Log Two
<<OOC>> Maya says, "You had just managed to enter the Time Vortex. Jin's nausea is dying down, though her resonance is still returning a value of fnord/fnord."
Mikki looks a little pleased, and a bit concerned at Jin.
Deoradhan frowns a little, and asks Jin, "Are you going to be _okay_ if we stay like this for awhile? Or should we try to get out of here as soon as possible?"
Jin, for her part, is making a very careful mental note of the location of that restroom that's so conveniently located near the main room. "The initial reaction has faded. While I find this disconcerting, I don't believe remaining here will cause me serious problems. And with luck the transition will cause fewer problems as I become used to it." She smiles wryly. "But please don't ask me what time it is."
Mikki looks... perplexed.
Lan opens his mouth as if to say something, then closes it again and goes back to looking pensive.
Deoradhan nods, looking sympathetic. "At least it's going away pretty fast." She blinks at Lan, curiously. "...so, um. Should I get the glasses?"
<<OOC>> Jin pings Mikki, on, well, general principles.
<<ROLL>> Jin rolls the d666 and gets 4 + 6 = 10 CHECK 2.
Mikki knows naught of being pinged by the Elohite. As Jin seems less troubled, the (ex)Vapulan's attention drifts back to the manual in her hands. Within a few moments, she will be curled on the floor and reading again...
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Shall we jump forward a few hours, to a point where people have had brandy, studied the manuals some more, and done a bit more exploring?"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "And are ready to try to reenter the timestream at the target point?"
<<OOC>> Lan says, "Sure."
<<OOC>> Mikki nods.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hee. Works for me... [grins]
<<OOC>> Deoradhan will have ICly claimed one of the bedrooms during Exploration Time, by the way. If, er, not tested the whole 'trying for the Marches while out of time' bit. Yet.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Right."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Works for me! But...no brandy for Jin."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay, Mikki; Computer Use roll to try to land the TARDIN at the point indicated by the Yves-added device that's supposed to show a timestream problem."
MIkki double-checks everything very carefully, manual and documentation in one hand, as she sets all the controls.
<<OOC>> Mikki is using the Risk rules! +1 to target number, -1 to check digit...
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay."
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 1 5 CHECK: 2.
<<OOC>> Mikki oiys. Well.
Lights flash across the console. The central column rises and falls, with that wheezing, groaning noise again.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin, nausea's hitting again."
<<OOC>> Jin considers taking up Ludditism again.
Lan says "That really can't be good."
Lan says "Remind me to stop off and pick up some WD-40 when we get a chance."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "What is WD-40?"
Jin goes very blank for a moment. "It certainly doesn't feel good."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "A glass-cleanser."
<<OOC>> Lan says, "Spray lubricant."
Deoradhan keeps an eye on Mikki while the controls are being set. And half an eye on Jin in case something worse than nausea hits. Although she giggles at Lan. "Maybe it's meant to do that?"
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Canned lubricant."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Yeah, you squirt it on stuff that squeaks or sticks."
<<OOC>> Sirea nods! WD-40. Very handy for machines.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan nodnods.
Slowly the central column comes to a groaning stop.
Mikki says, "I'll have to examine that the next time we're in the vortex."
<<OOC>> Leti says, "Spray lubricant. The mate to duct tape in fixing everything. If it sticks and shouldn't, WD-40. If it doesn't and should, duct tape."
<<OOC>> arcangel laughs.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan giggles!
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin: location reading, central London (England), near Tower Bridge. Time/date; nine am, September 21st, 1595."
<<OOC>> Mikki is metaterrified.
The wall screen which had been showing pretty starry swirls darkens, then rebrightens to show a mucky alleyway in between two houses.
Deoradhan blinks. "_Huh_." She darts over to look at the screen. "Is that what's outside, or where we're supposed to go?"
Jin says "...interesting. 1595, then. Not so far back as we might have been sent."
Mikki says, uncertainly, "I... suspect the former. Huh?" She looks at Jin, big-eyed.
