convoy's sea charts indicate a couple days of sailing yet remain before they should have sight of the foreign shores. * Niri , after the first few days, suddenly is spending a lot of time either in her cabin or out on deck, especially at night, scribbling notes and muttering to herself eagerly with a rather odd intensity. The crew seems a bit restless after this amount of sailing, but are otherwise in high spirits, keeping the sails trimmed and the wind at your backs. * Vytor heads over to Niri's cabin, and knocks on the door. "Niri? You in?" * Trune sits outside on the deck, once again scribbling away on some rumpled notes. He looks irked, and often stops and crosses out a line or two from his writing. Occasionally he'll take a piece of paper, crumple it, and outright toss it overboard. Hmm? *There is the sound of books hitting the floor and paper scattering everywhere* Oh, blast it! Yes, I'm here...be right out. No rush. I'm just here to return your book. Oh! *Opening the door* Thanks! This is great timing, I think I may need to look some stuff up in it... * Mikel stands up near the bow of the boat, occasionally gesturing to toy with the water a bit as they sail. Other than that he seems content to just pick a spot on the railing to lounge about on. * Vytor hands over the Chronicle, "It was some help to me. THanks for letting me borrow it." * Saki bolts across the deck in a serious of complicated movements that nearly but not quite pitch her over the prow at the end of them. Trying to burn off energy and train at the same time, apparently; there seems little else for her to do, though she's apparently spent some lengthy periods of time trying to write and draw. I'm glad it helped. Anyone's free to look it over at any time, of course. *Frowns at the cover* Were you able to sort out anything that'd be of interest to me? Depends on what interests you, to be honest. What are you looking for? Mikel notices the water had an abundance of sea life. the fishing they did a couple days back was very lucrative, having rare breeds he's never even seen in any market before. Thankfully, most have been fairly non-violent, though a large shark did make a mess yesterday of the nets... Stuff related to astronomy, really. Particularly the planets. Angie was able to help me some! But she stole some of my books. *grins* Astronomy huh? * Vytor considers * Saki ends her latest run across the deck by unceremoniously falling back into a half-sitting, half lying position against a bulkhead, looking a little wiped from exhaustion. There's a few references to historical events and astrological portents of the time in there. Try Chapters 8, 14, and 21. Those are the biggest ones. There's a smaller one in chapter 6, but its a very brief entry. Oh, thanks! *Nods eagerly, already flipping to the pages* I'm still working on fine-tuning the equations, and I know some of my math is wrong, but this is getting really exciting. * Mikel raises an eyebrow slightly, playing with the idea of lobbing one of fish onto someone on deck. Can I ask what spawned all this sudden interest in astronomy? Oh, well, it's kind of complicated, but...well, Mikel is looking for a way to make that new spell of his less dangerous, and I started wondering if there might be a way to smooth out the elemental harmonies so it's more effective and less painful. Since each element is related to a planet, I started researching that and I stumbled across some amazing ideas. * Trune is engrossed in his work, and looking a little more fustrated at his lack of progress. Like what? Each of the planets has a mathematical ratio that describes its orbit, that matches up with a mathematical ratio that describes a musical interval. So, using that information, I can figure out which intervals sound most harmonious together, and try to resolve some of the dissonances. * Vytor looks genuinely surprised at that. Really? It could have even more far-reacing uses, too. It might even help us fine tune the Harmonic Engine. Yeah, really! Isn't it awesome? * Mikel waggles a finger, sending a fish into the air for a few moments before letting it drop back into the water. He spares a glance behind him, taking note of where everyone is. Interesting. * Niri 's excitement over this idea is unnaturally energetic. And here I thought it was more an application of the division of elemental willforce energies suddenly released from the biological matrix and reacting negatively to the sudden void of corresponding elemental influences. But I've been wrong before. * Ryllan is now known as Ryllan-afk * Niri screws up her face in concentration, her brow furrowed as she muddles through Vytor's words. Ohhhhhhh. That actually could be, too! In which case we'd need to get them to play off each other again, sort of keep themselves in check. Things like this make me wish I understood willforce better. * Mikel flicks another finger sending another fish skyward as he mulls. * Trune finally spares a glance at Mikel and /stares/. Well, same here...I admit I'm approaching this largely from a musical point of view. And I could be completely wrong too. * Mikel doesn't seem to notice Trune's staring at him. Flick. Fish in the air yet again. ...You are a very very strange person. We use things called fishing lines and hooks. You're taking all the fun out of fishing! Hm? Oh, thanks for volunteering. * Vytor begins to pace as he thinks, his own energy seemly on the increase. "Its too bad we're going to be out in the middle of nowhere for a while. I'd really like to access some of the equipment back at the labs for some of this stuff." * Mikel flicks a finger again, sending a fish up even higher... and towards Trune. ...Oh man, don't you dare-! Hmmm. I think I need a break from researching. Let's go find the others. * Niri plops the book on her bed and shuts the door to her cabin. * Vytor blinks as he's suddenly snapped from his thoughts, "Eh? Oh. Most are on deck, I think." * Trune lets out a loud curse as he gets a fish to the face! X_x Catch of the day! * Saki opens one eye from where she lies, taking in the scene for a moment; with a sardonic smirk, she settles back down. Wanna come with me to find them? Sure. Not like there's a lot to do on these trips. * Trune picks the fish off from his face and watches it wiggle around on his lap -- and all over his notes, "Son of a BITCH, Mikel! That wasn't even called for!" * Mikel lets out a sigh. "No one appreciates a joke." However, a warning comes up from the watchpost on the bridge tower of the Venture, relayed over the crackling radio to all ships. Angie is nearby when the message comes through. "We've caught sight of what looks like a vessel of some sort approaching, bearing WNW at an incredible speed. It's grey colored and extremely hard to make out..." And I think we'd better get up there quick. I think that was Trune yelling something about a fish. Not when it's not funny! Agh, I spent hours on...agh, nevermind. * Gayo is now known as Angie * Saki smirks again. "... keep that on-board. It'll do for dinner." She digs her hands behind her head, resting back. * Angie leaps into action. "That could be the Fragarach!" she says, and she's on the deck in a flash, telescope in hand to see for herself. Well, it was either you or Saki. * Vytor heads onto the deck, just in time to hear Trune spluttering his indignation. * Trune grumbles and begins to stuff some of his now soggy notes into his bag, "Yeah, yeah...sure." * Niri gets up on deck just in time for the commotion to start. Now what? * Mikel blinks as Angie streaks past. "What's going on now?" * Trune looks ruefully at the fish, which has stopped flopping and is giving him a beady-eyed dead fish stare. "Another ship's been sighted," says Angie as she expands the telescope and holds it up to her right eye. ...another...ship? * Mikel blinks. "Another ship? Out here?" * Saki opens the eye again to peer at Angie. Who the hell would be way out here? Heh, maybe it's a ghost ship. ...if it is you're going first. Whoever they are, I bet they're not bringing my birthday cake. * Vytor raises an eyebrow at Niri Birthday cake? Subtle hint ahoy? Sure enough there's a fuzzy grey spot on the horizon, which at distance and the cloudy day is hard to make out details. But it is growing larger and approaching the convoy. Obviously hearing ANgie warning, a reply comes back... ...So I'm craving sugar, okay? * Saki hauls herself up to her feet, snagging the heavy gloves that were laying next to her and sliding them on. "... be careful," she warns quietly. [Jessica] Vice Commodore Jessica here. What was that you said, Angie? Frag-a-rock? Happy Birthday. Here, have a fish! Ew NO! * Mikel looks at Angie. "So. Is it someone we know or another random meeting?" I will so dump you in the ocean. You'd better watch Mikel, then. He