[22:29:02] * The tent is cool, the morning light starting to seep in through the gaps. It is eerily silent.* [22:30:23] * Corus is lying on her front, blearily peering out from under her blanket, her back still sore from the attack. She rolls over slowly, then instantly jumps forward, the blanket bunching around her* [22:31:20] [Corus] Oh geez, I forgot about all that. [22:31:59] * Corus leans forward, gently patting her bandaged back before swinging her legs around to get up, examining her purpled nails as she does so* [22:34:04] * Corus stands and exits her room, and carefully makes her way towards Thyme's* [22:35:18] * Corus slips not-so-quietly into Thyme's room whilst leaning over to try and see if the other woman is awake* [22:36:53] * Thyme grumbles and shifts, trying to alleviate the pain in her arm [22:37:39] * Thyme huffs and rolls over, accepting that she won't get anymore sleep* [22:39:21] [Thyme] Ah! [22:39:49] * Thyme falls off the bed, startled by the presence of someone else in her small room* [22:41:18] * Corus jumps forward to try and help Thyme up* Holy crap! Are you alright? [22:44:08] * Thyme grumbles and winces as she stands back up, quickly sitting back down on the bed* [22:44:39] [Thyme] Oh god, Corus it's just you, sorry, you scared me, I had forgotten where I was for a moment [22:45:32] [Corus] Aw, don't worry, we're just.. uh.. here. In a big tent. [22:46:54] [Corus] I wasn't watching you sleep I swear! [22:48:22] * Thyme chuckles, stretching her arms and legs trying to shake the soreness* [22:49:20] [Thyme] It's fine, I'm impressed though, you managed to get us here in one piece. Thanks, I owe you a big one [22:50:29] [Corus] No biggie, I'm just glad I got that piece of junk to work. How you doing in the waking world? [22:51:36] [Thyme] I'm sure I'll be fine, Nights patched up my arm so that's better, but I woke up with the worst headache [22:52:08] [Thyme] It'll probably be gone soon though, dont worry about it. [22:52:19] [Thyme] How about your back? [22:53:06] [Corus] It's.. fine, I guess. Nights patched up my back too, and fixed up my face. [22:53:25] [Corus] Wish they had painkillers here though. [22:53:46] * Corus indicates towards Thyme's bed, a stool with a pile of grey clothes next to it* [22:53:52] [Corus] Mind if I take a seat? [22:54:40] [Thyme] Oh, of course. [22:55:02] * Thyme scoots over to make more room [22:56:15] * Corus drops down next to Thyme, sitting at an angle to try and relieve the pain in her back* [22:56:19] [Thyme] I'm going to assume we're where Nights lives? [22:56:45] [Corus] I think so, apart from the big tent bit. [22:57:32] [Corus] She said there are other people and.. not people here. [22:58:00] * Thyme tilts her head in confusion* [22:58:07] [Thyme] Wait what? [22:58:40] * Corus tilts her head to look at Thyme, and then lifts her hands, wiggling her fingers mysteriously* [22:58:44] [Corus] Magic. [23:00:31] * Thyme sighs and rolls her eyes* [23:01:02] [Thyme] Oh, fantastic, is magic also the reason giant purple birds attacked us? [23:01:12] * Corus drops her hands and stares incredulously at Thyme* I'm serious! That's what she told me! [23:02:46] [Corus] But the best bit is.. wait, you're not religious are you? [23:02:53] * Thyme is taken aback, and begins to rub her forehead* [23:02:59] [Thyme] No, not at all [23:03:03] [Corus] 'Cause apparently there's a goddamn angel here too. [23:03:51] * Thyme freezes in her seat, not sure of what to say* [23:04:11] [Thyme] Like.. halo and all? [23:04:32] [Thyme] Oh god what did we get ourselves into.. [23:04:49] * Thyme startes mumbling incoherently to herself* [23:05:07] [Corus] I dunno, probably. White wings and stuff I woulda thought. [23:05:17] * Corus glances over to Thyme, concerned* [23:05:25] [Corus] Uh.. you OK there, Thyme? [23:06:44] * Thyme looks up quickly [23:06:56] [Thyme] Yeah yeah this is just a lot to take in [23:07:22] [Thyme] Any other strange things I should be aware of, just so I won't be surprised late on? [23:08:17] [Corus] Hm.. not that I can think of. *she grins* Apart from a talking wolf here as well. [23:08:55] * Thyme rakes her hand through her hair* [23:09:03] [Thyme] You've got to be kidding [23:10:25] [Corus] I don't know if she was.. she seems like the serious type. [23:11:36] [Thyme] Oh boy, okay, got it. [23:12:15] [Thyme] Well, now I won't be initially shocked, ha, thanks for the heads up [23:12:47] [Corus] Oh yeah! That reminds me- *she gestures towards the pile of clothes* for you, once you've had a wash [23:14:05] [Corus] To get the purple crap off of you, y'know. Some kind of parasite.. magical, of course. [23:21:53] [Thyme] Oh gross, I was wondering what that was, thanks [23:22:57] * Thyme stumbles as she walks to the door* [23:23:16] [Corus] Woah, need a hand there? [23:23:26] * Corus jumps to her feet to help Thyme, clothes in hand [23:23:49] [Thyme] Ha, thanks, I'm still feeling kind of shaky from it all [23:24:55] [Corus] Don't worry about it. *making sure not to bump Thyme's arm, she offers her own as support* [23:26:14] * It starts to rain lightly outside, with soft thunder starting to form in the background* [23:29:07] [Corus] Geez, you're boiling! [23:29:27] [Corus] Are you feeling hot or anything? [23:30:20] * Thyme snaps out of a daze* [23:30:55] [Thyme] Oh? what really? I guess a shower could be good to cool me off as well then [23:31:32] [Thyme] You know how it is, I've built up a tolerance working in the forge [23:31:57] [Corus] Heh, I getcha. Trust me, this shower'll definitely cool you down... [23:32:46] [Thyme] Just point me in the way? I feel fine now. [23:33:29] [Corus] Go right, to the very end, it'll be on your left. [23:33:39] [Thyme] I'm sure I can manage *Thyme laughs dryly* [23:33:49] * Corus frowns* You sure you'll be alright? [23:34:27] [Thyme] Yeah of course, I'll see you later, lets try to get some answers about this virus or whatever it is. [23:35:32] * Thyme gives Corus a light smile and starts to walk down the hallway using the wall as support*

