#a.telepher

Beneath them, at the bottom of the outcrop and unheard amongst the commotion above, the bear gives a long and low yawn, before finally turning and padding away.*

[20:20:24] * D_N squints in the late morning light as he takes apart the makeshift tent. It had held up for a couple of nights now with no problems so he had no worries about it holding up for the rest of the journey. The tarpaulin had been a good find by the Detective [20:24:45] * D_N had always thought himself to be pretty decent at On Site Procurement of materials, but he had been surprised when his own cache of supplies, mostly trail rations and been outshone, by Adrian's collection from the 'Free Public Access' stocks set up by Kaja, Crez, and Lorelei, plus some rope from the Motel and the tarpaulin sheets from some buildings just past the Pasture [20:28:47] * It had been slow and meandering progress the past two days. Their initial route to the coast required a detour. The waterways around Katton were displaying varying degrees of the weird purple stuff D_N had seen in the garden, and they had agreed to take as wide a berth of the 'tainted' banks as possible which took them slightly off course. As they ranged further from the village the amount of small dead critters dropped off dramatically, and after the first night's camp they had not seen a single sickly squirrel, crow, or mouse, and had headed towards the coast, through the forests and wetlands [20:34:15] * D_N looked down the slope to where Adrian was standing, in the area D_N himself had suggested they set up the tent. It had become waterlogged overnight. [20:35:05] [D_N] Good call on setting up camp up here, Ade! [20:35:31] * Adrian looks up at D_N [20:35:38] * D_N wrapped the sticks he had found in the shed and secured it with the ropes and looped them over his back before hopping down [20:36:31] [Adrian] Hm, oh yes, the water- good call indeed, I guess. We'd be soaked by now if we'd camped there... [20:37:06] [D_N] You've got good eyes, once you know what to look for. [20:38:02] [Adrian] I suppose I do. Old skills rubbing off I suppose. What do the rest of the surroundings look like? [20:40:25] [D_N] Well, we definitely have 'Eyes On' for the coast from the top of that hill over there [20:40:55] [D_N] I think we are mostly clear of the wetlands now too [20:41:29] [D_N] I'll be damned if I have to make another hopscotch crossing on stones again, I'm a climber, not a jumper [20:43:07] [Adrian] Heh, well, I suppose we can continue down this direction then. Stick to the coast and continue down along it. [20:44:20] [D_N] Mmm, there's a few larger rock formations that way too [20:44:24] [Adrian] Just see that you don't step into one of those areas of.. waterlogged sand, quicksand, whatever it is. [20:45:21] [Adrian] Having had to pull you out of ONE murky depth is good enough. Remember, that murky pond? [20:45:36] * D_N Laughs [20:47:28] * Adrian grins as well [20:47:35] [D_N] heh yeah. I tell ya man, I coulda sworn in the dark that bunch of mushrooms and pinecones was a snake or something, caught me by surprise [20:47:35] [Adrian] See, that's what I mean [20:50:41] [D_N] Good to have ya as backup on this one, anyway buddy [20:50:47] * D_N claps Adrian on the back [20:52:30] [Adrian] Right back at you. I'm no survival expert and without your help I'd have choked on this or that poison berry sooner or later... [20:54:03] [Adrian] It's odd really. All these animals dying, the whole other coastline being devoid of life [20:54:24] [Adrian] Lately things have been very strange. [20:54:39] [D_N] Yeah, that Cherry Town was nice, but there was something.. weird going on there [20:54:55] [D_N] Got the hackles on my neck up like the night before a Purge [20:55:26] * Adrian keeps walking, talking rather to himself than to D_N for a moment [20:56:04] [Adrian] Angels.. Death in person, or whoever that was.. Animals dying out... [20:57:10] [Adrian] If I was superstitious it'd almost feel like Omens of some sort of day of reckoning... [20:57:30] [Adrian] Hell, I don't even know if I AM superstitious these days. [20:58:33] [Adrian] Adrian, ever since you left your home things have just gotten stranger and stranger... [20:58:48] * Adrian turns back at D_N, snapping out of his musings [20:59:03] [Adrian] Ah, something that I meant to say- [20:59:25] * D_N falls into step and the two walk together as they talk [20:59:43] [Adrian] When we passed by those wetlands we've in fact lost quite a lot of supplies to those moors [20:59:58] [Adrian] We should look out for edible things to bring along... [21:00:55] [D_N] Good call. I'll keep an eye out for any fruits or berries, and we have probably gotten far enough away that we could try any animals we come across. Ya know, rabbits and that [21:02:08] [D_N] I heard some noises in the night when I was at watch, am pretty sure there are things about here [21:03:09] [Adrian] I wouldn't be surprised... [21:06:51] [Adrian] Hergh, this is sort of reminding me of that horrid hike I had to take a while ago... [21:07:11] [Adrian] Escaped from the State facility around here, you see [21:07:34] [Adrian] As I said, the inhabitants were starting to get... a little wild. [21:08:51] * D_N mimes putting his hands over his ears while smiling widely in a mock 'Hear No Evil' manner [21:10:01] [D_N] Careful how ya say that about I hear they got agents Everywhere nowadays [21:11:09] [Adrian] Hmpfh, I can hardly see that bunch having any