Tom is the first to enter building number nine. The building has eight bedrooms in it, as well as a downstairs kitchen/dining area. One upper story bathroom, and one lower story bathroom, as well. No books, television, or phones, though.
"Homey. I love the decor," comments Tom. "I claim, oh, that room."
"Well, you're probably going to be sharing it," Jim says, poking around and exploring the place.
Tim steps inside after Tom, surveying the building. "Doesn't matter to me - hell, I'll take a sleeping bag if there's not enough room."
Following a quick tour of the building, he heads out. "I'll be back in an hour or so, just going to walk for a bit."
And so saying, he summons his staff and steps out into the road, deciding to make a hike around the town while he mulls over everything that's happened so far.
Bjorn has been bustling around house nine, doing what he can to settle people in, when Tim's words settle in. Blinking, he mutters, "Oh, shit," very quietly to himself.
"Excuse me, guys," he says, "I'll be back in a minute." And with that, he jogs out he door, heading after Tim.
Tim is already a fair way down the road at this point. It hasn't been that long since he left building nine, but he's still managed to put in a good chunk of space between himself and the building.
It would probably make more sense to call after Tim, but that's always struck Bjorn as being more than a bit rude. Instead, he just lengthens his stride. Tim is moving fast enough that by the time Bjorn catches up, they've reached the outskirts of the building.
"Hey," Bjorn says.
Tim glances up, giving Bjorn a small smile. "Hey. Sorry for taking off so quick, it's just been a while since I've been able to get any time to myself."
"That's fine," Bjorn says. "I just wanted to warn you." He points off in the direction of the mine. "If you head over that way, you'll see a mineshaft. Don't go in, it's not safe."
"Ah, okay. Thanks for the warning. Anything else nearby I need to watch out for?"
"Not that I know of," Bjorn answers. "Try not to wander too far away, though. I believe New Delphi is still trying to keep a low profile. Shouldn't be too many people around, but, well, there shouldn't be too many people around here, if you see what I mean."
"Makes sense," Tim replies. "I'll do my best to stay out of sight."
He continues on for a moment, then glances over at Bjorn. "You mind horribly if I ask you a few more questions? Nothing too major, but filling in some gaps would be nice."
Bjorn blinks at that. "Sure!" he says. "What do you want to know?"
"Well, first off: how long have you guys been here and had the Order revived? We literally dropped off the map in the first week of January and only just got back to reality, so I have no idea what's been going on in the real world in any sense."
Bjorn frowns, and then smiles faintly. "That's actually a trickier question than you might think. Hm. The Order was refounded on... the nineteenth of January. We convinced the people here," he waves a hand back at New Delphi, "to work with us a few days after. The twenty-second, twenty-third, about then, I guess.
"But that was about three weeks ago, by my personal timeline," he admits, rubbing the back of his head. "We -- that is, the Order -- spent that time in another Dream."
Tim shakes his head. "Shouldn't be surprised, I suppose. Just another impossibility to toss on the pile at this point. So... what other Dream is this? Something completely separate from the main Dream, or just a separate area inside it?"
"Remember how I said that the Cabal steals realities? Well, those realities had their own Dreams, and after the Cabal was done, those Dreams sort of float free.
"To win the Contest, you have to become attuned to those free Dreams, because there's still a shadow of a connection to their old lands. So...." He shrugs. "We did."
Tim thinks for a minute, and then nods. "Would make sense, if you're trying to strengthen the Dream. If it's been stretched thin because of adding these other worlds, it'd make sense to connect with their Dreams and bring them in line with our own."
He pokes at the ground with his staff for a minute. "I'm still trying to figure out what my own connection is with this whole thing. One minute I'm a caseworker with way too much shit to deal with in clients, next thing I'm finding out I have the ability to shape reality around me with a thought."
He looks over at Bjorn. "What you said earlier... why do you find the motivation so important? If people know the stakes, and they know what they've got to put on the line, why does it matter why they're acting to help you? I don't really understand the Dream itself well enough yet to say for sure whether strengthening its ties to reality is good or bad, although I can't see anything any worse about it right now than any other form of power would be. I'll agree - the goal you've put forward is certainly the most 'pure' in a sense, and it's the easiest not to lose focus on."
Bjorn thoughtfully purses his mouth as he listens to Tim, and shifts the apparently empty scabbard on his hip to a more comfortable position. "Well," he says slowly, "there's a distinction here in terms of what 'helping' means.
"See, entering the Contest is a... contract. And only so many people from each group -- five, until recently -- can enter the contract. So on some level, New Delphi, as an example, helps the Order, works with the Order, but it isn't the Order. Not the way I am, or Philip or Nathan or Parthipan are.
"To help the way New Delphi does, motivation doesn't matter as much. But to actually be part of the Contest, to join the 'inner circle' of the Order, if you want to put it that way, motivation matters a lot. Firstly because there's no way out but death once you join. Secondly because if you don't believe in our goals, and we win, what will you do when it comes time to make the decision about how to change reality?"
