Inside 68: Dawn of a New Season (or two)

[Gnrlshrimp]

Industrial Strength Investigation

Iamar's eyes narrow. "If someone is trying to build an army of any kind, that is something to stop, much less a mechanical one." She nods at Michalson. "Then I shall make short work of any who attack us."

Dibbles and Dobbers to the Delay!

And so our heroes-
Just kind of stand there awkwardly.
"Oh come on, don't stand there gawking! That charm is very painful you know!" "AAAAAAAAAAAHH!" "See! Please don't tell me I was wrong about two things today..."

Speaking of potentially failing, the huge were-hippo turns in the direction of the voices that he can barely hear over the sparks and attempts to follow them.
But since he's manically running about, that means that there's a huge, sweaty therianthrope charging straight at them.

Dobbers immediately jumps to the defense of his partner, placing himself squarely in the path. But he'll probably not be able to hold off the bigger hippo on his own.

Clarkburn Apartments

It takes a long time for anyone to answer the buzzer, and even when the voice crackles to life over the speaker, there's still some clanging in the background, "Alright Big Mo', what sort of trouble did you get yourself into this time? Lose your keys again? I swear if it's another mongrel you just happened to find in the scrapyard I'm calling animal control, you know this place doesn't let you keep pets." The audio stays open with a hiss and crackle, waiting expectantly for a reply. Hilda's got a big, brash voice that cuts right to the point, but it's clear she's worried. Mo should have been home ages ago.

[Industrial Strength Investigation]

"Oh yeah, I'm generally against anyone having an army of robots. Last thing we need is another group thinking it's still the season for casual occupations of Inside." Sadly Ithuriel wasn't- Well, she wasn't Ithuriel yet for starters, but she also just wasn't in a position to try and put a stop to things when Inside seemed to be going through a new invasion every other week.

Those were darker, sillier days.

She grins at Michalson. "Lead the way then, partner. I got your back."

*****

[The 12pm DibDob service is currently experiencing minor delays, we apologise for any inconvenience caused]

Well, there's zero chance of both Dibbles and Dobbers squeezing back out the door in time for one of them to not be squished by a hippo, so they've been forced into doing something that really doesn't come naturally to either of the poor fellows - actual physical confrontation.

"Ah, righ', I see wit you're sayin'. Dobbers, ah, cheeaaarge!" In a particularly pathetic attempt to sound tough, Dibbles runs awkwardly shuffles forwards as best he can, hoping that the two of them combined might be able to overpower the oncoming hippo and push it back into the pool as directed.

Fingers crossed, right?

*****

[Clarkburn Apartments]

Not quite the response Ithuriel was expecting. Well, she had no idea what to expect but whatever vague image of the person who was going to be on the other end of the intercomm, this didn't seem to fit.

She pauses for a moment, running a hand through her hair and wincing as she tries to get her wings to fold away properly. "Officer Ithuriel Von Holstav, ma'am, Intersection. I'm afraid Mo got herself caught up in some, uh, police business. She's- I think she's alright, but she's clearly pushed herself a bit too far by launching an impromptu artillery barrage across Inside. She asked me to escort you over to her to render assistance."

[Morty]

[Industrial Strength Investigation]

"Let's get movin', then. If any dazz- er, magic comes our way, I'll shut it out. If anythin' else does, I'll be relyin' on you for that."

Michalon leads the way back towards the warehouse. He loads his revolver with anti-armor bullets and reaches under his coat for a small vial contained there. He might be needing this...

[Shady Park]

"I have business with one of my former vassals." The King gets straight to the point. "But I cannot go negotiate with her myself for a variety of reasons, and my current diplomatic corps is... less than ideal." Something almost like a sigh escapes him. "You are a warrior, but you also have a way with words, I know. So I am willing to strike a deal if you will go and speak with my vassal on my behalf."

[Deathkeeper]

[Intersection Briefing]

Nick nods.
”Very well. You’ll do best with one of our human officers with experience in CQC, or one of our therianthropes. We’ll look into it for you. Now. Is there any equipment you want to take in with you? This is your operation, Detective Michalson. Don’t be shy about using our funding.”