did it to me. * Angie claps the telescope shut with a scowl. "The one that got away," she says into the radio. "Be on guard! That ship may be hostile." ...Oh. Son of a bitch. You're both troublemakers, that's what. *Eyes Angie* What's going on? Angie! What's out there? * Mikel pushes off the railing and goes to grab the attention of one of the crew. "Hey! What's the range on that willforce cannon you've got down there?" "I can't be sure at this distance, but it might be the Fragarach. It's a big, grey ship." She holds out the hourglass. "My eyesight's a bit bad. Someone else want to take a look?" * Vytor races over to Angie and rips the eyeglass from her hands. * Niri wide-eyes at Vytor * Vytor pales at the name, "The Fragarach? Here? Oh cripes, if Emiria got those weapons working we're screwed!" Ahhh.. could it be? [Mel] Is that right? Well boys, tighten formation and change heading. All ships, get your powder and guns ready... I don't like pirates when I'm not the one doing the attacking! ....Today just gets better and better. Yeah, this isn't good. * Tanan sounds almost pleased. "I wonder if we could get on board." I can't imagine she's had time to get the big gun working. We couldn't even figure out how it functioned. [Creman] Uh.. well the willforce cannon is slightly shorter range than the 24 cannons we've got... energy dissappates over distance, you know? I hope not, or this is going to be real short trip. << crewman >> ...oh man, it is the Fragarach. * Mikel frowns. "How about if you super charged it somehow? Also, someone warn Mel that the ship's an old world ship." * Vytor hands the eyeglass back to Angie As the gundeck suddenly becomes awash with activity and the shouts of sailors running to and fro to begin loading, a huge SPLASH rings out off the starboard bow. * Saki tugs at her gloves, frowning at the distant splodge on the horizon. "--I like the sound of a boarding party." She turns not to any kind of communicator but just /yells/ in the rough direction of the bridge. "/CAPTAIN/! Anything small and fast?" * Trune jumps, "Agh shit! What the hell!?" ...great, she did get them working. Gah! * Saki twists her head to one side, blinks twice, and growls. "Inside! Now!" ...Okay, now we're in trouble. Screw it, let's find out the hard way. Hey, Trune! Ryllan! Yeah? * Angie turns to head back inside. "I'd better get to-" She simultaneously jumps and ducks, nearly falling over in shock. Angie! Can you get at the engine easily? [Jessica] Damn it, it can fire at this range? What the hell is that thing? * Saki curses under her breath and is running, making her way up to the bridge as fast as possible. << That's no moon, it's a space station! >> The Fragarach doesn't even need to his us with its guns. Something that big only needs to ram us! How was she able to even find us? "The engine on the Fragarach, or the Polaris!?" A hint of nervous irritation is creeping into Angie's voice. * Mikel gestures. "Time to test a theory. Come on." Then he's tearing through, making for the willforce cannon. Hopefully Ryllan will follow too. * Tanan sounds calm, almost serene. "The harmonic one." * Trune follows Mikel, his earlier irratation forgotten. [Mel] Engine rooms, get things ready for full power. We need to close that distance; we've obviously got more guns than that monster. It's also heavily outnumbered! * Angie stares blankly for a minute. "The..." She doesn't finish the thought. In a moment she's off, scrambling down the ladder that leads belowdecks. * Vytor races for the bridge! "Captain!" * Niri blinks, then races after Angie! * Mikel makes his way over towards the cannon, raising his voice. "Hey! Can this thing get charged by a willforce adept?" * Vytor practically breaks down the door to the bridge, "Captain! That's an old world ship! Pre-Devastation!" The other two ships begin to assume a staggared formation to give the Fragrach's obviously limited shots too much space to hit accurately, preparing to turn hard and deliver a broadshide when in sufficient closeness. The stelthly ship meanwhile, continues to advance, as another single, massive shot manages to go high and punch into the Horizon's mainsail. * Saki is just a short distance behind Vytor. Her voice is calmer but her eyes are blazing. "... if you can get us something small and fast, we can try to board her." Captain, with all due respect to the fleet and the crew, there's no way we're going to win a shooting match with that monstrosity! People on deck begin to scramble as wood and silver collapse onto the secondary deck. Jessica is yelling out for calm, as finally the gunners get a clear bead on the enemy vessel! The Polaris's and the Venture also are within range. Mikel gets a affirmatice nod from the sailor at the gun. "That's the idea!" * Vytor stops and thinks, trying to come up with a plan. Right! Let Trune charge it then. Ryllan! Power up the shot as Trune starts firing! Me? Er....uh...just tell me where to go, then! * Saki glances at Vytor sidelong, stepping back just a little. She's said her piece. Saki wait. * Saki nods, just a little. "Mm." [Mel] All right, hard to port! Bring all guns to bear on that demon! Hurt my daughter and that's what you get! Maybe if we're lucky we can put a nice big hole in the damn thing with this. I might have an idea. * Angie engages in an enthusiastic, hand-waving conversation with the sailors in the hold, and manages to get the Harmonic Engine unloaded, hooked to the big on-deck winch, and hauled out of the hold via the main hatch. The Fragrach begins to come clearly into view as last minute trajectories are calculated and the wind factored in by the gunners. It appears to the group that the bow still has signs of weakness from the unfinished torpedo tubes. It would be the perfect place to snipe through the otherwise thick armor... * Saki tilts her head, glancing out of one of the windows. "... it's your lead. I'm not exactly a swimmer." * Niri finds she is not very helpful, but she hovers nearby Angie, waiting for the Harmonic Engine to get into position. The lead shielding on the Fragarach's main reactor ight still be weak. If we can get there, I can show you where to hit it to safely vripple the reactor. Assuming ours ships can still float, there'd be no way the Fragarch could catch us then, and maybe even its guns will quit working. * Mikel points. "...aim there!" Hopefully at this point the crewman's shown Trune what he has to do to charge the thing. * Ryllan-afk is now known as DooM_GazE * DooM_GazE is now known as Ryllan * Saki smirks, looking down at the deck below. "... we'd best hurry, then, or we'll be shown up." * Angie waves her hands to guide the sailors controlling the winch. "No, no! Over there!" She lowers her voice to mutter, "The Engine can increase the range of your attacks, but not enough to hit the Fragarach. And it might not interface properly with the willforce cannon. We need to get over there." There? Got it! As long as we stop that thing, I don't care who gets credit. * Vytor scrambles belowdecks. * Trune steps near the rediciously huge (to him, anyway) cannon and begins to concentrate, keeping a steady gaze at the horizon and ship in front of him. Angie! Angie! Where are you! * Ryllan steps to the side of the canon, pressing a hand to the metal and focusing... * Angie is now abovedecks, making for a hilarious comedy of errors. * Saki almost laughs out loud at the rushing around; it's a quiet chuckle but it's there, and then she's after Vytor and away. Dangit, where's that cannon thingie? Another shot barrels through the air and hits the stern of the Venture as it prepares for a broadside! Unduanted at the gaping hole that appeared in a cargo bay, it returns fire, followed by the Horizon and some of the Polaris gunners. A wave of steel and silver laced cannonballs, more than 70 in all hurl through the air at the bow of the Fragarach! * Mikel frowns for a moment before gesturing. "Let's supercharge it even more, just in case." A snap of the fingers and Mikel's sending mind increasing bolts of lightning into Trune as well! * Trune places a hand on the cannon, and instantly arcs of lightning begin to run up and down the length of the cannon, "Get ready!" * Angie hops onto the engine and maneuvers it behind the bridge tower relative to the Fragarach, providing it with a small measure of protection from the violent exchange. We need to get closer, yes. But this should be able to greatly inconvenience Emiria, if we can get into her range. * Saki rolls her eyes as they ready to fire, turning back to the Captain. "--Captain! Small ships! We can fight that on our terms! Where are they?" * Vytor almost runs right past Ryllan, Mikel and Trune, and skids/falls to a stop, scrambling back onto his feet and into the room where the sub-cannon is. «ooc: okay nuke. » There's