BF 17

August 15
[22:22]	<[Nom]Alexis>	[Round 1: Fight!]
[22:23]	<Hans>	[just wait till Tetty give us go-code and a sitrep. This is taking too long.]
[22:23]	<[Nom]Alexis>	['Proceed in a timely fashion' does not exist for BF]
[22:24]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Uh, I thought that was the go-code and whatever...]
[22:24]	<Hans>	[Sitrep plz. What scene, etc.]
[22:25]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Your scene first, in the med room]
[22:26]	* Hans	stares at the ceiling. He's familiar with it very much. probably befriend it already if it can talk.
[22:27]	* [GM]Ludwig	enters. Just a door opened, then shut behind him.
[22:27]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Feeling better?
[22:27]	* Hans	care not.
[22:27]	<Hans>	I guess.
[22:28]	<Hans>	well, you made me like this. It's kinda ironic to ask me that, eh?
[22:29]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I haven't had much practice with that kind of spell, and even less using so much at once. I'm just glad I didn't damage you...
[22:29]	* [GM]Ludwig	crosses over to the table and starts undoing the restraints.
[22:29]	<Hans>	You did, fag. It hurts fucking much.
[22:30]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Permanently, I meant. It was supposed to hurt, dolt.
[22:30]	* Hans	sits back up. Unrestrained again, after so long.
[22:30]	<Hans>	Pssssh. Whatever.
[22:30]	<Hans>	So whatcha need?
[22:30]	<[GM]Ludwig>	You. Cooperative.
[22:31]	<Hans>	What.
[22:31]	* [GM]Ludwig	hops up to sit on the table by Hans.
[22:33]	<[GM]Ludwig>	You want to help. Yes?
[22:34]	* Hans	look the other way.
[22:34]	<Hans>	I'll get any help I can.
[22:34]	<Hans>	*I'll take any help I can get.
[22:35]	<Hans>	And if in exchange, you require me of anythin', so be it.
[22:36]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Mmm, no.
[22:36]	<Hans>	Huh?
[22:37]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Well, that's not really... yeah, it's my fault.
[22:37]	* [GM]Ludwig	hops down and heads back to the door.
[22:38]	<Hans>	You're not makin' any sense, kid.
[22:38]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Come on, there's something I have to show you first.
[22:39]	* Hans	sure, 'kay.
[22:39]	* Hans	follows.
[22:46]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Ludwig leads Hans through the castle halls to the front door, and outside. The fortress walls are some distance away, but the ground between is far from empty. A refugee town, buildings of varying age and permanency, spreads out in front of and around the main manor.]
[22:46]	<Hans>	R...Refugee town?!
[22:47]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Yeah. C'mon.
[22:47]	* Hans	is awed. But still obediently follows.
[22:54]	* [GM]Ludwig	continues on through the 'main street'. Around the pair, the motions and sounds of life: a tinker hammers out a metal wheel, a woman offers a bargain on corn from a basket at her feet, children run after one another in some nameless game.
[22:55]	* Hans	don't know any of them, but at least he knows that this is the survivor around the world, gather in one place.
[22:57]	<[GM]Ludwig>	It was my fault. I was asking you without explaining the question.
[22:58]	<Hans>	.......
[22:58]	* Hans	is still at lost. So he IS helping out survivors, after all.
[22:59]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Excuse me, miss...
[22:59]	* [Ora]Maryn	groans as she takes the last piece of heavy cargo into a nearby decrepit shack...
[23:00]	* [Ora]Maryn	turns around to hear a man speak..
[23:00]	<[Ora]Maryn>	Y-yes?
[23:00]	* [Ora]Maryn	she answered weakly, perhaps from malnutrition but still physically healthy.
[23:00]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Oh... I didn't realize you were busy.
[23:01]	<[Ora]Maryn>	..nn.. not at.. this is the last cargo for today..
[23:02]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Here, then...
[23:02]	* [GM]Ludwig	moves to support one side, and motions for Hans to help with the other.
[23:03]	<[Ora]Maryn>	Thank you.. thank you so much.
[23:03]	* [Ora]Maryn	bows profusely.
[23:03]	* Hans	did all he could to assist.
[23:03]	<Hans>	......
[23:04]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Not at all. What's your name?
[23:05]	<[Ora]Maryn>	... Maryn Aledes kind sir, but I may as well be a nameless person here in this village.
[23:05]	<Hans>	Where are you from?
[23:07]	<[Ora]Maryn>	... I am of no importance...
[23:07]	* [Ora]Maryn	looks down.
[23:08]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Oh, now, you don't have to be like that...
[23:09]	<Hans>	Are you from......
[23:09]	* Hans	clench his fist. There might be hope.
[23:09]	<Hans>	...Samoa village?
[23:09]	<Hans>	Or have you ever heard of anyone from that settlement?
[23:09]	* [Ora]Maryn	shakes her head...
[23:11]	<[Ora]Maryn>	.. I'm sorry.. I have heard nothing of that village other than rumors that it was wiped out..
[23:13]	<[Ora]Maryn>	...I was a head maid of a wealthy mansion a few regions away... my master lost his life protecting me... I am all of what's left there.
[23:15]	<Hans>	....
[23:16]	* [GM]Ludwig	only nods sadly. It's a story too common in these days...
[23:16]	* Hans	let the subject drop. He shouldn't ask that.
[23:17]	<[Ora]Maryn>	... my story is nigh but of the multitude of stories here sir. But I shouldn't bore a person of such status... how may I help you?
[23:19]	* [GM]Ludwig	puts a hand on Maryn's shoulder.
[23:20]	<[GM]Ludwig>	You shouldn't be so hard on yourself, you know.
[23:21]	* [Ora]Maryn	nods.
