When it fades, and everyone can concentrate again, they find themselves in their own bodies, back in the cavern beneath Gibraltar.
Ezmereth stands nearby, not on the same outcropping of rock, but on another, a few meters to the side, and at least one higher. He nods in approval at your appearance, and then light blossoms -- a little bit. There's a nearby outcropping the same size as your own, and four figures are standing there.
Four men, from the looks of things. It's difficult to guess which was Serril, Liandral, or possibly even Lindsey -- there's just no physical resemblance between them. Though, the huge guy with light pouring from an open plate on his wrist was probably Liandral. Before anyone else can speak, he looks around him in concern. "Where's Vanessa?" he growls, his voice carrying.
"Quiet," Ezmereth warns, frowning, glancing out across the large cavern. Currently he's standing between the two parties. "You'll wake the beast."
'Liandral' shoots Ezmereth a scathing glance, and then glares at the Order of Symmetry. "This is your doing, isn't it?" he growls. "What did you do to her?"
"Nothing," Bjorn replies succintly and quietly, rising to his feet. Looking about him to check on the status of the others, he also probes gently at the inside of his mind, checking both to make sure that his Dream is available to him, and looking for any sign of his other-self.
Currently, the connection is tenuous and weak, but there is very much a sensation that this is only temporary. What remains once that's settled remains to be seen.
"Actually, Lindsey may have been slightly delayed," Durant says, smirking slightly. "It turns out she's stuck there until she's accomplished a little task ... I just made sure her own personal chore would take longer. Payback for the death threats. I think she'll come out of the dream much educated."
'Liandral's eyes twitch, and he grits his teeth. "I'm a fucking engine of destruction, kid," he grates out. "You mess with my friends, I destroy you."
Durant looks less than impressed, and Ezmereth hisses. "Silence," he growls shooting venemous gazes at both Durant and 'Liandral'. "If you do not calm, the ward will not be granted."
Bjorn rolls his eyes heavenward. 'Everyone with the death threats.'
Beyond that, for the moment, though, he remains silent, watching Ezmereth directly and keeping an eye on Paul and 'Liandral' out of the corners of his eye.
'Liandral' bristles, but settles slightly, still shooting the occasional venemous glare at Durant. In the distance, the vaguely illuminated piles of rock begin to slide about in ways that your minds aren't fully comfortable comprehending. Their motion suggests that they are not merely house-sized boulders....
...they're meters-thick stone coils of a gargantuan snake. A massive stone snake's head suddenly rises before the stone-outcropping, the snake's mouth occupied with the tip of its tail. It looks to be made of solid stone, and could probably eat both ledges, all people present, and a good section of the caves behind everyone in one bite. This cavern, now that it begins to glow slightly more brightly, could probably contain the entirety of Gibraltar within it.
The snake's head bobs and dips slightly, solid green eyes not seeming to look at anyone in particular. "Thus," Ezmereth says quietly, "we now choose who will recieve the wards. With two victors, two prizes shall be given. To those who ventured into this newly aware of the greater world around them ... you may choose first who among you will recieve this gift."
Within his Dream, Bjorn reaches out to touch the anchors that are the rest of the Order. Philip, I think, he suggests. If he is really connected to the Green Man, he should have an affinity with Earth
Ginrai looks on in awe at the sight of the snake. While curious to see if he still has access to any of his powers from the Dream, he decides it would be a good idea to hold that off for a bit. He also makes a mental note to ask Durant later on what he did with Lindsey/Vanessa.
I agree with Bjorn on this. Phil would definitely be the best choice here.
Rez lifts up his right hand to look at it briefly, then stretches, pretty much ignoring the situation.
I'm happy to let Phil get bitten by the snake!
Do we need to choose just one person? Durant asks. I thought the plan was we'd share, or something. The other guys did the selfish thing already.
Within his Dream, Bjorn does not have a body himself. Instead, the mists that surround the figures of the others roil in a considering manner. If that's an option... then it's a good one, yes. We're supposed to be fighting for balance, so it makes sense to keep ourselves balanced as well.