He snorts slightly. "And then it gets complicated, but roughly speaking, reality obeys the same laws as the Dream at the fundamental level. And belief, motivation, will, that's the stuff that shapes the Dream, and thus reality."
"Yeah, I got that part," Tim replies with a snort, twirling his staff and releasing is from existence. "It's not as easy to change things here as in the Dream, but it's still possible.
"You did say five, though, and you've listed four names. What happened to the fifth?"
"He was killed," Bjorn replies shortly. "Yesterday."
Tim winces. "Sorry to hear that... what happened, if you don't mind me asking?"
Bjorn sighs. "He took things personally," he says, "more or less. Pax Arcana was in the Earth Dream at the same time as us. One of them blackmailed him, and he tried to take revenge by trapping her in the Dream for a little longer than she normally would have been there. Then he gloated about it to the rest of Pax, and one of them killed him before any of us could do anything to stop it."
Tim shakes his head. "That was... well, never mind. At least that makes a bit more sense now," he replies, half to himself.
"What's your story, though? I recognize the name from IRC, but I never really talked with you much that I can recall. How'd you wind up in the middle of all this?"
Bjorn cocks an eyebrow at Tim. "What makes more sense now?" he asks.
"Hmm?" Tim looks up. "Oh. It makes a bit more sense why you're so focused on not losing sight of your goal. And yeah, I'd agree with you. Letting a personal vendetta get in the way in something like this would be... foolish, to say the least. With the world at stake, you can't afford to be petty."
Bjorn studies Tim for a moment, and then looks off in the direction of the mine. "Anyways, to answer your question, I was kidnapped by the Workshop. The others, acting on Oracular instruction," he looks back and grins lop-sidedly, "helped to rescue me." He shrugs. "And in doing so, we found about the Order, and like I said, it was a job that needed doing."
Tim snorts. "I know the feeling, although before this the worst I ever had to do was take over administrating a website. But yeah. If those other groups you were talking about are the only alternatives, I don't see what else you could have done."
He thinks for a few minutes more. "The question I'd have to follow that is, what does the Order need us for? I can see why you'd need our help in general - more hands to do the work for things like New Delphi are always handy - but like you said, they don't need to be part of the Order itself for that."
"Well, we need another member now," Bjorn points out, a bit drily. "And in fact, it turns out that because of the way Paul was killed, we can have more than just five in our circle. And frankly, we need every advantage we can get."
Tim nods. "Well, you've certainly got my interest. I'm still learning what I can do as a Dreamer, but at the very least you've got my help outside of your order. I certainly don't disagree with your cause - it'll have its problems, no doubt, but it's infinitely preferable to the alternatives."
"'Certainly don't disagree.'" Bjorn snorts wryly. "If you hadn't already said you were some sort of caseworker, I'd be ready to guess it. Or do you always watch your words that close?"
He stretches, staring off at the mountains. "Don't get me wrong," he says, finally. "If we win, it'll cause no end of chaos, I'm pretty sure. But right now, the power that the Dream represents is in the hands of a tiny few, mostly Pax and the Cabal." He eyes Tim shrewdly. "And you've seen what they do with it."
He rubs the back of his neck. "We could have argue over the stagnation of civilization and the stultification that arises from the self-preservation instinct of institutions, but that's all beside the point. The real point is that by giving everyone access to the Dream, we take away the monopoly that Pax and the Cabal have leveraged into their dominance."
Falling quiet for a second, he adds, in a low voice, "Like I said, it's important to believe in what you fight for. Saying 'it'll have its problem, but its better than the alternatives' isn't something that'll help you win, y'know?"
Tim chuckles. "Yeah, I generally do. A few years of working for the government will do that to you.
"For the other... how do I put this. I do think your cause is the right one, and of the approaches that are available, the Order's is infinitely better than Pax's or the Cabal's. I don't doubt that I'll come to believe in that cause more strongly as I work towards achieving it; I always put more energy in with the more I have invested in something. But I've just heard about your cause an hour ago. I'm just not wired to jump in immediately and say 'oh my god you're exactly right I have to throw everything I've got behind you NOW!' " He shakes his head. "I'm really not trying to be argumentative here, I'm just doing my best to try to adjust."
Bjorn shakes his head. "No, sorry. I'm not trying to make you believe. I'm just trying to say, 'think it over.' If you don't believe, then you shouldn't join the Order itself, though there's still a lot you can do to help."
He grins at Tim. "As you might have noticed, I do believe in what we're doing, so you'll pardon me if I start to get carried away when I'm talking about it. If you have questions -- and I'm betting you do, and you should! -- if you have questions, I'll try'n answer them. But at the same time, I feel like I gotta make clear that just knowing a lot is riding on this isn't enough, y'know?"
"Heh, I can understand being fervent about it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that yes, I do believe in your cause. Obviously not to the degree that you do, but I think that'll come in time."