a chours of smoke and explosions and the volley tears into the armor plating of the steel giant. It's not as effective as expected, but the whole front area has been weakened substantially. As if stunned, the ship begins to immediately halt it's forward momentum giving one last chance for Trune to open up with his gigantic lightning gun, aided by Mikel and Ryllan! Let it loose! * Vytor watches and waits. * Saki feels the crackling energy pouring together and immediately gets the hell out of dodge, diving down towards the lifeboats to get one ready to depart and hopefully getting far enough out of the way of the giant magical gun. * Trune lets out a gutteral shout as he slams his hand on the side of the cannon! In an instant, the cannon explodes to life, sending a powerful stream of corsing lightning energy through the sky and right into the Fragarach! A couple crew hit the deck, quite literally as their hairs stand on end from the static charge. The crewman manning it gets a frightened look, wondering if the thing was designed for so much power. Trune's augmented elemental magics send a bolt of sheer electrical destruction at the Fragrach, who has begun taking evasive manuevers. However, it is too late to avoid the crackling beam as it crashes with full force into what remains of the forward hull plating. * Trune reels forward when she cannon fires, barely keeping his footing. * Mikel reaches out to help Trune stay upright, letting out a shout at the power of the blast. "Holy shit!" A sizzle and explosion appear as it wrecks havok with the steel vessel! The massive barrel guns on the foredeck fire one last shot that barely misses the Polaris again, as they fall silent... they are disabled! * Vytor spasms a bit, as the outpouring of electrical power makes his teeth rattle. [Mel] What the hellw as that?... whatever it is, I like it! * Saki yells sharply across deck, voice half-submerged by the cannon. "--tor! Are we doing this?!" * Mikel smirks. "Alright! Let's try taking out the damn thing's engines!" The Fragrach has suddenly been put on the defensive, as the engine whine at maximum power dangerously. It beguns to come about and make for a retreat! Agh, it's getting away! I don't know if I can *pant* charge the cannon again in time! Let me do it then! I didn't say I wouldn't! Wait! There's a better option. There is? What? * Mikel smirks as he grabs on. "Both of us then." He glances back at Vytor. "Tell us, then." Mel orders the now-reloaded cannons to fire again with normal shot, seeing as chain is ineffective to something without sail. * Vytor runs next to the cannon and examines the Fragarach as it turns, racking his brains for what he remembers of the schematics. * Ryllan rests his hand on the cannon again, "Quickly, Vytor. We can't let her get away!" The vessel is a large target, though it's side platings are vastly better and it shrugs off most of the damage with only light pits to the composite armor. * Mikel glances at Trune. "I'll provide lightning. You good for another shot of that or want to try to mix it up a bit?" I think I can handle one more, yeah... That armor won't give to a side-on shot. Its designed to handle side on exchanges. We can't outrun it, so we'd need to hit the back of it when it finishes its turn. Just tell us where, then. We'll punch through that damn thing. [Jessica] Damage reports... our speed's dropping, we're using our engines to keep up. But can't match speed forever... is it withdrawing? OK, the back end, center mass about 1/3 up from the waterline. Aiming upward a few degrees. If you guys can punch through that armor, you'll have a good chance of hitting some of the reactor spaces. The lead shielding is weak, and a good hit will cause a breach that will activate an emergency shutdown and kill the reactor. * Angie sits on the engine's raised operator seat with her arms crossed and her brow knit. She drums her foot against the flooring, pensive but unable to help much. * Mikel nods, lightning starting to crackle around him as he feeds willforce into the cannon. "Got it! She's not getting away without answering to us!" * Vytor races for the deck * Ryllan pumps his own willforce into the cannon - no elements, just raw power. Saki! Where are you? * Trune once again concentrates, another wave of lighting energy racing into the cannon, "Right!" * Mikel grins despite the situation, watching lightning crackle around the contraption. "Ready!" As the group prepares another magical volley, a long white haired figure in a cape appears on the rear deck of the Fragarach. * Saki calls back with a "Here!", struggling with ropes to launch a lifeboat. * Mikel resists the temptation to suddenly adjust the aim upwards. ...Leah! *Niri's hands clench on the Polaris' railing.* * Vytor races over to Saki, "The guys down below think they can cripple the reactor. If that happens, we can run or try to board. Thoughts?" * Saki grins. It's not pleasant. "You need to ask?" She blinks, looking up as she catches Niri's shout. Leah? * Vytor blinks and look out at the Fragarach, "Leah's on that thing?" The person appears to be charging some sort of willforce enchantment, as purple light begins to spring to life around the area... ...I think so! It looks like her! ...shit! Leah, no! * Mikel closes his eyes, letting out a shout of his own as the cannon lets off another fusilidae of magical lightning. It streaks across the ocean, zipping straight to the rear of the Fragrach with even more ferocity than before! * Niri starts casting a defensive spell to counter Leah's magic * Trune is once again reels back, panting heavily, "Oh...man...did that do it?" «ooc: - is » * Saki curses extravagantly under her breath and gives the lifeboat a /boot/, sending the thing into the water and her after it to ready it for the rest of the group. "We board, then! Angie, Niri, at least! The others on covering fire!" * Vytor nods to Saki, and runs to get Angie. Angie! Where are you? This way, Vytor! The figure, presumably Leah, continues focusing magical energies as the second bolt of willforce streaks through the air between the two warring vessels. The tip crackles hungrily as it crashes into the target and Leah as well...! But something doesn't seem right * Angie hops down and kicks the hull irritably. She begins to pace the deck, rubbing a hand over her mouth. In her agitated state she kicks over a bucket of parts. She stops and stares at the nuts and bolts rolling around deck, seemingly transfixed. Suddenly she's moving again, scooping the parts back into the bucket and pouring them down the mouth of her bazooka. She steps right up to the railing, takes aim at the distant figure, and * Niri waves Vytor over to where Angie is waiting with the Harmonic Engine * Mikel stares over the edge of the cannon, growling. "What is she /doing/?" fires. Straining under the pressure, a barrier of raw energy maintained by the girl literally holds the gigantic cloud of magic in the air where it lies. Like a mitt would to a gigantic baseball. ...son of a bitch. Another shot! Is....is it even worth it? Won't she just do it again? Aim for our previous shot! Cancel it with earth! (Plant) << switch with plant >> * Vytor ducks momentarily as the bazooka does its work, then hustles over to Niri and Angie, "We gotta move. We're going to board that thing." O...Okay then! Do it, Trune! I'll just add power to it. * Trune concentrates once more, this time vines begin to snake and grow around the length of the cannon. If the guys down below can cripple the reactor, then we can get to the Fragarch before it excapes. * Angie doesn't move. "I'm on it," she says, nerves poking holes in her affected calm. * Mikel starts to just pour raw willforce into the thing now, eschewing elements. Angie, can we get the Harmonic Engine over to that thing, do you think? Or should we just leave it? * Ryllan channels power into the cannon once more, growling as a thorny vine snakes over his hand. * Tanan snarls. "Both of them." Then there comes a scream out across the way as the still manifested ball of power is hurled back at the Polaris! o.O Oh, crap! Now! [Leah] Not yet, Niri! NOW! Get down! * Niri hits the deck, at the same time Leah's words carry across the water Leah meanwhile gets grazed by random junk that Angie has launched. * Trune lets out a cry as the cannon fires, a stream of plant energy hurling straight at the ship! * Saki blinks at the spectacle for several seconds then shoves off the side, sending the lifeboat a ways into the water and ready to move off at a moment's notice; as the ball descends she yells a "Move! Move! Move!" up towards the deck. «ooc: I meant ball! Sorry! » * Angie has no time to relish the quality of her aim. She leaps away from the railing and hits the deck, twisting in the air to land underneath the