#gardylootheroid

[gulescamisade]

New York:  Day 7

MEULIN: -She can't quite sleep; her dreams have been sort of weird. It's not too unlike usual, but having been bashed through a wall and dealing with serious pain in her ribs isn't the best for rest either. Her sylladex is back, so she's got her overhead light on and her notebook in hand, scribbling new lines. She's writing about Dave and Karkat currently, because they won't answer in the bulletin feed. She's anxious.-

JOEY: =Ugh, plane rides always threw off her sleep schedule, now more than ever since it had been near a decade since the last time she was on one.=

JOEY: =Seeing Meulin's light on, she weaved through the aisles until coming up to her row, sleepily rubbing an eye.=

JOEY: having a hard time zonking out too?

MEULIN: !

MEULIN: -She had kept the glasses on idly, but words scrolling across the screen startle her a little with how "quiet" it had been for some time.- OH... -clears throat, trying to be quiet.- MMHM...

MEULIN: -glances over at looks at Joey more fully- HEY, SO... WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?

MEULIN: I MEAN... NOT SUPER LITTERALLY. BUT WHERE HAVE YOU B33N? BEFORE NOW.

JOEY: tons of places, really...

JOEY: i lived on alternia for quite a while before bouncing between earths and alternias

JOEY: and now im finally back where i started :)

MEULIN: HAVE YOU NEVER B33N TO BEFURUS? -chirps with interest, wiggling in her chair to face Joey more fully-

MEULIN: -she doesn't seem to quite be grasping the plurality. She thinks it might just be a glasses typo-

JOEY: oh....no I dont think so

JOEY: my travels were stuck between the two switching back and forth

JOEY: thats actually a correlation I never really thought about... it's something to tell jude when he's awake haha

MEULIN: OH??

MEULIN: WHY BACK AND FURTH THERE?

JOEY: =is the seat open next to Meu? if so she's taking it. Funny enough, she found trolls easy to trust, having lived around them for so long. But Meulin was a stranger.... WELL, not for long!!=

JOEY: well see, it all starts with a long story, but the abridged version is that ive been trying to find my way back

JOEY: from different universes

MEULIN: -IT SURE IS, until Joey takes it.-

MEULIN: DIFFERENT MEWNIVERSES? -knits brows- I GUESS I'VE B33N TOLD A LITTLE ABOUT THAT... BUT IT S33MS SO SILLY...

MEULIN: NOT THAT I DON'T BELIEVE YOU! IT'S JUST... I GUESS IT'S HARD FUR ME TO MAKE SENSE OF.

JOHN: -he's been listening for a little bit, he didn't want to interrupt- it's the real deal, meulin. jake showed me a picture and everything.

MEULIN: ?! -LOOKS AROUND FOR JOHN.-

JOHN: -he's right here. he waves-

MEULIN: -OH HI-

JOHN: haha, sorry i didn't mean to startle you. i was listening to joey.(edited)

MEULIN: SO PEOPLE ARE JUST... HOPPING AROUND ALL WILLY-VANILLY?

JOEY: oh...im guessing different universes are common knowledge here? hehe i thought i was revealing a whopper of information that would totally blow your mind out of the mind ballpark

JOHN: hey i don't know about all that. all i know is jake is from a different universe too. and he showed me a picture of dirk from a different universe.

JOHN: but as far as i know he only went once. he didn't just...ping pong around like you're saying.

JOHN: -eyes her curiously-

MEULIN: OKAY, SO THIS ISN'T JUST MIND BLOWING FUR ME. GOOD TO KNOW. ~(=^. .^)

JOHN: my mind equals blown.

JOHN: -mimes the "mind blown gif thing"-

JOEY: oh

JOEY: well ping ponging might only work under very specific circumstances JOEY: at least in my case

JOEY: did jake come through a doorway?

JOLENE: ... -shifts a uncomfortably where she's sitting nOW THAT I'M PAYING ATTENTION-

JOHN: man...i don't know. i never asked him.

JOHN: sorry!

JOHN: don't worry though. you'll get to talk to him soon when we go get him.

JOEY: i hope so :)

JOEY: it would be an interesting conversation

JOHN: so uh, what was it like being a human on alternia?

JOHN: i mean tbh it sounds pretty terrifying.

JOEY: the trick is not to be a human on alternia ;)

JOHN: 👀

JOHN: -???-

JOHN: okay now you've got me all intriguied.

JOEY: well as long as you look the part, walk the walk, and talk the talk, trolls can be easy to fool =glances over at meulin= no offense

MEULIN: NONE TAKEN, WE'RE FURKING WEIRD.

JOHN: haha wow. really? so you slapped on some horns and face paint and that fooled the alternian authorities.

JOHN: wow. great job guys.

JOEY: well learning the language, registering as a maroon, and getting a sustainable job was a touch harder, but =shrugs=

JOHN: -raises his eyebrows, impressed.-

---

[SPEAKING OF TRAVEL PLANS, it's been getting a little bit harder to keep going the direct path they've been going in this plane-- between the border patrols protecting against the CANADIAN RESISTANCE LEAGUE and the ships that keep passing them by-- often requesting identification or confirmation of some kind-- it's been getting downright dangerous. The fact that they wound up in the middle of Ontario just to avoid some of the heat is beginning to make this a harder affair than it should be-- especially since they can see several other blips on the plane's radar rapidly approaching them.]

JOHN: -observes this bullshit- aw man...........

MEULIN: -after all her restlessness, she actually ended up falling asleep at last, leaned over with her head in Joey's lap, snoozing soundly. Prr prr.-

JOEY: =She's also sprawled in the chair, one hand on Meu's shoulders and a bit of drool running down her chin. A beautiful sight. Are the passengers able to hear the blips? Or see "blip" scroll across glasses in a lovely marquee?=

[The restfulness is interrupted by a few shrill chimes... it would seem the blips are getting MUCH closer. And much more interested in getting a straight answer out of this vessel.]

ROSE: -She sits up abruptly, waking from some kinda dream where her eyes are open, glancing around the cabin.-

JAMISON: =WHAT THE HOODLY-DOODLY? Is Jamison or Jolene driving either way he's ALERT and peeps at the radar= We seem to be the hot new thing in the clouds!

[ PLEASE IDENTIFY YOUR VESSEL AND ITINERARY]

[also it's jamison if u want it to be]

MEULIN: -She is deaf to the chimes... at least unless something else wakes her up.-

JOEY: =She jumped in her seat at the sudden shrillness of it. The movement may be enough to rouse her.=

JAMISON: =What should he do... should he LIE? He'll lie. Takes on a weird high-pitcher voice= Oh.... hullo!

JAMISON: We're simply a jerky craft delivering jerky from questionable products as anticipated bipbip right right! =Casually flies... how many are there? AIRFIGHTING is much more of a delicate dance than fighting on land and sea... it requires...... surprise=

JOEY: =she's rubbing her face, trying to wake herself faster=

[ There's a good four of them... and it IS a cargo vessel. So it's not exactly handling like a dream...]

JAMISON: =AUGH=

[ There is some mumbling and rustling on the other end.]

MEULIN: -snorks and CHIRPS out of her sleep, ears perked despite nothing to listen to.- WHAT...?

MEULIN: WHAT'S WRONG? -adjusts sunglasses on her face-

[ 'warning shot?' 'yeah dude warning shot' ] [ ' should i do it or--'] [ 'YOU ARE BOTH COWARDS'] [that one was less of a mumbled rustle as it was a scream, as a missile flies directly towards their tail.]

[ ' OH HEY GUESS WHAT ASSHOLES, GUESS WHAT, KOLETA DOESN'T KNOW WHAT A FUCKING WARNING SHOT IS, BIG SURPRISE']

[ the one who evidently named the shot and is ALSO evidently named Koleta shouts something back.]

ROSE: I-- I think you can cut the com channel.

JAMISON: Frigs Koleta! =SWERVES plane=

JOEY: =she puts a finger to her lips, signing "Contact" and pointing to the cockp--= JOEY: =SCREAMS!=

JAMISON: =HE KICKS IT=

[ There is a muffled BOOM as the plane shakes. But the blips are getting closer-- at least there's no obvious major damage.]

MEULIN: ~(=ΦェΦ) !!!

MEULIN: FURK!!!! WHAT WAS THAT???

MEULIN: ARE WE BEING SHOT AT???

JAMISON: We may very well have to make an emergency landing, all!

ROSE: Slightly.

JAMISON: Perhaps if they clip us with another missile we can use debris as a cover while they chase the bum plane on auto-pilot!

ROSE: We're... not too far from a town. I think. -She squints at her phone.- ROSE: That's actually a good plan.

ROSE: We can lay low and secure another transport.

ROSE: And they may possibly believe we're dead.

JAMISON: Right-o!

JAMISON: In which case everyone brace yourselves for a good bailing! =He'll have to pay attention and time this right=

[BOOM. BOOM. And then, BOOM. it sounds like the other three pilots were all showing of that thEY know what a god damned warning shot is.]

ROSE: I--

ROSE: Do we have... parachutes?

ROSE: I haven't been able to do much, since the falls.

JOEY: yes! =flinches at the booms=

MEULIN: -reading as fast as she can- BAILING??

MEULIN: -scrambles out of her seat-

JAMISON: Of course, no good explore leaves without one!

JOEY: they seem a heck of a lot bigger than bullets though!

JUDE: -absolutely has a parachute? you never know when you're going to need one.-

JAMISON: =He's so proud of his kids....=

JOHN: well uh, i can carry a few peeps but a big group might be a target.(edited)

ROSE: Right. Right. Visual cover or something.

JOEY: =She ducked out into the aisle and began throwing open compartments to see if there's anything useful in there? like additional parachutes.=

JOEY: =calls over to jude= we should skydive until we reach a safe distance from the ground to avoid being sitting targets in the air!

JAMISON: I do have a raft which could cover a few souls!

JAMISON: =Hide them behind a raft falling out of a plane.=

[There's some supplies! There's actually a flaregun in there, some walkie-talkies... not that they've needed them, since they have communicators.]

JOHN: oh hey good idea!

JAMISON: =SOMEONE GRAB THOSE WALKIES HE'LL TAKE EM APART AND MAKE EM GUNS AND BOMBS AND GUNBOMBS=

JOEY: =He likely knows this of course, but everyone knowing their game plan is nice= JOEY: =She scooped them into her sylladex anyway.=

JOEY: =brilliant minds=

JAMISON: =Good on ya Joey!! :D =

[BUT NOT THE FLARES JAMISON??]

JOHN: - flips the raft on its side and holds on to it firmly- well anybody without a chute grab on tight!

JAMISON: =YES OF COURSE, they do well for lighting people on fire=(edited)

JOHN: the egbert airline express is ready for take off! :D - salutes-(edited)

ROSE: -Takes a deep breath and grabs onto it.-

ROSE: It cannot possibly be worse than going over niagra falls.

JOHN: smooth rides guaranteed. sorry no peanuts. (disclaimer: smooth ride not actually guaranteed.)

JAMISON: Those with be sure to cover yourselves with the chunks blown clean from our very own flyer!

[ SOME MORE MUFFLED BOOMS. Hitting the aircraft, in fact. And less muffled. And more shaky.]

ROSE: ...Yes. Good timing. -SLAMS THE BUTTON TO OPEN THE CARGO DOOR-

JOHN: nyoom! - SCREAMS THE WORD NYOOM, double checks that everyone is grabbing on and then JUMPS-

JAMISON: =He waits for all to vacate in the smoke and wreckage= GO GO GO!

JOHN: - It's not as difficult to hold on as if they were simply falling. it's more like going down a VERY VERY long and steep slide with the Breeze carrying them- pchoooooo!

JAMISON: =Once they've gone he sets the plane on auto-pilot and dives for the door as well, covering his body with some debris and free falls. Doing spins to appear like normal wreckage.... gotta committ=

[The planes don't seem to pick them up-- all going directly after their cargo plane. They probably see them whooshing overhead, following the trail of smoke and fire.]

JAMISON: =Excellent, he ditches the debris and dives a little closer to the ground before deploying his parachute=

[ Prepare for a ROUGH LANDING. They're near a road-- one that hasn't been upkept all that well, but still a road no less! And a sign of nearby civilization.]

JOHN: - now that the danger seems to be gone he enjoys the rest of the ride, holding onto the raft tightly and at the last second, laughing and flipping the raft over so they land on it-(edited)

MEULIN: -WELL SHIT THEY SURE ARE FALLING. She can almost sort of hear a little bit of this with what tiny hearing she has left, with all the wind whipping in her ears.-

JAMISON: =DOOF! But he doesn't blow out his shins! He's hastily folding the parachute up and shoving it back in his dex, it can be used later!=

[There are MULTIPLE DOOFS.]

ROSE: -kind of wheezes as she looks around...-

ROSE: ...About half a mile south.

ROSE: Is. The town I mentioned.

JOHN: -remains spilled over on his back, looking up at the sky upside down.-

JOHN: great day to be in canada, eh? weather looks fine, eh?

ROSE: John, please.

ROSE: You were practically Canadian already.

ROSE: I've met your father.

JAMISON: Mighty fine weather to be not where we were! =Dusts himself off and looks ahead=

ROSE: I'll agree to that.

ROSE: -She rubs her back, sitting up and looking around. A moose is staring at them, knowing no fear.-

JOEY: =floats to the ground shortly after, Meulin in her arms=

MEULIN: 333333!!! (ノᄌ<。)

MEULIN: -no less than CLINGING to Joey. she glances at the sky to see if their plane is going to spiral down and explode somewhere, since it's likely she won't hear it. She is sort of distracted by that moose, though.- (´⊙ω⊙)

JAMISON: =A MOOSE? WHERE!!=

JAMISON: =Instantly distracted=

http://i.imgur.com/DqDLwfq.gif

JOEY: look at that majestic creature JOEY: :D

JAMISON: =Slides out his knide slowly=

JOLENE: -NO!!-

JAMISON: =WE NEED TO EAT=

JAMISON: (Sssshhhhh.)

