NationStates Jolt Archive

North Hack "Human Interest" Story - Page 12

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GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 08:38
'Ok...The old palaces...Err, presumably that means they're better than this one...Library, a few shrines...It's a lot to cover.'
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 08:39
"Hm. We could spend a month here, and not see everything..."
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 09:03
'I'm sure...And I can show you the R&D labs here, too.'
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 09:07
He smiles, "Sounds like a good plan, love."
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 09:08
She hands him the guide, 'So, where today?'
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 09:16
"Hmm... let's see here..." He flips through the book, "Perhaps some of the shrines first?"
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 09:18
'Ok...' she looks through the book, 'Most of them are to Gods nobody really remembers anymore, or elemental spirits...They're spectacular, apparently.'
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 09:22
He grins, "We've got a couple of those too. They can be really spectacular. The book recommend any in particular?"
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 09:24
'Shrine of Air and Shrine of Our Father seem to be the best by this.'
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 09:26
"Hm. Sounds good then. Hit those first and see how the mood takes up?"
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 09:28
'Ok. You want to take a shower? I think I might be able to drink this coffee soon...'
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 09:31
"I probably should. I think I still have confetti in my hair."

He grins, "You want me to get some icecubes for it?"
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 09:34
She smiles 'I don't think you can turn black coffee into frappe quite that easily, actually.'
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 09:37
He gives her a kiss on the cheek before heading off to the shower, "I'm sure you'll manage. Back in a bit."
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 09:40
When he returns, the cup is empty. Alice smiles, 'I have to get some of that for my coffee machine at home...I wonder if they sell it.'
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 09:44
He smiles at her, "If you want, I can do a bit of research while you're in the shower."
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 09:45
She nods, ''Kay.'
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 09:47
He digs out the menu to figure out the name of what they were drinking. While she's in the shower, he starts making a few calls.
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 09:49
'So, find anything out?'

[It's a special blend made for that particular hotel. They sell it, but it's pretty expensive.]
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 09:51
He smiles, "Figures you'd get hooked on a special house blend. Yeah, I can order some," He grins, "But you'd better savor it."
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 10:07
'Oh, I will, I promise' she smiles.
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 10:10
He smiles, "Good. I ordered a pound of it. Should arrive at your... er, our?... house around the time we get back."
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 10:13
Alice smiles, 'Our house...I like that. So, shall we be on our merry way?'
The Most Glorious Hack
29-07-2003, 10:15
"So do I." He stands up, grabbing the book, "Yeah, let's head out."
GMC Military Arms
29-07-2003, 10:29
Alice's car is outside waiting for them. The valet hands her her keys, 'Here you go, Ma'am.'

Alice grins, 'I had it flown out...I wonder how difficult it'll be to find a petrol pump around here...'
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 10:58
He grins, "Not sure, hopefully there's a couple."
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 11:00
'I guess so...' she thinks, 'Mind you, I haven't seen any cars yet.'
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 11:02
"Hm... neither have I. Of course, I would assume someone would have said something if there were no filling stations about... wouldn't they?"
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 11:04
Alice grins, 'I hope so...There was a valet, though. That's a good sign.'
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 11:06
He smirks, "Well, I sure hope so. I'd hate to push this thing across town."
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 11:11
She nods, 'Shall we get in? Just try to keep a lookout for anything with petrol pumps...I doubt it'll look like a regular filling station.'

[OOC: <Tries to imagine an Elven filling station>]
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 11:17
[That's a good point... probably a lot better than human ones...]

He nods as he slides into the passenger seat. "Sure thing. Wonder what they look like..."
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 11:21
'Ok, Shrine of Our Father? I can imagine Air would be a rather tall building...'
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 11:24
He smiles, "As long as it doesn't have invisible stairs or anything."
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 11:27
She shivers, 'It probably has...I know it's a tall tower with an open roof, but they don't say anything about the inside...Might even be something like that 'Path of God' from Last Crusade...'
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 11:29
He cocks an eyebrow, "Can't say as I'm familiar..."
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 11:40
She blinks 'You haven't seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? Wow. When we get back home, I'll have to sort that out...It's to do with an invisible bridge, anyway.'

