Location: Columbia>We periodically host a web-based battle royale that can include anything and anyone. Shenanigans ensue, and some people attempt to write it into semi-coherent narratives, playing the part of the characters within!Check here for additional details:https://rentry.org/HungerGamesHostingGuideUpdatedhttps://brantsteele.com/hungergames/Previous thread: >>24334523
>>24336770>The king would be looking over his pile of parts.Hrm...>He can feel them approach him, the metal king lets out a grumble before his head turns to the two.What you want?>>24336687>You say this until he does it.
>Green?
>>24336821>All green!
>>24336824>Green again!
>>24336815>No surprise that he saw or heard them coming easily enough, the lance corporal among them offering the royal powerhouse a polite enough nod. (MRN #1) Well to be straight with you Grimlock, we were hoping to get our hands on a Null Ray. (MRN #5) I still think calling it a death ray is cooler corporal. But yeah, what he said your majesty. Our bosses want one too. Y'know, if you're feeling up for it that is. >>24336821>Nice.
>>24336821>BLUE
>>24336834>Dammit!
>>24336563>>24336653>The time to make your choice is fast approaching. After all, there's now an opening at the top of the ramp with distant figures already emerging onto the ramp.>>24336782>A closer look by a more modern human can easily see what the more fantastical can't. It's taller and bigger than a large hotel or tower at the least. It's certainly more rugged looking than the imagined flying saucer.>Oh. And there's a bunch of weapon emplacements on that thing. And there's definitely things starting to emerge and run down the extended ramps at surprising speed.
>>24336830>>24336834>All green it seems!
>>24336833>Grimlock looms over the two of them, letting it known how easily he could crush them.Why you boss want it? Going to use it on robots?
Test
>>24336834A Daigusto synchronization has changed your attribute from WATER to WIND. Things like this can happen when you mix magics with strangers.
>>24336845>Green thread. I can post on my phone now. Thanks Chance!
>>24336856Human.Ears!
>>24336821>Green is the most clanlike color.>>24336839>MEANWHILE WITH REDMON->Oh. >It looks like 19th and 20th century superscience pales in comparison to Future Superscience.>Who knew?
>>24336804 (Wild-Child)>>24336782 (Writer Person)>>24336839It's just like...>A less experienced maid would had rushed out to meet the craft, yet not only did she know to hide out of sight, the red head's eyes flashed with some familiarity at the nature of the vessel.Wherever we are, it's out of our world...>Could it be, that the ship was one of the Mistress's own? N-no, couldn't be, it was too inelegant. To dirty. Further, the inhabitants pouring out were several magnitudes huge, jostling let another memory fragment in the maid's skull that she'd better forget as she began to shudder!>Perceptive eyes might note the odd bunched up nest amidst the otherwise uniformly-separated pineapples.
>>24336852Who activated DNA Transplant while I wasn't looking?
>>24336841>Rolling for colour.
>>24336687 (Green girl) >>24336784 (Orange girl) >To Rei, the sergeant merely grunted over the din of combat. And things would only get noisier still as Winda lived up to her name as she and her mount unleashed a veritable twister of an attack on their innumerable enemies! Needless to say, more than one trooper was impressed and gobsmacked at the sight. (MRN #4) WOAH! (MRN #7) Holy crap. (MRN #1) Alright, not bad. Not bad at all. >He was trying to play it cool as the leader of the bunch but the SNCO WAS impressed by what he saw, the majority of the insectoid horde being either blown back into their hidey holes or ripped apart by the sheer force of the winds and natural shrapnel. A number of buried land mines likewise went flying and blew up against the Arachnids which only furthered the already devastating causalities they were suffering. A brief reprieve followed then, Marines taking a moment to assess the battlefield and or reload their weapons, the sarge barking over the relative peace. (MRN #1) Okay, good work so far but stay sharp! >Especially since more rumbling followed, what surviving Arachnids clambering up and towards the wall of the Outpost. The sergeant sneered at it, one other Marine crying out as he began to open fire with his gun. (MRN #9) They keep coming sarge! What do we do!? (MRN #1) Keep firing dammit, we hold out here! >That wasn't his only plan though, the NCO radioing the Steady as She Goes for an update. He had another plan in play, but just as well, he turned and shouted to Winda up above them. (MRN #1) Do you think you can collapse those tunnels? We might be able to stop the bastards that way!
>>24336843>He was doing his best to hide his fear at least, the nameless boot swallowing nervously as he spoke in an even and mostly firm voice. (MRN #1) Well, that's the idea in general I think. I can't be 100% sure though. >The other trooper grumbled something about "friggin' ONI" before speaking a bit louder to Grimlock. (MRN #5) We've got to be ready for them Decepticons I guess. That, and they might come in handy against the Imperium if you've heard of those jackasses. >You know, the guys that bombed/gassed the Camp years ago with a Psyk-Out attack.
>>24336898Decepticons....>He practically growls the name in rage.You leader want weapons, he come talk to Grimlock himself! Face to face!
>>24336839>>24336867>While he can't see through the dense alchemical cocoon he's woven his heightened senses pick up every vibration through the earth. >He hears the heavy rhythmic thud of massive feet hitting the ramp that vibrate through his empty chest.
>>24336909(MRN #1) Yeah. Them. >No one in the UNSC knew much about them just yet, but from what they've heard so far, they were bad news. Grimlock's displeasure only reinforced that notion now... >The demand to meet with their leader threw the trooper for a curve, but he sort of understood it as much. (MRN #1) You want to see our captain? Or... >Or perhaps even the UNSC's main leader, Vice Admiral Vadim Stepanov himself!
>>24336930Whoever in charge, if Grimlock help you, want to make sure Grimlock get something in return.>He maybe a brute but he wasn't dumb, handing over weapons like that could end badly for him.
>>24336839>The Writer stayed down when he saw the weapon emplacements across the surface of the strange ship. They were odd, alien, surely, but Wake had seen and read enough to know what he was looking at. As for the figures who were emerging from the ship though? Wake had no idea what to make of them yet...They seem... human-shaped. I think...?>The Writer crept forwards around the plants, trying to get a better look...>>24336804>>24336867>And as such, he was too focused on the towering ship to notice the strange scruff of land he was approaching.>But perhaps those hidden beneath it could notice the sounds of approaching footsteps, or the clinking of objects in his bag...
>>24336896>Winda noticed the detonations in her spell from the uprooted landmines. Unsure what the cause was she simply worriedly stared at her staff in confusion and then at her bird.Gulldos.. was that us?>No time to wonder, Gulldos didn't know those were landmines either and the sarge was barking orders!Ah! Right!>Winda and her companion rush forward, her staff once again twisting in the air.Dust Storm!>The winds answered again. This time the vortex uplifted the loose earth and sand of the desert planet. Dust and stone choked one of the burrow passageways as the shifting dunes collapsed in on it, before long, the tunnel had been swallowed completely.>>24336856>>24336865>Looking good.>>24336871>Trust me, it's better this way.>>24336875>The red matches the flag quite nicely.
>>24336959>>24336784 (Creamsicle androind)>Dang it.. forgot the other link.
