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Selena Origin Adventures in progreesssss

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Oct 2nd, 2018
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  1. [18:43:45] <Reikim> ...
  2. [19:04:21] <Reikim> It takes quite some time for Selena and Jessie to get *properly* in trouble.
  3. [19:04:21] <Reikim> First, they had to explain themselves to the patrol that caught them. The girls listen patiently to their story; and in response to a "and what are *you* doing here", explain that they had responded to an anonoymous report that the lights had gone out at this house.
  4. [19:04:21] <Reikim> Esme probably would've had a laugh at that. Unfortunately, she wasn't there. She'd left them out to dry, and taken their best evidence with her.
  5. [19:04:21] <Reikim> Nevertheless, the girls believed them. They knew each other, and they knew how levelheaded Selena was; and while Jessie had a bit of a tendency to flights of fancy, she rarely ever lied. And, of course, unless they were fighting *each other*, and one of them had a hidden set of claws...there wasn't a better explanation for the state the house was in.
  6. [19:04:25] <Reikim> And they agreed that, yeah, that sounds like something Esme would do.
  7. [19:04:29] <Reikim> They still had to come in to report, though. And from there, it escalated. Which they probably expected; but not so fast. For by the time they got back to headquarters, they'd already gotten the order to report to the High Commander's office.
  8. [19:04:33] <Reikim> ---------
  9. [19:39:21] <Reikim> As per tradition, Gabriela's room is the highest in the building, and second-highest in the city (if you count the clock tower). It has no doors; the stairwell comes right up into the center of the room. This lets it have windows on all sides, which give an unparalleled view over the city.
  10. [19:39:21] <Reikim> Gabriela likes plants; and they flourish in her presence. She particularly loves decorative grasses, which sit in pots scattered around haphazardly; she once confessed to Selena that they remind her of home.
  11. [19:39:21] <Reikim> Her desk, on the other hand, is a big brick of gray stone, polished on top to make a workplace, and carved on the sides and front with the Nightlight variation of Beacon's insignia - a candle, with a pentagram surrounding the candle's flame like a halo. Her chair is a high-back hunk of wood, which she has confessed to Selena is very uncomfortable.
  12. [19:39:24] <Reikim> A hunk of crystal, bigger than any either Jessie or Selena have ever seen, hangs from the ceiling, suspended in a delicate cage of sagesteel, filled to the brim with Gabriela's Light.
  13. [19:39:29] <Reikim> ...All told, Selena has a hard time feeling too intimidated. It's a pretty cozy place, really; and she's been here too often before. Jessie, on the other hand...well, she's been here a few times too, but for very different reasons.
  14. [19:39:33] <Reikim> Ashamed, though...that's a different question.
  15. [19:39:35] <Reikim> She's disappointed in them, as she tells them, sitting with her back flush against the straight, stiff chair. She knows they can do better. And, because it's Gabriela saying it...they believe in her, she believes in them, so they believe it too. They *can* do better. And so they're disappointed in themselves, too.
  16. [19:39:39] <Reikim> ...When Gabriela disciplines someone, the punishments are almost a formality. And, in this case, a way of keeping them out of trouble.
  17. [19:39:42] <Reikim> She's angry, too. They could've gotten themselves killed. They should've gone for backup. They should've *reported* this. *They could've gotten themselves killed.*
  18. [19:39:45] <Reikim> ...They can somehow tell they're not even getting the worst of that. She doesn't mention Esme, but it's clear she's even more upset with the scout.
  19. [19:39:49] <Reikim> Jessie is assigned to battery duty until further notice - charging the big batteries they use to power the equipment they haven't had the time or resources to convert to crystal-based tech. It's boring, tedious, mind-numbing work - exactly the kind Jessie hates.
  20. [19:39:53] <Reikim> Selena, on the other hand, is confined to Medical. Gabriela makes it clear she only got off lighter because she's too valuable - and also that this could change very quickly if she puts even a *hair* out of line.
  21. [19:39:56] <Reikim> And both of them are forbidden from leaving Headquarters without *express* permission.
  22. [19:39:59] <Reikim> Gabriela finishes pronouncing their sentence, and leaves them in shameful silence for half a minute. ...And then small smile twitches at the corners of her mouth. Selena knows how hard it is for her to maintain that serious, stern expression, and it's a miracle she got this far.
  23. [19:40:03] <Reikim> "...And good work," she adds. "That Vampire won't hurt anyone else. At the end of it all, you did something good. Be proud of that."
  24. [19:40:06] <Reikim> If Selena and Jessie had ever seen it, they'd probably compare the feeling with seeing the sun peek out through a cloudy sky.
  25. [19:40:09] <Reikim> She waves a hand.
  26. [19:40:11] <Reikim> "Jessie, you're dismissed. Selena...stay a while longer. I want to hear your report again."
  27. [19:40:13] <Reikim> ||
  28. [19:40:15] <Reikim> (phew)
  29. [19:46:05] * IWBTG (~IWBTG@Rizon-D8C9F159.austin.res.rr.com) has joined
  30. [19:49:19] <Jran-Kri> The shame, like that of a child being disciplined, hangs over them like a pall. Both of them keep their heads low and their backs straight as Gabriela dresses them down. They do not have it in them to utter a peep of protest; not even Jessie, whose face of solemnity barely twitches until their sentences have been read out.
  31. [19:49:19] <Jran-Kri> Jessie purses her lip, her head twitching just a hair upward. She does not meet Gabriela’s eyes, but her arms tense, as to the hands clasped behind her back. There is a momentary wish to protest. But it comes to nothing, and she merely nods. Selena skips right to the nodding. Field work had never been her strong-suit.
  32. [19:49:19] <Jran-Kri> The awkwardness of the next thirty seconds do not escape either of them. Jessie’s jaw audibly works, perhaps nervous that this is some kind of test to see if she does explode in insubordination. But then the denouement comes, and a small, vaguely relieved smile crosses both of their faces. They mutter their thanks, bowing at the waist; when Jessie rises, she turns to depart with a quick nod at Selena and a smile that almos
  33. [19:49:19] <Jran-Kri> t manages to be cheeky.