[23:22]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Stories of any sort... are in too short supply.
[23:25]	<Hans>	Let's move on, kid.
[23:25]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Yeah...
[23:25]	* [GM]Ludwig	backs away again.
[23:25]	<[Ora]Maryn>	..so sir what do you ask of me?
[23:26]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Nothing, miss, nothing... sorry to have bothered you.
[23:26]	* Hans	tips his invisible hat.
[23:26]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Good day.
[23:26]	<[Ora]Maryn>	... are you sure kind sir? you've helped me with my chore.. this is the least I can do...
[23:28]	* Hans	does not look back.
[23:29]	<[GM]Ludwig>	It was nothing, Maryn. Don't worry about it.
[23:29]	* [Ora]Maryn	does a bow.. out of fading habit.
[23:29]	<[Ora]Maryn>	May god bless you kind sir. I will never forget this moment.
[23:29]	* [GM]Ludwig	bows back before rejoining Hans.
[23:31]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Do you get it, now?
[23:31]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I'm not asking you to help some "rich kid", holed up in his fancy palace against the harsh reality outside his window.
[23:32]	<[GM]Ludwig>	These people live here under my protection. The magic in my family's blood keeps this place safe.
[23:33]	<[GM]Ludwig>	But there is, of course, a limit.
[23:34]	* Hans	sigh...
[23:34]	<Hans>	I know. Shit, this sucks.
[23:35]	* Hans	lightly kicks Ludwig's bottom.
[23:35]	<Hans>	I was wrong about you, kid.
[23:35]	<Hans>	Sorry 'o dat.
[23:36]	* [GM]Ludwig	allows himself a smile.
[23:36]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Don't sweat it.
[23:36]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Do I have your support, then?
[23:37]	<Hans>	If it's too keep them alive.
[23:37]	* Hans	snort.
[23:37]	<Hans>	All I can do is kick some random bug's ass, 's all.
[23:38]	<[GM]Ludwig>	That's fine. That's fine.
[23:39]	<Hans>	But yeah. There's still that thing about half your staff hate my gut and 's going to stab me in the back when 'ey got a chance.
[23:39]	<Hans>	Or probably more 'an half.
[23:43]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...probably more, yeah. But they won't do anything against you.
[23:43]	<Hans>	Muh, Guess it'll just fix itself when the time comes. For now I'll just do whatta need to do.
[23:43]	<Hans>	So, yeah. Whatcha need, kid?
[23:44]	<Hans>	Personal punchin'bag with your awesome pummelizer spell thingy?
[23:45]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I need a fighter. But before that, I need a scout.
[23:46]	<[GM]Ludwig>	You know what it takes to defend what's yours.
[23:46]	<Hans>	I almost flip this land over to find sumthin' valuable left. I know almost every inch of it.
[23:46]	<Hans>	Well, at least the place where I was before. And when I'm not too high.
[23:47]	<[GM]Ludwig>	That's not quite what I meant, actually.
[23:47]	<Hans>	but sure, 'kay. Whatever. We'll see.
[23:48]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I want you to go through the town here, and find anyone who knows what you know. Fighters, like yourself.
[23:49]	<[GM]Ludwig>	There must be more. We're going to need them all, sooner rather than later.
[23:49]	<Hans>	...Are you going to---?!
[23:49]	* Hans	perks up.
[23:50]	* [GM]Ludwig	brings Hans' ears down to his level and whispers low.
[23:51]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I'm telling you this, I haven't even told my maids yet.
[23:51]	<Hans>	...?
[23:52]	<[GM]Ludwig>	The beetles are coming here, all of them, if not tomorrow then the day after.
[23:52]	<Hans>	I got it. This is serious.
[23:52]	* Hans	slaps Luddy's back.
[23:53]	<Hans>	Good thing you did tell me or I won't know how serious it is.
[23:54]	* [GM]Ludwig	lets out a large gasp of breath when Hans slaps him. Having that off of his chest...
[23:55]	<Hans>	....I wish Sven's here with me. he'ssa good at judging these roughnecks fellas.
[23:56]	<Hans>	Well, Gotta do that myself somehow.
[23:56]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Of course, don't let that out. Panic would surely kill us.
[23:56]	* Hans	gives Ludwing a thumbs up.
[23:56]	<Hans>	Leavvittame.
[23:57]	* Hans	get to work, this can't wait. he head to the nearest tavern to get the plan in motion.
[23:58]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Good luck...
[23:58]	* [GM]Ludwig	leaves Hans to his task, heading back to the castle for his own preparations.
[23:58]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Scene~]
[00:03]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Meanwhile, somewhere in the distance...]
[00:04]	* [Pyg]Cerise	readjusts the rifle on her shoulder as she strains her eyes to look at the distance.
[00:05]	* [PB]Teilya	refocuses the binoculars as she zooms in for a better look.
[00:06]	<[PB]Teilya>	Hmm...
[00:07]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[The cloud now stands before the horizon instead of upon it. The ruined road you've been following leads almost straight towards it; through the binoculars, a city skyline still obscures its source.]
[00:08]	<[PB]Teilya>	Nya, Cerise, what do you think it is?
[00:12]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Not bugs, I'd hope.
[00:13]	<[PB]Teilya>	Same, but I doubt it...
[00:13]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	The last thing I want to deal with are bugs that make tornadoes.
[00:14]	<[PB]Teilya>	Better than bugs that can cause a tsunami.
[00:15]	<[PB]Teilya>	Nya'll get wet if that happens.
[00:15]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Maybe we can get a little closer, come on.
[00:15]	<[PB]Teilya>	Sure, let's go~!
[00:19]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Another hour's quick marching brings you to the city's edge. Smaller buildings around, still with the center's taller structures between you and the cloud, but it's close enough.]