Jin takes a look at the wall screen. "Mikki, is there any way to change the direction of the view?" Pauses, reviews past conversations. "It's an attunement of mine. I always know where I am and when. Thus the discomfort when I'm nowhere and nowhen."
Mikki says, "Oh. Oh dear. Er. Right, let me check." Sneaking worried glances at Jin, she flips through manuals to make sure she's got the data about Outside View and Changing Of.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Aha! Here is the section on Altering Scanner View. (a) Turning on and off. (b) Rotating around TARDIN. (c) Scanning further distances with particular refinements (Advanced)."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Is the queasiness settling down again by now?"
Deoradhan blinks. "1595?" She pauses and eyes the way they're all dressed. "...were there, um. More appropriate clothes in this thing?"
Mikki starts working on rotating it around.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan ooo, scanning.
Jin says "Nine in the morning, September 21st. I'm afraid my studies of history are scanty enough that I can't recall anything notable about this date. We're in London."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo, you remember noticing a lot of historical-looking clothes in the wardrobe."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo, I seem to recall you have a Knowledge/History skill. Target 9."
Mikki looks down at her clothing. Er. Jeans and a non-descript shirt. Errrrrr. No, this is not 1595 fashion.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan yay! [grins] ...and yes, yes I do, and Googling is giving me hints that Deo probably _should_ know this, shouldn't she... [eyes Maya suspiciously, and rolls]
<<ROLL>> Deoradhan rolls the d666 and gets 6 + 5 = 11 CHECK 2.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...and that's a no!"
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Owch."
<<OOC>> Mikki is going to have to pan around and try to get some people on the camera, isn't she?
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Well, anyone who wants to try a straight Int roll to remember vague world history at this point is welcome to do so."
Jin touches her hair briefly. "No, we haven't the look of contemporaries. A clothing change may be needed."
<<OOC>> Maya nods to arcangel.
<<OOC>> Jin is all for the rolling!
<<ROLL>> Jin rolls the d666 and gets 3 + 5 = 8 CHECK 4.
Deoradhan frowns, tugging at her braid, then shakes her head. "I can't think of anything people might want to change either, but... Well, maybe we can change and then look around? Or look around with the scanner first?" She seems more inclined to the former than the latter, but.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Alas, Jin, you have clearly been spending too much time on basic history with 6-year-olds lately."
<<OOC>> Lan will try, but... >_>
<<DICE>> Lan rolled 5+6=11 CD 4 vs. 5 - FAILURE
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay. Well. Clearly this is HISTORY, but..."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _snrk_.
<<OOC>> Jin sobs.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 3 3 CHECK: 6.
Jin says "I'm reluctant to head outside without /any/ information, unless it's obviously urgent."
The scanner slowly shifts locus, moving in a wide circular drift. Ah! People! They seem to be in the "well-off" rating. Man is wearing breeches, doublet, hose, ruff, sword. Woman is wearing expensive dress with cloak over it. In further scan focus can be seen scruffier men in plain shirts and breeches, with knives at their belts.
Deoradhan sighs a little, nodding. And perks as the scanner moves, peering at the screen. "Oooh. ...drat, _dresses_ back then. Now. Whichever. Drat. Oh, well."
Mikki looks alarmed at the knives. "No guns?"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Aha! Mikki, you are remembering some bits of history, no doubt because this was the beginning of scientific experimentation as an ethos under certain natural philosophers. Elizabeth I is currently on the throne. The Spanish Armada tried to invade a few years ago and was beaten back. Alchemy and sorcery are still possible worldviews, as exemplified in Doctor Dee, the Queen's astrologer. Popular playwrights involve Shakespeare and Marlowe."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hee!
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Entirely adults in the scan, I take it."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "At the moment. You seem to currently have it pointed at the entrance to this alley, and can see stuff going on in the main street beyond. If you keep the focus there, you may get more examples of the population wandering by."
Deoradhan says "Well, they don't look _that_ well-off. Guns require money. Knives'd be easier to get and handle. If, um, less useful at a distance."
Mikki bites on her knuckles. "Shakespeare's time. Elizabeth One on the throne, and... they still believe in _alchemy_ and _astrology_..." She sounds pained.