>>24336938(MRN #1) Yeah, I get it. Quid pro quo and all that. (MRN #5) Heh, nothing's free in life. But yeah, we'll make it work sirs. (MRN #1) Mhm.>He may speak "simply", but a more astute part of the jarhead NCO knew that Grimlock was sharper than he initially let on. Only one way to find out though, the Marine non-com using his helmet radio to call the overhead light frigate. From there word rapidly made its way to the captain, one Carol Bishop, the officer agreeing to meet with the king in the junk yard. Albeit with some additional backup for a VIP. (MRN #1) Okay, our captain's gonna meet with you shortly then if that's acceptable. She'll be here in several minutes. (MRN #5) Hurry up and wait, eh? (MRN #1) Once more with feeling, private... >The man chuckled at that before turning to face the towering Dinobot. (MRN #5) So, while we're waiting and all, you got any good stories you wanna tell us? Kick any ass recently?
>>24336896>As the combat slowly dies down, Rei does a quick check of her weapons ammunition and the vitals ofher nearby soldiers.Everything seems to be in order. Preparing to engage in combat once more!>She now holds the Morita rifle out, still shotgunning through any of the approaching insects.Atleast..until she has to reload.Alert: I am reloading,please cover me!>She cires out, just as the wind begins to twist and distort around them.
>>24336992>>24336959>Missedone
>>24336987....Hear about Moon War? Grimlock only one walk away from it.>That may be more of a warning not to cross him.
>>24336867>>24336916>The thunderous arrival of feet are no Daidarabotchi thankfully enough. But their numbers are still quite great. What little either can see still towers above them, encased completely in...metal? Almost like the requisite knight statues of the mansion.>Only that they don't quite have the shape of a man. Too bulbous for that form fitting factor.>>24336946>With eyes not hidden by camo and an intrinsic curiosity, he's getting a better picture at least.>Years of having to deal with many a spooky monster or horror show helps with his depth perception even at the range shown. These things are towering metal giants. Easily standing a few heads above any normal man with ease. The material itself is probably not biological. Looks far different even in the gleem. Plus, there does seem to be some little bits of extended weaponry there.>A good few of them are still running down the ramp at an surprising speed for what looks a bit like bulky armor. But most are cutting the middle man by jumping off of it halfway, safely to the ground.>If he wants a closer look, it seems a pair of them are already starting to trek over in the direction of the greater field!
>>24336959>>24336992>All was green, the combination of prodigious gunfire, explosions, and harsh winds ensuring the Arachnids didn't even reach the walls of Whiskey Outpost. Needless to say, this mixed group was doing better than their poor predecessors. The vitals of the nearby Marines while elevated with their heart and breathing rates that came from combat were otherwise okay, Ten offering Rei a thumbs up as he reloaded his own M7. (MRN #10) You guys are doing good so far, I've got your back! >Winda was doing especially well, the lady unleashing a potent "Dust Storm" that did its job quite effectively from what the Marines could readily see, a tunnel being clogged by sand and stone in short order. There were still several others however, bugs STILL crawling out of those holes as the sergeant snarled at the sight. (MRN #1) Dammit, there's still more of 'em! Try to plug those holes Winda! We've got 'Swords inbound to drop the pain on these sons of bitches! >True enough, a quartet of GA-TL1 Longswords were screaming towards them from on high, the flying wings mere dots at this stage as they prepared to conduct a bombing run. One of the Marines manning a fifty called out with worry in his tone. (MRN #3) Isn't that danger close sergeant!? (MRN #1) It is. But these bastards aren't giving us much choice!
Avas come back...
>>24337064?
>>24336946>>24337033>No, not the daidarabotchi, that mythical thing some of those foolish forest fairies sought after in between their hooliganism. These were big, they were metal, and she was certain they were going to do very terrible things to her again if she was caught!>>24336916We need- we need to get out of here.>Uttered the senior maid, clearly struggling to keep her composure as her first instinct was to crawl opposite the direction of the loud, metal stomping!
>>24337006>Five hummed thoughtfully at that. (MRN #5) "Moon War"? Sounds important. Guess I shouldn't be surprised a guy like you was a part of it. >He'd shoot Grim a grin. (MRN #5) And lived! >One however took things a bit more seriously, the man nodding at the king. (MRN #1) What he said. Glad you're with us for that matter. >Like the Gendarme sergeant had somewhat informed him, Grimlock had apparently lost others in that fight... >With that sort of known but unsaid, a D77H Pelican escorted by a quartet of Longswords made for their location. The former descending while the latter began to circle overhead. With the flying wings acting as overwatch and securing the skies, the dropship was free to come closer, the noise of its engines growing louder as it fell towards the group. >Turning on a dime, the back hatch began to open to reveal nearly a dozen heavily armed ODSTs guarding their barely seen VIP. Once the landing gear hit the deck with a noisy CLANK, they quickly leaped out and began to size up the frankly impressive Dinobot. Words alone didn't do him justice but the blackguards hardly balked as the lead Helljumper gave a nod and a motion for the captain to come out. (ODST #1) We're clear ma'am.>At that, the lady captain carefully stepped out from the back of the Pelican. She quietly assessed Grimlock, surrounded by her men as she awaited him to speak first.
>>24337097>She reflects on his visor as Grim looks down at her.Hrrm...You want weapons to kill Decepticons? Grimlock can help....but Grimlock want something too.
>>24336992>>24337052Swords..?>She quietly spoke the word between herself and her mount. More things she lacked the time to wonder about. Leave it to me!>Winda dives forward with Gulldos, this time taking a more direct approach. Another dust storm roared ahead of her, temporarily submerging another burrow beneath waves of sand. Satisfied with her work she swoops in to support Rei. Descending like the great raptor he was, Gulldos make quick work of the nearest 'nids harassing the android's reload.There's no end to these things!>With a sharp cry, Gulldos and Winda ascend once more. The emerald bird begins sweeping back and forth above a fissure, snatching up creatures as they emerge from the ground and driving the smarter ones back.We just have to tough it out a little longer Gulldos.>The priestess was clearly under duress, the magic and fighting starting to cause her a great deal of fatigue.
>>24337114>Even if he loomed over her, the intrepid captain looked him right back in his unseen eyes with a firm nod. (CPT BSP) It would help with our cause your majesty. And from what I've come to understand, you and your allies... >She'd point in the direction of the Gendarmes elsewhere in the scrap yard. ... could maybe use our help too. >And at his word that he wanted something, the captain slowly nodded. (CPT BSP) What is it that you want?
>>24337123Grimlock's humans need help. They need human fuel, homes, repairs to human parts. You help Grimlock take care of humans, Grimlock help you kill Decepticons.
>>24337133>And here the captain thought the demands would be... harsher. Looks like the big tin man had a heart after all, the officer nodding at his conditions. (CPT BSP) I think we can manage that well enough. Just tell us where to begin and I'll get the word out. >Surely, Admiral Stepanov would agree to such "demands" at that, Carol confident in as much. And with UNSC fleetwide supplies and procurement abilities, they could surely meet such demands!
>>24337150>A small data chip pops out of Grimlock's finger, he hands it to her.Go here, they be waiting.>And a sign of good faith, he gives them the Null Ray.Take this as payment.
>>24336946>>24337033>>24337084>He feels the vibrations of the metal giants not as a terror but as a set of variables: Weight and Footsteps. To him it has a have a rhythm. He’s currently timing the interval between their heavy footfalls. >He maintains the structural integrity of their alchemical cocoon keeping his ears locked on the of giants trekking, he shifts it to a big maneuverable turtle shell. Wait... shhh, hold on to me. >He isn't scared; he's calculating the distance. He crawls with her at the precise moment their rambunctious movement create enough acoustic cover for them to slip away into the deeper thicket without being heard. He paces backwards.