[DibDob will arrive in approximately, (one) minute]

If the hippo were actually charging, it’s unlikely their limp defenses could really stop him. But the fellow is just stumbling around blind, and therefore bounces hard off of the two wide policemen and into the pool.
After a few seconds of loud hissing and colorful steam, he emerges mostly normal from the pool in a dramatic fashion that sprays water everywhere, drenching Melvin and possibly hitting Wilfred as well.
”Thanks, fellas! I thought I was a goner!” says the huge, tusked man happily. His voice is extremely deep.
Then, much to Melvin Dobber’s growing horror, he surged forward to wrap them both up in a crushing bear hug, despite his near lack of modesty and the fact that he’s still dripping with pool water.

[Earl of Purple]

Bazaar

"No, not particularly. We did come from the same place, though. So I guess we used the same gate, and this market's closest to that gate." Jack's lived her awhile; she's well aware of the size of Inside. "Anyway, how are you? Do you like the city?" Jack glances one last time at the earrings, but is able to resist the shiny for now.

[Reinholdt]

[Shady Park]

"Ah. The empire of old. I'm surprised any vassals you had are still alive. Does she still consider herself that? Your vassal?" Some people consider extended absences as an excusal of duty.

"And what is that you wish of her?"

[Leostales]

[Industrial Complex]

Muun takes the shot, scanning for the sturdiest looking building. "There!" he shouts pointing at one. "We can pick them off through the windows."

[Morty]

[Shady Park]

"I rather doubt she does, which is where you come in," the King admits, it seems with some reluctance. "Your task would be to persuade her to pledge myself to me once more. Or align herself with me, at least. It won't be easy, but gaining power never is."

[Intersection Briefing]

"I'll take a look at the inventory, I suppose," Michalson says. "Seems like quick thinkin' will be needed more than a pile of gear. But you can't never be too careful."

[Reinholdt]

[Shady Park]

"No. Not easy. Especially if she's enjoyed that freedom of hers," Ilpholin muses aloud.

"Speaking of power, it would be good to have some reason I could recount as to why she should join you. All I've seen have been smoke and mirrors and the fact that you survived all these years." Ilpholin leans forwards with interest. "No mean feat, certainly, but do you possess any real strength?" The nymph is clearly hoping for some kind of demonstration of the King's prowess.

[Gnrlshrimp]

[DibDob and the inadequately dressed hippo]

Wilfred is splashed. He splutters and spits out an unexpected mouthful of pool-water, frantically reaching up to wipe his glasses with a cloth as they near-instantly fog up.

Which of course means he has absolutely no chance of escaping the incoming bear hug.

Poor Dibbles.

Wheezing slightly, he awkwardly fumbles about for his notepad and pen, straining to give himself enough room to breathe. "N-nae jes' hang on a wee sec'. Would ya be saw kind as tae explain whit caused this disturbance? A-and mebbe let go just a bit 'fore I pass out on yon floor?"

[Nova_Eclipse]

[Industrial Strength Investigation]

The group walks for about 10 minutes, before an extreme sense of foreboding is felt by everyone. The magic remnants that Michalson collected earlier begin to react, even sealed as they are in his vials. Whatever did this is likely close by, and may have just cast something else. Animals, mostly birds and small rodents, rush past the group, clearly panicked by whatever's ahead.

[Deathkeeper]

[Overly Dressed DibDob and the Hippo?]

The apprentice loosens his grip slightly as instructed, but does not seem to extrapolate that Wilfred wants to be let go entirely. He is unbothered by the imprint of Wilfred’s horn on his chest.
”Oh, well, you see I was mixing some potions while the Master was using his sigil of far-seeing when I must have mixed up some labels and guzzled the wrong one. So I uh, drank a mixture that was probably supposed to be used to put enchanted letters on the sides of boats. But it’s okay, because you guys came in! Oh! You should meet the Master!”
“Apprentice, I do not have time to fraternize with random wanderers, no matter how helpful they are!” Bobs the orb irritably.
”But Master! They’re big!”
“...how big?”
”I dunno. Maybe the league below me? One of em looks like he could use a sandwich though.”
“Very well. Send them in.”
”Don’t we get a say in this?!” wails Dobbers.

