Session Start: Sun Oct 14 19:05:11 2007 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * Storen changes topic to '-= Chapter 56.1: Garden of Dreams | Location: Mediterranean Sea | Pool: 9 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' == Interlude Begin == In the aftermath of the attack, a drained Trune and Niri head to the cabins below decks for some well-deserved sleep. And a plan to try to re-establish contact with the dreaming Saturn is hatched... Trune's belongings in the quarters are scattered everywhere after the rough battle, but most are thankfully not damaged. There also a few burn marks where fires hit the timbers in the hallway, but the silver formers still hold fast the vessel's structure, swaying back and forth on the waves. * Niri plunks herself down in a free chair, sighing at the scorch marks. "...Narrow escape there, huh?" * brightshadowsky (brightshad@71.84.167.24) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Trune plunks himself on the bed, the matress bouncing a few times as he does so, "Yeah...I'll say. ...My room looks kinda like it does back ho--er, well, what would be my home but I'm currently not allowed there." * Niri waves a finger at Trune. "Of course you are, and we'll get that all sorted out after this whole mess is over." Heh, thanks. * Trune 's face suddenly goes very serious, and he quietly whispers, "Hey, Niri?" Hmm? I'm really sorry. * Niri blinks at him. "...What for?" * GMDooM is now known as DooM_GazE * Trune shakes his head, "For saying incredibly boneheaded things to you the other day." * Rae is now known as Zack * Niri shrugs. "I don't know that it was that boneheaded. I was...really moody. You were just trying to help." Yeah, I was, but I said things that made you feel a lot worse...I just wanted to say I'm sorry, okay? I promise to try not to be that much of a jerk in the future. Trune? I was going to feel bad no matter what. It's just something I had to get through...still do. I just feel...all mixed up. Thanks for the apology, but I'm not sure how necessary it is. I mean, what...were you worried I was going to give up or something? * Trune hesitates for a moment before wettings his lips, "I didn't before I talked to you. Afterwards...I wasn't so sure." * Niri shakes her head. "Nah. I'm not gonna give up that easily. If anything, this has just made me want to kick Zophar's butt even more." Awesome. S'what I like to hear. Just remember we're all here to help, okay? Heh. Even Shiro, right? * Niri looks around for her furry companion, who likely followed her in the room Shiro is at Niri's feet * Niri scritches him behind the ears! You kidding? I'm hoping he gives Zophar some doggie virus or something. Death by rabies. * Niri chuckles Shiro looks very content at the scritchies. :) All right, Trune. Have you brushed your teeth and washed your face? * Trune rolls his eyes, "Yesss Moomm!" Seriously though, poke me awake if I do anything insane. If I drool or convulse or spout things that'll embarrass me, I'll never hear the end of it. * Niri chuckles. "I doubt that. I'm just here to make sure you don't sleepwalk off the deck and into the water." * Niri looks around for Molly. >> Molly is currently crawling in and out of one of Trune's shirts, pawing at the sleeve. * Niri giggles at the kitten. "Wonder if she'd like to curl up with you, or if she's in too much of a playful mood. * Trune is laying down on the bed and makes a muffled noise in reply. * Niri shakes her head and smiles...he's obviously close to passing out. She settles back in her chair and grabs a piece of string to play with Molly with one hand, petting Shiro with the other. * Trune 's breathing slowly becomes deep and even, and his eyes are closed. Occasionally they twitch slightly, but other than that he seems to be fine. Niri keeps the little pets occupied as Trune's fatigue from the day feels more and more like a heavy burden. His lids close, his breathing slows and soon he's left the cares of the world behind for a little while. In the course of his trip through the mind's eye, he finds himself in an empty desert. A wind blows grains of sand past his vision, a dust cloud and set of dunes hiding an oasis not far away. * Trune lets out a small sound of surprise at the sudden change in climate. He seems to be more keenly aware that he's dreaming this time around, but there still is a bit of a dreamy haze around his mind as he walks towards the Oasis. The desert is warm and lonely, not a soul around you. Cresting a dune, the oasis looms beneath you. It's a small lake, shaded by a single tree. Beneath the tree is figure you recognize as Saturn, scooping some water into her mouth. She's followed by a small furry ferret-like creature. * Trune