>>24337033Oh, shit->Psychological torture born out of his own nightmares is one thing. Giant super-armored soldiers jumping out of an enormous spaceship was another thing. And the realization that he was no longer inside the supernatural prison that kept him from truly dying made these things seem all the more terrifying. >>24337084>>24337184>The next moment, the sound of Wake's body thumping down against the dirt sounded out in a small radius around him. Followed by the sounds of Wake starting to crawl along under the covers of the pineapples as he tried with quiet desperation to avoid the hulks now closing in.Why do I keep doing this?! Why did I think walking up to a giant spaceship was a good idea?! It's like I'm to get myself killed...!>... He's doing fine.
>>24337165>The captain gingerly accepted said data chip, although some of the ODSTs took issue with her getting so close to a relative unknown. (ODST #3) Careful ma'am... (CPT BSP) He's fine corporal. I won't shy away from doing my job here. >She'd quickly pocket the chip in her uniform, the woman nodding at the massive machine lifeform. (CPT BSP) We'll examine the information and have a team sent out ASAP to get to work. >And even better, Grimlock paid them in advance as it were, *a* Null Ray being offered to the assembled UNSC forces! >Carol offered Grimlock an honest smile. (CPT BSP) Thank you. We won't let you down.
>>24337198Good.>It was a simple word from a simple bot.We leave now, see you soon.>With that the king gathered his men and the scrap parts to leave.
>>24337084>>24337184>>24337193>Not all of them are moving in this direction. Only a few really. But these guys cover a lot of ground by bulk and surprising speed.>Trying to be sneaky does help. But is it enough to fool whatever kind of special tech they have?>One last roll should sufficiently help!>Odds: Yes>Evens: No>Dubs:???
>>24337223>Only fools admired complexity anyways, the captain and her team glad things were being kept simple with this transaction. (CPT BSP) Of course Grimlock. >There was just one more thing to do however, the captain nodding at an ODST. The man tossed a data pad of his own at Grimlock, the officer explaining soon after as he moved to leave. (CPT BSP) Our contact information, namely secure radio lines for you or your allies when we meet again. Or if you need help with other matters. Until then. >With that all said and done, the captain motioned for the troopers under her immediate command to secure the Null Ray to the Pelican. It took some wrestling with such a hefty weapon but they managed all the same. Soon enough, they too would return to their own frigate hovering not far above the scrap yard, new weapon in hand and hold.
>>24337237>>24337084>>24337184>>24337193>The two around there do not mess around, diverting to at first seemingly move around their current hiding spot and further into the pineapple patch, on opposite sides. Lucky!...>Until both of them stop and turn, their attention directed at where this inadvertent group gathered up.Halt and identify.>A commanding, maleish voice intones. They might be in trouble...how will wake and the gang get out of this one? >FIND OUT NEXT TIME ON HG!!!>Since now I sleeps.
>>24337237>>24337273>A spooky cliffhanger to leave on. How frightening.>Well, whether its tomorrow or later, I'll try to be more on the pulse for this confrontation so I can help it actually move along at an earlier hour, now that I'm getting directly tied with the other two. Maybe, we'll see.>Either way, looking forward to it.
I believe my color will be chartreuse
>>24337410GREEN
>>24337416I was rightyou know, quasimodo predicted all of this
>>24337184>The fairy maid...>0-4 - Thought she knew best as his senior, dismissing whatever the boy trainee was saying for her own panicked intuition.>5+ - Would defer to the boy's own intuition figuring the fact he knew what she thought to be magic might had meant he picked up additional skills in the interim?>>24337237>So far, not so bad; the worse thing they had to fear was being inadvertently trampled from sliding under the iron giants' notice->>24337193>>24337273 (Good night.)>Yet whatever choice she made would be ultimately meaningless as the gigants noticed their movements anyway. The fairy maid would immediately freeze in place upon being given a direct order by an authoritative-sounding source!
>>24337273>>24337364>>24337449>Slowly the leaves begins to unravel, peeling back like a blossoming flower.>The boy stands up first his movements unhurried to avoid triggering any hostile reflex from the giants. He places himself slightly in front of the fairy maid using his small frame as a shield. >He helps her up by the elbow ensuring she can steady herself as they both rise from the hollowed earth to face the towering figures.
>you know, quasimodo predicted all of this >*puts on walmart employee shirt or something*
>>24337064No, lel.
>>24337064Here I yam
somebody rp Marge Simpson NOAW
Hans is gay.
Penis
>>24338131Nobody's gay for Moleman
>>24340033Boo urns.
I'm calling purple. Watch me be purple, bro.
Oh heck yeah.
knock knock snafu /co/mics mandy enters as a tribute
>>24340790>Witchcraft...
>>24340830Naw it's okay, I got like...>gum smack... ESPN or somethin', ya know?
>>24340850>Aw fuck he's got sports too? We're so cooked.
>>24340877I feel betrayed by this.
>>24340897YOU BETRAYED THE LAW!
>>24340897>>24340926>LAWWWW.
>>24340926>>24340937So I know what we're doing here, but *I* have decided to bring up the 3 seashells.
>>24340938>Does this mean we're getting Taco Bell?
>>24340937>>24340938LAAAAAAAAWWW!Funfact: The Writer of Demolition Man doesn't know how the 3 seashells work either and joked that no one in the future does but are too embarrassed to say anything.
>>24340944... eugh, in relation to the 3 seashells? Truly, Canadians have a far sterner constitution. >>24340947Oh my gosh Demolition Man is, once more, the most prophetic property from ages past like Deus Ex and... uh... Idiocracy is kinda late compared to those two but I guess the time difference is the same between it and Deus Ex as between Deux Ex and Demolition Man? Let's check. 2006 - 2000 = 6 years2000 - 1993 = 7 years.Yeah, I meant to do that.
>>24340965I'm more of a Passenger 57 kind of guy.
>>24340947>>24340965>I have been trapped under the ice for 6 months and counting someone please send help.
>>24340984I'll be honest, Demolition Man is more just something that I saw on TV, like the Fifth Element, than something I grew up with. So I'm even less familiar with Wesley Snipes's other works. That said, looking at the synopsis, I can feel a conspiracy theory a-brewin' and it doesn't even take folding a 20... or was a 1? I can't remember how to make 9/11 with your pocket cash.Anyway, point is that everything after 1993 was engineered and they left us clues to the fact that all of society is now just a simulation run by the Rosicruilluminfellerstianasons. >>24340989Cool.[spoiler]Ha, geddit?[/spoiler]
>>24340999>AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-
>>24340989Just like Captain America, only not.>>24340999Do you know about the joys that is Wesley Snipes in Blade 3?
>>24341009Godspeed, Etobicoke Man...>>24341017Is that the one where he says the thing about muthafuckas always ice skatin' uphill, or something? Because I don't recall where I picked that up from but it visits my head without paying rent sometimes.
>>24341031That's the first movie, the 3rd was PG-13, had a tag along team and Snipes was crashing out to the point he only came out his trailer for close up shots, spent most the time smoking weed and left sticky notes titled "from Blade."
>>24341047I can feel the pain of the rest of the cast and crew through this sentence.
>>24340938>>24340947>Demolition Man reminds me of the fact that the Master Chief took his name from John Spartan and even his prisoner number, 117.
>>24341066Master Chief was a Demolition Man fan? In the... 26th century?Wow. Also hi.
>>24341082>Shit does tend to explode around him too. And imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Plus you can't beat the classics! >And hey man, hope you're doing good.