agents in this wilderness [21:11:50] [Adrian] Scared of everything that's outside their Silo doorlock, most of them [21:12:58] [Adrian] There were two though, who were just a bit different [21:13:29] [Adrian] more.. normal, I suppose. One of them had this big mustache, and the other was... [21:13:43] [Adrian] well, exceptionally- verdant, let's say. [21:14:09] [Adrian] Odd places... [21:15:13] * D_N looks wistful [21:15:27] [D_N] Heh, yeah some weird folks about these parts for sure [21:15:33] * D_N pauses [21:16:26] [D_N] Ya know, I never said but when we were scrounging up supplies I saw that person with the scythe again, just briefly like. [21:17:47] [D_N] They pointed me towards that place they mentioned 'in case I needed it', and were gone before I knew it. [21:18:36] * D_N absent-mindedly rubs his stomach and takes a swig from the potion before eyeing the swirling liquid inside now just over half full [21:21:34] [Adrian] Yes.. you have been carrying that odd potion around haven't you? If I might ask- what exactly.. is it? [21:22:18] * D_N puts the potion back in his side pouch, nervously [21:22:41] [D_N] Yeah.. it's a medicine I guess. I got kinda... sick on my travels here [21:22:58] [D_N] I don't really like thinkin' about it [21:23:41] * D_N quickens his pace [21:23:57] [Adrian] If it's running out, you SHOULD think about it.. well, I mean of course, about replenishing it. [21:24:18] * D_N halts suddenly and holds up his hand [21:25:24] * D_N shushes Telepher as he tries to protest while going into a crouch and heading towards a scrub patch inland [21:25:56] * D_N talks now in a whisper [21:26:12] [D_N] No time to worry about that... I think I hear something [21:26:26] * Adrian whispers back [21:26:39] [Adrian] Yes, you're right [21:27:03] * Adrian listens intensely and suddenly makes a face of fright [21:27:11] [Adrian] Is that... [21:27:16] [Adrian] a Bear? [21:27:23] * D_N peers out from the bush they are perched towards a open field like area sloping out away from them [21:28:10] * Emerging from the woodland on the other side of the clearing is, in fact, a bear. A Largeish brown one to be precise [21:29:19] [Adrian] I don't think it has seen us.. we should back away slowly... [21:29:41] * D_N pauses, contemplating [21:29:47] [D_N] ..Nah Man [21:30:12] [D_N] I think we can take it. [21:31:03] * Adrian frowns in horror and confusion at his companion [21:31:34] * D_N glances back, his gaze now steely. This is a problem he can actually handle physically [21:31:43] [D_N] We can do it, man. [21:32:00] [D_N] We need food, and there's a lot of meat on that thing... [21:32:40] * D_N claps Adrian on the shoulder [21:32:49] [D_N] We can do it. [21:32:53] [D_N] We can be heroes [21:32:58] [D_N] We can Eat That Bear

[20:16:03] * The sound of flesh on fabric is almost inaudible against the drip of the recently shut off shower as Adrian smooths his lapels and re-dons his suit jacket. Normally he would dress in the room proper, but it seemed somewhat... improper since his bed had been left housing a passed out and snoring man he had found in the woods [20:20:16] * Shaking his head at the absurdity of it when looked at cleanly like that, Adrian leaves the steam filled bathroom hoping it hadn't soaked the fabric of his suit too much. It had been a busy day and he was thinking much more clearly after a shower, hoping the nap would have aided his new... associate in a similar manner, as the walk back to his Hotel room in Katton had not been exactly fruitful in terms of conversation. The man, D_N, had seemed pretty distracted, quite out of it for the most part in fact... [20:23:33] * Adrian pauses as he enters the room to find the man no longer asleep but crouching beneath the window, eyes twitching furtively and holding the small bedside mirror over his head, angled as if to view out of the window without being seen himself* [20:26:23] <Adrian> Is there...a problem, D_N? [20:26:52] * Adrian looks at the window. [20:27:31] * D_N flicks his gaze away from the mirror towards Adrian then back again [20:28:00] <Adrian> I rally don't think there's anyone in this place you need to worry about [20:28:40] <D_N> So you say man, it's just... [20:28:54] <D_N> Damn, walked right in here without even thinking about it [20:29:27] <D_N> Came on me right as I was falling asleep, my head must be full of cotton wool from being in that damn other place [20:29:41] * D_N casts a suspicious glance at Adrian [20:30:43] * Adrian raises an eyebrow [20:30:49] <Adrian> Other place? [20:31:28] <D_N> Yeah, where I was before ya found me it's.... [20:31:31] * D_N sighs [20:32:12] <D_N> I can't even explain it. There was this Cathedral, and the whole place was just... sucking the life outta me a know? [20:32:31] * D_N pauses [20:32:37] <D_N> Nah of course ya don't know [20:33:34] <D_N> I prolly wouldn't believe it either [20:33:45] * Adrian sniggers [20:34:06] <Adrian> Really D_N, these days, I'm prepared to believe anything... [20:34:43] <Adrian> And this.. cathedral- is it somewhere close to here? [20:34:57] * D_N shakes his head [20:35:22] <D_N> I got no idea man, you'd know it if ya saw it [20:36:20] <D_N> anyway, that's the second time ya talked about unbelievable stuff [20:36:44] <D_N> My heads still a little fuzzy but you said something about the one running this place [20:37:41] * D_N flashes a look of concern [20:38:00] <D_N> Major was it? Or ... Mayor... my hearing ain’t so good sometimes [20:39:40] <D_N> Hopefully not a Major, I got no idea if this place is somewhere we are actively at war with or not. [20:39:59] <D_N> Rookie error. Stupid [20:40:38] * D_N punches himself slightly [20:41:07] <Adrian> Ha ha, oh, no, I don't think you are. At least, I'm quite sure the State isn't at war with HEAVEN yet... [20:42:28] <Adrian> Ha ahah ha... [20:42:56] * Adrian's laughter trails off as he realises D_N isn't even cracking a smile... [20:43:04] <Adrian> Er, right [20:43:15] * D_N looks to be in deep contemplation [20:43:21] <D_N> ... [20:43:46] <D_N> I'm pretty sure the boss woulda mentioned something like that to me. We should be clear. [20:44:28] * D_N places the mirror on the floor and flops into a seated position on the floor [20:46:57] <Adrian> Say.. what's with the mirrors and such- I've said, this place is really about the least dangerous place one could find themself in. [20:48:50] * Adrian pauses for a moment, his eyes drifting over the military vest with 'A25' stenciled on it. [20:49:48] <Adrian> You're from the army, aren't you? Well. I suppose the army of the State might indeed explain this... [20:49:55] <Adrian> paranoia [20:50:20] <D_N> Heh. Good catch. [20:50:41] <D_N> Well, almost. Used to be. [20:51:12] <D_N> Was a Private in the Ostrander division, Grenadier in fact. That was a pretty long time ago though [20:52:35] <D_N> Got pulled out into bodyguard duty by this guy cuz he was impressed about how my last posting went down. Then... well a buncha stuff happened and I ended up working for the boss [20:54:14] <Adrian> I though you were rather unfond of your position in the State- how come then, that you still find yourself voluntarily doing work for one of their officials.. or at least, whoever "the boss" is [20:57:32] <D_N> Heh, yeah fair point. I guess the State has more than it's fair share of assholes [21:02:59] <D_N> That bleach loving beefcake in particular, plus those 'white triangle' clowns who kept trying to jump me, but... It's still where I'm from ya know. [21:04:20] * D_N pauses [21:04:34] <D_N> Well, not The City, I'm a Crag boy through and through but.... [21:04:43] * D_N pauses again [21:05:20] <D_N> It's like, working for the boss... she actually gave me a choice ya know? [21:05:42] <D_N> Didn't have to take it, and she helped me out of a bind... [21:05:45] <D_N> I... [21:05:52] * D_N balls his fists [21:07:22] <D_N> Damn I just feel like I messed up getting split up from em like that [21:07:46] <D_N> Dunno what I coulda done different tho... [21:08:15] <D_N> Maybe kicked that smug City Boy off a cliff first time I saw him but... [21:08:34] * D_N sighs and looks wistful [21:08:41] <D_N> He was supposed ta be... [21:08:46] * D_N shakes his head [21:12:00] <Adrian> I see. Well, you sure seem to think highly of them. I suppose it's.. reassuring that there are still some people in that wretched place worthy of respect.. although, I might not be the best judge of that... [21:14:54] <Adrian> It's not as if I've always been the most respectable of people, I suppose. [21:15:48] <Adrian> I'm sorry, you were- still saying something? [21:17:49] * D_N sighs, long and low through his teeth [21:18:44] <D_N> Yeah just.. thinkin'... [21:18:47] * D_N scoffs [21:18:52] <D_N> Not my strong suit [21:19:13] <D_N> You are right about Morrigan though. 'The Boss' I mean. [21:21:14] <D_N> She was awesome, 'worthy of respect' doesn't even cover it, she even got me learning my letters right, me of all people! [21:22:00] * D_N stands up and adopts a stiff pose, arms half crossed in front of him with one angled to his mouth as if smoking an imaginary cigarette. When he speaks next his voice has been pitched higher and more monotonous as he does some kind of impression [21:23:45] <D_N> 'I will not have in my employ, someone who cannot read my instructions .To the letter Private. To The Letter' [21:24:33] * D_N sags again into what seems to be a more natural pose [21:25:16] <D_N> Fun times. They even forgave me after I screwed up that job badly early on [21:25:50] <D_N> Seemed to like it that I took my lumps and came back without grumbling. [21:26:04] * D_N absentmindedly rubs his stomach and smiles [21:26:10] <D_N> Like I said, fun times [21:27:10] * Adrian listens intensely, letting D_N talk on about his past. [21:27:32] <Adrian> I see. And what- sort of work is it that you did, then? [21:28:16] <D_N> Hmm? all kindsa stuff really, at first it was just simple stuff, deliveries and retrievals, that kinda stuff. Then I kinda... proved myself I guess? Boss was always one of them 'Harsh but Fair' types ya know? After that I got officially made her guard. Went along to some fancy shendigs but it wasn't really my scene. I preferred the stuff where I got to travel. Little bit of recon. Buncha wetwork. Most of the time I was just sittin in the corridor outside her office makin' sure nobody bothered her. [21:36:06] <Adrian> Heh. I could have done with someone like that back in the day... [21:36:10] <Adrian> Oh well. [21:36:25] <D_N> What about you? I figured ya for a civvie at first but you don't seem to have the regulation stick up your ass. [21:38:32] <Adrian> Civvie- Civillian you mean? Well, no, I'm- not really a part of the State.. even though I might have claimed otherwise at a time, for.. certain reasons [21:40:19] <Adrian> I'm from outside the State- a city-state not too far from its borders [21:40:35] <Adrian> St. Celine, it's called, but I doubt you've ever heard the