smiles, "Good, I found you again." The long green haired, pointy eared maiden turns around to face Trune. "Oh... it's you." Her eyes of similar emerald color are very tired and sad. [Saturn] You shouldn't stay in the desert of the real overly long, you know. Terible things lurk beneath the sand. * Trune slowly sits down next to her, looking out over the small lake, "So I've heard. Things that explode, right? Or worse?" [Saturn] I dreamt of a war... a terrible war... so many weapons. I think i was one, too. [Saturn] But then I decided creating is better than destroying... what was a human saying? "An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind"? * DooM_GazE (~doomgaze@staff.lunarnet.org) Quit (Ping timeout) I think it went something like that, yeah. The war really did happen, but a lot of time has past. The world has been pretty much reborn, and people are starting to resettle on it. Saturn bends down and scoops up the affectionate ferret in ehr hands, petting it. * DooM_GazE (~michaela@S0106000d889816ff.cg.shawcable.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o DooM_GazE [Saturn] I've dreamed of a rebirth... but a part of me had to die. Or did it? I am composed of so many dreaming minds... it is hard to say who I am. And they flow out into my beloved creatures... [Saturn] Beastmen were the most fun to make... so strong and noble... I filled Lunar with them and they proper, even now. << prosper >> * brightshadowsky (brightshad@71.84.167.24) has left #lunar-iog2 Wait...you /made/ the beastmen? The entire race? You have that much power? * Trune looks geniunely surprised. * Zack is now known as ZackDinner [Saturn] I... was born to create life. If war destroyed it all, I could make it anew. That's a pretty amazing power. It could be used to do a lot of good, which apparently you've already done. [Saturn] SOmething is wrong... my purpose... I create because it feels right. It is.. instinct? Perhaps something else... [Saturn] But I can't ever wake up. My dreams walk, but I can't yet. [Saturn] I have.. brothers.. sisters... I know it.. You do. The other Elementlors. They're waiting for you, and I'm going to find you and reunite you with them. [Saturn] Elementalors... yes.. that name is familiar... [Saturn] 8 powers, 8 elements of the world. Together we are the ultimate creative and destructive force. Saturn smiles. "But, which is it to be? The Destroyer is still around." I'm not sure, but I'm thinking you all have the power to make your own choice either way. I don't think you'd destroy without a good reason. Destroying Zophar may be the only option because he'll destroy us first. But after that...who knows really? [Saturn] ...I suppose I can't sleep inncoently forever. SOmeone has to help define who I am.. was.. is? Right, Xavier? *pets the ferret* We think we know where you might be. Is there any way I can contact you again, besides just dreams? [Saturn] If you want to awaken me, Trune. Find this oasis in reality. Sleeping now in its shade is a man who will guide you to me. [Saturn] When you draw closer to Eden, our minds... I hope, might connect. * Trune ponders the clues in his mind, "Sleeping in the shade...a man...I see." Is there anything else hiding in the sands? We know about the landmines, but is there anything else? [Saturn] I dreamed yesterday of a black ship... but today I see a ruddy hulk of metal armor that moves with many round legs. It chases those who brave the sands with a soulless urgency. A huge gun spits fire, death and pain.. it is built for only one thing. Woe to those who it locks onto. [Saturn] Run... run from this monster. No human alone can hope to destroy it! If I am roused, then you may have a chance... * Trune gulps and nods slowly, "Okay then. I'll have to tell the others (coughNiricough) not to run headlong into it if we see it." Saturn nods, then hugs the little animal once again. "Please.. help Xavier... bring my heart back to me." After saying this the image of Saturn fades into green motes again, blowing away into the grit-filled wind. Xavier? The Truth Seeker? Wait, your heart is...hey wait a moment! * ZackDinner is now known as Zack Trune is left alone in the oasis. from behind him he hears the sound of grinding. * Trune suddenly goes ramrod straight, and then sucks in a deep breath and slowly stands, "Oh no...no way..." * Stel|Animu is now known as Stelas Grind grind, whirr whirr goes the mysterious entitity. The sun behind him is blocked out for a moment as over the rdige appears a gigantic battle tank. It's smaller barrels and large one, longer than two men are tall, levels itself at the Adept. A mechanical voice utters flatly "Insurgent detected. neutralizing." * Trune 's looks horrified, and suddenly does