Bubble Science

-*- leeringMantis "Commander! I've been hit by the N.A.R.P.A.S cannon! I've been spatially displaced into unknown territory, possibly enclosed and neutralized. You can't let that cannon hit the spire! It'll shut down our entire operation! Do you read me?"
-*- leeringMantis ,01""...Commander? Commander!"
-*- leeringMantis ...Blast it all!
-*- leeringMantis Of course her com link would've been shut down. What use was a place like this if the enemy could still contact HQ? She should've known better. N.A.R.P.A.S was nothing if not efficient. From a professional outlook, she probably would've have been impressed.
-*- leeringMantis But from a personal outlook, all she wanted to do was choke every last one of those cultist commies to their last breath.
-*- leeringMantis Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
-*- leeringMantis Now what?
-*- carapaceGrinder sticks out his tongue a little as he reaches a part of the game that requires a considerable amount of coordination. After a few moments he relaxes and sighs with a somewhat disappointed look. He almost had it...
-*- leeringMantis The landscape didn't prove to be hostile... yet. Only transient and elusive in its infrared readings. Was it a beach? Was it a forest? A lake? All things considered, it was probably none of these things. Most likely just a massive whiteroom lined with Camoleon microfrabics. An illusion.
-*- leeringMantis She hated illusions.
-*- leeringMantis (But only when they were used against her, of course.)
-*- leeringMantis Shooting it would most likely prove inefficient. Whiterooms were notorious for their bulletproof casings. It'd make her feel much better, of course, but...
-*- leeringMantis Better to save her bullets.
-*- leeringMantis (Ugh.)
-*- leeringMantis The only logical course of action, no, the only possible course of action was to find a weak point and try to rip it open herself. Boorish, yes, but desperate measures called for desperate times.
-*- leeringMantis But if she was going to do that, then she'd need to get out of this first.
-*- leeringMantis Well, mostly this. The full suit would need to be recharged if she was going to ream an entire wall open. Plus, it'd keep any observers off her tail. She'd be mostly disarmed, and therefore mostly harmless. Harmless enough to avoid detection.
-*- leeringMantis (Stupid stupid stupid thinking what was she thinking she should've know better should've stayed put should've--)
-*- leeringMantis TSSSSSSSH-CH.
-*- leeringMantis There. Mostly harmless.
-*- leeringMantis Now where to first? The surrounding area so far had proved to be fruitless... oh?
-*- leeringMantis What was that?
-*- leeringMantis Visual scan confirmed it to be a... house? Mansion, maybe? But she knew it wasn't really that. Probably just another complex illusion. Her infrared scanners, however, told a very different story/
-*- leeringMantis Anamoly after anamoly stacked up like a goddamn Jenga block. Kokoros. This must be it. This must be her chance.
-*- leeringMantis Rifle steadily in hand, she warily approached the mansion with deep, plodding steps. The enemy could be anywhere. The enemy could be watching her right now. They wouldn't do anything to her, no, they weren't like that at all, but the things they'd want to do to her-- the things they must be dreaming about--
-*- leeringMantis She had reached the door in no time at all. Funny. She didn't think it'd take that long. The knob was turned, the door carefully pushed open, rifle peeking out first as she was taught in boot camp...
-*- leeringMantis Don't be a Seeker, Don't be a Seeker--
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-*- leeringMantis What Karkat would see, in other news, was a strange cybernetic creature with an even stranger gun. It was sleek, blackened, like oily charcol on a hot day. A pair of massive orange headlights peered out into the room, taking up nearly the entire helmet. It was quite a sight, all in all. Like a strange alien visitor from one of those sci-fi movies Sollux was always talking about.
<carapaceGrinder> (well that was fun. what did I miss?)
<carapaceGrinder> (last thing I saw was)
-*- leeringMantis Not the one Equius always talked about.
<leeringMantis> (naw man)
<leeringMantis> (i waited for you)
<carapaceGrinder> ([22:26:02] leeringMantis Anamoly after anamoly stacked up like a goddamn Jenga block. Kokoros. This must be it. This must be her chance.)
-*- leeringMantis Definitely not the one Horuss ever talked about, if Karkat ever had the pleasure(?) of meeting him.
<leeringMantis> (oop)
<leeringMantis> (let me pm what you missed then)
-*- leeringMantis Oh. Don't forget the gun. That was definitely. Some kind of gun.
-*- leeringMantis (Were guns supposed to glow like that?)
-*- leeringMantis The person(?) had apparently spotted him, as the first thing out of their (him? her?) mouth-- after a nanosecond of laborious uncertainty-- was a barked "You! Identity Yourself!"
-*- carapaceGrinder looks up briefly at the movement in the doorway. EH, JUST SOME OTHER RANDOM DUDE he thinks, as he returns his attention to the game in his hand
-*- leeringMantis A random dude with a gun.
<carapaceGrinder> (I was getting to that and then she yelled)
-*- carapaceGrinder Just before she shouts, the sight of some kind of gun registers in Karkat's head. He does a double-take just as she shouts at him, kinda just looking at her with eyebrow raised and mouth slightly agape
<leeringMantis> /me The voice had a distinctive electric quality to it, as if mangled through a synthetic recorder. It made them sound surprisingly adrongynous, devoid of all tone, save for only the slightest of feminine touches.
<leeringMantis> (wOAH)
<leeringMantis> (EXCUSE ME BOLD)
<leeringMantis> (I DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS)
-*- carapaceGrinder OH THIS SOUNDS LIKE A CLASS ACT he thinks to himself
-*- leeringMantis The gun is pointed a bit more forcibly, finger just over the trigger. "I repeat, identify yourself! I won't ask again!"
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-*- leeringMantis N.A.R.P.A.S? Chinese Republic? Mutant? The third option seemed most likely, what with the lack of system identifications.
-*- leeringMantis Oh, and the rubbery gray skin and horns.
-*- leeringMantis That was also a contributing factor.
-*- carapaceGrinder putting his game aside on the couch, he crosses his arms over his chest. I AM KARKAT VANTAS THE MAGNIFICENT, LORD OF PARADOX SPACE
<carapaceGrinder> HOW ABOUT YOU IDENTIFY /YOUR/SELF SINCE YOU'RE THE ONE WHO DECIDED TO BARGE THE FUCK IN HERE
-*- leeringMantis But the void of information was unnerving to her. This wasn't right. Even a mutant usually had the very bare basics submitted into the system. Another illusion? No, no, she couldn't assume. Assumptions didn't get her where she was today.
-*- carapaceGrinder was quite busy catching up with ALL THE ENTERTAINMENT EVER, figuring it was a good thing to do with the infinite time he seemed to have on hand
-*- leeringMantis "I'm the one with the gun, funny guy" They growled, shoving the rifle's glowing barrel even closer. "I don't have time for jokes, now answer me. What is your identification?"
-*- leeringMantis She'd this joker ten more seconds.
-*- leeringMantis This was no time for games.
<Nitro> [She'd what this joker??]
<leeringMantis> (oops)
<leeringMantis> (give)
<leeringMantis> (gIVE)
<Nitro> [do u even sleep]
<leeringMantis> (i sLEPT VERY WELL TODAY /THANK/ /YOU/)
-*- carapaceGrinder rolls his eyes
-*- leeringMantis The finger presses into the trigger.
<carapaceGrinder> I JUST TOLD YOU MY NAME
-*- leeringMantis Think about it. Is this really a game of chicken worth playing?
<carapaceGrinder> NOW MAYBE YOU COULD JUST BLOW MY BRAINS ALL OVER THIS COUCH, BUT SOONER OR LATER YOUR GONNA POINT THAT THING AT SOMEBODY YOU'LL REGRET POINTING IT AT
<carapaceGrinder> THERE ARE SOME REAL POWERFUL ASSHOLES AROUND HERE
-*- leeringMantis "Alright, funny guy, here's a question even you can get: What is your association? N.A.R.P.A.S? Outlier?"
-*- leeringMantis They don't flinch.
-*- leeringMantis She's dealth with so called 'powerful assholes' before.
-*- leeringMantis They've all fallen.
-*- leeringMantis "You can't fool me, I can see those ID tags. You're no civillian."
-*- carapaceGrinder isn't wearing ID tags...
-*- leeringMantis "So don't play dumb unless you feel like gambling with your life!"
<leeringMantis> (o)
<leeringMantis> (well)
<leeringMantis> (she's good at inferring things so)
<leeringMantis> (probably can assume it from his attire)
<carapaceGrinder> (there was a discussion about what troll military would wear and it was inconclusive so I just went with nothing)
<carapaceGrinder> (as far as dog tag type shit goes I mean)
<carapaceGrinder> (but yeah he's in tank top and cargo pants and probably has tattos)
<leeringMantis> (i meant)
<leeringMantis> (yeah)
<leeringMantis> (more in posture and attire than actual identification)
<leeringMantis> (that'll def work)
<carapaceGrinder> UH... ALTERNIAN MARINES?