[00:20]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Hmm, you think we'll get a better look up in those buildings?
[00:21]	<[PB]Teilya>	Sure beats standing around in the open with our heads up.
[00:22]	<[PB]Teilya>	Here.
[00:23]	* [PB]Teilya	pulls out an electric-powered retractable cable and flings it up a nearby building, securing it tightly.
[00:24]	<[PB]Teilya>	Easy way up~
[00:26]	* [PB]Teilya	offers a hand to Cerise.
[00:26]	<[PB]Teilya>	Come on~
[00:26]	* [Pyg]Cerise	hesitates at first but finally grabs it.
[00:28]	* [PB]Teilya	smiles, hand holding onto Cerise's firmly, and pressed a button as the motor whines and the cable pulls them up.
[00:31]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	That thing won't break, right?
[00:32]	<[PB]Teilya>	Of course! Should anything breaks it'll be the building instead~
[00:33]	* [Pyg]Cerise	tries to keep that scary thought out of her mind and looks out toward the cloud as the pair continue to go upward.
[00:34]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[From atop the building (which is still in fairly good condition), your perspective has definitely improved.]
[00:37]	* [Pyg]Cerise	gets her rifle off her shoulder and uses the scope to get a better look.
[00:38]	* [PB]Teilya	takes out her hammer and stand vigilant in case of enemy contact.
[00:41]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[The scope shows...]
[00:43]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[The bottom of the cloud is still hidden by the towering buildings, but Cerise can see enough in what's rising above from this distance.]
[00:47]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Outside of the cloud, a swarm of beetles circles, seemingly at random, as if guarding it.]
[00:47]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Oh no...
[00:48]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	That can't be good at all.
[00:48]	<[PB]Teilya>	Nya? What's the problem?
[00:48]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[There's no way to see clearly inside the cloud itself, but the shadows of moving shapes, far larger than the common beetles outside...]
[00:49]	<[PB]Teilya>	Hey, what's that moving in the cloud?
[00:50]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	There are beetles flying around there, but also something bigger.
[00:50]	<[PB]Teilya>	Oh...bugger...
[00:51]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Now's not the time for jokes, we'd better get out of here and let the Master know.
[00:51]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Suddenly... a new source of movement: something is moving through the city streets towards you.]
[00:51]	<[PB]Teilya>	Gotcha!
[00:51]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Correction: thousands of somethings.]
[00:52]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Looks like we have company!
[00:52]	* [PB]Teilya	takes hold of the cable again.
[00:52]	<[PB]Teilya>	Oh nyaa...
[00:53]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Will we make it to the ground in time?
[00:53]	<[PB]Teilya>	I don't know...
[00:54]	<[PB]Teilya>	I better sent a message back to the fortress first, at least if we don't...um...make it, they'll know what's coming...
[00:55]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	No...no, don't say that. We'll make it back, Miss Teilya!
[00:56]	<[PB]Teilya>	Of course we'll make it, but you know, better safe than sorry!
[00:56]	* [PB]Teilya	takes out a speaker and tries to make contact with the fortress.
[00:57]	* [Pyg]Cerise	grips her rifle tighter, wary of their surroundings. No, we have to make it back! Everyone's waiting. Mary's waiting! We'll make it out of here alive, we have to!
[00:58]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[You underestimated the approaching force: by the time you've finished discussing it, they are already cresting the edge of the roof and moving across it towards you. Only now do you notice how small they are, even if you can't get a good solid look at them yet...]
[00:59]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Aaah! What are these things?!
[00:59]	<[PB]Teilya>	Nya! They're upo-...um...nya don't know, but they look tiny...
[00:59]	* [Pyg]Cerise	would try to shoot, but they're too small and too many. She'd be out of bullets before they left this roof.
[01:00]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Miss Teilya, we have to go! Now!
[01:00]	* [PB]Teilya	nods.
[01:00]	* [Pyg]Cerise	scans the roof for another exit that didn't end with the falling to their deaths.
[01:01]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[There is no escape. They're coming up every side. You are surrounded.]
[01:01]	* [PB]Teilya	stands guard, protecting the pair with her large warhammer.
[01:01]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[And then, they stop. A circle around the pair of you, twenty feet.]
[01:01]	<[PB]Teilya>	Hey, think we can jump to the other buildings?
[01:01]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	We'd have to walk on them...I don't know if they'll like that.
[01:02]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Wait, wh-what are they doing?
[01:02]	<[PB]Teilya>	I don't think I care about them enough to consider their feelings.
[01:02]	* [PB]Teilya	wags her tail, as if to say she doesn't know either.
[01:03]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Now you can see them clearly: not the common beetles, some sort of four-legged variant, with a longer body.]
[01:03]	<[PB]Teilya>	Say, Cerise, they don't look like acid-sprayers to nya do they?
[01:03]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	I don't think I've ever seen these before...
[01:03]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Triangular heads swivel on short necks, like mantises, but what finally catches your attention most are the eyes.]
[01:07]	* [Pyg]Cerise	keeps an eye on the circling bugs, ready to move if they ever come in for the kill.
[01:07]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Solid, translucent orbs, no pupils, definitely insectoid, and yet familiar. As each head twitches and turns, the color of the eyes attached shifts and mixes. Every color of the rainbow...]
[01:08]	<[PB]Teilya>	Wah...
[01:09]	* [PB]Teilya	tightens her grip on the handle.
[01:10]	* [GM]Bug	takes one step forward from the rest.
[01:11]	* [Pyg]Cerise	feels her foot twitch, as if it was itching to take off now.
[01:11]	<[GM]Bug>	kkzkggzkgkWe kkzzkcome.
[01:13]	* [Pyg]Cerise	's eyebrows wrinkle in confusion, did it just say words? She turns to Teilya.