as Saturn instructed -- he turns around and runs quickly in the other direction! Back in reality, Trune suddenly bolts up from his bed and tries to run for the door in panic! Niri can see he's obviously still asleep, as a dream turns into a nightmare she can't percieve. * Niri stirs groggily. "...Mmf? Trune?" * Trune 's face is twisted in some grimace of horror, and he's sweating buckets. His entire body is trembling as he fumbles to open the door. He's muttering something under his breath in a panic, but it's hard to make out. * Niri scrambles out of her chair, knocking it over in the process. She grabs Trune's shoulders and shakes him. "Trune! Trune, wake up!" Nngh...no! It's coming...it's...oh goddess don't! I...! Trune's dreamscape begins to rumble violently as the terrorizing metal behemoth batters his body with anti-personnel flechettes, each of Niri's shakes feeling like a metal shrapnel cutting dfeep into his skin. When he almost feels like it is too much to ebar, he realizes the gun barrel is Niri's worried face. << bear >> * Niri hauls back, ready to slap Trune to bring him out of it, but stops as his eyes open. She steps back to give him room, scowling. ...This was so not a good idea. * Trune pants desperately for breath, looking very disoriented as his eyes suddenly snap open, "Uhh....Niri?" Are you okay? You were trying to break down the door. * Trune sags against the door, trying to stop the tremors in his body, "It...it felt so real..." * Niri grabs Trune's shoulders again and steers him over to sit back down on the bed. * Zack is now known as Zack|MH I...I'm sorry. I'm okay now...just give me a second... * Niri gives him a little room and sits down in her chair again, eyeing him critically. It was unreal...I saw Saturn, right? We talked for a while and she gave me some hints on ho to find her...then she warned me about that...thing. What thing? It was some sort of tank. It had the hugest guns on it I've seen, and it was huge. She warned me that I had to run from it if I saw it...so I tried to run. * Trune lets out a shakey breath, "This thing, I've never felt so much power come from something. I was no match for it. It tore me apart." Only it didn't, because you're still here. It was a just a dream! So you can relax. * Huw (htjones@192.168.0.39) Quit (Quit: Reboot) Maybe, but I think this thing is real, Niri. * Niri looks thoughtful I'm not saying it isn't! It's just not HERE. We have time to prepare before we meet it. Saturn said that if she was with us, we might have a chance. * Huw (htjones@192.168.0.39) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +v Huw Then we just have to get to Saturn as fast as possible! * Niri seems fairly confident about this. * Trune looks a little dazed suddenly, as if reaching out into memories that are still fresh, and somewhat painful, "...We need to find an Oasis...and a man in the shade who will take us to her..." * Niri nods, storing this information away. "Okay. Hmm...I wonder if Webbly can help us find the oasis from the air..." ...I think someone set Webbly up. In one of the dreams I had...they made it sound like someone...the government back then, I don't know, may have hurt him, like the accident in the lab wasn't an accident. ...What? Seriously? * Niri scowls. "Oh...crap. Okay, now I want to find out more about this. It's too bad Webbly doesn't remember more..." I remember bits and pieces from my first dream. It was so strange. It was like...like they thought I was someone else. Some sort of scientist. Really? *sounds curious* What kind of scientist? When was this? Right before Emiria attacked us. They called me Dr. Albien. They said...they said I was part of the Pluto Prototype project. * Niri hmmms. We need to talk to Dr. Webbly. * Trune 's voice is quiet, but serious, "Yeah. Yeah we do." * Trune then lets out another shakey breath, running a hand through his hair, "Sorry. It's just I thought I was making some headway on all of this elementlor shit and now I have even more questions." * Niri reaches over to ruffle Trune's hair. "Cheer up, Sunshine!" We have some clues to go on now! Lots of clues. It's a good thing! Gah! Hey, ease off the hair, Princess! You should be kind to a poor boy who had serious mental truama tonight. I had serious mental trauma a few days ago, what's your point? *Sticks her tongue out* I didn't ruffle your hair? But you gave me a kitten. She was very sweet and cuddly. Till she woke up and started meowing to get out. And clawed my arm. Normally kittens are supposed to grant you smiles and warm fuzzy feelings! ...okay scratching is probably not a warm fuzzy feeling, but still! I was petting her and she started purring and kneading me through the blankets! Kitten claws are