MEULIN: -shakes her head, freeing the fur hair.- B33 ARE B33. -crawls off of Joey to prowl...-

JAMISON: =MEULIN gets it!=

JOEY: D: =but it's a moose!=

JOEY: =earth wildlife!!=

JAMISON: =Imagine the honor it'll have to be our meal then..... also if it's running... he's in pursuit=

[THIS HERE EARTH WILDLIFE STARES AT THE APPROACHING MORTALS PEOPLE]

JOEY: =WE MEAN NO HARM OH MOOSE GOD! i mean, meulin and dad proabably do but wow please dont eat us=(edited)

JAMISON: =Hello dinner!=

JAMISON: =He's approaching with fists raised. Giving it a chance to FIGHT for it's life=

JOEY: =s otp=

JAMISON: =HE'S GIVING IT A FAIR SHOT=

MOOSE: -oh it will. IT CHARGES HEAD ON-

JAMISON: Have at thee future meal deal! =He watches this charge and is gonna try to duck under the horn charge to CHOKEHOLD a moose=

MOOSE: -NOT FOND OF THIS ARRANGEMENT!!! IT TRASH-

MEULIN: -SHE'S FLANKING THE MOOSE!!!! and then pounces from behind. EN GUARDE.-

JAMISON: Whoa there! =Is thrashed and HAWs at Meulins pounce=

JOEY: D':

MOOSE: -IS TACKLED TO THE GROUND BY A CATPOUNCE-

MEULIN: -CLINGS TO ITS HAIRY MOOSE BUTTOCKS WITH CLAWS-(edited)

MEULIN: -also, BITES ITS BUTT.-

MOOSE: -WOW????-

MEULIN: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5GnMR2EB54 –

JAMISON: =They'll try to make this quick mighty beast. Once Jamison gets a good foothold in the snow he's going to try and end it swiftly with his old man muscles=

MOOSE: -DEAD-

JAMISON: =DROPS IT= Well then! Dinner well caught!

JAMISON: :D

ROSE: There was a town nearby.

ROSE: So we could have—

ROSE: Actually, nevermind.

ROSE: Good work.

ROSE: -GOTTA KEEP MORALE UP SOMEHOW-

MEULIN: -HUFF PANT. Her glasses went flying in the midst of this so she misses that too. Retracts claws and offers Jamison a HIGH FIVE.-

JAMISON: =HIGH FIVE!!= :D

MEULIN: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YMPAH67f4o -

JOEY: =if a baby moose walks out of that forest she's gonna cry=

MEULIN: .... -veal-

JOEY: =NOOOOOOO!=

[gulescamisade]

New York: Day 3

ROSE: -She steps out of their temporary base in the alleyway to examine their surroundings-- some of the humans and paler, lumpier humans are milling around with a lot more purpose than before. Tugging on door handles and banging on windows, still silent and still with those awful, rictus grins. The blimp is flying lower than ever before, low enough that it'd almost seem like it would snag on the red towers high above them.-

JAMISON: =Has a bat now, he probably found it. 5 bats. Everyone gets a bat, but he watches the blimp=

JUDE: -ENHANCE ZOOM on his binoculars, eyeballing that blimp...-

ROSE: -holding a bat-

ROSE: ...Jamison, why on earth do these appear to be deemed contraband?

JOHN: -he's eyeing all the towers in the area. did they decide a place to land the zepp if they get it?-

JOEY: =She has one of those heavy duty flashlights in one hand. It is off, so as not to draw attention, but it's solid enough to whack a mole if need be=(edited)

KANKRI: -Peeping out from behind Rose at the blimp lowering. Yikes, whoever is driving it is not very careful.-

JAMISON: I haven't the slightest but I can say they've got a bit of a heavier hit if you catch my drift! =nudge nudge=

ROSE: I... yes. I gather. ROSE: I'll keep that in mind.

ROSE: Something feels off about this.

[ ALSO: REGARDING ZEPPLIN PLANS: mostly to get out of the city. They'll find that it's VERY large, and mostly consisting of buildings too hostile to tether it too, and, worst of all, with some pretty steep walls penning everyone in. ]

JAMISON: I believe it's fair to say plenty is off here, however they are rattling things in anticipation.... I wonder if some sort of drop off is going to be made from the blimp to the masses.

ROSE: ...Do you suppose that would make this an ideal time?

JAMISON: Better than any I'd say!

ROSE: -She looks towards John, and nodding.- Right then. ROSE: We will try to non-violently depose the blimp captains and-- see things from there.

JOEY: =she nodded= agreed

ROSE: Presumably see to taking things violently, if our past experiences are any indicator.

JAMISON: =Lifts net= Right-o!

JOHN: allllrighty.

JOHN: -rubs kankri's back for luck.-

JOEY: =sighs= i was somewhat hoping for the utilization of stealth, but =hefts the flashlight in her hand= lets do it!

ROSE: -She's gonna hold her hands up, attempting to lift Jamison and Joey with her, psionically.- ROSE: We can certainly try. Don't hold too much hope.

ROSE: This scheme is well in the vein of harebrained.

JOHN: if something goes wrong don't be afraid to scatter. we have our comms!(edited)

JAMISON: =THINKS LIGHT THOUGHTS to try and help her= We'll be fine and have it swung about in two shakes Missy! :D

[ They begin to RISE INTO THE AIR. It's probably fair to mention that the air is a bit... hazy, perhaps. But it isn't the typical kind of smog, even if it stings the lungs a bit as they ascend. ]

JAMISON: =HIS LUNGS ARE READY=

[ Something does, however, seem to be very off. The people still aren't paying much attention to them, but some seem to have given up on trying to maintain their grinning faces and broken into an outright fleeing panic, as the lights illuminating the massive flavortown blimp turn red. ]

JOHN: -Although Rose's psiionics lift them up, John is helping support with the Breeze, which billows under them. It feels light, fresh and tingly, helping to dispel some of the dirty feeling of the grease and haze.-

[ It does alleviate the stinging sensation! For a few moments, anyways. Something on the underside of the blimp seems to visibly open, slots visible even from their relatively low altitude as, rather suddenly, a massive, thick cloud of red smoke billows towards the ground with tremendous force. ]

ROSE: Wh-

JAMISON: =TAKES A BREATH, BRING IT. TOSS HIM IN!=

JOEY: =she's coughed from all this dirty air, but once the people below began to scatter, she glanced around wildly for the source=

[ It hits VERY SUDDENLY and very hard, stinging the eyes, nose, and any open wounds, if they have them, with a gale force to send them tumbling directly back onto the street. It smells of-- well, a lot of different kinds of spicy peppers, with disturbing chemical aftertaste that's incredibly hard to place. ]

[ The haze seems to absolutely COVER the ground as they hit it, no less, nothing visible scarcely ten feet in front of them, in all directions. ]

JAMISON: =Good thing he doesn't have eyes but he does cough because GOODNESS that sure is something. Spits out what got into his mouth and goes to stand back up, looking down at himself= E-gad! We've been SEASONED!

JAMISON: =Shakes fist at blimp= YOU BEST COME TENDERIZE THIS BEEF, IT'S MIGHTY TOUGH!!

JOEY: =wheezes, coughing, eyes watering= fuck is this

[ Some of the ambient noises of the city grow a bit... rhythmatic in their movements. It's still painful and difficult to see-- but something IS coming. ]

JOHN: -Oh no. Thsi is the exact opposite of a good thing for John. He feels like he's drowning, like his brain is shutting down. For a second he almost drops out of the air.-

JOEY: going out on a limb here....maybe we should run too?

JOHN: -But the Breeze catches him. Thakfully it has a bit of a mind of it's own.-

JAMISON: =Wipes his glasses and looks around, READY 2 TUSSLE= Run from what??? NEVER.

ROSE: -She's too busy coughing to add much input, as slowly shambling figures begin to become visible through the sickly red haze.-

[ If the other ones were zombies... then these creatures were a lot more zombier than that. It's hard to tell through the smoke, but their bodies-- golden brown, like they've spent a round in a deep frier-- with chunks of skin replaced entirely by breading, and dripping some kind of hot sauce or marinara. It's very hard to tell. If it wasn't hot sauce before, it was now. ] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3diEBFsjo8&feature=youtu.be

JOEY: =she feels a bit sick, actually=

JAMISON: =He's gonna charge in and fight them, there's no.... wait... his kids..... ERR......= Hop on up to the roof my ducklings!! I've got this!!!

JUDE: -WHAT THE FUCK ACTUALLY-

[ You've got THREE WHOLE ZOMBIES ON YOU, ACTUALLY. ]

JOEY: =um no????=

JOEY: =high kicks a zomboo in the FACE=

JAMISON: =PUNCHES ONE IN THE MOUTH= Chew on this you battered nightmare! =Kicks another one=

[ The zombie's come apart in a cloud of even more spicy dust, even as they continue to circle around the group in what can plainly be called a HORDE. ]

JOHN: -FWOOOOOOSH. For a sec, he focuses on BLOWING ALL THIS SHIT OFF HIMSELF. So he can see, and breath and think. The wind he summmons is so powerful that it also rockets him forward. Then he ROCKETS BACK DOWN TOWARDS THE GROUND, intent on dive bombing one of those zombies.-(edited)

JOHN: -he brings along with him a wave of air.-

JAMISON: =Brandishies his bat and SWINGS= HA! All dus-! =COUGH COUGH, SWINGS BAT AND SMASHES WHILE COUGHING=

JOEY: =laughing at her dad's antics= hahaha-=coughcoughcough= haha!

JOEY: =she bonks another zombie with her flashlight=

[ The air brings some THANKFUL RESPITE from the stinging cloud, even if it's already seeping back down in incredibly thick waves. A breath of fresh, untainted air and a moment of clarity from the haze, and the group can see some manner of vehicle on the west end of the street-- it doesn't look like the trailers ferrying meat before, but there are distinctive headlights and large, thick tires for plowing through the horde. ]

JOEY: (nope nope nope nope nope nope) =she's out, she's shoving and kicking zombies out of the way while trying to make a break for it away from this truck. Grabbing Jude's hand - she wasn't planning on getting separated from him again, Joey peered though the painful haze to try to get to a narrow enough alley the truck could not access.=

[ Joey can find alleyways, SORT OF, but the rapidly diminishing sphere of clean air makes it hard to judge how wide they are. ]

JUDE: -reeling back in whatever direction is AWAY from the vehicle, but his hand seems to instinctively reach out to take joey's-- like they had the same plan. he gladly follows her.-

JAMISON: =!! He's going to get out of the way= Quick suggestion, we take that truck there! It seems very useful!

JOEY: =She takes one anyway, taking the first turn she can, continuing to weave through the streets in order to lose the truck. Is anyone following? She's not turning to look.=

JOHN: -He just hates everything. This spicy hell is fucking up hi swhole life. he won't feel right for quite a while after breathing all that crap in. and the headlights cutting into his eyes is the last straw. he YELLS ANGRILY and charges, a little ways above the truck, swept along by all the wind power he can muster.-

JOHN: -Iiiiiiit's hammertime-

[ IS HE HITTING THE TRUCK ]

JOHN: -ye-

[ I AM GONNA HAVE TO ROLL A DICE FOR THIS ONE ]

JOHN: -ROLL FOR MICHAEL BAY-

[ It's not quite Michael Bay, no, but it's something PRETTY SIMILAR if nothing else. ]

ROSE: -She is not following, actually, she is probably going with jamison TOWARDS the truck.-

JAMISON: =Time to take the truck, but yes, he's running for it. What are the doors on this bad boy like?=

[ John's hammer collides with some sort of armored windshield-- it's plain from the force of the impact and the explosion of shards that this isn't just any kind of street cleaning vehicle, that's for sure. There's a troll inside, in fact, whose eyes go wide as he sees John, Rose, Jamison and the chemicals seeping in, letting out a loud "O|H| FUCK!!!!!" as he whips out something from his side-- something that looks like a gun, but with a bit of a sci-fi kick to it. The sci-fi kick being something analogous to a tazer mixed with a bolt of actual lightning.]

[also, the doors are, unfortunately, slightly too far away. The breeze moved John REAL dang fast to the truck.]

JAMISON: =HE HAS A GUN TOO MOTHERFLIPPER, a POTATO GUN. FWUNK!! Fires at the window=

JOHN: -practically meets eyes with the guy. hi there! :O but when he sees he has a gun, he dislodges his hammer (jn a spray of broken glass) and swiftly retreats to the TOP of the truck, not doing naything else for a moment while he tries to catch his balance.-

JUDE: -peeps out from the alley, squinting to try to get a better sense of what's happening out there- hhhhnng...

KANKRI: -He's wheezing because zombies and pepper haze but also john what the FUCK-

JOHN: what? he's HELPING.-

JAMISON: =John your buddy seems worried=

KANKRI: -You better not get yourself killed or hurt or anything, Kankri is a nervous wreck in the alley.-

KANKRI: -Hes all the way at the edge of it watching in horror.-

SOME GUY: AUG|H|!!! -The troll ducks, slamming something on the console of his truck. A big red button by all appearances. The ground under John seems to shift-- something beginning to open up under his feet. It's rather fast, swinging upwards, and looking like a large metal bin-- with a swift scooping motion it would slam John into its empty insides, before attempting to slam DOWN on top of Rose and Jamison, penning them all in.-

JOHN: -YELPS IN SURPRISE AND DISMAY. THER EHE GOES.-

KANKRI: -HHHHHHHHH.-

[ They're all probably dismayed. AND IN A BIG PILE ON TOP OF EACH OTHER. In a weird metal bucket coffin. ]

JOHN: -PROBABLY COUGHING IN THEIR FACES, HIS EYES STREAMING. sorry he can't help it.-

ROSE: -it's ok she's pretty bad too here-

JAMISON: =CONFINED.= Oh of all the! =How HEAVY? is it? Jamison is going to immediately try to hoist it back up with his weird old-man strength=

JOEY: o_o

[ PRETTY. The machine groans and struggles, but it seals shut underneath them, too, before swinging upwards and tossing them into the back, like a REALLY SHITTY GARBAGE TRUCK. ]

JOHN: -FLWUMP-

[ It is a disorienting tumble for everyone involved, even as the troll driving it can be heard coughing and cursing and rousing the truck to move again, faster. Bashing into the sides of buildings as he convulses a bit. ]

JOHN: -ENRAGED YELLING- HEY LET US OUT YOU -COUGH- PILE OF CRUSTY TAINTS!!!