bazooka. The cannon fires once again, as the crews of the convoy look on in shock at the mighty battle raging... * Tanan goes almost transparent, seeming to be on the verge of... something. A Plant-infused bullet scream out towards the Thunder blast of Trune's volley now seeking his death and the two collide in a gigantic antipodal reaction! * Vytor covers his eyes. * Mikel grits his teeth, ice starting to form on parts of his jacket and the cannon. "Come on... clear up already..." * Saki hunkers down in the boat, snarling to herself. The resultant cancellation sends shockwaves through the water and the combatants of all sides ships rock dangerously. Ngh-! * Niri slides into the railing, biting back a curse before she struggles to her feet. * Trune stumbles forward, looking worn now, but not ready to throw in the towel yet. There is also a huge amount of particles making it difficult to see clearly in a ironic fog of magical war. * Angie covers her eyes with one hand and grabs onto a deck fixture with the other to stop her from sliding right off the deck. Before the ship has settled again she's on her feet, rounding up the grappling hooks and tying ropes to each. * Mikel growls, ice forming to anchor him to the cannon and the deck. "Trune! Water now!" [Mel] Get a grip! Hold fast! Maintain course you dogs! It's just a few waves! * Ryllan falls to the ground, a gash torn in his hand by the thorn growing from the Canon, he pulls himself to his feet, "...Keep firing." He orders, dragging himself back to the Canon and grabbing on once more. * Tanan fades back to his normal color. "Tch. We're not going to be disable it with her interfering. Damn. As the smoke clears the Fragrach is still intact, though speeding away at full steam. It's nuclear-powered engine helps it move twice as fast as the modified hovercraft fleet. ...Maybe if we could take the lifeboat Saki's got ready over there and stop her up close... * Trune nods, and once again concentrates, this time droplets of water form on the surface of the cannon. Would that be totally suicidal? Oh no you don't. If we can't damage it, then it'd be best to let it go for now. But now that its out there, someone needs to warn the shipping fleets back home. It is now out of reach of the convoy's normal Takkar cannons, as the last volley lands inaccurately around the destroyer. * Mikel narrows his eyes, sparks of blue light gathering at the tip. "Ready!" * Saki huffs out an angry, sullen breath. As the Fragrach starts to move away she flops back onto a seat of the lifeboat and just watches it drift off. * Angie curses under her breath as the Fragarach moves out of range of her weapon. There's no way we can catch that thing if its reactor is running at full power. ....Okay you're right. * Niri mutters under her breath. We'll get another chance. Leah came this far to pursue us, she's not going to give up just yet. * Mikel lets out another howl as the cannon lets loose another volley. Instead of lightning or plant however, this time sharp blades of crystalline ice take flight! Leaving behind a wake in their fury they seek out the hull of the battleship to rend it to pieces! * Trune lends his own willforce energy into the blast! * Ryllan lends yet more power to the blast, leaning heavily on the canon. Hey Angie, you still with us? Mikel's parting shot barrels out as a cloud of icicles chilling the air as they arc through the sky. As deadly as they are, the distance starts becoming too great and the magic invested weakens substantially. When it finally pounds the rear hull of the Fragrach, it causes damage, but does not punch through to the core or its lead shielding. Hurting, but certainly not disabled.. the shadow slips off into the eastern horizon trailing smoke. * Angie sighs and powers down the bazooka with a flip of a switch. "Yeah," she says. Good. -trailing smoke * Mikel slumps, ice around him suddenly shattering as he nearly falls over. "...dammit!" * Niri growls and punches her hand into the deck...then winces and shakes her bruised knuckles. * Saki lets herself bob along amongst the fleet, raking her hair in frustration. * Trune makes a small choking noise and falls to his knees, utterly spent. Easy Niri. [Mel] Looks like the lilly-livered scallawags ran away.. * Ryllan growls, looking away from the viewport, "...Goddamn bitch. Trune, you okay?" * Niri sighs As the ship makes good on its speed advantage a ominous shadow hovers over your minds It happened /again/. Y..Yeah, I'm fine. It? Come on, let's get up on deck. Get you some air. * Ryllan offers Trune a hand. [Zophar] ... in the end destruction is inevitable.... Hehehe... * Tanan snarls. "YOU!" * Niri bolts upright. "...What?" * Mikel falls onto his rear, panting as the last few bits of ice fade away. "Ah...hah... Dammed ship's..." He stares upwards, frowning. "Oh /shut the hell up/." * Saki opens her eyes to stare at the sky dully. * Trune cocks his head upwards towards the voice, "Was that...?" * Niri grits her teeth and clenches her hands. "We're tired of your stupid games!" We're coming for you, creature! Your death approaches! Stop playing tag and come play already. ...says the god who's prize battleship just got sent packing. Yes. Destruction is inevitable. That's why your forces run from us and hide. You will be ended, Destroyer. * Niri takes in a deep, halting breath, closing her eyes momentarily. She then opens them again and glares off into the distance. "I'm going to get Leah back, somehow. You won't keep her in your power forever, Zophar." * Vytor grunts in agreement with Niri. The gundecks fall silent as the crews looka round in confusion as to the source of the voice. * Ryllan emerges onto the deck, "She got away." He looks to Niri, "...I'm sorry." * Niri sighs and shakes her head. ...She's still in there, somewhere. Nothing further of note appears, and a calm falls over the watery battlefield. * Vytor gets up, and sees to getting involved with the repair crews. * Mikel falls onto his back, sighing. "If it isn't teleporting it's old world ships." Reports and chatter immmediately start up. It appears the venture has suffered a direct hit to its rear loading ramp and hull, though is still seaworthy with some quick patching. Jessica's Horizon has a gigantic hole in its mainsail, but cloth is available and it can be restored. They are currently burning through stock of fuel to augment speed with the Lovelace engines at full horsepower. The Polaris is shaken, but no significant damage is detected -- except for the fact the willforce cannon is almost entirely melted. * Mikel peers at the cannon. "...we can fix that, right?" * Trune begins to trudge up to the upper deck, a dazed look on his face. We can. Its not major damage. * Ryllan sighs, "...Sorry. That was me, I expect." Eh. Vytor surmises that with the forge a silver replacement barrel can be fabricated with some time. My crazy scheme. * Mikel waves a hand. * Saki bobs lazily on the waters, still looking emptily up at the sky and odd clouds, one hand resting on her forehead. The lifeboat bobs along with the momentum of the fleet. Meanwhile, the seadog Shiro has been hiding in the cabin whimpering ;_; * Vytor sees to the cannon, as the crew has the shipwork in hand. * Mikel starts hauling himself up, mulling. "Maybe if we just aimed it at one of them before they start playing catch." * Niri slumps against the railing, arms draped over it, staring out despondently at the sea. If they can see us, they'll play catch with us, I expect. The last vestages of the grey destroyer vanish from view. To which port it heads for repairs is unknown, but you feel it isn't the last you'll see of Emiria and her "toys". * Angie slumps against the hull and slides down to the deck, cradling her weapon across her lap. * Mikel shakes his head. "Next on brainstorming along with stopping teleportation and breaking them free, breaking through that barrier." With that he trudges back on deck, feeling rather exhausted. * Trune finally reaches the upper decks, the same dazed look on his face as he stares out across the ocean. * Ryllan moves over to Niri, leaning against the railing next to her. * Mikel half slumps over the railing, staring down at the water. * Niri looks up and meets Ryllan's eyes, before sighing and looking back out at the ocean. "You okay?" Vytor. Yes? Did that last shot do anything? Yeah, I'm okay. Just angry. These near misses are....well, come on, Zophar is just taunting us! At least I know Leah's still there somewhere. If I could just GET to her though. * Saki chills on her new acquisition. Saki gotta boat. If we had been closer, it would have done the job. Dammit. * Mikel ...then dots as he spots Saki. * Mikel stares a bit more. We'll get another chance. * Saki is still where she was, only now her eyes are closed: she could almost be dozing off, bobbing along on an untethered lifeboat. >> For the use of the magic cannon to repel the Fragrach, the party recieves 10 MXP! * Mikel reaches out and flicks a finger, sending a fish over the boat's edge to hit Saki. Heh...stop that, Mikel. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 51: Land-Ho! | Location: Atlantic Ocean | Pool: 10 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ =-' * Trune still has a very dazed expression on his face, like he's not entirely with it. I'm allowed to invite the wrath of Saki to distract myself from that damn duo getting away. * Ryllan sighs, "I know, it's frustrating, Niri. We'll catch up with her again before this is through, I'm sure of it. We'll just need a better plan." * Niri nods. * Saki snags it out of midair at the last moment, holding it in front of her face and opening one eye to match it's beady peer. It struggles in her hand, but she hangs on easily. * Saki clears her throat in a meaningful fashion. Hm. Less successful than I hoped. Someone toss her a line so we don't leave her behind! * Saki watches the fish impassively as it eventually stops squirming, then is on her feet in an instant with an overarm throw; it's not the best throwing weapon, sure, but does aim true at Mikel's general area. * Mikel gets clobbered in the face with a fish and falls onto the deck. * Niri blinks and stares at Mikel as she hears the sound of fish flesh slapping him wetly. * Saki smiles in a manner approximating sweetly, and calls out to the ship. "A line, please?" *SCHLUP* Mikel is decked by a slimey projectile, as the helpless bass is knocked unconscious from the impact and flops reflexively on the fallen adept's chest. A fine shot! I conceed the match. * Niri shakes her head. You guys are NUTS. << concede, even >> What? Who's nuts, wha? * Mikel weakly reaches up to grab the fish, pointing it at Niri. "You're next." * Trune blinks several times. * Niri points at Mikel, who is currently covered in fish. Oh, you just try it. * Mikel lobs the fish at Niri. * Ryllan breaks into a grin, "It's better than dwelling on things. Mikel, throw the victor a line. She's earned it." * Niri ducks! * Mikel hauls himself up and does as Ryllan says. ...Niri, when someone throws dinner at you, you should catch it, not dodge it and let it go over the edge. You should have speared it, Tanan. * Saki catches it carefully, and slowly but surely starts to haul herself towards the main boat. * Niri sighs. "I don't know that I want to eat something people have been playing catch with! Besides, it isn't as if Mikel can't catch us more." * Mikel offers Saki a wave. "I thought you'd appreciate some more seafood." * Saki smiles brilliantly, showing her teeth. "... you must be tired out after that fight. I think you'll appreciate a relaxing bath." ...bath? Well, it would help him catch more fish to make up for our loss. ...Run, Mikel. * Mikel just blinks a couple of times. Saki! Heads or tails? * Saki continues to hold something of an unpleasant grinning rictus as she resolutely tugs her lifeboat back to the battleship. "Tails!" ...oh. Crap. * Ryllan grabs out suddenly, aiming to catch hold of Mikel's arms! ...or I suppose carp, in this cas- AH! * Trune slowly sinks agains the side of the ship with a thump and an almost inaudible moan. * Mikel isn't exactly a hard target as he contemplates the nature of bad lines. ....Oh man, for that you deserve what you get, Mikel. * Niri blinks. "...Trune?" Such a tough crowd. See what you did, Mikel? Your pun killed Trune. If he could survive all the /other/ puns that one shouldn't have done it. * Angie (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034195068.nb.aliant.net) Quit (Ping timeout) This isn't the time for this jackassery anyway. We need to see to the ship, not pitch people overboard. * Vytor takes some measurements from the sub-cannon, examining it to determine the best course of action for the repairs. I don't suppose I can bribe my way out of this? * Saki finally hauls herself to the main ship, and properly tethers the lifeboat - scrappily, but at least the knots are tight if nothing else. "... the Professor's right. I'm no sailor, though." * Niri goes over to Trune to check on him and see how much damage Mikel did! ...yeah, I don't even have hands. It sounds nice and responsible though * Saki huffs out a breath, raising an eyebrow and looking skeptical as she finally steps up to the party. "... you could grow some." * Mikel squirms a bit. "Such is the way of the teacher." * Ryllan lets go of Mikel sighing. * Mikel immediately makes to put distance between him and Ryllan and Saki. You can earn your stay of execution by helping out. Ah. Well, you know the saying. "Those who can, do." and all that. * Ryllan sighs, "Niri, Trune still breathing?" * Trune seems to be sleeping. Way to ruin the drama. I don't suppose I can jump overboard and water align myself instead? "Yeah, I think he's fine. Mikel just drained his batteries." * Niri casts a healing spell on Trune, just to be sure. ...hey! All I did was suggest powering the cannon while Ryllan supercharged it. * Saki rotates an arm, then nods to the group before heading off to help with any of the heavy lifting and bashing of miscellaneous repairs. >> Niri's Song of Healing finds nothing to repair. He is at max HP, though thoroughly exhausted. And we melted the thing. I wonder if those last shots weren't more you than the Canon. ...Yeah, he's totally fine. * Niri straightens and joins the others. ...if they were I'm totally impressed with myself then. I don't think I've seen Cold Blood go that far. Trune was assisting, and the melted hunk of silver was still doing /something/, I'm sure. Just perhaps, not as much. Don't get too sure of yourself, Mikel. Otherwise you're gonna end up killing yourself someday on accident. Hey, if Gemini Storm didn't do it... * Mikel waves a hand. Gemini Storm might yet * Ryllan sighs, walking away to try to help with repairs where he can with unskilled hands. That's where working on it comes in. So it doesn't. Which reminds me, we need to practice that! ...Mikel. As soon as you've had a chance to rest and recharge, Mikel, let me know. ...From cannon battery to splitting myself practice. Oh the life of a sailor. I... recommend very strongly against using that frivolously, or just for practice. Splitting the soul... The point to practice, though, is making sure he DOESN'T kill himself next time. * Mikel glances at Tanan for a moment. "...there's not exactly a wealth of ways to hone it without practicing, though." You may not be able to put yourself back together. There are certain forms of willforce I was advised against, for the safety of whoev-... of Niri. This is one of them. * Vytor cranks up the forge to start assembling the parts he needs. You were able to put yourself back together... this time. * Mikel frowns. "That's the trick... but if I end up having to use it again and haven't been able to get better at it.." I don't know the details, but master H-.. Johnathan did it, and wound up having to kill the other half. * Mikel ...blinks. Emili left /that/ out. * Niri blinks as well. "That sounds...dire." That's what he told me, anyway. Explains a bit about why he hides like he does, I guess. ...it explains why she freaked though. * Niri looks a little sad, suddenly. * "It hurts like hell," Saki adds as she lubs a hefty metal plate past. Now I feel kind of bad for Johnathan. * Mikel sighs, slumping to the deck. "I know splitting hurts like hell. Killing a part of myself though... that's... well, sobering." Session Time: Sun Sep 09 00:00:00 2007 * Niri looks subdued as well, and a bit disappointed. Well...if that's true, maybe all my research was useless... * Niri deflates visibly. * Mikel closes his eyes, leaning against the storm. "...I'm going to catch my breath for a moment. And sort out my head some. If I need to use it again in the future..." * Niri nods. We'll have to talk about it and work out a plan. Or you will, really. You're the one taking the risk. Remember one thing, Mikel. << ...storm? railing >> Mm? If it's really important... it could be worth the risk. He did survive, after all.. and you survived it once. It may be better to risk half dying, than to die completely. Only you can decide that, though Repairs begin in earnest all around them, as the duantless group of explorers get things back in shape to soon resume course and the push for land. From off the port side, you can see Jessica on the deck of the Horizon nursing a bandaged left arm. Though she doesn't look at all slowed down by it. * Mikel just mms a bit in response, waving a hand. * Angie (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034195068.nb.aliant.