  34. [19:49:19] <Jran-Kri> “... Was there something about it that was unclear, ma’am?” Selena asks, her brow furrowed once she rises. She remains at attention, but she allows the confusion to cross her face.
  35. [19:49:19] <Jran-Kri> ||
  36. [19:54:54] * Eprlide has quit (Quit: Nettalk6 - www.ntalk.de)
  37. [19:55:58] <Reikim> ...
  38. [20:11:29] <Reikim> Gabriela relaxes with a sigh. "No," she admits. "But we still have more to talk about."
  39. [20:11:29] <Reikim> She gets up, moves to a tall, thick clump of plants near her desk, digs in, and pulls out...a chair for Selena, a teaset, and a pink flower-patterned cushion for her own seat.
  40. [20:11:29] <Reikim> They're familiar props. Selena has spent more time with the High Commander than most; even some girls who've been around much longer. From the moment she joined, Gabriela took a shine to her; and now she finds herself regularly seeing Gabriela for tea, walks...conversation.
  41. [20:11:29] <Reikim> Mostly, they talk about the small, day-to-day things - the little things that happen so far down Gabriela never sees them. And in return, Selena gets rare insight into the daily life of the most powerful person on the planet.
  42. [20:11:32] <Reikim> ...It's not clear whether she's using Selena to keep tabs on things, or if she just likes hearing these things. Maybe a little bit of both. Either way, it's definitely not unpleasant.
  43. [20:11:35] <Reikim> ...All this to say that Selena knows her better than a lot of people. And she can tell, in the stiff, too-conscious way that she pours the tea, that she is *uncomfortable*.
  44. [20:11:40] <Reikim> "...Jessie thinks this is closed," she says. "But you...you're not satisfied, are you." She looks up, pinning Selena with her bright blue eyes. "I know you still have questions. You don't think this is over."
  45. [20:11:43] <Reikim> ||
  46. [20:17:36] * Eprlide (~Eprlide@45D1B991.5C2B09B9.B14414D2.IP) has joined
  47. [20:18:04] <Jran-Kri> ...
  48. [20:23:53] <Jran-Kri> As Gabriela relaxes, so too does Selena – in a manner of speaking. Her hands remain behind her back, but her shoulders slump from their rigid posture. She’s silent for a moment, crossing over to the chair and sliding into it with a grateful nod. Crossing her legs, she looks up at Gabriela, her brow furrowing even further.
  49. [20:23:53] <Jran-Kri> “I do not. Think this is closed, that is,” Selena confesses with a slow sigh. She leans back into her chair, crossing her arms in front of her. “Captain Severins’... acquisition. Of the creature. Leaves too many questions unanswered.”
  50. [20:23:53] <Jran-Kri> “... We still don’t know how it got in. Perhaps she knows, now. But...” Selena shifts in her chair. “It felt like it... shouldn’t have been able to. We were able to dispatch it, after all. But then, perhaps the Captain’s expertise turned the tide...”
  51. [20:23:53] <Jran-Kri> ||
  52. [20:30:31] <Reikim> ...
  53. [20:40:59] <Reikim> "It should not have," Gabriela agrees. "I should've sensed it. Should've..."
  54. [20:40:59] <Reikim> She stares into her tea for a bit before being distracted. Something rustles in the sagesteel cables above, then drops, opens its legs, and glides down to the table.
  55. [20:40:59] <Reikim> The Beaconchuu likes to be called Sam. It looks more or less like a flying squirrel, all in white, with gold highlights, and golden eyes. He and Gabriela go back a long way; she already has a teacup out for him, and distracts herself for a moment pouring a big dollop of honey into it.
  56. [20:40:59] <Reikim> The Beaconchuu, as always, watches Selena with faint curiosity. Gabriela fusses with the tea things, a little longer than necessary.
  57. [20:41:03] <Reikim> "...They've tried sneaking in before. And it worked - before we got all the crystals installed. If they've found a way around that..."
  58. [20:41:05] <Reikim> She's familiar with Selena, too. And knows she doesn't have to finish the thought.
  59. [20:41:07] <Reikim> ||
  60. [20:42:51] <Jran-Kri> ...
  61. [20:46:25] <Jran-Kri> Selena breathes in, perhaps to offer some sort of reassurance, but she’s cut off by the arrival of the Beaconchuu – Sam, she has to remind herself. Nodding to him, she manages a tense smile at his company. Not for him, of course, but the subject matter.
  62. [20:46:25] <Jran-Kri> “I... hope not,” she says, obviously. She shifts again, looking back to Gabriela. “Perhaps we should... investigate their integrity. Perhaps some have become damaged, or their connection... interrupted.”
  63. [20:46:25] <Jran-Kri> “Perhaps they’ve begun to... organize more. Pool their efforts. Individually, there is no way that they could overcome your magic,” Selena says, certain of this last point, at least.
  64. [20:46:25] <Jran-Kri> “... There is... a possibility of a human element, as well,” Selena’s voice lowers as she expresses this theory. She tries to sound dismissive, as if it’s an afterthought, but she can’t hide how grave that subject matter is. “
  65. [20:46:25] <Jran-Kri> ||
  66. [21:01:11] <Reikim> ...
  67. [21:04:05] * Raincoat (~IceChat78@Rizon-9ED53C05.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) has joined
  68. [21:10:15] <Reikim> Gabriela doesn't quite manage to hide how uncomfortable she is, either. She busies herself with her tea, letting Sam answer for her:
  69. [21:10:15] <Reikim> "If that's the case, we may be forced to abandon this place." As always, the words seem to come from the creature's body, but Selena can't see *where* exactly. The thing's voice is gentle and genderless; and right now, full of regret.
  70. [21:10:15] <Reikim> "...Esme believes she knows the answer," Gabriela adds to that, once she's drained her tea. In contrast to her ladylike appearance, she practically gulps the stuff. "I know you'd just go looking later, so I'm going to let you help with the investigation. But..." She pins Selena with her eyes again. "*Nothing* can leave this room. Understand?"
  71. [21:10:17] <Reikim> ||
  72. [21:12:14] <Jran-Kri> ...