JAMISON: =Dumped in here into this garbage. What's in here?=

[ Oh, they're still in the bin. It's just that the BIN is dumped in the back. It appears to have gotten a new bin attached to the front as it wobblingly and shakily lurches on its uneen path forward. Gonna attempt to run down Kankri and scoop him TOO. ]

JOEY: psst!!! JOEY: jellybean!

JOHN: -SLAMMING ON THE WALLS AND COUGHING AND SCREAMING- your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!!! also, you're a fuck face!!!!!!

KANKRI; -This is not good. This is so far from good, what does he DO?? He takes half a step out of the allyway because John is in trouble and he needs to do SOMETHING-- Oh wait, nope here comes the vehicle. Hes going to try and run, but lets all be honest with ourselves, hes not fast enough to get away. Hes getting scooped.-

[ SCOOP. He tumbles into the back, and his container bashes into the other three's.-

JOEY: =jellybean, nooooo=

JAMISON: =UGHHH, actually stops and thinks when they're BASHED=

JOHN: -shuts up for a sec because he's slammed with a kankri bomb-

KANKRI: -SORRY GUYS.-

JUDE: oh JESUS

JUDE: they're going to deep fry us too!!

JUDE: AND THEN THEY'RE GOING TO EAT US -clinging to joey still-

[ The ominous headlights pull into the alleyway. The truck seems to fill the ENTIRE THING, JUST BARELY. It's almost as though the city designers build them to be traps like this.]

JOEY: RUN!

JUDE: -HE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN!!!-

KANKRI: -He presses his back to the wall of the container hes trapped in and is dead silent as hes listening for any sound from the others trapped in the first container.-(edited)

[ IT IS TOO LATE. They, too, are scooped. ]

[ A final clatter flings them all into the back. ]

JOHN: do you think that's them??? -panicked slightly, because he's imagining them run over by those big tire treads T___T

JOHN: HEY GUYS. CAN YOU HEAR ME? IS THAT YOU? ARE YOU ALIVE?

JOEY: gah!! nooooo!

JUDE: -JUST. YELLING.-

JOEY: =they're alive=

ROSE: It... sounds like them, yes.

ROSE: -taps on the side of the container.-

JOEY: =deep inhale= NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

KANKRI: !!!! -Hears the yelling and tapping and moves over to the wall closest to everyone else.- Yes!! F9r the time 6eing yes.

JOHN: OH....GOOD!

JOHN: UH, DON'T WORRY! I'M SURE WE'LL GET OUT OF THIS! -muffled-

[ The back of the truck, the air smells more of the chemical than the spices. It's... a much more sedate feeling. Maybe a little bit TOO sedate. The kind that makes you just want to... completely pass out unconscious for a few days. No biggie. ]

KANKRI: (I feel like I have d9u6ts a69ut that...) Are y9u all 9kay in y9ur c9ntainer-- -Wheezes and starts coughing, the spicy air back here was so much worse then it was outside, he feels dizzy. And its not long before hes blacking out.-(edited)

JAMISON: OH NO SIR! NOT MY BABIES! =goes down literally swinging=

JOHN: WE'RE...WE'RE FINE I THINK. EXCEPT...THE AIR. -cough cough cough- I think it's....uh........-Loses his train of thought. FWOOSH. He tries to fill up the small confined space with fresh air, but he only manages it once. He's already breathed too much.-

JOEY: uh....... =cough= izzit just me or do things feel a little funny to you

JOHN: -ALREADY PASSED OUT-

JUDE: -definitely passed out after screaming so much...-

[gulescamisade]

MN, Ground:  Day 21

DIRK: -has been up since the wee hours trying to get a signal on the lake house's tv. not only to keep on top of current events, but also to make sure they can catch the show his dad and uncle are planning on broadcasting. he can't miss that... plus, this gives him something to do with his hands. it's a win-win-

SOLLUX: -He can't sleep. It's not a completely unusual occurrence, but it's definitely unwanted when there's so little for him to occupy his mind with. He's frustrated with his own sleeplessness, and he elects to drift around corners of the lake house, smelling his way around and brushing into edges here and there.-

ARADIA: -she's awake also, sitting at a table in the kitchen and staring out the window, watching the scene outside-

[THERE ARE CAR SOUNDS IN THE DISTANCE]

[BROOM BROOM]

SOLLUX: ...wtf?

ARADIA: -car sounds. Yes. as expected- yes it is tf

SOLLUX: thanks aa.

SOLLUX: that really clears things up f0r me.

JAMISON: =Now they they've been freed of all shenanigans (for now) the Mystery Machine pulls up outside a cozy looking cabin. TOO COZY. This van seems a bit too much anyway what with its mounted high-powered rooftop weaponry and a mysteriously stained pyramid ram located on the front.... listen you gotta be prepared. The van stops, we're here. YOU'VE BEEN FREED=

ARADIA: youre welcome

ARADIA: theyre here

SOLLUX: wh0's "they"????

ROSE: -PEERS OUT A WINDOW-

MEULIN: -smushes against the glass up above her-

ARADIA: youll see

ARADIA: hear or smell rather

SOLLUX: i d0n't think i want t0.

ROSE: -SHE JUST SORTA OPENS THE DOOR AND FLOPS OUT.- So. This is the place, yes.

MEULIN: I GUESS SO. -steps out and adjusts her sunglasses in a thoughtful, nerdy sort of way.-

MEULIN: IS EFURRYONE INSIDE?

ROSE: At least several people are inside.

ROSE: I think.

MEULIN: AND IT'S TOTALLY NOT AN AMBUSH.

ROSE: We've been driving for days. I'll take an ambush over a perpetually sore ass.

MEULIN: YOU COULD ASK THEM FOR A BUTT RUB. (｡･ω･｡)

ARADIA: then cover your ears and nose

ROSE: Tempting.

MEULIN: FRIENDS GIVE FRIENDS BUTT RUBS. -sneaks toward the door-

SOLLUX: -flops in a kitchen chair next to Aradia and buries face in her hair. Done.-

ARADIA: there we go

ARADIA: perfect

SOLLUX: mph.

ARADIA: ignorance is bliss

ARADIA: and composed of my hair

SOLLUX: yeph.

MEULIN: -taps on the door and then sneaks to peer into the window-

ROSE: -UNLOADING some crap from the van. Like a bag messily stuffed with laundry.-

MEULIN: HEY, IT'S ARADIA!

ARADIA: -sees meulin at the window and waves excitedly for her to come in-

MEULIN: SHE SAYS TO COME IN.

ROSE: I imagine she would. Do you see anyone else?

MEULIN: YEAH. SOMEONE IN HER HAIR.

ROSE: Okay, good. That means it is legitimate.

ROSE: -BURSTS IN.- I need a washing machine and a shower. Not necessarily in that order.

MEULIN: -slinks behind her- HI! ME TOO.

SOLLUX: f0inh the klaa.

ROSE: Aradia, you appear to have something entangled.

ARADIA: -smiles widely at them- hi guys! im glad you made it

ARADIA: -glances solluxward- yes it appears to be a pretty bad knot

SOLLUX: -flips them all off-

ROSE: It's good to see you're safe, too.

MEULIN: COOL.

SOLLUX: hhhf.

DIRK: -walks in on all this and stares at everyone with wide eyes. loses his cool for a second, but whatever he already looked worse for wear. he's just he's so relieved to see them.-

DIRK: Rose.

DIRK: Hey.

ROSE: -APPROACHES... and drops the bag of laundry on the ground.-

ROSE: You look pretty good, for looking like hell. Have you been shaving?

MEULIN: (｡◕ω◕｡)

MEULIN: BETTER NOT HAVE. I WANNA TOUCH THE WHISKERS.

DIRK: Do I really look that ragged? -runs a palm over his scruff. he hasn't been.-

ROSE: Could I possibly not look that ragged?

ROSE: Did you hear about what happened?

ROSE: I am somewhat hoping that you did.

MEULIN: -pads over and touches Dirk's whiskers with her beans while they converse. TUCH.-

MEULIN: -also nuzzles his shoulder. HELLO.-

ARADIA: it was pretty incredible

DIRK: -wow, affection. he almost forgot what that feels like. whoops. he gives meulin's hair a pet and cracks a small smile at both her and rose's combined presence. they're wonderful.-

DIRK: I wish I could've been there.

ROSE: At this risk of sounding inappropriate at a time like this, I am, in fact, quite glad that you weren't.

ROSE: I don't think there is anyone I'd wish that place upon.

ROSE: Not that it matters now, I suppose.

MEULIN: IT WAS PRETTY GROSS ON A WHOLE.

MEULIN: AND ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.

MEULIN: ROSE WAS A TOTAL BADASS THOUGH.

DIRK: Yeah. You're right. I'm sure there will be more opportunities to witness Rose showing off how fuckin' rad she is.

ROSE: -SIGHS and leans into the pile-

ROSE: You are going to make me blush.

ROSE: Everyone here's okay?

DIRK: -nods- Yeah.

DIRK: We're... We're good. -pets meulin's hair some more. thank goodness for therapy cats.-

DIRK: We lucked out finding a nice place to lay low. You guys can take care of your showers and shit. Just don't expect hot water for long.

DIRK: Oh yeah, I got the TV to work this morning too. That's a thing.

MEULIN: -prrrr rumbles, then perks ears.- TV? WHAT'S IT SAY?

DIRK: Still a lot of buzz about what y'all did. And my uncle's twitter war.

DIRK: You know the Virginia folks are gonna broadcast some kind of concert as a big fuck you to the presidents? Now that I definitely wish I was there for.

ROSE: ...

ROSE: Is it going to be broadcast?

ROSE: I kind of like the idea of that.

DIRK: It is.

DIRK: Wonder if I can scrounge up some popcorn for the event.

ROSE: We do have chips from a truckstop.

DIRK: Oh shit. Then we're all set.

MEULIN: AWWW MAN... I LOVE CONCERTS...

ROSE: -CASUALLY, AND GRACELESSLY, flops onto the nearest couch-like surface.-

DIRK: -there she goes... he's going to wander over to the kitchen though. hovering a little around sollux and aradia. subtly.-

DIRK: -addresses the new arrivals, though- Can I get you anything? We have... soup.

DIRK: Which incidentally is about the extent of what I can cook.

ROSE: I'm not sure. I may be done with eating, possibly forever.

ROSE: The concept has become fallow, truly.

MEULIN: I'M HUNGRY!!

MEULIN: -not even zombies can faze her-

ROSE: Can I consume soup intravenously?

DIRK: If only I had the means to test it. DIRK: Hey, Aradia. You've got first aid on you, right? Inject some soup into Rose.

DIRK: -rattles pots and pans for meulin. again, it's something to do. at least he can feel useful.-

ARADIA: mhmm

ARADIA: i could if you really want to

ARADIA: i recommend tasting

ROSE: -GROANING NOISE-

MEULIN: ~(=^. .^) -HOVERS-

MEULIN: PLEASE DON'T INJECT ROSE WITH SOUP.

DIRK: But she's suffering.

DIRK: -pours bowls for everybody once it's done. it's tomato... hands meu a bowl, then slides a couple at sollux and aradia before shuffling over to rose. eat...-

ROSE: -....ok so tomato soup she can probably do no matter how much it may resemble the blood of guy fieri.-

ROSE: -She tries to make it hover-- but urgh.-

ROSE: -nevermind.-

ROSE: -she just puts it on her stomach and eats it from there.-

MEULIN: - 👀tomato soup-

SOLLUX: -very slowly extracts himself from the hair prison-

ARADIA: dont get stuck

ARADIA: thanks dirk

DIRK: Think nothing of it. -goes to join them at the table to eat, but he's just kinda poking at the soup.-

SOLLUX: -grunts and just sort of touches his spoon.-

MEULIN: -SLRRRPS in the bg-

MEULIN: I STILL HAVE SOME MOOSE MEAT IF ANYONE WANTS.

DIRK: Huh.

DIRK: Maybe later.

ROSE: They killed a moose, by the way.

ROSE: -slurps...-

ROSE: Do we have a plan of attack, yet?

DIRK: ... Not quite.

DIRK: Haven't really... been able to focus.

[[ There's a soft glow of green that grows stronger suddenly, and there's a humanoid shape that hovers into the kitchen through the wall. There's some slime left behind. Oops. ]]

JADESPRITE: hi

ARADIA: -turns to smile at jade sprite- hi

JADESPRITE: -holds up a paw- i didnt want to interrupt especially since i cant eat or

JADESPRITE: contribute much else but

JADESPRITE: we did have some ideas

ROSE: -Blinks-

ROSE: -SHE CAN'T BELIEVE SHE FORGOT ABOUT JADESPRITE-

ROSE: Oh.

ROSE: Hello.

DIRK: -blinks in jadesprite's direction also.- ... Yeah?

JADESPRITE: yes

JADESPRITE: but i think maybe first we should talk about what's going on

ROSE: Right.

JADESPRITE: davesprite has been watching jade

JADESPRITE: something like this has happened before, in the universe we're from -laces her paw fingers together-

JADESPRITE: so we know what she's capable of

JADESPRITE: though you probably already figured out she was the one that zapped you around the country

JADESPRITE: she has full control of that power now

ROSE: Right. So we can't do anything to her head on, or with her awareness. ROSE: We'll just be in the same position we were before.