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o Angie [Mel] All ships report in when you are ready to resume our original course. Stay sharp for any surprises. [Jessica] It'll take more than that to remove the wind from my sails. Let's go! Polaris, reporting all hands secure and ready to continue. And so, once more the convoy sponsored by Ramus gets underway. Little else manages to trouble them over the next two days. On the morning of the third, the comms are abuzz with reports of land being sighted! * Angie is one of the first to hear, and she wastes no time muscling her way onto the observation tower for a closer look. [Bridge Crew] Captain Angie, we've reached the last know position of the first expedition safely. Dead ahead should be the coast of the Iberian peninsula, according to the charts... * Niri emerges from her cabin for the first time all morning, looking out curiously at the horizon. «ooc: er, transpose? » * Mikel has managed to at least catch his wind by the time the call comes out. Almost immediately he's /running/ past everyone to get on deck and try to get a look. A blur of blue! * Vytor emerges from belowdecks, looking dirty and greasy, but the sub-cannon is once again 100% operational. * Trune is on deck and gazing towards the horizon, trying to spot the approaching land. This is the first time he's been out of his room for a while. Angie steals a pair of binoculars from the lookout and trains them to the horizon. Sure enough, there is a very flat and green chunk of land nearing the convoy. A few shorebirds also fly overhead, a sure sign of good fortune and a lush environ there. * Angie isn't satisfied until she sees the new world for herself. She gets a good eyeful, and then clambers back down to the bridge. "Be careful! I want regular soundings!" * Mikel stares out, trying to get a look before shaking his head. "Need a telescope or something, bah!" There's cheers going up from a lot of the crew, as they redouble their efforts to push ahead at a good clip and be watchful. * Mikel scrambles about to get himself something so he can see the new world as soon as possible. * Niri slowly grins as she sees the land ahead. Her hair whips about in the breeze, the sea spray misting up her glasses slightly as she leans against the railing, trying to get a better look. * Angie surrenders the wheel to one of the more talented coastline pilots and presses up to the window, watching the distant land resolve into a dark horizon. "The new world," she murmurs. [Mel] Alright, this time we're not going back! It's Europe or bust. All stations, do final engine checks and prepare to engage hovercraft modes and the amphibuous ramps. Hope it's exciting, honestly. * Vytor watches as the new world looms. It's the new frickin' world! * Saki watches it loom closer, leaning casually on the rail. That alone makes it exciting! * Trune can't help but grin, "So long as we aren't greeted by a desert or swamp, I'm game." Yeah, how could it be anything but exciting? [Jessica] Aye aye! Land Rovers loadmasters and ATv scouts, standby! We have no idea what we're going to find. * Mikel blinks. ...I'll see you all in a bit. * Mikel is suddenly gone below decks. Eh? Where's he going? He'll miss it! He's going to try out his toy, I assume His...toy? It's a continent. How in the world will he miss it? ...Tanan has a point. Well...man, first you tell me to get excited then you downplay it! Make up your minds! * Mikel doesn't waste a moment in hauling himself down and hopping onto his own ATV, already beginning to start it up. The convoy breaks from it's protective formation and forms a line, turning to meet the coastline. As you approach you can see a fertile plain, with mountains further inland and the remains of ancient urban areas. To the southeast is a small inlet to a larger sea, and what appears to be another continent further south. To the northeast is the first noticings of a small icy island. The beach here is very wide and would make an excellent landing spot for certain. No doubt why it was chosen. Whoa... That's...uh... * Trune struggles for words, "Big?" * Angie shoves her way past the onlookers assembled at the prow to stand at the frontmost tip of the vessel. "Out of the way," she shouts, "I'm the captain!" The blue waters give way to sandy shallows, and crews begin to collapse the sailing masts. A roar goes up in triplicate as the rear generators begins to engage. * Ryllan steps up behind Trune, "It's a continent. It's gonna be big." << begin >> What did you expect? Carribia? * Mikel starts to rev the Stormrider in response, grinning from ear to ear. Well, no, but...nothing this big! [Mel] Harharhar... well boys, you know what to do now. Just like we practiced before. [Jessica] Yes, I've been waiting for this moment! * Mikel ...also takes a moment to appropiate a radio as well. At the prompting, the Polaris joins the Horizon and the Venture as they almost run aground on the sand. But just as it seems they would be stuck, a cushion of air lifts the heavy draft hulls up and forward onto the beachheads! Ooh, nice trick... * Saki blinks from her position on the railing, rocking with the motion of the. Hovercraft? There's a sailr looking on with a smile near Niri. [Sailor] Yes, back on Lunar the Epiphany was originally an all-land hovercraft hull invented by Virtue... Interesting ship design. ...Virtue invented things, huh? * Mikel thumbs on the radio, setting it into a holder as he revs the Stormrider's engines again. "Come on.." I suppose there's a lot I don't know about them. The hovercrafts engage in what seems like a race; trying to outdistance the other in this slower mode. Eventually they all reach a point inland where the cargo's weight strains the ability of the air cushion to keep up. At this point, a flare shoots up from the venture, a signal for the ramps to be deployed at last. Pilots on the Polaris literally almost climb over each other to get to the vehicles, loaded with supplies and everything to setup a makeshift village. Mikel finds the gigantic ramp open before him slowly, landing in the soft earth with a dull thud. The sunlight and fresh air greets him. * Angie takes a long breath, testing the air of the virgin continent. She closes her eyes and smiles, then makes her way slowly to the hatch. * Mikel just grins as he straps in. The moment the ramp's open he's floored it, bringing the front of the ATV up for a few seconds before hitting ground again and speeding off. "All right!" * Niri watches from the railing, a bit jealous of Mikel's toy. * Vytor goes to get the Destiny prepped for launch. * Saki covers her face with a hand and mutters from behind it. "... I'm going to regret this. Let's go." * Niri joins Vytor, wanting to get out and explore. * Ryllan heads to assist Vytor, and to claim his usual spot behind the wheel. Hitting the ground rolling, Mikel's daredevil push is joined by a squad of others in bikes and similar vehicles, moving ahead of several Land Rovers that rumble outwards. * Trune follows behind the others, a smile on his face. All right folks, let's get moving before Mikel abandon us. A small team on foot leaves both the Horizon and the venture, planting a symbolic flag in the ground. Jessica and Mel are both holding it, staring at each other and wondering who got there first. * Mikel flicks a switch on the radio as he kicks up a trail of sand behind him. "Come on already, you guys!" * Niri comes running down the ramp, touching the sand with a big grin on her face. She shifts her feet, considering taking her shoes off and running along the beach for a bit. Niri finds the coast's water to be a very beautiful emerald color, and the sand reflects the sunlight like little diamonds. * Saki is already hitching a lift on the Destiny, fiddling with a radio with the air of an amateur. Eventually she gets it vaguely working, though clearly not very successfully. "--et back here--, --kel," just about comes through. * Angie eventually makes her way belowdecks and emerges on the ramp. She hangs at the edge for a long time, one foot hovering over the beach, before finally taking the first step onto the earth of the new continent. * Trune apparently has similar thoughts to Niri, but actually takes both of his boots and socks off and stands with bare feet in the water and sand, grinning. * Mikel laughs, replying as he continues speeding ahead. "Repeat that? Didn't copy, over." The squads split up and reconnoiter the surrounding plains all the way up to the mountains in the east, a sort of natural barrier that could prove more difficult to explore later... * Angie slips a hand into her coat, carefully withdraws her gun, and loads a single bullet. She walks onto the beach, raises the pistol, and fires into the air. "Well. It's a big new world. Let's get started!" * Niri slips out of her shoes, holds onto them in one hand, and suddenly takes off running