Archaeological Discovery in The SLAGLands [Archive] - Page 2

Larkinia

13-07-2003, 08:42

Javin heard the sounds of the footsteps in the corridor.

One.. two..

six.. seven.. eigh.. No, seven.

Javin sighed a little, Seven of them, and I'm as blind as a bat. That puts the odds at, let's see, about even, he grinned. Not too bad, sensei used to put him against similar odds

Yeah, but the difference was, sensei was more than willing to smack me with that kendo sword until I was black and blue. Who knows what these guys have...

He stepped back from the sounds until he heard the tap of the shell of his backpack (OOC: I'm guessing he still has it? If not, then he just bumps into it) against something. He reached back quickly, feeling the wall with his hand.

Good, back to the wall, one less thing to worry about.

Falling back into a defensive stance, Javin sweeps his left hand forward to feel for anyone or anything in front of him.

imported_Cetaganda

14-07-2003, 00:32

"Good lord, that's disturbing," Sean muttered under his breath, before saying out loud, "If you could just tell us where she is, I'm sure we can find her ourselves. No need to wait for you to finish."

14-07-2003, 01:22

(OOC: What shell are you talking about, Larkin? If you're talking about the artifact, it's not there anymore.)

Fumbling in the Darkness:

(As Javin moves around in the cavern, he feels the footsteps approach him and seem to surround him. He hears the sound of sniffing. All at once, a spark appears in the room. Seven creatures are standing around Javin, and one of them has his thumb extended and a small flame extending from it, lighting up the chamber. Since you've already read the RP, I'm going to assume you're familiar with what the Il Adib look like: no eyes, dirty skin, scraggly hair... In any case, the one with the flaming thumb leans forward and frowns.)

"Two-legger... friend?"

Once Again... Dear God:

(All of a sudden, an Il Adib bursts from the geyser and lands on his feet. As he turns toward Pacci and Sean, they can see that it's Mordiar. He walks over to the two of them, a frown on his face.)

MORDIAR:
"I'm afraid you came at a bad time. As you can see... it's birthing time for Mother. In any event, Tanya Jefferson has been taken to a quiet place where she can tap more deeply into her latent psychic abilities, far away from distractions. I assure you that she is safe; however, if you disturb her now, you could throw off her concentration."

imported_Cetaganda

14-07-2003, 02:08

"Ah. Well, we were just looking around the caverns when we saw the cloth and got curious. Weren't we, Pacci?" Sean says, smiling at Mordiar. "We 'll be going then, don't want to disturb the proceedings." Sean nudges Pacci towards the pole.

Dread Lady Nathicana

14-07-2003, 04:05

Larkinia

14-07-2003, 04:35

(OOC: What shell are you talking about, Larkin? If you're talking about the artifact, it's not there anymore.)

Fumbling in the Darkness:

(As Javin moves around in the cavern, he feels the footsteps approach him and seem to surround him. He hears the sound of sniffing. All at once, a spark appears in the room. Seven creatures are standing around Javin, and one of them has his thumb extended and a small flame extending from it, lighting up the chamber. Since you've already read the RP, I'm going to assume you're familiar with what the Il Adib look like: no eyes, dirty skin, scraggly hair... In any case, the one with the flaming thumb leans forward and frowns.)

"Two-legger... friend?"

OOC: Nope, the backpack he had was a hardshell pack. I dunno if he still had it with him or not, but it would have tapped the wall.

IC: Javen's eyes adjusted to the new light.

Oh god, what the hell are they?

"Friend? Who are you?"

imported_Cetaganda

14-07-2003, 04:42

"I ah ... yes, well of course we'd hate to do that ..." he glanced again, truly disturbed by the sight of Mother, and jumped when Sean nudged him, looking entirely flustered.

"O..of course, the pole." he nodded. "No, no need to disturb further - much appologies, etc, etc ... " he said, moving quickly to the exit, tipping his hat to Moridar in passing.

"But Sean, do you really think ..." he began in a loud whisper before looking over his shoulder worriedly at the Il Adib. "That is to say, if this is where they led her, well ... it's far from what one would call 'quiet'. That just doesn't make sense."

"I know. But I want to check something. Can't believe we didn't think of it first." Sean activates his com. "Lisa, we found a piece of Jefferson's clothing near Mother's chamber, but when we went up there she was giving birth. Mother, that is. They said they took her somewhere quiet. Pacci and I are a bit suspicious. Can you do another psychic scan to see where she is?"
"Roger that, Sean. I'll get back to you in little bit."
Sean turned back to Pacci. "It might be a while. What do you say to doing a bit more exploring while we wait? I for one would like to find an escape route, just in case."

Dread Lady Nathicana

14-07-2003, 04:44

"Of course, of course. Lead on, good sir. Always good to keep ones options open ... indeed." he replied, still a bit wide-eyed.

imported_Cetaganda

14-07-2003, 04:51

Sean picks a direction that seems to have few Il Adib and starts walking. "Let's just hope we don't have to go up there again. I think I'm going to be scarred for life."

Dread Lady Nathicana

14-07-2003, 04:58

"Indeed ... my eyes ... they burn." Pacci chuckled, but his face still looked a bit ... haunted, and he shivered involuntarily.

He kept an eye out for any signs or clues, making notes in his little book as they walked along.

Treznor

14-07-2003, 05:58

OOC: Timejump here, following a quick meeting with Marvel and Portent to explain the basics, but not too much. If allowed, Ben would keep at them for hours about specifics on niggling little details. To call him a skeptic would be polite.

IC: Ben shakes his head in disbelief. "This is incredible. You want me to become a magician, in laymans terms, so I can go fight in a war that's brewing with your enemy?"

On the other hand, this could be an opportunity too good to pass up. Imagine an intelligence corps with no need for handy tech gadgets or even Dev's mysterious stealth technology! Who needs a stealth suit when you can turn yourself invisible?

Devon taught me to dig through the layers to get at the heart of the matter. I don't yet know what's going on behind the scenes, or what kind of entanglements this training will incur. Whatever the cost to myself, if I bring this back to Treznor to train others Dev will have an army like the world has never seen before. It's worth it.

"All right. I'd like to talk more in the future, but I'm in. You teach me this 'control' and I'll soldier for you."

14-07-2003, 05:59

Friend or Foe?

(OOC: Yes, he still has the pack with him... but the artifact's gone, as I said.)

(The small creatures continue to sniff at Javin.)

"Friend! FRIEND! Two-legger!"

(The one with the fire on his thumb seems to be the smartest of the group... which isn't really saying much. He points to himself with his free hand, jaw quivering.)

"Me... Il Adib... we... Il Adib... friend."

(The others nod and mutter, "friend, friend, friend....")

"We... come help... save from... evil ones..."

(The other Il Adib hiss and shudder. With his free hand, the lead Il Adib grabs Javin's hand.)

"We take to Hollow! Safe there! Meet Mother and rest of friends!"

(The rest of the group begins shouting and chanting louder. "FRIEND! FRIEND! FRIEND!" The small creature begins pulling Javin with an unprecedented amount of strength further down into the cavern in the direction from which the Il Adib came.)

Best Let Birthing Mothers Lie:

The Il Adib seem to be taking a long break, and the "streets" of the Hollow are fairly well empty. There seem to be fewer of them near the entrance to the Hollow, so Pacci and Sean head off in that direction; after all, things were fairly quiet there when they materialized.

Thus far, there hasn't really been much sign of Tanya.

The Psychic Search:

(Back in the "bedroom," Dr. Vivaldi is taking very careful notes about his observations for the day. He notices that Lisa appears to be concentrating quite hard and looks up, a concerned demeanor on his face.)

VIVALDI:
"Uh... what are you..."

(All at once, he remembers that these Cetagandans seem to have quite... unusual abilities and returns to his work.

Lisa is unable to get a fix on Tanya this round. Maybe next one. ^_^ )

Larkinia

14-07-2003, 06:05

Well, when in Rome.

Javin had a thousand questions, and they all rushed out at once.

"Il... Adib? Evil ones? What evil on.. urgh!" Javin said as the creature grabbed a hold of his hand and pulled him forward. "Who is this 'mother' you speak of? And the other friends? Are there more here? More like me?"

The scientific group?

imported_Cetaganda

14-07-2003, 06:14

Frowning, Lisa expands her search area. Rather than try to look for Jefferson in particular, she looks for any human at all over a much wider area. If she finds someone, she then focuses on to them to see if its Jefferson, where she is, and how she's feeling.

14-07-2003, 06:20

And You Expect Me To Believe This?

(OOC: Time jump perfectly acceptable and entirely understood, Trez. ^_^ )

(Marvel returns to her roost on Portent's crown, and Portent nods.)

PORTENT:
"Please understand, sir, that we do not intend to harm you. As you will soon see, there are others among us, others who have learned the partial practice of our abilities. Perhaps in conversing with them, you will see that our intentions are indeed noble."

All Lit Up Again:

(Guide seems to approve of Mr. Dee's flagrant abuse of his newfound gifts for some reason--perhaps under the classic "whatever floats your boat" sort of mindset. He leads the group out of the big dome room.)

GUIDE:
"You are all free to do as you please now. If you are hungry, please let us know. If you have questions, let us know. If you want shown around, let us know. Ours is to serve our guests."

14-07-2003, 06:53

Look, Verne! A N00b!

Javin is led deeper and deeper into the caverns until at last, a light begins to appear. It appears to be a large underground hollow, round and with huge columns in its center. The Il Adib have begun loudly chanting, "HOLLOW! HOLLOW!" Javin can therefore infer that this place is indeed the "Hollow" they are talking about.

As Javin reaches the end of the path and enters the "Hollow," he encounters... egad! Humans!

As Pacci and Sean begin exploring, they encounter... egad! A human!

Dread Lady Nathicana

14-07-2003, 06:58

"Good gracious," says Pacci in suprise. "Just how many folks have managed to find their way down here?"

Realizing that sounds a touch rude, he stutters "That is, what I mean to say ... ah ... Leandro Pacci, Minister of Science for the Dominion." he says, tipping his hat, then reaching out to shake the hand of the newcomer.

Larkinia

14-07-2003, 07:06

"You have no idea how many times I hear that from the parents of my dates the second or third time around," Javin smiles.

"I'm Javin, Javin Katana. Minst... oh who am I kidding. I'm on leave from the University of Larkinia and just, found my way here would you believe," he said shaking Minister Pacci's hand.

OOC: Quick description, Javin looks like a Eurasian, less muscled version of Dolph Lundgren with light brown hair and hazel eyes.

Dread Lady Nathicana

14-07-2003, 07:57

Pacci seems taken aback a bit by the young man's offbeat sense of humor and lighthearted manner ... but does his best, nonetheless.

"Dare I ah ... ask just how you made your way down?" he says, remembering Sean's admonition to find an alternative way out.

Larkinia

14-07-2003, 08:07

"Well, I guess a bad reaction to a granola bar wouldn't suffice. I was walking on one of the Outset Islands when I stumbled across some sort of artifact. I'd show it to you, but it seems to have vanished. I lost it when I was at a structure of rocks called the 'Host's Horizon'. I pulled out this artifact when a light shot out of it, and engulfed me. Then I woke up back that way," he said pointing behind him, "In some dark room. Then these... lovely peo...er.. things? They met me in there. Are you some of the missing explorers the news mentioned?

"By the way, where is 'here'?"

Dread Lady Nathicana

14-07-2003, 08:18

"I ah ... well, I see." he said, a bit flustered. "Just picked it up off the ground, you say? Interes...yes, well here." he paused, gathering his thoughts.

"Here would be the Hollow, as our ah ... dear friends here were chattering. They would be the Il Adib." He looked around at the little creatures, still somewhat in disbelief of the entire situation.

"It would seem it was they who left the artifacts - they and another group, whom they oppose. We've stumbled onto a battle that has been going on between them for some time now. A battle for access to the surface world that has been denyed them for some time."

He looked at Javin steadily, hoping he was following, and indeed, that he was explaining properly enough.

"The Il Adib claim the other group, those ah ... Kabuki Cats, or the Brethren, have been trying to get out to the surface, and that it would be bad for us if they did. They've asked us to assist them in stopping the Brethren ... and dare I say, have been teaching us a few rather interesting tricks in preparation." Again, he seemed suprised at that still.

"Here ... take my notes, read these pages here ... here ... and here." he said, a bit flustered from trying to paraphrase. "I took down very thorough notations of the entire experience thus far."

ooc: cheat, cheat! *grin*

Larkinia

14-07-2003, 08:26

Javin nodded during the discussion, not the nod he usually gave his professors, the one that said 'yeah yeah, whatever. I wonder what that blonde is doing tonight' but one of actual understanding.

"It makes sense," he said after a moment. "To be locked in some sort of combat with another group and want to leave... markers to attract anything that can give you an advantage. What about these 'Kabuki Cat-people-whatevers. Do you think they are as truly worrisome as they are made out to be?"

Javin read a little further down the pages of notes.

"Interesting. Some sort of manifested powers..."

That might explain a lot of my feelings...

Treznor

14-07-2003, 11:31

Dread Lady Nathicana

14-07-2003, 16:43

Javin nodded during the discussion, not the nod he usually gave his professors, the one that said 'yeah yeah, whatever. I wonder what that blonde is doing tonight' but one of actual understanding.

..."and want to leave... markers to attract anything that can give you an advantage. What about these 'Kabuki Cat-people-whatevers. Do you think they are as truly worrisome as they are made out to be?"
<clipped>

Pacci seemed quite pleased at the young man's grasp of things.

Make a damn fine addition, he will I think.

"I ah ... well, not having met them, I really couldn't say. Although the Il Adib have been more than a little 'disturbing' at times ... truly, I'm afraid without more input I must keep my feelings on the matter more neutral." he said, spreading his hands in a 'damned if I know' gesture.

imported_Cetaganda

14-07-2003, 17:01

"In other words, its entirely possible that they're lying their arses off. Sean Aldars, of Cetaganda." Sean shakes Javin's hand. "One of the other humans who came down here has, well, disappeared after she failed miserably at a test of psionic ability they had us do. I'm more than a little suspicious, but that could just be my innate paranoia. We found a trace of her near mother, but...umm...events disuaded us from searching up there."

Dread Lady Nathicana

14-07-2003, 17:20

Pacci shuddered at that.

Aye, Sean - thank you SO much for bringing up THAT lovely image again. Egads ... He shuddered again, just on principle.

"Well now, yes, that has been rather disturbing, not being able to locate her, but there is no reason to jump to any conclusions just yet, I think," he said placatingly.

"Javin, my boy - might you wish to accompany us? That is, if our little friends here don't take it amiss?"

He looked around at the Il Adib.

Larkinia

14-07-2003, 21:23

"I ah ... well, not having met them, I really couldn't say. Although the Il Adib have been more than a little 'disturbing' at times ... truly, I'm afraid without more input I must keep my feelings on the matter more neutral." he said, spreading his hands in a 'damned if I know' gesture.

Javin nodded at his response. "Yes Minister, I've already seen a little bit of how disturbing they can be."