name... [21:42:11] * D_N shrugs [21:42:45] <D_N> Lotta borders man [21:43:33] <Adrian> I do suppose. [21:47:39] <Adrian> I did detective work back then- Quite high-end, even, but.. my career did run across some.. complications, later on. [21:49:44] * D_N is staring at Adrian with wide eyes [21:49:51] <D_N> You were.... a detective? [21:50:11] <Adrian> Ah- yes, that's what I did say [21:50:22] * D_N grins widely [21:50:33] * D_N jumps to his feet [21:50:54] <D_N> A real detective! Like Zeus Mercury! [21:51:17] * Adrian frowns in confusion. [21:51:24] <Adrian> Zeus.. mercury? [21:52:36] <D_N> Yeah Man! Zeus Mercury: State Investigator! He's the smooth cat in the hat who has Mother's back! [21:53:02] <D_N> You never saw that show? I woulda thought it was part of... like.. detective school or something [21:53:33] <Adrian> I-er, I did say, I'm not from the State. [21:53:37] * D_N is gesturing enthusiastically while he talks [21:53:54] <D_N> Well... yeah I guess that makes sense [21:54:54] <D_N> It was this old film series from the golden age, got canned before the last episode came out though. I managed to find a copy of the missing final episode though cuz Ces... [21:55:26] * D_N pauses and shakes his head [21:55:37] <D_N> ... anyway ... [21:55:42] * D_N looks at Adrian again [21:55:49] <D_N> Did you have an office? [21:56:20] <Adrian> Er. Yes, I did have one. [21:56:26] <D_N> Eeee! [21:56:40] * Adrian stares at D_N amusedly. [21:56:42] <D_N> How about a Gun? Or a Whiskey? [21:57:55] <D_N> You smoke too right? [21:57:59] <Adrian> I- Yes, I did have a gun, but I hardly ever used it. Not in the field a lot, you see, and when I was feeling- festive- I suppose there was whiskey as well, at times. [21:59:10] <Adrian> Smoking? I ah, usually didn't, although I've certainly been offered cigars from time to time.. But I'm afraid those things are.. bygones, of a more.. suited life [22:00:12] * D_N nods enthusiastically and steps closer, still grinning [22:00:48] <D_N> and...I always wondered this, how many cases did you have that were from Dames compared to Not Dames? [22:01:34] <D_N> Like cuz it seemed like Zeus had a lot from like, only a coupla Dames [22:03:28] <Adrian> Err- No, I'm afraid there weren't a lot of dames involved- I used to work for the super-intendant who was very much not a dame. Vanduke was his name. Not always very nice in conversation. [22:05:55] <Adrian> But that's all really just relics of the past. What's a very pressing matter in the present though.. [22:06:25] * Adrian sniffs the air, as D_N is stood uncomfortably close to him. [22:06:34] <Adrian> Is that you might want to use the shower. [22:07:04] * D_N steps back and sniffs himself [22:07:30] <D_N> Nah man, thanks for the offer but I'm still good for another coupla days I think [22:08:37] * Adrian opens his mouth to say something, but closes it again [22:08:50] <Adrian> There's- really no way to put this nicely. [22:10:15] <Adrian> Shower. You smell like things that died. A LOT of them, at once. Please. [22:11:01] <D_N> Ah.. yeah... right [22:11:06] * D_N looks slightly hurt but shuffles off toward the bathroom [22:11:30] * D_N mumbling under his breath [22:11:41] <D_N> Might have spoken too soon about the stick...

[11:25:46] * Adrian Telepher and Egg stroll towards the town hall, as a breeze rustles through the pink leaves of the cherry trees, on their way to meet Katton's mayor. With his old pinstripe in tatters after his journey through the Woods, Telepher is wearing a gray suit with a hint of blue, and a teal-coloured tie. As they walk he looks around, still slightly amazed by the contrast of Katton in relation to his previous stay. [11:26:41] <Adrian Telepher> I didn't ask earlier, but who is the mayor here, precisely? I'm curious, who'd run a little town here, seemingly without any settlements closeby. [11:27:28] <Egg> Um. The mayor would. [11:27:40] <Egg> She's called Kaja b-but I think I already mentioned that. [11:28:07] * Adrian Telepher frowns [11:28:40] <Adrian Telepher> Kaja...yes, I think you did say that. Not a name I've ever heard before, I must say. Perhaps that's why I forgot. [11:29:46] <Adrian Telepher> What is she like, running this town? Do you meet her often? [11:31:02] <Egg> She's, she's been away a lot recently... but yes, I g-guess so! I think she's very fair. [11:32:24] <Adrian Telepher> Fair? Heh. *to himself* I could maybe learn a thing or two then... [11:32:40] * Adrian Telepher looks around [11:33:11] <Adrian Telepher> Is the town hall still far? [11:33:55] * Egg points to the large building just across the water [11:34:07] <Egg> That's it. Sh-she should be nearby, I, um, I think. [11:34:47] * On the bridge behind the town hall they can see someone purple nearly running along with something in their arms* [11:37:43] <Adrian Telepher> Did something move back there? Maybe we're just in time to meet this mayor Kaja. [11:38:15] * Adrian Telepher and Egg continue towards the Town Hall [11:42:21] * As they get to the doors of the hall, Kaja opens them and ducks out, a short stack of books in her arms. She stops short to avoid running into them* Ah, Egg! And..? *she looks the fellow standing next to Egg up and down* Nice suit. [11:42:42] <Egg> Hi Kaja! [11:42:59] * Adrian Telepher looks at the winged woman suddenly standing before him, unmoving [11:43:44] * Adrian Telepher bows his head, as if suddenly pondering something [11:43:51] <Adrian Telepher> Right. [11:44:11] <Adrian