JADESPRITE: essentially yes

JADESPRITE: so someone has to deal with her

JADESPRITE: thats why were volunteering ourselves

JADESPRITE: -carefully, she pulls out some sort of pendant with a Skaianet symbol and dangles it in the air- i managed to recreate a device that davesprite has for myself

JADESPRITE: id like to give it to one of you for safekeeping, in case i need it

JADESPRITE: i can go into it and also be summoned to its location

JADESPRITE: jade has the one of davesprite's

DIRK: ... I can take it. -holds out his hand-

JADESPRITE: -smiles a little and offers it over to him- thanks

JADESPRITE: anything she tries to do to us would be significantly less dangerous than to any of you, and we should be able to come back quickly with these

JADESPRITE: besides... someone also has to handle jane

JADESPRITE: she doesnt have the same powers but... she is dangerous

ROSE: I... right. I suppose we're going to have to incapacitate them.

JADESPRITE: somehow, yes

JADESPRITE: but we can buy as much time as possible

JADESPRITE: but if it came down to it...

JADESPRITE: ...well, im sure well figure out something

ROSE: Right.

ROSE: I could probably buy time with Jane, at least.

ROSE: But I can't imagine deprogramming them will be... easy.

DIRK: -quietly puts the pendant on to keep it close, tucking it under his shirt, but he's zoning in and out of this conversation and it's frustrating him a little because he NEEDS to be a part of this.-

JADESPRITE: right

JADESPRITE: the brainwashing is affecting jades filters and inhibitions at the same time its telling her whos in control

JADESPRITE: all her repressed thoughts are loose

JADESPRITE: so it's not just the obedience thats the problem... -shakes her head- im sure jane is feeling something similar

JADESPRITE: um... anyway

JADESPRITE: hal has the ship just outside the atmosphere

JADESPRITE: weve managed to talk to him safely from space

JADESPRITE: horuss is still cloaking the ship too but im not sure what theyre planning to do

JADESPRITE: hal is being sort of cagey about it

ROSE: -She frowns.-

ROSE: Is this something that... happened to you?

JADESPRITE: ...

JADESPRITE: i think so

JADESPRITE: its not all clear but...

JADESPRITE: between my memories and davesprite's i feel sure that it's something i know well

ROSE: Do you have any foggy memories of getting out?

JADESPRITE: no...

JADESPRITE: it just feels like i went to sleep for a long time

ROSE: Ah.

ROSE: -She nods.-

ROSE: Well. That's an option.

ROSE: Knock her out somehow.

DIRK: I wonder if the Serkets would have any effect on them. -manages to chime in-

DIRK: I don't like suggesting that, but it might be one of our safest options. I'd rather not knock them out forcefully.

ROSE: Well, we can't waste our opportunity.

ARADIA: trust your instincts and dont doubt yourself

JADESPRITE: -hovers thoughtfully- ...

JADESPRITE: it could work

JADESPRITE: we will just have to be careful

JADESPRITE: if jade knows whats coming she could zap them away

ROSE: ...

ROSE: -sorta. Takes in a deep breath through her teeth.-

ROSE: Okay.

MEULIN: -she's already finished her soup, and now she's just sort of contemplating the bowl... everyone's working so hard-

[euphobicgeotech]

JUDE: -the past few weeks since this motley crew came together have been devoted largely, at least by jude, to further studying the portal which he had set up in james' basement. it's easier with his dad around, being the brilliant mind that he is. not to mention someone far less cautious, who would likely suggest things jude would be too afraid to try...- 

JUDE: -he's insisted on having jane around, too, still settled on the theory that her crocker corp. technology triggered it somehow. but when nothing seemed to be working to activate it, jude continually got more frustrated. and paranoid. he had no idea if/when the uu was going to get there, and at this point he was even afraid to leave the basement.- 

JUDE: -today he feels especially anxious. he doesn't know why, but deep in his gut he knows something is going to happen. that's why he insistently wrangled up everyone down to their little makeshift lab. they'll find him pacing when they get there.-

JANE: -She's here before anyone else, punctual as usual. She's also bringing down a tray of chocolate chip cookies in the hope of easing everyone's minds and stomachs a little bit. Gatherings should always have food, she is pretty sure. And because maybe it will give Jude something to do that isn't just pacing, because that is making her anxious, frankly.-

JANE: Hello. I'm here for the very important meeting?

PENNY: -Meanwhile, she thought she was being invited to a private party. Maybe she forgot, or maybe she misunderstood. Both are plausible. Either way, it may probably explain her little skirt and all the makeup. How's it going basement people?? She's here to party. Just gonna lean over the stair railing and peep.- oh hi. 

PENNY: whats going on down here?

JANE: Apparently, we've been summoned to watch Jude pace a hole in the baseboards. :B

PENNY: oh okay. so the usual.

JUDE: -stops to stare at the way she's dressed- ... uh 

JUDE: I guess it must count as high quality entertainment

PENNY: -STRETCHES OUT A LEG DOWN THE STEPS. Hello.- Im here for it personally.

JANE: -ROLLS EYES and puts the cookies down on the table that has got to be down here.-

JAMISON: =Cookies you say? Cookies and SCIENCE! He's here for both of these things mid-tromp down the staircase when he spots a Penny= Oh! =STOPS in his tracks, the stairs probably whining under all that rough, old man boot= Hello there! 

JAMISON: =Leans behind her and peeps= Is this what we're doing?

JUDE: ... 

JUDE: yes, everyone, we're gathered here to watch me pace

PENNY: oh hey Dad.

PENNY: -scoots closer to the rail so he can try to get by her-

JAMISON: =Boy does he beam at being called dad and he's been insisting on it being a thing= Howdy Doody daughter-in-law! Haw! =He has a STEP-DAUGHTER= 

JAMISON: =Stomps his way down the rest of the steps and beams at Jane and Jude and even if Penny isn't a J-name she's welcome too= Come come, look there are cookies so lovingly provided by Laney-Jane herself! :D

PENNY: mmm. thats true. -internal screams tho-

JANE: Yes, please, have some before they're cold.

JUDE: -he's just... he's just all red in the face over here. it's fine.-

JUDE: ... -reaches for a cookie finally, too. he nibbles.-

JANE: -smiles a little at Jamison before glancing back at Jude. MERCILESSLY.- So...?

JANE: What's all the hubbub and pacing for?

PENNY: -slowly descends the steps-

JAMISON: =chomps on these cookies over here= I do beleive something LARGE and possibly in-charge is about to occur!

PENNY: (Im large and in charge the other butts call me sarge.)

PENNY: -casually sits on the steps of the Fancy Machine thing. Like she knows what it is, come on, please.-

JUDE: -paces while nibbling- I've been talking to dirk strider 

JUDE: trying to come up with some kind of plan for them to enter earth's atmosphere 

JUDE: one person slipping through seems easy enough, but a whole ship? 

JUDE: anyway, I've just got a bad feeling about everything 

JUDE: like they aren't going to get here in time anyway 

JUDE: and I'm not sure-- -stops to stare at penny-

PENNY: -winks at him-

JUDE: can you... not sit there... it's making me nervous...

PENNY: everything makes you nervous baby.

PENNY: but ok.

PENNY: -scoots to the left-

JUDE: I... 

JUDE: alright 

JUDE: okay -paces more- 

JUDE: alright okay

PENNY: alright alright alright alright alright alright okay now ladies.

JANE: :|

JUDE: -they are clearly married-

JAMISON: =Walks behind jude and rubs his shoulders with strong father hands= Never fret lad! No use jittering for now!

JANE: Ahem... As you were saying, you're worried about their entry? That seems like a reasonable concern.

JANE: Do we have the technology to cloak them somehow? Jamison?

JUDE: hhhhnn -he's still a little twitchy, but the comforting is nice. he looks between jane and jamison now-

JAMISON: Oh goodness yes! However it's not only the sight it's a matter of something so massive shooting right through the atmosphere! Now I definitely could have been some small scale space rock these are common however something of that size would warrent some attention and look-sees!

JANE: So... 

JANE: If they're paying attention to atmospheric entries somehow, that would present a problem.

JANE: I'm not sure I can be of much help on this front...

JANE: Unless well wishes count.

JAMISON: They certainly do! And are greatly appreciated!

JAMISON: I still believe an equally large distraction, if not larger, is warrented however.

JANE: Hm.

JANE: Like an even BIGGER rock?

JANE: Large rocks are relevant to this strategic discussion at this point, I assume. Hoo.

JAMISON: =strokes his mustache, humming= That could do it.... so long as we destroy this rock before it provides ample damage to the planet.... 

 JAMISON: Yes.... this could be arranged.

JUDE: -looks terrified by this idea-

PENNY: oh hell yes.

JUDE: -we are literally under seige by planet fucking jupiter-

PENNY: lets throw a giant meteor at Earth and then blow it up.

PENNY: into smaller less deadly meteors.

JAMISON: Precisely!

JUDE: I don't 

JUDE: that's 

JUDE: ...

JAMISON: =He likes the way she thinks, this was a good wife for you Jude the Dude=

JUDE: -dad PLEASE-

JANE: And that would... work?

JAMISON: So long as they're focused on the deadly impending threat!

JAMISON: Which they would be! Haw! =Squeezes Jude's shoulders again= How does that sound my boy? =MY BOY!= :D

PENNY: ok but what if.

PENNY: a deadly meteor SHOWER.

PENNY: they gotta pay less attention to one small thing getting in if theres a ton of scarier things.

JAMISON: A regular risk-taker! I like that! 

JAMISON: This is also doable!

PENNY: yessss.

PENNY: bonus points if we hit a few of them with rock garbage.

JUDE: (how though...) 

JUDE: -he's anxious, so he's a little irrtable. instead of contributing to the conversation, he ends up fiddling with the machine some more-

PENNY: -peeps up at Jude from her stair and grins. ITS FINE JUDE SEE? YOUR DAD SAYS SO.-

PENNY: -plus a giant meteor shower would be a much cooler way to go-

[[As Jude begins fiddling with the machine once again, there is a high-pitched whine in their ears, and from the base to the height of the contraption, it slowly groaned to life. Light poured from the cracks and seeped up under the stone skin of the two serpentine figures gracing the exterior. Pinpricks of red and green concentrated at the eyes of the creatures and cut through the dim lighting of the basement before flickering down to a gentle glow like the eyes of a cat in the dark.]]

PENNY: -turns around slowly from the bottom of its step where she's sitting. Wat.-

JANE: !!

JANE: It's happening!

JAMISON: !!! =pulls out his blunderbuss.......slowly=

JUDE: !!!!! -his sentiments exactly. WHAT DID HE DO?? AGAIN?? he looks between the archway and the console, taking note of whatever he just did and trying to concentrate on that, but he's reasonably terrified of what might come through the other side.-

[[Suddenly, all the air seemed to suck from the room, pulling their breath with it as the windless energy surged toward the machine. And then with the silence preceding an explosion, a bright, blinding light struck away all shadow and slowly swirling, liquid like substance filled the archway of the machine.]] [[The substance itself was only semi-reflective. They could see the shapes of themselves and objects in the room, but not as clearly as with a mirror.]]

JAMISON: =He sees the mouth of his own gun as he aims it right at the machine= (Do your worst......) =Squints=

JUDE: UM 

JUDE: -hand out. dad let's be smart and bring it off- wait-- wait before you shoot okay???

PENNY: -UHHH. She's sort of sliding off the bottom step now, watching the archway.-

JAMISON: I'll wait.... =One split second=

JANE: ...Maybe it's a fluke?

JUDE: ... yeah maybe 

JUDE: or-- um... -pats around on his person... looks at the cookie he just left sitting on the console.- ... 

JUDE: -chucks it through that liquid veil????? sorry to whoever is on the other side, if anyone.-

JUDE: -he's a goddamn genius-

JANE: ?! -DID YOU JUST CHUCK HER COOKIE???-

[[The substance ripples outward, but unlike water it is slow as though Jude threw a cookie into a vat of syrup. In the murky relection of the portal (if they look closely) they can see a fifth figure. If they were to look behind them where the figure should stand, nothing is there. How spooky.]] 

[[In response, there is a voice. It is clearly surprised, or at least reacting as one does when a cookie is thrown at them. It is also clearly in the rough, gutteral launguage of the trolls.]]

JAMISON: =COCKS GUN=

JUDE: -if they can hear this person... then maybe they can hear them?- 

JUDE: ... -alright, he's not taking any chances with alternian either. THE PISTOLS ARE OUT. them harley boys...- 

JUDE: -and with that, he calls- who's there? -comes out way wimpier than he would've wanted. shit.-

???:  =there's muttering in Alternian like the figure is speaking to someone, then...=  whos asking?

JUDE: ... uh 

JUDE: I'm not just going to tell you that 

JUDE: ... 

JUDE: I'll throw another cookie

???: based on your logic, then why should i give hint to my identity? 

???: ... 

???: can you throw it higher this time?

JAMISON: Would a good ol blunderbusing encourage you possibili-fiend? =Hello he still has it=

???: youre threatening me at gunpoint now? where is your hospitality? ???2: =a happy, muffled BOOF is heard, and a second figure joined the first, four-legged and coming up to the other's waist.=

JAMISON: !!!!! (A dog....surely then they could only be friendly...)

PENNY: new phone HOO DIS.

JANE: Oh my God.

JUDE: -DOG!!!-

JANE: -approaches the gate- Hello? This is Jane.

JUDE: j... jane?

JANE: Please disregard my salty companions.

JAMISON: =Lowers gun he doesn't want to shoot Jane OR the dog. He inches closer with fists READY=

???: hello jane 

???: this is dog =gestures to the Figure 2, patting it on the head= im johnny knoxville

JANE: ... Fascinating.

JUDE: -A WISENHEIMER EH???-

JAMISON: Hmmmm......

JUDE: well this isn't jackass

JAMISON: What if I were to... put my gun down. And see this "dog" of yours.

JUDE: -father, please...-

JANE: IT'S NICE TO MEET YOU.