[If you haven't, watch it.]
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 11:44
[Heh... whoops, thought you were referencing an Anime. I've seen it]

"Hm. After Temple of Doom I kinda swore off sequels in general..."
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 11:46
She frowns, 'But it's got Sean Connery in it...'
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 11:49
He smirks, "So does The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Doesn't mean I plan to rush out and see it..."

[The League is supposed to completely suck]
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 11:50
'Exception to every rule?'

[She's a fan...]
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 11:53
He grins, "Could be. Actually, I'm more of a Johnny Depp fan, myself."
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 11:56
'Hmm...I've seen Sleepy Hollow...Didn't really like it. But then you know what I think of horror films...'
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 12:02
He smiles, "Aw, but it had Christopher Walken in it too!" He smirks, "Actually, I bet you'd like Benny and June. Pretty touching."
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 12:09
She shakes her head, 'Still a little too gory for me. Well, a lot, actually. Mind you, those scientific instruments Depp had were pretty hilarious...'

'Hmm... Never heard of Benny and June...I guess we could rent it when we get back, if you really think I'd like it.'
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 12:17
He smiles, "And he looked so goofy wearing them."

"No gore in that one. It's an odd love story. Has Aiden Quinn in it. It was one of his first movies."
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 12:22
She grins, 'Ok, you know more about films than me...' they pull into what, on closer inspection, is a multi-story car park, 'A few of the older buildings near the centre had structural problems...Either than or they had to be dismantled for other projects. I guess it's good in a way, otherwise it'd be pretty difficult for Fortune to operate as a modern city, but it's still a shame.'
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 12:27
"That's too bad, but, then again... their pretty old."

He glances around the car park, "Well, this existing gives hope for finding gas stations." He smirks, "Sorry," he adds a bad English accent, "Petrol stations."
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 12:29
She grins, and drawls 'Now boy, don' make me kick your ass.'

[1 more]
The Most Glorious Hack
31-07-2003, 12:34
He laughs out loud. "You'd fit nicely in Texas talking like that. And you've got a gun, so I'd say you're set!"
GMC Military Arms
31-07-2003, 12:37
She smiles, 'Well, not sure about that...I dont even know where Texas is*. Anyway...shall we head to the Shrine, or would you like to grab a coffee first?'

[*Because about five people claim America or parts thereof]
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 08:00
He thinks a moment, "Well, a bit of coffee is always a good thing. I'm up for some elven brew."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 08:01
'Ok...' they head downstairs, 'Looks like a coffee shop just across the way there.'
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 08:10
He smiles and walks along with her to the shop. He smirks, "I wonder if the ancient altars have gift shops..."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 08:16
'I shouldn't think so...They're a little too significant for that kind of thing.' she smiles, and takes a seat, looking at the menu, 'Wow...They've got more than the hotel...'
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 08:30
He sits across from her, and looks at his own menu. "Whoa... I don't even know where to start with this thing..."

He points at a random blend, "Hm... maybe this one..."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 08:33
She nods, 'Sounds nice...' she looks at the menu again, and grins, 'Maybe I'll retire here...'
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 08:36
"Fortune City, or this coffee house in particular?"
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 08:37
She laughs, 'Not sure they have vacancies...Anyway, shall we order?'
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 08:41
He chuckles, "We could always open up our own when we get sick of making super cars, hmm?"

He shrugs, and looks at the menu again, "Yeah, let's order."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 08:45
Alice heads over to the bar, and places their order. A little while later, an young-looking Elf serves them.

'It's a family business, apparently,' Alice smiles.
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 08:51
He thanks the Elf, and takes a sniff of the coffee. "Hm. Family businesses are often the best." He smiles, "This is a nice place."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 08:53
Alice nods, 'She's the youngest' she points after the waitress, 'She's in college at the moment, just paying the bills working here.' she smiles, 'They're pretty chatty.'
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 08:59
"Really? Hm. That's neat." He grins, "I was begining to wonder why ordering took so long."