Telepher> The mayor is- has large, purple wings. [11:45:17] <Adrian Telepher> The mayor of fairy tale town in the middle of a forest...is an angel. Of course... [11:45:26] * Adrian Telepher turns up his head again [11:46:22] <Adrian Telepher> In any case. I, ah, I am Adrian Telepher. Pleased to meet you. [11:46:53] * Kaja grins and ruffles her wings* Welcome to Katton, Adrian. [11:47:22] <Egg> I sort of knew Mister Telepher, but, um, his counterpart. Where I'm from. And he knew mine here, s-sort of. [11:48:28] <Adrian Telepher> Yes, I've- run into someone very similar to Egg here in my past. And she herself has tried to explain something to me about counterparts and alternate realities, or something of the likes [11:50:11] <Kaja> Oh! Oh neat, I should mark that down somewhere, though I'd have to find that notebook, it's been ages.. *she looks across the water to her house and squints a little bit* But technically yes, most of the people in this town aren't from this world but one very similar. [11:51:49] * Adrian Telepher looks at the books and back at Kaja with a look undecided between confusion and skepticism. [11:52:13] <Adrian Telepher> Another world? [11:53:26] <Adrian Telepher> Now, you stand before me, Mayor, as proof that some things I may not have deemed possible in the past do in fact seem to exist...but excuse me if I find other worlds hard to believe... [11:55:08] <Kaja> Oh, it's quite alright. Some worlds find the multiple realities thing more disconcerting than most. I could go into it in depth with you at some point, but I also think I might have almost figured out something to help Blue. [11:58:04] <Adrian Telepher> Blue? frowns You're helping a colour. Ah, forget it, I won't ask. Say that this multiple realities thing, or whichever odd fantasy it is that you tell me to be reality, is indeed true. Does that explain your- unorthodox appearance in any way? [11:58:28] * Adrian Telepher awkwardly mimics wings with his arms as he says 'unorthodox' [11:59:52] * Kaja snorts* No, she's.. hah. I am from another world, yes, but I'm not from one like this one. And yes, before you ask, there were other angels there. [12:02:57] <Adrian Telepher> So you are some kind of angel then. Well. From a mouldy, concrete cavern to a fantasy town ruled by an angel. At least my current stay seems a lot more accommodating. Why are you in this world then, Angelic Mayor? On some quest of deliverance from evil? *he chuckles* [12:03:28] <Egg> Actually... even I'm n-not too sure about that. So. Um. It's a good question. [12:05:53] * Kaja laughs quietly* I would hesitate to say ruled by, more gently lead. And as for why I'm here... a little bit of exploration, a little bit a feeling of injustice where we used to be... and certainly here as well, though this was mostly unintentional on our end. [12:06:33] <Egg> The last settlement got nuked... [12:06:55] <Kaja> That, and the whole.. Needle thing. I'm still not sure what that all was about. [12:07:27] <Egg> Well, Mister Telepher came from the Silo. I'm, I'm sure he's met A_J... and knows what she's like... [12:09:59] <Adrian Telepher> Nuked? Are you telling me those Wards had nuclear weapons in their facility down there once? Heh...at least I arrived after that time I suppose. But what they do have in that bunker is nearly as unsettling, to be fair. [12:11:26] <Kaja> I think they were situated elsewhere, but, mmm. What do they have down there currently, then? [12:13:08] <Adrian Telepher> Well, that infernal gateway device, no? Egg here seemed to know what it was when I talked to her. A Void Gate. And if I'm to believe what I've heard, it might even be more than one. But I've seen the one thing and that's enough by far. [12:14:38] <Egg> I did see that she was w-working on something when I've talked to her before. Though obviously I've, um, not been to the Silo for a while... [12:16:10] * Kaja frowns* Nor have I. It's been quiet recently, and I haven't really the mind to go and stir it up again. [12:17:01] <Adrian Telepher> Heh. Well, Mayor, I've been there and it's far from quiet between those sullen gray walls [12:19:06] <Kaja> I could hardly imagine any of the residents I know to be there actually being loud and boisterous, but I'll take your word for it. [12:20:05] <Adrian Telepher> Well, not literally loud per se, however there have been some unpleasantries going, causing not little mayhem [12:22:38] <Adrian Telepher> But let's not dwell on that place. I haven't thanked you yet for the fact that I've been able to stay in your town- so hereby, my gratitude, and a request to stay a little longer, as I don't really have a clue as to where I'd otherwise be going... [12:24:29] <Kaja> Ah, you're welcome to stay here as long as you like! *she grins* Whether that's to figure out where you're going or to settle here, that's fine. [12:25:31] * Adrian Telepher grins* Thank you for that. [12:26:43] <Adrian Telepher> I'll remain where I am, at the hotel I've been staying in. It's in fact remarkably comfortable. Perhaps Egg here, or anyone who can spare the time, can try to explain this alternate world enigma to me [12:27:20] <Adrian Telepher> In the meantime, again, your hospitality is very much appreciated. [12:27:42] * Adrian Telepher extends his hand to shake Kaja's [12:29:34] * Kaja claps hands with him and shakes his firmly* I'm sure she'll be able to answer your questions. I'm sorry I can't assist in that, but we might just have this figured out.