JANE: PLEASE ALSO DISREGARD THE THING ABOUT THE GUN.

JANE: Jamison would you PLEASE NOT.

???: how do i know you wont shoot my dog with your gun???

JANE: -double facepalm-

JAMISON: =OFFENDED SPUTTERING= I- WHA- I- !!!!

JAMISON: I WOULD NEVER!!!!

JANE: THIS IS JAMISON AND JUDE AND ALSO PENNY. HELLO.

???: thats what they all say

JANE: THEY ARE NOT AS RUDE AS THEY SOUND.

???: =silence. utter silence=

JAMISON: WHO'S THIS THEY?? I'LL GIVE THEM A GOOD WHAT-FOR WITH MY OWN MEATY MAN MITTS!!!!

JANE: DEFINITELY NOT THAT RUDE.

JANE: Cripes almighty.

???: =still not responding=

JAMISON: OH I'LL BE RUDE ALRIGHT!! >:O

JUDE: -that's a really weird response... a really, really weird response- 

JUDE: are you 

JUDE: are you saying you know who we are?

???: ...maybe???: =for the first time since they began speaking, the voice sounds uncertain= 

DOG: =there is a soft whine and the big fluff nudges the figure's hand, and begins trotting closer to the doorway. However, the dog is stopped by the hand on the collar holding him back.= 

???: maybe not the right ones

JAMISON: =holds his hands out.... gimme.... the dog=

JAMISON: We certainly aren't this "they" you mentioned!

JUDE: -there's a moment of recognition. her voice, the silhouette of her with the shaggy dog...  but it couldn't be, could it? anyone would know their names. it doesn't... it doesn't mean anything... but he can't help to be curious.- 

JUDE: yeah, uh... what do you mean by... the right ones?

???: =there is hesitation, and for a moment, the figure looks ready to bolt.= 

???: ive been trying to get back home to my family 

???: but every time i go through one of these doors, i dont like what i find on the other side???: i want the version i left

JAMISON: How many gosh darned doors are they? =He's a little less focused on the dog now... furrowing his eyebrows at this figure=

???: um... 

???: hundreds? 

???: thousands, possibly

???: it's hard to tell

JUDE: ... 

JUDE: what did you leave?

JANE: -glancing between all these guys like... wtf-

PENNY: -posing on her side on the floor at this point-

???: a presumed dead father, mother, aunt...brother 

???: i shouldnt be telling you this 

???: i dont why im still talking, frankly 

???: ... 

???: is it just the four of you?

JANE: Yes. It is.

JAMISON: .....Huh.... Yes. Yes? Yes.

???: =there is a small sigh. It isn't one of relief - if Jane and Jamison had answered 'no,' it would have been easier, she felt, on all of them.= 

???: ......jude? =she sounds hesitant addressing him= did something happen? bout ten years ago?

JUDE: -breath catches when he's called to and he's taken a bit by surprise by the question, but at the same time... it looks like his quick theories were already coming together.- that... 

JUDE: ... -he's slight for a good long moment. there's only one way to answer that question where he'd feel secure in doing so, but it wouldn't make much sense to anyone there. though hopefully it would to one person. he mumbles.- 

JUDE: you have seen this before 

JUDE: I can tell 

JUDE: you lied to them

???: =silence again, then the figure is swearing under her breath. Even as she says the next few words, she has already let go of the dog's collar, and both are moving quickly toward the doorway= 

???: i would never lie! i willfully participated in a campaign of misinformation. 

TESSERACT: =The dog comes through first, barreling into the room and full on tackling the closest person to unfortunately stand in his path. They are greeted with deep BOOFs! and slobbery kisses.= 

JOEY: =she runs in shortly after, all but ripping off the horns on her head and trying to rub grey paint from her face with her sleeve.=

JANE: -OOF. HELP SHE IS COVERED IN DOG.-

PENNY: whoaaa what the fu--

JAMISON: !!!! =He... knows this dog??!?= TESSIE! Tessie???? TESSIE!???!?! :'D

JUDE: -sorry, he's too busy standing there uselessly and staring at his sister in disbelief.- j.... joey? is it 

JUDE: I 

JUDE: I mean I know it has to be but-- I...

PENNY: -finds a camera to stare into.-

JAMISON: =wAit what??? He.... Looks up and just.... Immediately tears up= Lil Jojo??? =WHAT IS THIS? WHAT=

TESSERACT: =After giving Jane a thorough bath, his ears perked at the sound of his name! They know him and that makes him glad.= BOOF!! =runs in circles around Jamison. He's so excited, his tail AND his entire back end is wagging.= 

JOEY: =She's laughing, she's crying, she's leaping into the air and throwing her arms around her brother's neck.= 

JOEY: jude!! i thought they-- =who cares what she thought they did, the fact was that they didnt, and Jude was here and alive!=

JOEY: =glancing up at the sound of her nickname, her face drew in one of recognition.= Dad??

JANE: -The cowlick she has right now is ridiculous. She just sits up, looking way unamused.-

JAMISON: =Here come the feelies part 2 he's  definitely crying??? Hoists the dog and also Joey and Jude and just. SQUEEZES IN HIS WEEPY MANLY EMBRACE=

PENNY: -that's a strong old man...-

JUDE: hrk-- 

JUDE: -holy cow. this is... this is almost the whole family. there was so little hope of seeing them all again and yet... here they all were together. it's an emotional time, alright?? tears are being squeezed out of him.-

JOEY: =she's kissing her dad's cheek and just smooshing her entire face against Jude's, putting her arms around her family and hugging them tightly= 

JOEY: jude never stopped telling me you were alive. he always knew he was going to find you. and he did!! look, jude! you did!

JAMISON: Hoshes bagoshes look at you two! My sweet little fighters in all sorts of shenaniganry!! =hes so proud him weep a lot just, SQUEEZES THEM AGAIN then sets down=

PENNY: -aww.. this is really sweet... and yet she feels kind of sad and maybe even a little frustrated watching it unfold.-

[euphobicgeotech]

-- euphobicGeotech [EG] began pestering gardylooTheroid [GT] at 21:38 --

EG: is this jamison?

GT: You bet your bananas it is!

GT: What can I do for you er.....

GT: Blast I don't believe I've shot the breeze with you!

EG: well

EG: you have

EG: but you wouldn't recognize my handle

EG: it's kind of new

EG: also it's just been a long time

GT: Oh cripes my apologies I can't seem to place your manner of speaking.

GT: "Speaking".

GT: Then again text is hard to read!

GT: It's grand to be making your reacquaintence however!

EG: yeah... you too

EG: ...

EG: I guess I should just rip this bandaid off

EG: it's jude

GT: I.. oh.

GT: What?

GT: .... I must admit I um, I'm rather at sorts with this information.

GT: On one hand I feel as if I'm being duped and played purely for the fool in which case I'm massively obligated to get darn friendly with your spinal cord!

GT: Well shucks that's positively 90% of what I'm feeling!

EG: that... that's exactly how I would expect you to react, honestly

EG: if I were in your shoes I would do the same

EG: except with less brawling probably...

EG: question the whole notion, is what I mean

EG: I have had to plenty, actually

EG: but I never actually believed you were

EG: dead

EG: and joey kept telling me to let it go, jude, let it go

EG: but I couldn't

EG: I couldn't let a lot of things go

EG: anyway if you need me to prove myself I can try

GT: You darn well better buster else wise you're in for a rude and crude awakening upon the horizon you possible fiend!

EG: I guess the best way to approach this would be to bring up something sentimental?

GT: What exactly do you think you've been doing? Why I'm no slipup and I'm most assuredly no easy-breezy chap when it comes to security but I know for a FACT I was. We were being. Observed.

GT: Your mysterious sentiments won't save your keister!

EG: ... yeah, that's fair too

EG: I really don't expect you to believe me, but... I also need your help

GT: Oh, is that so??? And what help would THAT be?

EG: I have something compromising on my possession

EG: it's a portal... cherub technology, I think

EG: and I have reason to believe that it provides a gateway from this universe to another one entirely

EG: I know I'm being followed... by crocker corp or alternians or someone... it's all the same, anyway

EG: I need to get this device someplace safe and I wanted to give it to you

GT: ....Well!

GT: Very well.

GT: As cheesed as I am I can't ignore this.

GT: Especially if we're to meet face to face and boy will I be ready!

EG: I really hope you don't cold clock me but I'm prepared for it anyway

GT: If you were who you say you are you needn't worry!

EG: right

EG: yeah

EG: um

EG: even if you don't believe it's me

EG: I'm still glad I got to talk to you again

-- gardylooTheroid [GT] is an idle chum! --

JAMISON: *It took only an hour miraculously enough. No one could have hoped to traverse the vastness of space at this speed but especially seeing where this FAKER was hanging his hat set Jamison's blood a boil. They thought he was far away, they thought he couldn't do anything well BOY WERE THEY WRONG*

JAMISON: *Ignoring the tugging in his chest at the mere mention of his dearly deceased babies Jamison doesn't lower thruster power in his space suit. He doesn't slow, fueled by the anger that someone would dare to play him for the fool like this. He happens very quickly upon his OWN NEPHEW'S house. THE NERVE.*

JAMISON: *Only shifting gears to turn his heel forward and crashing right through the front window in the dead of night* COME AND BRAWL ME YOU SMARMY COWARD! *The blunderbuss is OUT.*

JUDE: *ALARMS ARE SOUNDING, ENTRANCES ARE SEALING SHUT, all thanks to security measures james had put in. jude was pouring over some notes and information he had scavanged from home, also while feeding snacks to his bird babies, but suddenly papers and seeds and feathers are flying as jude and the pigeons alike scramble, startled by all the racket.*

JUDE: *but jude's guard has been up, he expected this to happen at some point, and when he hops to his feet, he too has a blunderbuss in hand. well, two in each, because they're blunderbuss pistols but-- REGARDLESS. he's aiming them at the threat.*

JUDE: YOU STAY THE FUCK BACK YOU-- you *what even IS that suit???* iron man...

JUDE: wait *the gun, the manner of speaking* ... dad?

JAMISON: HA-...o. oh... I. *No he wasn't really prepared for this. At all. He hadn't really entertained the thought so much that it might be but this face. That was an undeniable face. Jamison's hard aim falters as he lowers the gun then draws it back up* .....

JAMISON: *The front mask on the suit is lifted* I... Judenheimer?

JAMISON: The ole..... Rude Jude.....

JAMISON: *Well, he just.... feels weird now. Looking into the unmistakable eyes of his child and the blunderbusses' aim lowers once more* ...

JUDE: *what are you even supposed to do in a situation like this? as if jude wasn't socially awkward enough, he has to be thrown into scenarios such as HEARTFELT REUNIONS. his arms droop to his sides as he stares across the living room at his father with wide eyes, brow knitted, putting the guns away.*

JUDE: yeah that's... me

JUDE: jude the dude

JUDE: I...

JUDE: ...

JUDE: *glances around* how did you

JUDE: get here so fast...

JAMISON: *He's going back over the fact that he's here and in front of his son and said son is real and tangible and was alive and more or less well after all this time. It had been. Much too long since he'd last seen him, or his sister, or his mother. All of them. Were they all alive? Was Jude a lone survivor? If Jamison hadn't left that planet so quickly and so angrily with bitter memories could he have

JAMISON: been there for him?*

JAMISON: *There's no anger to distract him from the emotions this time. They were real and they were happening with the crosshair of the blunderbuss falling to the floor* .. My boy... *You better bet there are tears in his eyes, falling over his cheeks and even getting lost into his thick mustache.*

JAMISON: *Stepping forward the armored suit peels off him, several sheathed knives clatter out with his body and those strong arms CRUSH Jude into a hug against him* Land sake's-- you're.. my boy.

JUDE: *his expression softens seeing the state his father is in and it's enough to make his throat tighten with emotion.* geez, dad-- hrk *and then he's pulled into a crushing hug. he wheezes, but then he laughs a little, finding it funny how the tears seem to be squeezed out of him.*

JUDE: y... yeah... it's me *wraps his arms back around him, though lacking in the same strength jamison has to offer. he can, however, offer tiny pats to the back.*

JAMISON: *Tiny pats are for tiny animals and he is a LARGE bawling man Squeezing Jude tightly against him and leaning over him with a reddened face. Actually cracks his back maybe with the lovehug.* How on Earth... wha- SNRF. What happened?

JAMISON: Your mother.. your sis-ster. SNRF. What happened? Are you all alright? Are you alright?

JAMISON: *just so many questions and not even enough time for answers but fudge to it all this is his SON*

JUDE: we-- uh... hRK *wheezes everytime he's squeezed. but the back cracking feels nice. he is awfully knotted up from living in a cramped tree house for so long.* it's... it's a long story

JUDE: as you might imagine

JUDE: since it's been... I dunno... two decades?

JUDE: ... jeezy petes it really has been that long hasn't it

JUDE: *sighs* I'm okay... I-- I'm okay now

JUDE: But I don't... know where mom and joey are

JAMISON: *He'll calibrate you son! But he feels.... heavy hearted but at the same time he just pulls back to look his son in the eyes again and nods* I'm..-- snrf. Glad to have you here. Elated. *shoulder squeeze and finally starts to wipe his face fro all these GROSS EMOTIONS*

JAMISON: We'll ah, have to catch up and whatnot. All that time.... I'm sure its one doozy of a tale...

JAMISON: *Holding his shoulders for uncomfortably long and staring at him but suck it*

JUDE: *smiles softly at him during this awkward moment. uncomfortable, maybe, but in a way a parent tends to make a child feel, and that is much more comforting than not. he exhales, reaching up to pat his arm.* yeah... uh

JUDE: I guess you should make yourself at home

JUDE: since you're here

JUDE: somehow...

JUDE: still unsure on that one

JUDE: *pauses* do you want some cookies?

JUDE: jane baked us cookies

JUDE: ... did I mention I'm here with two other people?

JAMISON: Oh.... no. Er..... *removes hands and sideyes the busted window, rocket burns on the floors*

JAMISON: .......