[01:13]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	M-miss Teilya...did you hear that?
[01:13]	<[GM]Bug>	zzzgkReturn.
[01:13]	* [PB]Teilya	frowned, this is unusual...
[01:14]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	..."Return?"
[01:15]	<[PB]Teilya>	It's not telling us to go away is it?
[01:15]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Maybe?
[01:17]	<[GM]Bug>	kggzzkkWhen kzgwe kkkcome, zzgzgive gggnzkthose. zzzgkYou, kzzzzzspare.
[01:17]	* [Pyg]Cerise	appears hesitant but decides to try communicate, the grip on her gun getting a little slack.
[01:17]	<[PB]Teilya>	Nya?
[01:17]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	What do you mean by..."those?"
[01:18]	* [Pyg]Cerise	feels a little odd. Why am I talking with a bug?
[01:18]	<[GM]Bug>	ggzkkzkzDifferent.
[01:19]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	I'm sorry...I don't think we understand...
[01:21]	* [Pyg]Cerise	becomes very conscious of trying to speak as simply as possible.
[01:21]	<[GM]Bug>	zkggHe zkkgwill. gzzgggMessage.
[01:22]	<[GM]Bug>	zkkkkggkLudwig.
[01:23]	<[GM]Bug>	zzzggkReturn.
[01:23]	* [Pyg]Cerise	can't hide the surprise on her face at the mention of her master's name.
[01:24]	<[GM]Bug>	[With that, the whole mass of them turns around and goes back the way they came: over the sides, down and away towards the cloud.]
[01:24]	<[PB]Teilya>	Nya? What's all that about...
[01:25]	* [Pyg]Cerise	wipes the sweat from her face, and sits down to recollect herself.
[01:26]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	I don't know...but I think we have to head home right now.
[01:26]	<[PB]Teilya>	Mm, I guess.
[01:27]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Do you have paper and something to write with?
[01:27]	<[PB]Teilya>	Yes, of course.
[01:27]	* [PB]Teilya	takes a notepad a pen from her pocket.
[01:28]	<[PB]Teilya>	What do you need them for?
[01:28]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Just give it to me, please.
[01:28]	<[PB]Teilya>	Okay, okay.
[01:29]	* [PB]Teilya	hands them over.
[01:30]	* [Pyg]Cerise	begins writing down what she remembers the bug just said to her while it's still fresh in her mind.
[01:36]	* [Pyg]Cerise	tears the piece of paper from the notepad and puts in one of the pouches on her person and returns the pad and pencil.
[01:37]	* [PB]Teilya	takes them and stuff them back into her pocket.
[01:37]	<[PB]Teilya>	Well, let's get going then.
[01:44]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Back at the fortress, you find everyone assembled in the War Room.]
[01:47]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Teilya, Cerise... I'm glad to see you both made it back safely.
[01:48]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Hello dears, we did you get us souvenirs?"
[01:48]	* [Dune]Sam	looks around the room partially in awe, but primarily is focused on the meeting and those taking part in it.
[01:48]	<[Dune]Sam>	I'm glad you're safe...
[01:48]	* Mary	maintains a calm demeanor, though the dire matters of the day still fills her with anxiety. Nevertheless, she tries not to show it.
[01:49]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Didn't look like any stores were open, Miss Alexis.
[01:49]	<Mary>	Indeed. Thank the Lord...
[01:50]	* [PB]Teilya	smiles warmly at Sam.
[01:50]	<[PB]Teilya>	I promised, didn't I?
[01:50]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"If you didn't manage gifts, then perhaps you have news? Master Ludwig is all atwitter."
[01:51]	* [Dune]Sam	smiles back, and walks a bit closer to Teilya.
[01:51]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Yes...news.
[01:51]	<[Dune]Sam>	yeah.
[01:52]	* [Pyg]Cerise	sounds particularly grim as she speaks the word.
[01:52]	* [Nom]Alexis	frowns
[01:52]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Now, dear, you don't have to force yourself. I'm sure the master would be happy with a postcard instead."
[01:52]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Yes. Report what you found, Cerise. Tell us everything.
[01:52]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"...Or not."
[01:53]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	We got in close enough and found the source of that huge dust cloud.
[01:53]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Looks like it's the beetles' doing.
[01:53]	* [Dune]Sam	pulls out a small cup of soup from behind her back, then offering it to Teilya.
[01:54]	<[Dune]Sam>	I'm... sorry it isn't too good, but I hope you'll like it...
[01:54]	* [PB]Teilya	's smile brightens, and give Sam a light ruffle as she takes the soup.
[01:55]	<[PB]Teilya>	Don't worry nya, I know it'll be great.
[01:55]	* [Dune]Sam	looks away coyly.
[01:55]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Anything else?
[01:55]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	I couldn't get a clear view, but there were huge things moving in the cloud.
[01:56]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Yes, we got caught by a group of smaller bugs. They surrounded us but didn't attack.
[01:56]	* [Dune]Sam	pays a little more attention to the report, now. ( It sounds bad... )
[01:56]	* [Pyg]Cerise	reaches into her pocket, unfolding a piece of paper.
[01:56]	<Mary>	...?
[01:56]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	One of them came up to us and...uh...spoke.
[01:57]	<Mary>	...Spoke?
[01:57]	* [Nom]Alexis	tries to take her seriously, but still raises an eyebrow
[01:57]	* [Pyg]Cerise	remembers the distinct image of those rainbow eyes. She shakes it off and resumes her report.
[01:58]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	It told us to "return."
[01:58]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	"When we come, give those. You, spare."
[01:58]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"...Return?"
[02:00]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Really, it's just like demon beetles to use so many ambiguous pronouns in a single sentence."