  73. [21:15:02] <Jran-Kri> “Unacceptable,” Selena blurts out the word, her gaze snapping over to the Beaconchuu. It’s a reflexive, kneejerk reaction. She immediately seems to regret speaking so out of turn, as she withdraws, muttering. “I mean, I’m... sure that we can resolve that. If it came to it.”
  74. [21:15:02] <Jran-Kri> She perks up a little again as Gabriela moves on. She doesn’t show any particular satisfaction at being given permission, but she does not again, more firmly.
  75. [21:15:02] <Jran-Kri> “Understood,” she says. Her hands tremble as she picks up her tea, taking a quick sip. “I... understand the gravity of the situation.”
  76. [21:15:02] <Jran-Kri> ||
  77. [21:38:13] <Reikim> ...
  78. [21:41:18] <Reikim> Gabriela nods back, and pours herself another cup of tea.
  79. [21:41:48] <Reikim> Again, her movements are *too* precise. Not a lot of people would notice; but Selena's has experience.
  80. [21:43:01] <Reikim> This is how she gets when Selena pokes too hard about her homeworld. And how she gets when they talk about Headquarters, and how they view Nightlight...
  81. [21:44:10] <Reikim> "A third will be joining us for tea," she declares, once she's done. "I need you to act naturally. Although..." She allows a teasing smile. "If you're a little stiff, nobody will notice."
  82. [21:44:12] <Reikim> ||
  83. [21:51:14] <Jran-Kri> ...
  84. [21:52:33] <Jran-Kri> Selena’s not blind. Gabriella being nervous, naturally, makes her nervous. Her grip on her cup tenses, white-knuckled, and she stares up at her in concern.
  85. [21:52:33] <Jran-Kri> “... I’ll try,” she coughs out. “Is there... You seem like you’re not looking forward. To seeing them.”
  86. [21:52:33] <Jran-Kri> ||
  87. [21:52:40] * Generalimmortus (~Generalim@32E246A5:AF6FBFC7:A08DCFCC:IP) has joined
  88. [21:53:27] <Reikim> ...
  89. [21:53:38] * Generalimmortus (~Generalim@32E246A5:AF6FBFC7:A08DCFCC:IP) has left
  90. [21:53:57] <Reikim> Gabriela considers what to say.
  91. [21:54:06] <Reikim> She never answers the question, but answers it with a question of her own:
  92. [21:54:30] <Reikim> "How do you feel when you have to treat a patient?" she asks.
  93. [21:54:50] <Reikim> ...It's a very personal question. One she's avoided asking before, though she's been clearly interested.
  94. [21:54:52] <Reikim> ||
  95. [21:58:02] <Jran-Kri> Selena blinks. It’s an interesting question without a firm answer. It’s also not an answer to her own question. She breathes in, looking up in the general direction of the light fixture.
  96. [21:58:02] <Jran-Kri> “It depends. On how severe it is,” she begins slowly, thoughtfully. “If it is... something non-life-threatening. I’m interested in the problem. Hopeful that I can solve it. Glad when I can... ease their pain.”
  97. [21:58:02] <Jran-Kri> “... When it is... worse. There are nerves. Fear. Of failure. Of them dying under me,” her voice softens, stiffening, but she doesn’t stop her halting relation. “But I am determined. To save them. And if I can... the weight that is lifted from my shoulders makes me feel like I could fly.”
  98. [21:58:02] <Jran-Kri> “Out of the agony, triumph.”
  99. [21:58:02] <Jran-Kri> ||
  100. [22:00:48] <Reikim> Gabriela nods, and Selena gets the feeling she understands. ...She also doesn't feel the need to say any more. ||
  101. [22:04:55] <Jran-Kri> “Ah,” Selena says, returning her gaze to Gabriella. She does not smile, but something approaching understands shines above the rim of her teacup. “I think I see.”
  102. [22:04:55] <Jran-Kri> “... I am not sure I want to meet someone who makes you nervous in the first place. Regardless of how... important. It is to deal with them.”
  103. [22:04:55] <Jran-Kri> ||
  104. [22:07:44] <Reikim> ...
  105. [22:08:23] <Reikim> "Ah, but you've met her before," says Gabriela. She's slowly putting back on the same stern, steady mask that she used to dress them down. "It's Miria."
  106. [22:09:34] <Reikim> Miria. It takes Selena to track down the name. Miria. Gale-force Miria. One of the girls who spent a lot of time beyond the wall.
  107. [22:09:39] <Reikim> ...One of Esme's teammates.
  108. [22:09:44] <Reikim> ||
  109. [22:11:01] <Jran-Kri> ...
  110. [22:12:01] * Trimangle|Phone (~AndChat26@no.items.fox.only.final.destination) has joined
  111. [22:12:11] <Jran-Kri> The name brings her right back to attention. She blinks swiftly, eyes momentarily widening, though the rest of her is as placid as ever.
  112. [22:12:11] <Jran-Kri> “Ah,” she says again, shaking off her stunned look. “I... What need do you have of her, again?”
  113. [22:12:11] <Jran-Kri> ||
  114. [22:13:27] <Reikim> ...
  115. [22:13:59] <Reikim> Gabriela has never looked so plainly divided.
  116. [22:14:10] <Reikim> She opens her mouth to answer-
  117. [22:14:29] <Reikim> -but is interrupted by the sound of someone ascending.
  118. [22:15:09] <Reikim> Miria loves her big steel-toe boots, and they make plenty of noise against the white stone steps as she approaches...
  119. [22:15:17] <Reikim> "Act normal," Gabriela whispers...
  120. [22:15:30] <Reikim> (Crashing, and want to focus on something offline. So enjoy the cliffhanger!)
  121.  
  122.  
  123. [21:18:06] <Reikim> !claim Jran-Kri,Reikim Selena learns a lesson...
  124. [21:18:07] * }o{ has changed the topic to: MGCYOA channel for general RP. In use by: [Jran-Kri, Reikim]. Scene: [Selena learns a lesson...]
  125. [21:18:15] <Reikim> (...Um. I'll need logs though.)