Tim lets the staff reappear as the pair start up a rather steep hillside, using it to help him keep his footing. "I guess I don't have any more questions about the Order, at least not yet. Mostly what I want to do now is clear my head, get some normal sleep, and then start figuring out what I can do."
"Fair enough," Bjorn says, matching Tim easily. "You say you're a Dreamer?"
"That's what I'm told, yeah. Given the kinds of things I was doing while we were in the Dream, it looks like it's probably true as well. Once I get some actual rest, I'm going to try to visit the Dream to see exactly what I can and can't do - get some practice, so to speak."
Bjorn nods at that, and then stops. "Well, if you don't have any more questions, I should probably head back. Leave you to do your thinking."
"Thanks for your time," Tim says, giving Bjorn a nod.
With a final parting nod at Tim, Bjorn makes his way back to town.
Time to go say "hello" to people... Bridgett, Mikey, Jonah if I can find him. Then sit down with Lazarus, bring him up to date.
After wandering aimlessly about the house for a bit, Tom shrugs.
"I think I'll go for a walk, too," he comments, and heads outside, musing on this and that.
It doesn't take that long for him to run into Tim, and Tom greets him with a clap on the shoulder.
"Yo," he says, looking around. "Nice place, isn't it?"
Tim's a bit startled by the approach of Tom, having been somewhat lost in thought. "Huh? Oh, hey Tom. Yeah - bit small, but if they haven't even been organized for six months that's not too huge a surprise. Bet it'll shape up really well in time, though."
"Yeah," replies Tom, nodding. "They'll make a nice little village out of it yet."
He goes silent for a moment, just listening and looking at the place around him.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Tim snorts. "I see the concept of inflation hasn't reached you yet.
"Just thinking over some of the stuff that Bjorn guy was saying. What do you make of it?"
"Makes me wonder," replies Tom, shrugging. "I suppose what he's saying is true, and all. And since we're here, I guess we're caught up in it as much as any of them.
But I can't help but wonder about what he said. He seemed pretty emphatic about believing about the cause, y'know. Bringing the Dream closer to Reality. Strengthening the connection. Whatever.
Yeah, as I said, it's better than culling humanity by a long shot. But about these groups. Pax Arcana. The Seventh Cabal. The Order of Symmetry. He says it about the power of will determining the outcome of the Contest, so that one of the groups can change the world.
I suppose that at least one group has to succeed by the end, which is why he seemed far more focused on what he was going to *do* rather than what he was trying to *stop*.
And I think I want to get behind this reason. I really do. Look at the ramifications of it; people start developing powers everywhere. Sure, there'll be chaos for a while. Maybe a long while."
At this point, Tom really, really sounds like he's trying to convince himself that what he's saying is true.
"In the end, though, it could mark the evolution of humanity as a whole. And that's a positive thing.
So I can sorta get behind it, and maybe I'll like the idea more as I get into it. But there's one thing I want to ask.
What effect, exactly, does this all have on the real world?"
"That's probably a question for Pandora - I expect she'd know if the Order's ever won. The guys here seem almost as new to this as we are, though."
He shakes his head a bit. "I can see what they're trying to do, and if this Enemy is really that big of a threat, something HAS to be done. I don't even want to THINK about Pax's solution in today's world; we'd be talking about World War 3, most likely. For the Cabal, I've got no idea what 'bringing in another reality' would mean.
"If the Order wins, though, we've got people all over the place starting to develop weird powers and magic. And I KNOW that's going to be trouble.
"But if Bjorn's right, the only real choices are between Pax and the Order, since the Cabal's idea just plain doesn't work. And between Pax and the Order there's no real choice at all. I'm not looking forward to the craziness that'll pop up if they do succeed, but it's a hell of a lot better than wiping out half or more of the population."
"Definately," replies Tom, nodding. "And beyond the immediate trouble, things can only get better. I don't know what sorta powers would be about, but if everyone has some trick that only they can do...
But we know we're going to support the Order. The real question is, of course, "Do we wanna join up, or just help out?" And whatever else you can say about the methods and meanings... it's just some 'coincidence' where every member is from, eh?"
Tom chuckles bleakly at that.
"'Coincidence is just a contrivance'", Tim mutters. "Yeah, it does seem completely off the wall, but we're here and so are they.
"For myself, I'm not sure. Bjorn seems pretty big on me actually joining the Order, and from what he's described of the Contest I can understand why - it's got a lot to do with the Dream, and I imagine a Dreamer's pretty useful in that case. I probably will end up joining up with them myself. What about you?"
"I don't know what help I can be," confesses Tom. "I still think, overall, that we should be doing this plan because the other two suck- and yeah. I'm looking for reasons why in and of itself, but judging by what Bjorn said, I might just get in the way if I join to knock out the other two options.
I'll think on it. You know. I just need to properly reconcile myself with the idea. It's not something you can just jump into... but I'm getting there. Maybe."