Jin studies the people passing by outside. And, a touch curious, tries resonating the nearest in the picture.
<<ROLL>> Jin rolls the d666 and gets 1 + 3 = 4 CHECK 3.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Because, hey, it's useful to know if good old angelic resonances work fine through this medium."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "(...at least I'm not abusing the Mercurian resonance, right?)"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Doesn't work through the scan."
Lan eyes the screen. "...I don't suppose anyone happened to see any actual weapons aboard?"
Deoradhan blinks, blinks again. "Oh, _right_. How'd I misremember _Shakespeare_?" She peers at the scanner more, frowning. "...and how're we supposed to figure out why we're here?" She shakes her head at Lan, almost absently. "Unless there were any hiding with the clothing?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _giggles_. <s>No, no, that's Mikki's job eventually...</s>
<<OOC>> Maya says, "There were some swords and knives in what looked like display cases, and some practice wooden ones..."
Jin notes, a touch absently, "Close-combat weapons are also less prone to mistakes. It's much harder to stab someone by accident than shoot someone by accident. Lan, my resonance doesn't seem to work through this viewscreen. Does yours?"
Mikki says, uncertainly, "I could try to make something with swords, if we could scrounge something up..."
Lan shrugs. "I still have static in my head. I couldn't resonate them if they were two feet away and reciting a list of their vices and virtues to me."
Deoradhan points out, eyeing the four of them, "Lan's the only one here with a male vessel. The rest of us shouldn't be seen carrying weapons, I think. Plus, _skirts_." She winces at Lan, nodding.
Nervously, Mikki giggles.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo, Mikki -- there _is_ always the breeches option. ;)"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin too. Can't remember how buxom your vessels are. ;)"
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Erm. Slightly. Jin is gonna go for Vessel #2 if there seem to be any kidlets running through the streets."
<<OOC>> arcangel ponders Mikki. A bit on the zaftig side, I think she is.
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Short, plumpish-curvy, brown hair, brown eyes, wasn't it?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan giggles! Checks her description of the vessel. Hm. "I said skinny, and I suspect she leans toward the flatter side of things, but she's also short and long-haired. Although if a hat could be obtained to tuck the hair under (or scissors in a pinch)..."
Jin says "I do have another vessel, though it has its own drawbacks. But I had no particular intention of carrying weapons. I mean, when one has hands free..."
<<OOC>> Jin looks like a kindergarten teacher right now. Sigh. Which is probably slightly towards the matronly look. Really needs to talk to his Archangel about these vessels.
Lan hm. "I'll have to borrow a sword from a display." He looks around at the others. "I'll go find a changing room, shall I?"
Some kids go scampering past the scanner view, watched over by an obvious nursemaid in a sober dress. Boys are in tunics and hose, while girls are in dresses.
Jin . o O ( Oh, thank /God/. )
Jin says "Mikki, do you know if disturbance from inside this machine can be heard outside of it?"
Deoradhan toys with her braid, contemplative. "...I could maybe fake being male, with the right clothing. But, um, I'm not really good in a fight any more. Unless it's in the Marches. I don't think we _want_ to fight, but..." She nods to Lan. "Maybe we should all go, see what's there?"
Mikki... has no clue, but will look it up!
Mikki asides, "I'm as fragile as any of the... people out there. Or more. If I look like a woman, then they'll assume I'm not a threat and not hit me?"
Lan shrugs. "I meant to avoid violating vessel-consciousness, but yes, let's."
<<OOC>> Jin hees. Awww, Lan actually thinks of things like vessel-consciousness! That's so sweet.
Deoradhan looks sympathetic at Mikki. "Me too. Um. Hopefully they won't want to hit _any_ of us..." She giggles at Lan, though. "Well, we can look at the clothing together, and deal with changing later?"
<<OOC>> Mikki looks under Disturbance, Perception of from Outside?
<<OOC>> Maya says, "That section reads STILL IN TESTING STAGES, BELIEVED MOSTLY CONTAINED."