Yes. Okay, this appeals to me.
You might just be right, you know. Given what the Cabal did, we could probably do most anything with our ward.
Would we want to have Pax choose first to see what they do, if we're going to do something wacky?
I'd prefer to not be standing around with them having the power of dreams and we not. Even if for a few minutes. Hum. As much as I'd like omnipotent godlike power, sharing it is obviously the wiser task. And anyhow, the math says to share it. We only know of three spots. If one of us took it at each of those, then not two of us would not be as protected when eventually the crazy guys for pax and for cabal show up. Notably, that'd likely leave each of us weaker than them, but... We're in the realm of the stuff fairy tales were made of, so, I suspect that the power shared is greater than the power held tight.
Dracos turned to Ezmereth and, speaking softly, responded, "If we can, we would share it amongst ourselves. Five shared the danger, five should share the prize. If this is impossible, we've agreed that I will carry this gift."
Dracos
"All shall recieve," he says, then.
The world seems to darken, except for the serpent, which grows more visible in everyone's minds. But it is not just the serpent, biting its own tail. It is also a turtle, enmeshed in battle (or some attempt at reproduction) with the serpent. Somehow, these images mesh and distort until the reality of the serpent resembles nothing as much as a fan-belt and a gear that will turn it.
The mechanics that underly reality are now at least partially yours. Everyone feels slightly more aware of the dirt and stone around them, in addition to the firm expectation that you could (if desired) increase your mass.
Ezmereth turns to look at Pax Arcana, and asks them a question, too: "Who among you shall claim this gift?"
There is a bit of quiet deliberation before one of the smaller men is chosen. He's about average height, with brown hair, and is wearing glasses. His clothes are only jeans, and a T-shirt. He doesn't seem dressed for a combat, like 'Liandral' is (camo pants and jacket). He glows briefly, as the power is confered, and then the great serpent head begins to sink into the darkness, glowing eyes dimming as though in preparation for sleep.
Pax's chosen turns himself to stone for a second, and then back to normal. "Now," Ezmereth says, nodding in satisfaction, "we will leave this place, and return from the Dream."
"But first, some unfinished business," 'Liandral' snaps. His palm extends a loop of wire, which shoots out, crossing the distance between platforms. It quickly wraps around Durant's throat, and yanks him off his stone. Durant has only enough time to squeak/wheeze in surprise before vanishing into the darkness below. "And now we're ev--"
"Idiot!" Ezmereth yells, as the entire chamber begins to shake. All turns to blackness briefly, and when light returns, it's from the glow of four bracelets. Ezmereth, Pax, and the room that everyone was in are gone. Only a dirt floor with no visible edges and darkness remain.
Ezmereth's voice carries quietly from ... somewhere, and he says, "This should not have been done. It is an ill thing, but cannot be undone. The rules of the contest will expand ... you have had something taken from you which should not have been. Therefore ... you may add to your number after you begin on your path. Good luck."
Then light fades again, and everyone's simply left in pitch blackness. Using their newfound earth-senses, everyone will find that while blind, they're aware of the thirty meters of ... dirt and loose rocks that lead in any given direction. At a casual inspection, you're now in a mineshaft, with a shaft leading further down nearby. The other exit leads off into the mountain, though your new senses suggest that this also leads out.
Dracos stood, first looking around, getting the feeling back into his body and checking on the others, not expecting to see Durant, but looking for him anyway.
Dracos
"Shit," opines Rez quietly.
After a short moment, he produces the warbag, drops it on the ground, and starts rummaging through it for the flashlight.
Nathan shortly finds a flashlight, which spreads welcome visibility on the immediate viscinity. You appear to be in some sort of mine, next to a shaft leading deeper. In fact, to Bjorn and Nathan, this place looks very familiar....