<carapaceGrinder> I DON'T THINK YOU ARE WHERE YOU THINK YOU ARE
-*- leeringMantis Alternian...?
<carapaceGrinder> YEAH. IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF THEM THEN YOU'RE DEFINITELY NOT FROM MY UNIVERSE
-*- leeringMantis What in the name of Sholdson was that? Some kind of grassroots rebellion?
-*- leeringMantis "I'm aware that I've been displaced, Mr. Magnificient."
-*- carapaceGrinder laughs out loud
<carapaceGrinder> OH YOU'VE BEEN DISPLACED PRETTY FUCKING HARD I'D SAY
-*- leeringMantis "Are you telling me that N.A.R.P.A.S has captured other organizations already?"
-*- leeringMantis "(Shit--)"
<carapaceGrinder> I HAVE NO FUCKING IDEA WHAT NARPAS IS PAL
<carapaceGrinder> AND WHATEVER THEY ARE, YOU'RE PROBABLY NOT ANYWHERE NEAR THEM RIGHT NOW
<carapaceGrinder> SO I'D SUGGEST YOU CHILL THE FUCK OUT BECAUSE THERE'S NO ENEMIES HERE
-*- leeringMantis How dare he laugh at her! Did he have any idea who she--
-*- leeringMantis "...What do you mean?"
-*- leeringMantis "And why should I trust you?"
-*- leeringMantis It's gonna take a lot to make them put their gun down, Mister Military Man. You've taken basic diplomacy courses back in the Alternian Fleet, right?
-*- leeringMantis Uh.
-*- leeringMantis Actually.
-*- leeringMantis Scratch that.
<carapaceGrinder> PFF. NO REASON TO TRUST ME I GUESS.
-*- carapaceGrinder just leans back on the couch, resting his arms along the top of its back, not showing any fear of the leathal weapon currently trained at him. Despite the fact that Karkat is fairly aware that he isn't actually dead.
-*- leeringMantis "I've just been through hell and back, sir, so I suggest you start thinking up a reason because I'm five seconds away from tearing this place completely asunder."
-*- leeringMantis "I don't need excuses. I need explanations."
<carapaceGrinder> HOLY SHIT YOU'RE JUST ALL TEXTBOOKS AND PROTOCOL AREN'T YOU? ALRIGHT HERE'S A REASON: I HAVE NO IDEA WHO YOU ARE AND YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO I AM. I HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION AND YOU HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT MINE. I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYONE LIKE YOU IN MY LIFE AND I'D BET A SHITLOAD OF RATIONS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN ANYONE LIKE ME. WHEN YOU WALKED IN I WAS CASUALLY PLAYING A FUCKING VIDEO GAME.
-*- leeringMantis ...Video game?
-*- carapaceGrinder points at the device next to him on the couch
-*- leeringMantis Is that what that...device was in his hands? And here she thought it was a weapon.
-*- leeringMantis Could still be a weapon, in fact.
-*- leeringMantis Anything could be a weapon.
-*- carapaceGrinder it kinda looks like a PSP. Not that either of them would know what a PSP is.
-*- leeringMantis Anything could be dangerous.
<carapaceGrinder> SO WHAT EXACTLY MAKES ME A POTENTIAL THREAT
<carapaceGrinder> DOES THIS LOOK LIKE A GODDAMN MILITARY ENCAMPMENT?
-*- leeringMantis The answer comes almost instantly. "Everything's a potential threat."
-*- leeringMantis "I would think a fellow military officer would know something as basic aw that."
-*- leeringMantis How could he not? It was drilled into every soldier's brain, regardless of creed or belief. Everything can kill. Everything is out to get out. Everything was dangerous.
-*- leeringMantis She'd know that since she was all of eleven fucking years old, for Sholdson's sake.
<carapaceGrinder> YEAH. AND YOU KNOW WHATS A GREAT WAY TO GET THOSE POTENTIAL THREATS TO IMMDIATELY FLIP THE FUCK OUT IN TO VERY REAL THREATS? RUNNING AROUND AND POINTING A GUN AT EVERY SINGLE THING YOU SEE
<carapaceGrinder> (how far is she from him?)
<leeringMantis> "If that's a thinly veiled suggestion to put my weapon away than you're going to have to do better than that."
<leeringMantis> (eh, probably not that far)
<leeringMantis> (maybe a few feet or so)
<carapaceGrinder> ACTUALLY IT WAS A NOT-SO-THINLY VEILED SUGGESTION TO MAYBE CONSIDER NOT BEING AN ASSHOLE
<carapaceGrinder> BUT YOU KNOW WHAT FUCK IT
-*- carapaceGrinder With that, Karkat is off the couch in a flash, moving quickly as possible to hopefully get under/beside the muzzle of the rifle before she can pull the trigger. He was hoping somebody else might walk in and actually help out with the situation, but he could see that wasn't going to happen, and that talking wasn't going to end this.
-*- leeringMantis !
-*- leeringMantis Bad move, ogre.
-*- carapaceGrinder doesn't summon his sickles, only wanting to try and tackle her and get that stupid gun away.
-*- leeringMantis The suit metamorphisises in a matter of seconds, nanomachines twisting and expanding to create tubes and plates of slickly organic material. A ruthless and droning hum starts to ebb as a pair of vicious looking high frequency blades jut out from her forearms. A spindly and metallic neck bursts out underneath the head, twitching and obeserving the man with constant vigilance.
-*- leeringMantis The beauty was gone.
-*- leeringMantis The beast had taken its place.
-*- leeringMantis And its blades were precariously placed just against his shoulders.
-*- leeringMantis "You picked the wrong day to be cocky, soldier."
-*- leeringMantis You know, if you had the chance to look at it, it looked an awful lot like a mantisbeast...
<leeringMantis> (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJMxLQnuA9g mood music go)
-*- carapaceGrinder stops just short of the blades, not really wanting to lose his arms. Also, he couldn't help but notice how NOT perforated with bullets he currently was. Was it just because she wanted to interrogate further, or... something else?
-*- leeringMantis A dead soldier was no use to her in a place like this. Not until she got the information she wanted. Anything to get out of this pithole.
-*- leeringMantis The gun had been deftly grabbed by a spindly looking wire, pinching it between its slender pincers before slinking back into the robotic suit's back.
<carapaceGrinder> YOU'RE NOT REALLY GIVING ME MANY OPTIONS HERE! THE ONLY THING I CAN REALLY TELL YOU IS THAT YOU AREN'T IN YOUR UNIVERSE, AND YOU'RE NOWHERE NEAR WHATEVER STUPID FUCKING WAR YOU'RE FIGHTING
<carapaceGrinder> THIS IS SOME KIND OF AFTERLIFE... DREAMLAND... HOTEL
-*- leeringMantis "Stupid...?"
-*- leeringMantis "Stupid?"
<carapaceGrinder> BUT IF YOU'RE JUST GOING TO MISTRUST ME ON EVERY FUCKING THING I SAY THEN WHAT THE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?
-*- leeringMantis "I've killed for even less insolence than..."
-*- leeringMantis ...
-*- leeringMantis ...What did he just say?
-*- leeringMantis An--
-*- carapaceGrinder GUH, WHY DID THIS ASSHOLE HAVE TO SECRETLY BE SOME SUPERFAST BLADE BUG. WHY DO THE PEOPLE WITH THE WORST ATTITUDES ALWAYS HAVE ALL THE ADVANTAGES?
-*- carapaceGrinder can't really tell if all that shit is part of HER or just part of her suit
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<chthonianGunslinger> (SIIIIIIIIGH)
<chthonianGunslinger> (of course my computer would crap out at the most important bit)
<-> chthonianGunslinger is now known as leeringMantis
-*- leeringMantis An afterlife?
-*- leeringMantis He'd mention something about dreams as well, but she knew that was irrevalent. She'd never fall asleep on the battlefield. She'd no sooner di--
-*- leeringMantis Di--
-*- leeringMantis (Think about it, Carlotta. Even the N.A.R.P.A.S namesake said so itself-- there was no room for beliefs or protocols anymore. This was a fight to the death.)
-*- leeringMantis (The time for bloodshed was now.)
-*- leeringMantis (What was more likely in such a situation? A cannon that captured prone soldiers, as was their usual modus operandi, or a cannon that simply liquefied everything in its path?)
-*- leeringMantis (She--)
-*- carapaceGrinder raises an eyebrow. This person was starting to seem awfully... unfocused all of a sudden
-*- leeringMantis (She had charged into the forefront for everything. Hoping that something could be done. Anything at all.)
-*- leeringMantis (Anything but a world full of cold, black, soulless death.)
-*- carapaceGrinder wasn't sure he wanted to go tackling some shapeshifter anymore, though
-*- leeringMantis (And-- and she--)
-*- leeringMantis "You..."
-*- carapaceGrinder or even running away for that matter
-*- carapaceGrinder MAN THIS SUCKS
-*- leeringMantis "You lie!"