[15:51:11] * The wind whistles though the trees near the Castle, the small inlet from the ocean breaking the waves and allowing the boat, and Corus, to smoothly sail inward onto the shore.* [15:52:29] * Nights lightly jogs around the large tree from where she disappeared with Thyme in her arms, still wet from wading into the water to fetch her, her equipment making her jingle as she jogs up to the boat.* [15:55:17] * Corus is crouched in the boat, adjusting its course as it slows towards land [15:55:54] * Corus, like Thyme, is covered in dried blood [15:59:05] * Nights leans back as she descends the steep hill toward where the boat is docking* [15:59:36] [Nights] Are you able to stand? [16:00:01] * Nights grabs the bow of the boat and helps pull it onto shore* [16:01:14] * Corus glances up suspiciously at the strange woman, before nodding and beginning to stand, using the boat's edge for leverage* [16:01:41] [Corus] Yeah.. yeah, I'm fine. [16:02:39] * Nights extends a hand to help her out of the boat* [16:03:01] [Nights] Then you should come with me. You need to be washed down. [16:04:10] * Corus grasps Nights' hand and pulls herself forward, wincing at the pain in her back [16:04:20] [Corus] What do you mean "washed down"? [16:05:39] [Nights] If you are infected we need to ensure none is on your skin to stop its spread. [16:06:12] * Nights looks the woman over in concern* [16:06:41] [Nights] You are the woman that spoke on Thyme's behalf on the radio with me yes? [16:07:07] [Corus] Yeah, yeah, that makes you Miss Nights.. right? [16:07:22] [Corus] You said something about a parasite or something that those birds had? [16:10:56] [Nights] Indeed, it manifests in what the mages here call flux. [16:11:15] * Nights turns, making her way up the hill and expecting Corus to follow* [16:11:51] * Nights' ever present air of leadership makes its presence with the new woman as she tries to determine how she would react to the news* [16:12:54] * Corus jogs briefly in order to catch up with the other woman, raising an eyebrow as she does so [16:13:29] [Corus] Mages. As in.. magic? Or that kinda crap? [16:14:16] [Nights] Yes. You sound like I did when I first heard of it. *she makes an amused sound* [16:15:02] * Corus slows to a walk* Oh no. This isn't some kind of cult, right? [16:16:07] [Nights] Hah. No. [16:16:27] * Nights she stops midway down the path to turn to Corus* [16:16:57] [Nights] I am leader here and I posses no magical ability. But many who live here do. [16:18:08] * Corus pauses alongside her* [16:19:18] [Corus] Magic.. hah, I guess I can add that to crazy things that I've seen this week. [16:20:03] * Nights turns and mutters "wont compare to what I've seen"* [16:20:26] * Nights heads to the tent, and holds the curtain door open for Corus* [16:20:58] * The tent is huge, and one would wonder who it housed. [16:21:52] * Corus follows Nights into the tent, peering in before entering fully* [16:22:05] [Corus] Is this where you brought Thyme? [16:22:44] [Nights] Yes, she is over there *she points to a one in a row of identical small rooms with cloth doors* [16:22:59] [Nights] She is still unconscious but will be alright for now. [16:23:47] * Corus nods, her eyes darting around the tent, obviously unsure of this place and the stranger* [16:24:27] * Nights leads Corus into a room with tile flooring, and as as she turns the corner it's revealed to be a very large showering area with a hose coiled up in the corner. Nights stops and crosses her arms as if waiting* [16:26:17] * Corus follows, taking in the tiled room suspiciously* [16:28:01] [Corus] Shower room, right? *She steps further in and turns to face Nights* [16:28:22] [Corus] Thanks.. you can... *she gestures for her to leave* [16:28:32] [Nights] That is not how this works. [16:29:31] [Corus] Huh? [16:30:07] [Nights] The parasite has a phobia to water, I am here to ensure you are actully washing yourself. [16:30:40] [Nights] Most have been fine with this until the late stages.... Have you shown more signs of the taint recently? [16:31:04] * Nights talks as if this is all normal, she sounds almost casual* [16:31:30] [Corus] No? I don't think so at least. I've not really had the chance to have a look with the journey and all [16:32:55] * Corus defensively crosses her arms, glaring at Nights* [16:33:13] [Nights] Then there will be no problem. [16:33:44] [Corus] You can trust me to wash myself, I'm not a baby! [16:33:51] * Nights sighs* [16:34:05] [Nights] I did not mean to patronize you... I... [16:34:07] [Nights] Fine [16:34:21] * Nights turns her back and faces the wall, crossing her arms* [16:34:57] [Nights] I still need to examine you to treat your injuries after this. *she huffs in annoyance* [16:35:42] * Corus goes to object, but shakes her head and begins to peel off her gloves* Fine, whatever. [16:36:42] * Nights thinks better of this first meeting and disappears silently from the shower room for a moment* [16:37:25] * Corus quickly strips down and with a moment's pause, unwraps the bandage from her hand and dumps it- with the rest of her clothing* [16:38:59] * From within the shower room, the sound of the hose starts up, and almost just as quickly stops* [16:39:11] [Corus] Um.. you got a towel? [16:40:43] * Nights reappears, forgetting about the woman’s shyness and walks in, towel and clothes in hand* [16:42:10] [Nights] Here. [16:42:30] * Corus, with an arm crossed across herself, goes bright red, awkwardly reaching out for the towel* [16:42:53] [Corus] Thanks, I guess. [16:42:56] [Nights] Oh... Pardon *she at the ground, but her words don’t really seem apologetic* [16:43:15] [Nights] You understand you do not have to be embarrassed about yourself? [16:43:35] * Corus wraps herself up in the towel, avoiding eye contact* [16:43:59] * Corus says nothing, hugging herself tightly* [16:44:24] * Nights raises her arms with the neatly folded clothes for Corus. They are clean and a plain grey* [16:45:11] [Nights] Are you alright? *She asks with concern* [16:45:35] * Corus takes the clothes, leaving dark wet marks on them. She jumps a little at Nights' voice* [16:45:52] [Corus] Just.. feeling a little homesick. Never thought I would. [16:46:16] [Nights] Tell me, what do you do at your home? [16:46:48] * Nights turns to lead Corus to her room, looking up once Corus is done dressing* [16:47:51] [Corus] I was a welder, well, apprentice. It was cool sometimes, but mostly boring. [16:48:17] [Corus] You get sick of welding the same old stuff over and over, y'know? [16:48:26] [Nights] Welding is often tedious I agree. But occasionally it is soothing. [16:48:45] * They pass Thyme's room on the way to Corus', which is right next to it. [16:49:16] * Corus nods, looking over to Thyme's room briefly as they pass* [16:49:21] * Thyme lays on the cot inside, half-tucked under a sheet to keep her warm* [16:49:31] [Corus] Will she be OK? [16:50:13] [Nights] She will. She lost a bit more blood then expected but it was mostly fatigue from the taint. [16:50:36] * Nights holds open the curtain to Corus' room and motions for her to sit on the cot* [16:51:38] * Corus tentatively sits on the cot, automatically going to pull up a non-existent glove.