"In other words, its entirely possible that they're lying their arses off. Sean Aldars, of Cetaganda." Sean shakes Javin's hand. "One of the other humans who came down here has, well, disappeared after she failed miserably at a test of psionic ability they had us do. I'm more than a little suspicious, but that could just be my innate paranoia. We found a trace of her near mother, but...umm...events disuaded us from searching up there."

"Nice to meet you," Javin said as they shook hands. "Yes, the test, I was reading about that in the notes. It sounds like she can't be useful to them for this battle, and they might have..." Javin paused to find the right words. "Removed the complication?"

Pacci shuddered at that.

Aye, Sean - thank you SO much for bringing up THAT lovely image again. Egads ... He shuddered again, just on principle.

"Well now, yes, that has been rather disturbing, not being able to locate her, but there is no reason to jump to any conclusions just yet, I think," he said placatingly.

"Javin, my boy - might you wish to accompany us? That is, if our little friends here don't take it amiss?"

He looked around at the Il Adib.

Javin noticed Minister Pacci's shudder.

Something about this 'mother' seems to be setting them off.

"Yes Minister, I think I would like to accompany you. I don't see why our 'friends' would be concerned. And even if they did, to be honest with you, I don't really care."

His military demeanor kicked up a little bit as he could almost hear his old Lieutenant's voice and looked around the Hollow.

"We've got someone missing. Keep your eyes open, no one gets left behind. Katana, you're on point.."

Dread Lady Nathicana

14-07-2003, 22:43

"Yes, the test, I was reading about that in the notes. It sounds like she can't be useful to them for this battle, and they might have..." Javin paused to find the right words. "Removed the complication?"

"Well now I ah ... again, we lack the data to prove anything of the sort, regardless of our hosts rather ... well, rough manners in some instances. Besides, this isn't the Dominion after all ... " he said, glancing around nervously at the close proximity of the Il Adib around them, then realizing he'd spoken that last bit out loud, he blinked, and hurried on with his next thoughts.

"We've a far bit yet to search, and I believe that the Cetagandans are working on something a bit more ... well, ethereal that way?" he looked to Sean for confirmation.

"In any case, I think it best to not jump to any conclusions as yet. We've far too many holes in our information to do that with any certainty. I for one would very much regret taking a wrong step here, all things considered."

Larkinia

15-07-2003, 00:17

imported_Cetaganda

15-07-2003, 04:33

Larkinia

15-07-2003, 04:42

"Telepathic scan, trying to get a fix on her location. I agree that we need more information before acting, but if they've harmed Jefferson or threaten us more, I for one won't be too inclined to help them." Sean says to Javin. "By the way, do you have any combat training?"

Combat training?

"Yeah, you could almost say too much combat training," Javin said. "I did a four-year stint with the Larkinia Rangers. Plus back-to-back Military Class, Muai Thai Kickboxing championships. I agree with you, if they've hurt her..."

Telepathic scanning? Maybe Sean can help me once we get out of here.

imported_Cetaganda

15-07-2003, 04:57

"Thank god. You should of seen that Vivaldi guy back there," Sean says, gesturing with his staff. "Completely incompetent with a weapon. Nearly killed someone when he tried to show us his gun. All three of us Cetagandans have had basic military training and are fairly skilled fighters. Imperial citizens tend to be a bit military obsessed at times."

Larkinia

15-07-2003, 05:01

"Thank god. You should of seen that Vivaldi guy back there," Sean says, gesturing with his staff. "Completely incompetent with a weapon. Nearly killed someone when he tried to show us his gun."

Javin sighed quietly.

"Not quite the auspicious start he wanted huh?" he said with a chuckle. "Well, I don't have any guns with me, all I've got in my pack are some clothes, hiking food, my laptop and a boot knife. If I'd have known I'd be going into combat, I'd have been more prepared."

Ahhhh, famous last words...

"So how many people are down here?"

Dread Lady Nathicana

15-07-2003, 05:02

Pacci looks as if to say something, but quickly, and wisely for once, shuts his mouth.

Well, I don't think I'm all that incompetent with a weapon - two years training after all, but ...

He never had much cared for the things.

imported_Cetaganda

15-07-2003, 05:05

"Six, plus the missing woman. Oh, and a Reploid Productions creature that ran off the first night. Supposedly killed in a landslide, but we think differently."

Larkinia

15-07-2003, 05:06

"Six, plus the missing woman. Oh, and a Reploid Productions creature that ran off the first night. Supposedly killed in a landslide, but we think differently."

"A what creature?? And where was this landslide?"

Knowing the way this day has gone, it'll be a dragon or something... :wink:

Dread Lady Nathicana

15-07-2003, 05:09

"That's right," said Pacci, blinking. "Has there been any word of that ... um ... what was it exactly?"

Larkinia

15-07-2003, 05:10

"That's right," said Pacci, blinking. "Has there been any word of that ... um ... what was it exactly?"

Javin looked at Minister Pacci, "What's right?"

imported_Cetaganda

15-07-2003, 05:14

"Mordor or whatever he's called said that...Tsunami was exploring and got crushed. Nita said she heard the critter leave, but no such rockslide. Who knows."

15-07-2003, 05:15

Meeting New Friends:

The Il Adib near Javin begin to get bored of the conversation and wander off to find other things to do... like pick away at the walls some more.

The Search Continues:

At last, Lisa seems to have found Tanya Jefferson. She is approximately two kilometers away, in a slightly higher elevation, but fairly near where Mother's chamber is approximated to be. She seems to be unconscious.

Larkinia

15-07-2003, 05:16

"Mordor or whatever he's called said that...Tsunami was exploring and got crushed. Nita said she heard the critter leave, but no such rockslide. Who knows."

"Hmmmm, so then they could have taken.. Tsunami to the same place they took the missing woman?" Javin said, thinking out loud again.

15-07-2003, 05:20

OCC: TO ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THIS RP

My "brethren" side is slowly dying. We have only me and Treznor rping Brethren. Would it be possible to import a few Il Adib RPers over?

IC: Mr. Dee examines his cigarette once more, lit by the will of his finger.
"Could we find our colleagues once more? The ones that were seperated when we... um... transported here."

Dread Lady Nathicana

15-07-2003, 05:21

"Well, that's considering they weren't telling the truth about the rockslide." Pacci said carefully.

"Again, too many leaps here. Possible, yes, but ... I advise caution."

imported_Cetaganda

15-07-2003, 05:29

"Sean, Lisa. She's about two klicks from me, about where Mother is. Why did you leave the area, anyways?"
"Oh, no reason. Remind me to ask Nita about memory wipes when this is over. Could you tell what shape Jefferson was in?"
"No, but I might be able to if get closer. Let me talk with Vivaldi. Lisa out."
Sean turns to speak with Pacci and Javin, but stops when he sees the Il Adib. "You know, I've always heard questioning the minions can get you some info," he says thoughtfully. "Hey, you! Il Adib person? Why are all of you picking at the walls so much?"
Back in the bedcave, Lisa tells Vivaldi, "I've got to check on something near Mother's cave. I'll be back in a few minutes." She leaves the room, and walks to the area near mother. There, she finds a secluded alcove and concentrates on creating a mental connection with Jefferson, hoping to learn her condition.

15-07-2003, 05:45

Didn't Your Mother Tell You Not To Pick Your Walls?

(One of the nearest Il Adib looks over at Sean and grins a toothy, crooked grin.)

"WE DIG FOR MOTHER!"

(He resumes digging. Hope that clarified everything.)

Vivaldi's Just Sittin' Around:

(Dr. Vivaldi nods when Lisa mentions checking by Mother's cave.)

VIVALDI:
"I'll come with..."

(Before he can finish, Lisa is long gone.)

"...you."

Homin' In By Mama's Cave:

(Lisa begins to get a read on Jefferson's condition. It seems that her unconsciousness was forced somehow, but she doesn't appear to be hurt at all.

As Lisa continues to scan, Mordiar emerges from the pole. He glares at Lisa, arms akimbo. If she can be distracted or snapped out of her link somehow, this is the time that it would happen.)

MORDIAR:
"Whatever are you looking for, dear?"

imported_Cetaganda

15-07-2003, 05:51

"Oh! Hello, Mordiar. I was actually looking for you or Orctan," Lisa says, smiling. "I was wondering if you could clarify something for me. You see, I'm wondering why you've brought us here. You've already got considerable powers, why do you need us?"
Meanwhile, Sean tells to Pacci and Javin, "That was helpful."

Larkinia

15-07-2003, 05:53

Javin turns to Sean, "Yeah, that's a clear as a glass of mud..." he winked.

He turned to one of the Il Adib.

"But why does she want you to dig?"

15-07-2003, 06:05

Whatever Are You Looking For, Dear?

(Mordiar nods, his huge mouth forming a smile. He begins to pace in a circle around Lisa.)

MORDIAR:
"Quite simple, really. Sure, we could continue to fight the good fight beneath the surface against The Brethren, but where will that get us? Nowhere. The way I see it, even if we manage to fight them off and make our way back to the surface where we belong, humanity will not realize the incredible favor we've done them. Thus, we bring you down here, teach you some skills to impart upon your fellow humans, and thus prove ourselves your ally. If you do not wish to fight The Brethren, then by all means, leave them to us. However, I cannot guarantee our victory..."

(He comes to a stop in front of Lisa and rubs her hair playfully.)

"And don't worry about your friend, Mrs. Jefferson. I assure you that she's in good hands."

But Why Dig?

(The same Il Adib turns back to Javin yet again.)

"WE DIG FOR MOTHER!"

(And he returns to digging. Sensing a pattern here?"

Larkinia

15-07-2003, 06:08

Javin rubbed his temples, That message is getting through like a Randy Johnson fastball to the chin...

"Well, we're not going to find anything here. Where was the last place you saw the missing woman?"

15-07-2003, 18:43

With the Freedom given by Guide, Mr. Dee decides to begin searching for the others that are with the Il Adib.

He begins wandering the hollowed caves, cigarette in mouth.

Treznor

16-07-2003, 02:47

Ben emerges from his meeting with Marvel and Portent, looking no more convinced, but far more determined. He looks around expectantly.

"Okay, so now what?"

imported_Cetaganda

16-07-2003, 05:04

Whatever Are You Looking For, Dear?

<blah blah we're not feeding Jefferson to the kids blah blah>

(He comes to a stop in front of Lisa and rubs her hair playfully.)

"And don't worry about your friend, Mrs. Jefferson. I assure you that she's in good hands."

"Thank you for the information," Lisa says smiling. Mordiar then does his rubby thing, and her smile grows while her left hand comes to rest on the hilt of her sword. "If you ever touch me without my permission again," she continues in an ever so sweet voice," I'll be forced to kill you."

16-07-2003, 05:07

(OOC: Ur, you have NOT approached the Hollow group. You're still roaming.)

Where's the Rest of the Gang?

Mr. Dee leaves Elysium, the Brethrenites paying him little to no heed. He walks back to the large cliff where he was found, then continues down another path, the light of his cigarette providing a dim glow within the pitch black caves.

The paths seem to be fairly straightforward, although Mr. Dee carefully chooses a few paths at forks, marking his path as he goes.

After a few hours of walking, Mr. Dee hears crying ahead of him. The path he is in is narrow, and a few scattered tools lie strewn about the ground--pick axes, hammers, and so forth. As Mr. Dee looks for the source of the crying, he finds a small girl, apparently about ten years old. She is wearing blue jean shorts and a pink shirt, her head tucked between her legs, her red hair hanging recklessly about her.

So Now What?

(Watchman glances over at Ben, apparently not too pleased with his more-than-a-little-cold response to the leaders of The Brethren of Shade.)

WATCHMAN:
"The rest of the day is yours. We have others among us..."

(He motions to a long nearby passageway.)

"...and if you like, we can provide you with food and drink."

16-07-2003, 05:15

I'll Be Forced to Kill You:

(Mordiar removes his hand from Lisa's head and takes a step back. He chuckles.)

MORDIAR:
"You'll... be forced to kill... me."

(The Il Adib suddenly turn toward Mordiar and Lisa. As if they've been called, they begin to gather around him in droves.)

"You'll... be forced to kill... me."

(The Il Adib gathering begins to number in the hundreds. They are all standing right behind Mordiar, brandishing their pick axes, barely moving.)

"Darling... please accept the good graces of the Il Adib and do not attempt an act that will lead to your own demise. A war against me is a war you will not win."

(He leans closer to her, inches from her head, and whispers in her ear.)

"And don't you DARE think I don't know what you can do..."

Oh, Sure, Now They're Doing Stuff:

All at once, the Il Adib look up with a start toward the other end of the cave, where Mother's pole is. They begin to swarm over there by the droves.

Dread Lady Nathicana

16-07-2003, 05:23

"Oh bloody hell, what has got them in a stir?" Pacci says, somewhat alarmed as he watches the Il Adib head off chattering among themselves.

Larkinia

16-07-2003, 05:31

"Oh bloody hell, what has got them in a stir?" Pacci says, somewhat alarmed as he watches the Il Adib head off chattering among themselves.

"Maybe they found the missing woman you'd mentioned!" Javin said. "Let's check it out."

imported_Cetaganda

16-07-2003, 05:45

"An interesting way you have of making allies, Mordiar. Perhaps I should talk with someone less hot headed." As Lisa speaks, she slowly draws her sword and holds it at her side. "Let me through. I wish to speak with Mother. Ortcan would do as well."
No longer bothering to hide her power, she extends a telepathic link to the other two Cetagandans. *Sean, Nita, be ready to run. I've managed to piss off Mordiar, and he's gathering a bunch of the minions here.*. She also brings up her sheilds, ready to defend against a psionic or magical attack.

With Javin and Pacci, Sean pales and pulls out a gun and a maser pistol, handing the gun to Javin, along with a pair of clips. "We may have trouble. Look's like Lisa said something Mordiar didn't like. This is a standard EM driver needler, safety here, fire mode select here. Fires single shot, three-round burst, and full auto. Thirty round clip."

Back in the bedcave, Nita swiftly packs everything. "There's trouble. We may need to make a break for it."

16-07-2003, 05:51

I Need to See Mother:

(Mordiar holds out his arms beside him, and the Il Adib part, revealing Mother's pole. Mordiar smiles warmly.)

MORDIAR:
"By all means. As I said before, our intent is to help the human race. If you wish to see Mother, go see her... though I warn you that she isn't too happy after her... birthing hours."

(He cocks his head to one side.)

"But I do ask that you please sheath your shield... you're making my friends restless. I assure you I will not attack you if you do not provoke me."

Back in the Bedcave:

(Dr. Vivaldi nods, gathering his notes and putting them in his pocket.)

VIVALDI:
"I certainly hope someone hasn't irritated our hosts..."

Larkinia

16-07-2003, 05:58

"This is a standard EM driver needler, safety here, fire mode select here. Fires single shot, three-round burst, and full auto. Thirty round clip."

Javin looks at the gun during the description.
*Click, click* Javin sets the firing mode at three-round burst.

Hope we won't need this....