Lan nods. "That sounds fine. Jin, Mikki, will you be joining us, or do you feel comfortable allowing a Virtue and a Wheel to make clothing choices for you?"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Only in fancier scientific terms."
Mikki ...looks uncertain. She says, "The manual says that disturbance ought to be mostly contained in here, but... only mostly. I... should probably find clothes too, right?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cracks up at Lan's phrasing. Has images of poor Mikki thinking about that, and having visions of us coming back with bondage gear or something.
Jin says "Oh, I probably ought to make sure there's appropriate clothing for my second vessel before spending the Essence to change it."
Deoradhan starts walking toward the door. "So let's go look, then, right?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Well, it's a _Virtue_ and a _not-Calabite_ dressing the _Impudite_... ^_^"
Mikki tags along, looking worried.
Jin follows along, though she does pause briefly on the way to confirm the location of that bathroom.
The bathroom is indeed there. Towels and sink and loo and all.
Jin . o O ( Well, if I can't avoid eating while I'm outside, /that/ will be handy. )
Lan looks for one of those display cases on the way.
As luck would have it, he spies one with several fancy rapiers displayed in it.
Lan says "Hm."
Deoradhan wanders ahead, trying to remember where the wardrobe-room was. If she can't find it in a reasonable amount of time, she'll try resonating, but it shouldn't be _that_ hard if she just keeps walking down the hall...
<<OOC>> Lan says, "Does the case have any obvious opening mechanism?"
Deoradhan rediscovers the wardrobe room. It's ... bigger than it looks.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "It's just got a glass door on hinges, on a catch, Lan. Not even locked."
<<OOC>> Lan ah.
Deoradhan announces, "Found it!" and ducks inside. She blinks when she's in there. "...wow, _really_ big in here." And starts looking for anything that resembles what the people on the scanner were wearing.
Jin plunges into the room, searching for appropriately-sized clothing for her second vessel. Something appropriate for the time period.
Lan trips the catch, reaches in, and takes one of the rapiers - waits until the others are a safe distance away, then draws the weapon and swishes it about experimentally.
Mikki... tags along after Jin.
The weapon swishes nicely in his Malakite hand.
Some searching allows the celestials to find clothing roughly their size (luckily this is the period of lacing things up to fit) and in reasonable colours, which looks like the sort of thing the people were wearing outside.
Mikki is looking for something middle-classish. A lady's maid, perhaps.
Jin holds up one set of clothing, and considers. "A second opinion, from someone possibly more familiar with this time period. Would it be useful to have a child vessel around as well as male and female adult ones?"
Deoradhan will go for boy's clothes, if she can find something suitable to bind her breasts down flatter and a hat to hide her hair under. If not, she'll endure skirts. She hms thoughtfully at Jin, while looking. "It might be, actually. Children can get into some things better than adults..."
Mikki says to Jin, "...probably?"
Indeed, Mikki can find something plain and middle-classish, in a nice dull green with braid. Deoradhan manages to find a reasonable set of young man's clothing, with a hat, and bandages to bind her breasts down.
<<OOC>> Mikki is trying for something better than lower-class (because she's an IMPUDITE and deserves better!) but not upper-class because she doesn't want to get mugged too hard. *sniffle*
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Does swapping vessels take a Will roll, or just the Essence?"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "I think while in here (since it's a weird environment) you can do it free, just as you could go celestial if you wanted."
Lan looks for something martial. Barring that, something along the lines of the less-scruffy males he saw in the viewer.
Deoradhan looks relieved. Then glances around, shrugs, and ducks behind a rack of non-period clothing (i.e., one that nobody's flipping through at the moment) to work on getting changed quickly. "I'll go with drag, I think. I've done it once or twice before, and I need movement more than anything else, y'know?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan oooo. Shiny!
Mikki mutters about missing Google.
Jin swaps vessels, her vaguely-generic-female melting away into a bright-eyed, slightly grubby little boy in overalls. "I prefer this one anyway," he notes casually, and checks the clothes he chose against this body.