Noise can be heard from opposite the mineshaft. It sounds like a steadily whirring fan. Light glints off of something metalic on the dirt floor, and after a quick informal survey, Durant is nowhere visible.
Bending down, Bjorn examines the metallic item on the ground. "Well," he says quietly, "at least we don't have to take the plane back to New Delphi."
In the Dream, the mists reach around to touch the still statue that represent Lazarus. Lazarus? Are you there?
"hum? So we ended up halfway across the world? Or have you suddenly discovered teleportation?"
Dracos turned to Bjorn, who seemed to recognize the spot.
Dracos
"Unless I'm very mistaken, this is the mine outside New Delphi," Bjorn replies, still squinting at the ground. "At a guess, Ezmereth decided to seperate us before any more unpleasantness occurred."
"Probably wise. Anyhow, you guys know the way outside?" Dracos, rather than rapidly exploring, decided to just wait for those who already know the cave or mineshaft or whatever to lead. "Best to get oriented with the world's events."
Dracos
I am here, comes Lazarus's reply after a moment. He seems tired, like he's just woken up. Are you returned?
The metallic glint on the ground is a broken bracelet. It matches the ones everyone is wearing, except that yours don't have blood spattered on them.
Picking up the bracelet, Bjorn rises. Yes, he says. It would seem we're in the mine just outside the village. He frowns, listening to the fan. Have you done any construction or the like down here? I think I can hear something.
Out loud, he replies to Philip, "Yes. Give me a second here, though. I'm talking with Lazarus, and this place wasn't safe the last time we were here."
Dracos nodded, keeping an eye out.
Dracos
That's where Victor still lives, Lazarus replies. He also is the one who works the most with Relm.... And then not words, as much as images of a server room (assembled within the confines of the mine) come to mind.
Hm. Can you give me a map, Lazarus? Checking in with the Oracle might be a good first step. In return, Bjorn projects an image of their current location, with the sounds of the fans to boot.
Lazaus's mental map shows the very linear route from the mineshaft to the server room, to the point where the corridor branches, to the outside.
Thanks, Lazarus. I'll let you get back to sleep now. See you soon. He hesitates, then. Actually... what's the date now?
July second, Lazarus replies. If you come into town, I'll have tea ready.
Right after we speak with the Oracle, Bjorn promises.
"All right," Bjorn says, "this way. They've set up a server room for Relm down here, so we'll stop by and visit her first."
With that, he sets off, leading the way.
"Sounds good to me."
Dracos and the others follow~!
Dracos
It doesn't take long to find a larger area in the mine that's been set up as a cordoned off area. Partiton walls rise to the cieling, and a fan blows warm air into the mineshaft. A door is also there, directly beneath the fan and currently closed. Now the sounds of more moving fans and the occasional keystroke and mouseclick are audible.
Raising his voice slightly, Bjorn calls out, "Hello, Victor."
There's a creak, as though of a chair leaning back, and then some footsteps sound. The door opens, revealing Victor (now dressed in tattered looking yellow sweatpants and a large, solid blue shirt). He blinks a few times, and counts heads.
"So," he drawls. "Come in. Have a seat."
Behind him is a network operations center. A handful of racks line one wall, cabling strung crazily between them. Victor's desk currently is just a keyboard, mouse, and monitor connected to a gigantic KVM switch. Another monitor displays what looks like security camera footage of the mine entrance. There's terminals (currently offline and inactive) with other chairs opposite the racks and Victor's desk. Probably fifteen people could work here in relative comfort, barring explosions of psychic energy, or Victor getting the munchies.
"How have things been?" Bjorn asks, taking one of the terminal seats.
Dracos heads in as well, awaiting the answer to Bjorn's question and taking a seat nearby.
"Things have been worse, until now," Victor replies. "Or at least ... very boring. Which is I suppose all well and good." He checks his monitor and says, "Luckily, I don't need much sleep. You come home at 3:00 AM.