JAMISON: I'll um.

JAMISON: Mend all that.

JUDE: y... *eyeballs it also* yeeeah

JUDE: ... *starts to snicker, then laughs in earnest at how ridiculous this all is.*

JUDE: I'm going to... grab those cookies

JAMISON: *The laughter is good, much better than feeling awkward after crying on his son's shoulder but.. .well darn to it. He's still on the high of Jude being alive. A high that he's sure won't wear out* Righto lad! Hah, we can do our exchange of tales then.

JUDE: *processing this is going to take some time, and the weight of it all will likely hit him later when he least expects it, but for now, he's content to enjoy the moment as it is. doing so was a luxury he didn't have for a very long time, so he intends to seize it while he can, and catch up with his goofy dad.*

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0385

ARANEA: -time for a spider to enjoy the sun and surf, seated on a blanket under an umbrella. the light is a little too much for her... not to mention, the glare it makes it difficult to read.-

CRONUS: -HE'S BACK OUT HERE- -and......he's wearing........ an actual....... shirt................- -well, he's wearing a wifebeater and some tropical shirt, but yes. And shorts. He's wearing clothes for once in his life- -strolls on over to aranea since she's the only other person here-

CRONUS: -he's even wearing a large gold chain so he's basically ultra trash-

ARANEA: -flips a page in her book... then notices she isn't alone and peers up to see who it is.- Oh, hello Cronus.

CRONUS: -puts his thumbs into his pockets and leans back slightly- vwell hey there, kitten. vwhat cha got there? books?

ARANEA: Yes, that's right. Just some light reading for the 8each. It's the ideal environment for it, if you ask me. The perfect temperature... The gentle am8ience for waves crashing against the shore... It's very relaxing. -adjusts her glasses-

CRONUS: huh. vwell, its the perfect temperature and ambience for some other things i can think of, too.

ARANEA: ... -raises a brow- Like... swimming? ::::)

CRONUS: yeah, svwimming. among other things. -WINKS. AGGRESSIVELY-

ARANEA: ... Oh, of course. The possi8ilities are endless. ARANEA: Do you surf? That's yet another fun 8each activity. -folds her book closed in her lap, tilting her head at him. she's no fool, of course, but she can have her fun, can't she?-

CRONUS: ... surf? huh. no. vwould you dig it if i did?

ARANEA: Oh, 8ut of course. There's nothing more impressive than a man making a spectacle of his athleticism. -she's not really trying to mask the sarcasm there-

CRONUS: huh. -looks off at the waves- vwell, im all about being the most impressivwe guy on board, not that im too far off as it is.

GRANDPA: =Hello fellow kids. Jamison has arrive in a stripey onesie. The lenses of his glasses adjusted dark, tromps on over to them= I hardly expected anyone else to be in this heat! Good on the both of you!

ARANEA: ... -smiles up at grandpa when he arrives. hello roomie.- The heat can hardly deter me when the weather is so 8eautiful otherwise. ARANEA: -looks thoughtful- Jamison... Do you surf?

CRONUS: surfers get her hot, thats vwhy shes asking.

ARANEA: -ok, NOW she's glaring at him. NOT IN FRONT OF THE HOT OLD MAN, CRONUS!!-

GRANDPA: Surfing is rather strenuous at times but I think the adrenaline would keep your mind off all the heat! Were you looking to hang some tens? It's not that hard!

CRONUS: oh yeah? id like to givwe it a vwhirl.

GRANDPA: That's one aboard, and you Aranea? =He just has this surfboard in his sylladex, you know how being a hoarder is=

ARANEA: Hmm? Oh, I'm just here to o8serve!

GRANDPA: Righto then! We'll do our best to give you a good show, isn't that right lad? =PATS Cronus on the back and starts to head for the shore=

ARANEA: -chinhands after them-

CRONUS: heh, sure. -pulls his two shirts off and tosses them towards aranea before following after grandpa-

GRANDPA: Seeing how this is your first time do you want some guidance on the old motion of the ocean? Catching a good wave may take a while but after then it's just balance and momentum moving you and the board forward.

ARANEA: -SHIRT'D- ... -frowns as she drags them off and throws them onto the towel-

GRANDPA: =That's no way to treat a lady young sir=

CRONUS: so youre an expert on this, eh? -walk walk walk- so got a board i can borrowv?

GRANDPA: I wouldn't say expert but I know my way around a board of all sorts! =Why wouldn't he? He might have 50 boards as far as anyone knows and forks over one to Cronus, still walking right into the water=

CRONUS: ... -walk walk walk- -wades along in the water- annnd, the board?

GRANDPA: =HE DONE FORKED IT OVER WIPPERSNAPPER, this is his own. It's name is Lucy= You just paddle yourself on out and wait for the waves to come forth. Easy pease!

CRONUS: ..... -sets it down and starts floating it alongside himself- ... -just stands here-

ARANEA: -wow, jamison is so reasourceful!- ARANEA: -she could go back to reading, and had actually planned to once she got cronus out of her hair, but... this is bound to be interesting to observer.- ::::)

GRANDPA: =He's already straddling his once he gets far enough in the water, pauses and looks over Cronus= Changing your mind there lad?

CRONUS: you said vwait for the vwawves vwhat else am i supposed to do?

ARANEA: -giggles in the distance. cronus, please!-

GRANDPA: Haw! Well you've got to get on it! Here just do as I do. =Pats his board like, sit sit. Then starts to paddle himself out into the waters=

CRONUS: ... -crawls up on his board and sits- CRONUS: -sways on the board because balance- CRONUS: -FALLS IN THE WATER BACKWARDS-

GRANDPA: Oh..... =There he goes, paddles over to try and leans down so his chest is touching the board and reaches down. Fishing for a Cronus=

CRONUS: -was about to surface when grandpa definitely finds his foot-

GRANDPA: :D Not to worry I've got him! =To Aranea and hauls this fish out of water=

CRONUS: -ah yes, because he would have definitelyt drowned if grandpa hadn't hooked him- vwowv. okay.

ARANEA: Thank goodness! ::::)

GRANDPA: =No need to thank him= GRANDPA: Are you sure you wouldn't like me to show you the ropes lad? =Sets him down easy on his own board=

CRONUS: fine, fine, sure, showv me.

ARANEA: -oh my!-

ARANEA: -wait her imagination got ahead of her didnt it...-

GRANDPA: =Maybe because he's sitting back a little on the board and gestures Cronus to sit in front of him= This is the best way to show you! Saddle up my boy!

ARANEA: -WELL THEN-

CRONUS: -...?- -moves to sit on his board- are you going to hold me?

ARANEA: -this is just like her troll harlequin novels-

GRANDPA: If necessary but I do still need to paddle! =So he leans forward to do just that, bara old man tiddies on his back= You see you want to get far enough outward that you're not catching sad little waves that wash up by the sand.

CRONUS: -woah, manchest on his back. His slightly burnt cheeks flush- heh, yeah, paddle me to the moon.

GRANDPA: If our destination is the moon then I'm going to need some help paddling! =Once they get far enough out Jamison turns them so they're pointed towards the shore and WAVES at Aranea=

ARANEA: -wiggly finger wave back. aren't they adorable??-

CRONUS: -LEANS BACK as much as he can into grandpa's chest and puffs his chest out, grinning over at aranea-

GRANDPA: =His tids are rather cozy he thinks, but also sits up straighter as a wave comes after a bit and pats Cronuses arm to lean forward again= Alright, here we go old boy! Paddle with her so we might hitch a ride! =It's not a huge wave but it wasn't a baby one either, a good wave for teaching the adventurous!= Alright now do your best to stand with me lad. =Now that they're caught up in the momentum no need to paddle. This old man's gonna stand!=

CRONUS: ... stand?! -watches him stand and KEEPS SITTING HERE-

DAELOS: -He doesn't swim and is not fond of sand, but eventually he makes his way to the shore anyway, just in his regular wear except for the boots...because he would sink.-

ARANEA: -let's say she's still peeping around the beach... maybe she even went for a walk or something... it's nice to celebrate your relative freedom every once in a while. though she's aiming on returning to the ship, she notices daelos hanging out by the shore and of COURSE she can't resist fluttering over to him.- Well, look who's out and a8out. ::::)

DAELOS: -its certainly something to see her flying out in the open! he looks up, blinking..- } --> The surprise is mutual

ARANEA: -places herself next to him on the earth- I've 8een known to venture now and again, if the opportunity arises. ARANEA: And this is certainly an opportunity I could not pass up. It's 8eautiful out here.

DAELOS: -watches her flutter down with a certain amount of appreciation.- } --> While it is not my preferred biome, I feel I must agree

ARANEA: -giggles- You really must. 8ut I'm glad to see it. -reaches out for his hand-

DAELOS: -leans down to take her take her hand-. } --> Glad to see the beach or my embarrassment on it?

ARANEA: -looks towards the ocean, grinning- I'm glad to see you outside, is what I mean. ARANEA: Especially while I happen to 8e here as well. How serendipitous!

DAELOS: I could easily believe both situations. -amused.-You know I actually have quite an appreciation for nature, however little I e%press it

ARANEA: Oh? That's no surprise to me. -swings his big paw holding hers a little- ARANEA: I do too. Though I find myself appreciating it a considera8le amount more in your presence.

DAELOS: -He snorts a bit as she swings on him, but he holds his arm out in a way that makes it easy. He loves seeing her happy and playful like this.- Ah...at least it is a mutual feeling

DAELOS: -clears his throat- And what type of activities do you tend to prefer here? I can at least spectate

ARANEA: Heh. I don't know how interested you would 8e in spectating... I haven't done anything particularly exciting since I've 8een out here. ARANEA: Earlier today I was lying on the 8each and enjoying a nice 8ook. At least, until Cronus started accosting me. -rolls eyes a little- 8ut he found himself distracted soon enough.

DAELOS: -that changes his demeanor- Who accosted you?(edited)

ARANEA: Cronus Ampora. -waves her hand- 8ut he flirts o8noxiously with everyone...

DAELOS: -Oh yes, now he remembers.- } --> That hardly makes it acceptable

DAELOS: You should be able to read in peace without the interference of ruffians, not to mention the fact that you are spoken for

ARANEA: Yes, you're right! Perhaps he would get the picture if he saw me on your arm. -leans against him-

DAELOS: -still growling- But he isn't around presently? -looks around again just to make sure-

ARANEA: Ah, no. I'm not sure what 8ecame of him... Presuma8ly he was lost to the ocean. -rip in peace, cronus. she snorts.- ARANEA: Last I saw him, he was entertaining himself 8y surfing with my 8lock mate, Jamison. 8ut he wasn't doing so well at it.

DAELOS: -Holds his arm out a little more firmly.- One can only hope -Seadwellers. You can't trust em.-(edited)

ARANEA: -giggles at the bitterness. she shouldn't enjoy that so much...- It's a step up from my past encounters with him. ARANEA: Our very first mission as a crew was to escort him from Europa to Earth on what was supposed to 8e a religious pilgrimmage... Which, as I'm sure you heard, ended in his supposed "assassination." So as you can see, that went over like a lead 8alloon! ARANEA: Trying to keep him happy on the way there was a8solutely nightmarish. The entire crew continually gave him attitude... Not that it was unwarranted, 8ut at the end of the day, of COURSE it 8ecame my jo8 to deal with it! It was awful.

DAELOS: -It's a bit aggravating that he warrants that much backstory to her, as he listens, his back is a little straighter and if he went one step further and became a horse he'd be snorting and pawing at the ground.-(edited)

DAELOS: It is in his nature to be impulsive and foolish -casually racist.- My experience with him was more singular but it left a similar impression

DAELOS: He is a one time traitor to this crew, you know

DAELOS: He attempted to stop us from escaping

DAELOS: I wrestled with him

ARANEA: -stares up at him with wide spidery eyes- I did not know that!

DAELOS: I never found the right time to report it(edited)

DAELOS: Likely it was a mistake not to

ARANEA: It's certainly worth 8ringing up! You can never 8e too careful... -haha, not that she has any right to judge people for being a traitor to the crew... WHOOPS-

DAELOS: Well, the last captain was a seadweller too, I doubt he would have given fin to my allegations

DAELOS: I was still a stranger at that time and even I did not betray under duress -irritated-

ARANEA: -pets his arm- Of course. You are a very loyal and devoted person, after all. -smiles a little up at him-

DAELOS: -Compliments from her go a long way towards improving his mood. He's so pompous. He seems to relax s bit.-

ARANEA: You know... Unpleasant topics aside, I'm having a nice time with you. ARANEA: Making conversation while enjoying a stroll down the 8each... It's romantic. ::::)

DAELOS: Oh...is it? -Heavens to Betsy-

DAELOS: Yes. Yes I suppose it is. -gives her a small smile.-

DAELOS: -Since there's no one around and all perhaps it would be appropriate to kiss her hand? He goes for it.-

ARANEA: -aww. well, that's enough to make her blush, but she isn't exactly bashful. she shifts, moving in front of him and halting their walk. between the look on her face and the other hand running up his arm, it would seem she's hoping for a little something else.-

DAELOS: -From the look on his face it is quite clear to him that she wants a KISS IN PUBLIC. How 100d. He's HESITANT.-

ARANEA: -how can you hesitate when she has such long eyelashes and such blue eyes...-

ARANEA: ::::)

DAELOS: -They are quite lovely. His face is damp. He checks around them briefly again, looking nervous before he leans considerably and gives her a smooch.-

ARANEA: -she might flutter upwards so he doesn't have to lean quite so far. she's absolutely delighted as their lips meet, so much so that she's smiling too much to fully experience it, but that couldn't possibly be a bad thing.-

DAELOS: -He can feel her smile in the kiss and its definitely the furthest thing from bad. He stops kissing her after a short while but presses his lips against her cheek instead of pulling away. Her face is hiding his smile and his low pitched chuckle.-

ARANEA: -she's laughing softly too, her hands moving to frame his face as she hovers.- Now, what's so funny?