"Well, after talking a bit more with Bjorn I've got something of an idea why he's so focused on that. Apparently one of the Order just died after he let a personal vendetta get in the way - and that was just yesterday. So I can understand him being a bit overemphatic with it."
"To me, in the end it's not so much that you need to BELIEVE in what the Order's doing as it is you need to understand what it is they're doing. If you know what you're aiming for, you understand the implications of it, and you still see it as the right course of action, that's your best course. I suppose that's believing in it - depends on how you see belief, I guess. I think I understand enough now to make a choice, although given how big this is I know I'm nowhere near understanding the whole thing."
"If that's what it is, then my choice would be made," replies Tom, shrugging. "Died to personal vendetta, huh... you know, that's another point. Anyone of us could die doing this. Now, given that if we *don't* succeed we'll probably all die anyway, I'm slightly less concerned about that than I really should be. But if something happened to a friend of mine, well.. I don't think I'd be able to shrug, tip my hat, and move on.
But I know what we're aiming for. I think I understand what it means. I kinda agree that it's for the best. If that's the criteria..."
Tom nods. "If you join up, I'll be right behind you, most likely."
He exhales at that. "Man. Good to get that decision off my chest."
Tim chuckles. "Have to wonder just what we've gotten into, though. Ought to do some catching up with Drac before long, too, figure out what happened to get him roped in with this. Last I heard he was settling into his programming job without too many problems."
"Heh. I wouldn't mind catching up with Rez, myself..."
Tom shrugs. "I suppose we'll see them when we see them. Wanna head back to their house?"
"Might as well, I guess. Not too much to see here at this point." Tim nods in agreement.
With that, Tom starts heading back to the first house he entered in the village.
Tom and Tim now return to My Village is Number One (http://www.pishoque.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=54895#54895).
Bjorn sets out, without really having a precise destination in mind -- just a list of people to keep an eye out for.
As it turns out, one of these people gets Bjorn's attention first.
Now that you're not busy -- or at least, don't appear to be -- I've got some hot tea ready, and expect you've got a lot to share with us, Lazarus sends. Care to come by building number six, and chat for a while?
On my way, Bjorn replies. Sorry for all the hold-ups.
Barring any interruptions, he soon finds himself knocking on the door to house number 6.
Building number six looks identical to eight or nine, except that it's got a little stained glass panel hanging adjacent to the door that spells out "Building #6" hanging next to it. All sorts of heavy red and purple colors. Curiously, it appears that the glass was blown and painted, as there's no metal to provide seams between the sections of glass.
Smiling at what is almost certainly Bridgett's handiwork, Bjorn knocks politely and then enters the building.
The interior layout looks very similar to building number nine, as well. Lazarus is sitting at the dining table, pouring two cups of tea. The extra-large door on one of the bedrooms suggests that Mikey stays here, too (on the ground floor, apparently).
Welcome, Lazarus sends.
Thank you, Bjorn replies, taking the seat opposite Lazarus. Sipping the proffered tea, he puts it down again with an appreciative noise. Ah, tea. I tell you, Lazarus, it should be a universal constant.
Most people don't care for Earl Gray, Lazarus muses, sipping his own tea. It's something of an aquired taste, but now it's almost all I can drink. Though, I suppose I sufficed on that vile Workshop's warm-water-with-hints-of-tea for long enough, he adds with the mental suggestion of a grimace, and a not exactly pleasant taste. Those vanish, and Lazarus shifts his attention.
You seem a bit more ... calm than you were last time we met in person, Lazarus offers. I take it some things have been going well for you, at least?
The nice thing about telepathic communication, Bjorn reflects privately, is that you can talk and eat. Or, in this case, drink.
I understand what's going on, and what we need to accomplish much better, he admits. There have been ups and downs, all told, but at least I know what I'm doing. The mists darken slightly, and then lighten, conveying a mental shrug. Or at least I think I do, and that seems to be sufficient.
What about you? Have there been any hitches so far?
None, until you returned, Lazarus sends, though his smirk and the tone of the suggestion imply no upset. We've been living quietly and preparing. And then once that was done, we set about making this place a home. I expect in another month we'll be done building, but whenever I say such a thing to Relm, she says something about roller-skates. Though, she can't spell very well for someone who lives in the internet. The curious mental image of the Oracle of Delphi running around wearing roller-skates made out of lolipops appears briefly.
I don't think I want to know. He sips from his tea. And how is everyone doing? Is Jonah recovering?
I didn't think he would, Lazarus replies slowly, frowning, and swirling the dregs of his tea around in their cup before refilling it. And even what aid Anita was able to offer him was minor. Not enough to revive him fully until he came here. He shakes his head. Where are my manners? More tea?
Please. Watching Lazarus get the cups ready, he asks, What about Bridgett?
Ah, Bridgett, Lazarus muses, pouring tea. She was severely withdrawn, at first, but as time has worn on, I think she's come to grips with what has gone before. The Workshop was not an easy time for many, and especially hard for her, I think.