The clothes look as if they'll fit Jin's child-body well enough, especially as "he'll grow into it" is a perfectly valid design choice for this era.
Mikki looks briefly envious, and then looks for a private place to change as well. Just in case some of those outright lies in Shal-Mari are, you know, a little true. Or something.
Some of the more expensive clothing looks fairly dashing, what with the plumed hats, swinging capes, buckled boots, sharply cut doublets, etcetera.
Jin moves to a slightly out-of-the-way location to change, to avoid upsetting any companions who might be sensitive about seeing vessels in states of undress.
Lan goes for something that will look well-cut without standing out too much, then - since everybody else seems to be hiding - he retires to a suitable corner to change.
<<OOC>> Mikki . o O (Another advantage to not-upper-class -- I might not need a maid myself, to wear it.)
Deoradhan looks vaguely wistful at the capes, but has probably settled for something middle-class-ish, such that expensive would be inappropriate. She grumbles a bit as she wraps the bandages into place, but changes quickly, scooping up her discarded 'modern' clothing afterward and folding it neatly.
Jin arranges his new clothing. "I see that comfort and freedom of movement weren't high on the list of priorities for fashion of this era. One does hope that humans will eventually reprioritize." And bounces in his new shoes a few times to test them out. "Not so bad as I've had to wear on occasion, though. At least it's not high heels."
And in a few minutes they have all changed, and are looking like new people! So to speak. A clear nobleman with rapier and well-cut clothes, a young androgynous youth, a young middle-class woman of a shy and retiring type, and an unremarkable six-year-old boy.
Mikki emerges, after a bit, with her old clothing in a bundle in one hand, and her skirts hiked up a bit in the other. She looks just a bit wild-eyed.
Lan folds his street clothes once he's dressed, and hunts down a bedroom to set them in.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Looking for any particular sort of bedroom, Lan, or just "nearest thing with a bed"?"
<<OOC>> Lan says, "Nearest thing with a bed that isn't already claimed."
Deoradhan shudders at mention of high-heels. "Don't _remind_ me..." She adjusts her hat, fidgety without her braid to toy with, then takes a cue from Lan and darts out to drop her clothes off in the bedroom she laid claim to.
Jin glances up and down at Mikki. "That ought to be useful. A nice balance between upper and lower class, so as not to stand out too much near either. I think I'll take my cue from the others and find a place to stow away my clothing. Have you chosen a room yet?"
Mikki shakes her head. "Er, no. Um. I get one?"
<<OOC>> Maya | No, you're chained by the neck to the console while we sleep.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan laughs!
<<OOC>> Mikki cries.
Jin smiles. "Well, there are plenty to choose from, and I can't see why any of us would want /multiple/. Why not? And plenty of variety to suite your own tastes."
<<OOC>> Jin patpats. "Don't worry. We'll make sure to fill the water dish before we turn out the lights!"
<<OOC>> Mikki sniffles! Can't you chain her in a lab instead?
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...that's like "Please don't throw me in briar patch," isn't it?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles!
Mikki says, "Er. Oh. I guess that's... logical."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Don't worry, you can always move a truckle bed into your preferred lab later, and sleep next to your desk."
<<OOC>> Mikki >.> <.<
Jin's smile turns a touch impish. "I try to be. And you ought to choose first, so that I don't go and pick the room you really want."
Mikki says, "Oh! No, you don't have to worry about that, really! I'm sure that... that I can find somewhere out of the way."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan notes to Mikki that it could be worse. We could be chaining you up in one of _our_ bedrooms for the night, instead of the console room... [whistles innocently]
Jin shrugs. "As you like, Mikki. But it's rather my responsibility to think of what other people would like before my own preferences. Comes with the Choir. If you don't have any strong preferences, I won't worry about it too much." And he strolls out with a bundle of clothing to find a room close to the console room.
<<OOC>> Lan should have been more specific. Is now certain that he has the room with the lavender unicorn wallpaper and the giant frilly pink four-poster bed.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles!
<<OOC>> Jin snickers. "Well, it could be worse. You could have the one with all the peace signs and tie-dye curtains. And giant inflatable flower-shaped furniture."