[02:00]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	I asked what it meant by those and it told me "different." When I replied I didn't understand it said "He will" and it mentioned, um, you, Master Ludwig...
[02:00]	* [GM]Ludwig	sighs.
[02:00]	* [Nom]Alexis	gives Ludwig the eyebrow this time
[02:01]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	After that they left...
[02:01]	* Mary	doesn't quite understand what all this means, and thinks that her own input may just add to the confusion. So, she threads her fingers, sits forward, and simply listens.
[02:01]	<[GM]Ludwig>	The bugs that spoke, Cerise: describe them, please.
[02:01]	* [Dune]Sam	just listens in where she stands, not really knowing much of the beetles in the first place and not knowing exactly how to react...
[02:02]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	They had heads that looked like those praying mantis things that used to be around before the beetles came. And their...eyes...
[02:04]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	It was...like looking into a rainbow.
[02:05]	* Mary	breaks her silence.
[02:09]	<Mary>	You mean...
[02:09]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Oh hey, just like Sam and Mary."
[02:11]	* [Dune]Sam	doesn't get it, and so is left in wonder. ( We don't look like a rainbow... )
[02:11]	<[Dune]Sam>	eh...?
[02:11]	* [Pyg]Cerise	feels more uneasy now that someone mentions it outloud. That's what had been bothering her on the way home.
[02:12]	* Mary	's eyes open, revealing irises of many colors, though grayed and spotted by blindness.
[02:12]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Yes, just like.
[02:13]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Well, what a curious coincidence, right, Master Ludwig? We can all have a bit of a laugh about it and move on, can't we?"
[02:14]	<[GM]Ludwig>	No, Alexis, we can't.
[02:14]	* [Nom]Alexis	sighs
[02:14]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"What a wet blanket you are, Master Ludwig."
[02:15]	* [GM]Ludwig	stands up and takes the first in a series of deep breaths.
[02:15]	* [Pyg]Cerise	grips the edge of the table as if bracing herself for some kind of blow.
[02:15]	* [Dune]Sam	realizes then. ( Oh yeah, my eyes... )
[02:15]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Oooh, a speech. You're always so dashing when you do that, master."
[02:16]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I'm afraid I don't know the details. Records were lost in the war.
[02:16]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I don't even know who started it, humans or beetles.
[02:17]	* [Dune]Sam	listens intently.
[02:17]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"...Master, you're beginning in the middle again."
[02:17]	<[GM]Ludwig>	But, I do know that efforts were made on both sides to engineer a hybrid race, half-human and... half-beetle.
[02:18]	<Mary>	...w-hat?
[02:18]	<[GM]Ludwig>	What Cerise and Teilya encountered were the beetle's results. All that remains now of the human's attempts are seated at this table.
[02:19]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Wait, that doesn't make sense at all! Beetles are invertebrates, humans are vertebrates, one is ase--actually, I think I need a bucket."
[02:20]	<Mary>	But, the color of my eyes, and... my subsequent visual impairment... I was told is attributed to a genetic disease. My mother had them too.
[02:20]	* [Dune]Sam	can't fathom that sort of being. ( And... is it being implied that I...? )
[02:21]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Mary...
[02:22]	<[Dune]Sam>	... So, does that really mean...?
[02:22]	* [GM]Ludwig	's tone is steady, but his voice is choking.
[02:22]	* [Pyg]Cerise	stares dumbstruck at Mary. She's...like them...? Is this all a dream...?
[02:23]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...Mary, I cannot even be certain you ever had a mother.
[02:23]	* [Dune]Sam	cocks her head slightly to the side, rainbow eyes inquisitively glaring at Ludwig.
[02:23]	* [Nom]Alexis	decides someone needs a spine around now
[02:23]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Master, master, master, question."
[02:24]	* Mary	almost faints.
[02:24]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Y... es, Alexis.
[02:25]	* Mary	. o ( What? This is insane... Oh, Cerise, help me... )
[02:26]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"So you've blown us away with your revelation, everyone's in shock, and I assume--and I only assume, because you never do tell us anything, master--that the swarm is currently coming here. So, what now, master?"
[02:26]	* [Dune]Sam	then looks at Mary, concerned, but also fearful for what may now happen. ( W-what's really going on? )
[02:26]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Their message is an offer: give up Sam and Mary, and they'll leave the rest of us alive.
[02:27]	<Mary>	Oh...
[02:27]	* [Nom]Alexis	ruminates on this for a second
[02:27]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Why, master?"
[02:27]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I haven't the slightest idea. But I don't believe them for a second.
[02:28]	* Mary	begins to sweat profusely. How can this be true?
[02:28]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Good on you, Master Ludwig. You're still keeping your head on your shoulders."
[02:29]	* [Dune]Sam	then looks at Ludwig, surprised.
[02:29]	<[Dune]Sam>	...What?
[02:29]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Wait...how exactly were they going to contact you, Master Ludwig?"
[02:29]	* [Nom]Alexis	shoots Ludwig another suspicious look
[02:30]	* [Pyg]Cerise	sees Mary swaying where she stands, all hesitation leaves her as she gets up from her seat as she moves to hold Mary up by her shoulders.
[02:30]	<Mary>	Oh, Cerise...
[02:31]	<[GM]Ludwig>	They're out there, amassing every beetle left on this world, preparing to besiege us.
[02:31]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I've got Hans out in the town right now, rounding up anyone who can fight.
[02:32]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Your pardons, master, but let me express how annoyed I am that you apparently knew all this and kept it from us right until the critical juncture."
[02:32]	* [Dune]Sam	sits back in her chair, not sure of what to think or do at all...
[02:33]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I don't make any apologies, I don't ask any forgiveness. I did what I had to do.