He takes a sip, "This is pretty good..."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 09:02
She sips hers, 'Mmm...It is, yes.'
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 09:16
He takes a bigger drink. "Might have to get some of theirs too."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 09:18
She smiles, 'We've got a good reputation for our coffee, especially considering it doesn't grow here.'
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 09:22
He nods, "Yeah, I've noticed. Of course, at this rate, we'll have a year's supply of coffee by the time we get back."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 09:27
She smiles sweetly, 'Honeymoon present for lil' me?'
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 09:33
He smirks, "You'll wear out that smile one of these days..."

He gets up, and talks to one of the Elves at the counter for a minute, and then sits back down. "Done," he says smiling.
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 09:35
'I doubt it...' she grins, 'I use it fairly sparingly.'
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 09:39
He grins, "Just often enough, it seems."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 09:41
'Glad my feminine wiles work on you...' she smiles.

[Couple more, I've got stuff wot needs doin']
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 09:44
He smirks, "Why yes they most certainly do."

[k]
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 09:48
'Well, the whole wedding would suggest that,' she smiles, 'You missed Annie's Italian relatives at our hen night...Interesting bunch. Well, Salvatore and Luigi were supposed to turn up at your stag party...Did they, in the end?'

[They did, and were a principle cause of his hangover, most likely]
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 09:51
"Oh yeah... they brought plenty of good cheer..."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 09:52
'And home-made liquor, probably...' she smiles, 'You did look a little ill.'
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 09:55
He nods, "I was." He grins, "It seemed like a good idea at the time..."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 09:57
She smiles, 'I'm so glad I wasn't there...'
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 10:00
He smiles, "Well, it was a lot of fun... I think... but I hadn't been intending to slug that 'lovely' cure while getting ready..."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 10:02
'Akk...They made you drink that, huh?'

[1 more]
The Most Glorious Hack
01-08-2003, 10:04
"Well, I figured it'd be bad form to get get married with a wicked-bad hangover..."
GMC Military Arms
01-08-2003, 10:06
'Wow...And to think I thought a few cocktails might be too much...' she smiles, 'Sounds like you guys had fun, anyway.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 08:38
He smiles, "Well, I wasn't planning on that happen, you know. But, after the first couple drinks, I became harder to refuse..."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 08:39
She smiles, 'Yes, it has that effect.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 08:48
He smirks, "And it tasted better as the night went on, too."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 08:50
'It's not that bad to start with, though. They keep threatening to start selling it, actually.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 08:54
His eyes widen a little, "Oh my..."

He smiles a little, "Actually, that might be a good idea."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 08:57
'Hmm...' she thinks for a moment, 'I'm not sure they could mass produce it, with all the arcane glassware they put it through.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:00
"No wonder it was so strong."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 09:02
'It's like a mad scientist's lab in there.' she pauses for a moment, and smiles, 'Go on, say it.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:03
He grins widely, "No, I don't think I need to say anything, heh..."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 09:06
She shakes her head, 'Just because I'm responsible for an amphibious carrier and a submarine battleship...'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:10
He grins, "Ah, but I didn't say anything..."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 09:12
She smiles, ''S not fair...I don't know about any of your lunatic projects...'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:16
"Well, I did make the OS for your amphibious carrier..."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 09:17
She smiles, 'Well, that's still kinda my lunatic project....Come on, there must be something.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:19
"Hm... let's see here..." He thinks a moment, "Wired my entire house to be voice operated... yanked off my arm testing exoskeleton parts..."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 09:22
She smiles, 'Well, I already knew the second one...'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:28
He wiggles his metallic fingers, "Well, it's kinda obvious, I guess."