sharp. Well, c'mon, ease up. She's a kitten. ...That's why I gritted my teeth and let her do it! Anyway, do you have the ECC around? I think so, yeah. What do you say we give Webbly a call? * Trune rummages underneath the bed, pulling the strange contraption out, "You read my mind. I probably look like hell, though." So? I think I'm going to have mussed hair for a week, after that little flying experiment. True. * Trune fiddles with a few knobs, "Hey, Dr. Webbly, are you there?" * Huw is now known as DrWebbly bett.. if you sto-- fiddli- th---obs. * Trune takes his hands away from the knobs quickly, "Uh. Sorry!" * Niri covers a giggle >> The pale blue picture shimmers into view. Webbly is wearing a knotted hanky on his head, and a t-shirt that says 'I <3 Spurs.' ...Nice outfit, Dr, Webbly! What are you up to? Hola! How are you enjoying the Mediterraean sun? If you see a pig flying a red biplane, tell me! It's nice, aside from Emiria trying to kill us all. I got to go flying, though! She litterally flew. It was pretty awesome. * Niri grins I wish I could fly. Though not as a green duck. Odd association. Anyway, you guys just lonely, or got questions? Questions. Lots of them. Well, fire away then! Well, first I think Trune has some stuff you might want to hear... * DrWebbly holds out a plam of his hand, and says "fire!" in quiet voice, followed by a giggled. Well, first off, I've been having some pretty bizzare dreams lately, right? In one of them you were mentioned. Clearly it means you desire sex with your mother. * DrWebbly pulls out a pipe and nods sagely. * Trune balks, "What?! NO! * Niri ....stares at Webbly. ....What? First rule of psychoanalysis. All dreams meet you want your mother. I do not have an Oedipus complex, thank you very much! I think we're more interested in Webbly analysis right now! Anyway. Jokes, aside, please continue. Well, in the dream I had there were these group of scientists. I think they worked on the elementlor projects -- and they made a reference that what happened to you may not have been an accident. Still, it's just a dream, right? Yeah, but in it, I was someone else. Dr. Webbly, have you ever heard of a doctor named Albien? Dr. Albien? I'm telling you -- it was like I was dreaming about something that happened in the past. From someone else's perspective. Mmmm. Cross-refencing database. Still, is there precedent of pyscho-actives accessing a racial memory? I don't know. Anything else? The scientists mentioned something called a thought virus. Meme? Some sort of coding that they said would change memories and undo conditioning the elementlors had that would reprogram them somehow -- so they wouldn't destroy. I have no real idea what they were talking about. Do you? It it flagging up recognition pointers. I recall being quite upset at some of the basic.. brainwashing really of the boys. I can imagine anyone would be. You could imagine so! Yeah... But there were many heartless people, and many desparate ones too Albien and I, we thought of how we could try and give them a chance at being something better. Really, the possiblities of their powers constructively are amazing. Dr. Albien was a real person? Who was he? A good man, in a hard place. A hard place? All of the people involved in the project were in a difficult position. We were not free to do what was right, or even walk out on it, really. Great stage magician though. Smoke and mirrors all the way. Pluto's dad, really. * Trune 's face darkens as he pieces things together in his mind. * DrWebbly leans back in the chair, tips the hat over his 'face'. "Hard to joke about this stuff, even so long after." * Niri is silent, listening thoughtfully. Hey Webbly, can I ask you a question? I'm just trying to put two and two together. Of course This thought virus I heard about...did you have any part in it? I can't be sure. I worked out how we might free them. But, it never got used or tested. In the end, all my theories might be flawed or worse. I see. Another question, just for curiosity's sake. What ended up happening to Dr. Albien? * DrWebbly says drily "Considering the timespan, I assume he's dead." Well, I figured that. I just meant before everything went to pot. I guess you don't know. Thing weren't looking that grim when I did the experiment. * Trune nods again, "Thanks. Oh! Good news, we're closing in on Saturn. I think I know where to find her." Be careful. I hope you don't have to get into a scrap with her too. But if she's not trying to be found, she might not be much in the listening mood. No, she's lost. If you can do me a huge favor...she said she's located in an oasis in the middle of the desert. If we can just find that oasis, we're golden. * DrWebbly leans forwards