>>24336807Well..didn't expect to find something like this at the other end of the signal.>A lone figure stands on top of one of the many buildings of the floating city, She looked down at her communication device, a signal pinging somewhere in the mess of buildings below.Maybe I should've asked for back-up...
>>24341096So did they optimize it to one seashell in the future? That's the real question. I'm feeling okay, don't know if I'm doing the good I should or just avoiding the evil I shouldn't. How about you?
>>24341123We may never know... Because not even Halo can answer that important question. Right on, that sounds fine to me t.bh. I'm doing alright myself, work went nice and quick today for one thing. So I'm feeling satisfied.
>>24341143I wanted an answer... we live in an age of (probably incorrectly but) instantaneous answers. Also, oh, right, /bant/'s limit is 150 images. >that sounds fine to me t.bhI guess the bar do be low sometimes. And good: sounds like it was active if it went by quickly, and that you did well if you're satisfied.
>>24336807>>24341112>Expect the unexpected, especially in the Arena as Columbia was about to possibly find out. Case in point, a Mulsanne-class light frigate could be seen approaching the flying city at a measured pace, the UNSC Oblique keeping its distance for now as it sent radio hails to the cloudy metropolis in an attempt to make hopefully friendly contact with the local authorities. >Just as well, the warship was monitoring any unsecured comm channels that may be coming to or from within or without the town. >>24341185>Alas, I am not ChatGPT but a humble human bean running on questionable "software" that works well enough in most cases. And yeah, got to watch that image limit lol. >I'm easy to please at least, and today was no different with the job.
>>24341226Wait a minute, that first sentence...>reaches out for the maskBut ha, yeah. The software is kinda borked for us meat-types, isn't it?For real though, I yearn for that kind of simplicity. Definitely seems like it beats the mile-a-minute "let's see how far we can twist this up in ten" kind of brain.
>>24341267No mask here, just what you see. Hope it's decent enough at least. And maybe for some more than others. I get by well enough at least lol and I'm okay with it. Although to be fair I sometimes overthink stuff myself so I feel you on that last part. I was debating for instance with my greet there whether to go subtle or loud for several minutes before deciding what to do.
>>24341226>The men on board would get a strange signal, an incoming call to someone in the city.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe1ZXh5_wk4....Nephthys speaking. "It's Maw, did you find the target yet?"Negative...I just got here. I was trying to get the layout of this place before I started running around like a chicken with my head cut off.>The voice on the other end chuckles."Well aren't we being a professional today? Do you need me to back you up?">The female voice, Nephthys apparently, goes quiet before responding.I considered it...but this city is populated and I don't want to start a giant mess. Any update on the Emerald that was stolen from the Scrambled Egg?"Not yet. I'll let you know if we find anything. Good luck on your rock hunt."Thanks.>The communication ends, but the vulture narrows her eyes when she notices some sort of interference. She decides to try calling the party playing third wheel next.....hello?
>>24341226Is that FUCKING GORDOOOON???
>>24341285I could have sworn it was Old Man ChatGPkins. ... okay, that one really could have gone better. My cynical mind betrays me once again.Well, yeah... I think we all overthink nowadays. Probably comes from the fact that text allows for us to manufacture the circumstances and demeanor so much more than genuine live encounter does. That having been said, sometimes it's best to have that kind of buffer. Maybe? I don't know, actually. Something to meditate on.>>24341293I've the urge for a dad joke.Also is this who I think it is? I don't know many other Swiss pass users that would waltz in here.
>>24341315No, I'm actually the real kiyama.. I'm not hype about you like.. stealing my identity and shit.. and like.. that's not cool at all.My nigger I told you you can find me in my own threads on bant.. on here.. u know.I avoid these threads at all costs but I'm shitfaced rn so I clicked it.I really kinda miss you tho.. you always were a good fren. You should stop by my threads more often.
>>24341327Dude, what the heck? How are you me when I'm me?But for real, hi and hello. I've thought about it at times, but since I'm barely here anyway I tend not to think about it at the right time. Also what the heck happened to get you to be that against HG threads?
>>24341289>The seemingly unsecured call was duly intercepted by the frigate and her crew, the comm officer in particular listening carefully. From the sounds of it, this "Nephthys" was looking for something, and was trying to be subtle about it. Props to her considering the UNSC's own louder approach with their spaceship floating not far off in the distance like the angular gunmetal brick it was. >That all unsaid, the challenge would be answered by said comm officer. (COM OFC) This is the UNSC Oblique, please identify and state your purpose. >Guy sounded military at least with his crisp and professional and to the point tone. >>24341293>Yeah lol. What's up? >>24341315>Not this time Scooby-Doo! And hey, I thought it was nice! >And that's a good point on the thinking stuff. When I'm at work myself for example, I kind of lean on a "script" to get me through things versus overthinking stuff like here where I have time and resources to do so. Which can be a bit stifling sometimes but I think it's more rewarding myself. I mean, I'm having fun with it.
>>24341345Well, acktchually.. I am not or am and at the same time aren't and is and be you.It's very simple. HG made me sad, angry and have horrible experiences so I avoid it at all costs. When something is bad for me, I cut it out like a tumor. I think that's simple enough for you to understand, yes?Last I did for HG was annihilate the /trash/ threads and then make Sam move over here to /bant/.. I didn't wanna revive HG but he has a love for it and he is my friend so I helped him and now you guys are here.. in a healthier environment. But I won't come here to play hg, sorry fren.>>24341347I'm Kiyama! Gordon, we have to do our awesome roleplay! I'm totally gonna like.. write lots of spinach at you and you write spinach at me!It's gonna be awesome!
>>24341347Nephthys the Vulture. I'm here on a retrieval mission for a third party. It's imperative that I find the target and return it to its proper owner. >She's being a bit vague, but she can't go blabbing everything to a stranger at once. I'm going to assume you're the people in that giant grey block I can see from here...?
>>24341362Woah what a plot twist. And hey if you say so man lol.
>>24341347The self-deprecation of your humanity was got me thinking that, honestly, more than the verbiage. Plus I'm tired so I suppose that impacted it.I've tried living off a script, and all it got me was worrying about authenticity. But then again you can buy me fresh milk and I'll worry about it curdling well in advance. >>24341362Nooo, you can't be me! I wouldn't be the one who would butcher to be like that, it wouldn't be becoming of me. Aie. I mean, I can understand it, but I don't know the circumstances. Sometimes the stuff that we dislike ends up being a growing experience for us, and sometimes the stuff we dislike is just kinda crap. ... honestly, I think you're overselling personal influence there, but still, I'm sure that you did play a part in the new circumstances. >>24341378Dude..!... actually, no, yeah, I'm gonna outsource my RP so that I can say that I do it. That'll work.
>>24341378Love ya gordie, u a cute boy <3>>24341380You can think whatever you will, old friend.. but I decided to cut this shit out of my life and it made me more happy.Speaking of, I'll close this thread now. If you wanna chat, you know where to find me.I know, is a rather asshole thing of me to do but I really shouldn't be in an hg thread. I've got the boys chatting me up in my thread tho. Is lots of fun.So I guess.. until later or tomorrow or whenever.. depending on what you decide to do, luv ya fren.