He thinks a moment, "I guess my projects aren't too goofy... I seem to just help out on goofy ones."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 09:30
'Whereas I get all the fun stuff.' she smiles, 'You should've taken mechanical engineering...'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:35
"Yeah, I know... but then I'd be useful, and we can't have that."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 09:39
She smiles, 'My handsome, useless husband.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:43
He nods, "Basically, yes." He smiles, "Unless your computer crashes."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 09:44
'But I find swearing at it usually works,' she grins, 'Are there other ways, or just stronger language?'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:46
He laughs, "They just teach you how to swear in binary."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 09:47
She grins, 'Zero-One-Zero-Zero...Hey, what if it's got analogue transistors?'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:48
"Then you kick it."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 09:48
'Good plan.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:51
He glances in his cup. "Well... should we get on to the shrine?"
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 09:54
She nods, 'Ok.' she heads over to the bar and thanks the owners, before heading back to Josef, 'It's kinda traditional with family-owned businesses...'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 09:57
"Really? Hm." He also thanks the owners before walking out with Alice. "Learn something new every day."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 10:01
'Well, it's just common courteousy,' she smiles, 'Isn't it?'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 10:03
"Well, yeah. Just never thought of it, I guess. Do you tank the person at McDonalds?"
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 10:04
'Well, I do, but it's a little different. With a family-owned business it's more "thanks for having me." Especially a nice one like that.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 10:07
"Hm. Perhaps everyone carrying a gun makes people more polite..." He smiles, "We're a little more... rushed... back home."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 10:10
'I don't think it's anything like that...' she smiles, 'What do you mean by "rushed?"'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 10:20
"Well, as you may have noticed, we tend to talk rather fast. Some moreso than others of course... It's kinda like we're all hopped up on caffeine all the time. Don't spend much time with pleasantries."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 10:23
'I did kinda notice that when we visited your parents...Thought it might be rude to say anything.' she smiles, 'Still not as fast as Annie speaks Italian...I'm amazed her family can understand each other, to be honest.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 10:26
[His father's dead, remember?]

He grins, "It's a real trip watching a court case, actually. Sometimes I think they lawyer's tongue will catch on fire."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 10:30
[Damn. 'Family.']

'Well, our lawyers still get to wear silly wigs and talk in Latin a lot...'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 10:34
He laughs, "Well, we don't get the wigs. That might be too silly."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 10:40
'Well, John does look pretty funny when he's in his work clothes...'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 10:42
"I can imagine. Never understood the wigs myself."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 10:44
She smiles, ''S traditional. Kind like having a 100-year-old battleship as the flagship of a modern carrier group.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 10:45
"Well, yeah... but why start in the first place?"
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 10:48
'It was probably fashionable at the time or something...'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 10:57
"I suppose."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 11:03
'Ok, here we go...It's just around the...Oh, wow...'

It's probably the most impressive building Josef's ever seen. For a start it's enormous; thought not a big as the central tower by a long way, it mre then makes up for it in splendour. Archs and decorations line the sides, along with hundreds of statues, and the whole thing is pure white.
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 11:07
"Wow..." He stands there looking at it, awestruck, for a few minutes. "That's... that's impressive..."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 11:10
Alice nods, 'Yeah...It really is.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 11:20
[Couple more]

He walks up to the shrine itself, looking around. "Most of ours are more ruins... this is pretty impressive."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 11:22
[Yeah, same here]

'Well, Annie did say it was spectacular and I should visit if I had the opportunity...It's amazing.' she smiles, 'Like you.'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 11:27
He blushes a little, "I don't think I'm in quite the same league as this..."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 11:30
'Depends on your perspective...I can't see that giving me a snuggle.' she smiles.
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 11:34
He smiles and hugs her, "Good point. And cheers to Annie for suggesting it."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 11:35
She smiles, 'So, shall we head inside?'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 11:36
"Sure. Hope I don't break anything."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 11:38
'Well, it's survived everything else...'

Inside is just as impressive; an immense cathedral-like chamber dominanted by an enormous marble statue of a handsome male Elf, with dozens of galleries off to the sides. Light comes mostly from candles.
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 11:42
[1 more]

He looks around, enjoying the ambiance. He lowers his voice, without really thinking about it, "Peaceful..."
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 11:43
She nods, 'Guess that's "Our Father..."'
The Most Glorious Hack
02-08-2003, 11:46
"I would assume so..." He looks to see if there's a little plaque or something.
GMC Military Arms
02-08-2003, 11:48
There isn't.