  126. [21:19:57] * RainMoth has quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
  127. [21:20:27] * LeftHandofGod (~Ellehog_J@Rizon-BAD6858D.dsl.ghvalley.net) has left (tired)
  128. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:00:48] <Reikim> Gabriela nods, and Selena gets the feeling she understands. ...She also doesn't feel the need to say any more. ||
  129. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:04:55] <Jran-Kri> “Ah,” Selena says, returning her gaze to Gabriella. She does not smile, but something approaching understands shines above the rim of her teacup. “I think I see.”
  130. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:04:55] <Jran-Kri> “... I am not sure I want to meet someone who makes you nervous in the first place. Regardless of how... important. It is to deal with them.”
  131. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:04:55] <Jran-Kri> ||
  132. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:07:44] <Reikim> ...
  133. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:08:23] <Reikim> "Ah, but you've met her before," says Gabriela. She's slowly putting back on the same stern, steady mask that she used to dress them down. "It's Miria."
  134. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:09:34] <Reikim> Miria. It takes Selena to track down the name. Miria. Gale-force Miria. One of the girls who spent a lot of time beyond the wall.
  135. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:09:39] <Reikim> ...One of Esme's teammates.
  136. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:09:44] <Reikim> ||
  137. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:11:01] <Jran-Kri> ...
  138. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:12:01] * Trimangle|Phone (~AndChat26@no.items.fox.only.final.destination) has joined
  139. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:12:11] <Jran-Kri> The name brings her right back to attention. She blinks swiftly, eyes momentarily widening, though the rest of her is as placid as ever.
  140. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:12:11] <Jran-Kri> “Ah,” she says again, shaking off her stunned look. “I... What need do you have of her, again?”
  141. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:12:11] <Jran-Kri> ||
  142. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:13:27] <Reikim> ...
  143. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:13:59] <Reikim> Gabriela has never looked so plainly divided.
  144. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:14:10] <Reikim> She opens her mouth to answer-
  145. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:14:29] <Reikim> -but is interrupted by the sound of someone ascending.
  146. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:15:09] <Reikim> Miria loves her big steel-toe boots, and they make plenty of noise against the white stone steps as she approaches...
  147. [21:21:14] <Jran-Kri> [22:15:17] <Reikim> "Act normal," Gabriela whispers...
  148. [21:33:55] <Reikim> ...
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  150. [21:45:45] * Reikim has quit (Remote host closed the connection)
  151. [21:45:59] * Reikim (~Reikim@CA56A7D9:CA3CFB4D:10D39436:IP) has joined
  152. [21:45:59] * Reikim has quit (Remote host closed the connection)
  153. [21:46:14] * Reikim (~Reikim@CA56A7D9:CA3CFB4D:10D39436:IP) has joined
  154. [21:49:38] <Reikim> Galeforce Miria.
  155. [21:50:19] <Reikim> Selena recognizes her well. She's a well-known name around Nightlight.
  156. [21:50:48] <Reikim> One of the few girls to come from offworld; and the epitome of an aeromage.
  157. [21:52:07] <Reikim> She doesn't come up the stairs so much as she glides up them, steel-toes notwithstanding. First comes her head; bright green eyes full of wild cheer, and a bob of pale green hair that never seems to fall completely down.
  158. [21:55:03] <Reikim> She's dressed like she just stepped off an airship - a common mode of travel, on her world.
  159. [21:55:33] <Reikim> Leather gloves, leather vest, loose shirt, leather pants...and of course those big steel-toes.
  160. [21:55:45] <Reikim> And a scarf. Which, like her hair, never seems to fall down completely.
  161. [21:56:39] <Reikim> She floats up and settles on the landing, then gives a smart salute - fist over her heart, as they do back home.
  162. [21:56:47] <Reikim> ...A pirate's salute, or so she claims.
  163. [21:57:12] <Reikim> "You wanted to see me, Commander?" Her eyes bounce around the room, taking in the setting. Including Selena.
  164. [21:57:48] <Reikim> "Miria." Gabriela nods graciously. She motions to the chair next to Selena. "Have a seat."
  165. [21:57:51] <Reikim> ||
  166. [21:59:02] <Jran-Kri> ...
  167. [22:03:05] <Jran-Kri> Having been sufficiently warned by Gabriela, Selena has the time to set her cup and saucer down on the table and rise when Miria enters. While not at full attention – she’s really not sure how formally she’s supposed to be treating this situation – she offers a head-bound salute back at the distinguished fighter.
  168. [22:03:05] <Jran-Kri> This accomplished, she silently inclines her head and drifts back into her seat. She meets Miria’s gaze when it falls on her, but she says nothing as yet.
  169. [22:03:05] <Jran-Kri> ||
  170. [22:03:35] <Reikim> ...
  171. [22:04:36] <Reikim> Miria's gaze flicks back and forth between Gabriela and Selena. A frown passes across her face for a split second, then she sits down - a bit stiffly.
  172. [22:05:11] <Reikim> "I'm not in trouble, am I?" she jokes. "Pretty sure I wouldn't get tea for that."
  173. [22:05:53] <Reikim> She nods to Selena, a little awkwardly.
  174. [22:06:10] <Reikim> "No, no," Gabriela says with a little laugh of her own. She picks up her tea cup.
  175. [22:06:19] <Reikim> ...What a contrast. Now she's almost perfectly calm and composed.
  176. [22:07:22] <Reikim> "I just wanted to check in," she says. "And I thought I'd introduce Selena to one of our top explorers. She's very interested in what's going on out there."
  177. [22:07:24] <Reikim> ||
  178. [22:08:37] <Jran-Kri> ...
  179. [22:11:07] <Jran-Kri> “Fascinated,” she agrees with a nod. She half-glances back over at Gabriela, blinking owlishly. But she seems to be taking the cue to approach this casually. “Doctor Selena Butler. Or Lieutenant, if you prefer. At your service. Your... reputation precedes you, of course. It's a pleasure to meet you.”
  180. [22:11:07] <Jran-Kri> A small smile tugs at one corner of her face as she picks up her tea cup.
  181. [22:11:07] <Jran-Kri> ||
  182. [22:12:30] <Reikim> ...