Mikki trots after Jin... and pokes her head into every room, looking for a suitable one. Now, where did they leave that lab?
Jin wanders slowly enough to be easily caught-up with, should Mikki choose to do so.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan has the Goth Vampiress-Wannabe Room, if she recalls the desc correctly. But it has a big comfy bed, so she'll cope with gothness.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _cackles_.
Lan draws and sheathes the sword a few times, just to get a feel for it.
<<OOC>> Jin rubs his hands together and cackles. Soon, his plan will be complete!
There's a convenient bedroom spare on Mikki's left. Plain, dark, lots of empty bookshelves, big desk...
Deoradhan drops off her clothing on the bed, and ducks back out of her bedroom. Notes the wandering celestials and the absent Lan. "Whatcha looking for?"
Mikki... hms, and checks the other nearby rooms. But this one might well do. And a bed can be hidden under.
Jin chippers, "Bedrooms! This seems like a good time to stow our stuff."
The sword swishes nicely as Lan draws and resheathes it. Not quite as good as a flaming sword, but passable.
Jin looks for the next-nearest bedroom that's not /immediately/ adjacent to Mikki's.
Deoradhan giggles and nods, possibly inappropriately for her current appearance. "Ahhh, gotcha."
Jin hits another bedroom a few rooms along. Apart from the dragon tapestries on the walls, it's fairly normal.
Lan nods and returns to the bridge, to wait for the rest of the group.
Mikki stows her Stuff, and then goes back to the control room to gather up all the various manuals and documentation, and ferry them back to her room. She scurries a bit, upon noticing Lan there.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...hmm. Maya, did all the males of my-apparent-age-or-older seem to be carrying weapons?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan is not sure whether it'd be wiser to appear to be unarmed, and therefore unthreatening (but possibly odd-looking), or armed, and therefore threatening in a way that she can't back up with fighting-competence (but not really standing out).
Jin sets his clothing down on the bed, and then heads to the console room. With the occasional skip in his steps along the way, to get back into practice. Child-like, child-like... But not the /dreadful/ type.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo, looked as if everyone was carrying at least a knife of some sort."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Though it might have been just a general all-purpose knife."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan nods. Hrm. And I assume there didn't seem to be such a thing in the wardrobe room anywhere. ...it occurs to me that if there's a kitchen on this thing, I might be able to steal a knife that could at least keep me from looking _too_ odd to a passing glance? Although I could be wrong, or there could not be a kitchen. [laughs]
Jin goes back to studying the passers-by on the screen. Especially how they pay attention (or ignore) others on the street.
Mikki, the next time she runs into Jin, asks, "Er, do you know what we should use for money? Or pawn for money?"
<<OOC>> Mikki <-- Impudite! Need cash for those tricky times when resonance just won't work!
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "(And given the state of Mikki's Will and Impudite rez rules, that's 'all the time', yes? [ducks])"
<<OOC>> Mikki cries!
The people on the street seem to be acting much like people would in the modern era.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan awwww!
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo, you can find something in one of the display cases, just as Lan's picked up a rapier."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Ah, cool!"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay, everyone has now regathered in the console room."
Jin blinks once. "That's an excellent question, Mikki. And not one I had considered. Lan, Deo, I don't suppose either of you saw any currency around here?"
<<OOC>> Mikki desperately hopes the STONE Servitor knows how to make gold, or copper, or silver. Or find it.
<<OOC>> Brian suggests, innocently, that you look for a Dibbler-clone. There's always one.
Lan says "I wasn't looking for it, but no."
<<OOC>> Mikki says, "And have Lan mug him for his take?"
Deoradhan claims something on her way back to the console room -- ideally a knife, but she'll settle for another rapier if no knives are available. At the question, she frowns, rocking on her heels. "Not that I remember, no. I have my wallet, but that's American money and modern..."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan laughs!
<<OOC>> Brian says, "You wouldn't get much, but it would a ... sampler."