* [16:52:45] * Nights sits on the stool in the room next to the bed. She tries to put on a light smile to try and comfort Corus* [16:53:13] [Nights] Do you know where you are injured? [16:54:06] [Corus] My back. And you can probably see about my face... *she gestures to the V-shaped cut* [16:56:32] [Nights] Will you allow me to treat them? [16:57:07] [Nights] They look shallow, the birds must have been weak in their tainted state. [16:57:26] [Corus] That's good, right? [17:00:32] [Nights] Yes, it means it should heal just fine. [17:01:03] * Nights stands and leave, quickly returning with a small kit. She sits down again and starts to clean and bandage the cut along Corus' face* [17:02:03] [Nights] That particular murder of crows wiped out half of the murder living here, you are lucky they had to fly so far. [17:03:28] [Corus] Lucky's one word for it. Why did those things go crazy in the first place? [17:05:34] [Nights] They were infected... with the same parasite they gave to you. [17:05:58] * Nights finishes and lays a bandage over the cut, lightly smoothing it down* [17:08:11] * Corus winces slightly, grimacing* But I feel fine. [17:10:35] [Nights] I know. *She lifts Corus' hand up and shows her her own fingernails, stained with purple* [17:10:54] [Nights] But this says otherwise. [17:11:11] [Nights] Can you lay down on your front? [17:11:38] * Corus stares at Nights for a moment before complying, lying flat on the cot* [17:12:04] [Nights] I am sure you have many questions.. This would be the time to ask them before I assist others. [17:12:34] * Nights carefully lifts the bottom of Corus' shirt so she can clean and bandage the various cuts on her back* [17:12:40] [Corus] Ha! Where do I start... [17:13:18] [Corus] You said about "magical" people here? Who are they? [17:16:14] [Nights] Many are sick as this is apparently a parasite linked directly to magic [17:17:00] [Nights] But the ones that live here are Krauzer, Blue and Curls. Kaja, who is an angel, is also here. [17:17:26] [Nights] They all can manipulate magic in varying degrees. It seems not to be a learned skill but something one is born with and learns to use, if that makes sense. [17:19:03] [Corus] I'm sorry.. did you just say an ANGEL? No, you know what... I'm open to whatever. [17:20:16] * Corus pushes her hair off of her face expressionlessly* If you told me there were talking dogs here... [17:20:33] [Corus] ...I'd probably believe you. *she chuckles awkwardly* [17:20:35] [Nights] uhh.... Wolf..... [17:20:40] [Nights] There's... a talking wolf... [17:20:46] [Nights] Thats Blue. [17:21:04] * Nights looks down awkwardly, remembering someone describing this to her the first time* [17:21:53] [Nights] It is best you do not go see her at the moment... she is our furthest along in the disease. [17:22:57] [Corus] Oh jeez, you're actually not kidding. [17:23:41] [Nights] Nooo.. [17:24:26] * Nights' cold hands work over Corus’, back ensuring everything is clean and bandaged before she sits up again [17:27:41] * Corus shivers, sitting up and turning back to face Nights* Thanks. [17:28:16] [Nights] I hope they heal properly with the taint spreading this way. [17:28:47] [Nights] I will let know know if Thyme wakes, but you might hear her before I do. [17:30:10] [Corus] Right, I'll keep an ear out for her. I woulda thought she's tainted too? [17:46:39] [Nights] She is, but if you are tainted as well you do not have to worry about meeting other infected. [17:46:49] [Nights] So if you wish you can visit the others here. [17:47:05] * Nights stands and stretches before lingering in the doorway* [17:47:20] [Nights] Do you need anything else? [17:47:22] * Corus mutters to herself* I guess that's one good thing about all this mess... [17:47:30] [Corus] I'm good, thanks. [17:47:42] [Corus] Thank you for fixing me up, by the way. [17:47:57] [Nights] Try to sleep, it will get harder to do so later. [17:48:09] * Nights disappears form the room* [17:49:10] * Corus watches her leave, then buries her head in her hands with exhaustion*

*Slamming the panel shut, Corus begins to jog awkwardly back to Thyme’s shack adjacent to her own*

[20:44:09] * The garden is illuminated by the early evening light, the sun framed by the scrapyard in the distance. [20:45:58] * Corus peers into the garden and takes a few tentative steps forward [20:46:57] * Corus pauses and takes a deep breath in the calm refuge and takes a wide step forward and accidentally stands on top of an unidentifiable plant [20:47:40] * Corus jerks back suddenly, feeling it crunch under her sole [20:48:05] <Corus> Oh crap. I hope that wasn't too important... [20:48:18] <Thyme> EY! step around the plants will ya? [20:48:48] * Thyme rounds the corner, covered in dirt from head to toe from the mines [20:49:48] <Corus> Woah! *she jerks around to see Thyme* Sorry.. not my fault. Well.. kinda my fault... [20:50:08] * Thyme tosses her pickaxe to the ground with a sigh and slowly bends down to look at the plant [20:50:40] * Thyme chuckles [20:51:13] <Thyme> Haha nah it seems to be okay, it was just a weed [20:52:05] * Thyme smudges dirt off her face and knocks a few pebbles off her clothes [20:52:18] <Corus> Ah phew. Didn't want another crazy person shouting at me. Not that you're crazy! [20:52:53] * Corus winces at her idiocy [20:55:55] <Thyme> Oh? so you’ve met that new guy too? [20:56:20] <Thyme> ha, he ripped me a new one about the layout of this garden a bit ago [20:56:37] * Thyme grimaces slightly at the thought [20:57:15] <Corus> Seriously? He had a rant about weird stuff in front of me and Will, I wasn't really listening [20:57:33] <Corus> But this garden's pretty.. well, pretty. [20:57:44] <Thyme> well