  183. [22:13:31] <Reikim> "Oh, right! You're that researcher!" Miria beams. "Haha, not sure what I can tell you that wasn't in the reports already. But I'll do my best!" She gives a thumbs-up.
  184. [22:13:36] <Reikim> Gabriela sips her tea and watches.
  185. [22:13:37] <Reikim> ||
  186. [22:16:46] <Jran-Kri> ...
  187. [22:17:47] * Jar_Mimic (~Jar_Mimic@353F6503:7672F0A6:44DD14E7:IP) has joined
  188. [22:18:28] <Jran-Kri> Selena looks a touch confused, glancing over at Gabriela once again.
  189. [22:18:28] <Jran-Kri> “Ah... Well. If there’s nothing... she’d like to ask you,” Selena begins, nodding slowly. She looks back to Maria. “I’m curious as to... what it might be difficult to communicate in the report. About the... environment. How it feels. To be out there.”
  190. [22:18:28] <Jran-Kri> ||
  191. [22:19:09] <Reikim> ...
  192. [22:19:55] <Reikim> "It's, um..." Miria rubs one of her forearms. "Wow. That's a hell of a question."
  193. [22:21:49] <Reikim> "It...it really makes you close," she ventures. "The team, I mean. Y'know, we've got night vision and stuff...all kinds of things that let us deal with the dark. But it's still *dark*, right?"
  194. [22:22:10] <Reikim> She raises her hands, like she's trying to grasp something in the air. She frowns at whatever it is.
  195. [22:22:26] <Reikim> "...And you can...kinda feel it. All around you."
  196. [22:22:45] <Reikim> She drops her hands and grins apologetically.
  197. [22:23:08] <Reikim> "Sorry, I've never been good with words and stuff. That's why Esme always writes the reports, hahaha~"
  198. [22:23:22] * Trimangle|Phone (~AndChat26@no.items.fox.only.final.destination) has joined
  199. [22:23:28] <Reikim> "She's very reliable," Gabriela agrees. "Tea?"
  200. [22:23:31] <Reikim> "Um? Yeah, sure."
  201. [22:23:33] <Reikim> ||
  202. [22:24:28] <Jran-Kri> ...
  203. [22:25:32] * Reikim|Fone (~Reikim@Rizon-A3E50C85.ca-central-1.compute.amazonaws.com) has joined
  204. [22:25:41] <Jran-Kri> “Don’t worry, I understand,” Selena shakes her head. At the mention of Esme, her head quirks a bit.
  205. [22:25:41] <Jran-Kri> “... Where’s Esme been, lately? Last I saw her she... ran off in a great hurry.”
  206. [22:25:41] <Jran-Kri> ||
  207. [22:26:08] <Reikim> ...
  208. [22:26:27] <Reikim> "Hell if I know." Miria snickers. "And they call me the flighty one. But don't worry, she'll be there when we need her. Always is."
  209. [22:26:49] <Reikim> Gabriela pours tea.
  210. [22:26:50] <Reikim> ||
  211. [22:26:58] * Generalimmortus (~Generalim@42A0D8BE:571914E9:BA587CF6:IP) has joined
  212. [22:27:28] <Jran-Kri> ...
  213. [22:27:47] * Generalimmortus (~Generalim@42A0D8BE:571914E9:BA587CF6:IP) has left
  214. [22:28:39] <Jran-Kri> “Grand,” Selena mutters. “I only ask because... Well, perhaps you can help me. I’m curious as to the... structure of the enemy, out there. How... well-organized they are.”
  215. [22:28:39] <Jran-Kri> ||
  216. [22:30:44] <Reikim> ...
  217. [22:30:45] <Reikim> "Um..."
  218. [22:30:50] <Reikim> Miria rubs her arm again.
  219. [22:31:23] <Reikim> "You probably know more than me, unless Esme left something out in the report. She-"
  220. [22:31:27] <Reikim> She pauses, glances at Gabriela.
  221. [22:31:40] <Reikim> Gabriela nods. "She already knows. And it's not precisely a secret, you know."
  222. [22:32:29] <Reikim> "Yeah, but you know Esme doesn't like...spreading it around..." She turns back to Selena.
  223. [22:32:51] <Reikim> "Esme knows more'n I do, you're better off asking her. Since she can, you know...capture Shadows, and all that."
  224. [22:33:07] <Reikim> She looks away again, and continues rubbing her arm.
  225. [22:33:08] <Reikim> ||
  226. [22:34:30] <Jran-Kri> “... Right. That... is unique, isn’t it,” Selena nods. She stares curiously at Miria, leaning forward just a hair. “How do you feel about... what she does with them?
  227. [22:34:30] <Jran-Kri> ||
  228. [22:35:11] <Reikim> ...
  229. [22:35:29] <Reikim> Miria gives Gabriela another uncertain look.
  230. [22:35:50] <Reikim> "This is getting a bit personal," she manages to joke. "What kinda doctor is she, again?"
  231. [22:36:58] <Reikim> Gabriela offers Miria a cup of tea.
  232. [22:37:24] <Reikim> "Please answer her questions," she says, seriously.
  233. [22:38:08] <Reikim> Miria very carefully reaches out, and takes the cup with the tips of her fingers. Like she's afraid to touch it too much.
  234. [22:38:31] <Reikim> Gabriela holds it for her just a second, then releases it.
  235. [22:38:36] <Reikim> "...Okay," Miria says.
  236. [22:38:40] <Reikim> She turns back to Selena.
  237. [22:39:14] <Reikim> "...Well." She breathes in. "You know, I trust Esme with my life," she starts. "You don't really have a choice out there. And she's come through for me a lot, you know?"
  238. [22:40:01] <Reikim> "Sure, maybe she's a bit...she *can be*...a bit weird, sometimes. But that doesn't matter, does it?"
  239. [22:40:04] <Reikim> ||
  240. [22:43:05] <Jran-Kri> ...
  241. [22:45:14] <Jran-Kri> “I... suppose not. You... know her very well. And you know that you can count on her,” Selena agrees, nodding slowly. She sounds like she has to consider the problem herself. “But... despite this, you’re uncomfortable. Because of what she does. Why?”