"All right, let's dance."

Dread Lady Nathicana

16-07-2003, 06:02

Larkinia

16-07-2003, 06:05

"L'OH per l'amore del dio, ha messo quelle cose via!" Pacci cries out in alarm as the men arm themselves, and make their comments.

"I ... I mean to say, put those away! Until we know what was said, and what's going on, for the love of God, behave yourselves!" he sputters, indignant and with no small amount of panic.

"Minister, be at ease sir," Javin said with a warm smile. "I do not intend to start a conflict. But if there's a fight to be had, I intend to finish it. We have no guarantees that these things ever intend upon our return to the our world. And it's better to be safe than sorry."

imported_Cetaganda

16-07-2003, 06:09

"Very well. " Lisa says, inclining her head and sheathing her sword. "I shall wait until morning. Perhaps I overeacted to you, where I come from a man does not touch a woman without permission."

Sean glances over at Pacci. "Yes, and Lisa could be laying dead right -" He breaks off when Lisa's voice comes over the comm.
"Problem averted. I think we may need to talk. Suggest you return to base."
Rolling his eyes, Sean says, "Women. Ten to one he messed up her hair or makeup and she snapped." Putting the weapon away, he asks, "Do you two have anything to add or suggest, or should we go back?"

Larkinia

16-07-2003, 06:12

"I wish I did sir," Javin said. "As I'm the new one here, I'll defer to what you think is best."

16-07-2003, 06:12

(Mordiar nods slowly.)

MORDIAR:
"Forgive me... I meant no harm. If you wish to sleep, Mother will most certainly be awake in the morning... and perhaps in a better mood. I hope the same can be said of you, my dear."

(The Il Adib get back to work.)

Dread Lady Nathicana

16-07-2003, 06:19

Pacci gives them both a flat look.

"First, let us get one thing clear. I do not believe we are prisoners here, nor do I believe that however odd they seem, or however secretive or sly their motives may seem to us, I do not believe these creatures are our enemies. Call it gut instinct, call it what you will. Most of you have been running around like chickens in a barnyard with the fox on the loose, and not been using your heads." he explained calmly.

"You've observed their powers - frankly, you Cetagandans seem more than a match. Ponder that for a moment. Think how many of them there seem to be. I seriously doubt we make much of a threat. Yes, I've been concerned about Tanya, and yes my mind has thought of some rather ... inventive options that are possibilities - I do try to keep as many options in mind as I can, but heavens. Can we at least try to operate with a touch less ... well, trigger-happiness and suspicion? Keep our eyes open, of course - that's only logical. But try to see beyond what seems obvious."

He blinked, obviously suprised he'd had that much to say, and not entirely sure, once he was done, of what all he'd said, and what all had been internalized thinking (he often mixed the two).

Larkinia

16-07-2003, 06:32

"Minister," Javin said, "I wish I had your gut instinct. I'll try to rein in my nervous energy a little more and put it to a more productive use."

imported_Cetaganda

16-07-2003, 06:35

Sean sighs. "The thing is, you're right. I have to say, I'm a bit jumpier than normal. I'll try to keep calmer."

Larkinia

16-07-2003, 06:40

"Between you and I," Javin said to Sean. "I can't think of a time I've been jumpier. Maybe you'd better hold onto this." He handed the gun back to Sean.

Dread Lady Nathicana

16-07-2003, 11:29

Pacci watched the exchange of words, and gun ... "Er, ah ... perhaps I might be allowed to keep hold of that?" he asked, enquiringly. "I may not be a soldier, but I am Dominion trained. AND can keep a cool enough head to not go about popping folks off, methinks." he says with a chuckle, meaning it to be more of a joke than it might sound.

"And no, other than looking for the wee beast that had accompaied Vivaldi, I can't think of where to go from here. Perhaps a bit of rest might do us all good?" he suggested.

Larkinia

16-07-2003, 11:36

Javin chuckled.

Point taken... gotta stop being such a hothead. This isn't the Succession Wars damnit!

"Good point Minister."

Treznor

16-07-2003, 16:25

WATCHMAN:
"The rest of the day is yours. We have others among us..."

(He motions to a long nearby passageway.)

"...and if you like, we can provide you with food and drink."
Ben inclines his head to Watchman. "Thanks. I might take you up on that. I'd like to speak with the others, if I could."

Without thinking about it, he passes his hands over his equipment, making sure everything is secure.

imported_Cetaganda

17-07-2003, 04:51

Nodding to Mordiar, Lisa sets off back to the cave.

Sean agrees with Pacci. "Besides, we should introduce Javin to everyone else."

17-07-2003, 04:56

(Watchman nods, leading Ben around the city.)

WATCHMAN:
"Of course. Unfortunately, our friend Mr. Dee of Ur an ass has apparently disappeared for the moment."

(He and Ben approach the Oglethorpian delegation.)

WATCHMAN:
"These are our friends from Oglethorpia, the only other humans down here right now. They've been pretty quiet lately. (OOC: Hint, hint...)."

17-07-2003, 04:58

((OOC: I should be back in action on the 21st or 22nd. BTW, Slag, if you need to toss somebody to the Brethren side, I could have Kiara head to the island to investigate, since she hasn't been able to pick up Tsunami's signal. I rather doubt you want to have Tsunami find herself over on the Brethren side, I've gotten the impression you've got something specific to the story in mind for her with her sidequesting here ^_^; See y'all in another several days or so!))

I like this idea very much. And Oglethorpia's on vacation in California for the entire week.

Mr. Dee continues wandering around, piloted by his instincts...

...or he's just wandering around at random; he doesn't know...

Treznor

17-07-2003, 05:03

OOC: Okay, but where's everybody else?

IC: Ben nods politely. "I'm Benjamin Vitner of the Empire of Treznor. I seem to have volunteered for this little war."

He grins wryly and pats his pockets. "Anybody got a cigarette? I didn't bring any today; would have been counterproductive."

The SLAGLands

17-07-2003, 05:06

I like this idea very much. And Oglethorpia's on vacation in California for the entire week.

Mr. Dee continues wandering around, piloted by his instincts...

...or he's just wandering around at random; he doesn't know...

(OOC: Yeah, Rep, I think I WILL do that...

And Dee just found a little girl. Is he going to just ignore her?

Trez, I'm just writing EZRALB, Celack, Dierietieswhateverness, etc. out of the story. They never existed. They're dead. They stay in character.)

17-07-2003, 05:25

(OOC: Ur, you have NOT approached the Hollow group. You're still roaming.)

Where's the Rest of the Gang?

Mr. Dee leaves Elysium, the Brethrenites paying him little to no heed. He walks back to the large cliff where he was found, then continues down another path, the light of his cigarette providing a dim glow within the pitch black caves.

The paths seem to be fairly straightforward, although Mr. Dee carefully chooses a few paths at forks, marking his path as he goes.

After a few hours of walking, Mr. Dee hears crying ahead of him. The path he is in is narrow, and a few scattered tools lie strewn about the ground--pick axes, hammers, and so forth. As Mr. Dee looks for the source of the crying, he finds a small girl, apparently about ten years old. She is wearing blue jean shorts and a pink shirt, her head tucked between her legs, her red hair hanging recklessly about her.

Like I said before, his wandering is instinct. Or completely random.

Mr. Dee sees the crying, little girl and immediately feels concern and that sympathetic crap. There's a little voice in the very, very far back of his head shouting:

"What the hell is a little girl doing here? Better be careful..."

But that voice is totally drowned out by his voice:

"Hey, hey." Trying to be nice. "What... What are you doing here? Who are you? Ummmm.... You alright?"

In talking his cigarette drops.

"I'm, uh..., looking for my friends... Nathicana? Cetaganada? Heard of them?"

Larkinia

17-07-2003, 05:30

Sean agrees with Pacci. "Besides, we should introduce Javin to everyone else."

Javin nods, Yeah, let's get a feel for who else is down here

"Good plan," he says as he looks around.

17-07-2003, 05:35

17-07-2003, 05:47

(The little girl looks up at Mr. Dee, her blue eyes extremely wide. Tears are trickling down her face, and she is speaking in between strong sniffles.)

"I... I... d-d-don't... know... wh-wh-where's... mo-mom-Mommy?"

"Mommy?" Dee asks, concerned, totally aloof to the possible dangers. "You've lost your Mommy? Was your mommy a scientist?"

Wait... The scientists didn't bring their kids along... Or did they?
Mr. Dee's mind is filled with thoughts that can not all be processed quickly.

OC:
SLAG, if it's not too much trouble, could you compile a list of the characters from each nation on each side?

I.e.
Brethren of Shade Side:
Mr. Eddie Dee ---- Ur an ass
Guide, Marvel, Watchman, that other dude ---- SLAG
Treznor's dude (or dudette) ---- Treznor

Hollow of Adib Side:
Flying Creature thing ----- Rep Prod
etc. etc.

17-07-2003, 05:54

(The little girl shakes her head.)

"N-no... mom-Mommy's a pha-phar-pharmamicist... w-we-we-we-we're on va-vacation..."

(She bursts into loud sobbing again.)

Dread Lady Nathicana

18-07-2003, 03:52

"Indeed we should, Sean ... I'm sure the rest of the group will be quite pleased to see another sharp mind we can work with, eh?" he says, patting Javin on the shoulder, and taking the gun. He handles it with some distaste, assures himself the safety is on, and tucks it behind his belt.

At least one less gun being waved about should someone else get set off. My, what an exciteable group. Yes, it is all very strange, and no they don't exactly engender trust, these odd creatures, but ...

He paused, taking out his notebook and scribbling down recent observations.

"But yes, yes," he says, beging to walk off in entirely the wrong direction, his nose still in his notebook, "Lets do head back to the others."

Larkinia

18-07-2003, 03:55

"Umm.. excuse me minister," Javin said. "I know you're still upset about the gun and all...

".. but that's the direction we just came from."

Dread Lady Nathicana

18-07-2003, 04:49

Pacci looks up from his notes, blinks at Javin, looks around, and chuckles.

"Good gracious ... terribly sorry, there." He strolls off in the correct direction, humming quietly to himself. "Well then, off we go, yes?"

Larkinia

18-07-2003, 04:53

"I agree sir, and we're off!"

18-07-2003, 04:53

(Dr. Vivaldi sees the group approaching--new face included--and frowns.)

VIVALDI:
"Oh, no... they've got another one."

(He stands and extends a hand.)

"Dr. Remmington Vivaldi, archaeologist."

Dread Lady Nathicana

18-07-2003, 04:59

"Found the lad wandering the halls." said Pacci, waiting for Javin to introduce himself.

Larkinia

18-07-2003, 05:09

Javin extends his hand and shakes the doctor's hand, "Javin Katana, doctor. Archaeology student, man of adventure, former ranger and all around good-guy. It even says so on my business cards."

imported_Cetaganda

18-07-2003, 05:24

Nita looks up. "Nita Fingan, adept, and -" She is interupted when Lisa enters the room. "Ah, Lisa. Javin, this is Lisa Strieksmore, 3T Prime, and who has apparently been up to something."
"Hey, I managed to not slice Mordiar's head off. There's something to be said about that. Oh, and he knows we've been faking about not being skilled." She looks over at the newcomer. "Nice to meet you, Javin."

Larkinia

18-07-2003, 05:47

imported_Cetaganda

18-07-2003, 06:01

Sean chuckles. "Adept is a classification of magic users, a very high rank; I am one as well. A Prime is the highest rank of psionic power, 3T refers to telekinetic, telepath, and teleporter. We were attempting to hide our skills from the Il Adib, but we must have failed."
"We've all had mandatory military service, and some hobbies of our own," continues Lisa, sitting down. "Unfortuantly, those hobbies include archaeology, and we were sent to check out those artifacts. And so here we are."

Larkinia

18-07-2003, 06:38

"Ah.. I understand," Javin said. "We had mandatory service as well in Larkinia. Although now I'm an archaeology student."

Wow! That's fascinating! Mages, telepaths?

"So the Il Adib can.. sense your abilities?"

18-07-2003, 06:41

(Vivaldi scratches his neck nervously.)

VIVALDI:
"This... cannot be good... unless, of course, our hosts are indeed gracious... in which case, I suppose it's not really good or bad... just sorta... you know..."

(He trails off.)

Larkinia

18-07-2003, 06:44

"Just sorta... what?"

imported_Cetaganda

18-07-2003, 06:49

"Yes, Doctor? Is there something we should know?"

18-07-2003, 06:50

(Dr. Vivaldi looks up.)

VIVALDI:
"Oh... nothing, I assure you. Forgive me. I have a tendency to let my thoughts get the better of me when I'm thinking about something, and I... well... trail off."

imported_Cetaganda

18-07-2003, 06:52

Sean snorts. "We'd love to hear whatever you were thinking of. We've got plenty of time to listen."

Larkinia

18-07-2003, 06:52

"I dunno, Doctor. I think you're on to something there. If the Il Adib are able to sense things about us, they may be trying to give us enough rope to hang ourselves with, seeing if we are going to be honest, or do what they say. And if they don't like the results, then who knows."

Dread Lady Nathicana

18-07-2003, 06:57

'By all means, Vivaldi .. out with it." says Pacci, his notebook and pencil at the ready. "Your ramblings and thoughts couldn't possibly be any worse than the rest of us."

18-07-2003, 06:59

(Vivaldi chomps hard on his gum.)

VIVALDI:
"Well... I dunno... we've all been pretty well laboring under the delusion that these things are evil. But what if they're not? What if it's these... Brethren or whatever... who are the bad ones? What if Tanya is perfectly all right?"

Dread Lady Nathicana

18-07-2003, 07:11

Pacci looks to the others with a smile. "It would seem I'm not the only one who has such doubts." he says, standing up a little taller.

Larkinia

18-07-2003, 07:28

"I hope you gentlemen are right. Because I worry about what will happen if you are wrong.

"But what evidence do we have that the Kabuki.. brethren.. cats are the evil ones? I'd hate to think this entire war is set on a misunderstanding..."

18-07-2003, 16:59

(The little girl shakes her head.)

"N-no... mom-Mommy's a pha-phar-pharmamicist... w-we-we-we-we're on va-vacation..."

(She bursts into loud sobbing again.)

Vacation? Who the hell goes to vacation in caves populated by talking, face-paint cats?

Slightly disturbed, Dee sits next to the crying girl.

"Well, I know a few scientists, but they're not your mommy, I'm afraid. How long have you been here?"
=========
Oh, and Slag, again, do you know that names of the characters being used here by each nation?

19-07-2003, 05:40

19-07-2003, 05:55

(OOC: I'll look over the thread and compile a complete list tonight... gots plenty of time. ^_^ )

(The little girl begins to calm down a bit.)

"Uh... I... uh... I think... a few minutes..."

(She forces herself to look up, wiping the snot in her nose with her sleeve.)

"I was playing by a big bunch of rocks... and I found... a little... uh... thing... and I touched it... and there was lights... and there was this creepy music... and... and..."

(She scoots back against the wall.)

"...and I woke up in here!"

(She screams, her voice shrill and obnoxious.)

"MOMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!"

After listening to this little girl, Dee jumps up screaming with great joy.

"YES! YES! I FOUND IT! I FOUND IT!" He looks at the flabbergasted little girl, whose scream was drowned out by Dee's frantic shouting and dancing (if you can call it that).

"Shhhhhh.... Don't worry, I got- Well, it was lights- umm. The.."

He stops before his tongue gets permeanantly tripped.

"Don't worry. What's your name? It's totally alright. But listen very, very carefully. You must understand my next question very well."

He pauses for the name.

"What did the object you touched look like? The symbols, pictures on it. The color, the touch, the feel, the color of the light. Remember it very well, and remember it hard. Can you picture it in your mind and keep it there for awhile? It would be most important. See, I'm sort of lost as well, but found some cats that can help me get out. If I get out, you get out. But you must remember what it looks like."

Because if the object the girl touched, Dee thought, was not like the one he touched, this would be the place where the others ended up! Or this would be where they first started out. He begins to look at his surroundings for any clues and to get an idea of where he was.

19-07-2003, 06:07

"Helen... Helen Fitzgerald."

(She forces herself to her feet, listening very carefully to Mr. Dee's question. She scratches her chin.)

"Well... it was about this big..."

(She holds her arms out about a foot apart.)

"...and it was round at the top and had a handle on the bottom, and the round part had little squares all over it, and when I touched it, the squares lit up and it floated, and then the little handle thing faced up and shot light into the sky, and then the light made some freaky dark purple stuff, and then... uh..."

(She throws herself onto Mr. Dee, embracing him tightly.)

"Oh, gosh, mister, I'm scared!"

19-07-2003, 06:20

Oh, crap. Thought Mr. Dee. I forgot what the damn thing looked like.

"I'm Mr. Dee." he said uneasily. "And get off of me."

OC: SLAG, could you describe the surroundings? And possibly tell me if the object is the same? And the names of the characters in this RP?

If not, then Mr. Dee will have to trudge his way back to the Enclave of the Brethren.

The SLAGLands

19-07-2003, 06:35

R0ST0R3D!!!!!!!!111

Hollow of Il Adib
THE SLAGLANDS - Dr. Remmington Vivaldi, Tanya Jefferson
DREAD LADY NATHICANA - Leandro Pacci
REPLOID PRODUCTIONS - Tsunami
CETAGANDA - Lisa Strieksmore, Sean Aldars, Nita Fingan
CELEBORNE - Dr. Allen (if he's still in...)
LARKINIA - Javin Katana

The Brethren of Shade
THE SLAGLANDS - Dr. Shana Grambling, Helen Fitzgerald
UR AN ASS - Mr. Dee
OGLETHORPIA - Kevin Green, Dan Adams, Jess Campbell, Kurt Jenson and Will Hedgewood
TREZNOR - Benjamin Vitner
More on the way for this side...

19-07-2003, 06:36

19-07-2003, 06:52

(Reiterating description... the room is a narrow hallway, with scattered tools about the floor. The walls seem to be rich with engravings of what appear to be battles between the Brethrenites and small humanoid critters with no eyes.

And yes... she is describing the artifact you guys found.)
Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn.

IC: Dee concentrates hard, trying to remember what the artifact he touched looked like, but to no avail.

Then a Brethrenite appeared in his mind and showed it to him. It was exactly how the little girl described it. Disappointment swelled across Dee, but then he got surprised.

The little girl, Helen Fitzgerald, had let go of Dee and stepped back, eyes wide in amazement and something else.

Dee was glowing brightly, illuminating the halls. In the light, he could see more of the Cave Paintings. Ignoring the girl for a second, he examines the pictures more and more closely.

OC: This is asking for a description of the cave paintings. Take your time, Slag.

imported_Cetaganda

20-07-2003, 01:24

Local Night
ISV Slytherin Solidarity & Attached Vessels
Artificial Geosynchronous Orbit Over Host's Horizons, The SLAGLands
Sol System

"All vessels, this is Daniel of Slytherin. Please slave main communications systems to my control and prepare to transmitt. I will begin with a general broadcast followed by tightbeams directed at each of the islands in turn, running through all frequencies. Estimated time for initial run is one hour. Once we're run through it once, we'll repeat again in a few hours. Initiating transmission...now."

High above the SLAGLands, eight Cetagandan vessels activate their transmitters. One is a dedicated intelligence and communications ship, another a light cruiser, the remaining four are common patrols. All are transmitting towards the surface at full power, sending the same signal in the pattern described above.

(OOC: Before I write up the acutal message, Slag, I'd like to know if it gets through and if its garbled. Assume the ships are repeating the transmissions every three hours or so, and are listening for any return signal.)

20-07-2003, 01:54

(The cave drawings are fairly crude, reminiscent of cave paintings frequently made by ancient men. They depict the small eyeless creatures the Brethrenites mentioned, the Il Adib, waging war with the Brethren of Shade. Drawings are of monstrous battles, of tremendous armies sweeping through mountains, across deserts, and through caverns. There are frequent drawings of a monstrous, grotesque Il Adib with no eyes and bits of cloth covering its breasts and groin. It appears to be female, and at each mention, the creature is surrounded by Il Adib worshippers, as if this is some sort of goddess.

As Mr. Dee glances over the drawings, he hears a voice behind him.)

"What are you doing back here?"

(As Mr. Dee turns around, he sees a Brethrenite with unfamiliar facial patterns: red and yellow stripes above and beneath both eyes and a red X in the center of his face.)

"I am Pioneer... this cave is in my patrol, and it is very dangerous. Is there something you seek, Mr. Dee?"

20-07-2003, 01:58

Attempting Communication:

(OOC: Ceta, send me the message and I'll edit it to give you an idea of what they hear.)

A Long Day:

(Dr. Vivaldi yawns and stretches.)

VIVALDI:
"Well, I suppose there's no point in worrying about that now. I think we could all do for a little rest after the bizarre day we've had today."

(He curls up on the straw pile on the floor and falls asleep almost instantly.)

Larkinia

20-07-2003, 02:04

Javin chuckled as the man nodded off to sleep. He slipped off his backpack and sat back to lean against the wall.

I think I'll... stay up a while and see what happens. Let's see if there's anything still working here.

Javin opened up his pack and grabbed another granola bar and checked his laptop to see if it still worked. (OOC: Your call)

Dread Lady Nathicana

20-07-2003, 02:05

"I would agree, however ... I'm uncertain just how well I'll be able to sleep after that whole Mother incident." he mutters, still unable to repress a shudder.

Figuring it best to at least attempt, he sits down with his back up against the wall, finishes writing down a few more notes, and then settles down for a rest.

Some time later, light snores, often interrupted by muttered phrases like 'the horror ... the horror ...' soon emanate from his corner of the cave, as he sleeps fitfully.

20-07-2003, 02:13

20-07-2003, 05:23

imported_Cetaganda

20-07-2003, 05:27

"Sure, we should get some rest." The Cetagandans lay down and go to sleep.

Larkinia

20-07-2003, 05:34

After checking his gear and walking to take a look around, Javin laid back and started to fade to sleep.

Maybe tomorrow we'll find a way out of here...

20-07-2003, 05:40

Turning on the Computer:

(The computer does indeed kick in; however, online access is next to nill--too laggy even to reach the most basic of websites. As Javin begins playing around, though, he finds this message in his inbox:)

x Special Circumstances
o Archaelogists

{Voice Message}
5Fgsg&5 Lt. Mike Ang6dG"y of Spe5DFha1 Circum]gf\%gDaces. I[]ym going to try H5378j you in on some important @ad5?/. We suspect that h46Gjg *#% FD called Il Adib or the Br53*d(n of the Shade. We've rec45VD become 5GDatially aware of the situation below 514G14nd5. A Fdaghlgasd sdg3533#%#%self 'Ortcan' appeared at the wedding of Bodygaurd %E#352SDGgs #%ODAN. It claimed to be Bfasdf3512adf, and warned that the Brethrga570*35 danger to SLAFD342a. He a352`dfas~ d the Barry was one of th52DFAS&* daf3589-2DF badfe similar in that he lacks eyes. He GDS35asf 5328)#%*&alled 'Bari' to return with him to the 'H532ASDF&adf342!.' Barry refused, Ortcan became angered, attacked Dread Lady Nathicana, and %#0785sdvglk ase085078dfsa255 AE)&*% 235%&. He has possibly impregnated one of the guest in some kind of r523FDA 458DF&*#$).
134078DF dfaljas3412#$rial stance is %#235 SDFHLsdf3&# ADF as much as you can, and try TE#o find out what is rea235708DF234#. We've included some files that %$45278023 078352*)&%# pr0voke them, but your safety and that of 35q2DF&*352 SDF&*)%#@ is top priority, as well as #%@235 078235780235tgAGLands. Use of maximum force authorized, and your %325sdglhsd have been updated. Will monitor for your reply. Please pass%#5 235134gster Pacci: Dread Lady wants him to have detai35153532#%@#% 264&!ort upon return, summary asapfhgwhagadsh.

{Text File: Transcript of this message}
{Text File: FILE NOT FOUND}
{Text File: Summary of Barry's known life}
{Text File: FILE NOT FOUND}
{Image Files: Ortcan, multiple views}
{Video: FILE NOT FOUND}
{Video: Ortcan as seen by Signy}

An Unexpected Guest:

As the group drifts off to sleep, they can hear an unusual sort of breathing. It does not sound like the deep and obnoxious wheezing of the Hollowers, nor the snoring of Pacci. It sounds more like a low hum accompanying a fan.

Larkinia

20-07-2003, 05:50

Turning on the Computer:

(The computer does indeed kick in; however, online access is next to nill--too laggy even to reach the most basic of websites. As Javin begins playing around, though, he finds this message in his inbox:)

x Special Circumstances
o Archaelogists

{Voice Message}
5Fgsg&5 Lt. Mike Ang6dG"y of Spe5DFha1 Circum]gf\%gDaces. I[]ym going to try H5378j you in on some important @ad5?/. We suspect that h46Gjg *#% FD called Il Adib or the Br53*d(n of the Shade. We've rec45VD become 5GDatially aware of the situation below 514G14nd5. A Fdaghlgasd sdg3533#%#%self 'Ortcan' appeared at the wedding of Bodygaurd %E#352SDGgs #%ODAN. It claimed to be Bfasdf3512adf, and warned that the Brethrga570*35 danger to SLAFD342a. He a352`dfas~ d the Barry was one of th52DFAS&* daf3589-2DF badfe similar in that he lacks eyes. He GDS35asf 5328)#%*&alled 'Bari' to return with him to the 'H532ASDF&adf342!.' Barry refused, Ortcan became angered, attacked Dread Lady Nathicana, and %#0785sdvglk ase085078dfsa255 AE)&*% 235%&. He has possibly impregnated one of the guest in some kind of r523FDA 458DF&*#$).
134078DF dfaljas3412#$rial stance is %#235 SDFHLsdf3&# ADF as much as you can, and try TE#o find out what is rea235708DF234#. We've included some files that %$45278023 078352*)&%# pr0voke them, but your safety and that of 35q2DF&*352 SDF&*)%#@ is top priority, as well as #%@235 078235780235tgAGLands. Use of maximum force authorized, and your %325sdglhsd have been updated. Will monitor for your reply. Please pass%#5 235134gster Pacci: Dread Lady wants him to have detai35153532#%@#% 264&!ort upon return, summary asapfhgwhagadsh.

{Text File: Transcript of this message}
{Text File: FILE NOT FOUND}
{Text File: Summary of Barry's known life}
{Text File: FILE NOT FOUND}
{Image Files: Ortcan, multiple views}
{Video: FILE NOT FOUND}
{Video: Ortcan as seen by Signy}
OOC: Gotcha! Then this is before Javin crashes.

IC: "What in the hell???"

Javin rolled over to (OOC: Flips coin) Nita, "Check this out!" He whispers hoping to wake her up.

20-07-2003, 05:55

Dread Lady Nathicana

20-07-2003, 06:05

Pacci brushes at his ear, a soft noise disturbing his already fitful slumber. A bug? Down here? No ... too low. Too ... large?

He grumbles, only half awake, and pulls himself up into a sitting position, looking around with bleary eyes, then pulling out his glasses and blinking as his sight adjusts.

imported_Cetaganda

20-07-2003, 06:06

Nita wakes up and listens to the message. "That's Sindarin, and a dialect not used often outside of Cetaganda. Um...from Special Circumstance, our sneaky bastards division. Seems like Ortcan showed up at someone's wedding. Basically says use our own initiative and find out what happened. Just a moment." She loads the transmission into her personal comp implant, and quickly scans through. "Yep, that's Ortcan. Ouch. Well, that was Ortcan. Nothing too important, although it might help us plan. I can fill you all in in the morning."

Later

Once again, Nita is woken. This time, however, it is not one of her companions. Not recognizing the sound, she snaps fully awake, but is careful not to show it. Rolling a bit as if simply shifting in sleep, she looks around the room.

20-07-2003, 06:14

Things That Go Hummmmmmmmmmmmm in the Night

As the group looks into the main chamber of the Hollow, they see that all of the Il Adib are apparently asleep, the chamber next to vacant... save one creature.

The translucent creature stands near the entrance to the Hollow and is nearly eight feet tall at the shoulder. Its shape is that of a muscular cat, like a lioness, and its fur is a yellowish white. It glows with an eerie, dull light as it creeps slowly into the Hollow. The creature pauses for a moment to scan the chamber. Its face is marked with red and yellow lines beneath the eyes, and a large red X is in the middle of its face. Its eyes glow a terrifying shade of yellow.

Treznor

20-07-2003, 06:14

Care for a Shmoke and a Pancake?

(From a nearby cavern, a redheaded woman in her late twenties appears. She notices that Ben is requesting a cigarette from the Oglethorpian delegates, but they don't appear to have one. She rushes toward Ben, producing a pack from her right pants pocket. She lights one and hands it to Ben.)

"Here you are, sir."

(She closes her eyes tightly, as if deeply concentrating. All at once, her index finger begins to glow. She presses it against the cigarette, and it immediately lights up. She opens her eyes quickly, then fumbles backward, as if she'd just been hit with a quick blast of air.)

"Oh... whoa... that never gets any less weird."

(She offers the other hand--not the one that just lit up--to Ben.)

"Dr. Shana Grambling, archaeologist from The SLAGLands. Find your way down here just now, handsome?"
Ben breaks out into his first genuine smile since the night began. He begins to reach for the cigarette, then pulls back in shock as Grambling demonstrates her new skill.

"Oh my God...they weren't kidding, were they?"

He tentatively reaches out to her, literally expecting her hand to burn, and shakes.

"Benjamin Vitner, of the Empire of Treznor. I kinda...stumbled into this place and volunteered. I'd hoped to talk to some...people about what's going on, try to understand more. I think you just told me a lot of it."

20-07-2003, 06:20

Who Needs a Lighter?

(Shana chuckles a bit at the mention of the new abilities.)