down the beach as fast as she possibly can, laughing. Meanwhile, heavy Land Rovers move into position and begin deploying their temperoray tents and equipment. In these boxes is the vague outline of a future port and rest stop for countless expeditions to come. Mel and Jessica both laugh and hug each other, giving a high five to their loyal crew and workers. Apparently, they'll settle on sharing the glory. [Mel] Unless one of you bums is more creative, we'll just call this the landing for now! get to work, men! [Jessica] C'mon, we've got to make it look coo. landing is so boring! << cool >> * Saki frowns at the device, and tries again. "... I said to get back here. We need to know where to go next. Preferably not over a hill and into a ravine." * Mikel blinks, shaking his head. Finally a long sigh is heard over the radio as Mikel comes about. "Man. Fine, fine." * Mikel floors it back towards the beach, sparing the scenery another glance. The snow-tipped mountains tantalize Mikel, as well as what looks like the remains of a city to the southwest as he turns around. << retcon: Niri's not barefoot >> * Mikel pulls up to the majority of the group, giving Saki a sour look. "Buzzkill." * Angie stows her gun again. She kicks up a cloud of sand as she struts the length of the beach, hands folded behind her back. "So, where to? We could explore the city, look for Saturn, or head to that place Lucia talked about." Deal with it, Mikel. Okay, folks. I'll be honest, I'm not up for much more exploring without all the elementalors at our back. City and that place are closer than Saturn, I think. * Niri turns around after seeing the rest of the group is gathering to talk. She sighs, slightly disappointed, and returns. Hmm. Well...I'm kinda biased, but I want to find Saturn. We got a map in there? * Vytor considers We'll have to sail past the mountains the tower should be in to reach Saturn, unless I recall incorrectly * Saki grins amiably. "That was for the fish. You and Niri will get enough chance later to run around free as the winds." * Mikel just shoots Ryllan another sour look, leaning back and crossing his arms. Oh come on. You wound my explorer spirit over a fish? Serves you right, fish flinger. "I think we should at least have a look around the city," says Angie, aglow with adventurer enthusiasm. "It's right there." "Focus, people." Ryllan's voice is calm, though, amused. * Mikel points at Angie. "I like her thinking." * Saki leans on the edge of the Destiny, raising one eyebrow. "... you tried to wound my face /with/ a fist. Karma's karma." She glances over, suddenly serious. "... I agree. None of the things I've got with me are incredibly suited for long trailing." * Niri , having rejoined the group, glances at Angie. "Depends. How close is the city?" We could probably drive there, I think. How long? I'd love to explore, but we shouldn't waste too much time. Things are happening too fast now. * Mikel grins. "Depends if I'm driving or not." Well, it might not be a waste of time. We don't know how long we have, and Zophar's servants could be anywhere. Prepare to be shot down, Mikel. A temperoray 'command tent", much like what Niri and the group remember from the Big Dig is quickly erected, and staffed by the logistics crews as the sailors have the vessels enter idle and float to the ground for a rest and maintenance. * Saki watches Niri at length, and nods slowly. "... mm. Restocking and resupplying isn't so much wasting time, though." If time's an issue, we should hit the closer places first. Otherwise we're gonna have to just doubleback afterwards. Don't forget we may have Leah and Emiria on our heels. Well, we're right here. On the sea, anyways. They'll need to land if they want to keep chasing us. * Angie harrumphs and kicks the sand. "If they want to come on land to meet us, I'd be happy to introduce them to my new weapon." Well, that's true, Saki. Mikel, what do you think is waiting for us at that tower? * Trune shakes his head, "I'd like to kick their asses too, but later. I'm still slightlyl smarting from our last encounter." Hmm. Lucia said something along the lines of things from the past, right? Mom said there were records there. Maybe some useful things. I'm not really sure what. Supposedly there's information there, and we can tell it's important because she wouldn't tell us what it is. But...she told me I could see the records myself that told the whole story of her past. *Shrugs* Not sure if I want to see them or not. There's even a few automata and Vulcannon sentries that appear to either work with heavy loads or perform guard duties, setting up a defensive perimeter and a makeshift anti-beast willforce barrier. * Ryllan shakes his head, "But what'll be guarding them? - No, I don't know either. But I know that whatever it is, it never hurts to gather more power before charging headlong into... well, the unknown." * Vytor (DNW@c-67-160-220-94.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) Quit (Quit: ) ...and if we run into Emiria and Leah while on our own? I think there's a risk of that no matter where we go. If there's trouble at the tower it can't be worse than squaring off against those two again. That's a danger no matter where we go. Unless you have a track on them? * Mikel shrugs. "They're on a boat they're rather protective of. I'd honestly prefer making them have to land to follow us instead of trying another ship to ship fight after the last time." We've likely bought ourselves some time while they go patch that ship together. Enough time to head for Saturn and then make our way back? I don't know. I'm more curious about what we'll find at the tower, myself. Who can say? Depends how fast they can make repairs. We don't know what facilities and materials they have access to. It's Emiria. You know....getting Saturn first might help us confront whatever's at the tower. But it's also possible we'll find something at the tower that would help us fight whatever we encounter on our way to Saturn. Feh, at this rate we might as well flip a silver coin. The thing she's good at besides wigging out and trying to kill us and shaping metal. << and= is >> If we have to fight Zophar before we've done both, having all the elementalors will probably help us more than whatever's in the tower. * Mikel frowns. "But a better chance of getting jumped by his little hands without the rest of the convoy." Unlikely. He doesn't seem ready to make himself present. * Saki is quiet when she puts forth her addition. "... something around Saturn may help me out, too. That's... what I've been told, at least." It's difficult to say for sure, as briefly as he contacts us, but I suspect if he could move against us directly he would have done so. I don't suppose you were told exactly where she is? * Saki frowns. "... to be honest, I don't even know it's Saturn. 'To the east, a source of great life energy'. ... could be something else, but..." Oh, well, east. That narrows it down by 50% anyway. I wish I knew if there was something we could use at the tower. I would say that Mom wouldn't have directed us there if there weren weren't, but.... I don't know that for sure. * Saki huffs out a vaguely amused breath and shrugs lopsidedly. "... experience says we'll find it." * Mikel props up his feet on the dashboard of his ATV as he flicks off the straps. "I wish Lucia would be more open period. But... really, if we're that concerned about time it makes no sense to go all the way around to Saturn and then doubleback. Nevermind Emiria and Leah probably aren't happy about us putting holes in their boat." If we could snap Leah out of it, we'd be in much better shape. I'd hate to have to fight them both at once... * Trune frowns and kicks a bit of sand. * Mikel shudders. "Both of once almost killed us." << of= at >> We need to prepare. We've seen their moves, right? It's like a martial arts thing, we should be able to counter their...styles. We've seen one of Leah's, anyways. * Angie illustrates her point with vague kung fu poses. Emiria I'm pretty sure we could take. I don't think we should give up on Leah yet, though. There may still be a chance to snap her out of it. I'm sure there is. Leah tilts the damn scale the other way. She contacted me, out there when we were fighting the Fragarach. You mean when she was trying to kill us? She did? When? * Mikel ...peers at Niri. "...you know, that's something you should probably mention as soon as you can." I...didn't think it was very useful. I'm sorry... * Niri shuffles her feet a little. * Mikel waves a hand. "Don't worry about it. What'd she say?" She just told me "Don't, Niri, you'll be killed" or something like that. I'm still not precisely sure what she didn't want me to do. Not fight her? Not fight Zophar? Not fight Emiria? I don't know. ...was this