  242. [22:45:14] <Jran-Kri> “... This isn’t an interrogation, by the way. Try to relax.” ||
  243. [22:45:27] <Reikim> ...
  244. [22:46:01] <Reikim> "Kinda feels like it, doc," she jokes.
  245. [22:46:42] <Reikim> "...Well, you know. She, um..." She rubs her arm and looks up at the crystal; to the side out the windows; behind Selena, at the plants.
  246. [22:47:09] <Reikim> "...She told me...once...that they're...kinda like parasites," she says.
  247. [22:47:17] <Reikim> "Symbiotes," Gabriela corrects her.
  248. [22:47:32] <Reikim> "Right, those things. They're not just...things she catches, they're...like a part of her, kinda."
  249. [22:48:03] <Reikim> "That's why she doesn't like talking about it," she adds, in a rush. "People start to think, y'know, maybe she's not...completely in control, right?"
  250. [22:48:29] <Reikim> "And the...the way she treats them, sometimes..."
  251. [22:48:46] <Reikim> She shakes her head. "Look, why are you asking *me* this? Shouldn't you be asking her?"
  252. [22:48:46] <Reikim> ||
  253. [22:49:08] <Jran-Kri> ...
  254. [22:52:43] <Jran-Kri> Blinking quickly, Selena can’t conceal her surprise at this revelation. But she doesn’t follow up on it. Leaning back, she holds up a hand, open-palmed, to placate Miria.
  255. [22:52:43] <Jran-Kri> “I apologize if I’m distressing you. I... would ask her if I could get ahold of her,” Selena transitions it into a dismissive little flick. “I’m merely very curious. And... you trust her, though, right?”
  256. [22:52:43] <Jran-Kri> ||
  257. [22:54:27] <Reikim> "Ye-"
  258. [22:54:56] <Reikim> She hesitates, and takes a long, gurgling slurp of her tea.
  259. [22:55:07] <Reikim> Her eyes turn wide on Gabriela, then Selena, then back to Gabriela.
  260. [22:55:18] <Reikim> "Did...something happen?" she asks quietly.
  261. [22:55:19] <Reikim> ||
  262. [22:57:29] <Jran-Kri> “In... a manner of speaking,” Selena says slowly, inclining her head. She glances over at Gabriela, a pensive stare wordlessly wondering whether she’s saying too much. “I’m just... interested. In how she... acquires information from the creatures she captures.”
  263. [22:57:30] <Jran-Kri> ||
  264. [22:57:56] <Reikim> ...
  265. [22:58:04] <Reikim> Miria turns to Gabriela.
  266. [22:59:02] <Reikim> "Tell me the truth," she demands, her brows furrowing. She sets down her empty teacup with a small clatter; Selena's acute gaze can't help noticing her hands are shaking.
  267. [22:59:59] <Reikim> "...We're worried about Esme," Gabriela concedes, closing her eyes. "There was...an incident."
  268. [23:00:15] <Reikim> "What happened?" she demands.
  269. [23:01:00] <Reikim> "We don't want to reveal that quite yet." Gabriela's expression is as stony as her words. "It's still under investigation. Please. Focus on answering Selena's question."
  270. [23:01:07] <Reikim> Miria takes a shaky breath.
  271. [23:01:23] <Reikim> "...I don't know," she says to Selena...though she keeps her eyes on Gabriela.
  272. [23:01:36] <Reikim> "She always goes off by herself to do it...I've wondered about it myself."
  273. [23:01:37] <Reikim> ||
  274. [23:03:23] <Jran-Kri> ...
  275. [23:08:03] <Jran-Kri> Selena sucks in a sharp breath at Miria’s initial reaction. She bites down on her lower lip, looking between the two of them.
  276. [23:08:03] <Jran-Kri> “And she’s never... mentioned anything about it?” She asks hesitantly. “Or... How does she seem, once she’s finished? What sort of information does she come back with?”
  277. [23:08:03] <Jran-Kri> ||
  278. [23:08:40] <Reikim> ...
  279. [23:09:57] <Reikim> "You've read the reports, right? I don't know any more than...whatever she decided to put down there."
  280. [23:10:32] <Reikim> Miria continues her staring contest with Gabriela a little longer...then abruptly looks away, and twists her hands into her lap.
  281. [23:10:53] <Reikim> "...Happy," she mumbles.
  282. [23:10:54] <Reikim> ||
  283. [23:12:46] <Jran-Kri> ...
  284. [23:13:33] <Jran-Kri> “Happy,” Selena echoes with a faint exhale. She nods slowly. “Do you think she... enjoys interrogating them? Or... is it something else?” ||
  285. [23:14:26] <Reikim> "I don't know. It's just a feeling. She doesn't smile, but...you can kinda tell she feels better, after."
  286. [23:14:39] <Reikim> Miria looks down at her lap.
  287. [23:14:53] <Reikim> "...I've been...kinda worried about her lately, too," she admits, in a very small voice.
  288. [23:14:54] <Reikim> ||
  289. [23:20:04] <Jran-Kri> “Why? Has her behaviour been more... erratic, perhaps?” Selena asks, a faint grimace winding down her face. ||
  290. [23:20:24] <Reikim> ...
  291. [23:20:32] <Reikim> Miria reaches out for her cup.
  292. [23:20:37] <Reikim> Gabriela reaches out at the same time.
  293. [23:20:55] <Reikim> Miria twitches away. "Sorry," she mumbles.
  294. [23:21:39] <Reikim> "No, it's no problem." Gabriela takes the cup away. "I understand, this is...disturbing." She begins refilling the cup.
  295. [23:22:57] <Reikim> Miria waits until her tea comes back before answering. She takes off her gloves, and cradles the cup in her fingers; she stares into the red-gold liquid, searching for answers.
  296. [23:23:21] <Reikim> "...Something...changed about her, after this last mission," she says.
  297. [23:23:34] <Reikim> "I started noticing...little things. Different about her."
  298. [23:23:50] <Reikim> "I've always trusted her. Always! But suddenly, I...I didn't."