[02:33]	<Mary>	Master...
[02:35]	* [Pyg]Cerise	's expression moves from confusion to fear. Masses of beetles? Coming here?
[02:35]	* Mary	takes Cerise's hand into her own.
[02:36]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Your pardons again, master, but that's a horrible excuse. What you're telling us is that after all this time you still think of your servants as sideshow toys who get tossed aside at your convenience."
[02:36]	* [Nom]Alexis	sits back, folds her arms, and closes her eyes
[02:37]	* [GM]Ludwig	turns, without changing his expression, and punches Alexis in one kidney as hard as he can.
[02:37]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	M-master!
[02:37]	* [Nom]Alexis	grits her teeth
[02:38]	* [GM]Ludwig	stands there, with his fist still, clenched, shaking.
[02:38]	* [Nom]Alexis	is keeled over on the ground, but still manages a grin
[02:38]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Be grateful... that I still need you, demon...
[02:39]	* [Dune]Sam	shrinks back, not liking this atmosphere and situation one bit.
[02:39]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	What...?
[02:39]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"You are displeased, master. That is...delicious"
[02:39]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I could tear you apart right now IN FRONT OF EVERYONE for that insult.
[02:40]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Ahaha, master, you could. I'm sure you can. What would you mean to prove by it? That you are now a big man? That your power somehow justifies your choice?"
[02:41]	<Mary>	Master, Alexis, please!
[02:41]	* [Dune]Sam	cringes and tries to shrink back further in her chair to hide...
[02:42]	* [GM]Ludwig	lifts Alexis' head, eye-to-eye with his own, in between his palms.
[02:42]	* [Nom]Alexis	keeps grinning
[02:43]	* [Pyg]Cerise	grips Mary's hand tighter, worried what might happen, but too frightened right now to speak up. After all those times she's had a close brush with Death, she is most afraid inside her own home.
[02:46]	* [GM]Ludwig	stops at the sound of Mary's plea... and smiles.
[02:46]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Your contract is dissolved. You're free.
[02:46]	* [Nom]Alexis	stops
[02:47]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Hahaha! HAHAHAHA!"
[02:48]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"You've done it, Ludwig von Beetlehoven. Your gall. Your hubris. I go back content that all that unfolds now shall be your doing."
[02:49]	* [Dune]Sam	is downright scared now, and she whimpers silently.
[02:49]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"But do not say, oh great mage, that I left you no warning. That I did not point you to the fine print."
[02:49]	* [GM]Ludwig	just keeps smiling.
[02:50]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"If you bid it, then I shall leave. We shall not hear of this again, until the day of Judgement."
[02:50]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Sure, sure. See you tomorrow, then.
[02:51]	* Mary	clutches Cerise very tightly, mouthing something though producing no words.
[02:51]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Now is not the time for jest, Ludwig. Did you truly think you can just pick and choose? I tell you again, as I did to your father, that this is not a contract of covenience."
[02:52]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"My services have a price. You know this, of course."
[02:53]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"The only matter before us now, before the dismissal you so look forward to, is to collect."
[02:55]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Oh, such seriousness. That's not like you at all.
[02:57]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Oh, you should know, Ludwig, that I conduct business with nothing /but/ seriousness."
[02:58]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"'No debt left unpaid'. It's our policy line."
[02:58]	* [Nom]Alexis	almost outgrins Luwdig
[02:58]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I know. I'm counting on it, in fact.
[02:58]	* [Dune]Sam	clings to the similarly petrified Teilya, trying to find any anchor at all to hold for comfort...
[02:59]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"But you are right, in one thing. This is a joke. A massive, terrible joke. One that even one such as I cannot laugh at."
[03:00]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Really? I would have thought it'd be right up your alley.
[03:01]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Or perhaps this punchline just hits too close to home.
[03:02]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"No need for flattery, Ludwig. They shall score you no points. No, I will not laugh. It is the kind of humour one should savour, slowly, because of the exquisite wit."
[03:02]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"What will she be thinking, I wonder, for all the eternities that await? How shall she suffer, knowing how she was tossed aside. How will she enjoy the reward for her loyalty and devotion?"
[03:06]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Rest easy, Ludwig. She has been my finest work. In fact, for all the humiliation I shall suffer, I still must thank you. For all the humiliation I shall suffer, this prize shall make up for it and more."
[03:08]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Are you done?
[03:09]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Oh yes, oh yes. Do not let me keep you. If you no longer need me, we shall be going. Did you want me to take a message?"
[03:11]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I imagine I will sleep through breakfast. Lunch will be double portions. We'll all need our strength up.
[03:12]	* [Nom]Alexis	is puzzled
[03:12]	* [Pyg]Cerise	fights her current fear and manages to speak.
[03:12]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	H-how long...will it take for them to get here?
[03:13]	* [Nom]Alexis	looks to Cerise
[03:13]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Were you asking me, my sweet? I hope you were not, becaues I really cannot tell anymore."
[03:14]	* [Nom]Alexis	looks back to Ludwig
[03:14]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	I...I'm asking whoever knows. Anything!
[03:14]	* [Pyg]Cerise	feels the fear leaving and a little anger rising.
[03:14]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Ludwig, Ludwig, Ludwig, you really do not understand how this thing works, do you?"
[03:15]	* [GM]Ludwig	sighs.
[03:15]	<[GM]Ludwig>	You leave, and Alexis goes with you. I'm not a fool.
[03:16]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Of course, of course. You are not. To be honest, just this once, I was rather hoping that you were."
[03:17]	* [Nom]Alexis	clears his/her throat
[03:17]	* [GM]Ludwig	's smile grows just a little wider.
[03:17]	* [Nom]Alexis	has a genuinely serious look
[03:18]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Well, goodbye everybody. It's been heaps of fun."