>>24341375(COM OFC) A third party? Were you hired to conduct your current search? What is it that you're looking for if I may ask? >Perhaps they could even help, the frigate boasting a number of sophisticated sensors aboard and plenty of men to conduct searches of their own. Then again, having only just met they couldn't exactly rush into this thing as it were, a degree of trust needing to be built firsthand. (COM OFC) That would be us, yes. We were running a patrol when we came across this city in the sky. Thus far, attempts to contact its authorities haven't gone anywhere. >Was anyone even home in Columbia? Surely such an impressive looking city had some form of government...
>>24341399I must say I like the new space with accountabili-IDs, the only purpose anonymity served for the community was for secret ava events anyway.We can always move to an anonymous board temporarily to do those too.Miss you friend, hope you're doing well these days!
>>24341399Caught ya, bitch!>sucks ur cock which forces you back into the threadJoin my new HG, Mordy. I did it. We did it. /bant/ HG did it. They cant samefag here, the schizo fuckers. For the games! 'n sheit!Also, im drunky hehe.
>>24341380Yeah, I can see it and what you mean. We've had conversations before about such things. I don't blame you for thinking that way either. The last thing we want is to be a mere machine with just going through the motions. But sometimes I just try to keep things extra simple and not think too hard, dumb as that may sound. So try to enjoy that milk as it were before it spoils! Or just get some canned stuff lol to be literal with your figure of speech. And noooooo don't outsource your stuff. There's only one you and I want him back to RPing! Or hosting. Whatever floats the old boat. >>24341399Thanks, a dude tries. Stay well in the meantime man.
>>24341410Indeed, I was hired by an important organization to track down and return a dangerous relic to our home, a powerful artifact called a Chaos Emerald. It cannot be allowed to fester in this place, because if the wrong hands get it then the results would be catastrophic. If you wish to assist me in the search it would be greatly appreciated.
>>24341399... eh. Well, I wonder what this webm is.>>24341443I think the thing is that I largely value disruption to routine, so enforcing routine on myself kinda kills that, right? But I suppose routine also has its value? Yeah? Yeah. The mean of habit is virtue and all that.Anyway, milk, haha.Anyway anyway, yeah, there's only one me but the only way that I'll be able to RP is if I that isn't me ends up doing the RP, y'see?
>>24341461Trippy...>>24341399... yeah, I think I'm gonna wait until your thread takes a cold shower.
>>24341460>This artifact, this "Chaos Emerald" sounded dangerous. And interesting. Especially when ONI heard about it... >By now, the captain of the ship, one Adrien Duvall, had made his way over to the as of yet named ensign. The latter acknowledged his superior with a nod before speaking again. (COM OFC) We may be able and willing to help Nephthys, but we'll need a bit more information to go on. Such as what the organization you report is. >But to give the vulture an inch, the comm officer quietly consulted with the results of scans the ship had made thus far. (COM OFC) We're not detecting anything unusual within the city at this time if that helps narrow your search. But then again, we don't know much about this "Chaos Emerald" either as you can imagine. >>24341461>>A bit of a rebel eh? I can dig it. But yeah, don't do anything too crazy either lol. Just be safe is all. >And yeah, sorry it went there for a sec ha. >I kind of figured. Again, whatever you're comfortable with of course.
>>24341542>rebelKinda? Rebel-lite, really, at best. I just think that there's two kinds of routine: those which cause growth, and those which cause stagnation. Just like there's two kinds of sorrow, two kinds of glory, etc.That was a genuine "haha". Though it was purely unintentional.>whatever you're comfortable with of courseIt's not quite so much about my comfort as it is this and that and other things. Yes, I made it much clearer.
>>24341573It's still more than what can be said of me t.bh. I like my simple routine. Although now that you mention it, you've planted a seed to maybe do more. Alright good, just wanted to make sure things are cool between us and all. Gotcha, appreciate the elaboration. Again, just trying to keep it cool and all.
I wonder if I should make my own thread like so many other /bant/ers do hmmmmm
>>24341593I *have* been doing a fair bit of sowing lately, for someone like myself. Not that I can take the credit.And yeah. Heh. Melk.I totally just weaseled my way out of it, but it really just boils down to being busy and having other priorities. Speaking of other priorities I need my bed. G'night, Gordon, and blessed night to you and all the others.
>>24341632Yeah man, goodnight. Was nice talking with you.
>>24341542>Nephthys sighs, she can't just tell them that she works for a mad scientist who turns people into robots, she has to tell the truth in a way that'll keep her cover while also not being an outright lie.....I work with a group called the Desert Raiders, a faction within the greater Freedom Fighters organization on my home planet of Mobius. We've been collecting the Emeralds to keep them safe from those who would use them for evil. The Emeralds have made it to this Arena Planet, and we've been collecting them from various locations.>She checks her own radar, watching as it pings again.I'm equipped with a radar to find the stone...I can share the signal but in return I have some terms that need to be met. The first is obvious, when we find the Stone it's going back with me.
>>24341645>A fine line to walk then, the UNSC at least willing to give this stranger the benefit of the doubt and give her a hand. Although "Freedom Fighters" sounded kind of like Insurrection... >Suspicions thus were mildly stoked, but not enough to say "no" just yet at this juncture with the Desert Raider. Especially if there was a chance to get an eye on something novel like this Chaos Emerald. >Captain Duvall spoke with the comm officer for a moment before the latter replied evenly back. (COM OFC) That sounds fair enough miss. It IS your property after all.>ONI would throw a conniption for sure. But fuck them, this was a Navy operation for the moment. The skullduggery could *maybe* come later. (COM OFC) What are your other terms that you mentioned?
>>24341672Thank you...the other term is simple, if you find any other Emeralds you report to me or my organization. We're willing to offer our own services in return...but you'll have to speak to my superiors for that first. I'm just throwing the idea out there.
>>24341768>A pause, the ensign again having to consult with his captain before speaking. (COM OFC) Understood Nephthys. We'll consider it. >The UNSC *could* surely use more friends and allies in the Arena after all. >With that more or less established, it was time to see what could be done here and now. (COM OFC) Now, about sharing that radar signal you mentioned earlier. Do you think there's an Emerald in this city then?
>>24341812Correct. I followed a signal here to this strange flying city. I'm going to start tracking its exact location, but if you're going to help we need to be stealthy about it. I'm not sure the citizens here will appreciate seeing an anthropomorphic bird and space soldiers running around in the open.
>>24341854(COM OFC) Right you are then. Although my captain and I think it's rather telling that the city hasn't apparently reacted to us as of yet either. >Again, the spaceship *did* try to reach out to Columbia via radio to no avail so far. Still, they would try to play a subtle hand as it were at the lady's behest, the frigate holding steady a fair distance away as it continued to run its own independent scans to try and find this Chaos Emerald.
>>24341884>As both sides scan, the signal for the Emerald become clearer.Looks like it's in...some sort of museum? I can see it from here...I'll meet your forces there shortly.>The vulture takes flight, jumping between rooftops and making her way to the location. On the ground, some Columbian officers spot the strange sight and start conversing with each other."...ya see that?""I did. It's headed for the Hall of Heroes...we gonna give 'em a heads up?""Might as well, get someone on the ringer and tell 'em they're about to get company."
>>24341942tets
Tomorrow.It will be a five-man game.Be prepped if you want to join, It's a long one.