[16:15:49] * Egg is wandering through the cherry blossom woods on a familiar route, enjoying the warm weather [16:16:34] * Egg has her enchanted bow in one hand, and upon hearing the snap of a twig grips it tighter [16:18:57] * Adrian Telepher stumbles through the bushes, lowly muttering and cursing to himself [16:21:16] * Egg identifies the noise to be of human origin, and proceeds towards the source cautiously [16:22:25] <Egg> Hello? [16:23:15] * Adrian Telepher pushes aside a bush and -half stepping, half falling- emerges into the open [16:23:37] <Adrian Telepher> Aha! Finally another human being in these forsaken wilds! [16:24:00] <Egg> Oh, um, hello - M-Mister Telepher?! [16:24:24] * Adrian Telepher jerks his head upwards, looking at Egg directly [16:24:39] <Adrian Telepher> YOU?! [16:25:58] * Adrian Telepher stares in rage and disbelief, and suddenly laughs with a humourless tone [16:26:38] <Adrian Telepher> Hah! What an irony! I- I must be hallucinating from this terrible journey through the forest [16:27:19] <Adrian Telepher> And who do I see, having ran so far to escape? The very person who- who CAUSED it ALL! [16:28:31] * Adrian Telepher narrows his eyes at the figure in front of him [16:28:57] * Egg shrinks back [16:29:35] <Adrian Telepher> But, wait- no, no, it's not her at all! The other one was broader, sturdier- [16:29:50] <Adrian Telepher> But how could you look so alike? [16:31:04] <Adrian Telepher> This must be some sort of badly humoured coincidence- Ugh, I don't even know... [16:32:12] * Egg looks nervously at him, too stunned to speak, before her eyes settle on his metal fingers [16:32:33] <Egg> You... you know m-my counterpart. [16:32:58] <Egg> I think. You, you are Mister Telepher, aren't you? [16:33:52] * Adrian Telepher studies the person in front of him [16:34:02] <Adrian Telepher> Yes, yes I am... but how do you know? [16:34:25] <Adrian Telepher> Do you have a twin sister, girl? One who lives a long way from here? [16:34:37] <Adrian Telepher> But that'd be ridiculous... [16:35:27] <Egg> It'd m-make more sense than the, um, the actual explanation. [16:36:28] * Adrian Telepher brushes dirt off his jacket- not that it helps, as his attire is in extremely dilapidated [16:36:39] <Adrian Telepher> How do you mean, actual [16:37:51] <Egg> It's... complicated. I'm from a d-different world. You had a counterpart there, too. [16:38:03] <Egg> Only he, he had all of his fingers... [16:38:57] * Adrian Telepher wrings his hand around his metal fingers, and looks confusedly at Egg, his hair in a mess [16:39:30] <Adrian Telepher> A different world? What are you TALKING about? [16:40:12] <Egg> I told you. Um, do you know anything about th-the Void...? [16:40:39] <Egg> It's how we got here. [16:40:48] <Adrian Telepher> The- the Void? [16:44:03] <Adrian Telepher> Yes- I think I know something about that [16:44:21] <Adrian Telepher> Black abyss, yes? [16:44:36] * Egg nods [16:44:50] <Egg> Me and, and some others fell through it and ended up here [16:44:57] <Adrian Telepher> Where- where I was before I came here, there was a machine [16:45:13] <Adrian Telepher> A gateway, of some kind [16:45:39] <Egg> Did you come from the Silo?! [16:45:57] <Adrian Telepher> Yes. Yes, that's where I was- [16:46:06] * Adrian Telepher's thoughts race [16:46:17] <Adrian Telepher> -where I was imprisoned [16:47:46] * Egg eases a little [16:48:06] <Egg> I was a p-prisoner there once, too. [16:48:08] <Adrian Telepher> They had a Void gate there, that's what they called it [16:48:37] <Adrian Telepher> I think it may have even been more than one [16:48:43] <Adrian Telepher> But I'm not sure [16:49:05] <Adrian Telepher> My- my thoughts are quite in disarray [16:49:26] * Adrian Telepher shakes his head, as if shaking off his confusion [16:49:56] <Egg> Oh! Y-yes, of course. You should come into Katton. [16:50:13] <Adrian Telepher> ...Katton? [16:50:37] <Egg> It's where I, where I live. It's only a few minutes away. [16:53:13] <Adrian Telepher> Very well...do you live here in this forest? Katton, is that a kind of tree hut? [16:53:59] <Egg> We p-planted the forest around us! We live on, um, river islands. It's