<-> TheSpine is now known as whisperingNightterror
<carapaceGrinder> OH MAN. YEAH WOW YOU GOT ME.
<carapaceGrinder> I THOUGHT FOR SURE YOU'D BELIEVE YOU WERE IN THE AFTERLIFE. SINCE YOU'VE BEEN JUST SO /FUCKING/ RECEPTIVE TO EVERYTHING ELSE I'VE SAID SO FAR
<carapaceGrinder> WHAT WOULD BE THE POINT OF LYING TO SOMEBODY WHO ALREADY DOESN'T BELIEVE A SINGLE THING YOU SAY? FOR FUCK'S SAKE PUT YOURSELF IN MY SHOES FOR A SECOND
-*- leeringMantis It was a screeched battlecry, so uncharacteristic from her usual cold and boorish words. This one was full of fury, full of sorrow, full of regret. The blades had been lifted high in a bloodblinding rage, uncaring who or what it hit at this point, just wanting to crush them down and hit something at all.
<leeringMantis> (hey alpha u)
<leeringMantis> (u might want to do something here)
<carapaceGrinder> AH FUCK
-*- carapaceGrinder quickly dances back, hopping over the couch he was just sitting on, and backing up even further
-*- whisperingNightterror it uh
-*- whisperingNightterror well,
-*- whisperingNightterror sorry being indecisive)
-*- carapaceGrinder has both sickles in his hands at this point, as he observes this flailing... thing with wide eyes
<leeringMantis> /me Crash! The blades tearing into the couch and eviscerating them into nothing but fluff and seams. ,01"I didn't come this  fucking far just to die! I can't! I can't!"
-*- carapaceGrinder seriously considers just leaving
-*- whisperingNightterror awe, were is your fiiighting spirit?
-*- carapaceGrinder steadily backs towards the nearest door, never taking his eyes off of her
-*- leeringMantis Another vicious swipe from the blades come crashing through, leaving little doubt on the answer to that question.
<carapaceGrinder> (uh, what question?)
<carapaceGrinder> (crashing through what?)
-*- leeringMantis "It's-- It's not true! It's not fucking true!"
<leeringMantis> (the question as to whether or not he should just leave)
<leeringMantis> (the answer being "you've got better things to think about right now" because a robo mantis twice your side is charing at you with blinding speed)
<leeringMantis> (and)
<leeringMantis> (vibrating mega blades)
<carapaceGrinder> (oh, it sounded less like charging and more like random flailing in place)
<leeringMantis> (it's)
<leeringMantis> (really just mindless flailing with a target in mind)
<leeringMantis> (she doesn't /really/ want to kill you)
<leeringMantis> (she just)
<leeringMantis> (can't)
<carapaceGrinder> YEAH THIS IS A REAL IMPROVEMENT
-*- leeringMantis "THEY NEED ME!"
-*- leeringMantis Their words are starting to sound less like a vicious electric battlecry and more like a synthesized sob song. They're barely comprehensible underneath the warble and screeches that only seven years of constant warfare can give.
-*- carapaceGrinder switches on both sickles, and vibrating blades deflect vibrating blades, creating sparks and metallic screeches that ring out through the room
-*- carapaceGrinder not meeting her strength for strength, he instead dodges and redirects
-*- whisperingNightterror  Suddenly, black coiling tendrils wrap their way around the torso and legs of the tall metal being. "Hushhh now; thisss is no way to leave a first impressionnn."
-*- leeringMantis The explosion of sparks rings out throughout the room as she presses on, ignoring Karkat entirely. The wall is demolished in her rage as she cries, torn and splintered into dust. But it doesn't help. Fuck it all, it doesn't help!
-*- leeringMantis There are no words now. Only sobbing. Guttural, broken, horrible sobbing.
-*- carapaceGrinder moves away from the even more chaotic mingling of flailing blades and shadowy tentacles, hoping they actually restrain her and he can get out of range of that clusterfuck
-*- carapaceGrinder I REALLY NEED TO WHIP UP SOME POWER ARMOR...
-*- whisperingNightterror The voice drifted from a thin, tall frame, with broad shoulders and grey skin. White hair sprouted from their scalp and split from one side, creating a thick fringe. Red violet eyes rested in their cranium, guarded by long lashes that only matched the shape of their face. The human-looking being pulled, with intention of keeping both warriors from harm.
<whisperingNightterror> "Dessstroying the place will not help, dear. Pleassse, do come out from therrre."
-*- leeringMantis She ferociously wrests her way out of the tentacles, flailing and blasting with jet packs that had seemingly come out of nowhere. ,01"GET OFF OF ME YOU FILTHY FUCKING MUTANT!"
<leeringMantis> "I--"
<leeringMantis> "I'M NOT DONE YET!"
<leeringMantis> "I'M NOT DEAD!"
-*- carapaceGrinder HOLY SHIT WOULD YOU CHILL THE FUCK OUT
-*- carapaceGrinder THIS IS RIDICULOUS
-*- carapaceGrinder knew some servicepeople who would probably react like this
<whisperingNightterror> They grunt and growl, not having expected that, and loosing some of their footing. "You might not beee!" They shout over the thrusters, feeling their skin prickle with tiny sharp teeth emerging to the surface, and small green eyes popping out.
-*- carapaceGrinder OH YEAH
<carapaceGrinder> UH, YEAH, YOU MIGHT JUST BE UNCONSCIOUS, LIKE ME!
<leeringMantis> "I-- I have to tell them! They'll all die if they don't! Don't you understand? THEY'RE ALL GONNA FUCKING DIE!"
<leeringMantis> "They don't know they don't know they don't know they're--"
-*- leeringMantis Already dead.
-*- leeringMantis At the speed that cannon was moving, it would've already reached the spire by now.
-*- carapaceGrinder winces a bit. If he knew his presence here was damning his comrades... ugh. He didn't even really want to think about it
-*- carapaceGrinder then again... the end result is that they'd just be here. Is that so bad? Not that he can expect this person to understand that
-*- leeringMantis The commander, dead. Her comrades, dead. Silvia, dead. Renard, dead.
-*- leeringMantis Everyone.
-*- leeringMantis Dead.
<whisperingNightterror> "Destrrroying everrrything will not take you back soonerrr." They snapped, strongly yanking at the metal frame. Their beak, with it's fang like protrusions from either side, extended from their jaw.
-*- leeringMantis Everyone's dead, Carlotta.
-*- leeringMantis They're all dead.
-*- leeringMantis And you couldn't help them.
-*- leeringMantis You died for nothing.
-*- whisperingNightterror can partially smell the building despair from the being within, and it only causes a tightness to build in their chest. "If they were deaaad, they would surrrely be here by now." The terror lied, hiding away their excess eyes and teeth.
-*- carapaceGrinder OH YEAH ALSO WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS THING
-*- leeringMantis "...no."  She wimpered, the first truly human sounding thing she had said in years. A tiny, shattered little no. The flailing and jerking slowly stopped, now knowing that it was all for naught. It didn't matter if she escaped; they'd never hear her anyway. It was already too late for that.
-*- carapaceGrinder , still standing back a good distance, relaxes a bit
-*- leeringMantis The synthetics and microfrabics started to retract back into the suit, sinking and shrinking until it had seemingly never be there at all, leaving only a thick and muscous liquid in its wake. The horrorterror would have to tighten its grip to have a hold on the girl now, her size shrinking her back down to normal and then some as she collapsed.
-*- whisperingNightterror doesn't quite expect the dissipating mechanics or their viscous remains, but their grip slips through the slime to gently hold the girl from falling to the floor.
-*- leeringMantis "No, no, no, no--" was the only thing she could wimper over and over and over again, quietly sobbing the mantra into her slimy hands. She had risked it all for nothing. All her friends, all her superiors, everything she had held so dearly had been lost. If only she knew it was coming. If only she had just enough time to warn them. If only, if only, if only.
-*- leeringMantis But it was too late for that.
-*- leeringMantis The helmet's lights powered down and slinked back into the suit itself, revealing a mass of chocolate brown curls and waves with a streak of gray.
- {Day changed to Sun Mar 3 00:00:00 2013}
-*- leeringMantis That wasn't a natural streak of gray hair.
-*- carapaceGrinder returns his sickles to his sylladex, as he slowly and cautiously approaches the sad sight. Oh, and he doesn't stop paying attention to the black tentacle guy, of course
-*- leeringMantis You wish you knew what her eye color is but, of course, there's no way you could determine that.
-*- leeringMantis There was only white in its place.
-*- carapaceGrinder As he gets a few feet away from them, he stops and examines her form, eyes occasionally flickering to the shadowy horror
<whisperingNightterror> They approach, human in appearance once more, removing their purple coat. It's rest around her shoulder, as the terror kneels down beside her. Arms replace tendrils, and the terror knows full well her despair is appropriate.
-*- carapaceGrinder sees the blank white eyes and grimaces. WELP. SO MUCH FOR TRYING TO GIVE HER HOPE
-*- carapaceGrinder sighs
<carapaceGrinder> MAN...