"Yeah, I can't get over it myself... I mean, just yesterday, I was up on the surface checking out some bizarre artifacts... and the next thing I know, I'm down here, lighting cigarettes with my fingers."

(She pushes back a stray strand of hair from her eyes.)

"Luckily, even though we ain't found a way out yet, our hosts have been more than gracious. They've given us food, comfortable places to sleep... it's very surreal, but they seem very kind.

"So what brought you down here to our little underground world, Mr. Vitner?"

Treznor

20-07-2003, 06:28

Benjamin has the grace to blush. "Call me Benjamin, please. I'm here on a strictly unofficial basis, trying to find out what happened. Some reporter apparently got disintegrated on national television, and naturally my Empire wants to know how and why. We came to investigate, I tripped and the next thing I know, I'm in a dark cave with a talking cat. No sweat. Happens to me all the time.

"So I go along, talk to the leaders, find out I'm being asked to volunteer for some sort of epic war that dates back to millennia ago, and that I'm going to become some sort of magician. I mean, this is straight out of a fantasy book, right? But here I am, and here you all are and...at least some of what they told me was the truth.

"How did you do that, anyway?"

imported_Cetaganda

20-07-2003, 06:29

Nita slowly sits up and creeps to the portal leading to the main cavern. She studies the creature a moment, slightly sniffing the air for any scent, and then quietly says, "Hello, there. Who are you?"

Dread Lady Nathicana

20-07-2003, 06:32

Pacci gives a start at seeing the great cat.

"Great mericiful heavens, how did you get here?" he blurts, fumbling for his pad and pen, even as a chill of fear seeps through him. Belatedly, he remembers the gun, and casts a nervous glance to his pack that lies just out of reach.

20-07-2003, 06:35

(Shana holds up the index finger that was previously glowing.)

"You mean this? Oh, they'll teach you that soon enough. See, it's all a matter of willpower; if you can force your will onto your environment, you can do anything. Of course, for a new person like me, it takes extreme concentration to even do something that simple, but I've been practicing."

(She steps back from Ben and holds out both arms, closing her eyes. After about a minute of concentration, her body begins to take on a faint yellow glow. As time goes on, the glow becomes brighter and brighter until at last, it is nearly as bright as the floor of the room. She turns the light off quickly and becomes winded almost immediately.)

"Pretty... cool, huh?"

20-07-2003, 06:42

(The cat looks directly at Nita as she approaches. It speaks quietly, but to the psychic Cetagandan, the message seems loud and clear.)

"I am called Pioneer... of the Brethren of Shade. Are you from the surface of..."

(He notices Pacci and Dr. Vivaldi approaches and whips his head toward them. He sniffs a bit, and his eyes begin turning from yellow to orange.)

"You... tainted ones..."

(The cat doesn't break its gaze from Pacci and Dr. Vivaldi as its glow turns from white to deep red. Its eyes match the glow. It emits what sounds like a growl as its translucense begins to disappear, as if the creature is becoming corporeal.)

Larkinia

20-07-2003, 06:46

Javin slowly rolls awake at the sound of the growl.

Oops, I guess that wasn't my dog telling me he needed to be walked

He looked at the cat changing forms, "Oooooookay, let's see if we can talk this over..."

imported_Cetaganda

20-07-2003, 06:50

"Its alright, calm down," Nita says soothingly to the critter. "I assume you are one of the Brethren? And what do you mean, tainted?"

Treznor

20-07-2003, 06:55

Dread Lady Nathicana

20-07-2003, 07:21

Pacci's eyes widened in growing alarm as the giant cat sniffed at him, then made its statement, looking more and more solid.

"Jesus, Maria, madre del dio, sta andando mangiarlo... " he squeaked out, convinced the beast was going to devour him.

In a panic, he inadvertantly attempts to use what he's been taught earlier, trying to force the great beast back from him as rapidly as possible.

20-07-2003, 07:33

(Pacci stretches forth his hands and attempts to concentrate; however, in his state of fear, he is unable to conjure up the forces he found within him earlier. Pioneer, meanwhile, seems to have no interest in talking, and he has now assumed an entirely corporeal form.

All of a sudden, from one of the pillars in the center of the Hollow, a scream utters forth. Pioneer looks up just in time to find Mordiar on top of him, pick ax in hand. The Il Adib lets forth a hideous howl as he drives the weapon straight into the neck of the cat. Deep blue blood issues forth as the creature lets out a groan and falls to the ground... dead.

Mordiar stands and spits on the creature, kicking its dead body. He removes his pick ax and wipes it off on his loincloth.)

MORDIAR:
"Is everyone okay?"

20-07-2003, 07:39

Do You Have a Moment?

(Shana shrugs.)

"I've got lots of moments. I'm bored as hell right now."

(She follows Ben wherever he's leading her.)

Dread Lady Nathicana

20-07-2003, 07:43

Between the cat's obvious intent, and Moridar's sudden scream, Pacci shrieks like a teakettle left on high boil, scuttling back up against the wall.

As the Il Adib skillfully strikes down the intruder, he fumbles for his pack and the gun ... all too late. He sits there, gun in hand, eyes wide, hands shaking fiercely.

At Moridar's question, he opens his mouth, but no words come out, eyes flickering back and forth between him, and the now dead cat.

Treznor

20-07-2003, 07:47

Ben finds a likely spot removed from the rest and squats down. He gestures politely to request a cigarette, seeing as Shana has already demonstrated her willingness to share.

"So, here's my problem. We've got these...creatures. They set booby traps for us on the surface, and some of us get picked up by them. They bring us here and tell us they want us to help them fight some ancient battle with a foe who would gladly destroy us all for reasons they don't provide. They're obviously capable of teaching us this fantastic magic they possess, but who are they really? They seem to be furry little altruists of unimaginable power. Why are they helping us, and why are the others such a threat?

"In other words, what do you know about them? How do we know that we're being told the truth? How do we know that they're not both a threat to us?"

20-07-2003, 07:57

(Shana fulfills Ben's request for a cigarette and lights it for him. She listens carefully to his argument, legs crossed and hands in her lap. At his question, she scratches her chin.)

"Well... honestly, we don't know. I do know this, though: if these things are indeed a threat, why are they teaching us these abilities? Ben, this isn't some fakie-fake thing when I light up my finger like that; I really feel like that's me doing it. Why would they teach me that if they didn't want me to learn it? Why teach abilities to your enemy?

"That's... just my opinion. I just hope I'm not wrong."

Treznor

20-07-2003, 08:11

Ben accepts the cigarette and inhales gratefully.

"Well, I was told by the cat that found me I'd tripped a device of the Il Adib, but I was fortunate that he found me first. So I assume the other side is doing the same thing: kidnapping folks from the surface to train them to be fighters in their little war. Now, I don't know that these guys aren't telling the truth. For all I know, they're the Slagland version of Keebler Elves. I just don't know. But the point is, the reason we may be here learning to fight for them is so we can maintain the balance. One side or the other has decided to bring in mercenaries to tip the scales, and we're here to maintain the balance of power. Depending on whether we succeed or fail, we might open the doors to invasion by forces the rest of the world can't even comprehend.

"You see where I'm driving at? Yeah, I'm a pessimist, but that's my job. It keeps me alive."

Larkinia

20-07-2003, 08:12

Damnit!
"I believe we are. Minister Pacci, are you all right sir?" Javin asks walking over to check on him.

Dread Lady Nathicana

20-07-2003, 08:17

He looks up at Javin, shaking hands still holding the gun as he sits awkwardly, back to the wall.

"Well, I ah ... " he swallows hard. "No." he says hoarsely.

Larkinia

20-07-2003, 08:19

"Here," Javin said with a reassuring smile, "Let me take that gun from you. You were good enough to hold it when I was a little jumpy earlier, least I can do is return the favor.

"Now, what set you off sir?"

20-07-2003, 08:22

(Shana nods her consent.)

"Perhaps you're right... fortunately, I think Mr. Dee is making a good attempt to get to the Il Adib side right now. Maybe he'll have some answers when... or if... he comes back. For now, though, I don't think we're in any real danger from these big cats. They've been more than gregarious, and I think they'll let us know if these caves are going to be the stage for a big battle."

Dread Lady Nathicana

20-07-2003, 08:25

At that, Pacci finally breaks through his shock.

"What set me off? Christ, man, didn't you just see that?" He has the presence of mind to firmly tuck the gun away, back in his pack.

"Bloody thing was set to devour me whole, it was. Tainted indeed! And then our friend here comes shrieking and hurtling out of nowhere, spikes the damned things head clean through, and acts as though nothing is out of the ordinary?"

"Next time YOU sit here in front and we'll see how set off you get!" he finishes, looking both flustered and insulted.

Treznor

20-07-2003, 08:27

Ben takes a long drag on his cigarette as he marshals his thoughts.

"Okay, I'd like to talk with him, and everybody else. Get everybody's input. Maybe somebody has picked up something I've missed. I'd like to believe the Brethren, honestly, but I hate to be surprised.

"Thank you for your candor. I feel better knowing there are people keeping an open mind."

OOC: Unless Shana has anything else to say, I'll wait for someone else to come up with something new.

Larkinia

20-07-2003, 08:27

Javin looked confused at the man.

"I ... meant no offense sir, I just thought it might help to talk out what happened. While I have to admit, seeing our.. 'friend' show up out of nowhere and attacking him was a bit of a surprise."

20-07-2003, 08:36

(Shana smiles sweetly.)

"Once Mr. Dee gets back, we'll all sit down and talk about it. For now, though..."

(She stands up and stretches.)

"...I feel like taking a nice long rest and not thinking for a while."

(She waves to Ben as she walks off.)

"Pleasant dreams, darlin'."

(OOC: Once Ur posts again, I'll get him the hell back to Elysium.)

20-07-2003, 08:41

(Mordiar walks into the center of the four of them.)

"I'm sorry... normally, our gate patrols would've picked up on an invader like this; unfortunately, they must have... fallen asleep."

(He looks back at the Brethrenite carcass.)

"In any case, I'm glad to see you're all safe. I apologize for frightening you, but the scream you heard is part of an old Il Adib battle cry. It's... tradition to shout it before smiting a foe. As for my coming out of nowhere... I guess it's better than my not coming at all, is it?"

(A few drowsy Il Adib poke their heads from the hollows in the columns. Mordiar motions for them to return to their beds. They don't argue.)

"I'll double gate patrol for the night, since it seems the Brethren of Shade is now cowardly attempting to attack a few helpless humans instead of their real foes."

Dread Lady Nathicana

20-07-2003, 08:46

Pacci waves off Javin's concern, thanking him quietly, and gathering what's left of his composure.

At Moridar's explanation, he nods as if convinced.

"My thanks, and my appologies. You just ... well, took me by suprise." he says somewhat sheepishly.

20-07-2003, 14:48

(Pioneer turns a deep shade of orange all over his body, and his face turns to a grimace.)

"The Il Adib village is close... trust me, if you seek to enter now, you will not get out alive. I will go to the village and find your friends."

(He nuzzles Helen, who is backing away into the wall, and changes his color back to white.)

"Young one, I will not harm you. This man and I are your friend."

(He looks up to Mr. Dee.)

"Get back to Elysium... this area is dangerous. When the time for invasion has come, you will enter the Hollow of Il Adib and meet your friends... and Mother. For now, though, you must fly. Take the girl with you."

(He begins walking down the passage in the direction opposite the one from which he came. He speaks in low tones as he walks away.)

"I will find your friends... if you wish to know of Mother and the Il Adib, speak with our leaders."

(He disappears into the darkness. Helen, meanwhile, grips Mr. Dee's hand, looks up at him, and smiles a bit.)

HELEN:
"So are you gonna take me back to... uh... Elyshtiun?"'

OC:Went out. Back now.

Unsure what to do, but senses danger in Pioneer's words, Dee begins to walk-fast.

"Pioneer!" he shouted, but the freaky-looking cat already vanished. Taking one last look at the cave paintings, he turned and begin to run.

"We have to go, Helen!" He yelled, nearly dragging her along with him.
Ignoring her shouts to slow down, they ran down random passages it seemed. Back to Elysium, as fast as they could. Running non-stop, not even to rest. Sprinting away through the caves, fast.

...

Then they stop.
"I think we're lost."

imported_Cetaganda

21-07-2003, 01:52

"Thank you, Mordiar. Perhaps in the morning we should discuss the abilities of the Brethren so we are not taken by surprise again," Nita says to Moridar. "For now, rest would likely be best."

21-07-2003, 03:12

(Mordiar nods at the words of the others and manages to force a weak smile.)

MORDIAR:
"There's nothing else to worry about now... get some rest."

(With one deft leap, he returns to his home within the large stone column. Dr. Vivaldi, obviously exhausted, slunks back to the straw bed and falls asleep.)

imported_Cetaganda

21-07-2003, 03:38

'He didn't like finding that cat in here one bit, did he?' Nita thinks, watching the pillar for a few moments before going to bed.

Dread Lady Nathicana

21-07-2003, 05:14

Pacci, having recovered somewhat, observes Moridar thoughtfully.

"I think it was more than that," he says, pondering. "He looked ... tired. Resigned."

He tilts his head, glancing up to where Moridar had left to.

"Well ... that does it for me."

Walking up to the now dead cat, he pushed at it experimentally with a booted toe, his fear fled now that the danger seemed truly passed.

Reploid Productions

21-07-2003, 23:49

((OOC: I'm back in action! ^_~))

Somewhere in the maze behind Mother...

Tsunami pauses at the sound of footsteps, and makes an awkward hop to the ceiling of the cave, her talons gripping and digging slightly into the rock. What I would give for a proper cubbyhole right now... Hopefully who or whatever is coming can't see. She muses to herself, tucking her wings and tail in close and hugging the roof of the cave as tightly as possible, hoping to go unnoticed among the rock formations.

And back at the original camp where this all started...

"KUSOTARE!" Kiara slams her water bottle down and glares daggers at her computer, before fiddling with the large receiver antenna she had rigged up and continued to modify in hopes of picking up any trace of Tsunami's signal. "Work, you blasted piece of glorified junk!"

Needless to say, the young woman was thoroughly frustrated. Despite repeated failures, she had continued to monitor the airwaves and try to contact the group since she first lost her partner's signal. Tsunami should be able to take care of herself, but.... why do I have such a bad feeling?

The only thing she had heard was a transmission from a bunch of Cetagandan ships somewhere upstairs- apparently they were trying to contact their own as well.

"Ah, hell." Kiara mutters, opening a program on her laptop and readying the unit's small microphone.

ALTIMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Off
Broadcast type: Civilian
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Kiara Alson- AHS- Reploid Productions

"Cetagandan fleet, this is Kiara Alson of the Aprean Historic Society from Reploid Productions. I'm part of the team that was studying the Slaglandic artifacts, and am presently attempting to reestablish contact with the missing team. I am heading to the team's last confirmed location: A rock formation on one of the Outset Islands labeled the "Host's Horizon". If I find anything concerning the Cetagandan members of the dig team, I'll send word. Over and out."