nice here. [16:54:15] * Adrian Telepher looks around [16:54:18] <Adrian Telepher> WE? [16:54:59] <Egg> Some other people live here. M-my friends, and the mayor, and Lorelei and Crez... [16:55:25] <Adrian Telepher> In these wilds? Hah, what, is there an entire village hidden under a bush here?! [16:56:04] <Egg> I can show you, it's j-just over to the south. [16:56:27] * Adrian Telepher barks with laughter, in disbelief [16:56:29] <Egg> If you've escaped from the Silo then I'm sure the, um, mayor would let you stay here a while. [16:57:43] <Adrian Telepher> Well what do you know...well, fine then- take me to this mayor of yours, girl [16:58:28] <Egg> Well, I d-don't know if she's around right now but, um, this way... [16:59:02] * Egg gestures towards the south west, taking a few steps [16:59:39] * Adrian Telepher joins Egg as they walk in the direction of Katton, dragging himself along in his weary suit

[13:29:54] * Breyos and Telepher walk through the barley field. The Silo is still within spitting distance. They leave the electric fences behind as they follow the path towards the forest. [13:31:53] * Breyos halts slowly once they reach the edge of the field. [13:32:23] * He turns to Telepher who seems ready for his departure.- [13:33:42] <Breyos> I almost forgot how pleasant being outside could be... when you're followed by a 'certain' company. [13:36:45] * Breyos inhales briefly. He looks ahead at the large patch of burned forest close to R_V's 'grave'. [13:37:29] <Breyos> Your road ahead does not strike me as the most pleasant, Mr. Telepher. [13:38:21] * Adrian Telepher notices the charred trees as well, following Breyos' gaze. He sighs. [13:38:31] <Adrian Telepher> Perhaps not [13:39:10] <Breyos> But I suppose there is no alternative for you. Not now that you've made up your mind... [13:40:09] <Adrian Telepher> No, there is not I'd think. But to be fair, I doubt it'd be less pleasant that what this concrete jail could still offer me. [13:41:27] * Breyos turns to him again. [13:41:36] <Adrian Telepher> I came here running from my old past, Mr. Vesalius. Now I find myself running again. [13:42:16] <Adrian Telepher> Hopefully wherever I go from here won't need me to run from it. [13:42:21] <Breyos> Your previous escape attempt was not exactly worth being called a prison break. [13:42:32] * Breyos chuckles faintly. [13:42:43] <Adrian Telepher> Heh... No, you are right [13:43:14] <Breyos> R_V is a precarious man. [13:44:15] * Adrian Telepher rubs the back of his head* So I've noticed. [13:44:41] <Breyos> To be honest, Adrian,... [13:45:26] <Breyos> ... I still think my previous statement still applies. Rats abandoning ship... [13:45:46] <Breyos> But I suppose they only want to save their own hides. [13:46:09] * Adrian Telepher chuckles [13:46:30] <Adrian Telepher> Don't we all, Mr. Vesalius? [13:47:04] <Adrian Telepher> Isn't it our own life, in the end, that really only matters to us? [13:47:25] * Breyos laughs softly but the joy does not reach his eye. [13:47:45] <Breyos> If that were the case, I would not have had anything to put in my museum. [13:48:05] * Breyos' smile fades almost instantly. [13:48:47] <Breyos> You grow attached to other people's hides as well, in the end. [13:49:40] <Breyos> A caring Mother would give her life for her offspring. [13:52:41] <Adrian Telepher> Looking at your Wards, and your Auditor, Mr. Vesalius- [13:53:04] <Adrian Telepher> Your 'Mother' doesn't strike me as caring. [13:54:41] <Adrian Telepher> But I suppose you have your reasons to stay... [13:55:31] * Breyos pauses, slowly folding his arms behind his back. [13:56:06] <Breyos> And you to leave. [13:56:38] <Breyos> Who knows, in a distant future....? [13:56:52] * Breyos reaches out his hand. [13:57:10] <Breyos> Adrian. [13:57:29] * Adrian Telepher pauses, and takes the hand [13:57:59] <Adrian Telepher> If fate would land me here of all places, I'm sure meeting again wouldn't be unlikely [13:58:13] <Adrian Telepher> Breyos. [13:58:36] * Breyos inclines his head ever so slightly and shakes the man's hand before letting go. [13:58:54] <Breyos> One last thing.... [13:59:44] <Breyos> Nice moustache.