and clatters his fingers over a console. "Somewhere near your area? Or back on the first continent?" Near us right now. In Eden. mmm. Eden doesn't exist. * Trune looks confused, "It...doesn't?" But there's a big area of vegetation over the gulf from you. Hmm...then it's not just a little Oasis but a big freaking huge one. Wonderful. I thought this would be easier. Total myth. Or if it does exist, mankind isn't allowed in there. Christianity and all that. It has poisoned apples that send princesses to sleep. I think/ ...Did you hear that, Niri? NO EATING ANYTHING. It's eastish. I can send down a map if you want to chart it out later. That'd be perfect. Thanks! Anything else? * Niri makes a face at Trune. * Zack|MH is now known as Zack|Cleanup Hmmm. I don't think there was anything else...I do want to get to the bottom of this thing with Dr. Albien, though. I think that might be all our questions for now though, Dr. Webbly! Is it so important? Digging in graves, will give you only bones and ghosts. ...But the past also has answers to questions that will help us map out the future. Anyway...give the Elementalors a hug for us, and tell Pluto and Venus that Trune sends his love. * Niri winks. H--hey! * Niri snickers and backs up, out of slapping range. None of others? Well, I bet Trune really wants to say hi to all of them, I'm just teasing him 'Cause I can. Nah, tell all of the elementlors I said hi, and soon they'll see their sister. Take care then. And look out for flying pigs Flying pigs, eh? Flying bacon? Ham? Pork? I'm so there. That reminds me! Would like to hear a joke? Uh...sure I guess? Hmm. The one I'm reminded of is too long. But let's try this one. "Some days, I am walking through the park, when I think, 'why is that ball getting bigger?'" Then it hits me. * Niri stares at Webbly for a moment. ... * Trune facepalms! * DrWebbly holds up a grinning sign. Oh man, Dr. Webbly. Never change. ...Well. I mean, your personality! Keep smiling. Where there is life there is Hovis!... No.. wait.. something else beginning with H... >> Picture flickers out with Webbly muttering to himself. * DrWebbly is now known as Huw * Niri snickers and shakes her head. I will never understand him but he's awesome. * Zack|Cleanup is now known as Zack ...I still don't know where he came up with the idea that my dreams meant I wanted to have sex with my mom. I mean, what? ...I think with Webbly, it's best not to ask. Yeah, I agree with that. So. Who's this Albien guy, anyway? Any ideas? * Trune shakes his head, "None, really, except apparently he helped create Pluto." But you dreamed everything from his point of view, right? Yeah, I did. They THOUGHT I was Albien, too. * Niri thinks. Hmmm. Think there's any chance you have a connection with this guy...maybe something like Saki has with Rachel? I'm...not sure. I guess it's possible, really. Just seems weird, as I don't seem like a scientist type at al. ...What? You totally do! You love studying willforce. That's a lot like science. And you're basically a genius when it comes to elemental knowledge. * Stelas is now known as Stelazzz * Trune looks a little surprised at the praise, and coughs, "Does this mean I'll suddenly have an insane urge to wear pocket protectors? Spout lines of scientific gibberish during combat situations?" ...This would also explain a lot about why Pluto is so attached to you, maybe. And I don't know about pocket protectors, I don't think they'd suit you. * Trune snrks, "I was mostly joking, you know. Seriously though, it does explain a bit, but I can't be sure, either." * Niri yawns. "...Ugh. Flying took a lot out of me. I'm going to think carefully before I try that again..." You can head to bed if you want. I think my freak out from earlier is over. Thanks for watching my back, by the way. Welcome. You'd have done the same. * Trune grins, "I would have." Anyway. I'm not going to head to bed, I think, but I do need food. I'm going to go see if the galley is intact. Then maybe see what I can do to help with damage control. Let me know if you need help. I doubt I'll sleep much after all of that. Sure thing. * Niri waves and heads out the door, closing it behind her once Shiro has followed her. * Trune stares at the ECC for a moment, a puzzled, thoughtful expression crossing his face, before he gently tucks the device in a safe place under his bed. ...Think it's time to hit the books again. * Trune once again reaches down underneath his bed, pulling out a large, oversized tome and several pieces of paper that have notes sribbled all over them, and places them on the bed. He cracks open teh book, once again bracing himself for another long night of research. == Interlude End == Session Close: Sun Oct 14 22:34:43 2007