>>24341942>Signal lock acquired: the Oblique's sensor officer calling to the others aboard the bridge. (SEN OFC) I've got a good read on something alright. Cross-referencing it with our friend here indicates that it might just be the Chaos Emerald. >It was only further confirmed with Nephthys saying as much over the radio, the communications ensign responding. (COM OFC) Affirmative. We're already scrambling a squad of Marines via dropship. ETA: five minutes. >True enough, a D79H Pelican was being prepped in the ship's hangar bay, nearly a dozen troopers loading onto the bird. All too soon it launched from the frigate and began its approach to Columbia and the museum proper. Doubtlessly, the citizens AND officers alike would notice the craft with how different it was to what they had seen before in their current and comparatively dated times, the flyer moving unmolested through the skies for now.
>>24341989>Neat.
>>24342001>Nephthys arrives not long after she finishes the call, waiting at the front of the building and frowning when she sees that the building itself is apparently closed for some reason.....well, guess it means no one else will be in here, It'll make retrieval easier...
>>24342071>Like the nameless officer had said on the call, she wouldn't have to wait *too* long then, the dropship in question arriving in the estimated five minutes. Heated winds from the engines buffeted Nephthys as the D79H came in for a hover, the Pelican turning around so that its back hatch faced her and opened up. Nine Marines, led by a sergeant based on his three chevrons on his armor, piled out of the dropship near the museum's entrance. >Once they had all filed out with weapons drawn, the D79H ascended a ways up, opting to keep overwatch for those on the ground. One of the troopers pointed at Nephthys, surprise evident in his voice at what he saw. (MRN #7) Yo! Is that her? Didn't know she was like, one of those animal people. >To which the sergeant grunted. (MRN #1) Only one way to confirm it, trooper. >He jogged up to the bird lady, flanked by a couple wary Marines as the SNCO looked the anthro avian up and down with a curious expression. (MRN #1) I take it you're Neppy then? What's the situation?
>>24336807>If you were standing right down in the midst of this fantastical and ludicrous city, you could almost be fooled into thinking it was any other American metropolis. Albeit one with expensive upkeep. The locals were rushing about as they would anywhere else, constantly running to and from their little homes and their little jobs. No matter where, humans were never quite as different as they liked to believe...>But all it took was one look down to see that the Earth was far, far below the city streets, or one look up to see zeplins zipping past a looming angel made of gold, to see just how strange this all really was. Not to mention the constant sea of clouds rolling through downtown!>And yet, every local was too used to the majesty of it all. In turn, they were too busy focusing on their daily mundane rituals to even bother noticing when someone who didn't belong had slipped into their midst.Talk about living with your head in the clouds...>Though, maybe they would take notice of the man in the long overcoat perilously leaning over a railing leading to a very long drop, whilst looking every which way like a complete fool. At least a little.Can't hear any engines keeping us aloft... doesn't feel like repulsor technology either... so how the hell did they do it?!>Or maybe the yelling.
>>24342110Neppy...?>She gave him a confused tilt of her head before clearing her throat.If you meant Nephthys then yes, that's me. The signal from the emerald is coming from inside this building. Luckily, it looks like it's closed down so we can hopefully get inside and take the rock without too much issue.
>>24342160>Marines and their nicknames, eh? Either way that confirmed it to the non-com. (MRN #1) Alright, good to hear and meet you. >And with the welcome news that they again had a confirmed Emerald signal coming from within the seemingly closed museum, all they had to do was get inside. (MRN #1) You find a way inside the building yet? >Even if she had *just* arrived, perhaps Nephthys had managed to scope the place out. Hell, maybe they could walk in through the front door? Failing that, the sergeant and his Marines were ready to get "creative", the NCO himself and others already looking the structure over.
>>24342188I think I've got a good enough plan to get in.>The Vulture pokes her claw into the padlock on the doors, working carefully until a click echoes from the door, the padlock coming off and the chains soon after.Well then boys, let's go find our magic rock.>Nephthys pushes the doors open, slowly entering the building and looking around cautiously.....well, it's...interesting.>That is a LOT of Stars and Stripes to be sure.I thought the city itself was covered in flags...this is pretty self-indulgent...>Says the lady working for a guy who made his face his logo.
>>24342220(MRN #1) Righto. >Said plan was all too easily accomplished thanks to some "handy" work from Nephthys, the sergeant whistling appreciatively. (MRN #1) Good work. Beats my idea by a country mile. >That being to smash a window open and climb in or simply blow the door apart with explosives... >Marines eh? >That (un)said, the lead trooper nodded at the feathered lady, the man motioning for most of his men to cover Nephthys flank as she pressed forward. A couple Marines however were quietly ordered to stay behind to guard their exit, just in case, the Pelican likewise still hovering above to provide armed overwatch for the forces below. Skies and ground seemed clear so far. >As the mixed team moved inward, one of the Marines clicked her tongue at the patriotic displays. (MRN #8) Y'know, I like America as much as the next gal, but this seems excessive. (MRN #9) Yeah, I'm with you two ladies: this is a bit much. >Hail to Columbia indeed, the nameless sergeant staying focused as he addressed Nephthys. (MRN #1) How close are we to the objective?
>>24342291It's somewhere deep inside the building...I'm guessing. Somewhere near the very back.>The vulture frowns as she looks at the eerie robotic figure in the entrance, some sort of thing meant to look like a person but it's...off to say the least. She shakes off the bad feeling and starts moving deeper inside. Eventually they reach a large room with three entrances branching out: THE BOXER REBELLION, THE BATTLE OF WOUNDED KNEE, and a third door to the north.....the Emerald is to the North. We just need to->She freezes suddenly, hearing noises down the Wounded Knee hallway.Can...one of you go check that out...? >She hears another one, clattering from the Boxer Rebellion section.....great. Well, who wants to go to which room? Or are we sticking together to check one at a time?
>>24342332(MRN #1) Hey if you say so Neppy. >Then came the "person of interest", the historical figure of ol Georgie getting some commentary from the troops. (MRN #2) So uh, who's that supposed to be anyway? (MRN #5) Think it's George Washing-something. (MRN #1) It's Washington. And try to stay focused ladies and gentlemen, we're here for the crystal, not a history lesson. >They might be getting more than they bargained for, the Marines tensing up when they heard multiple disturbances... >The sergeant frowned, again the man trying to stay focused but he damn well couldn't leave their flanks exposed as it were. Looks like they were going to have to do some room clearing and investigating. (MRN #1) We'll split up but stay in contact with one another of course. Nep, me, and you two...>A gesture to Marines Two and Four. ... are going to check out Wounded Knee. You four... >A motion to Marines Five, Six, Eight, and Nine. ... head to the Boxer Rebellion room. Sound good? >The troopers, wary as they were, sounded off with "aye sirs" to their boss. The sergeant, gripping his trusty Battle Rifle, looked at Nephthys with a firm and determined expression. (MRN #1) Do you happen to have a weapon on hand or some kind of combat abilities? >Just in case things got... dangerous here in the museum, the SNCO trying to be prepared for anything that may come.
[One-Off Atmospheric Reply, Continue Interaction At-Will]>>24342332>>24342365>The Boxer Rebellion; UEG citizens might had recognized culturally it as the site of the first primordial seedlings that would become the forerunners to their super-national identity, yet the depiction allocated to these halls felt...incomplete. A triumph of progress against the luddite claws of stagnation it were, yet one accomplished through a then-unprecedented display of international cooperation; no sign of this undertaking appeared to be represented in these halls, merely the Boxers themselves assembled as a horde standing underfoot of the floating city's eminence under what was likely a symbolic piece, paired by a scant few memorials to the struggles by and against them from the perspective of what was likely its own locale.