Lazarus hands Bjorn his freshly filled teacup. But if she can weather this and preservere, then so can we.
Thank you, Bjorn murmurs, taking the cup. After a sip, he continues, What about Mikey?
Mikey seems well, Lazarus muses, frowning slightly. And yet ... I'm not certain this is the case. He appears to have two personalities. And it was his second or more hidden persona who hid the information for our plan to escape the workshop. But I can't speak with that personality, that which Mikey calls his 'older brother', anymore.
Sighing, Lazarus shakes his head. Perhaps it's nothing more than a defense mechanism ... but I suspect that Mikey's older brother is from long before Mikey entered the Workshop.
Have you asked Mikey?
It's something he doesn't want to talk about, Lazarus replies. I don't sense any fear or worry. Just complete indifference. As though he were aware, but didn't think it was worth worrying about. Perhaps it is nothing to worry about. He seems happier, at least.
Bjorn drums his fingers, and then sighs. Not much we can do about it, he admits, other than trust Mikey.
Now, I promised to fill you in on what we've been doing, right? He does exactly that, recounting events as concisely as only telepathic communication will allow.
Lazarus listens to the entire story without asking much in the way of questions. Until Bjorn is finished. Lazarus mulls things over, brewing another pot of tea to replace the one that lasted through the majority of the conversation.
Interesting, he finally sends. And now we're caught up in this ... if not, perhaps, as deeply as yourself.
He shakes his head as the door opens, and Bridgett walks in, cocking her head slightly to one side as she sees Bjorn. Smiling, she signs, "Hello," before pulling up her own seat at the table and sitting down.
Somewhat clumsily, Bjorn signs, "Hello. How are you?" back to Bridgett. At the same time, in the Dream, he sends mists out to delicately offer a connection to Bridgett.
At the same time, to Lazarus, he responds, You could argue you were caught up in it long before, I suppose. The important question is: what next?
"I'm fine," Bridgett says quietly, before pulling up a seat at the table and peering at the arcane workings of Lazarus's tea-set curiously.
The man with white hair clicks his tongue and takes the kettle off of the stove, using some of the water to make Bridgette a mug of instant cider. That's quite true. What comes next is obvious: We take action. Which one is left to be decided, Lazarus sends.
Somwhat painfully, Bjorn tries to sign out, Did you make the sign outside?
To Lazarus: We have a few options. Which one is best depends on what the Oracle can tell us. He sips from his tea absently. Right now the other players all have more in the way of resources than we do. We need to close that gap, either by taking way theirs or adding to ours. Ideally both, really.
"Yes," Bridgett says in the same very quiet voice, before sipping from her mug. "I sometimes make glass for Bart to...." She trails off and makes a face, then signing something that appears to be ... 'administer transfer'.
If we can find a way of doing both of those things at the same time, Lazarus muses. I think you'd want to discuss it with Relm, and if my idea is sound, I expect she already had it. But if your new friends -- this 'Bigfire', are trustworthy, I think they would work well in the capacity Relm would need to do what you wish.
It seems, from their stories, and what Bart knows of them, they're exceptionally good at being a thorn in someone's side. They could even draw attention from you while you head wherever Relm will send you next.
"Administer transfer?" Bjorn queries, parroting the sign language back to Bridgett with some confusion. Out loud, he admits with some embarassment, "I'm still not very good with the signs."
Within the Dream, he replies, The best thing to do with Bigfire is just let them go about their usual business, I agree. They've managed to harass the Cabal and Pax pretty effectively so far, and if we start feeding them information they'll do even better. They don't seem to be very skilled at "low-profile," though, so I don't think we want to be too closely affiliated with them. Keeping New Delphi secret and safe is too important.
The mists beging to swirl, and a thoughtful atmosphere fills the Dream. Taking allies from Pax and Cabal and turning them into our own allies is an idea I've been playing with. The Cabal should be vulnerable to this, if I'm reading things right. They play the Contest defensively. A sort of cospiracy cell structure, with front groups being run by front groups, only a select few knowing the real mission, etc. But with that sort of set-up, it should be possible to cut the puppets free from the Cabal by targetting the links up the chain. And if we can do that, then maybe we can subvert the puppet groups at the same time.
That's ignoring the independents that are held in line by fear or lack of option. Relm seemed to suggest that many governments, especially in Europe, fall into that. If we can provide an alternative....
We have a fine line to walk. Right now, our main defense is our weakness. Both Pax and Cabal could crush us easily at the moment, but they can't be bothered to yet. They're focussed on each other, saving their strength, and we're too small for them to start worrying. So while we get stronger, we need to make sure they don't get worried and wipe us out.
Bjorn takes another sip of his tea, his eyes distant and considering.
Lazarus raises an eyebrow. Being on the run for years at a time can put someone in a rough state of mind. It may be wise to distance them from us, as they've gone through so much they may have very-well snapped under the pressures by now.