<<OOC>> Jin is Stone! Not Trade, dammit! Stone! Is most definitely /not/ Trade and they are the people who deal with money and he's just gonna go curl up with his Marc plushie and twitch, okay?
<<OOC>> Deoradhan GIGGLES. Awwwwwwwwwwwww!
<<OOC>> Brian is just being helpful!
Jin considers asking if anyone knows how to pick pockets. Decides against it. "We may simply have to manage without."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan ...ponders. Oh, why not. I probably won't get anything barring an Intervention, but can I try rezzing for 'place with money or sellable things' on the TARDIN? [snickers]
Lan nods, and shrugs. "I suspect we won't have much trouble without it."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Certainly you can try, Deo. ;)"
<<DICE>> Deoradhan rolled 6+5=11 CD 2 vs. 9 - FAILURE
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Pity about that."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan EYES the 6 5 CD:2s. Oh, well.
Mikki frets a little, but subsides.
Deoradhan fidgets with her hat more. "We might need _something_, but... fake it and see, I guess? Or maybe pack another knife or two for trading just in case? I'm _sure_ they can be traded..."
Lan says "Almost certainly. They /look/ pretty, at least, and people will pay almost as much for decoration as for... quality."
Mikki says, "...we could come back here and look more if necessary. Jewelry might be better? Or..." She bites a knuckle and looks at Lan speculatively.
<<OOC>> Jin fears what Mikki would suggest Lan do.
<<OOC>> Mikki . o O (MALAKITE OF WAR. At... these other angels' disposal. But if the idea is good enough...!)
Lan raises an eyebrow at Mikki. "Yes?"
Deoradhan nods to Lan, then nods again to Mikki. "Or jewelry, yeah. I don't think I saw much, but I was looking at guys' clothes..." She blinks at the speculative look.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan ...does too. Lots.
There are more people in the street now. Clearly the day is getting more busy out there.
Mikki takes a breath and musters her bravery. "You see, most dread Virtue, if we could find the bad part of town and someone go down as bait to be mugged, only you could happen upon them, and, well..."
Deoradhan peers at the scanner. "...I'm not sure if we want to try and sneak out with the crowd, or wait for it to get quieter again. Or if we _can_ wait for it to get quieter..." ...blinks at Mikki more, bemusedly.
<<OOC>> arcangel eyes Mikki. Have you figured out that you are the most muggable person here yet?
Jin turns away from the screen to look at Mikki. "Creative," he says, voice mildly approving. "If perhaps not ideal."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _laughs_.
Jin says "Perhaps we ought to wait on such plans until we've determined if money is a limiting factor in what we need to do."
Mikki ers, and busies herself with poking at the readout screen to see what data she can get out of it for What We Are Supposed To Fix.
<<OOC>> Mikki hopes for something like Exact Time And Direction...
<<OOC>> Jin approves. Mikki is looking at situations logically and considering suitable responses based on a given need! Could use some work on the big picture and long-term goals side of things, but it's an excellent start.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Give me a Computer Operations roll."
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 1 3 CHECK: 6.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...wait, Mikki's Impudite, not Habbalite. Well. It's still a good thing to act like an Elohite!"
Lan considers. "It /is/ possible," he says, finally, "and I would not argue if that became necessary."
<<OOC>> Mikki worked for a Habbalite! Logic is... not bad!
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles at Jin. ...and _admires_ the roll! o.o
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Wow."
<<OOC>> Jin woots! Is working with /reasonable/ companions. If it weren't for the whole traveling through time aspect, this would be perfect.
<<OOC>> Mikki buffs her nails on her dress.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hee!
After some fiddling with the controls, Mikki gets the impression that the event in question is over towards the Blackfriars district of London, that it may take place some time this evening, and that it involves a death that isn't supposed to happen.
Mikki smiles happily, and then relates this information. She seems very pleased with herself.
<<OOC>> Sirea eyes the Batcomp- ah, Yvescomputer.
Deoradhan perks up at the information. "Oh, nice! ...well, not the death part, but at least we have to _stop_ it." She eyes the scanner again. "So should we scout around till closer to evening, or...?"