[03:18]	* [Nom]Alexis	tries a grin
[03:18]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Don't take this the wrong way, but I really hope we don't meet again."
[03:18]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Wha...
[03:18]	* [Nom]Alexis	looks back to Ludwig
[03:18]	* [Dune]Sam	just grips onto Teilya even tighter.
[03:19]	* Mary	breaks into a breathy sob.
[03:19]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"Well, I guess I screwed up."
[03:19]	* [Nom]Alexis	looks a bit sad for a moment
[03:19]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Nonsense.
[03:19]	<[Nom]Alexis>	"I'm really sorry, master."
[03:19]	<Mary>	Al-lex-s-iss-s-s....
[03:20]	* [Nom]Alexis	apologises wholeheartedly...and then with a flash of flame, she is gone
[03:21]	* [GM]Ludwig	sighs heavily.
[03:21]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	What the hell?
[03:21]	* [Pyg]Cerise	holds Mary closer to herself.
[03:22]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I hope...
[03:22]	* Mary	holds her breath to stop the sobbing, catching it in her throat.
[03:22]	<[GM]Ludwig>	...she remembers about lunch.
[03:23]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	What is this, Master? What the hell is going on around here?! What was with Miss Alexis just now?
[03:30]	<Mary>	a...a...alexis?
[03:30]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	We're involved in this too, why the hell aren't you telling us anything?!
[03:32]	* [Dune]Sam	continues clutching onto Teilya, not yet having recovered enough to speak.
[03:32]	* Mary	calls again.
[03:32]	<Mary>	...Alexis?
[03:35]	* [PB]Teilya	suddenly shakes a little, and a small yawn escapes from her.
[03:35]	<[PB]Teilya>	Nyaaan~ Um, nice soup...
[03:37]	* [PB]Teilya	stretches a little, and that is when she realised that something was clinging tightly around her. Wha-, oh hey Sam!
[03:37]	<[PB]Teilya>	Nya? Something happened?
[03:39]	<Mary>	Cerise... I can't hear Alexis anymore...
[03:39]	* [Dune]Sam	half-whimpers out her speech.
[03:39]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	I don't know what's going on anymore, Mary...
[03:39]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Alexis is gone.
[03:40]	* [PB]Teilya	blinked in confusion.
[03:40]	<[Dune]Sam>	a-apparently Mary and I are half beetle, a-nd Alexis was really scary, and then she disappeared...
[03:40]	* [Dune]Sam	sobs a little.
[03:40]	<[PB]Teilya>	Um...nya?
[03:40]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Why did she have to leave?
[03:40]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I know... I know.
[03:40]	* [Pyg]Cerise	is getting tired that her questions aren't being answered.
[03:41]	* [Dune]Sam	clings tighter.
[03:41]	<[Dune]Sam>	I was scared!
[03:41]	* [PB]Teilya	is now a pillar of confusion. With a tail.
[03:42]	* [GM]Ludwig	turns around to face the remaining maids.
[03:43]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I didn't want it to come to this.
[03:43]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I don't know what I was hoping would happen to prevent it...
[03:45]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Even now, all people hope for a better future, without considering the cost...
[03:46]	<[GM]Ludwig>	God...
[03:46]	* [Dune]Sam	half-looks up to Teilya, silently asking her to do something.
[03:47]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I'm not trying to make excuses. This is what it takes. I've damned an innocent girl to an eternity in Hell because I had to.
[03:48]	<[PB]Teilya>	Eh? Ah, um...wha?
[03:48]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Because I wasn't strong enough to go myself.
[03:49]	* [PB]Teilya	thinks for a second, then cover Sam's eyes with her tail.
[03:49]	<[PB]Teilya>	Don't look~
[03:49]	<[GM]Ludwig>	There haven't been many answers given, because I haven't got that many myself.
[03:50]	* [PB]Teilya	turns around and slapped Ludwig hard.
[03:50]	* [Pyg]Cerise	stays silent, staring at her master.
[03:50]	* [Dune]Sam	cringes at the sound, but keeps her eyes hidden.
[03:50]	* [GM]Ludwig	falls to the ground, but does not react, even to break his fall.
[03:51]	* Mary	winces.
[03:51]	<Mary>	Please... Stop fighting...
[03:51]	<[PB]Teilya>	Let that be for your sins, then, Master.
[03:52]	* [PB]Teilya	uncoils her tail around Sam, and goes to pull her Master up.
[03:52]	<[GM]Ludwig>	No, not enough. This is the true cost.
[03:52]	* [Dune]Sam	reaches out for Teilya as she walks away, but remains where she is on her own power.
[03:53]	* [GM]Ludwig	pushes himself up, heedless of Teilya's proffered hand.
[03:53]	<[PB]Teilya>	Now let the burden go with it, and make the best out of the situation. Wallowing in self-disgust is not going to help anyone, and you'll not be able to atone for your sins this way.
[03:54]	* [PB]Teilya	grabs Ludwig's hands and help him up anyway.
[03:55]	* [PB]Teilya	then dusts off Ludwig's clothes, takes a step back and bows.
[03:55]	* [GM]Ludwig	looks up at the cat-eared maid with mistily emotional eyes.
[03:56]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Oh, Teilya... in spite of myself, I'm glad... there's no time...
[03:57]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Enough, enough... it's a big day, tomorrow. There's much to do.
[03:57]	<Mary>	...What needs to be done?
[03:58]	* [PB]Teilya	rises back up from her bow, a small but warm smile showing.
[03:59]	<[PB]Teilya>	I'm at your command, my Master.
[03:59]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Teilya, you're best with machines. Take a flashlight and go six levels down from the library, look for a blue steel door. There's a generator in there, make sure it's operating at capacity.