Bridgett makes another face, and then types out something Bjorn isn't quite able to see.
Lazarus nods, and adds, She means that to say 'sells'. Bart sells some of her works at the market when we go out for supplies. While sipping from his cup, Lazarus continues, From what I've seen, 'Bigfire' hasn't gotten much of a reason to trust anyone. If what Bart saw is true, then Bigfire is responsible for bringing Kyle and Phae to us.
I'm not convinced that Bigfire needs to be sent away as much as they might simply benefit from training and instruction. Relm told you they were allies, after all.
"Sells," Bjorn mumbles to himself, making a mental note of that. "What sort of things do you make?"
I'm not suggesting cutting ties with them, he replies to Lazarus, and there's a hint of self-recrimination. I'm sorry, I don't seem to be explaining myself very well lately.
Bigfire has shown themselves to be very good at disrupting the operations of Pax and the Cabal in spectacular, attention-getting ways. From our perspective, that serves the dual purpose of messing them up, and keeping their attention focused elsewhere. What I meant is that we don't want to be seen to be affiliated with them, while providing all the help and assistance we can.
As for training... It is hard to explain how mist can snort, but nonetheless, it seems to do so. They've been on the lam and fighting back for how many years? I'm inclined to ask them for training.
"Glass," Bridgett says, smiling slightly. "Horses. Pictures of flowers. Flowers. Sometimes Bart brings pictures of people and I...." She frowns, making a hand gesture that looks like 'convert' or maybe 'translate'.
Touché, Lazarus sends back with a mental chuckle and a physical grin. I might not be the best communicator, either. When two people who have their own way of communicating mentally speak to one-another, occasionally there can be slightly mis-meshings in the way minds work.
By training, I really meant a chance to live where things are calm and they can learn to trust again. Outwardly, they seem far too unconcerned with their situation, given what they've gone through. I strongly suspect that they'll need a bit of time before they completely trust us.
And of course ... if we can learn things from them, too, that should only help solidify the bond. It shouldn't be problematic to explain that we want to conceal our affiliation -- they seem reasonable enough. But at the same time, I'd wait until they were more comfortable and relaxed before saying something that might put them on edge.
"I don't know what the right word for that is," Bjorn muses. "Paint is wrong, sculpt maybe?" He smiles at Bridgett. "I guess you get to choose a word."
Agreed. Relm mentioned in passing that the key members of the other groups are shielded against scrying. If we can provide that for Bigfire, I think it will be a big step, both in terms of letting them bring some control back to their own life, and in setting a basis of trust.
Hm. I don't know much about that. I expect it's more something we would go to Relm for. Which may be our next step, I suppose. Lazarus taps his fingertip on the tabletop a few times, suddenly nodding. Ah, yes. Tomorrow we need to go to the markets. Is there anything you need? I know there's no food in your building yet.
Bjorn makes a wry face. Clothes, I imagine. I believe I'm down to this set, and while I've gotten used to not bathing over the past few weeks -- relatively speaking, anways -- I imagine you'd all appreciate it if I could get cleaner.
Beyond that... do we have any newspapers? Catching up on the state of the world might be wise.
Newspapers? Yes, of course. There's some older editions in building one, and Victor has access to the internet in his lair. Is there any particular one you prefer?
New York Times, perhaps? He makes a face. I've never lost six months before. Is there anything big that I missed?
Not much. It appears that without people to lead them, the Forge and Home Guard don't do much, so those two groups of terrorists seem to have slowly faded away. I doubt they've stopped, but they've been without direction for some time.
Other than that... Lazarus brightens, remembering something. The weather seems to have started acting noticably odd. Temperatures have been dropping consistantly across the world ... except in Europe, specifically centered around Gibraltar, apparently.
I wouldn't entirely be surprised to see that the temperature rose at least slightly with your return, however.
Perhaps. The weather won't stabilize until the Contest is won, though.
Bjorn thoughtfully fingers his cup. Forge and the Home Guard. Hm. I'm torn as to whether we can make use of that... or more correctly, whether we should.
Lazarus shrugs at that. I'm not sure what the best course of action is in that regard, Lazarus apologizes. Ah, it's time to start overseeing the work on building number ten. Lazarus rises, and nods his head to Bjorn. I can still keep in contact with you this way, but I should attend my own duties, as well.
Bridgett nods silently at Lazarus and he nods back before heading out the door, the link still open.
It takes a few minutes more for Bjorn to finish his tea, staring at the wall in contemplation. When he's finished, he stands. "Well," he says to Bridgett, "I suppose I should go and find something useful to be doing, eh?"
"Maybe," she says, offering a shrug.
"So encouraging," Bjorn teases with a straight face. "I'll go check to see if there's anything I can do to help with the building. Maybe see what the Bigfire guys are up to." He waves at Bridgett. "I'll see you later, eh?"