'I didn't think they remember his name either,' Alice says, noticing what Josef is doing.
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 12:46
He looks rather impressed, "Wow... there's something kinda weird about being in an ancient shrine to a forgotten person..."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 12:48
She nods, 'Forgotten but still important, I guess.'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 12:51
"Oh, certainly important." He thinks a moment, "Are there still worship ceremonies held at these shrines?"
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 12:54
She flick through the guide, 'Apparently so...He's always referred to as 'Our Father' in them, apparently.'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 12:56
He glances over her shoulder at the guide, "I suppose that makes a certain amount of sense..."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 12:58
'Probably more dignified than a lot of the other options, too...'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 13:02
"True enough. Of course, simply having a shrine dedicated to oneself imparts a certain degree of dignity to begin with."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 13:05
She nods, 'I wonder who he was...Whether he was a real guy once, or just God...'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 13:08
"The worshippers might know, but they don't seem to be inclined to tell."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 13:10
'It's probably not the kind of thing they tell just anyone...'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 13:13
He nods, "Wouldn't expect them to, really..."

[Is there more to the shrine?]
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 13:15
[Lots of small galleries off to the sides, another floor and a room behind this one with a damn great fountain and a lot of stained-glass windows, if Josef checks the guide]

She nods, 'So, want to check out the place?'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 13:22
[Well, he could look at the book...]

"Sounds good. Lead on, my dear."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 13:27
They head into the chamber beyond, 'Err...That's amazing...'

In front of them is an absolutely gigantic fountain; the water rises the entire height of the hall right up to an enormous crystal-glass dome in the ceiling. The fountain itself is incredibly ornate, ivory-coloured and with not a trace of dirt or algae.
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 13:33
"You have a talent for understatement..." He watches as the water soars up, and then glances at her, "I can't even begin to guess how..."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 13:35
She glances at the guide, 'Apparently it's a pressure system that gets it's water from the waterfall,' she pauses, and steps a little closer to the wall, 'Which we're...err...Right on top of...'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 13:43
"Wait... the massive waterfall of fear?"
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 13:44
She nods, 'Err...Yep. This temple's built over the river...'

[Unrelated TG]
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 13:55
He looks a little concerned, "You okay with that, or should we head on out?"

[responded]
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 13:58
'Err...I'm ok...It's managed for these last few thousand years, after all...Just a bit of a shock.'

[few more]
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 14:01
He smiles, "Okay. Perhaps another room then?"

[same here]
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 14:03
'Well, I doubt that'd make any difference...Might as well admire this one...'

It's certainly worth admiring; as well as the fountain, there's stained-glass windows along both sides of the hall, depicting various scenes; ancient battles and heroic acts, mostly.

Alice looks up, 'Shouldn't think anyone remembers any of them, either...'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 14:06
He nods and gazes at the windows, "Probably not... I'm sure there's some fantastic stories though..."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 14:15
She nods, 'They certainly look that way...'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 14:19
He wanders around to the other side of the fountain, looking at other windows, "This is really quite fantastic."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 14:22
She nods, and looks at the fountain, 'Oh wow...Hey Josef, look at this!'

Not only is the fountain covered in inscriptions and decorations, there's also hundreds of tiny, intricate models of Elves, as well as the occasional dragon or animal.
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 14:26
He walks back over, and looks at the inscriptions closely, "Wow... nice... Wish I could read ancient Elven..."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 14:29
'I shouldn't think there's a lot of people left who could read that...Apparently it's a very obscure dialect.'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 14:30
He smiles, "It's almost frustrating. All this history, and only glimpses as to meaning..."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 14:31
She nods, 'At least it's not a ruin like the other cities...'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 14:39
He nods, "True... any idea why this one faired to well?"
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 14:40
She shakes her head, 'None whatsoever...Nobody remembers.'
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 14:44
"Hm. Almost creepy, that."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 14:46
'Well, you can understand why they wouldn't want to find out...'

[1 more]
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 14:51
He nods, "Yeah, I do..." He looks back at the fountain, then in the fountain.
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 14:55
It's fairly deep, perfectly clear water; Josef can't see the bottom since the surface is disturbed.

'What'cha doing?' Alice smiles.
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 14:58
"Right now, hoping I don't fall in..."

He straightens up and smiles at her, "Well, was looking at the bottom. Or, trying to..."
GMC Military Arms
03-08-2003, 15:14
'I think the outlets are covered by gratings, I guess in case somebody pushes someone into the fountain,' she grins, 'Though I don't know anyone who would do such a thing.' she looks at his expression, 'No, I won't.' she smiles.
The Most Glorious Hack
03-08-2003, 15:43
He moves away from the fountain, keeping an eye on her, but grinning, "Sure you don't..."
GMC Military Arms
04-08-2003, 13:30
'No, really!'