thank you [20:57:52] <Thyme> at least someone appreciates it! [20:58:40] * Corus smiles* It's nice to see something nice in this place: "The Land of Junk" [21:00:10] <Thyme> Yeah this is not what I’m used to, my home was far more.. green [21:01:28] <Corus> That sounds nice! I think the only green thing from my home was the water [21:02:36] * Thyme is taken aback by the thought [21:02:51] <Thyme> oh.. that doesn’t sound pleasant at all [21:03:17] * Thyme looks off into the distance [21:03:29] <Thyme> oh shoot, it looks like there’s going to be a storm soon [21:03:47] <Corus> Huh? It was boiling before [21:03:57] * Corus turns to follow Thyme's gaze. There is a large dark cloud drifting towards them slowly. [21:04:19] <Thyme> Itll be good for the plants though! [21:04:53] <Corus> I guess. Not a big fan of rain myself [21:05:33] <Thyme> Well then, lets head for shelter then shall - [21:06:08] * Thyme grabs her head as if a bad headache started [21:06:17] <Thyme> What in the world is that noise [21:06:59] <Thyme> It's coming from.. that cloud? [21:07:32] * Corus squints toward the 'cloud', lifting her hand to obscure the light [21:07:43] <Corus> That does NOT look like a cloud. [21:08:29] * Thyme tries to squint her eyes to look at the sky [21:08:42] <Thyme> My eyes can't figure it out, what is it?? [21:10:28] <Thyme> Spent one too many days underground ya know? [21:10:40] * Thyme chuckles nervously trying to break the tension [21:10:53] * The 'cloud' quickly approaches the pair and descends, splitting into two streams of squawking darkness* [21:13:19] * Corus drops her hand and backs up suddenly* RUN!! [21:13:37] * Thyme rushes in front of Corus, picking up her pickaxe [21:14:07] <Thyme> No! You run first! Get to the forge! [21:14:33] * Thyme swings her pickaxe, taking out an attacking crow [21:14:40] <Thyme> I'm right behind you! [21:15:41] * The crows swarm the pair, pecking and tearing at their clothes and skin* [21:16:43] * Thyme shields her face with her right arm, accepting the brunt of the pecks [21:17:23] * Corus dashes past Thyme, yelling in pain as a couple of crows land on her back and begin to tear at her [21:19:13] * Thyme attempts to push off the birds, while holding onto Corus* To my house! We can get underground there! *they weave through the debris and ruined landscape* [21:20:52] * Corus clings to Thyme, gritting her teeth in pain as the crows continue to follow them, the ones on her back already dislodged from their fleeing* [21:23:38] * Thyme covers Corus' head to defend her from a oncoming crow [21:24:14] <Thyme> Agh! [21:24:27] * Corus yelps as the crow Thyme defended her from rakes its claws across her face anyway [21:24:42] * Thyme cries out in pain as she receives a large puncture in her arm [21:24:46] * Corus pulls away from Thyme and charges into her safehouse [21:24:50] <Corus> Thyme! [21:25:53] <Thyme> Goddamn birds! Get into my house! There’s a trapdoor with a safe house underneath it!! [21:26:03] * Thyme orders curtly [21:26:57] * Corus turns, staring at Thyme as the crows maul her, and then nods, ducking towards the trapdoor [21:27:44] * Thyme quickly grabs the axes off her wall, slashing at the oncoming crows. She pushes towards the trapdoor, tripping after she dodges a pair of claws [21:29:30] * Thyme rolls across the floor, grabs onto the ladder, and pulls herself through the trapdoor [21:30:14] * Thyme lands on the cold ground below, gasping as the wind is knocked out of her [21:30:46] <Thyme> C-close that door! *she chokes out* [21:31:21] * Corus leaps up and slams the trapdoor shut, gasping at the effort [21:31:38] * Corus drops down against the wall next to Thyme [21:31:46] <Corus> Holy shit, Thyme! Are you OK? [21:32:30] * Thyme breathes heavily, finally taking a moment to assess the damange [21:32:36] <Thyme> Shit.. [21:33:00] * Thyme looks down at her arm, now completely marred and bloodied from the attack [21:33:16] <Thyme> How am I going to get work done now.. [21:33:56] * Thyme attempts to laugh, only to then fall back down on the ground [21:34:16] * Corus coughs, huffing a blood droplet from her nose* Forget work! I'm not going out there for anything [21:34:22] <Corus> That was bad. [21:34:36] <Thyme> I.. I might have lost a bit too much blood. Ha you're telling me [21:34:51] <Thyme> What the shit even were those things [21:35:20] * Thyme looks up at the noise of claws scratching on the floor above them [21:35:29] <Corus> Crows, I think? But they didn't look like crows, they had gross stuff on them... [21:36:05] * Corus turns to indicate some of the odd purple substance on her clothing, imprinted in a crowfoot shape [21:36:13] <Thyme> Yeah.. I swear if that had rabies or some shit [21:36:56] * Thyme flicks some off the purple goo off of her pants [21:37:30] * Corus wipes the blood off her face and looks at the sheen on her glove [21:38:10] <Corus> Crows aren't native round here, right? They don't like the sulphur [21:38:38] * Thyme tries to sit up again but almost passes out [21:39:15] <Thyme> The only other time I've even heard a crow mentioned is when we had a visitor some time ago... [21:39:28] * Thyme stops to catch her breath [21:39:53] * Corus stares at Thyme incredulously* [21:39:53] <Thyme> She stayed with me while she was here.. [21:40:05] <Corus> You think she set them on us? [21:40:34] <Thyme> Haha no, she was intimidating but not malicious. [21:40:44] * Thyme reaches into her pocket with her good arm [21:40:56] <Corus> Good.. but you think she might know what to do about them? [21:41:16] <Thyme> She left me her card. if I ever... needed to get in touch with her.. [21:41:28] * Corus holds her head in her hands* Or this will be our new cramped home... [21:41:42] * Thyme's eyes start to close as her breathing gets heavier [21:42:02] <Corus> OK! That's good, right? Thyme? Thyme? [21:42:24] <Thyme> give her a call..? *she says as she passes out* [21:42:43] * Thyme slumps over, clammy and pale [21:43:16] * Corus kneels next to the collapsed woman, panicking [21:45:01] * Corus tugs the slightly bloodied card out of Thyme's hand and examines it, visibly shaking [21:47:49] * Corus takes a deep breath and then collapses back against the wall, flinching at the pain [21:48:14] <Corus> I think I'll wait for those.. things.. to go first.