<whisperingNightterror> "You should sit, dearrr." They say softly, though not budging just yet.
-*- leeringMantis For once in her long and illustrious career, she doesn't push away. This is the one time she could use a hug, the one time she'd allow it, when all was lost. Even if it came from a filthy N.A.R.P.A.S copycat.
-*- leeringMantis Sniff. "...A-alright. Bu-but no funny moves!"
-*- leeringMantis She's not sure why she said that. What was the point? They couldn't kill her again. Dead was dead was dead.
-*- carapaceGrinder raises an eyebrow. Funny moves was an odd change of tone...
-*- carapaceGrinder just moves back towards the nearest couch, grabbing a nearby chair to set near it
-*- leeringMantis She had to keep her pride somehow, didn't she?
-*- leeringMantis (No she didn't. There was no pride to be had here. They were all dead. And dead was dead was dead. Now and forever.)
<whisperingNightterror> "Of courrrse not." Not anymore, not in her state. They don't even hesitate to scoop her up, leaving their jacket about her as they walk towards the couch Karkat headed for, and lay her down with care.
-*- carapaceGrinder , sitting reverse in the chair, looks up at the surprisingly kindly terror
<carapaceGrinder> HEY, UH.... THANKS
<whisperingNightterror> Her sorrow was thick, it clung heavily in the air, and it was bitter on their tongue. Now that they were closer, one could see that they were a bit gaunt.
<whisperingNightterror> "It isss no trouble, Karkat."
-*- carapaceGrinder returns his gaze to the girl. He kinda can't believe that just moments ago she was a rampaging monster.
-*- leeringMantis You're not the only gaunt one here, Alpha. It's hard to tell in such a flattering suit, but the signs are certainly there. War is hell, and no expense could be spared. Not even a single extra ration.
-*- leeringMantis (Especially when that ration could be so easily tainted.)
-*- leeringMantis "(I... I c-couldn't save them. C-couldn't d-do anything. They're all dead. They're all d-dead)" She quietly mumbled, returning to the cold comfort of her hands. At least she didn't have to see anything in there. Not like her mind.
-*- carapaceGrinder knows there's really nothing could be said. He'd heard similar things, from friend and foe alike. Tireless warriors who had just lost everything they risked life and limb for. If he couldn't say anything to them, what could he say to somebody who had actually sacrificed their life in vain?
-*- carapaceGrinder really the biggest mistake people made with people like this was to try and tell them that they did their best. That they couldn't have done anything. That it wasn't their fault.
-*- carapaceGrinder it never helped. In the end, what they really needed was time, and someone who would listen in silence.
-*- leeringMantis How could she be so stupid? There was no getting around a word like bloodshed. No secrets. No surprises. It meant exactly what it said: death. Destruction. Hail and brimstone killing everything in sight.
-*- leeringMantis How could she let herself be so naive?
-*- leeringMantis (Because it was easier than facing the truth, she knew.)
-*- leeringMantis (The truth that she had given her best and it still wasn't enough.)
-*- carapaceGrinder Still, Karkat couldn't help but mumble something he had heard once. Something he had heard a solemn officer say as he stared for miles through a viewscreen full of wreckage and slage that used to be his fleet.
<carapaceGrinder> "... THE GRAVES ARE FILLED WITH INDISPENSABLE MEN..."
-*- carapaceGrinder didn't really mean it as solace. It just somehow felt like it applied, based on some of the things she shrieked.
<whisperingNightterror> Knealing down, a hand resting on her shoulder, the terror only looked lost for words. They weren't a warrior like these two, they couldn't fully understand it. Only a pain from loosing companions to a shapeless shade. They decided against speaking up.
<leeringMantis> (lord english u dik)
-*- whisperingNightterror there was also that time when some chick threw holy water at dante
-*- whisperingNightterror and the seven times discord tossed him into a vat of holy water
-*- carapaceGrinder ... is this Dante supposed to be like DMC Dante?
-*- whisperingNightterror prerebuut dantr
<leeringMantis> (congrats U WIN DA PRIZE)
<leeringMantis> (he is a tiny baby au dante so)
<leeringMantis> (really only fifteen or so)
-*- carapaceGrinder well I mean, he used holy water in the games and didn't hurt himself with it
<leeringMantis> (my headcanon is that's what the gloves and trenchcoats are for)
-*- whisperingNightterror he was older but now he's younger
-*- carapaceGrinder well alright
<leeringMantis> (dmc 3 dante was just too much of a dumb to realize it so he just)
<leeringMantis> (sort of)
<leeringMantis> (risks his life /all/ /the/ /time/!)
<leeringMantis> (for kicks!)
-*- whisperingNightterror it's so that she can throw him into a vat and then murder him to later result in him coming back as a terror?)
-*- whisperingNightterror it's rad okay)
-*- whisperingNightterror his life risking)
<leeringMantis> (life risking makes it like)
<leeringMantis> (ten times more hardcore)
<leeringMantis> (ugh seriously future me what's your problem)
<leeringMantis> (WHAT'S YOUR MALFUNCTION)
<carapaceGrinder> (okay. continuation of this scene is hinging on the sobbing girl on the couch)
<whisperingNightterror> (and to imagine, if I had been one of da robuts there would be an epic robot fight and karkat in two pieces and then ptsd story time yay)
-*- leeringMantis ...Indispensible men?
-*- leeringMantis The words echoed in her head like a forgotten memory, despite never hearing such words before. Not those exact words, at least. But she had heard the sentiment before, running beneath the current of so many of her superiors' words. In the interchangeable and faceless world of the Democracy, there was no place for a world like indispensible. Not unless they had earned it. It was a forbidden word.
-*- leeringMantis Death was simply a natural part of a soldier's life. It was accepted as such since the very beginning of the war.
-*- leeringMantis ...But Carlotta wasn't stupid. Stupid soldiers didn't make it to liutenient. Everyone from her beloved Commander to her lowly grunts knew it, felt it, practically breathed it-- everyone was important. Everyone would be missed in some way or another. Even if only by their comrades, for their comrades were the closest bonds they had.
--> Keiko (Keiko@c-98-226-163-136.hsd1.in.comcast.net) has joined #dickmegle
-*- leeringMantis With another sniffle and a barely supressed sniffled, she managed to very slightly glance up from her curling fingers. "...M-may they fi-fight on f-forever more."
-*- leeringMantis It was the greatest blessing a soldier could be given. To carry the banner of the cause all the way to death and beyond. A worthy title for every one of her fallen comrades.
-*- leeringMantis (But not her, as the fates had so obviously proven now. Hers was an afterlife of tedium.)
-*- carapaceGrinder rubs a hand on his hair. NOPE, FIGHTING IS ALL OVER. SORRY SISTER, he thought
-*- leeringMantis (It was what she deserved.)
-*- carapaceGrinder after watching her shudder and calm down on the couch somewhat, he decides to say... well, SOMEthing
<carapaceGrinder> HEY, UH...
<carapaceGrinder> WHAT'S YOUR NAME?
<carapaceGrinder> I'M ACTUALLY KARKAT, BY THE WAY
-*- carapaceGrinder MAYBE SHE WON'T THINK I'M LYING ABOUT EVERY SINGLE FUCKING THING NOW
-*- leeringMantis Her blank and formless eyes twitched upward, seemingly glancing at the soldier she had been so intent on strangling only a few minutes earlier, and her brow furrowed in uncertainty. She had tried to kill him-- if killing was still such a thing in a place like this-- and he wasn't going to hold her against it?
-*- leeringMantis The Alternian Marine must've been far more compassionate than any troop she had ever encountered before.
-*- carapaceGrinder looks at her moist eyes, fairly certain they're turned towards him. He can't be certain though. Which is something he still finds a bit unsettling.
-*- leeringMantis She knew better now, of course. Fighting him was a worthless and pointless exercise. He wasn't the enemy. There was no enemy. Not anymore.
-*- leeringMantis For her, the fight was over.
-*- leeringMantis (A disgrace.)
--> Keiks (Keiko@c-98-226-163-136.hsd1.in.comcast.net) has joined #dickmegle
<-- whisperingNightterror (Mibbit@173-26-241-249.client.mchsi.com) has quit (Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client)
--> whisperingNightterror (Mibbit@173-26-241-249.client.mchsi.com) has joined #dickmegle
-*- leeringMantis It was time to move on. Time to start trying what she had never tried before.
-*- leeringMantis Simply be. Not as a soldier, not as a hand of the Fates, but as a person.
<-- Keiko (Keiko@c-98-226-163-136.hsd1.in.comcast.net) has quit (Quit: Night everyone!)
<-> Keiks is now known as Keiko
-*- carapaceGrinder patiently awaits an answer, not wanting to push her
-*- leeringMantis "...Carlotta." she mumbled, before adding a quiet and formless "(Sorry.)" at the end. Almost like an afterthought. It stumbled and tripped over her tongue like a foreign object of the likes she had never seen.