  299. [23:25:54] <Reikim> "...I don't know." She forces herself to give a little laugh. "I...I can't put my finger on it. It's like...how I know when she's happy. Kinda just a feeling."
  300. [23:26:05] <Reikim> "I figured I was just tired..."
  301. [23:26:06] <Reikim> ||
  302. [23:28:55] <Jran-Kri> ...
  303. [23:30:14] <Jran-Kri> Selena finishes the cup in the silence as Miria’s is refilled. She sets hers down, staring intently at her. Her fingers drum against each other as she purses her lips in a tight, concerned frown.
  304. [23:30:14] <Jran-Kri> “What happened on this mission? Do you think something might have... disturbed her?”
  305. [23:30:14] <Jran-Kri> ||
  306. [23:30:48] <Reikim> ...
  307. [23:31:41] <Reikim> "It's my fault." She raises a hand and covers her eyes. "It's my fault, isn't it..."
  308. [23:31:44] <Reikim> She breathes in again.
  309. [23:31:56] <Reikim> Steadies herself.
  310. [23:31:58] <Reikim> Looks Gabriela in the eyes.
  311. [23:32:02] <Reikim> "...Esme's the strongest of us out there," she starts.
  312. [23:32:28] <Reikim> "'Cause of her relationship with the Shadows. We get tired, but she just gets stronger, the more of them we take out..."
  313. [23:32:59] <Reikim> "...She still gets tired in her own way, though. I can tell...it's not easy, on her."
  314. [23:33:05] <Reikim> "But she pushes herself anyway, for us."
  315. [23:33:11] <Reikim> "And...when we get in trouble..."
  316. [23:33:23] <Reikim> She grins, crookedly.
  317. [23:34:13] <Reikim> "I get in over my head sometimes. Comes with being the scout. But I've always...trusted her to come and save me."
  318. [23:34:37] <Reikim> "...Maybe too much."
  319. [23:35:24] <Reikim> "I landed in a nest of Vampires. She had to push herself pretty hard to get me out."
  320. [23:35:31] <Reikim> She looks down into her tea again.
  321. [23:35:40] <Reikim> "...It was like this back home, too," she rambles.
  322. [23:36:07] <Reikim> "Getting in over my head, making other people save me...I'm supposed to be the one keeping them out of trouble, damn it!"
  323. [23:36:15] <Reikim> Her cup clatters.
  324. [23:36:18] <Reikim> ||
  325. [23:37:50] <Jran-Kri> ...
  326. [23:39:20] * phonedrive (~flashdriv@9CFB44A8:4303D71B:A80803A6:IP) has joined
  327. [23:44:09] <Jran-Kri> “Please calm down. Relax. You... didn’t do anything wrong,” Selena has always struggled with dealing with the more emotional aspects of her job. Still, she at least tries to sound reassuring. “You’re... doing your job. The best you can. Esme understands the danger.”
  328. [23:44:09] <Jran-Kri> “... Is that why you... left home? You felt like you needed to... contribute more?” Selena dares to ask. Nothing good, she imagines, could possess someone to come to Nightlight. So this is perhaps a poor question to ask when trying to calm her down.
  329. [23:44:09] <Jran-Kri> ||
  330. [23:44:43] <Reikim> ...
  331. [23:46:29] <Reikim> "If something's happened to Esme, then I want to help," she says, ignoring the question.
  332. [23:46:52] <Reikim> Gabriela looks sympathetic. "I know, Miria. You're a good girl. You always have been..."
  333. [23:47:42] <Reikim> She shoots a curious look at Selena. Curious from Selena's perspective, that is...whatever Gabriela wishes to convey, it's lost on her.
  334. [23:47:44] <Reikim> ||
  335. [23:48:24] <Jran-Kri> ...
  336. [23:49:21] <Jran-Kri> Selena shifts awkwardly again, her discomfort made worse by Gabriela’s searching gaze.
  337. [23:49:21] <Jran-Kri> “I... think that might be for the best. Surely her friend would be able to help her best, right?”
  338. [23:49:21] <Jran-Kri> ||
  339. [23:50:19] <Reikim> ...
  340. [23:50:40] <Reikim> "We're still not *sure* there's anything wrong," Gabriela says. "We'll have to check."
  341. [23:50:49] <Reikim> ...Selena suddenly remembers another conversation...
  342. [23:50:50] <Reikim> ----------
  343. [23:52:11] <Reikim> "-They're a manifestation of Corruption," Gabriela explains.
  344. [23:52:50] <Reikim> It's one of Selena's first few days as a member of Beacon. And she has many questions.
  345. [23:53:31] <Reikim> So this tour through the arboriums has become a kind of informal Q&A session.
  346. [23:53:37] <Reikim> And of course Selena's first question was...
  347. [23:53:38] <Reikim> ||
  348. [23:55:07] <Jran-Kri> “So, are they... real?” The much younger Selena asks, between her seemingly unending looks of wonderment about the place. “I mean, physically, that is. If they’re... manifestation of that evil magic, are they flesh and blood? Can they... think like us?” ||
  349. [23:56:42] <Reikim> ...
  350. [23:56:50] <Reikim> "We're not sure," says Gabriela.
  351. [23:57:24] <Reikim> "The Corruption can take many forms. We still don't fully understand this world's manifestation."
  352. [23:57:33] <Reikim> "...It has something to do with the night, though."
  353. [23:57:33] <Reikim> ||
  354. [23:58:38] <Jran-Kri> ...
  355. [00:02:40] <Jran-Kri> Selena nods along. Her face scrunches up in some confusion, although she’s still distracted by the greenery.
  356. [00:02:40] <Jran-Kri> And there is quite a bit of green. They’re in one of the more charming agri-towers of Nightlight. Divorced of soil, it’s like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon: a massive hydroponic webwork forms great hedgewalls of flora, bursting with a kaleidoscope of life.
  357. [00:02:40] <Jran-Kri> “That... would make sense. I guess that’s why they... killed the sun. Made the night last forever,” Selena nods. “They... disappear when they die, right? So, can’t exactly dissect one.” ||
  358. [00:04:20] <Reikim> ...