[21:36:13] <Corus> The midday sun glares down on the Machinists' base, glinting off of the scrap laid out across the baked dry earth. [21:39:26] * Corus is leaning over a pile of searing hot scrap, her gloves reflecting the intense light as well as the metal [21:39:50] <Corus> How big a piece do we need, roughly? [21:40:35] * Will unceremoniously drops the chuck of scrap he was dragging into place [21:40:52] <Will> Should nearly be it [21:41:09] <Will> I hope... Creeper it's too hot for this nonsense [21:42:41] * Corus slowly stands, rolling her shoulders and turning to Will [21:43:21] <Corus> I've been in worse.. you think we're done? [21:43:54] * Will stands back to survey their work [21:44:09] <Will> Looks like we're nearly there [21:44:25] <Will> Remind me again, why are we doing this? [21:45:05] * Corus huffs and walks over to Will, hopping over part of the giant lettering [21:45:49] <Corus> Because Dickie had a hissy fit and wanted us to tell the Sun to "DIAL F" for effing hot? [21:46:20] * Corus clams up and glances at Will, judging his reaction [21:46:30] * Will lets out a loud single laugh [21:47:04] <Will> What has gotten into him anyway? [21:48:45] <Corus> Maybe he got knocked on the head and "saw the light"? As long as he doesn't go on another rant I'm happy, one was enough for me. [21:51:27] <Will> Maybe... maybe... [21:53:31] <Corus> *They stand silently, observing their work* [21:53:55] <Corus> How about we sit down for a bit? Have some water or something? [21:54:18] <Corus> We brought at least a couple of bottles... [21:54:19] <Will> Sounds like a plan [21:55:41] * Will sits down next to the sign and cracks open the bottle [21:56:12] * Corus drops down onto the ground next to Will and opens her own bottle with her teeth [21:56:44] <Will> Still glad you signed on with us then? [21:57:26] <Corus> Anything's better than home. [21:58:13] <Will> Really? Do tell [21:59:14] <Corus> Heh, nothing to tell...I'm just.. glad to do something different for once. [22:00:08] <Corus> You would never believe how goddamn boring welding is sometimes... [22:02:27] * Will takes a long drink from his bottle [22:02:49] <Will> I'm from a world of engineering... [22:03:15] <Will> Wasn't a big part of it but I've done my fair share [22:03:32] <Corus> Oh yeah? Must've been way more exciting than metalworking [22:06:46] <Will> Depends what you consider exciting I guess. Just another job most days [22:09:49] <Will> So where are you from then? [22:12:04] <Corus> A place a bit like this really, except with more people obviously. Pretty nice place until you- [22:12:16] <Corus> got stuck in with some of the rougher crowd. [22:13:35] <Corus> But I swear I've seen more action here- *she gestures widely to the island* -than in nineteen years [22:13:39] <Corus> .. there [22:20:31] * Will screws the lid back on his bottle [22:20:57] <Will> Indeed... Lets finish this thing... Just need to drag that last piece into place [22:22:31] * Corus is happy to oblige and jumps up, leaving her water next to Will's [22:23:53] <Corus> Right, did we decide on a piece to use? [22:24:48] <Will> That chuck of plane wing ought to do it [22:24:58] * Will points to the wreckage [22:25:16] <Corus> .. You just had to choose the heaviest piece... [22:25:50] * Will cracks his knuckles [22:26:03] <Will> Gets the last bit done that much faster with fewer pieces no? [22:26:55] <Corus> Ugh, fine. [22:27:37] <Will> After you [22:28:11] * Corus trudges over to the wreckage and squats down to lift the end trailing in the dirt [22:28:22] <Will> On three [22:28:27] <Will> One [22:28:30] <Will> Two [22:28:36] <Will> THREE [22:29:12] <Will> *The metal creaks and groans as it moves from what it thought was its final resting place* [22:29:57] * Corus feels a sharp, sudden pain in her right hand, as if she's been stabbed [22:30:23] <Corus> Ow ow ow! Dammit! [22:30:45] * Will drops his side of the metal [22:30:50] <Will> You alright? [22:30:57] * Corus drops her end and grabs her hand, gritting her teeth [22:31:47] <Corus> I'm obviously fine!! *she turns away from Will* Jeez that hurts... [22:32:26] * Will walks over to look closer [22:33:55] * Corus tilts her hand and grimances at the sight of a large metal splinter embedded in her palm, straight through the thick rubber of her glove [22:34:13] <Will> That looks fun [22:35:36] <Corus> Just.. just go and find some bandages or some First Aid crap while I get it out? [22:36:18] <Will> Fine fine [22:37:25] <Will> I've a kit up by the tower [22:37:54] * Corus dashes a few feet away from Will, waving him off with her good hand* Great! Just get them! [22:38:56] * Corus focuses her attention on her hand and with little hesitation, rips the splinter out of her hand with gritted teeth. [22:39:44] * Corus then quickly glances behind her, and then peels off her glove to check the injury [22:42:50] * Will wanders back over with his kit in hand [22:43:01] <Corus> *Her hand is red with a thin sheen of blood which she wipes on her clothing* [22:44:10] <Will> Everything good? [22:45:04] <Corus> *Without turning* Uh, fine! Just.. don't look. [22:45:51] <Will> Bah! I've seen plenty of splinters. Let me help bandage it [22:47:12] * Corus turns slightly, unimpressed* This isn't 'bout the splinter [22:48:40] <Will> I... er... what? [22:50:09] * Corus taps her boot awkwardly and suddenly turns [22:50:50] <Corus> *She sticks her hand out* Bandage it then, be quick about it. [22:51:18] * Will sets to work wrapping Corus' hand [22:51:25] <Will> Want to tell me what that was about? [22:52:23] * Corus gestures briefly to the top of her hand, where a squareish mark sits [22:53:00] <Corus> Don't ask.. please. I said I left home for a reason... [22:53:00] * Will glances briefly but quickly returns to the job in hand [22:55:44] <Will> Fine... I won't push [22:56:14] <Corus> Look.. it's just.. you'll think it's silly [22:56:49] <Will> Maybe [22:56:54] <Will> You won't know though [22:57:16] * Will finishes securing the bandage around Corus' hand [22:57:34] <Will> There... All done [22:57:46] * Corus lowers her newly bandaged hand and grips her spare glove [22:58:37] <Corus> Thanks [23:00:45] <Will> Not the worst injury I've seen [23:01:25] <Corus> I bet.. what sort of horrific engineering accidents have your innocent eyes witnessed? [23:02:36] <Will> Hmm... [23:02:54] <Will> One of the worst I've seen? [23:03:21] <Will> Well there was that one time... [23:03:38] <Will> Nah... That's probably not a story I should tell [23:05:27] <Corus> Aw...c'mon! [23:06:29] <Will> I've seen friends and colleagues badly hurt through inattention [23:06:46] <Will> Automated assembly lines can be... unforgiving... to inattention [23:07:22] <Corus> Somebody close to you? [23:08:04] <Will> Thankfully not [23:08:44] <Will> But friends are all equally important [23:09:08] <Corus> Sometimes friends can be more than family... [23:09:19] <Will> Well that's all I have left now... [23:11:18] * Corus grins and punches Will gently on the arm* We're such babies, aren't we? Let's focus on the now. [23:11:58] <Corus> Which means that we'd better finish this before "Facilitator" Woodrow comes and tears us a new one [23:12:54] * Will snaps out of his thoughts [23:13:03] <Will> Yeah... Let's get on with it

[21:39:29] * It is evening, and the lowering sun casts amber shadows over rust, sand, and the jagged, leaning jumbles of stripped chassis and bent metal. The Border village is illumed by the channels of cracked magma, seamed, solidifying. In the workshop, there is the constant rhythm of tools, and the sound of voices raised over the breath and hiss of the furnace. [21:45:47] <Will> Hey Corus! Watch where you strike with that hammer [21:45:59] <Corus> You told me to hit there! [21:46:15] <Will> One wrong whack and we'll have to start from scratch [21:46:34] <Will> Yeah! Hit THERE! Not there [21:46:51] <Corus> *Under her breath* Maybe if you were more specific in the first place... [21:47:00] <Will> What was that? [21:47:58] * Will sighs to himself [21:48:02] <Corus> Nothing, just show me where to hit the damn thing [21:48:21] <Will> Right! Here! [21:48:31] * Will strikes with his own hammer, narrowly missing his thumb [21:49:44] * Corus strikes where Will indicates, muttering unintelligibly [21:50:30] <Will> Less of the attitude... Lennart wanted us to finish this before he got back [21:51:30] <Corus> Fine, sorry, let's just get this done before we both get slaps on the wrists, huh? [21:52:54] * They continue, with the noise of their hammering echoing into the windless evening. [21:53:36] * And drawn by the sound, a ragged, ash-streaked, bespectacled figure approaches the workshop [21:54:08] * Myles leans on the doorframe unsteadily, and adjusts his glasses, once, twice. [21:58:51] * Corus rolls her eyes at Will, and then turns slightly for no reason in particular, noticing a dark form standing in the doorway. [21:59:20] <Corus> Uh.. Thyme? You need something? [22:00:20] * Will looks up [22:00:33] <Will> Huh? You need your eyes checked Corus [22:00:36] <Will> That's Dickie [22:01:38] * Myles stiffens, and angrily pushes up his spectacles [22:02:26] <Myles> Do I LOOK like a Dickie, to YOU?! [22:02:52] * Will turns to Corus [22:03:01] <Will> Yeah... Kinda... What are you playing at? [22:03:20] <Corus> .. Is that a trick question? [22:03:54] * Myles enters the workshop and steps toward them. He raises his finger. [22:04:48] <Myles> It's FACILITATOR WOODROW to you - you - metalworkers! [22:05:44] * Corus raises an eyebrow and fully turns to glare at the stranger, hand on hip [22:06:44] <Corus> "Metalworkers"? Have you look around, we're engineers [22:06:58] <Corus> .. Mostly [22:07:39] <Will> More's the point... What facility? [22:08:23] * Myles' brow furrows. He jabs at Will's shoulder with his finger. [22:08:54] <Myles> It's MR. Woodrow then - you overgrown BRUTE! [22:10:03] <Myles> My Facility is - IT WAS STOLEN! [22:10:32] <Will> Did you hit your head? [22:10:39] <Corus> How can somebody steal a facility? Aren't they like... *she makes a vauge gestures* [22:11:03] * Myles pushes his spectacles up, and holds his forehead, growing furious [22:11:58] * Myles turns, walks a step away, and rounds on them, red with rage [22:12:33] <Myles> LAURENCE! [22:12:58] <Will> Nope... I'm Will and she- [22:13:05] * Will thumbs to Corus [22:13:07] <Will> -is Corus [22:14:50] <Myles> Yes, yes. [22:15:42] <Myles> The issue at HAND, however, is that something very IMPORTANT has been taken from me. [22:16:36] <Myles> So perhaps if you could VERY KINDLY lower your tools and stop THUMPING METAL for ONE MINUTE [22:17:44] <Myles> I could explain. [22:17:53] <Myles> Does that sound REASONABLE to you? [22:19:11] * Corus glances over to Will and jerks her head towards Myles subtly, holding back a grin as she puts her hammer down* Sure [22:19:43] * Will subtly nods his head [22:20:41] <Will> Alright... what do you need? [22:20:52] <Myles> Stop daydreaming and listen very closely. [22:21:00] * Myles looks at them both, in turn [22:21:39] <Myles> The last thing I remember - clearly - is that INFERNAL HELICOPTER! [22:22:44] <Myles> I could have had a helicopter for my Facility, but do you know why I didn't? [22:22:56] <Myles> Because it's a RIDICULOUS EXTRAVAGANCE! [22:23:37] <Will> Yeah... sure... [22:23:43] <Myles> And I happen to know that it was heavily subsidized, but that's besides the point [22:24:13] <Myles> Power had been off and on, and off and on, for WEEKS [22:24:51] <Myles> And don't try asking those slack-jawed oafs in the field to look at the generators [22:25:21] <Myles> Because you WON'T get an adequate RESPONSE. Do you understand? [22:25:37] * Will starts nodding then decides against it and shakes his head [22:26:16] * Corus goes to sarcastically put her thumbs up, but follows Will' double take [22:26:26] <Myles> Well, then I had a phonecall, on the