-*- leeringMantis (Truth to be told, she hadn't.)
-*- whisperingNightterror so what's happened is that karkat and carlotta are making amends and introducing each other proper yes?)
-*- carapaceGrinder seems that way
<leeringMantis> (and no one had to get shot/stabbed/sliced in half!)
<leeringMantis> (today's a good day for the manner)
<whisperingNightterror> (confetti throw)
<whisperingNightterror> (manner)
<carapaceGrinder> (manor*)
<whisperingNightterror> (homophones, dear)
<carapaceGrinder> (GRAMMAR POLICE WEEOOOWEEEOO)
<leeringMantis> (...maybe i /didn/'/t/ get any sleep)
<leeringMantis> (what if)
<whisperingNightterror> (shh it's okay I have to make sure I use the correct manner/manor whenever I type it)
<leeringMantis> (all my dreams were just dreams of someone else making me think i dreamed)
<leeringMantis> ( #nightchatting )
<whisperingNightterror> "Do not be sorrry, Carlotta." The terror hummed, as they were still stationed in their spot. "You have a veeery pretty name."
<whisperingNightterror> (it's  real life inception)
--> KnightStrider (Mibbit@cpe-72-230-101-247.twcny.res.rr.com) has joined #dickmegle
-*- carapaceGrinder crosses his arms over the back of the chair and rests his chin on them
<leeringMantis> (bUT I DON'T HAVE A TOTEM)
<carapaceGrinder> YEAH, IT'S PRETTY NICE
-*- leeringMantis In hindsight, it was probably the first time she had ever given her first name without immediately following into her last. Sharp, crisp, professional. The way it should be.
-*- leeringMantis (Lazy.)
-*- leeringMantis (Ten minutes and you're already getting lazy.)
<KnightStrider> hello friends i am here
<leeringMantis> (hello strider welcome to ptsd hour: military edition)
<leeringMantis> (iT'S YOUR FAVORITE)
<carapaceGrinder> SO, NOW THAT YOU'VE... CALMED DOWN A BIT
<KnightStrider> were things uncalm before i got here?
-*- carapaceGrinder lifts his head up and reaches out across the back of the chair, towards Carlotta
-*- leeringMantis "...R-Renault. Lt. Carlotta Renault." She awkwardly cut in, the words flowing out like a well worn mantra. There. There.
-*- leeringMantis No laziness here.
-*- leeringMantis Not yet.
-*- leeringMantis Not over her de--
-*- carapaceGrinder hesitates momentarily
-*- whisperingNightterror also alphbutt's here
-*- leeringMantis ...Not on her watch.
-*- KnightStrider welp.
-*- carapaceGrinder then continues, offering a handshake
-*- KnightStrider nevermind.
-*- KnightStrider unless this is after the memory whipe?
<KnightStrider> wipe*
-*- whisperingNightterror whatever you want to do
-*- KnightStrider wow.
-*- KnightStrider good job.
<carapaceGrinder> ... LIEUTENANT. LET'S START THIS THING OVER
-*- KnightStrider I don't mind either way.
-*- KnightStrider notices the terror and FROWNS.
-*- carapaceGrinder has an odd thought, regarding the fact that her military ranks are apparently named similarly to his own. Actually, now that he thinks of it, how is everyone able to understand everyone so easily?
-*- carapaceGrinder it's probably not worth trying to puzzle out
-*- leeringMantis She warily leers at the handshake, uncertain what to do after such a military faux pas-- and keeping an eye on the newcomer who had just strolled in, of course-- and still reeling from the aftershocks of her despair.
-*- leeringMantis But.
-*- leeringMantis Perhaps it was time to start anew.
-*- KnightStrider grouchily sits, like a grouch.
-*- carapaceGrinder what a grouch
-*- carapaceGrinder couch grouch
-*- KnightStrider indeed.
-*- leeringMantis So with tears still glistening in her cold dead eyes-- tears that had been a long time coming and then some-- she took the hand of her contemporary and firmly shook it. "Yes, of course."
<leeringMantis> (did i see ptsd hour i meant grouch hour)
<leeringMantis> (grouch grouch grouch)
-*- whisperingNightterror notes the presence of Dave, attempting not to tense up around the lieutenant. They give a nod to Strider from their spot on the floor, noteably frowning, before returning their gaze to the dead woman.
-*- KnightStrider IGNORES ALPHA.
-*- leeringMantis *Girl.
-*- leeringMantis Woman was being far too kind.
-*- carapaceGrinder returns a firm squeeze as they shake - Nothing worse than a flimsy handshake - before releasing and returning his arm to the chair back
-*- leeringMantis (Thank Kokoros the slime had managed to dry off by now. There was nothing worse than a slimy handshake, her old XO used to always say. No faster way to make a bad impression in the whole fleet.)
-*- carapaceGrinder wanted to ask some questions about her life. What the war was about. What role she fulfilled. But he kinda didn't want to reduce her to a sobbing mess - or worse, a storm of blades - all over agaon
-*- carapaceGrinder but still... what the hell do you talk to a new dead person about?
-*- carapaceGrinder oh wait, duh
<carapaceGrinder> SO. THIS IS "THE FELT MANOR." DON'T ASK ME WHAT "THE FELT" IS, THAT'S JUST WHAT IT'S CALLED
<KnightStrider> karkat
<KnightStrider> karkat
<KnightStrider> pst
<KnightStrider> karkat
<carapaceGrinder> THERE'S A BUNCH OF-
<KnightStrider> pssst
-*- carapaceGrinder turns his head toward Dave, already prepared to be annoyed to death
<carapaceGrinder> ....WHAT
<KnightStrider> whos the new kid?
-*- carapaceGrinder really didn't want to explain right now...
-*- KnightStrider too bad.
<carapaceGrinder> EH, WELL... YOU JUST HEARD HER NAME
<carapaceGrinder> THAT'S ABOUT AS MUCH AS I KNOW RIGHT NOW
<KnightStrider> you are
<KnightStrider> so unhelpful man
-*- leeringMantis "...Felt?" She quietly parroted to herself, sounding out the words as if they were brand new. What in the world was that? She could've sworn she had heard it before...
-*- leeringMantis But where?
-*- leeringMantis Wait--
-*- leeringMantis Kid--?
<KnightStrider> yeah felt you know the green guys who supposedly live here and work for lord english
<KnightStrider> though i havent seen a single one of em
-*- carapaceGrinder snorts
<whisperingNightterror> "The Feeelt were once an orrrganization on an iteration of Alternia's green moon. Essennntially aliens to humans." The terror piped in, having desired a chance to speak.
<carapaceGrinder> SO THAT'S WHAT IT MEANS
-*- leeringMantis The reaction was so instantanous, so inherent, it could practically be a reflex. She whipped her head around to the boy and scowled, eyebrows furrowed into a deep abyss. "Speak for yourself, civillian."
<KnightStrider> ... what?
-*- KnightStrider what's HER deal?
-*- leeringMantis No, no, wait. There was no time for this. What they were saying was important.
-*- carapaceGrinder turns to Carlotta and raises an eyebrow. HOO BOY. GONNA TAKE A WHILE FOR THIS ONE TO RELAX
-*- leeringMantis As a former scout, she should know. Intel, too, was everything.
<whisperingNightterror> "Much of the felt do not rrroam these halls, at least not in thisss memory. Once in a blue mooon though, you may see the caretaker of these prrremises."
-*- KnightStrider grinds his teeth quietly as Alpha speaks.
-*- carapaceGrinder mumbles towards her. LIKE WHAT I SAID EARLIER... YOU NEVER KNOW IF YOU'RE TALKING TO SOME DUMBSHIT KID OR A MILLION CYCLE OLD BADASS. TRY TO SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE A BIT
-*- leeringMantis And the pieces were slowly starting to fall into place. Alternia must've been this man's home planet, of which the Felt had been circling as a satellite. This must've been their homebase.
-*- leeringMantis ...Ah?
-*- carapaceGrinder leans a little closer and murmers more quitly, with a grin
-*- leeringMantis ...Oh.
<carapaceGrinder> THOUGH THAT GUY I THINK IS JUST A DUMBSHIT KID
-*- carapaceGrinder glances at the terror. ... HIM, NOT SO MUCH
-*- KnightStrider slooowly pops up between the two and whispers. "you should work on your whispering"
<carapaceGrinder> (hi this is online roleplaying where nobody's whispers are ever not unheard by everyone in the session)
<carapaceGrinder> (because everyone is omniscient always)
-*- leeringMantis As much as she hated to admit it, her fellow arm-at-war was right. All her original assumptions about this place had been proven wrong in less than a minute. Her system links had no use here. Even the N.A.R.P.A.S lookalike beside her clearly had nothing to do with the wretched organization. Nothing was as it seemed. Everything would have to be re-learned again.
<KnightStrider> (Never said he heard.)