She nods, but as she does so, a warning from Lazarus reaches Bjorn, More people are approaching. The only image accompanying this warning is three separate figures at different points on the road. One is in the lead, and moving considerably faster. The other two are a few steps apart.
They'll be at the entrance to town in about five minutes, someone unfamiliar adds, their vision (the same Lazarus relayed) unsteady enough to suggest that they are in a car that's being driven off-road. Apparently they're pulling ahead of the runners, to reach town in the car first.
"Strangers coming," Bjorn says out loud to Bridgett. "Be careful."
Waiting only for her acknowledgement, he heads out a fair run towards the road. At the same time, in the Dream, he reaches out to Philip, Nathan, and Parthipan. Strangers coming up the road. Might be together, one might be being chased by the others. Hard to tell. Heading for the road now, meet me there.
Bjorn reaches the end of the road, and shortly, Nathan, Phil, Tom, and Parthipan arrive.
Dracos, getting a whimsical feeling, raised a hand in greeting. "Yo."
He headed over. "Anyone spotted yet?"
Dracos
The road before the group stretches a good twenty miles before it reaches the nearest highway. It's generally straight, and there are no trees to speak of in the area. The land is, while not level (it slopes up towards the village), it is pretty flat, offering little in the way of hiding places.
And while it may be cold, it's also dry, so movement across the road kicks up a lot of dust. Movement off the road kicks up a lot more, as someone's jeep is demonstrating. The jeep is riding to one side of the road, and pulls onto it, but everything behind it is obscured by dust. After a few seconds on the road, the dust behind the jeep (dust colored, of course) diminishes enough to make out a single figure lumbering forward through the dust at a jog, pausing occasionally to turn around and look behind it.
The jeep is being driven by a man almost completely coated in dust. He looks to be wearing a tank top and jeans. He doesn't seem to be armed, and the message from Lazarus across the mind link suggests he's with New Delphi anyway.
Dracos waits until the jeep is in earshot, assuming it stops and doesn't try to run them over. "Hail there."
Dracos
It takes Bjorn just a second to weave together connections between the other members of the Order and Lazarus. You check on the guy in the Jeep, Bjorn suggests, find out what he knows. I'm going to go cut off our runner, find out what the story is.
He's moving even before the mental message is finished, striding down the path towards the runner, waving a greeting as he does so.
Dracos agrees in the simplest fashion possible...
continuing what he was doing as he approached the jeep.
Dracos
The jeep skids to a halt, and the guy driving it hops out, glancing at Bjorn before warning, "The guy in front's got a body on his back; I think he's running from the other two. Didn't see any weapons, and they didn't try and attack me."
As Bjorn draws closer, the figure in the lead becomes clearer. It looks to be an asian youth, with an especially grim face. He's carrying some sort of walking stick that's shoulder high. There's a hook at the top, from which something is dangling. On his back, there's a girl who's hanging to him loosely, though she appears to be unconsious, as she's mostly just dangling there. He tries to skirt around Bjorn as he gets closer to the town, and then looks behind him anxiously. The dust is pretty thick here....
This kid looks awfully familiar to Nathan and Parthipan.
Tom... hangs around and looks on, leaning against a handy wall/tree/car/whatever solid surface happens to be nearby.
The area is largely clear of debris that someone could lean against, climb up, or hide behind. The jeep makes a reasonable leaning spot, if you don't mind the dust.
In that case, Tom leans against nothing (but looks decidedly grumpy instead.)
Bjorn frowns as the kid's face seems familiar to him, and then in the mists of his mind, a memory reappears of a scene seen through Philip's eyes.
"Hey," he calls out. "You're... Tetsuo, right? A friend of Paul's?"
Tetsuo squints at Bjorn and shakes his head, saying in his stilted English, "You are not Paul." He shakes his head again, and looks behind him anxiously.
At this point, Bjorn can easily see that the boy's 'staff' is an IV stand, and it appears to be connected to his sister. "I got away," the boy says suddenly, turning to shoot Bjorn a defiant glare. "I come to Paul for help. He help me. I help him. Debt of honor. Where is Paul?" Despite his apparent resolve, the boy is obviously very nervous.
Bjorn switches to Japense. "Paul is... not here. Unfortunately, he has passed on. But we are his friends, and any help you need, we will provide."
He steps closer, examining Tetsuo's sister, though keeping a respectful distance. "We have healers. If you can carry your sister a little further towards the houses, we can help her." He shifts his gaze to stare out behind the kid. "The people following you. Who are they?"
Through his Dream, he warns Lazarus and the others, I'm sending this kid in. Tell Anita that he's carrying someone who needs her help.
The kid looks positively crushed by the announcement of Paul's death, and he slumps, hanging to the IV stand with one hand for support before he straightens himself, his other hand keeping his sister in place. "Gone," he mutters in Japanese. "Healers are good," he says, shaking his head. "I don't know who they are -- but they outnumber me and my wounded sister. I don't know if they're dangerous."