INTERFAC. [22:26:39] <Myles> And guess who it was. GO ON, BLOODY GUESS! [22:27:02] <Will> erm... Larry? [22:27:13] <Myles> YES! That damnable SHARK! THAT'S WHO! [22:27:37] * Will whispers to Corus* I'm not sure he's listening... [22:28:14] <Myles> And the next thing I knew. [22:29:07] <Myles> Helicopter. In my garden. Oh, the pear walk was RUINED. NO CONSIDERATION! [22:29:21] * Myles grips his forehead [22:29:55] <Will> Oh I know... [22:30:28] <Myles> Now. [22:30:54] <Myles> You two 'Engineers' are going to make yourselves useful. [22:31:44] <Myles> Because I saw that VERY SAME helicopter fly over this - settlement, moments ago. [22:32:02] <Myles> You're going to find a clear bit of land. [22:33:19] <Myles> And you are going to spell, in the BIGGEST LETTERS you can make... [22:33:27] <Myles> DIE L.F! [22:33:41] <Myles> That'll show him! AND THAT'S JUST THE BEGINNING! [22:33:52] <Myles> Do you understand? [22:34:37] <Corus> Um.. yes? [22:34:49] <Will> Sure? [22:35:13] * Myles smiles crookedly and adjusts his spectacles. [22:35:36] <Myles> Good good. [22:35:53] <Myles> Well. Get to it. I have a headache. DON'T. [22:36:03] <Myles> Make any noise. [22:36:39] * Will shouts* SURE THING! [22:37:06] * Myles is slightly taken aback [22:37:21] <Myles> Ah - yes. Get to work. [22:37:42] * Myles turns, and leaves the workshop, heading for the Foreman's house [22:38:06] * Corus splutters out a half-laugh and whips back around to her work, stifling her laughter [22:38:11] * Will turns to Corus [22:38:28] <Corus> Will.. you're so gonna get yourself.. told off loudly. [22:38:46] <Will> Bah [22:38:55] <Corus> So what does DIAL F mean exactly? [22:40:20] * Will shrugs [22:40:34] <Will> He told us to spell it... Lets just do what he says for now

[23:06:13] <Will> Well you can begin by finishing this tool I was working on. You do a good job and we'll see

[17:50:56] * Lennart steps around the table, smiling wide. He walks between the somewhat-motley assortment of engineers gathered, patting a few on the back, before finally reaching the head of the table [17:51:36] * Lennart looks down at the sat group [17:52:05] <Lennart> Ah, welcome, friends. Hah... Wonderful to see you all here..! -his large smile dominates his face- [17:52:32] <Lennart> Now, of course, nothing comes easily! I'm afraid we must sign a contract, you know, legal mumbo-jumbo! Ahaha... Just in case someone loses a half. [17:53:07] * Lennart slides over a few thin sheets of paper, smiling coolly. [17:53:40] * Thyme picks it up, warily* are you sure this is necessary? [17:54:01] * Lennart wanders over, thumping a large hand down onto her shoulder [17:54:37] <Lennart> Well of course, m'dear girl! [17:54:57] <Lennart> Safety first, I'm afraid! My dear legal consultant, the highwayboy, insists... [17:55:27] <Will> What is this safety stuff... I thought no-one on this continent understood the term [17:55:51] <Lennart> Oh! Of course! Why, you must wear goggles at all times if handling anything radioactive, my friend [17:55:59] <Lennart> That's only common sense, AhahahaHAH! [17:56:13] <Corus> Wait, radioactive? [17:56:32] * Lennart waves a dismissing hand* Only a just-in-case, I assure you *he chuckles [17:56:59] <Will> Hmm... There's no clauses in here signing away rights I might later want, right? [17:57:22] <Thyme> ah yes, I second that, I'm not planning on staying terribly long.. [17:57:49] <Lennart> Clauses, no! Of course not, ahahah. May I offer you a drink, friends? [17:58:04] * Lennart gestures across the small commonroom to the makeshift bar set up [17:58:20] <Will> Just coffee for me [17:58:32] <Corus> Coffee would be great. [17:58:33] * Will starts flipping through the pages of the contract [17:58:41] * Redkite looks over the contract absent-mindedly, pushing her whisky glass forward as she looks up [17:58:59] * Lennart rolls his eyes, mumbling something about the sobriety of youth, before returning with coffee [17:59:16] * Lennart smiles, poking Red's own glass with one of his own, both neatly filled [17:59:24] <Thyme> I'll take a drink, I might need it to get through all this mumbo jumbo [17:59:59] * Lennart smiles, taking over another whiskey* Wonderful, wonderful! [18:00:04] <Will> You never explained why you needed all us engineers [18:00:09] <Lennart> The more the merrier is a decent philosophy! [18:00:20] <Will> Yeah... but what for? [18:00:24] <Lennart> Oh, my young Will, I intend to go into business, as I have many times before... [18:00:38] * Lennart leans on the gathering of crates, crudely forming a table [18:00:56] <Lennart> Offering our knowledge and services in pursuit of a common cause... [18:01:12] <Will> And I bet that isn't world peace... [18:01:13] * Lennart's old smile widens, showing a few pale teeth* Profit. [18:01:15] <Thyme> Yeah I'm surprised you were able to find so many willing participants so quickly [18:02:13] <Will> I don't know about you lot but I can't make much sense of all this legalese [18:02:15] <Lennart> Oh, willing participants are two a penny, do not worry a thing... [18:02:35] <Lennart> And the legalese is as baffling to me as it is to you! Ahaha! [18:02:40] * Redkite smirks, looking down at her now refilled whisky glass, Sparks glitching at her shoulder. [18:02:44] <Lennart> I left it to my young friend Dickie, I'm afraid... [18:03:03] * Lennart tickles Sparks' metal chin casually [18:03:17] <Thyme> oh there’s another one of you? Great.. [18:03:49] * Corus glances between the people and then back down to her copy of the contract. [18:03:56] <Will> And where is this silent partner? [18:04:25] <Lennart> Hah, hardly silent! Just a shy young chap! Strange boy... [18:04:59] <Lennart> I shall have to introduce the young one at some point, hah... [18:05:09] * Lennart toys with his beard, smiling wider [18:05:23] <Thyme> Shouldn't he be here explaining all of this junk? ah either way it doesnt matter much [18:06:00] <Lennart> He's ah... Hahh... He has other