>>24342365I have combat ability to spare. Don't worry too much about me.>She started moving towards the northern door as the other troops split up to search the other exhibits. >As they enter the Wounded Knee hall, 2 and 4 are immediately bombarded with...very colourful depictions of Native American springing out of the walls from behind fake grass and bushes. Stereotypical chanting and drumbeats echo through the exhibit along with the sound of...flapping wings? Whoever is there, they're watching and waiting...>>24342371>I'll actually use this too since it describes the other room perfectly. Merci. As 6, 8 and 9 enter however, there's a smell in the air among all the chaotic imagery...smells like smoke.
>>24342382>There was some reservation in the sergeant's eyes at Nephthys claim, the man slowly nodding. (MRN #1) If you say so Nep. Let's just be careful here, I want this op to be clean. >Likely easier said than done, the Marines at least ready to back the lady up as they proceeded to their designated rooms. >True enough, for the Wounded Knee troopers, they had a colorful greeting, the man and woman flinching and damn well almost shooting the Injun cutouts that leaped out at them. Two in particular snorted at the RACIST sight and sound(s). (MRN #2) You're joking with me with this crap right now, right? (MRN #4) Yeah, this is- wait, you hear that? >For a moment, the two thought it was Nephthys but this appeared to be... different. >Mustering her authority while eyeing her surroundings, Two called out. (MRN #2) Who goes there? Identify yourselves immediately! >>24342371>>24342382>The "Boxer Marines" as it were meanwhile advanced into the marked room, weapons drawn and at the ready as they maintained a none too tight formation together. Similar to the George Washington figure, the history on display elicited some commentary from the group as they kept their heads on swivels. (MRN #5) If I remember my own history lessons right, this whole "Boxer Rebellion" saw a bunch of nations put down a Chinese insurrection. Hmmm, but it looks like they skimped on some details. (MRN #9) Yeah. Seems like they're more interested in congratulating themselves than anything if I had to go by what I'm seeing. >Either way, the history lesson would have to wait again, the four troopers smelling something... burning. (MRN #8) You guys smell that? (MRN #5) Yup. And where there's smoke... >The rest need not be said, the Marines looking around now as they examined the area for the possible source.
>>24342134It's magic! No, this is the power of the light within the human soul! >Doctor, your personal space has been violated, there's someone now striking the exact same pose close enough to be nearly leaning against him.Juust kidding.
>>24342441"We can't help contain this weight on our back. Lady, forgive those who deserve not your forgiveness!">A voice cries out, and suddenly a flock of crows starts to flap wildly around the room, swooping at the troopers and cawing up a storm as a hooded figure hides behind a wooden chunk of grass."INTRUDERS! NO MERCY FOR US OR YOU!">The other troopers were met with a different foe, wild laughter coming from a large figure who jumps down from behind the display, some sort of thick padded and metal armor covered his body as he aimed his hands at the troopers, the metal pipes on his suit turning bright orange as the smell of fire gets stronger."BURN IN THE NAME OF OUR PROPHET!!!">Flames launch from his hands towards the soldiers!
>>24342462>Well, that didn't sound sane at all, one of the troopers muttering to herself. (MRN #2) Oh great, we've got a nutjob to deal with... >And it only got worse when a bunch of crows of all things began to swarm the pair! They could hardly make out the totally not a Klansman figure hiding in the wooden vegetation, Four letting out a shout. (MRN #4) DAMMIT, is this your doing!? Knock it off! >They didn't start shooting just yet, but it was getting more and more tempting by the second, the two Marines instead opting to try and back up and off for now from the oddball that had seen fit to confront them and the murder of crows. >The quartet collectively flinched at the sudden and potent arrival of this iron and fiery man, the source of the smoke and flame seemingly identified. And rather than even try to reason with the Marines, the crazy bastard literally opened fire on them! (MRN #8) Move, now! >The four attempted to do just that, although their efforts saw them... 0-3: Succeed! The flames by in large missing their marks on the Marines! 4-6: Lesser success, Marine Eight getting badly wounded by the flames to her person! 7-9: Worse still, Eight and Nine getting lit up good for serious damage! >No matter the case, the leathernecks opened fire on the fiery SOB, various guns sending a mix of armor piercing and or high-powered rounds their way along with heavy 8-gauge shotgun shells. (Also I hate to do this, but I got to get to bed since I have work in the morning.)
>>24342459>Somehow, the Doctor had not noticed the approaching presence until it was excitedly talking right beside him. Gah-!>The man's entire form jolts, and he nearly sends himself tumbling forward before he shoots back from the rail a step.You- Blimey! Don't you know better than to sneak up on someone like that?>That's rich coming from him...>He took a moment to catch his breath, shake himself off... and then, after a quick clear of the throat, he said:And don't be ridiculous. There's no 'light within the soul'. At least not enough for it to become a sustainable power source. It has to be something else. Gravity lifts, maybe? No, no, it can't be, you'd *feel* it...>... What?
>>24342495"SUFFER AND DIE! ALL ENEMIES OF THE LADY WILL BE VANQUISHED!">The Crowsman screams and jumps out as more crows are summoned to swarm the pair, the man running at them with a fucking sword as he tries to go in for a swing."OHHH HO HO HO! THAT'S RIGHT! BURN! BURN HERETICS!!!">The large man cackles in joy as one of the intruders is burnt, but his laughter is short lived as the troops fire back with some much more sophisticated weaponry. "AGH! WH-WHAT THE HELL!?">The armor piercing rounds work as intended, the man forced to try getting behind cover as the shotgun shells nail the furnace on his back, causing it to make some unsettlingly loud groaning noises."....oh Hell...!">NP dude, we can wrap up this thing tomorrow. Thanks for the RP and hope you had fun!
>>24342517Thanks man, I should be good to go around the afternoon EST just as a heads up. Hopefully my muhreens don't job too hard here lol. See you around and have a goodnight.
>>24342511Not when it'll be funny!>Cue the snickering. Pretend-...pretend she's dressed to fit in here. She actually moves to sit herself on the railing. Madwoman.And you're wrong, but I said I was kidding! These people...they're not ready for the dialogues to come like that!>She...leans forward until she starts to tip over, before catching herself on one of the posts with her foot. Forward, mind you, not-not outwards. She's facing you.So obviously, it's gotta be something else. Those there are lighter-than-air stuff, aren't they?
>>24342560'Wrong'? You->The man paused mid-word, watching the woman as she smiled carelessly while sitting on the edge of oblivion. More specifically, he was looking at her clothes, her jacket, her... ascot? None of it was exactly screaming '1910s'.... What, you mean the zeppelins?>Then, in a snap, his gaze was elsewhere. Up towards the sky, facing the angel as one such aircraft went by.Sure, those on their own work well enough. Brilliant enough, sure, but no way they could keep an entire civilization up in the air like this. Not unless they had some... *really* big balloons.>A moment longer, then he looked down at the woman again. His eyebrows narrowed slightly as he thought on a question for a second before asking it.Doesn't seem possible, does it? Not with where technology is at nowadays at least.>Which 'nowadays', exactly?
>>24342614>I said to PRETEND she was! Oh well, Claire failed to remember to disguise herself. Space age it is!Or really lighter-than-air stuff! Oh, but if they leaked they'd just drop like a rock. Souls weighed down by gravity really don't need to go say hi to it at terminal velocity! What abooout....>She stretches her arms overhead. Lowering them with palms oriented towards each other, interlocking just after they go below her eyes.
>>24342614>>24342646>Aw, I shoulda posted a full-body shot, huh?