"If you're asking what's happened ... I'm now in charge of maintaining this place, and keeping it clean. I also spend much time comparing what I knew of Pax Arcana and the Seventh Cabal with what Relm can see afar." After a moment he adds, "And, ah, it's laundry day. Would you like something to drink?" He goes to a mini-fridge and opens it, revealing several generic sodas, and a handful of plasma-packs with (one presumes) blood in them.
"A soda, please," Bjorn replies. "We have some information to add -- the names of three of the Pax Arcana five, if you don't have that, at the very least." He sighs. "And... Paul is dead."
"This might sound odd but, what day/month/year is it?"
Dracos
"Weren't you listening?" Bjorn says, surprised, and then shakes his head. "No, sorry, you weren't. July second, same year."
"Ah, I see. That telepathic conversation of a moment ago, I take it? Anyhow, not too bad. Find out anything neat, aside from all that boredom with Relm, Victor?"
Dracos
"It's not telepathy," Bjorn reflexively corrects, but his attention is clearly elsewhere.
Sighing, he stands. "I thought I was up for this, but... I'm sorry, Victor. I'm not up for comparing notes at the moment." He looks down, briefly, at the bracelet in his hand. "I'm going to head down to New Delphi, and try and get some sleep."
Heading to the door, he looks back. "I'll be back soon enough. Give my apologies to the Oracle if you speak with her."
Victor grimaces at that. "I scent his blood, and don't see him," he says quietly. "I had a suspicion." He shakes his head to dismiss that thought. "Well, a cola." Bjorn and Phil find themselves handed cans of some generic cola. 'Happy Drink! is made for you delicious!' Some generic imported cola, then. Tastes inoffensive. Nathan ignores the drinks in favor of tinkering with a nearby terminal.
Victor pauses briefly, until Phil and Bjorn finish their exchange. "Your house is number eight," Victor calls, as Bjorn heads out. Turning back to Phil, Victor says, "We've found a bit out. Why not ask her yourself?"
Bjorn nods his thanks to Victor, but does not interrupt.
Shortly he finds himself in the darkness -- but with his new abilities, this seems to pose little problems. Out of sight of the terminal room, he takes a second to explore with his new senses.
Bjorn now heads to Home For a Rest (http://www.pishoque.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=54245#54245).
"Sure. Why not? Information, then getting back on some sane schedule. Which terminal? Or all of 'em work?"
Dracos
Nathan quietly fires up the terminal he's sat down at, poking around curiously to see how it's all setup.
QuoteWelcome to DelphiNet
Login:
RtDv 2.87 [-=MOTD=-] 7/02/2007 2:54:13 (Relm): I've got a feeling o/` Can you wake Lazarus for me Victor?
[H]elp t[O]pics [P]age sl[E]ep
"Any terminal should do," Victor says, shrugging. He glances at his terminal, and raises an eyebrow. "That's-- um." He scurries over to his terminal. "Relm's awake."
Ginrai looks on at his two companions, envious at how they could act so calm after what 'Liandral' had done. Still trying to come in terms with the events - at how quickly and callously Paul was murdered - he had been fighting back tears throughout the walk.
Recalling his meeting with Shade in the dream, he blurts, "I-is it possible for Relm to have some sort of contact with Paul?"
"I suspect she can tell us something, one way or the other."
>So, do you actually pay attention to what gets typed into these consoles?
"Swift foot." Dracos set himself up near Rez, no point in both of them flinging out messages when one will do.
Dracos
Who notes if Rez is making a start up post and then vanishing for two days, he shall be MAIMED.
> Most people use the Page command.
> Ohhhh, I was wondering what that was for. Well, it's Nathan, and we're back. Miss us?
> You have no idea. o_o
> I take it you were successful?
>We were - so was Pax. We've lost Paul. I don't know if he's dead or anything - we have his bracelet.
"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of the im. This is what we fight for." Dracos chimed to Rez teasingly.
Dracos
Nathan blinks, and looks at Drac oddly.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"That you're a slow typer." Dracos nodded solemnly like it was a foregone conclusion.