DAELOS: -Her tiny hands are cool on his wooly face. His other gloved hand eclipses her shoulder.- I cannot account for it with words

ARANEA: Heh... That's alright. I'm very nearly speechless myself... -it's hard to resist kissing him again when he's so close, but she manages somehow-

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0281

[1:51:11 PM]  GRANDPA: *Jamison set up a good old fashioned ladder precariously leaned up against the wall of the Atrium so he could reach the top of the tree. Once up there he squat on the very top and rummaged about with the tree star in his hand*

[1:53:40 PM]  MAYOR: -WATCHING THIS-

[1:55:01 PM]  ERIDAN: *wanders into the atrium for the first time in awhile, and is startled by everything people have set up while he was absent* uh

ERIDAN: wwhat the hells all this

[1:55:59 PM]  MAYOR: -he says nothing.  he blinks a few times, though.-

[2:03:30 PM | Edited 2:03:41 PM]  GRANDPA: *looks down* Ahoy captain! *waves cheerily*

[2:03:55 PM]  DAVE: -MAYOR I LOVE U-

[2:05:24 PM]  MAYOR: -Shut up baby I know it-

MAYOR: -Approaches the tree and carefully eats a fucking twig-

[2:06:31 PM]  ERIDAN: did you do all this*GESTURES AT EVERYTHING*

[2:09:40 PM]  GRANDPA: I cant take credit for it but aint she a beaut of arbor!

GRANDPA: It seems that this particular species is eerily relative to trees native to my own planet.

GRANDPA: The decor is also reminiscient of a holiday celebrate by some that planet not that it's any surprise. HA, what with the ships inhabitants and whatnot. *Sticks screw driver in his mouth and tells Eridan about the winters of '83*

[2:11:09 PM]  ERIDAN: .......... *LISTENS TO THIS TALK*

[2:11:11 PM]  MAYOR: -its green and fresh and good for eating-

[2:15:40 PM]  GRANDPA: *straddles the top of the ladder and mimics terrible snowstorm noises, listen in cause this is where the story gets interesting*

GRANDPA: *Makes grand gestures on the rickity ladder and digs in his pocket to fish out a brightly shining ball that he's just. Gently shoving into the star then removes the screw driver and points it at him* And you know the whole "abominable" thing was a simple misunderstanding. The thing made a meesly rug but that was when i stumbled upon it's jurassic-like anscestor-! *Old man rambles*

[2:17:24 PM]  MAYOR: .......

MAYOR: -sitting on the floor, staring intently-

[2:21:28 PM]  ERIDAN: *UHH... HE'S GETTING SLEEPY.  WHILE STANDING....*

[2:29:34 PM]  GRANDPA: *so carefully puts the star on the tree again. Gently carefully. It shines bright, too bright? Impossible. His story goes onward hes not noticing hes sleepy listener but and starts to descend the ladder then pauses*.... Where did i even put that pelt?...

[2:36:29 PM]  MAYOR: -he is beginning to think you don't eat alien pine needles.-

[3:41:53 PM]  ERIDAN: *he looks like he's about to fall over*

[6:29:55 PM] : CALIBORN: -wow, it sure has been a long time since this guy has shown his face around the ship! one can hardly even recognize him anymore... no, really. he looks entirely different, and not just because he hasn't bothered to wear a disguise. why should he? he revealed his true identity months ago! whatever happened to him must have been something of a MIGHTY growth spurt because he must be  at least twice as tall and wide from the last time anyone had seen him -- or calliope, for that matter. to put it simply, a not-so-jolly green giant is lumbering through the cafeteria, rubbing at his eyes with big clawed hands sleepily.-

[6:33:41 PM]  JAKE: -staring at the sleepy monster from behind the kitchen counter.- ....

JAKE: Holy mother of mary! Its some sort of skull monstrosity!!!!!!! -taking out his pistols and COCKING them-

[6:37:36 PM] : CALIBORN: -blinks rapidly at him with big eyelashes.- EXCuSE THE FuCK YOu? -squints- JAKE. THAT'S YOu, RIGHT?

CALIBORN: I DEMAND THAT YOu LOWER YOuR WEAPONS. RIGHT THIS-- -yaaaaaaaaawns, black forked tongue flopping out.- THIS INSTANT.

[6:38:37 PM]  JAKE: You know my name??? Jumping jehosephats its a mind reader!

[6:39:42 PM] : CALIBORN: -rolls his eyes- OF COuRSE I KNOW YOuR NAME. I KNEW YOu WERE STuPID. BuT I DIDN'T THINK. YOu WERE THAT STuPID.

[6:41:33 PM]  JAKE: You dare insult me when im but a hairbreadths length from planting a bullet in that rather attractive skull of yours??? Hell! Ill settle with a torso wound too!

JAKE: Never you dare question my straightshooting abilities! Sir??? -squints suddenly and peers over the counter with a frown- Youre a sir arent you?

[6:43:35 PM] : CALIBORN: -fucking GASPS- OF COuRSE I'M A SIR! AND NOT JuST ANY SIR. BuT YOuR LORD. DON'T YOu REMEMBER? -frowns deeply.-

CALIBORN: YOu WOuLDN'T FORGET THAT. WOuLD YOu?

[6:50:16 PM]  JAKE: Forget? Forget???? How in all of gods green creation would i forget a face like THAT? -yep his pistols are still raised-

JAKE: What is your intention???? And why are we having this discussion????? Youre no lord of MINE you serpentine traducer you!

[6:50:42 PM]  ARADIA: ...wow... -suddenly here. How COOL-

[6:52:27 PM]  JAKE: Aradia! Run while you still can!

[6:54:08 PM] : CALIBORN: MY INTENTION, YOu FAT BACKSTABBING FuCK, -POINTS at him with clawed hand.- IS TO GET MYSELF SOME FOOD. BECAuSE I'M STARVING.

CALIBORN: AND DON'T THINK. THAT I WON'T OBLITERATE YOu WHERE YOu STAND TO GET WHAT I DESIRE. JuST BECAuSE YOu'RE MY ONLY FFFFF-- FuCK!! -notices how big his hand is and is suddenly distracted by staring at himself-

[6:54:53 PM]  JAKE: -STARES- ...Your only fuck?

JAKE: (Did i hear that right?)

[6:55:39 PM] : CALIBORN: -too distracted by his yaoi hands to correct him- WHAT. IS. THIS??

[6:55:52 PM]  TEREZI: -She's got a nose full of sour apple and sneezes right behind Caliborn-

[6:56:07 PM]  JAKE: A... brilliant makeup job? -Oh no, Terezi. Not you!-

[6:56:32 PM]  JAKE: -still holding up handguns with a baffled expression-

[6:56:36 PM]  ARADIA: - takes a picture-

[6:57:55 PM] : CALIBORN: -STARTLED by the sneezing and whips around to look at terezi- HEY!! WATCH WHERE YOu'RE POINTING THAT PROBOSCIS, SISTER!!

[6:59:00 PM]  TEREZI: ....

TEREZI: FOR 4 MOM3NT 1 THOUGHT D1RK R3LOC4T3D TH3 TW3LFTH P3R1G33S TR33

[7:00:16 PM]  JAKE: This creature is no tree. Hes a fucking MOUNTAIN. -emerges from behind the counter, still on alert-

[7:00:27 PM | Edited 7:00:30 PM]  JAKE: If you would pardon my french!

[7:02:51 PM] : CALIBORN: -this is slowly dawning on him- YES... YOu'RE RIGHT... A MOuNTAIN!

CALIBORN: I'M HuGE!! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!! -arms over his head triumphently-

[7:03:05 PM]  TEREZI: -totally thought jake was talking to a tree-

[7:03:11 PM | Edited 7:03:45 PM]  MEULIN: -A cat troll crawls out from a tipped over box that probably held 100s of napkin refillS, rubbing her  eyes sleepily and blinks AT the group in front of her- THE FURICK??????

[7:03:48 PM]  JAKE: Remain calm ladies. I have this under control! -nodding at all the troll ladies present-

[7:04:29 PM]  MEULIN: (・・。)ゞ???

[7:06:19 PM]  JAKE: Resume youre nap meulin! -glances that way but ends up snorting- Hehe you look adorable as always.

JAKE: -No wait, DRAT. He can't get distracted! He stares down the skull monster, drawing himself at full height.- >:(

[7:06:39 PM]  JAKE: -look at all these serious angry eyebrows-

[7:09:49 PM] : CALIBORN: -he's so pleased by this turn of events, he's completely ignoring everyone else, stomping over to the food line again to pile meat on a tray. he's also still laughing maniacally.-

[7:10:20 PM]  JAKE: -Well??? Okay?????????????? Is just staring after the cackling skull.-

[7:10:50 PM]  MEULIN: -shes done with her nap, but she drags the box over to a seat at the nearest table and sits in it, staring at the strange green.....thing-

[7:12:27 PM]  TEREZI: -that voice is familiar but she can't quite but a finger on it.-

[7:18:29 PM] : CALIBORN: -while a giant pile of meat, he shuffles over to a table and squeezes into a chair.- HA HA HA HA! -om. om nom.- HA HA HA!! HA--HRK. -COUGH COUGH.- AHEM. -resumes eating and giggling.-

[7:21:45 PM]  JAKE: -can't help but end up fascinated by the giggling monster. Comes over, still staring and just kinda... places a soda onto the table. Just to see what happens.-

[7:24:02 PM]  MEULIN: DOES THIS GUY ONLY LAUGH?????????????

[7:25:06 PM] : CALIBORN: HE HE HE. HA HA! -oh look, a soda. he crushes it to open it and pours it down his throat. SUGAR. HIS OTHER FAVORITE.-

[7:25:37 PM]  TEREZI: -goes to join Meulin- 1M C3RT41N H3 S41D 4 FULL S3NT3NC3 B3FOR3 TH1S

[7:26:41 PM]  MEULIN: -just continues to stare at him-

[7:27:39 PM]  JAKE: -retracts his hand as if afraid the sugar skull is gonna bite off his hand-

JAKE: ...

JAKE: -slowly takes out his skull top, staring down at it and then back up at the feasting monster-

JAKE: ......Mother of saints.

[7:28:32 PM]  MEULIN: WHY DOES HE LOOK LIKE YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICE?????? -head tilt looking between the two-

[7:29:14 PM]  JAKE: Why INDEED. -GAPING-

[7:29:17 PM]  JAKE: 8O

[7:29:44 PM]  TEREZI: -gasps!- 4 MYST3RY!

[7:30:32 PM]  MEULIN: -squints a little at caliborn, theres something familiar about this guy to her though-

[7:30:59 PM]  JAKE: Sir. If you would pardon my asking...

JAKE: Did you say you knew me?

[7:31:08 PM]  JAKE: -still holding skulltop-

[7:31:44 PM] : CALIBORN: -MUNCH CRUNCH SPLORCH.- ... -looks down at jake- WHAT? YES? THAT IS WHAT I SAID. BECAuSE I DO.

[7:32:23 PM]  JAKE: But how i ask! When i dont know you?

[7:32:37 PM]  MEULIN: DO YOU KNOW ANYONE ELSE???????

[7:34:28 PM] : CALIBORN: -scoffs at them- SuRE! I KNOW MOST EVERYONE AROuND HERE. I DON'T EXPECT. ALL OF YOu TO PuT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER. HOWEVER. I KNOW THAT NO ONE AROuND HERE. IS THAT SMART.

CALIBORN: BuT PERHAPS I OVERESTIMATED THIS ONE. AS WELL.

CALIBORN: -dramatic sighs- IT'S ME, CALIBORN! I WAS IN DISGuISE BEFORE. BuT I TOLD YOu. I'M NOT A TROLL. DO YOu REMEMBER NOW?

[7:34:55 PM]  TEREZI: OHHHHHH!

[7:35:09 PM]  TEREZI: YOU SM3LL D1FF3R3NT

[7:36:41 PM]  JAKE: I ah... sorry. I dont recall. -he IS starting to put two and two together now-

JAKE: Mister calibro and i really do hate to ask this but... you wouldnt happen to think im claire do you?

[7:37:01 PM]  JAKE: Jake claire?

[7:38:23 PM] : CALIBORN: -looks at terezi- AND YOu HAVE THE MuSTY SCENT OF SOMEONE. WHO HAS BEEN ROLLING AROuND IN DuST.

CALIBORN: -squints at jake- ... WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

[7:39:18 PM | Edited 7:39:22 PM]  JAKE: Universes i wager.

JAKE: Jake claire has um... been deceased for some time. :(

JAKE: My name is jake english!

[7:39:29 PM]  ARADIA: there is quite a noticeable difference!

[7:39:47 PM]  TEREZI: -full on cackling-

TEREZI: -but at Jake's comment a lightbulb comes on and she starts chugging her drink-

[7:41:25 PM] : CALIBORN: ... -zones out for a second, mentally discarding any sort of emotion that news might have stirred up.-

CALIBORN: PO-TAY-TO, PO-TAH-TO.

CALIBORN: ALL HuMANS ARE THE SAME, ANYWAY. SO YOu'RE THE ENGLISH JAKE. THERE'S THAT DOCTOR JAKE. AND THE FEMALE JAKE. AND THE OLD JAKE.

CALIBORN: IT'S ALL THE SAME TO ME.

[7:42:33 PM | Edited 7:44:20 PM]  JAKE: Eeeeuhhhhh... well gee thats not how humans are exactly? Although i am mighty flattered to service as a basis for comparison!

[7:43:01 PM]  JAKE: Mister claire must have been a great pal of yours bro!

[7:46:12 PM] : CALIBORN: WHATEVER. -grumbles and stuffs more meat into his face.-

[7:46:37 PM]  JAKE: Is it really whatever? I personally find this all very awkward.

[7:47:43 PM] : CALIBORN: -spits meat chunks all over the place as he snaps back at him.- WELL, WHO ASKED YOu??