[14:47:18] * The halls of the Silo are silent. [14:47:34] * Almost. [14:48:24] * Adrian Telepher tries to noiselessly climb the concrete stairs, on his way to the top floor doorway. He is almost there. Only a few steps away [14:50:40] * However, when he reaches the top of the staircase, he's suddenly standing face to face with the commander. [14:54:47] * The Commander is stood by the doorway, staring at the sealed doors of the silo with a look of anger clear upon his face. At the sound of footfall ascending the staircase he turns sharply and studies the man before him. [14:58:15] * Adrian Telepher stops dead in his tracks, and stares at the commander. [15:00:46] * R_V stands silently, the rage upon his face has not subsided yet. As he looks the man over he can see the man is holding onto a semi-filled satchel. [15:01:45] <R_V> Identify yourself, and explain. [15:02:00] * R_V gestures to the satchel in the mans hand. [15:03:00] <Adrian Telepher> I- was just bringing some things the Facilitator asked me to move to this room. I'm Adrian Telepher. [15:03:37] <Adrian Telepher> I was there when we- when you had been put underground by those deserters [15:04:25] <Adrian Telepher> Otherwise I do repairs. On the AI, that is. [15:06:20] <R_V> I see... [15:07:46] * R_V steps slowly towards Telepher, attentively watching him. [15:08:12] <R_V> And tell me, Telepher - What items has Facilitator Vesalius asked you to bring here? [15:08:44] <R_V> The satchel. Open it. [15:09:54] * Adrian Telepher start fidgeting with the clasps of the satchel to open it [15:10:11] <Adrian Telepher> Oh, yes, I don't see why not. After all I have nothing- [15:11:07] * Adrian Telepher bolts for the silo door, halfly trying to sidestep around the commander [15:13:07] * R_V quickly grasps for the man, catching his coat by the lapels. With ease he lifts the man from his feet and swings him towards a nearby wall, holding him there. [15:15:53] * Adrian Telepher's eyes widen as he is yanked from the ground, and makes a painful grunt as he is slammed against the concrete, feeling the bruising pain at the back of his head. [15:19:59] <R_V> So you are one of THEM, Telepher - Nothing but a weak deserter - [15:20:36] <R_V> The red ward put me in the ground, tell me why you should not share the same fate. [15:27:29] <Adrian Telepher> Agh, unhand me- ow, my head- let me go, you brute! [15:29:32] * R_V further tightens his grip on the man, lifting him slightly further against the wall. [15:30:37] <R_V> You are one of the deserters arent you? Tell me where the red ward is, I will not ask again. [15:31:37] * R_V bares his clenched metal teeth whilst he glares at Telepher. [15:31:48] <Adrian Telepher> What? No, I'm not part of- Just let me go already! I'm not with this Red Ward of yours at all! [15:32:10] * Adrian Telepher eyes the chrome dentures apprehensively [15:34:25] * Breyos halts halfway up the cold staircase. He frowns hearing the commotion upstairs. [15:35:14] * The entrance is still only dimly lit but Breyos could still clearly see the two men near the heavy entry door. - [15:35:51] <Breyos> R_V, unhand that man immediately. [15:37:58] * R_V turns his head to face Breyos, still firmly gripping on to Telepher. [15:38:23] <R_V> But Facilitator, This man is a deserter. [15:38:27] <R_V> He- [15:41:25] <Breyos> A deserter, hmm...? [15:41:31] <Breyos> Now what gives you that, R_V? [15:43:20] <R_V> Facilitator - This man, who is unknown to me - Tried to flee this FAC with a satchel of supplies. [15:43:38] <R_V> Desertion. [15:44:49] * Breyos exhales softly and shakes his head with a faintly amused smile. [15:45:31] <Breyos> It's alright, R_V. [15:46:00] <Breyos> I'd have thought you two met before. [15:46:19] <Breyos> Although I suppose it have been busy days for all of us. [15:46:24] <Breyos> Now.... put him down. [15:47:02] * R_V lingers for a moment, before quickly releasing Telepher from his grasp, allowing him to fall. [15:47:17] <R_V> If he runs Facilitator, I will catch him. [15:47:47] <Breyos> Where would he be running to, I wonder... [15:47:57] * Breyos glances back at Telepher with hooded eyes. [15:48:41] * Adrian Telepher groans as he straightens himself from the rough fall onto the hard floor [15:49:30] <Adrian Telepher> Anywhere but here...-ahgh-Facilitator [15:50:00] * Adrian Telepher looks up at the duo, with an expression of combined pain, and resent [15:50:22] * Breyos steps in closer, his hands behind his back. [15:50:32] <Breyos> And you would not even say goodbye? [15:51:06] <Breyos> Though I suppose rats are the first to depart from a vessel. [15:54:12] <Adrian Telepher> Heh...I believe the actual term is "a SINKING vessel", -mister- Vesalius. [15:54:34] * Adrian Telepher eyes the silent commander suspiciously. [15:55:47] <Breyos> What a pity. You seemed so eager to make yourself useful. But now that Mother needs you... [15:58:39] <Adrian Telepher> The only thing 'Mother' needs people for these days, Vesalius, is as test rats for -that- [15:59:08] * Adrian Telepher points angrily at the Void Gate, loomingly stationed on the other side of the room [16:00:31] <Adrian Telepher> You noticed A_J's arm, didn't you? Both of you? *more hissing tone* I don't want my face to look like that in the near future [16:01:13] <Adrian Telepher> Your auditor is ruthless. And I don't fancy my chances. [16:04:23] * Breyos regards him closely and breaths out softly. [16:05:18] <Breyos> So you will run... And go on telling lies to other people until they take you in... Like we did. [16:08:20] <Breyos> I would not advice you to make a run for it, Mr. Telepher. [16:08:42] <Breyos> We are, after all, watching closely. [16:08:57] * R_V grins wickedly down at the man. [16:09:07] <Breyos> However...- [16:09:48] * Breyos looks between R_V and Telepher. [16:12:38] <Breyos> -... if you are so desperate to get some fresh air, you and your suitcase might want to accompany me outside later. [16:13:32] <Breyos> But I'd also advise you to stay close. [16:13:48] <Breyos> It's... easy to get lost and disappear out there. [16:15:02] * Adrian Telepher frowns up at Breyos, and quickly glances at R_V [16:15:40] <Adrian Telepher> I- think I'd like that, Facilitator. Yes, that would be...very kind of you. [16:16:20] * Adrian Telepher's eyes quickly flick to the commander again [16:16:42] <Adrian Telepher> I think that's actually... [16:16:48] <Adrian Telepher> Exactly what I need.