[04:00]	<[PB]Teilya>	Yes, sire.
[04:00]	* [PB]Teilya	bows once, and left the room to tend to her task.
[04:01]	* [Dune]Sam	, seeing the strength of those around her, recovers a bit.
[04:01]	<[Dune]Sam>	u-um...
[04:01]	<[Dune]Sam>	What should I do?
[04:01]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Cerise, break out the weapons in storage, everything we've got. Start transferring them outside somewhere, wherever they'll fit.
[04:02]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	...That's fine, but I'm not leaving Mary.
[04:03]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Oh... no, of course not. She'll go with you.
[04:05]	<Mary>	W-what about you and Sam?
[04:05]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Sam, this might sound odd in the context, but you are to find as large a pot as we have and start using it to make a stew.
[04:06]	* [Dune]Sam	blinks several times in slight surprise, but ultimately accepts.
[04:06]	<[Dune]Sam>	e-eh? Alright...
[04:06]	* Mary	. o ( This has to be a dream... )
[04:06]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Something hearty, lots of potatoes... well, I'll leave it up to you.
[04:07]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Let's go, Mary.
[04:07]	* Mary	hesitates.
[04:07]	<[Dune]Sam>	um, ok.
[04:07]	* [Pyg]Cerise	keeps her hand firmly holding Mary's.
[04:07]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I am retiring to my room, and I am not to be disturbed. Oh, except for you, Sam, once the stew starts to boil. Come and see me then.
[04:07]	* [Dune]Sam	hesitates slightly.
[04:07]	<[Dune]Sam>	I'm not the best at cooking, though...
[04:08]	<[Dune]Sam>	and... could I ask you a question?
[04:08]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I suppose.
[04:09]	* Mary	manages to stand, hoping maybe she'll fall and wake up.
[04:11]	* [Dune]Sam	hesitates for a moment, but then speaks her mind.
[04:11]	<[Dune]Sam>	...what does all that half-beetle stuff mean?
[04:11]	* [Pyg]Cerise	gives Mary support as she stands up, taking hold of her other hand.
[04:12]	<[Dune]Sam>	what... who am I, really...?
[04:13]	<[GM]Ludwig>	I really... don't know.
[04:13]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Take your time, Mary...
[04:14]	<Mary>	But... Ludwig... I remember my father and mother. I remember going to school, I remember when the bug war started and... everything.
[04:15]	<[GM]Ludwig>	That... may well have happened. Sam doesn't remember anything at all. I don't... I don't know.
[04:16]	<Mary>	Hmm...
[04:17]	* [Dune]Sam	seems a slight bit melancholy, but then cheers up with a small burst of optimism.
[04:17]	<[Dune]Sam>	I guess...
[04:18]	<[Dune]Sam>	we'll just have to survive, then, right?
[04:18]	* [Pyg]Cerise	remembers the one thing she saw the other night.
[04:18]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Master, is this why I saw Mary and Sam together the other night?
[04:18]	<Mary>	...huh?
[04:18]	<[Dune]Sam>	...huh?
[04:19]	* Mary	says simultaneously
[04:19]	* [Dune]Sam	looks curiously at Cerise, whilst speaking simultaneously.
[04:19]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Yes, they're... connected... somehow. I hate to keep saying it, but I don't know much about that, either.
[04:20]	<[Dune]Sam>	...eh?
[04:20]	<Mary>	I don't know what all this means... But I don't feel like a bug. I don't think Sam is, either. But... Alexis... s-she'll come back, right?
[04:22]	* [Dune]Sam	then looks at Mary, trying to gain some knowledge by gazing with her rainbow eyes...
[04:23]	<[GM]Ludwig>	Please, I'm sorry... I've told you all there is to say yet. And there is much to do...
[04:24]	* [Dune]Sam	slowly moves her vision away and begins exiting the room.
[04:24]	* Mary	swallows hard, but summons everything she has left, if only to take a little bit of the burden away from her master. Be strong, so he won't have to be in your stead.
[04:24]	<Mary>	Alright.
[04:24]	<[Dune]Sam>	...Yeah.
[04:24]	<[Dune]Sam>	I'll go make that stew...
[04:25]	* Mary	turns to Sam's direction, and nods. She forces her eyes back shut.
[04:25]	<Mary>	Cerise... Let's go.
[04:25]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	Yeah...
[04:26]	* [Pyg]Cerise	keeps her grip on Mary's hand and leads her out of the room and to weapon storage to get to work.
[04:26]	* [Dune]Sam	exits the room, making her way to the kitchen.
[04:27]	* [GM]Ludwig	waits until the room is empty, takes one long look at the spot where Alexis stood, then leaves to make his way back to his chamber.
[04:27]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Cut!]
[04:28]	<[Nom]GhostOfAlexisPast>	[Whew]
[04:28]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[Wow, we haven't done one like that in a good while]
[04:28]	<[Dune]Sam>	[huzzah!]
[04:28]	<[PB]Teilya>	[Ah, refreshed~]
[04:29]	* [Pyg]Cerise	removes her wig, revealing smaller drills under her larger hair drills.
[04:29]	<Mary>	[DAMMIT I'M GONNA CRY]
[04:29]	<[Nom]GhostOfAlexisPast>	[It sure is hot down here]
[04:29]	<[GM]Ludwig>	[I'm gonna go get shitfaced. Anybody wanna join me?]
[04:29]	<[Pyg]Cerise>	I'm out of spirits.
[04:29]	<[Dune]Sam>	if you're talking about sleep deprivation, i'm already there.
[04:29]	<[Dune]Sam>	otherwise, sorry, no.
[04:30]	<Mary>	[I'm already shitfaced. And what's up with these goddamn brackets? fuck this