[Morty]

[Shady Park]

"You can tell her that I've found and awoken my old dragon," the King in Rags says. "After it had spent millennia under a mountain." He waves his hand and an image appears in the air, shimmering like a mirage. A grey dragon sitting atop a cliff, overlooking a swamp. Behind the king, things seem to gather in the gloom. Teeth, claws, beaks and hungry eyes. They're not distant images like the dragon, but they're not quite here, either. Fairy terrors, waiting for his call. "I have been making pacts and deals and felt my strength return. I have created more monsters since then, but a dragon is something different. Besides being powerful in its own right, strengthens my title as a Lord of the Fae." The image disappears, but more appear. Unlike the dragon, they're not quite of this world; first is a brief flash of an endless expanse of ice, roamed by multi-legged furry monsters the size of trucks, with ravenous mouths that find no sustenance in the waste, then it's a pandemonium of gold and brass dancers under a green sun. Then more and more distant places. A breath picks up as the images appear, slipping through like under a locked door. "She remembers the Fairest of Lands, as I do. And she understands that I am the only chance she has of seeing them again."

[Industrial Strength Investigation]

"Well, that's a bad sign if I ever did see one," Michalson says. "Let's keep movin' and be ready for anythin'." With that, he reaches under his coat to produce a vial of yellowish liquid. He downs it in one go, which seems to cause him extreme discomfort. His pupils widen and his eyes gain an unhealthy gleam. "This... oughta 'elp me... deal with whatever's ahead. Let's go."

[bc56]

Happy Day
Open Plot

A Tiefling girl is running along the sidewalk, going nowhere in particular. She is wearing jeans shorts and a white blouse, her black hair pulled into a ponytail, and grinning manically while racing along the streets. Once and a while, she slows down and looks around, peering at all the shops and businesses around in curiosity, smiling broadly the entire time.
Sekhmet feels free for the first time in her life; free to go wherever she wished without fear, free to be herself, her real self, in public. She's set out to explore the city, explore for real, not rush to her destination hoping nobody notices her.

[Reinholdt]

[Shady Park]

Ilpholin folds her hands together in thought as if she were considering whether this was actually powerful enough. The Fairest of Lands was an interesting bargaining chip to be used carefully since she didn't fully understand its significance. Still, she mulls it all over quietly.

"I suppose owning a dragon is a benchmark for strength," Ilpholin finally says, the King in Rags apparently passing her test. "Which is good. What I will require in return demands great strength and nothing less."

She pauses. "You do own the dragon, yes? Not just woke it up?" Some people, mostly hobbits, will rudely wake any dragon up for the silliest of reasons.

[5a Violista]

Happy Day
Open Plot

A Tiefling girl is running along the sidewalk, going nowhere in particular. She is wearing jeans shorts and a white blouse, her black hair pulled into a ponytail, and grinning manically while racing along the streets. Once and a while, she slows down and looks around, peering at all the shops and businesses around in curiosity, smiling broadly the entire time.
Sekhmet feels free for the first time in her life; free to go wherever she wished without fear, free to be herself, her real self, in public. She's set out to explore the city, explore for real, not rush to her destination hoping nobody notices her.

[Happy Day]

A woman also goes down the street with no important destination in mind. She's got blood red skin and she looks like a teenager/young adult - although due to the fact that she's an elf, that probably means she's a bit older than she looks.

She notices the tiefling girl looking confident. Confident people usually know their way around, right? she thinks.

So she calls out to Sekhmet. "Hey! Do you know your way around here?" she asks in a loud voice, shouting across the street and waving at the tiefling.