[Only a couple posts, today]
The Most Glorious Hack
04-08-2003, 13:33
[Figured]

He grins, "Then I must have been hallucinating that day at your work, hmm?"
GMC Military Arms
04-08-2003, 13:35
'Well, I knew how deep it was then...'
The Most Glorious Hack
04-08-2003, 13:39
He smiles, "Fair enough. Can't see the bottom of this one..."
GMC Military Arms
04-08-2003, 13:41
'And I haven't been swimming in it.' she smiles, 'Well, it is a nice pool...'

[couple more]
The Most Glorious Hack
04-08-2003, 13:45
"Yes, it was. Quite refreshing. I just like the be a little more prepared before I go swimming," he says smiling.
GMC Military Arms
04-08-2003, 13:47
'Was fun, though...But there wasn't a waterfall below that pool, either.'

[1 more]
The Most Glorious Hack
04-08-2003, 13:51
"The look on your face when I pulled you in was priceless too, but you have a point about the waterfall. I doubt that would be a fun trip..."
GMC Military Arms
04-08-2003, 13:55
'No...' she smiles, 'Shall we check on some one the other rooms?'
The Most Glorious Hack
04-08-2003, 13:58
He nods, "Sure. Plenty to explore."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 08:38
'Ok...' She points at a random archway, 'That one?'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 08:38
He shrugs, "Looks as good as any other."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 08:43
It's a small gallery with scenes painted on the walls, presumably historical, though even the information in the guide is noted as being just guesswork, and it's sketchy at best. The artwork itself, however, is absolutely incredible.

'Most of the smaller rooms are like this, apparently...Just little rooms to pray in, I guess.'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 08:47
He looks at various paintings, "Could be. Great artwork, however."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 08:49
'I think people still do, sometimes...It's still used as a place of worship, it says here.'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 08:55
He glances at the book, "So it does."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 09:00
'Well, want to explore some more, or shall we move on?'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 09:03
"Well, any other larger rooms, or are they mostly like this?"
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 09:04
'Mostly like this one...The services are mainly carried out in the two large rooms.'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 09:12
He shrugs slightly, "Up to you hon. If you want to go to the Air shrine we can."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 09:12
She nods, 'Ok.'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 09:17
He leads her on out of the shrine. "Back to the car, or it is within walking distance?"
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 09:19
'Car, I think...' she looks at the map, and points to one of the taller towers, 'That's it, I think. I just hope you weren't right about invisible stairs,' she smiles nervously, 'If you are, you wouldn't mind going somewhere else instead, would you?'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 09:28
"Not at all. I'm not a big fan of them myself, after all."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 09:31
She smiles, 'Right.'

A while later they arive. It's a tall building, a good five or six hundred feet or so, pure white in colour. There's a massive archway in front of them leading inside.
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 09:34
He looks up, and up. "Wow... that's pretty tall..."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 09:36
She nods, 'They must've been amazing builders back then...'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 09:39
"Yeah, they must have been. Let's check out the inside." He heads on in.
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 09:44
The feared invisible stairs aren't there [or maybe they are], but there's certainly a visible set backing them up, spiralling up the outer wall of the tower around a huge column in the centre.

Alice gulps, 'I...Well...It's...It's not as bad as it could have been...'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 09:48
"You don't have to go up if you don't want... but I will be right there with you."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 09:49
She nods, 'Err...Ok. I think.' she smiles, 'Wish I knew why I'm so useless with heights...'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 09:51
He smiles, "To compensate for your stunning beauty?"
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 09:53
She blushes, 'Thanks...' she looks up, 'It's still really, really high...Can you hold my hand and watch in case I close my eyes?'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 09:54
He nods, "Sure. We'll take it nice and slow. Just pretend you're on a stairmaster."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 09:56
'I've never been on one,' she smiles, ''S not really going to help.' she holds out her hand, 'Well, lead the way...'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 09:58
He takes her hand, and leads her up the stairs. "Stupidest things ever invented, really. Why buy a machine, when you can just use real stairs?"
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 10:08
'Well, somebody must buy them...'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 10:11
He smiles, and checks to see if her eyes are open, "Health clubs seem to be the biggest buyer. Or people with more money then sense."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 10:18
She close her eyes quite a while ago, in fact; Josef may have noticed her grip on his hand tighten slightly, depending on which hand it is.