After recording and sending her message, Kiara carefully packed her gear and called the 100-S pilot that had been assigned to the Reploid Productions team. "Let's go!"

((OOC: And thus, Kiara is on her way! For reference, Slag, she's actually from the Colony of Aquamarine, not originally from the Shogunate of Reploid Productions, hence her study of thaumatology. She's got quite a bit of latent talent like all Aquamarinians, though only a portion of it is likely applicable to the type of 'magic' you're using in this. She's got blue eyes and gold-brown long hair, and she's wearing jeans and a white t-shirt, carries a moderately large backpack with her gear, and carries a large, kinda oddly-shaped sword on her back.))

22-07-2003, 03:44

(OOC: Random encounter table generated... and rolled... damn, you're lucky. Consider yourself still alive, Dee.)

I Think We're Lost:

(Helen holds tight to Mr. Dee's leg.)

"Oh, no... but... we can't..."

(Her eyes go wide as a small glowing spot appears deeper in the cavern. The creature resembles a firefly from a distance, its white light lighting the whole passage as crystal clear as daylight. When it speaks, Mr. Dee immediately recognizes that the tiny creature is indeed...)

MARVEL:
"What are you doing in these parts of the cavern, Mr. Dee? Are you lost?"

Back on the Surface...:

Kiara finds that the site at Host's Horizon has been roped off by police tape; however, she has no problem sneaking in. It is about twelve a.m., and the site is all but deserted. There are signs that a camp was indeed there: footprints, scientific equipment, tents... but all are unmanned. There are no tire tracks or signs of a plane or helicopter to indicate that anyone left the site--it is almost as if the entire scientific team vanished.

As Kiara looks around, she stubs her toe on something. As she goes to glance at it, she finds an artifact, similar in every way to the artifacts the SLAGLandic scientists found.

22-07-2003, 03:55

Wait... So Are They Androids?

Pacci, Lisa, Vivaldi, and the rest of the gang sleep. They dream of electric sheep for some reason.

Footsteps in the Hall:

(As Tsunami hides in the ceiling, she sees two Il Adib walking through the halls carrying what appears to be some sort of crude stretcher made of poorly-woven cloth. Lying on the stretcher is a red-headed woman. She is a short, slightly chubby woman who appears to be in her early 40's. She is wearing blue jeans and a red button-up shirt. She appears to be asleep.

The Il Adib set her down on the ground in the caverns. One of them wipes sweat from his brow.)

IL ADIB #1:
"She rest! Get practice!"

IL ADIB #2:
"Yessssssssss... practissssssssssssssss. She need practissssssssss. No usssssssssse magicssssssssssssssssss."

IL ADIB #1:
"Mother and Big Ones disappointed! She stay here! Live on own! Be like Forbidden One!"

IL ADIB #2:
"Yesssssssssssssss... Forbidden One..."

(The two Il Adib waddle off in the same direction from which they came.)

Reploid Productions

22-07-2003, 04:13

First rule of exploring: Don't push the button unless you know what it does!

Looking down, Kiara carefully picks up the artifact and looks it over carefully. Okay... the artifacts are all here... but where did the team go? Going by the tracks in the dirt, there was no struggle- it appeared that the team had climbed up to the rocks... and disappeared. Kiara follows the footprints to their end atop the rock formation, artifact in hand.

A lock, and a key... She muses, eyeing the artifact. She sits down and flips open her laptop.

ALTIMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Off
Broadcast type: Civilian
Return transmission band: Closed

"To anybody listening, this is Kiara Alson. I think I know what happened to the archaelogists. I'm going in after them. I think the artifacts are responsible. Please, if anybody is nearby, after you get this message, come to the Host's Horizon and put the artifacts in a safe place- I don't want to think what could happen if someone stumbles across them and activates them. Over and out.

<End transmission>

Kara then powers down her laptop and stows it in her pack, hefts her sword in one hand, the artifact in the other, and pushes the button.

Hide and Seek:
After the two Il Adib depart, Tsunami releases her deathgrip on the roof, landing carefully next to the unconscious woman. Who in Shimeki-sama's name is she? Obviously someone from the surface... and who or what is this 'Forbidden One' they mentioned? I must be on the right track to finding out what in the world is going on. But I can't just leave this woman here.

After waiting for the noise of the departing Il Adib to fade, Tsunami briefly checks the woman for injury, her front paws standing on the woman's left arm, her small head leaning over to whisper in the woman's ear.

"Psst! Hey, wake up!"

22-07-2003, 05:33

The woman stirs, her eyes slowly blinking open. They meet the tiny dragon's, then go wide. She ducks back against the wall of the cavern and screams, her scream echoing through the cave.

Reploid Productions

22-07-2003, 05:49

Tsunami flails in a moment of panic, launching herself at the woman and clamping both forepaws and her tail around the woman's mouth.

"Quiet!" She hisses, her head near the woman's ear. "I'm not some weirdo cave monster, cave critter, or anything of the sort. My name is Tsunami, I'm an archaeologist from Reploid Productions. I'm a reploid, and while my appearance may be unconventional to most people, I am an intelligent entity fully capable of reason." The little dragon explains quickly in a low voice. "Two of the Il Adib brought you to this cave- they said something about practicing magic and surviving on your own. I'm trying to get to the bottom of whatever is going on here, but if I'm to do that, I have to avoid being found by those things. They already know I escaped into these tunnels- they just haven't found me yet."

Listening for any incoming trouble, the little dragon continues. "Now, can I uncover your mouth, or are you going to scream again? I swear, in the Goddess's name, I won't hurt you."

23-07-2003, 04:29

No! It's a Trap! Run!

*ATTN ALSO: MR. DEE*

(The artifact does the usual lighty dealy, lighting up and all. Unlike last time, however, the artifact speaks rather than making tones.)

Come... to Host's Horizon... come... join the battle...

(The artifact forms a yellow ball of light in the sky that envelops Kiara. Moments later, she blacks out.)

(Kiara awakens on the ground in a dark cavern, an eerie white light surrounding her. As she opens her eyes, she sees a man standing over her [that's you, Mr. Dee] next to a small girl [that's you, Helen]. Floating beside the two is a small white speck of light, the source of the light in the cavern. The light begins to descend toward Kiara.)

"You have arrived... wonderful."

23-07-2003, 04:40

Wakey, Wakey...

Pacci and the gang awake the next morning to the sound of chaos within the Il Adib camp. The Il Adibers are scurrying about the cavern, many of them hammering like mad in a particular portion of the cavern wall. The remainder seem to be carving weapons from the bits of stone lying around on the ground. None of the Il Adib seem to be paying any attention to the eyed creatures that are sleeping in their cavern.

Just Shut Up, Lady!

Behind the muffling of Tsunami's talons, the lady nods, her eyes still a bit wide. She seems to mumble something like "I'll be quiet" or "While we riot"... it's hard to tell which.

imported_Cetaganda

23-07-2003, 04:43

Stretching slightly, Nita says, "I bet that they're trying to dig through to a passage leading to the Brethren," nodding toward the busy Il Adib. She then kicks the still-sleeping Sean until he wakes up.

Larkinia

23-07-2003, 04:45

Wakey, Wakey...

Pacci and the gang awake the next morning to the sound of chaos within the Il Adib camp. The Il Adibers are scurrying about the cavern, many of them hammering like mad in a particular portion of the cavern wall. The remainder seem to be carving weapons from the bits of stone lying around on the ground. None of the Il Adib seem to be paying any attention to the eyed creatures that are sleeping in their cavern.

Javin heard the knocking of the the Il Adibers on the cavern wall and rolled over to look around.

"Morning gang. Well I'm guessing it's morning," he said standing up and grabbing and handful of trail mix and beef jerky to eat. "What are we looking for today?"

He looked back in the pack. Whew, enough food to last a little while longer, depending on how I ration it.

imported_Cetaganda

23-07-2003, 04:55

Sean groggily sits up, and pulls out some MREs for himself, Lisa, and Nita. He then looks around, asking, "Anyone else want some? We've got enough to go around."

Dread Lady Nathicana

23-07-2003, 05:09

Pacci sits up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He puts on his glasses and runs a hand through his already unruly mop of grey hair.

At the offer of food, his eyes light up. "Certainly - I'd love some," he says, making his way over.

Larkinia

23-07-2003, 05:22

Sean groggily sits up, and pulls out some MREs for himself, Lisa, and Nita. He then looks around, asking, "Anyone else want some? We've got enough to go around."

Hmmmm... trail mix or MRE's. No question, I'd rather have an MRE. I've had enough trail mix to turn me into a chipmunk.

"Yeah, I think I'll take one of those."

imported_Cetaganda

23-07-2003, 05:26

Flipping Pacci and Javin a package each, Sean mumbles, "I wonder what our hosts have planned for today."
"Hopefully, we'll get some answers about the Brethren," replies Nita. "And don't talk with your mouth full. Honestly."
"At least I don't get blood everywhere when I eat," Sean mutters under his breath.

Larkinia

23-07-2003, 05:29

Reploid Productions

23-07-2003, 05:34

Little late to run!

Kiara blinks groggily, trying to figure out what the heck just happened. "Arrived? Where is this? Who... and what... are you? Where are the others-?" She babbles before she notices Dee. "Wait... I know you- you're from the team!"

You'd better be quiet or I'll bite your toe!

With a sigh of relief, Tsunami releases her hold on the woman, settling on the woman's shoulder. "Thank you. I don't think you were heard- or if you were, they aren't coming to check what the noise was about. Are you alright? They didn't injure you, did they?"

imported_Cetaganda

23-07-2003, 05:45

"Blood? This is one of those things I don't really want to know is it..."

"Yeah, probably," Sean says. Nita only growls.

Larkinia

23-07-2003, 05:53

Javin chuckles, "You can tell me about it later. Sounds, well.. interesting."

23-07-2003, 06:24

Chaos in the House of Il Adib:

(From within the chaos of the Hollow, Mordiar appears. He is breathing heavily, sweat dripping from his eye-bumps and mixing grotesquely with the dirt that cakes his body.)

MORDIAR:
"Good morning... I apologize for the chaos. As you can imagine, the Brethren invasion last night has created quite a stir among the Il Adib. They're right back to burrowing... and doing so with a fury I've never seen before. Quite odd.

"In any case, if you'd still like to see Mother, she can see you now. Your training resumes in an hour, so take some time to rest."

My Toe? But That's Where I Keep My Toenail!

(The woman gives herself a quick looking over.)

"Tanya Jefferson... SLAGLandic National News... I seem to be okay."

Larkinia

23-07-2003, 06:27

"Training? More of this breaking rock stuff that Minister Pacci informed me of?"

imported_Cetaganda

23-07-2003, 06:28

"Why are they burrowing, anyway?" Nita asks Mordiar.

23-07-2003, 06:28

"Training? More of this breaking rock stuff that Minister Pacci informed me of?"

(Mordiar nods.)

MORDIAR:
"For you, yes... I've got some other exercises in store for the others."

Reploid Productions

23-07-2003, 06:32

Yes, your toenail... that is what I'm really after!

"A reporter?" Tsunami blinks. "How did you get down here? The artifacts? At any rate, I'm trying to find out what's going on. I suspect if we find the Forbidden One those eyeless little buggers mentioned, we'll find some answers."

The little dragon hops down to the ground. "You're welcome to come along, though I don't know if the tunnels will narrow or not."

Dread Lady Nathicana

23-07-2003, 06:54

Pacci pales visibly at the mention of Mother, but nods to Moridar respectfully enough - the man had saved his life last night, after all.

"I ah ... if you don't mind, I think I'll um ... meditate. Yes, that's it, meditate so I can better understand the er ... yes, well, the lessons. Definitely," he said, pausing. "Without a doubt."

"You folks go on and see Mother ... I'll just stay here, and observe."

Gods if I have to see that again, so help me ... aiyee! Just please, don't let them insist .. please, oh please ..

ooc: *chuckles*

23-07-2003, 07:03

(OOC: :oops: )

Why Are They Burrowing?

(Mordiar looks back at the burrowing Il Adibers.)

MORDIAR:
"They're always looking for... something. Mother's really the only one who knows exactly what it is. I guess she's got it pinned down to somewhere in that area where they're digging right now. Maybe it's a path into Elysium, City of The Brethren of Shade... who knows?"

Investigative Reporting:

(Jefferson scratches her chin, staring up at the ceiling.)

JEFFERSON:
"Well... I was doing a special report on the recent disappearances on The Outset Islands when I discovered this small artifact. Nearly a foot long, made of pure stone... doesn't really matter. Anyway, I carried the artifact onto The Host's Horizon during my report, when all of a sudden, the thing lit up and started making noises. The next thing I know... I'm down in this cave, surrounded by little eyeless things, trying to do magic, failing miserably..."

(She stands up, rubbing her temples.)

"God damn, do I have a migraine."

(She nods as Tsunami mentions coming along.)

"Suppose I'll join you... got nowhere else to go, I guess."

Dread Lady Nathicana

23-07-2003, 07:32

Once again, talking out loud, and not thinking before he speaks, Pacci turns to Moridar with interest and says, "But ... if you can split rock, and do so many ... well, interesting things with your mind ... why not just open the way in that manner? I mean, while good for building strength and character, picking away at it with the tools and all ... highly inefficient."

Reploid Productions

23-07-2003, 08:00

"I'm here live, interviewing one of the missing archaeologists..."

"Magic, huh?" Tsunami starts down the tunnel, beckoning Jefferson to follow. "Sounds like you accidentally set off one of the artifacts- that's how the rest of us got here. Seems about half the team ended up here with the weird eyeless buggers, and the other half are presumably with the Brethren that these guys seem to hate so much."

The little dragon briefly checks her internal map before continueing. "So, what's this 'magic' they tried to teach you? I'm a thaumatologist, maybe I can help figure it out."

23-07-2003, 16:03

"But ... if you can split rock, and do so many ... well, interesting things with your mind ... why not just open the way in that manner? I mean, while good for building strength and character, picking away at it with the tools and all ... highly inefficient."

MORDIAR:
"The stones we gave you were soft rocks, about an inch long. What you're suggesting involves breaking the very foundations of the earth itself. That requires much more concentration, and it is difficult to do with precision. Besides, as you can no doubt see, the pick ax is a rather sacred symbol to the Il Adib... as such, it's our preferred method of rock-breaking."

Dread Lady Nathicana

23-07-2003, 16:20

He looks properly sheepish at that.

"I ah ... yes, well ... appologies, of course. I only thought that." He cleared his throat, and studied his boots for a moment. "Sorry 'bout that."

"So then ... what's it to be, gentlemen, and lady?" he asked, looking around at the others expectantly.

24-07-2003, 04:00

(OOC: Nothing really to say here on this side, except I'm doing a fast-forward soon. Ur, Ogle, Trez... jump back in here when you want. I know you're all out there.)

Too Many Questions:

(The tiny dot of white light lands on Kiara's nose. As she looks into it, Kiara can make out the form of a beautiful blonde woman in a long white dress.)