>>24342646>>24342651>Maybe she has a coat that makes her look like she fits in. His own coat does 80% of the heavy lifting after all. Just look at it. So long.That they would. Unless we're talking axite. But that can only float about half a metre up, so it's not a good example. Hm...>The man put a hand to his chin, apparently too focused on trying to work out an answer to stop and think that maybe everything he was saying was sounding like rambling nonsense.>Additionally, the fact that this random woman off the street was going right along with her own nonsense didn't seem to register to him either! What a pair, eh?... It couldn't be...>He mumbled a tick, then looked back over at the stranger.Hovercraft technology? In this day and age?
>>24342720>Some things never go out of style. But no, you definitely couldn't pin down where this kinda duds come from besides "vaguely the future relative to the 21st century", probably.You fool!>Her tone sounded way too jovial for that phrases.That'd just be running in to the power situation again! This is no hovercraft, boy, no hovercraft!>She tugs to the sides with her hands, but her fingers remain locked.It'd have to be something smaller. Waaaay smaller!>The locked hands are progressively reduced to just her index fingers hooked around each other between the first and second knuckles.Like a lock!
>>24342787Wha-? 'Fool'?>He repeated the word incredulously, his expression falling into a look of almost actual offense. But she went on, and as she continued speaking, he finally noticed what she was doing with her hands.>For a moment, he still seemed lost... then, his expression shifted from a look of surprise to a look of disbelief to a look of 'what are you, nuts?' as the idea hit him.... You're suggesting that this city isn't being held aloft at all, but rather that it's suspended where it is... at the molecular level?>He asked the question slowly, carefully... then scoffed and rolled his eyes.Don't be daft. That would be impossible.>A beat passed.... *Well*... maybe not impossible... but highly unlikely! Almost impossible, even!
>>24342859A walking anachronism! Just like the rest of it.>She cheerfully acknowledges it as she releases her hand and the railing's post, letting herself bounce to her feet.Kind of a scary thought, isn't it? The beast of possibility! That's just a hunch, though!
>>24342895>The man shook his head, like he was forcing himself to outright refuse the idea.It's ridiculous! It's impossible! It's... brilliant!>But he couldn't stop himself. In a blink, he jerked forward again until he was back at the rail, leaning over it again as if he actually had a hope of peeking at the city's underbelly, of seeing whatever systems were in place down there.Particles locked in place at an atomic scale! They would have to be completely immune to the effects of gravity to keep all of *this* held in place! And to think!>His head whipped back 'round, a grin now smacked on his face, making him look like a child on Christmas morning.It perfectly explains why you can't feel the hum of any engines through the floor! Hah!>He practically jumped back from the rail and spun around to put himself face-to-face with the woman.You'd need a *genius* to even attempt creating something like that, let alone actually achieving it! Could you imagine it? The finest minds in a generation!>The beaming grin on his face held on as he looked around at the city around them. But when he looked back at the woman, it was gone in a heartbeat, replaced with a suspicious look.Who are you? You can't be from here if you have ideas like that plonkin' around in your head. You're too clever. Too... different.>And he isn't...?
>>24342947How they figured it out is the tough part. Heheheh. I love myself sometimes!>She's beaming at the praise(?), but switches tracks after it settles in to something resembling indignance.Well of course I'm not! Haven't you seen what I'm weari-Oh...oh, yeah, I should've...whoopsie....>Her gaze slowly tracks to her outfit, and then towards the uh, locals, a look of dawning embarrassment over her face.Eheheh. Claire Heathrow. No relation to the airport!
>>24342974>He followed her gaze to the handful of locals who were giving her the odd looks. From the men to the women, they all appeared to be dressed with a vague sense of the upper class; the lot of them primarily dressed in suits or sundresses. Even the man besides Claire stood out from the norm due to that draping coat, though perhaps not as much as herself.... The Doctor.>He said after that short pause, and looked back her way.No relation to any other doctors you might have met.>Oh, lord.And, don't worry about getting any weird looks from the locals. Just walk around like you own the place. Usually, anyone passing by might think you do if they bother to think about you at all.
>>24343040Awww, I thought you were more of a professor. All the doctors I know wear something on their faces!>Claire's already dropped the shimmer of shame from her voice.Normally I try and blend in a liiittle when I'm trying to poke my nose around! These guys look pretty Oldtype after all. Pffbt, I mean old-fashioned!>Switching tracks again, she takes a big, slow step, and then another, pacing.Hmm. If that is that, though, I wonder if there's something controlling it? Heheh, there's always something weird like this when I drop in to look around.
>>24343145Well, I've always been one to stop and smell the roses. Bit harder to do that with a 'something' on my face.>"The Doctor" quirked an eyebrow up 'oldtype', a slip of the tongue from the sounds of it. It sounded appropriately 'spacey' enough to him, so it helped further narrow down the vague guess he had about this strange woman.>He stuck his hands in his pockets and wobbled back and forth on his heels, almost matching the restless air that Claire was giving off whilst pacing around as she was.*Well*, as long as the locals don't believe that their fancy little city in the clouds is being up with 'faith and a prayer'...>He side-eyed the looming statue for a second.Either it's a closely-guarded secret that only those at the top of the chain are allowed to know about, or it's a publicly lauded point of pride for these people, and the one responsible for it all is kept firmly in the limelight to show the rest of the world that this truly is the city of the future. It's usually one or the other.>He gave a shrug.Human nature doesn't change, no matter how far they fly. But either way, speaking for myself, I would love to take a closer look and see if I can't figure it out for myself. It's been too long since I've seen tech I don't already understand. It'd be a true shame to pass up a chance like this!
>>24343186>Strutting around like a pair of chickens.>Claire only seems to notice the statue when he does, blinking a couple times.Big...ooh. Yeah, you get it! This stuff isn't just in the science books! It's so weird, you've gotta! It's a siren song of weird. Was it a gift from the generations of the past, or a secret robbed from those from beyond the horizon? Or maybe it was aliens??>She pauses in mid-point to the heavens, before sighing like she disappointed herself.It's never aliens....
>>24343220>The Doctor had to hold himself back from making too cheeky a comment or too noticeable a smirk at that last disappointed little remark.I think a floating city hiding out in the skies over America is a strange enough mystery on its own. An alien hiding out here among all of the... pomp and circumstance would just be a bit ridiculous, I think. Sorry.>He's loving this. Just couldn't show it, but it was tickling him immensely.>Or, it was.Still... there is something about this place...>Because now he was becoming more aware of this nagging feeling tugging at him from somewhere deep, somewhere instinctual. Something about this place bothered him, right down to the core. Something about the way time 'tingled' here...>But he couldn't place it. Not without standing here saying nothing for any longer than he already had been. So, he blinked, pushed this aching feeling aside, and returned to the moment.There's something fishy about this place. Just look around. Everything is too clean, too shiny, too... perfect. It's unsettling. Like we're in some big model instead of a proper place with proper people living in it...>Now it just feels like he's being vague on purpose.
>>24343263But it'd be really cool.>Disappointed as she may be, it doesn't mean it wouldn't be. Claire's hand flops to her side when the Doctor starts getting all ominous, and for a moment her eyes narrow like she's squinting at something, but nothing in particular.I can't see any psychological pressure, though. Buut what do I know? I spent most of my time in tin cans and artificial stuff anyways.>Lighthearted as her tone might be, it's a little more restrained now.They sure dress all "proper", though!