'I guess when the Elves weren't building airports they decided not to build lifts either...' she smiles.
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 10:24
[Figuring he's on the 'outside' of the stairs, so it'd be his left hand]

"Or escalators. But it's not that bad, really." He grins to himself, "Of course, I'm thinking it's a good thing you've got that hand in your grasp. Your knuckles are white..."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 10:26
'They are? Oh...' she smiles, 'At theme parks people pay good money for that...'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 10:29
He laughs, "Well, there is that. I take it you aren't a big fan of that first climb on a roller coaster than, hmm?"
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 10:30
'Well, I've never been on one for that reason...I always end up chatting with Elisa, since she's the same.'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 10:33
"Ah, well, makes sense. Lotta fun tho."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 10:41
'So I've been told.' she grins, 'It's kinda funny how scared of heights Elisa is, since her big sis is a fighter pilot...Obviously doesn't run in the family.'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 10:45
He grins, "Guess not."

They eventually reach the top, "We're here..."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 10:46
'We are? We can't see down, can we?'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 10:47
"Lemmie make sure its safe..." He glances around the landing, and at the floor, to make sure it's okay for her to open her eyes.
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 10:49
[They can't see down from there, but the outside of the tower has some truly terrifying full wall-ceiling-floor windows.]

She opens her eyes, 'Seems ok...'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 10:51
"Might not want to look out those windows, however."

Josef, on the other hand, wanders over to one of them and takes a look.
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 10:54
He can see the whole city stretching out underneath him, and, if he stands on the glass, the outside of the tower itelf. It's an amazing view.

'Err...The shrine's this way, in the middle of the tower.' Alice says, pointing to an archway and trying not to look out of the windows.
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 10:56
"Wow... breathtaking... huh?" He looks over to her, "Oh, right, right." He follows her into the shrine.
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 11:02
Whcih is kind the same thing in reverse.

At first, Josef would be forgiven for thinking it has no roof at all; it looks like the whole centre of the tower is a flat, open platform with raised sides and an altar in the middle. Gradually, he'll realise that's impossible, given that it's snowing and he doesn't feel cold. If he looks closely, he'll notice snowflakes settling briefly on an almost invisible glass dome that covers them.
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 11:06
"Wow..."

His brain kicks in a couple seconds later, "This is really nice..."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 11:09
She looks up, 'The sky I can handle...This is amazing...'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 11:12
He nods, "Yeah, it is. Wonder how they keep the glass so perfect..."
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 11:16
'Maybe it isn't glass...Could be some other material, I guess.'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 11:18
[1 more]

"Never thought of that... then again, might be magic..." he grins.
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 11:20
'Shouldn't think so...Don't think they had mages.'
The Most Glorious Hack
05-08-2003, 11:30
"Well that's no fun." He smiles, "Still, this was worth the climb, don't you think?"
GMC Military Arms
05-08-2003, 11:35
She nods, 'But soon I'm going to have to go back down again...'
The Most Glorious Hack
06-08-2003, 13:24
"Well, there is that... would you prefer I carried you down?"
GMC Military Arms
06-08-2003, 13:26
'Promise you won't drop me?'

[Going soon]
The Most Glorious Hack
06-08-2003, 13:33
"I promise." He grins, "Pity there isn't a banister we could just slide down. Be much faster."

[Insight into how politics "works" in the Hack over on Archangel thread.]
GMC Military Arms
06-08-2003, 13:35
'Oh, don't...'
The Most Glorious Hack
06-08-2003, 13:39
He chuckles, "I wouldn't do that, don't worry. You can just piggy-back down, probably the easiest."
GMC Military Arms
06-08-2003, 13:43
'I was kinda hoping you'd carry me in your arms,' she smiles, 'It'd be slightly more dignified...'

[1 more]
The Most Glorious Hack
06-08-2003, 13:46
[okay]

He thinks a moment, probably pondering logistics, then smiles, "I can do that."