interests... -he chuckles to himself- [18:06:06] <Lennart> As I said, a strange boy! [18:06:22] * Thyme signs the contract quickly, and flips it toward Lennart [18:06:30] * Corus snorts into her coffee slightly* I bet he does... [18:06:39] <Thyme> its just a silly piece of paper [18:06:56] * Lennart takes it, immediately slotting it into a small briefcase beneath the table [18:07:04] * Will sighs and starts to sign [18:07:07] <Lennart> Wonderful, wonderful! [18:07:13] <Will> If you try and screw me... [18:07:58] * Lennart laughs, shaking his head" Hah, I never try. Things just get done... [18:08:06] * Redkite shoots a glance at the other engineers across the table, then to Sparks and back to the contract. [18:08:46] <Thyme> while everyone else ponders over this silly legal crap, I'd love to know everyone’s names, it seems that I'll have to get to know you all at one point or another [18:10:17] * Redkite looks up at Thyme and with a grin simply says* Red. Nice to meet ya. [18:10:46] * Without looking up from the contract* Name's Corus. Just Corus. [18:11:05] <Will> Will Heggers of the MCU [18:11:22] <Thyme> nice to meet you both, I'm glad too see more women in this field of work.. [18:11:45] * Corus's fingers clench tightly around her mug at that remark. [18:11:46] <Thyme> oh I'm Thyme, and that's about it [18:12:39] <Lennart> Hah, I am Lennart... I'm fairly sure I introduced myself to all of you, individually... [18:13:01] * Lennart ruffles his beard* Yes, that must be it... fairly positive, haHAhh..! [18:13:10] * Thyme raises her eyebrow in question, but doesn’t say anything further [18:13:14] * Will shakes his head [18:13:24] * Lennart takes the signed contracts, neatening the pile casually [18:13:30] <Will> Well Lennart, if it's business you want to go into, I know some of the people around here... [18:13:33] * Redkite snorts a little and takes a long sip of her whisky. [18:13:38] <Will> Some are more friendly than others [18:13:52] <Will> Though that's a relative term [18:14:07] <Lennart> Wonderful, wonderful! Now the legality is settled, we shall indeed soon open for business..! [18:14:21] <Thyme> oh yes, how even are we going to get work here? I hope you have a plan of sorts? [18:14:49] <Corus> Wait a second, Mr Pengerson...why do I need to sign this? I was promised tutelage, not... [18:14:53] <Corus> Paper. [18:14:58] * Redkite shoots a suspicious glance at Lennart [18:15:14] <Lennart> And I keep my word, young lady. -he smiles back coolly- [18:15:25] <Lennart> The best way to learn is on the job, no? -he chuckles- [18:15:46] <RedKite> ... and I was promised an airship. *Sparks glitches again* [18:16:12] * Lennart smiles cooly* Have I provided any reason to not be trusted? [18:16:26] <Lennart> I have never broken a promise yet, haha! [18:16:38] <Thyme> well you have neither fulfilled any either [18:17:11] <Lennart> In a life as long as mine, I've fulfilled plenty, believe me... [18:17:23] <Thyme> a lone old man in an abandoned junkyard? you must understand why we have our reservations [18:19:21] * Redkite shoots a grin at Thyme. [18:19:36] <Lennart> Of course, of course! But I need time to work on your promises, no? [18:20:44] * Thyme grumbles in approval [18:20:57] * Lennart's smile only grows, offering his hand once more [18:22:43] * RedKite sighs and hastily signs the contract, pushing it away and then downing her whisky* Fine. [18:23:04] * Corus leans back and drains the mug, appearing frustrated* Dammit, fine. *She signs and returns it.* [18:23:13] <RedKite> ... but I choose the ship. *She turns the whisky glass upside down and slams it on the table* [18:24:02] * Lennart chuckles* Pleasure doing business with you, ladies... [18:24:28] <Thyme> what about you.. will was it? [18:24:56] * Lennart smiles, resting his arm on Will's broad shoulder [18:25:17] <Will> What about me... I'm pretty confident he can't fulfill his promise to me [18:25:25] <Will> However its better than nothing [18:25:52] * Corus smirks and folds her arms* And what was that? Some pretty ladies? [18:25:53] <Thyme> and hey you still get work and coin so what could happen? [18:26:01] * Lennart chuckles, ruffling his hair* That's my boy, Will. [18:26:14] <Lennart> You get coin, you get experience, young ones. I get profit. [18:26:26] <Lennart> What more could an engineer ask for? -he chuckles drily- [18:26:31] * Will looks over to Corus and says* A way home... [18:27:09] <Lennart> Work begins soon, I hope. Are you with me, engineers? [18:27:23] * Lennart gives a raspy laugh, a little rough from the downed whiskeys [18:27:32] * Will drains the last of his coffee [18:27:40] <Will> Sounds good to me [18:28:12] * Corus puts her hand forward and tightens her smile further* Friends forever, right? [18:28:41] <Thyme> If I can have another drink then sure why not [18:29:03] * Lennart walks to the bar, slamming the bottle into the table before her [18:29:10] <Lennart> Be my guest, my friend! Ahah! [18:29:17] <RedKite> I second that. *puts her hand forward* [18:29:33] * Will places his hand forward as well [18:30:06] * Thyme pours herself and Red another drink, then slips the bottle into her pocket. She moves her hand forward meeting the rest [18:30:36] * Lennart's large hand thumps down atop them* Wonderful! It is settled! [18:31:21] * Lennart stands once more, finishing his whiskey [18:31:42] <Lennart> Now, if you'll forgive me, it is time to open for business... [18:31:54] * Corus jumps quickly to her feet. [18:32:20] * Will lazily stands and checks his tool belt [18:32:24] * Lennart walks up to the entrance of the bar, smiling back at them [18:32:28] <Thyme> how are you going to get the word out though? [18:32:57] <Lennart> Ah, I'm an engineer! I innovate! [18:33:17] * Lennart briskly turns, walking out into the compound [18:33:24] <Will> Carrier pigeon is a bit outdated gramps [18:33:25] * Thyme struggles with moving the crates to their original position* well best of luck..