<carapaceGrinder> (apparently)
<carapaceGrinder> (sorry that's just been grating on me a bit)
-*- leeringMantis (Though, he was probably right on the dot here. Ahahaha--)
<carapaceGrinder> (it's  like no matter how much I emphasize I'm making less sound than a mouse, somebody else is always like I HEARD THAT FROM WAY OVER HERE)
<whisperingNightterror> There's a slight smirk on their face. "You would be surpriiised how many far older then me have gatherrred here, actually. Onnnce upon a time, I had thought this bubble would be freee from others of my kind." They chuckled a bit, in spite of themselves.
-*- leeringMantis ...Did you really think you could sneak up on her?
-*- leeringMantis You'll have to do better than that.
-*- KnightStrider gives a sideways glance over to the terror in the corner. "what the fuck are you doing here anyway? "
-*- leeringMantis "You ought to work on your sneaking skills--" she smirked, pressing a hand into the boy's face.
-*- leeringMantis Never glancing once.
<KnightStrider> did i say i was sneaking?
<KnightStrider> no
-*- leeringMantis Aren't you busy dealing with a hand to the face?
<KnightStrider> no i didnt
-*- leeringMantis Smooooosh--
-*- KnightStrider nope.
<whisperingNightterror> "Exaaactly as I please, Strider." They said with an edge.
-*- KnightStrider gonna just leave that there.
-*- leeringMantis "Now, about this Lord English..."
-*- KnightStrider licks her hand.
-*- carapaceGrinder raises an eyebrow at Dave. GOD THIS GUY
-*- carapaceGrinder I MEAN
-*- KnightStrider you know, since it's there.
-*- carapaceGrinder WHO'S GOD DURR
-*- leeringMantis Tensions were obviously high, even she could see that, but... this was important. Vital, even.
-*- KnightStrider liiick.
-*- leeringMantis Besides, staying professional could only help. It was one of the first bylaws of a commanding officer--
-*- leeringMantis !
-*- carapaceGrinder ... AAAAAND NOW SHE GET'S A TASTE OF THIS PLACE'S BRAND OF FUCKERY
-*- leeringMantis Her fingers froze and curled into the boy's face like a vicegrip, the reflex kicking in like a well-oil machine.
-*- leeringMantis Such buffonry wouldn't be tolerated in her troop.
-*- KnightStrider is stuck with his tongue on her palm.
-*- leeringMantis It wouldn't be tolerated here either.
-*- KnightStrider oh if only you knew.
-*- leeringMantis "As I said, about this Lord English..."
-*- leeringMantis "I presume he's their commander of sorts?"
-*- carapaceGrinder actually has no clue, and listens for the answer
-*- KnightStrider pops up a time clone. "pst you should let go of past mes face maybe hell answer your questions you know because hes so nice and all"
-*- KnightStrider poofs the clone away.
-*- whisperingNightterror growled softly at the mentioning of that demon. "Sssomething like that, I am afrrraid."
-*- KnightStrider gives a thumbs up to show that he agrees with what his clone said.
-*- carapaceGrinder back and forth between Dave and where the clone was
-*- carapaceGrinder looks*
-*- leeringMantis Ah, yes, familiarity. Finally, a common ground she could rest her weary feet on. The words soothed her in an oddly comforting way, easing her heartbeat into a low and gentle thump-- thump-- thump.
-*- leeringMantis This.
-*- leeringMantis This was normal.
-*- leeringMantis She could deal with this.
-*- leeringMantis This was something she could grasp. Something she could rein.
-*- leeringMantis Then the time clone popped up.
-*- leeringMantis Her other hand whipped out to snatch at this one's face as well-- more fucking clones, great-- only to claw at nothing but air.
-*- leeringMantis Teleportation?
-*- KnightStrider double thumbs up.
-*- leeringMantis High frequency stealth chamo?
-*- leeringMantis Magic?
-*- KnightStrider makes those thumbs dance.
-*- leeringMantis (Hah.)
-*- leeringMantis (Magic.)
-*- carapaceGrinder can't believe he kissed this guy. And then a part of his thinkpan goes off in a tangent pondering how someone who could create copies of themself spontaneously could be... interesting
-*- carapaceGrinder shakes his head. Too bad he's kinda insufferable
-*- KnightStrider look, now the thumbs are making out.
-*- KnightStrider oh thumb love.
-*- whisperingNightterror watches the display. "You know, forrr a time traveler, he is not usssing his skill as effectively as he could."
-*- KnightStrider flips Alpha the bird.
-*- whisperingNightterror changes that to *player)
-*- leeringMantis The answer was meaningless, as the result was the same regardless. She glanced at the boy and sneered, tight and vicious and perhaps a bit too reminiscient of someone the boy knew perhaps.
-*- leeringMantis "You know, I was considering letting you go."
-*- leeringMantis "But I think I like you better this way."
-*- leeringMantis "Maybe it'll teach you a modicum of respect."
-*- KnightStrider snorts into her hand, amused at the idea.
-*- leeringMantis She's broken in more spirited horses than you, boy.
-*- KnightStrider gasp.
-*- leeringMantis Don't try her.
-*- Nitro Hey.
-*- Nitro That's. That's his line.
-*- KnightStrider double gasp.
<leeringMantis> (excuse me you aren't even the right pESTERCHUM right now)
<-> You are now known as abstersiveTourneigh
<leeringMantis> (smooth jazz is that you)
<abstersiveTourneigh> [sURE WHY NOT]
-*- carapaceGrinder leans an elbow on the back of the chair and rests his chin in his hand, watching these two with a sigh
-*- whisperingNightterror /nick theNeigh horse noise)
<abstersiveTourneigh> [you know how he likes his cute animal puns]
<KnightStrider> (FFFF)
<abstersiveTourneigh> [see: stuffed dinosaur]
-*- leeringMantis Now. Back to business.
<leeringMantis> (see: /actual/ dinosaur)
<leeringMantis> (and the bats)
<leeringMantis> (basically every cute animal he gets his hands on)
<abstersiveTourneigh> [pRETTY MUCH]
<abstersiveTourneigh> [Verge pls stop being a babby]
-*- KnightStrider considers popping up a clone to yank himself free... Would that work you think? Hmmm.
-*- leeringMantis "You're not... Hostages, are you?"
-*- KnightStrider snorts again.
-*- leeringMantis "Unless you've managed to capture their headquarters for your own purposes."
-*- carapaceGrinder yawns
-*- leeringMantis Squeeze.
-*- leeringMantis Respect.
<carapaceGrinder> HOSTAGES? OF WHO?
<carapaceGrinder> OH, RIGHT. NO
-*- whisperingNightterror you could also stop time and free yourself
-*- KnightStrider maybe...
<carapaceGrinder> LIKE HE SAID, THOSE FELT GUYS NEVER SHOW UP AND I SURE AS FUCK HAVE NEVER SEEN THAT LORD ENGLISH GUY
-*- KnightStrider what if I just... Froze time and replaced my face with a teddy bear? Would that be a thing I could do you think?
-*- leeringMantis "So... you've captured it, yes?"
<carapaceGrinder> UH... MAYBE? I'M ACTUALLY PRETTY NEW HERE, COMPARATIVELY
-*- leeringMantis The question is directed at the horrorterror, who seems to be more aware of such things. The fact that anyone could be ignorant of something so vital was startling to her, but--
-*- leeringMantis This was different. This was new. This was not what she knew.
-*- KnightStrider and by teddy bear I mean smuppet.
-*- leeringMantis Things.
-*- leeringMantis Had to be re-learned.
-*- carapaceGrinder looks at the horrorterror, hoping for more of an explanation
<whisperingNightterror> "Quiiite the opposite for me, actually. The spaaace this bubble resides in is, in a way, my home." The mention of LE's name once more brings a slight grimace. "If you wishhh to think of it that way. It is aaall merely a memory, where others have gatherrred and mingled. In a senssse, it belongs to aaall who have contributed to it's energy."
-*- whisperingNightterror you probably could do that dave
-*- leeringMantis ...What?
-*- leeringMantis "So."
-*- KnightStrider and so it is done! Voila, Carlotta is no longer gripping Dave's face, but smuppet butt.
-*- leeringMantis "None of this--"
-*- leeringMantis Wave wave.
-*- leeringMantis "--is physically real?"
-*- KnightStrider takes a new place seated in some arm chair far from Carlotta's immediate reach.
-*- carapaceGrinder eyes closed, Karkat mumbles REAL ENOUGH, PROBABLY...
-*- leeringMantis (...She would hope so.)
-*- KnightStrider pulls off his shades to clean them up from being touched. "nobodys captured anything people just sort of come to this particular dream bubble and chill its a free range space considering english hasnt reared his ugly mug"
<whisperingNightterror> "In some ways yes, and otherrrs no. Unnnlike what you are used to, it can easily be changed to suuuit the needs of another. It is fluid, yet soliiid. A bubble fuuull of twisting energies."
<KnightStrider> yeah what they said
-*- leeringMantis (A life of illusions and self-delusion made her heart flutter with fear. A anxious and deep fear that she couldn't place, couldn't name, but felt so strongly it couldn't be shaken.)