Dracos
"Mm."
Rez drums his fingers on the table, looking blankly at the terminal.
> He died? That's too bad. I think you should probably rest. Take a day or two to recover your wits before you worry about anything for the moment.
>I don't know. I was hoping you'd have some idea, I guess.
> I see nothing yet. I know something's up, I just wanted to see if Victor spotted anything before I started investigating. I'll start looking into that now.
There is a long pause as Rez stares at the screen.
> So, how've you been?
> Busy! I've designed plumbing. Those Romans don't have anything on our irrigation. ANYTHING!
> Also, we've wired the town for power, and now have enough housing for everyone. I've been very busy trying to make sure we go along without hitting any snags.
> I've got some of the information Bjorn was looking for, but it's not very clean yet. I can have it for you by tomorrow.
> How was the trip? You seem kind of quiet, Rez-baby.
Victor snorts from his terminal, and then says, "She'd rather speak with you directly." After that, he switches views and looks at security camera footage for a bit.
> It was interesting. Got to be big damn heroes, which kinda lifts the ego. Victor said something about you'd rather speak to me directly?
> Well, instead of through his much slower typing, yes.
the MotD updates: Scans in progress. Please do not disturb the oracle.
> I don't know where Paul is yet ... I might be able to find him in the Dream if he ended up there. If you're lucky, he did. But I'll need time for the answers I think you want.
> Time is one thing I suppose we have right now. Aaaaannndddd . . . you have microphones in here and didn't tell me?
> No. It took him that long to type out that you were here.
> Just because you can't see them doesn't mean I don't have other sessions open. ~_^
>So it was like a message from the distant past? Funky!
"Oh. Sorry, Victor. I was already bugging her."
>And what was the information Bjorn was looking for, again? I think I remember him mentioning something but I kinda forgot in the intervening war. Very distracting.
So I see," he says, switching his terminal from security footage to a database of some sort. He carefully and deliberately starts typing. More quickly than his first exploratory keystrokes, but still not as efficiently as an experienced keyboardist.
> Information on Pax Arcana agents. Of course, I need to get that information, or the links to it, from someone's memories. Can't have an oracle based off of a vision, that's just too vague and weird.
> Memories can be read easiest from sleeping people who are willing to help me see what I missed, and try and read clues from it. You wanna volunteer to help me out? :D
> Prompt: Volunteer to spend dream-time with Relm? [Y/n]
Dracos laughs.
Dracos
Rez rolls his eyes hits the enter key.
>I just spent six months dreaming . . . guess a few more hours can't hurt -that- much.
Ginrai sighs after reading the current status on Relm's search for Paul. 'Ah, screw this, I need some rest.' He looks around the room to see if there's a couch or sofa.
Victor's hammock hangs over his desk, but that appears to be the only bed in the place. He did mention a building number to Bjorn, though. Rooms may be set aside elsewhere.
> Good to hear it! Now get some sleep. I'll call a group meeting once everyone's dreaming.
"Sorry but I didn't pay attention when you mentioned it before. Where's our place?" Looking out into the darkness, Ginrai adds, "And how do we get there?"
"Hit the lightswitch," Victor instructs, gesturing vaguely towards the door. "Then follow the path to the hillside. There's a trail leading down into town, and you're in building number eight. Door should be unlocked."
> Rest well. If you're still there. ;)
Ginrai nods. "Thanks! I'll talk with you guys tomorrow." Waving, he heads to the door, turns on the switch and heads out.
>I'll try. Talk to you in a while, I guess.
Rez lifts himself out of his chair with a sigh.
"I'm heading the same way. See you tomorrow then, Victor."
With a questioning glance at Drac, Rez makes for the exit.
"let's get moving." Dracos is right behind him.
Dracos
It doesn't take long to reach building number eight on the town's one road, and the door is unlocked.
This thread now closes as we move to Home for a Rest (http://www.pishoque.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=54466#54466).