[Morty]

[Shady Park]

"The dragon was mine once and it's mine again, yes. It flies at my call," the King in Rags says, then waits for Ilpholin to state her demand.

[bc56]

Happy Day

"Not a clue!" Sekhmet shouts back, grinning. That was the whole point; she was wandering off in search of something interesting, not paying attention to where she was.

[5a Violista]

[Happy Day]

"Oh," the elf-woman known as Dawn shouts back.

"Neither do I; not even sure where I'm going yet!"

Hey.
Why is she shouting so far and why doesn't she just get closer so that they're not disrupting everyone around them? Dawn thinks this, so she approaches Sekhmet by crossing the street so that they no longer have to yell.

[bc56]

Happy Day

Sekhmet stops shouting when the other woman gets close to her. "I'm just looking for something interesting. I'm, uh, Sekhmet."

[5a Violista]

Happy Day

"Hi! I'm Dawn," she responds, stepping off the street and on to the sidewalk, next to Sekhmet.

"I'm looking for, um..." Can she really say what she's looking for? If she does say it, what would happen, she wonders? 'I'm looking for some place I can catch on fire and burn down, with enough people nearby that it gets noticed but with enough fire exits that everybody gets out safely'? That will just lead to a lot of unnecessary questions, like 'why?', and that's not really a line of questioning she wants to deal with right now.

"...well, I don't know yet. Something interesting too, I guess."

[bc56]

Happy Day plus pyromania

Sekhmet nods. "Want to look together?" This lady seems nice, although it's hard to tell with elves.

[Deathkeeper]

[Intersection Briefing]

Nick nods.
”Dismissed.”

With that the meeting is adjourned to make preparations.
The operation begins shortly therein.

[5a Violista]

Happy Day plus pyromania

The elf-woman Dawn nods. "Yes, I'd love to," she says. She smiles.

And she goes back to walking, but this time with Sekhmet.

However, walking in silence isn't something she likes. "So, what sort of things do you like?" she asks. "I really like the ocean."

[Reinholdt]

[Shady Park]

"The dragon was mine once and it's mine again, yes. It flies at my call," the King in Rags says, then waits for Ilpholin to state her demand.

[Shady Park]

Ilpholin waits for a moment for the King in Rags to ask before realizing his silence was the closest he would get. "I may be a fey, but I grew up a drow under the Xar'cha family name. There is a lot that makes our house powerful. Cunning. Strength. Wisdom. Probably not all that different from other cultures if we're frank. And while I have trained in all these things, I have sorely neglected one aspect. Probably the reason our matron allows my father to live if we're honest. And my near death experience at Riverside has forced me to... reconsider my perspective."

"Simply put, sire, I need you to live up to the name. Make me heavy with your child so that I may begin grooming strong heirs."

[Morty]

[Shady Park]

The King in Rags... is speechless for a moment. Obviously, his features are unchanging, but Ilpholin will no doubt notice that this ancient being is shocked and lost for words, just for a brief moment. Then, he laughs. It's a surprisingly deep and hearty laugh - as if not belonging in his current body - but there's a growl of a beast, the crying of carrion-birds and the rattle of dying prey in this sound.

"Oh, Ilpholin. You are not afraid to ask the impossible, are you. Had I only someone like you in the time before." The branches on his back spread wider. "But it is not impossible. Not easy, either, but I am a Lord of the Faerie. There's someone who still owes me some obligations and with whose help I will give you what you ask for. One way or another."

[bc56]

Happy Day Plus Pyromania

"I, uh, I've never been. I like machines, I guess, and working with metal." Sekhmet replies.

[Rebonack]

Bazaar

There don't seem to be any of the killer robots here, although other robots are common enough. An engineer tinkers with a quadcopter at one booth, and at another, a pair of robots sell motor oil and batteries. Robot customers also move between the stands, carrying all manner of goods.
Jack and Tao can go about their business undisturbed for now.
However, Myriam is not so lucky. The device she was given in the library begins to buzz and whirr noisily. If she pulls it out, it will immediately begin gently tugging her towards a cluster of stands a short distance from the main part of the Bazaar.