He glances at Parthipan and Phil, and seems to calm a bit, before deciding, "I will take my sister for healing, and fight with you against them, if I must. Where is your healer?"
"Down among the houses," Bjorn answers. "I've told them you're coming."
He steps to the side, and then past Tetsuo. Walking towards the newcomers, he says, "Take care of your sister. Don't worry about the ones following you." Resting his hand on Shinmyouken, he adds, "We're good at fighting."
Tetsuo says nothing at this, merely jogging towards the village. He does nod at Phil and Parthipan in passing, though.
The other two figures approach through the dust, walking side-by-side. One of them is of average height, wearing a duster that covers him from his shoulders to his knees. His hands and arms are hidden beneath it, and he's wearing jeans, and a sturdy-looking pair of combat boots.
The other is skinnier, and slightly shorter, wearing a heavy sweater and jeans, plus some jogging shoes. Both of them (and everything on them) are dust-colored.
As they draw within shouting distance, they slow to a halt, and Trenchcoat calls out, "We come in peace, friends."
"People generally do," Bjorn shouts back wryly. "Anything else you care to share?"
Trenchcoat shrugs and says, "My dad -- that is, Ezmereth -- sent me to help you out."
The man in the sweater glances at Trenchcoat, and calls out, "My name is Price Du'Monte. I am seeking the Order of Symmetry, also."
Bjorn eyes Trenchcoat, ignoring the other for the moment. "Ezmereth, eh? Who was your mother?"
As he speaks, he moves forward, closing the gap and letting conversation occur at a more reasonable volume.
"Sweet Mnemosyne," he replies, grimacing, "you forgot about Pandora?"
Price frowns, and takes a half-step backwards, allowing Trenchcoat to finish his business first.
"No," Bjorn says cordially, "but a man who doesn't know both his father and his mother isn't much worth trusting, don't you think?
"And Price," Bjorn says, tuning his attention. "I gather you haven't got a golem here?"
"Fair enough," Trenchcoat allows. "I'm Typhus, but you can call me Ted." Ted glances back at Price, and gestures him foward.
"Ah. Well, not yet," Price says, shaking his head. "Samson wanted to remain behind at Stormwall." The golem had done very well at holding the gate throughout the siege.... Not that he should need to face any more of them. "I'm certain I could craft another, if it would be needed."
"You'd be surprised at what we need," Bjorn says drily. "Now. Were you chasing someone on your way here?"
"No, but as soon as he saw people behind him, he started running," Ted says. "The flashy entrance may have startled him." He shrugs at that.
"Understandable," Bjorn says. "Well, then, come on in. I'm Bjorn Christianson."
With a wave, he motions the two on to the village. And through the dream, It's the son of Ezmereth and the golem-maker from the Earth Dream. They weren't chasing Tetsuo; just a coincidence. Somebody ought to reassure him.
"Much obliged," Ted says, smiling, and then marching towards the town, whistling to himself. Price nods at Bjorn, and then everyone else before moving to follow.
Dracos looks over Price. "Good to see you made it. It's good to have more friends about."
Dracos
"Friends are good," Price agrees, smiling softly. "Is this, then, to be home?"
Ginrai nods. "Most likely. We only arrived last night." He then asks Price, "So what have you been up to since you've returned?"
"I'd say so, but I'd expect the world to laugh. It's a nice place to rest for now. Anyhow, let's get you set up. Hum, I think the place is going to need more buildings."
Dracos
"Very little," Price admits. I awoke at the bottom of the mediteranian sea. Typhus rescued me, and a man I did not recognize. That man asked to go to Italy. Then Typhus told me that he could take me directly to the Order of Symmetry." Price smiles slightly at that. "It was .. dizzying, yet effective. That was only a few dozen hours ago."
In response to Phil's comment, Price nods. "Perhaps I will build a builder," he muses. "Is anyone here able to help me aquire the tools I'll need?"
"It depends on exactly what you need," Bjorn says, "but most likely yes."
He looks around. "C'mon, let's head back into town. I'd like to make sure Tetsuo is doing okay."
"works for me. Busy day. par for that though."
Dracos followed Bjorn back.
Dracos
Tetsuo isn't in sight anywhere. He must have entered one of the buildings.
But Anita is running down the street. Lazarus quickly informs everyone, Anita tells me that she hasn't seen anyone wounded yet. Bart mentions that Wallace is a healer also, so it's possible that your wounded is with him.
"Hum... I think I'll have a word with him. Just out of caution." Dracos shrugged. "And to see how their doing."
Dracos ponders. "Building...9?" He heads over there.
Dracos
Tom slouches after Phil, pondering the virtues of taking a nap.
"A good place to start," Bjorn agrees, following Philip to the building.
Price and Ted elect to stay outside and look over their newfound home instead of venturing into the building.
This thread now merges into Please Wake Me Up (http://www.pishoque.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=55473#55473).