  359. [00:04:57] <Reikim> "They merge back with the night," Gabriela confirms.
  360. [00:05:48] * MankeyBimb has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer)
  361. [00:06:56] <Reikim> "They won't go away until we can bring back the sun. Until then..."
  362. [00:07:24] <Reikim> She waves a hand at the column in the middle of the tower, that runs up and down it like a spindle through a spool.
  363. [00:07:52] <Reikim> At each level is a cluster of crystals that spill light throughout the tower, giving the plants that other ingredient they need.
  364. [00:08:10] <Reikim> "We'll have to do with this."
  365. [00:08:11] <Reikim> ||
  366. [00:09:47] <Jran-Kri> ...
  367. [00:10:30] * MankeyBimb (~mankey@fungah.foiled.again) has joined
  368. [00:10:54] <Jran-Kri> Selena looks up at the column. The last time she’s been this close was a school trip ages ago. Even now, it continues to astound her.
  369. [00:10:54] <Jran-Kri> “... How do you do it?” She asks. “Summon enough magic to... to make light for the whole city. To make... this happen.”
  370. [00:10:54] <Jran-Kri> ||
  371. [00:12:17] <Reikim> ...
  372. [00:13:02] <Reikim> "A lot of practice," Gabriela says, giving her a teasing smile.
  373. [00:13:11] * vox_de_lumine_ has quit (Quit: RIP)
  374. [00:13:12] <Reikim> "...But I'm also special," she admits.
  375. [00:13:30] <Reikim> "My magic is...something like the opposite to Corruption."
  376. [00:13:42] <Reikim> She lays a hand on one of the crystals; it brightens momentarily.
  377. [00:13:57] <Reikim> "And lights shine brightest when they're surrounded by darkness, don't they?"
  378. [00:14:07] <Reikim> ...That one sounds like a quote.
  379. [00:14:08] <Reikim> ||
  380. [00:15:21] <Jran-Kri> ...
  381. [00:17:51] <Jran-Kri> “I... suppose so,” Selena says, clearly now little closer to the truth. But a soft, strange smile has spread up her face, and it only seems to widen as she looks up at Gabriela. “It’s, um... forgive me. It’s difficult to picture you... having to practice. Where do you... how to you learn how to do... all this?” ||
  382. [00:19:17] <Reikim> ...
  383. [00:20:01] <Reikim> "Most of it just comes naturally," she says, releasing the crystal. "Fighting Corruption was what my magic was made to do. ...But I also had a very good teacher. Perhaps one day you'll meet her."
  384. [00:20:31] <Reikim> ||
  385. [00:23:17] * Disconnected (Connection reset by peer)
  386. [00:37:47]
  387. [00:37:47] * Loaded log from Tue Oct 2 00:23:17 2018
  388. [00:37:47]
  389. [00:37:47] * Now talking on #MGChronicle
  390. [00:37:47] * Topic for #MGChronicle is: MGCYOA channel for general RP. In use by: [Jran-Kri, Reikim]. Scene: [Selena learns a lesson...]
  391. [00:37:47] * Topic for #MGChronicle set by }o{ (Mon Oct 1 21:18:06 2018)
  392. [00:38:13] * BlindChoir (~BlindChoi@709504E2.38284A99.1DC6A144.IP) has joined
  393. [00:40:09] <Jran-Kri> “That, ah... that would be an honour,” Selena says, nodding. She continues to stare up at Gabriela, her face turning this way and that as if contemplating a statue. But wherever her thoughts are running, they seem to be happy. “I... must confess. It’s strange to think of you... as something other than you are now. Having to learn. I... think that people think of you as a... force of nature, perhaps. Like the s
  394. [00:40:09] <Jran-Kri> un must have been.” ||
  395. [00:40:19] <Jran-Kri> (Extremely sorry for the wait, my internet decided to explode)
  396. [00:40:36] <Reikim> ...
  397. [00:41:08] <Reikim> "...If so, then I'm a pretty poor replacement," she says, sadly.
  398. [00:41:18] <Reikim> "I can only light this one city, and even that can be..."
  399. [00:41:21] <Reikim> She hesitates.
  400. [00:41:27] <Reikim> "...It can be a struggle," she admits.
  401. [00:42:39] <Reikim> For whatever reason, she decided to trust Selena.
  402. [00:42:53] <Reikim> And that's why the conversation stuck...
  403. [00:42:59] <Reikim> "This world is steeped in Corruption," Gabriela continues.
  404. [00:44:36] <Reikim> "Normally, I could simply hunt down the Shadows. Find their leaders - if they have any - and deal with them. But this world...the Corruption presses on my senses all the time. All I can do for now is keep this city safe..."
  405. [00:45:10] <Reikim> "But I can't give up." She forces a smile. "I can't abandon this place, even though it's hard. That's what being a Beacon is about, for me."
  406. [00:45:12] <Reikim> ||
  407. [00:45:45] <Jran-Kri> ...
  408. [00:48:38] <Jran-Kri> Selena seems momentarily stunned, and stares up at Gabriela in surprise for a pregnant second. Then she nods, just perceptibly.
  409. [00:48:38] <Jran-Kri> “There’s nothing ‘only’ about lighting this city,” she says. “This is... the last, best hope for humanity. That’s... what they say in school, at least. And... you have to have a bit of hope.”
  410. [00:48:38] <Jran-Kri> “I... I really respect that. No, I... I love it,” she goes on. Her smile widens, nearly giddy, and she clasps her hands together before her in anxiety. “That... ideal. Being able to withstand this pressure and... go on. To save people. That’s... I always wanted to be a Beacon, a-and that’s... part of why.”
  411. [00:48:38] <Jran-Kri> ||
  412. [00:49:18] <Reikim> ...
  413. [00:50:05] <Reikim> Gabriela smiles back.
  414. [00:50:24] <Reikim> "It's because of girls like you that we *have* hope," she says.
  415. [00:50:27] <Reikim> ----------
  416. [00:50:38] <Reikim> Selena returns to the present.
  417. [00:51:14] <Reikim> Why *that* memory? Why now?
  418. [00:51:29] <Reikim> ||
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