As far as Myriam is concerned luck has nothing to do with it. She really isn't sure what's going to be happening with the odd device she had collected. ...nor with the head. BUT! She does know that they are both important somehow.

So when the machine begins buzzing and tugging, she'll begin moving in the direction of the pull. Hopefully a few of the mysteries surrounding the machines are about to be solved. The totally normal lamb she's wearing like a scarf with too many legs makes a soft bleating noise as they're pulled along by the strings of fate.


[Sort of but not really Goblin Talks]

There comes a moment or two of pause before Geneva's voice sounds over the com.

"Maybe. That depends on how much?" she replies, sounding a bit uncertain. "I don't usually carry heavy things long term. If I really need something I store it in my inventory spell. But that's limited to a few hundred pounds. The airship should be arriving in a few minutes, I can direct them to your location first?"

The airship can almost without question carry more than Geneva can.

Especially considering the sheer size of the growing explosive collection.

"Calm Reed is punching some skinwalkers and a giant dinosaur that was on fire gave us some fire themed magical trinkets? I don't want to loose sight on Calm Reed with so many skinwalkers slinking around."

That's a good point. When it comes to dealing with horrible shape-shifting monsters the buddy system is always important.

[5a Violista]

Happy Day Plus Pyromania

"I, uh, I've never been. I like machines, I guess, and working with metal." Sekhmet replies.

Happy Day Plus Pyromania

Oh? Metal can be pretty...neat," Dawn says. "Never really been a fan of machines. They're too dirty, too noisy, and like to get in the way."

...
Well.
"You should definitely visit the ocean, though. Or at least the beach. The sand, the clear water, the sun...it's all so nice."

[Gnrlshrimp]

[Overly Dressed DibDob and the Hippo?]

The apprentice loosens his grip slightly as instructed, but does not seem to extrapolate that Wilfred wants to be let go entirely. He is unbothered by the imprint of Wilfred’s horn on his chest.
”Oh, well, you see I was mixing some potions while the Master was using his sigil of far-seeing when I must have mixed up some labels and guzzled the wrong one. So I uh, drank a mixture that was probably supposed to be used to put enchanted letters on the sides of boats. But it’s okay, because you guys came in! Oh! You should meet the Master!”
“Apprentice, I do not have time to fraternize with random wanderers, no matter how helpful they are!” Bobs the orb irritably.
”But Master! They’re big!”
“...how big?”
”I dunno. Maybe the league below me? One of em looks like he could use a sandwich though.”
“Very well. Send them in.”
”Don’t we get a say in this?!” wails Dobbers.

[Industrial Strength Investigation]

"Well, that's a bad sign if I ever did see one," Michalson says. "Let's keep movin' and be ready for anythin'." With that, he reaches under his coat to produce a vial of yellowish liquid. He downs it in one go, which seems to cause him extreme discomfort. His pupils widen and his eyes gain an unhealthy gleam. "This... oughta 'elp me... deal with whatever's ahead. Let's go."

[DibDob and- wait, what is going on?]

Dibbles look every bit as confused as Dobbers, though he just about has the sense to reach for his Intersection badge (which is no small feat when you're being hippo-hugged) and flash it at his thankful captor. "Nae hawd yersel' jes one moment there. We're Intersection officers, see? And if ye try'n tae us anywhere against our will, I'll ha naw choice but t'place y'under arrest!"

Hopefully that does the trick, right?

Not that he could easily arrest someone of this size.

*****

[Industrial Strength Investigation]

Ithuriel's eyes narrow as she observes the effects of the potion on Michalson. That's something she might have to keep an eye on, but she trusts him to know what he's doing.

Still, there's bigger concerns right now. "Any idea what we're in for at all?" She asks, quietly spreading out a bit so they're not all one big easy target.

[Morty]

[New Inside Embassy]

Michalson arrives there, wearing his normal uniform and appearing in every way as if he's there for a normal investigation. Hopefully they can keep this pretence up for a time.