"Yes... that is the man you call Mr. Dee. I am called Marvel, Queen of The Brethren of Shade. You are near our home city of Elysium... in a cavern beneath the area you call The Outset Islands."

(Marvel floats off of Kiara's nose.)

"Please, get to your feet and come with me... I will take you to safety."

24-07-2003, 04:27

Mordiar Walks Off
OR
The Greatest Subtitle... Ever:

(Mordiar walks off. Dr. Vivaldi pulls out a bit of trail mix from his pocket and begins chowing it down.)

VIVALDI:
"Well... I'm personally not feeling up for seeing Mother right now... but on the other hand, I'm quite curious as to why these things are digging. I guess I... may just have to grin and bear it."

Oh, God... It's Another Magic Thread:

(Jefferson walks swiftly behind Tsunami as her strength returns.)

JEFFERSON:
"Yes... there have been reports of several others disappearing as well due to these artifacts in addition to the additional plebeian scientist team. As for the magic... just this... morning, I suppose... the scientists and I were taken to a room and told to will a rock to break. No abracadabra or wavey hands stuff... just pure willpower, I guess. Well, everyone managed to do it except for me. The next thing I know, I'm being woken up by a freaky robot dragon. And here we are."

Reploid Productions

24-07-2003, 04:34

...and not enough answers:

Kiara staggers to her feet, scrambling to find her sword and swing it back into its sling across her back. "Uh.. the name's Kiara Alson, thaumatologist from Reploid Productions." She quickly dusts herself off and makes sure her pack is still intact. "Then I was right! If I'm here, and Mr. Dee is here, then than means the rest of the team should be here, too! I can't wait to see Tsunami again- been worried sick!"

Who are you calling a freaky robot dragon?!

Tsunami bobs her head at the information. "Willpower? Interesting idea. I'll have to tell my partner when we get out of here- Kiara's far more... prone... I suppose, to paranormal experiances." Coming to a fork in the tunnel, the little dragon pauses to sniff the air and listen for activity. "In any case, the sooner we find this so-called Forbidden One, the sooner I reckon we'll get answers!"

24-07-2003, 07:41

Mr. Dee is stunned. After getting lost, getting lucky, getting a lost team member back, he is totally baffled by the sudden turn of events.

OC: It's true, I have no idea what's going on.

Marvel leads Mr. Dee, Kiara, and Helen back to Elysium.

"Kiara, I don't believe you've met Helen." Dee motions to the little girl. "The artifacts-transporters-were left up there. Which means more people will be coming. We must reach the Brethren. There's some sort of war going on. Where's the rest of the crew? Weren't they with you? How'd you get here?"

And with that flood of questions, Dee realizes he has completely screwed Kiara's mind over and then some. So he stops talking and begins walking.

OC: Haven't been around lately. Blah.

25-07-2003, 04:37

OC: It's true, I have no idea what's going on.

(OOC: Yeah, sorry about that... in an effort to continue contiguous roleplay on this side, I kind of had Mr. Dee run into Marvel and get back to the point where the teleportation initiated. Sorry about not informing you.

*hooks up jumper cables to the Brethren side and prepares to give it a thorough jumpstart*)

(As Marvel leads the group through the passage of light [OOC: Rep, just read back to the first few Brethren posts where this gets explained.], she flickers a bit at the mention of Tsunami.)

MARVEL:
"Tsunami... I have not met any Tsunami... I fear she may have fallen into the hands of our foes, The Hollow of Il Adib. Forgive me if this seems very... vague and bizarre to you right now. All will be explained la..."

(All of a sudden, Marvel's light begins to dim. She turns a deep shade of grey as she begins to sink to the ground.)

"Ugh... it's... it's... Pioneer... they... got him..."

25-07-2003, 04:54

Dee is troubled.

"We must turn back. Now! I know exactly where he was. There may be more people there. C'mon!"

He turns to go back but looks back over his shoulder for confirmation.

25-07-2003, 04:56

Dee is troubled.

"We must turn back. Now! I know exactly where he was. There may be more people there. C'mon!"

He turns to go back but looks back over his shoulder for confirmation.

(Marvel, all at once, springs to life. She leaps in front of Mr. Dee's face, her colour still faded.)

MARVEL:
"NO! Do NOT go back! It is... too late. Pioneer is... is..."

(She sags a bit more.)

"...dead."

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 04:58

Quick, does anyone know how to administer CPR to a fairy-person-thingie?!

Kiara's eyes widen slightly as Marvel falls to the ground. "Pioneer? Who-what?" She boggles, at a total loss. "Daijoubu desu ka?... Ur... Rather, are you alright?"

25-07-2003, 05:02

(Marvel, all at once, springs to life. She leaps in front of Mr. Dee's face, her colour still faded.)

MARVEL:
"NO! Do NOT go back! It is... too late. Pioneer is... is..."

(She sags a bit more.)

"...dead."

OC: Not sure if you want Dee to object or passively follow...

"But..." Dee looks down. Pioneer was a new Cat that was just introduced into his story. How could such a character suddenly be gone?
How? Why?

"We could..."

"Pioneer..."

"Kiara, what do you know? Have you been to the Il Adib? Where's the rest. They might be killed as well!"

OC: The US gov. posted pics of Saddam's dead sons on the internet. Gruesome? Tasteless? Appropriate?

25-07-2003, 05:07

OC: Not sure if you want Dee to object or passively follow...

(OOC: As this is free-form roleplay, that's up to you, but I'm sure you'll be able to hint as to where I'm corralling you...)

(Marvel brushes off Kiara's concern.)

"I am fine... forgive me... but I have a psychic connection to all of my... children... it pains me to see any of them die."

(She manages to regain a bit of her colour.)

"Mr. Dee... it is too late. If we are to find Pioneer now, we may all very well meet our ends. I suggest we return to Elysium now and plan... and rest."

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 05:10

Kiara shakes her head, still at a loss. "I was up on the surface, activated the artifact, and bam, I was here. After the team disappeared, I lost Tsunami's tracing signal." She pales at the implications Dee is making. "Tsunami can hold her own in most fights, but... if the others ended up with these Il Adib or whatever..."

She fingers the hilt of the sword she's carrying- not in a manner that would imply a threat, but more of a nervous fidget reaction. "I hope they're okay..."

25-07-2003, 05:12

"Mr. Dee... it is too late. If we are to find Pioneer now, we may all very well meet our ends. I suggest we return to Elysium now and plan... and rest."'

OC: Hint taken.

Dee enthusiasm is bursted and his shoulders slouch.

"Let's get back then..." He says. He looks at Kiara.

"Pioneer was a Cat dude. Like the one back up at camp? You know?"

OC: Hey, Rep Prod, Me and Slag are all on right now. Let's go somewhere with this.

25-07-2003, 05:17

OC: Great. Let's catch up. Where are they.

Dee suddenly grabs Helen and Kiara and begins to run back to Elysium. I'm sure Marvel can catch up with the little wings of hers.
=========
If possible, we'll simply skip over to where we arrive back at Elysium
=========

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 05:17

((OOC: Yes, let us do something here ^_~))

Kiara nods. "Y'mean like that kabuki cat or whatever they're called that made an appearance at the dig camp before this all started?"

After a moment of thought, she decides to clarify about her partner. "Ano... Miss... Marvel, right? My partner Tsunami's kinda unusual, so you might not have realized it was her. She's a little blue mechanical dragon, about yea long-" With this, Kiara spreads her arms to indicate roughly two feet. "-and really nosy, so she might have wandered off on her own before anyone here found her."

When Dee takes off running, Kiara easily finds her feet and follows, not wishing to be left behind. ((OOC: Timejumps away!))

Oglethorpia

25-07-2003, 05:22

Kevin Green wastes away the time smoking after apologizing to Ben for ignoring his request for a cigarette.

25-07-2003, 05:23

(OOC: Time jump in five... four... three... *holds up two fingers, then one* )

(Kiara, Dee, Helen, and Marvel arrive back at Elysium to find Ben, Dr. Grambling, and the Oglethorpian delegation asleep, leaning against one of the crystal walls. The whole of Elysium seems extremely quiet. Helen lets out a loud yawn and curls up on the ground near Dr. Grambling. Marvel begins fluttering back to her home on... uh... Portent's head.)

MARVEL:
"I suggest you all get some rest... a new day may yield new challenges."

25-07-2003, 05:26

OC: Why is everybody's characters smoking now? Smoking is bad for you! Cancer & DEATH! Yarrrr.... Go see Pirates of the Caribbean, me mateys.

IC:
=======
Project Timejump underway
=======

Dee, Kiara, and Helen arrive at Elysium. Marvel zooms ahead of the troupe from behind.

Dee begins shouting, "Pioneer has gone to the Il Adib camp! He may be in trouble! I found the location where we were dropped. The artifacts! They're still up there. More may come! We have to go back to see if any more are coming!"

Edit: Then goes to sleep.

OC: Doesn't make sense, but keep it going. I don't figure much of a timejump and catching up can be done while we're all IC asleep.

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 05:26

Kiara nods slowly, taking in the sights. "Sleep... I had way too much caffiene before I got here to sleep" She eyes the blue drink bottle she'd been sipping at on the way to Elysium. "Man, Tsunami, you had better be okay." She mutters under her breath, leaning back against the wall and reciting a Shimekian meditation chant under in an inaudible whisper.

At Dee's sudden commotion, she looks up in annoyance. "Before I got here, I sent a message out for somebody to lock the damn things away."

Treznor

25-07-2003, 05:28

Ben sleeps fitfully, waking up frequently during the night and checking his equipment each time. He manages to get some rest, but he's clearly not going to be in top form.

25-07-2003, 05:34

(Marvel turns back to Mr. Dee. She emits a warm yellow light that seems similar to a smile in its nature.)

"Patience, Mr. Dee. The Il Adib know better than to gather their forces tonight. Pioneer was not under orders to attack the Hollow, and I do not believe he tried to do so. I believe this is merely a case of wrong place and wrong time. Please... get some rest."

(With these words, Marvel resumes her normal course.)

TIMEJUMP!

(Kurt Jenson's eyes flutter open before the group awakens. As his vision comes into focus, he spots something near the gate to Elysium. The creature appears to have the form of a human, but is somewhat taller, its skin featureless and pale white, its eyes blank and pink. It stares toward Kurt for a moment, extending its long index finger to its pale white lip. A moment later, the creature disappears.

At that very moment, Elysium seems to spring to life. The Brethren, who were once retired to their "homes," are now out and about, performing what appears to be some sort of prayer to the crystals on the wall. Dr. Grambling opens her eyes and stretches, letting out a low yawn as she looks over toward Kurt.)

GRAMBLING:
"Morning, Kurt... looks like you're up first."

(Guide walks toward the group at the same time, pushing a few plates of broiled fish with his snout.)

GUIDE:
"Breakfast. Eat up. There is much to do."

(With this, he returns to mingling with the other Brethrenites.)

Oglethorpia

25-07-2003, 05:38

Kurt rubs his eyes, not sure what he just saw, and none to curious to ask what it was. At his feet sleeps fellow archaeologist, Kevin Green. "He'll be out for awhile," he half-says-to-himself, half-out-loud.

Ur An Ass: Eh, he needs a horrible mannerism such as smoking. That way Kurt can call him on damaging his health every once in awhile.

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 05:38

Kiara yawns and stretches, blinking groggily. "Jus' five more minutes..." She mumbles before she snaps fully awake. "Kiya-! Morning already?"

She then notices the fish that had been brought. "Eh? Well, I must say, for a bunch of strange glowing cats, they're certainly more gracious than any Nekoite I've known." She half-grins at her bad joke. "So, guys, I just got down here, what in Her name has been going on?"

25-07-2003, 05:40

Mr. Dee awakes. He looks about him at the odd prayer, the odd commotion. Only a few of the other people are awake.

'Oh, well.' He immediately jumps in and imitates the Brethrenites. He sneaks a look at the sleeping Helen.

Oglethorpia

25-07-2003, 05:42

25-07-2003, 05:46

'Oh, well.' He immediately jumps in and imitates the Brethrenites. He sneaks a look at the sleeping Helen.

Kurt notes Mr. Dee's mannerism and chuckles to himself.

OOC: UAA, I imagine Mr. Dee as weiring a beige suit with a red tie. He's bald, wears glasses and is quite short and rotund.

But that's just me.

OC: I forgot what Mr. Dee looks like. Gotta go back and check. Hey, fat is fat.

IC: Now that everyone is awake, Mr. Dee begins rambling on about what he found.

"I know where we dropped in from the surface!"

"I found this little girl there!"

"The artifacts are still transporting people here!"

"Kiara knows about the Il Adib side!"

"I need a cigarette to show off my new tricks!" (that was a thought)

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 05:48

Kiara eyes Dee with a raised eyebrow. "Exciteable, isn't he?" she notes to Kurt.

25-07-2003, 05:53

Dee notes Kiara's snide side note.

"Well, you are the first other researcher from the team that ended up with the Il Adib!"

Dee thinks it over.

"You were with them right?....."

BTW, Dee is short, old, bald, and Orientalish, but not really.

Oglethorpia

25-07-2003, 05:54

Kiara eyes Dee with a raised eyebrow. "Exciteable, isn't he?" she notes to Kurt.

"Very," Kurt replies. "Especially for a man his age." (assuming Dee is as old I think he is.)

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 05:56

Kiara shakes her head. "When the team went to try the artifacts at the Host's Horizon, I stayed behind to track Tsunami's signal from there. I don't know diddly about the Il Adib or whatnot."

She pauses to munch on some of the fish. "I decided to figure out where the rest of the team went, and headed to the island, and set off one of the artifacts. Next thing I know, I'm here!"

Oglethorpia

25-07-2003, 05:59

Kurt is busy eating when Kevin Green finally wakes up.

"Hey, no one waited for me?" he says, still groggy.

Kurt doesn't reply, busy eating.

Treznor

25-07-2003, 06:02

Ben shakes himself awake, makes a quick check of his equipment and crawls out of his sleeping quarters. He stands and stretches, listening to joints pop loudly.

I'm too young to be getting too old for this.

"Fish? For breakfast? Oh well, it won't kill me." He nods politely to Green and Gramble. "Good morning, I think."

Oglethorpia

25-07-2003, 06:04

"Fish? For breakfast? Oh well, it won't kill me." He nods politely to Green and Gramble. "Good morning, I think."

"Ughh..." Kevin Green utters, still working on waking up. "Mornining," he says with a tired tone in his voice.

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 06:07

"Hey, it could always be worse." Kiara notes while nibbling at some of the fish. "Nicely prepped fish is a lot better than what y'could be eating, I'm sure!"

25-07-2003, 06:08

Ignoring the conversation around him:

"Wait, so you don't know what an Il Adib looks like? Never seen one? Can't tell us what they know and if they could get us out of here?"

He is surprised at everybody's nonchalantment with the situation.

Oglethorpia

25-07-2003, 06:10

"Hey, it could always be worse." Kiara notes while nibbling at some of the fish. "Nicely prepped fish is a lot better than what y'could be eating, I'm sure!"

Kurt never really thought that he'd been used to canned foods and ration-style bars while out on other digs.