[7:52:30 PM]  ARADIA: sometimes the best moments are awkward :D

[7:52:55 PM] : CALIBORN: AND WHO ASKED YOu??

[7:53:21 PM | Edited 7:53:27 PM]  JAKE: Im only stating my opinion! And hey now!!!!

JAKE: Thats no tone to take with a LADY. -puffing up again-

[7:54:37 PM]  ARADIA: no one i suppose

ARADIA: i didnt think it required a question

ARADIA: dont worry jake i can handle my own

[7:55:14 PM]  JAKE: Thats nary the point! Hes a gentleman isnt he? Allow him to ACT like one!

[7:55:50 PM]  ARADIA: -she smiles at jake. What a nice guy-

[7:56:55 PM]  JAKE: -HE'LL PUNCH A SKULL, HE DONT GIVE A SHIT-

[7:57:20 PM] : CALIBORN: -look at this gentleman, slobbering everywhere with meat in his face.-

[7:58:23 PM]  JAKE: -Disgusting!-

[7:58:38 PM]  MEULIN: -still just staring at this strange green skull dude.  she was never taught that staring is impolite-

[8:02:07 PM]  TEREZI: -she is also staring, but mostly because she's trying to hear them and smell Caliborn. Not that she needed to put effort in the latter. He was hard to miss.-

[8:16:06 PM] : DIRK: -walks in sipping soda- Who the hell is that?

CALIBORN: -OH SHIT IT'S DIRK. act cool, caliborn... he leans on his arm while chewing on a piece of steak??? VERY COOL.-

[8:18:07 PM]  JAKE: This present chump before us is none other than caliborn! So he says his name is. -CROSSING ARMS over his apron-

JAKE: And hello dirk!

[8:20:54 PM] : DIRK: Hello Jake. You're really rocking that apron to-- -dirk focus.-

DIRK: Wait, you said Caliborn? -looks at him again, suspiciously.- For real?

CALIBORN: YES. IT IS I. IN MY TRuE FORM.

CALIBORN: WHICH IS TO SAY. THE FORM OF A MATuRE YOuNG ADuLT CHERuB. -casual flexing-

DIRK: ... Huh. -sips more-

[8:22:48 PM]  JAKE: - O___O If he had been drinking something, he surely would have spat it out.- Cherub????????????

[8:25:24 PM]  ARADIA: i know right? amazing!

[8:25:49 PM] : CALIBORN: YES. CHERuB!! -says it PROUDLY-

DIRK: I'll be damned. -stops to think about it. hmmm. more sipping.-

[8:26:43 PM]  JAKE: Like my dear old granny spent her lifetime searching??? And youre just fucking... walking about plain as the god forsaken daylight?????

[8:26:51 PM]  JAKE: You????????

[8:28:30 PM] : CALIBORN: WELL, WHAT ELSE DO YOu EXPECT ME TO DO?? STAY COOPED uP IN MY ROOM, LIKE MY PATHETIC SISTER? I THINK NOT.

DIRK: -strokes beard- Does... Eridan know about this?

CALIBORN: WHO?

[8:29:14 PM]  ARADIA: oh boy

[8:29:35 PM]  JAKE: -openly staring now, jaw ajar-

[8:30:12 PM]  TEREZI: -siiiip-

[8:31:36 PM] : DIRK: -turns to jake- So anyway, I was wondering if you were almost done with your shift.

CALIBORN: -VERY RUDE.-

[8:32:30 PM]  JAKE: ...Ahhhhhwhat now? -slowly comes to-

JAKE: I. Suppose i should be? -checks his watch dubiously-

[8:34:07 PM] : DIRK: Ok. Do you wanna hang out?

CALIBORN: uM. EXCuSE ME??

DIRK: -just stares at him-

[8:37:10 PM]  JAKE: I dont see why not! But really dirk. This cherub is kind of a big fucking deal!!! -GESTURES WILDLY AT the cherub in question.-

[8:37:45 PM]  JAKE: May i snap a picture of you mister caliborn?

[8:39:50 PM] : CALIBORN: -sparkles, lifting his head proudly- OH YES. GO RIGHT AHEAD. CAPTuRE MY ESSENCE IN PHOTOGRAPHY.

DIRK: Amazing.

[8:41:06 PM]  JAKE: :O

JAKE: -takes out his communication device and snaps a picture. This one is going right next to the second wonder of the modern world-- brain ghost dirk.-

[8:42:55 PM]  JAKE: Wowza what a handsome angle!

[8:45:37 PM] : CALIBORN: -smoothes his hand over his bald head.- WHY THANK YOu.

DIRK: Nice. So are we done here? -waving at aradia and terezi in the meantime-

[8:49:51 PM]  TEREZI: -return wave-

[8:50:49 PM]  JAKE: I... well shit! If this is an every day occurrence? -glancing between dirk and caliborn like ??? -

[8:55:08 PM] : DIRK: Well, this in particular is not an every day occurrence, but I'm kinda used to ridiculousness.

DIRK: Though we really should bring this up to Eridan later... Just in case. -waves a hand- But later. He might not even give a shit, anyway.

[8:57:10 PM | Edited 8:57:22 PM]  JAKE: It is a good idea. -nods in agreement and eyes the mess of meat in front of Caliborn- But ah... shouldnt i stay behind and clean up the mess?

JAKE: How dreadfully urgent is this proposition actually? -the hanging out one, he means-

[9:00:48 PM] : DIRK: ... I guess it's not that urgent.

CALIBORN: YES. CLEAN uP ALL OF THIS, MY HuMAN MINION SLAVE.

DIRK: -raises a brow-

[9:01:21 PM]  JAKE: -blinking- Whos the minion slave?

[9:02:27 PM] : CALIBORN: YOu ARE, OBVIOuSLY. -gestures at the apron as proof. DUH.-

[9:04:01 PM]  JAKE: -looks down at himself. Touche... He glances back up regardless- Well... either way! Interesting word choice!

JAKE: I shall return! -waddles off for the cleaning supplies in the kitchen-

[9:05:36 PM] : DIRK: ... -shifts from one foot to the other anxiously, shuffling over to the others while he waits.- Sup.

[9:19:10 PM]  JAKE: -returns with cleaning supplies on hand- ...

JAKE: Youre not quite done eating either are you? -to caliborn-

[9:21:31 PM] : CALIBORN: -chewing slowly now just to be a pain in the ass- NO. NO I AM NOT.

[9:22:50 PM]  JAKE: ... -DEEP SIGH-

JAKE: Say dirk? -turns to him- This may take a while.

[9:25:46 PM] : DIRK: -FROWNS-

CALIBORN: YES, DIRK. GuESS YOu WILL HAVE TO STICK AROuND. AND PERHAPS ENTERTAIN ME. TO GIVE YOuRSELF SOMETHING MEANINGFuL TO DO. -beams while chewing. its gross.-

DIRK: No thanks. I'll just meet you at your room in a bit, Jake. It's no problem. -waves over his shoulder as he turns away.-

CALIBORN: WHAT?? uGH! -well, then what's even the point? he scarfs down the rest of his meal.-

[9:27:16 PM]  JAKE: -glances between caliborn and dirk once again- So... youre friends with dstri as well?

[9:29:25 PM] : CALIBORN: WHAT?? ME AND DIRK FRIENDS?? NO, OF COuRSE NOT! FuCK THAT GuY. -licks away meat juices from his chin-

CALIBORN: BuT I WILL SAY. THAT I RESPECT HIM.

[9:30:53 PM]  JAKE: I will say i respect him too! -laughs, rather fascinated by his creepy tongue- Although i see no shame in admitting the brojovelty we share.

JAKE: Youre missing out!

[9:35:24 PM] : CALIBORN: ... -his cheeks are much rosier than they were a moment ago- I DISAGREE! HE'S THE ONE. WHO'S MISSING OuT. -stands up suddenly-

CALIBORN: I NEED TO RETuRN TO MY... MANCAVE. HAVE FuN. CLEANING uP AFTER ME.

[9:36:50 PM]  JAKE: I shall! -says with the cheeriest smile- :D

JAKE: Until next time our paths intercept calibrono!

[9:38:58 PM] : CALIBORN: -flips him off as he stomps away-

[9:39:54 PM]  JAKE: -just snorts a dorky LAUGH and gets to cleaning- Oh boy wait until my grandma hears about THIS.

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0260

[5:41:33 PM]  HANDMAID: -she is knitting under a table in the cafeteria. Why not? It's empty anyway. For now-

[6:05:01 PM]  GRANDPA: *Empty? Never. Well, for a moment it was empty but no longer. In walks rather elusive gentleman. He gets his tray and cheerily walks to a table and DROPS onto it rattling the tables very foundation*

[6:05:52 PM]  HANDMAID: AH!

[6:06:03 PM]  GRANDPA: AH!

[6:07:04 PM]  HANDMAID: AH!

[6:08:09 PM]  GRANDPA: *pistols* AH!...?

GRANDPA: Ah...?

GRANDPA: *leans back to look under the table* ....ahhhhh. HAW! *She got him good*

[6:08:42 PM]  HANDMAID: -freezes, squinting at him-

[6:11:34 PM]  GRANDPA: You got me good old girl!

GRANDPA: The ol under the table ambush, haw!

GRANDPA: It's been years since i've seen that one.

[6:12:00 PM]  HANDMAID: not old. you old.

[6:12:34 PM]  GRANDPA: Like a fox!

[6:12:53 PM]  HANDMAID: fox?

[6:13:07 PM]  DIRK: -yeah definitely a grey fox amirite-

[6:13:33 PM] Vanny:  -that's silver fox, boss-

[6:14:00 PM]  DIRK: -shit muse's mgs fanaticism is showing again-

[6:16:41 PM]  GRANDPA: Yes ma'am a fox.

GRANDPA: Mischievious devils they are.

GRANDPA: I can see where the many lores of them being demons come from though i've only ever wrestled three of them... *strokes his chin* perhaps the others are the same things but cultures have their own little twists!

GRANDPA: A bit of a talltale passed through generations and exagerrated more and more eh? *Handmaid do you want to hear about his many adventures wrestling foxes? He's going to lean back and tell her all of these*

[6:17:42 PM]  HANDMAID: ...what? -she didn't catch any of that-

[6:22:53 PM]  GRANDPA: That IS the question isn't it?

GRANDPA: You know one of my theories had been about how darn coincidental some plants crytozoology is!

GRANDPA: This is actually,- oh hang on a moment miss. *gets up and grabs his tray to scoot under the table with her*

GRANDPA: *removes hat*

GRANDPA: Alright then, there was actually a species some several hundred centuries ago, they had quite interesting but archaic space travel and some historians think that they had a fallout on their own planet

GRANDPA: Or perhaps some massive threat that caused them all to vacate and flee to different cosmos and galaxies.

GRANDPA: Nonetheless- *stirs his soup and starts to talk her ear off about ancient history*

[6:24:13 PM]  HANDMAID: -she doesn't like this at all.- NO STOP.

[6:24:46 PM]  GRANDPA: *Pauses stirring* ....well, i suppose they are controversial ideas.

[6:25:24 PM]  HANDMAID: ... -stares at him still from under the table.- talk much. stop talk much.

[6:27:02 PM]  GRANDPA: *But he's under the table too. Hello ma'am*

GRANDPA: Oh! HAW, not a fan of the cryptics i see!

GRANDPA: That's fine too, not all subjects are everyone's cup of beverage!

[6:28:41 PM]  HANDMAID: -pauses for a few moments.- hello. my name is damara.

[6:31:06 PM]  GRANDPA: *Offers his hand and smiles* My name is jamison h. harley.

GRANDPA: It's very nice to meet you miss damara!

[6:31:35 PM]  HANDMAID: -touches his hand- please short.

[6:33:09 PM]  HAND: *Is touch*

GRANDPA: Short? As in a nickname?

GRANDPA: Golly, i haven't had a nickname in years.

GRANDPA: I supposed you could call me hass that's considerably shorter than my first name and i think it sounds pretty cool!

[6:34:55 PM]  HANDMAID: hass. better.

[6:38:02 PM]  GRANDPA: *Goes ahead and starts to eat now that that's settled and looks over her knitting, obviously curious*

GRANDPA: *Smiles and points* Oh-ho i see, you call me old while you knit away!

GRANDPA: What is it you're working on miss damara? *chew chew chew*

[6:40:47 PM]  HANDMAID: -lifts up a mid job firefly blanket- firefly blanket.

[6:54:15 PM]  GRANDPA: A blanket it is.

GRANDPA: Knitting isn't an art you often see nowadays

GRANDPA: More convenient than it's old weaving counterpart but certainly an art once thought to be dying what with all technological advances.

GRANDPA: Some old fuddies were very worried handcraftsmanship would soon disappear especially with the invention of the alchemiter and it's many variations thereafter the originals invention. *More facts*

[6:54:55 PM]  HANDMAID: not make sense.

[6:57:27 PM]  GRANDPA: That's how i feel!

GRANDPA: It's the same everytime new things are invented.

GRANDPA: Science is bad and destroying culture, FAH.

GRANDPA: People have enough to fear i say! One time i mailed one such fear to an old critic of mine!

GRANDPA: That ceased his senseless knitpicking i should say! *scarfs down more food*

[7:05:15 PM]  HANDMAID: who fear what?

[7:08:54 PM]  GRANDPA: Well specifically i sent him the fabled squid goblin. *says ominously*

[7:10:02 PM]  HANDMAID: squid goblin. what?

[7:13:41 PM]  GRANDPA: Oh yes! The squid goblin.

GRANDPA: It was a popular tale from his area, local mythical beasts of legend and fable.

GRANDPA: They were said to be angry spirits from the depths of seas that possessed children, though their anatomical structure doesn't seem to backup the origin tale.

GRANDPA: They're more..... rodenty. Which is odd given the name but people aren't always so creative!

[7:15:57 PM]  HANDMAID: -she continues knitting, listening but not really absorbing anything-