-*- leeringMantis "(Sounds like a nanomachine colony if you ask me...)" she mumbled to herself, silently, before returning to the conversation at hand. "So you've converted energy into a physical working form?"
<leeringMantis> "But how--"
-*- leeringMantis ...Wait.
-*- leeringMantis What was the boy doing outside her grip?
-*- leeringMantis Her eye immediately darted to the hand, only to find some kind of... plush device in her hand.
-*- leeringMantis Ugh.
-*- leeringMantis That was tossed away in no time flat.
-*- leeringMantis And as for the boy?
-*- leeringMantis Ignored.
-*- abstersiveTourneigh That's his philosophy.
-*- leeringMantis She knew his type all too well. Attention seeking rookies who thought they were the life of the party and deserved the lion's share of attention at all times.
-*- leeringMantis Only way to nip that nasty habit out of the bud-- the silent treatment.
-*- leeringMantis Anyway.
-*- leeringMantis "...But how?"
-*- KnightStrider glances up to Carlotta with white eyes. Dead as a doornail. "its called a dream bubble the dead and the sleeping are the only ones who can come here you got all that sleeping and dead space you got a lot of energy its gonna build up"
<KnightStrider> well okay like theres some exceptions to the dead and sleeping rule
<KnightStrider> but thats how it usually goes
<whisperingNightterror> For once since their appearance, a wide, familiar grin graced their face. "A skiiill developed by my eldersss. Magic, in a way; though, I haaave a feeling that you will not be content with that. Of courrrse, it would not be the same without our guesssts."
<KnightStrider> that too
-*- KnightStrider returns to his shades.
-*- whisperingNightterror nods to Dave. "Often, our company consisssts of the failed timelines of a peculiar game, but thisss particular bubble seems to be garnering morrre and more beings from outside of the sessionsss."
-*- leeringMantis Magic--
<KnightStrider> yeah its like an anomaly bubble
-*- leeringMantis Magic--?
<KnightStrider> you can usually tell the living from the dead pretty easy too unless like they dont know theyre dead
-*- leeringMantis She couldn't help the snort. Or the smirk. Couldn't help them at all. "An interesting and valid theory, I'm sure, but I'm afraid you'll have to explain it better than that. Magic is nothing more than a science that hasn't been thoroughly dissected and examined yet."
-*- leeringMantis "There must be a working thoerem to it."
-*- leeringMantis "All things must."
-*- leeringMantis (hRF--)
-*- leeringMantis ...?
-*- KnightStrider holds his shades up to the light to make sure all the hand smudges are gone.
-*- leeringMantis Strange, she thought she heard something just there...
-*- leeringMantis Best to keep watch, just in case.
-*- carapaceGrinder ignoring Dave? Capital idea!
-*- carapaceGrinder joins right in
<carapaceGrinder> HEY, I AGREE THERE. BUT YOU KNOW HOW YOU THINK ABOUT SCIENCE AND YOU'RE LIKE "YEAH, WE'LL FIGURE OUT /ALL/ THE SHIT EVENTUALLY"?
<whisperingNightterror> "Maybe there isss; I myseeelf never really found timmme to investigate it, I am afrrraid. If another has, then I have yet to meeet them." Of course, if the pilot heard someone, the terror definitely did. As well as smell and feel where the orange irishman was.
<carapaceGrinder> IMAGINE THAT IT MIGHT STILL BE TRUE BUT IT'S LIKE A MILLION FUCKING TIMES MORE DIFFICULT THAN YOU ASSUMED BEFORE
-*- leeringMantis (please don't see him giant eldritch tentacle thing)
<KnightStrider> (FFF)
-*- leeringMantis (this whole cabinet hiding thing has already gotten to a bad start okay)
-*- leeringMantis (he's run of books and yarn and vanilla wafers)
-*- leeringMantis (he's going to die of b o r e d o m)
-*- whisperingNightterror you could have at least hidden behind a couch)
<KnightStrider> (poor thing.)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh "The problem is that there is little precedent for such an existence within most universes. Our minds cannot fathom the governing laws we are adjusted to being not merely broken, but non-applicable."
-*- KnightStrider slips on his shades and stands up. "looking for an answer to everything? like a kid who constantly needs to know how and why man some times you just gotta take things as they are some times theres no why some times there just is"
-*- leeringMantis "You've... Never considered investigating it? Not even once?" The idea seemed outrageous to Carlotta, no, impossible. Every advantage, every corner, every niche of the world had been examined and analyzed and elaborated again and again and again. Knowledge was power. This was one of the four principle truths of the world. If it existed, it could be analyzed. How-- why--
-*- leeringMantis Who--
-*- abstersiveTourneigh Also why is there a suit of armor that looks like an oversized gallimaufry of bug parts and futuristic, implausible technology in the room.
-*- KnightStrider glances over to the newcomer "hey man hows it going you came here just in time i was gonna make some french toast you want some?"
<leeringMantis> (actually)
<leeringMantis> (that melted back into her normal suit)
<abstersiveTourneigh> [oh ok]
<leeringMantis> (all that's left is a pile of smelly goo on the floor)
<abstersiveTourneigh> [I wasn't looking at that point]
<abstersiveTourneigh> [realtalk and such]
<leeringMantis> (nanomachine goo)
<leeringMantis> (beep boop)
<KnightStrider> (Yummy.)
<leeringMantis> (nanomachine noises)
<abstersiveTourneigh> [oh damn it I might]
<abstersiveTourneigh> [not be able to do this]
<abstersiveTourneigh> [uh]
<abstersiveTourneigh> [just a minute]
<whisperingNightterror> Nodding in response to Vergil, they continued, "Of course, mossst here would have the time to investigate, if they sooo wished. I myself neverrr saw it as beneficial information, and thus never really cared to find out. Weee comprise of colonies, and rings; information does not generally travel outsiiide of their groups all that well."
-*- leeringMantis So there was an information gap in this world. A blind spot, you could say. Of something of such limitless and extraordinary potential, at that. There were no bounds to what such an energy source could do. Not just any kind of energy, but energy that was malleable-- formless.
-*- leeringMantis The possibilities were endless.
-*- leeringMantis Perhaps-- perhaps she could even...
-*- leeringMantis "What do you mean, non-applicable?"
-*- leeringMantis Never mind the fact that this boy-- this invalid, even-- had managed to sneak up on her. He raised an interesting a question. A question that was begging to be answered.
-*- leeringMantis ...She wouldn't forget the terror's words, though. 'We' implied a race. A culture. A society. Perhaps even the main society.
-*- leeringMantis It, too, could be vital.
<KnightStrider> (indeed french toast is very interesting)
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<abstersiveTourneigh> [ok writing now, sorry]
-*- abstersiveTourneigh "Not now, Strider." It was more of an absent dismissal than an actual answer, distracted by sizing up this...wannabe X-Man. The one who, from the lengthy piece of conversation he'd just overheard (it really couldn't be helped), was all too militant in mindset. And smelled like...like electronics, in excess. Like chemicals and energy reacting. And her...presence, so to speak, was...
-*- abstersiveTourneigh Commanding. To say the very least.
-*- leeringMantis Do you have a problem with it, boy?
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-*- leeringMantis Then you can get in line with your friend blondie here.
-*- leeringMantis He was smart, though. Verbose. Perhaps one of the few that had given the bountiful resource they had been given any more than a second thought.
-*- leeringMantis Odd, for an invalid.
-*- leeringMantis (The sheer exuberence of pride in his presence was even more odd.)
-*- leeringMantis (Then again...)
-*- leeringMantis (Everything had to be re-learned.)
-*- carapaceGrinder is just slowly dozing off on the chair, head resting on his arms, which are crossed over the back of the chair
-*- abstersiveTourneigh It was the fact that she smelled like tears, too, ever so faintly, that made him tentatively classify her as nonthreatening for the moment. But he was in no hurry to leave her alone without a...proper assessment. Thus, he moved slowly into the room, electing to remain standing.
-*- abstersiveTourneigh (It made him feel better.)
-*- leeringMantis (She noticed.)
-*- leeringMantis (What a curiously hostile posture to take.)
-*- leeringMantis (She'd be watching you.)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh Karkat might also notice that he looks remarkably like the white-haired douchebag with the piano from a few nights ago, except with his hair slicked back and remarkably better fashion taste. Also, the distinct lack of an accent.
-*- carapaceGrinder Karkat might, if he wasn't slowly losing consciousness
-*- leeringMantis ...so is this opposite day or somethin'?
-*- abstersiveTourneigh Nap time is all the time.
-*- leeringMantis god, verge, why don't y'ever tell me 'bout these things!
-*- abstersiveTourneigh Remove your posterior, brother. He's a little busy here.
-*- abstersiveTourneigh Challenged authority and whatnot.
-*- abstersiveTourneigh You know.
-*- leeringMantis i would've dressed up in that dumb naval jacket n' breeches n' shit!
-*- abstersiveTourneigh The stuff of real rebellion.