when she decided to play catch with that willforce blast? Hey, be careful okay. She might be using your old friendship to trick you. She might still be in there, but right now Niri...she's not Leah. * Niri shakes her head. No, that was HER. It was her voice I was hearing, behind the facade. I know it was. This could be useful, though. It might be a sign that she's still Leah. And yeah, Mikel, that was when it happened. Maybe it was to stop us from shooting stuff for her to throw back then. * Mikel shrugs. She doesn't want to hurt Niri. We can use this. Unless it was Ghaleon putting her voice on to trick you. Or, yeah, it could mean Leah is still inside Ghaleon. or they're the same person. Didn't we kinda establish that sort of? I think what we're looking at is the same person, but at different points in time. Like, right now Leah is acting out her past life or something. The way she usually is, include how she's changed through everything she's lived through since then. ...one of these days, I'm going to beat Headmaster Hylan for time magic training. This is ridiclous. Like...say Trune suddenly started acting like his five-year-old self. He'd still be Trune, but acting differently. ...Actually, I'd almost pay to see that. You might not be able to pick it up. It's like Tanan's chaos magic, a lot of people can't do it. * Saki shakes her head. "... don't think of it as 'acting'. It's-- deeper than that. And a lot harder to stop." You'll never see it. Ever. So keep your money. * Mikel shrugs. "Whatever. Anyways." ...Plus you'd probably want a refund. Oh come on, trune. What if the only way to save the world was to revert to a state of childlike innocence? Did Trune ever HAVE childlike innocence? On the one hand, tower. May be ominious doom, may not be. On the other, Saturn. Which tacks on a lot more time probably and we run the risk of a joyful reunion with Emiria and Leah. Burn. Hey! Don't you presume stuff about me! * Niri grins I'll have you know I jumped in the pond behind the dorms and caught frogs and kept them under my bed! Why I'm telling you this I have NO idea. * Niri giggles I didn't hit you with enough fish. An opprotunity lost. The water's right there. Priorities, Mikel. * Tanan sounds almost nostalgic. "It was fun to watch students swim in that pond. They always seemed to be having a good time." Both paths suck! I'm just of the opinion the way to the tower would suck less than running into those two again. You say the tower's on the way? How "on the way" are we talking here? ...Feeling homesick, Tanan? *grins* We can always have Trune go for a swim if it'd help. Here, Mikel, grab his legs. * Saki (~arpee@192.168.0.51) Quit (Quit: oofah) Hey now, don't you DARE! Later. Let's figure out which way to go first. Why don't we check out the city first? The last port town we went to had a giant warship in it. We'd have to sail past it, if we took the sea. The mountains it's supposed to be in are along the north edge of the sea, I think. Maybe a little ways inland. * Trune overhears Angie, "Ooh, I get early gifts?" Gifts? * Mikel turns and peers towards those mountains for a moment. "Too much to hope that it's up there, huh?" Er, yeah. Uh. Gifts. Because I've been a special boy all year long. * Niri eyes Trune. "No way," says Angie, "I get dibs on treasure." She crosses her arms and juts out her chin. "Because I'm the CAPTAIN." You're a horrible liar. Okay, when is it, spill? * Trune bows, "Tomorrow. You're not the only one who can drop anvils." As the group mentions gifts, there's a beastperson under mel's employ that runs up to you, panting. 'H..hey!" * Mikel raises an eyebrow. "Yo. What's up?" * Niri blinks at the beastperson, on the point of saying something momentous to Trune. "Eh?" [Messenger] *whew* I was sent to let you know that we now have some quarters for everyone to stay in. SPartan, but they work. You've also each been authorized a sum of 2000 silver to use at your descrition for exploration purposes! Oh, awesome. He hands out a large bag of ingots. Ooh, money! Tell them thanks! Ooh. Yeah, thanks! Wonderful. Thanks alot. [Messenger] once repairs are finished, the Polaris is yours to command as you wish. Just inform mel of your plans before you take off! * Angie rubs her hands together. "You can just toss that in the Destiny," she says, gesturing toward the car. "How long do you plan to hold camp?" * Mikel raises an eyebrow. "Ours to command, huh?" So, guys, where are we commanding it to, then? [Messenger] Oh, break camp? No, no. We're here to build a permanent base! And what are we getting Trune for his birthday? I'll get him a fish. And we're still figuring out where to go. * Angie whistles. "Impressive! Well then, I'll drop off a bit of my stuff here with you while we go on a little jaunt down to the ruins." If you get me a fish I'll cry. I'll get you three fish. I demand chocolate. For me. I'll cry buckets, then. Buckets. I don't think fish come in chocolate. * Mikel closes his eyes. "I'm going to be up all night fishing." No no, Mikel. Trune gets fish. I get chocolate. Works. Anyways! Seriously, where the hell are we going next? The messenger hands the group a little map of where the proposed servcies and buildings will be. There's barracks, supplies, a forging area, as well as plans for a trading post. And of course the docks. To get chocolate. And strawberries. And chocolate syrup. We're going to the city. ANd we'll talk about where we're going after that on the way. * Angie hops into the Destiny and pulls out one of the ingots to examine it. Even in the wild,untamed frontier, Niri still seeks to make Heaven and Hell. Insane. Hey! The ingot is shiny, fresh from Ramus's stockpiles. It's for my birthday, what do you expect! * Mikel stares at Niri for a bit before glancing at Angie. "I don't have a problem with that either! I just have issues with running into Emiria and Leah's boat and getting blown out of the water." Soon when we run out of supplies, we'll use tree sap for the syrup, and wild roots for the cake! You got it. *Nods* Such determination. You are an insperiation for us all. * Trune mock bows. Inspiration, Trune << strike! >> Watch it, bud, I'm still older than you. «ooc: IT IS LATE BE KIND :| » * Mikel closes his eyes. "Niri versus Trune. Now taking bets." Niri'd win. Why would she win? I don't even know what we're fighting about this time! That's why she'd win It's about you bowing to my wisdom and maturity, of course! ...oh. Nevermind then. All the conversation makes the courier think of his rumbling tomach, as he salutes you a little sloppily then runs back to the campsite. * Mikel falls out of the ATV laughing. << stomach >> * Trune 's face falls, "Man..." ....Hey! Wisdom... and... ahahahahah maturity...ahah oh god << ...goddess, even >> * Angie sits in the car, folds her arms, and sticks her lower lip out, awaiting her loyal crew. Okay, I can't stop Tanan from making fun of me, Mikel, but YOU I can hit! * Trune snrks and laughs as well, "Want me to hold her back, Mikel? She's still a littlebit, after all." I can outrun you. You are all so dead. * Mikel starts to climb back into his vehicle. "And outdrive you." * Niri leaps on the back of the ATV! * Mikel raises an eyebrow. Can not! You're taking me for a ride. Now. I demand it as recompense for your insolence. And because of my birthday. Last chance to get off the car, Professor. And we're going to follow Angie before she loots the city completely. Yes, Wisdom and maturity. Right there folks. Maybe she'll call us poopyheads next. Nah, you're Sunshine, remember? ....I think I'm stuck. I hope you're impact proof'd then. Maybe I'll find a church just to keep your memories correct. * Ryllan sighs, "Niri, don't die. Everyone else, fasten your seatbelts. Let's go exploring." * Mikel starts strapping in, starting up the ATV. "There's radios in there for all of you, by the way." Use 'em. Aw, c'mon, Tanan, it'll be fun! Awesome. Thanks. * Niri slides into the seat and buckles herself in! You have unwholesome definitions of fun. Bah. You need to learn to lighten up! * Mikel revs the engine. "Anyways, we've got lead then. Ready?" He's a professor. Professors have spoil student's fun. It's in their job description along with essays and final exams. «ooc: have to, even » ...I already did the thing where I glow a bit when you say lighten up huh. Good thing I'm not a student anymore. * Tanan sounds a little disappointed. You did. Better find a different bad pun. * Mikel floors it, sending the Stormrider about and then streaking off towards the ruins after clearing a small hill of sand in the usual Mikel fashion of going right over it and ending up airborne for a moment. And so, a new world of adventure awaits! But also new dangers as well... == SESSION END == >> 20 XP! Session Close: Sun Sep 09 01:43:14 2007