Then again, this dig was like no other he'd been on.

But Kurt never said any of it, still finishing up on eating.

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 06:10

Kiara nods. "Like I said- I just got here from the surface!" She sounds somewhat exasperated by the fact she's said basically the same thing already. "What's the deal with these Il Adib, anyway?"

Treznor

25-07-2003, 06:15

Ben nods seriously as he helps himself to a plate. "I was wondering that, myself. All we know is what the cats have told us. We haven't been given anything to verify their claims. Dr. Gramble seemed to think they're on the level, but I've seen nothing to confirm or deny anything except that they do magic. And that they want to teach it to us, for some reason."

25-07-2003, 06:18

Kiara nods. "Like I said- I just got here from the surface!" She sounds somewhat exasperated by the fact she's said basically the same thing already. "What's the deal with these Il Adib, anyway?"

Dee suddenly loses his youthful enthusiasm and gets down. He lowers his head and his face gets all serious and such. The other humans listening in bow their heads as well. His voice is barely audible.

"These Cat people say the Il Adib are the enemy. Trying to start a war or something. Sounds real evil-like. What's the real deal with them? I don't know."

25-07-2003, 06:20

Treznor

25-07-2003, 06:25

"These Cat people," Dee continued in the same toned, "taught us this."

With a snap of his finger, his right index finger ignited in a bright fiery fire. He realizes the snap was just for effect, but it was nonetheless effective.
Ben stares for a moment, then finishes chewing what was in his mouth and swallows. "Yes, they did. Why?"

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 06:26

Kiara gawks at the display. "Sugoi-! How do you do that? I've been studying thaumatology in Aquamarine for the past four years and seen nothing of the sort-!"

25-07-2003, 06:30

"Why? I dunno." Dee shakes his head.
"I think they are using us to fight for them. Be their little foot soldiers to do the dirty work."

Dee sits back up and resumes his careless mannerism.

"Took me minutes to learn that." Dee smiles and makes his body glow faintly. "This took me a bit longer..."

Dee is so engrossed that he doesn't notice his entire hand and arm catching on fire.

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 06:31

"Kiiiiya-!" Kiara yelps, looking for a water source. "Dude, you're on fire!"

25-07-2003, 06:34

The Sooner We Find The Forbidden One...

(And the Forbidden One they... do not find... or do they?

As Tsunami and Jefferson round another corner, choosing carefully the passages they take, they encounter a new creature. The creature's back is to the both of them. It stands slightly taller than a human, its skin the palest shade of white imaginable. It is nearly entirely featureless on its naked form--it seems to even lack any semblance of a butt crack. Ms. Jefferson ducks backward as she sees it, muttering quietly to Tsunami.)

"Eh... what is that thing?"

25-07-2003, 06:35

Dee smiles broadly. "I know!"

He looks down at his arm.

"Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!"

Now imagine a short, chubby, bald China/whiteman running around waving his arm which is now engulfed in flames, yelling "Shit! Shit! Shit! SHit! Shit! Shit! Shit!" (That was not a copy and paste job)

========
Getting sleepy now. Work tomorrow. Ah, fu(c)k work. me post a little more
========
EDIT: They edit out swears, the bastards! :)

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 06:40

...the sooner we find out what's up!

Tsunami steps in front of the reporter, her talons extended just in case. "I don't know..." She whispers back. Facing the creature, the little dragon raises her voice to be heard. "Excuse me, who... or what... are you?"

Treznor

25-07-2003, 06:41

Ben leaps to his feet and attempts to beat out the flames on Dee's body.

"Stop, damn you! On the ground!" He attempts to trip him to roll his body in the dirt.

25-07-2003, 06:46

It Doesn't Have an Ass:

The featureless creature looks back, its light pink eyes staring coldly at Tsunami. All at once, the creature breaks into a full sprint, darting down the caverns.

25-07-2003, 06:48

(All at once, Guide appears from the main chamber. He stares deeply at the flaming Mr. Dee and turns deep red... an apparent scowl. Guide becomes pseudo-transparent, then leaps toward the flame, which almost immediately is quelled. Guide steps out of Mr. Dee's body and turns corporeal again, his expression and colour unchanging.)

GUIDE:
"I suggest you be a bit more judicious in how you use your powers in the future. They are not just a gift, but a responsibility."

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 06:50

"Stay here!" Tsunami immediately shouts to Jefferson, spreading her wings and leaping into the air. "I'll be back shortly!" With a roar reminiscent of the mighty dragons her design was inspired by, the little dragon takes off down the tunnel after the assless one.

25-07-2003, 07:02

After Him!

(The chase goes on for nearly ten minutes. The pale creature leads Tsunami deeper and deeper into the caverns, through passageways that seem to be getting progressively narrower and narrower, shorter and shorter--Tsunami can tell quite apparently that this monster is leading her into lower elevations as well. The creature eventually reaches a point where he can no longer enter a cavern, at which point, almost instantaneously, he begins to become smaller. The narrowest of passages is only about a foot tall, and the creature and Tsunami both manage to navigate it with ease.

At last, the passage returns to a larger size, a perfectly square room of ten feet. The walls of this cave are lined with small stone pegs, attached to which are a collection of small talismans, necklaces, and other intricately carved pieces. A small pile of half-eaten food lies in the center of the room--a bit of stale bread, a large cooked insect, and a chalice of water. A burnt-out fire pit lies behind the food.

In the far corner of the room rests a man. He is withered, bent, and old, his scraggly grey hair hanging nearly to his waist behind him. He wears ripped denim pants, no shoes, and a torn old T-shirt. His grey beard hangs lifelessly and sagely at his chin; his eyes are glazed over with a white film, indicative of the man's apparent blindness. He appears to be asleep.

The now-small creature ducks behind the knee of this man, who now awakes with a snort. He begins feeling around his area of the room, speaking in a low, quiet voice.)

"Who's there? How did ya find me? Who are ya?"

Reploid Productions

25-07-2003, 07:24

Tsunami takes in the sight, not winded in the least by the chase. Upon seeing the old man, she straights to her full height. "My name is Tsunami, I followed that little creature here. Are you... the 'Forbidden One', by any chance, sir?" She asks, remembering to turn on the polite thing. "I've been wandering the tunnels for awhile now to find some answers."

26-07-2003, 05:21

Oh, Look! More Magic Tricks!

(Mordiar returns to the group, his face stolid. He makes a motion for the group to follow him. Dr. Vivaldi stands up, following Mordiar as he leads them back to the warm-up room. Unlike last time, Mordiar doesn't gain an entourage of Il Adib followers as he walks; in fact, the other Il Adib seem nearly oblivious to his presence. Mordiar leads the group back into the training room, and the door slams behind them. Nothing has changed since yesterday.)

MORDIAR:
"Now then... something a bit more difficult for you today."

(Mordiar opens his hand to reveal a small lump of iron. He shows it to the group.)

MORDIAR:
"Iron... on your periodic table, I believe this is element number 26. In many ways, each element is exactly the same... the only difference is a very small quantitative one."

(Mordiar holds out his other hand, which is empty.)

MORDIAR:
"As such, with a bit of willpower and a bit of knowledge..."

(Mordiar seems to concentrate deeply on his open hand. A small silver object begins to appear, apparently gathering from the air around him. Mordiar finishes creating the lump of iron and holds it out.)

MORDIAR:
"...we can create the substantial from the insubstantial."

(Mordiar steps back, smiling.)

MORDIAR:
"Please, get comfortable... and begin. Create the substantial from the insubstantial. Create... iron."

Are You The Forbidden One?

(The old man chuckles, a laugh that seems more like a dead wheeze than a true laugh. He grins.)

"Is that what they're calling me now? Well then, I guess that's who I am. In another time... I was called Mason."

(Mason pops a squat in front of Tsunami, running his hands over her form.)

"Hmmmm... you feel like some kind of a... metal lizard or something. What are you, anyway?"

Larkinia

26-07-2003, 05:23

Javin cocks an eyebrow at this.

Man, David Copperfield has nothing on this guy. Well here goes, concentrate.. clear your mind...

imported_Cetaganda

26-07-2003, 05:39

Getting into comfortable positions, the three Cetagandans get to work. As they do so, they think things along these lines.

Sean: 'Heh. They call this difficult? Opening a gate to the surface, now that would be difficult.'

Lisa: 'Ok. This isn't all that different from the last thing. Just a matter of reassembling some protons and neutrons. And pulling it from somewhere, too.'

Nita: 'Gods damn you, Mordiar. What is with your obsession with stupid inanimate objects? Maybe I should rearrange your internal organs instead...no, concentrate, Nita. Wouldn't do for Vivaldi to be better.'

26-07-2003, 05:52

Hope You Like Being Phasedy!

(Guide returns to the group, the anger that was previously evident on his face now faded. He makes a motion for the group to follow him to the training area. As the group walks, he makes a point to walk beside Ben and Kiara.)

GUIDE:
"Forgive me for not introducing myself... you may call me Guide. I will be assisting you in performing the acts of manipulation that we will be undertaking today."

(Guide leads the group to the roundish training room, which slams shut behind them. Guide glows a pale white light, keeping the room lit. As he glows, he begins to become translucent.)

GUIDE:
"One of the greatest weapons in the arsenal of the Brethren is a defensive one: the ability to become noncorporeal. While such an ability requires a few seconds of concentration to exercise, even among the most adept of Brethren, it employs in its user a temporary invulnerability of sorts. You will not be walking through walls or leaping through floors, but you will still have a very potent skill on your hands."

(Guide becomes solid once again, and his light fades to a dim glow, just enough for the participants to see themselves and no one else. The room becomes silent, save his voice.)

GUIDE:
"This is your next task. I will be supervising; after all, a novice could easily accidentally phase out the blood from his system. Simply will yourself into a noncorporeal state... and it will be so."

Treznor

26-07-2003, 06:00

"Hi, Guide. Call me Ben."

Ben frowns as he listens to the explanation. "I know I came in late to the game, but just how am I supposed to accomplish this? I'm not used to passing through anything more substantial than a pool of water."

Dread Lady Nathicana

26-07-2003, 06:23

"Something out of ... " Pacci begins his usual sputtering, looking scandalized at the very thought.

Muttering to himself in his own language, he frets and stews for a moment, making himself comfortable. Fixing Moridar with a flat look first, he holds out his hand, furrows his brow in concentration, and ... wills there to be iron.

Reploid Productions

26-07-2003, 07:40

I don't like being touched that way!

Tsunami tries not to bristle at the person... at Mason's touch. "I don't know if you'd've heard of it, but I'm a reploid dragon, of the Drakos production line. Basically a mechanical dragon for infiltration and espionage. And yes, I've overheard the Il Adib refer to someone or something in these tunnels as 'the Forbidden One'. They seem like they don't want the Slanglandic archaelogists to find you."

You want me to do what?!

Kiara raises an eyebrow doubtfully as Guide explains. "Oookay... doesn't sound a lot different from some of the thaumatology theories I've studied..." She takes a seat against the wall, unslinging her backpack and weapons and setting them down by her side. "I really need to look for the others though- that's why I came down here in the first place."

Ah, hell, admit it, you're curious, and anything these guys can teach can later be utilized for the Shogunate's own ends.

She closes her eyes and concentrates, chanting under her breath to help focus.

27-07-2003, 03:56

Mr. Dee is feeling sick. After Guide had went through him, he felt that his stomach had been pulled out of him and, like an overstretched spring, sprung back into his body.

He looks at everyone around him, forcing himself to contain his breakfast...

'Oh... I'm going to-'

And with that Dee turned his stomach inside out, the fish breakfast spilling out onto the training ground. During that instant, fiery flames burst out all around him with each ball of vomit going up his throat.

"Bleegh!" he let out in disgust. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaal...." his discolored tongue sticks out.

27-07-2003, 05:10

How the Hell Do You Do This?

(Guide looks toward Ben and dims his light a bit, which seems to be similar to a look of dry patience.)

"Simply use your own willpower. I will allow you ample peace and quiet to retain your concentration; from there, the psychic overlay within this room should be enough to bring out the latent psychic powers that exist in us all. Will yourself into noncorporeality... and it will be so."

Ugh! Fish Puke!

(Guide watches Mr. Dee begin to vomit and catch fire. His light turns a pale blue, and the look on his face seems to indicate that this color is synonymous with rolling one's eyes. Guide leaps at Mr. Dee and places a hand to his forehead, and the vomiting man collapses into a heap on the floor. Guide nudges him into the corner of the room and lies him on his side as the fire almost immediately disappears. As Mr. Dee is moved out of the way, Guide now notices that the other party members are staring.)

GUIDE:
"He will be fine... he is merely experiencing a minor setback in attempting to place psychic powers within... a weaker mind. Please, continue your studies in psychic energies while this man rests."

27-07-2003, 05:25

(OOC: It's official: the dice have turned on you guys.)

Psychic Power Outage, Take Two:

(Dr. Vivaldi freakin' tears that beeyotch the hell up this time, G! It takes just a little over ten minutes for Dr. Vivaldi to will a small iron marble into his hand. Mordiar claps respectfully, pulling Vivaldi away from the group. The Cetagandan delegation checks in at slightly over that; however, they would mentally notice, as practicioners of psychic powers, that it was not by their own powers that the iron marbles were created. Mordiar pulls the three of them up away from the others.

Pacci and Javin, on the other hand, don't fare so well. Try as they might--and try they do, for over an hour--they can't seem to do as well as the others. Mordiar looks down at them with a frown and shakes his head, making a tsk, tsk sound with his tongue.

All of a sudden, from outside the room emerges a loud scream, a scream that shakes the very foundations of the cave and breaks the concentration of Javin and Pacci. Mordiar looks around frantically, then fells the wall and darts off to Mother's pole. As he does so, he turns around.)

MORDIAR:
"Stay here... I must attend to Mother!"

The Forbidden One:

(The small white creature leaps in front of Mason, settling in beneath his knee. Mason gives the small pale man a pat on the head. He reaches into his breast pocket and removes a bit of bread, which he hands to the creature. The creature beams, snatching it up and devouring it quickly.)

MASON:
"This, by the way, is Iris... my last working eye. It's through him that I can keep track of what's going on with the Il Adib and the Brethren."

(Mason scoops up Iris and leans against the wall. He removes a pipe from his pants' pocket and, with a flick of his thumb, lights up. He takes a long, slow puff, spewing forth sweet-smelling smoke as he looks back down at Tsunami, grinning.)

MASON:
"Indeed... the Il Adib don't want anyone to find me. I'm sure you've heard at least some of the story, but I'm at least in part the reason why they ain't up on the surface right now, invadin' the mainland."

(He lowers his pipe. His demeanor turns suddenly from a grin to pure, cold lack of emotion.)

MASON:
"Before we go any further... I wanna know what you think. I wanna... pick yer brain a bit, shall we say? Well... your circuits anyway. What do you think's really goin' on between the Il Adib and the Brethren of Shade?"

NationStates Jolt Archive

Archaeological Discovery in The SLAGLands - Page 2