-*- leeringMantis man, that would've been great.
-*- leeringMantis well, whatever, y'have fun with y'lil' wild world of omaha thing or whatever. m'gonna go do somethin' that's, y'know, actually fun.
-*- leeringMantis smell y'later, bro, m'out. peace.
-*- abstersiveTourneigh Hmph.
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-*- abstersiveTourneigh Internal narrative douchenozzles aside, he crossed his arms, meeting the girl's eyes steadily. "Non-applicable, as in it cannot be applied. Those governing laws are active only within the universes in which they exist." He untangled an arm to sweep in a swift, broad arc. "This is far outside such laws. Its functions are not limited by those scientific boundaries of the universes it contains. It is transcendent, if you will."
<leeringMantis> (ACTION)
<leeringMantis> (gets me every time)
<abstersiveTourneigh> [just4u]
<leeringMantis> (do you need a marker where it cut off or...?)
<leeringMantis> ( i mean)
<leeringMantis> (i can assume 'It is tra' was supposed to be transient)
<abstersiveTourneigh> [I can't see where it cut off, no]
<abstersiveTourneigh> [just a sec, clipboard's full]
-*- abstersiveTourneigh "It is transcendent, if you will."
<abstersiveTourneigh> [close 8y]
<leeringMantis> (do i get still get a prize)
<leeringMantis> (a stone poodle at least)
<abstersiveTourneigh> [a stone poodle with a diamond collar]
<abstersiveTourneigh> [as long as the diamonds are just diamond shapes and not actual diamonds]
<abstersiveTourneigh> [only the most economical for my brorail]
-*- leeringMantis "Nonsense." she huffed, the beginnings of a smirk twitching at the corners of her mouth. Apparently not too smart, this one. Should've known better. "Everything follows some kind of basic thoerem. Even if it's only applicable in the self-contained enviroment it contains itself in, there must still be basic rules. The fact that no one's bothered to analyze such basics here says more of their collective intelligence
-*- leeringMantis "...Unless you're suggesting it's some kind of magic."
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-*- leeringMantis Hah.
<abstersiveTourneigh> [collective intelligence]
<leeringMantis> (wheeze--)
-*- leeringMantis ...Hmmmm.
<leeringMantis> (but)
<leeringMantis> (what if i put on a bird on the poodle)
<abstersiveTourneigh> [no I mean it cut off]
-*- abstersiveTourneigh Yeah, don't think he can't smell you, Leprechaun.
<leeringMantis> (oop)
<leeringMantis> ()he fact that no one's bothered to analyze such basics here says more of their collective intelligence than of the residing universe itself.")
-*- abstersiveTourneigh He can still smell his wafers' crumbs in that tattered old rag you call a scarf.
-*- leeringMantis Oh yeah?
-*- leeringMantis Can you smell it through the cleansing tag, fuckhead?
-*- leeringMantis Or is that lingering memory of your precious Vanilla Wafers you're tasting there?
-*- leeringMantis He came prepared for you.
-*- leeringMantis Don't ever say he doesn't plan ahead.
-*- leeringMantis (P.S he's run out of books and Vanilla Wafers help)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh Shut up. He's narrating.
-*- abstersiveTourneigh (...He'll bring something down later, ok?)
-*- leeringMantis (...Wait.)
-*- leeringMantis (What.)
-*- leeringMantis (B-but you--)
-*- leeringMantis (You were just--)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh (Be quiet. Didn't he say he's busy?)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh Rude, loud  interruptions aside, Vergil raised his eyebrows, clasping his hands together behind his back. "Purported magic is nothing more than unexplored science. Nothing breaks any scientific order; any appearance of doing so is merely disproving the so-called law as a general rule, if even that. Do not insult me. I neither stated nor even implied that there is not some governing rule here, merely that it is not immediately fathomable on account of the limitations of our own universes."
-*- abstersiveTourneigh "...that there is not some governing rule here, merely that it is not immediately fathomable on account of the limitations of our own universes."
-*- leeringMantis ...Perhaps she was wrong. Perhaps this one was, in fact, far sharper beyond his kind. Far more arrogant, too.
-*- leeringMantis It irked her.
-*- leeringMantis But he was right.
-*- leeringMantis (As much as she loathed to admit.)
-*- leeringMantis By now she was standing, determined to not let herself be so easily upstood by some brat, and she let herself calmly but firmly approach him with purposeful steps. "And yet, despite being completely aware that this universe doesn't follow such conventional rules as any other, you've opted against analyzing in favor of simply letting it be?"
-*- leeringMantis "Sounds rather complacent to me."
-*- leeringMantis It probably wasn't an accident that she crossed her arms just then.
-*- leeringMantis Probably not.
-*- leeringMantis "And I'm not insulting anyone here. Simply stating facts. Do facts scare you that much?"
-*- leeringMantis Shouldn't have bolded that word, rookie.
-*- leeringMantis (Ugh, just cut to the chase and make out already.)
-*- leeringMantis (With all that wailing and screeching back there, you two would make a perfect pair.)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh (Shut up. Don't make him change his mind about those books.)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh (Better yet, he'll send Strider in with a copy of Barbie: Friends Forever.)
-*- leeringMantis (You wouldn't.)
-*- leeringMantis (Such a fate would be worse than death itself.)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh (Keep cracking jokes. See where it gets you.)
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-*- abstersiveTourneigh Dear, please don't embarrass yourself. You're still being upstood by him.
-*- abstersiveTourneigh It's. Hard to avoid, really.
-*- leeringMantis Perhaps your as-of-now unidentified inner voice was right.
-*- leeringMantis Perhaps it is opposite day.
-*- leeringMantis (What's opposite day.)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh If anything, the commanding approach only served to make him tower straighter, not quite tense but subtly defiant, unyielding. He was, indeed, not the least bit cowed. "You are very much insulting me. Indirect derision to my intelligence and competence is derision all the same." His arms crossed likewise. "You've also made an unreasonable leap in logic. For all the intellect I've shown, what would lead you to conclude that I am doing nothing with this knowledge? You have no basis for this beyond a presumption that I am utterly devoid of competence."
-*- abstersiveTourneigh " For all the intellect I've shown, what would lead you to conclude that I am doing nothing with this knowledge? You have no basis for this beyond a presumption that I am utterly devoid of competence."
-*- leeringMantis "Alright then, I'll take your word for it."
-*- leeringMantis That is not a friendly smile.
-*- leeringMantis Not at all.
-*- leeringMantis "Tell me, then-- what information have you procured thus far?"
-*- leeringMantis Checkmate.
-*- abstersiveTourneigh "Why should I tell you?"
-*- leeringMantis She put her hands on her hips with an expectant-- perhaps even somewhat triumphant-- smile. "Then I will assume by default that you know nothing and are stalling for time to compensate for your ignorance."
-*- leeringMantis "Well? What will it be?"
-*- leeringMantis "Will you betray your ignorance? Or your pride?"
-*- leeringMantis (Faith and Begorrah she's worse than he could ever be--)
-*- leeringMantis (Why aren't you shoving that fire poker at her for cHRIST'S SAKES--)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh It was a smooth enough reaction, given that he had half-expected the question. But naturally she would make such assumptions. He dropped his hands and clasped them behind his back, looking for all the world utterly unfazed. "Prying by attempting to force my hand as if I do not hold all the cards will get you nowhere. If you have not noticed, the other being who showed itself to be reasonably knowledgeable in the mechanisms of this...afterlife is nowhere to be seen." He unclasped a hand to indicate where the grey-skinned eldritch abomination had been seated, then returned it to its position, the smoothness coming out smugly.
-*- abstersiveTourneigh "to be reasonably knowledgeable in the mechanisms of this...afterlife is nowhere to be seen." He unclasped a hand to indicate where the grey-skinned eldritch abomination had been seated, then returned it to its position, the smoothness coming out smugly. "You are in an unfamiliar place that may well hold dangers in every kitchen cabinet, and your most basic defense of an understanding of the world around you has been effectively rendered worthless."
-*- abstersiveTourneigh "of an understanding of the world around you has been effectively rendered worthless." He paused, not quite smiling. "I would not presume to be in control of the situation in your position, ma'am."
-*- leeringMantis (Some bloody irony that is, calling him dangerous--)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh (Your sparkling Gaelic driftwood says otherwise.)
-*- leeringMantis (Your oversized butter knife begs to differ.)
-*- leeringMantis (What are you, an otaku?)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh (He didn't attempt to blow up a stranger for rescuing his bag.)
-*- leeringMantis (I'll take your awkward and wholly untrue changing of the subject as a yes.)
-*- leeringMantis (Okay, good to know!)
-*- leeringMantis (So do you like the tentacle girls or the magical girls in the skimpy sailor skirts.)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh (Do you know anything about Japanese folklore? Skirts have little to do with it. The teke teke doesn't even...)
-*- abstersiveTourneigh (...Nevermind. You'll appreciate such things about as much as Dante does, no doubt.)