Mikki says, "Well, if we could get a sense of who was there, we might be able to stop whoever's going to do it. I mean... we're here because someone _else_ came here to meddle, right?"
Jin nods slowly. "Though it's hard to say how far back the meddling can start before it begins to cause problems. We may need to watch for not only events, but what caused them. Or a few steps back." He frowns. "I hope not. This will be complicated enough as it is."
Lan nods. "And we should get a feel for Blackfriars while we can. It would be unfortunate if we were unsuccessful because our target was more familiar with the alleys and back streets."
Deoradhan nods, rocking on her heels. "Or because somebody med--um, what Jin said, only I was going to make it more complicated." She laughs. "Right, so. Who wants out first? ...and does everybody have their keys to get back in?"
Lan pats the chain around his neck to make sure the key is still beneath his clothing.
Jin holds up his key, and then slips it into an inner pocket of his jacket.
Mikki has hers in her bodice. If not in her cleavage.
<<OOC>> Mikki . o O (There's got to be a surgical lab in this thing somewhere, and I can put it where it will never be lost!)
Deoradhan doublechecks for hers, then takes a page from Jin and does the same thing. (She considers slipping it under the bandages, but, er, no.)
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _cackles_. ...has images of Mikki implanting it in a breast now, though. OW.
<<OOC>> Jin tchs. No Habbie-instincts, dammit! Does he need to get out the rolled up newspaper?
<<OOC>> Mikki o.o
<<OOC>> Deoradhan awwwwwwww!
The console hums warmly and reassuringly as the celestials prepare to take their first steps into History.
Lan tests the static in his head briefly.
<<OOC>> Jin is not exactly experienced in the redemption-squad thing, but knows Elohite vs. Habbalite perfectly well, and it would benefit any demon to be more Elohite in thinking. So. Will work with what he knows, right?
<<OOC>> Maya says, "It's finished, Lan. Time's passed."
Deoradhan will, if nobody else moves to do so first, crack the door open, peer around outside, and then step out.
<<OOC>> Lan says, "You're so nice about massive resonance failure. ;)"
<<OOC>> Jin says, "It happens to the best of us."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "In theory."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan snickers.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "In practice, it's just you."
The door is facing the back of the alley, meaning that nobody can see you sneaking out of the TARDIN -- which, from outside, appears to be a lean-to shack of tatty old planks and canvas.
Jin follows Deo along, hands stuffed into his pockets.
Deoradhan phews quietly, and slips out, holding the door for the others.
Mikki... stifles an urge to slam the door and stay inside with the Nice Safe Tech. Instead, she slips out last and checks the door to make sure it's locked -- and that she can get back in.
Lan heads out, looking around alertly.
The door locks with a firm reassuring click, leaving the four celestials outside. The first thing that strikes all four of you is the smell of Tudor London.
Deoradhan looks abstracted for a moment, as she asks the Symphony where exactly Blackfriars district is from here.
<<DICE>> Deoradhan rolled 5+4=9 CD 2 vs. 9 - SUCCESS
Lan turns and makes sure he knows what the time-travel device looks like.
Mikki... is never, ever, eeeeeever going to be nostalgic about the past. Like, ever.
Jin serenes bravely in the, ah, face of that smell. At least time and space are not warping around him.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Yay, success! Even with CD:2."
The cries of street vendors echo from the main road that the alley debouches into. The houses on either side are tall and well-built. The clip-clop of horses' hooves, the chatter of cheerful voices...
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo -- it's thataway. A mile or two's stroll."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "London streets aren't always very straight."
Mikki will not be afraid of the horses, will not be afraid of the horses, will NOT be afraid of the horses, WILL watch where she steps...
Deoradhan nods Thataway, doing her best to tune out the smell. Had forgotten about that part of this time period. >_> "The district's around there somewhere. A couple miles from here at most," she murmurs.
Lan heads out to the road. He's been through worse smells. Boot camp alone...
The occasional passer-by glances at the group, but nobody seems particularly interested in them.
Jin saunters along with the rest, sticking close to Mikki. And keeps his eyes wide open. While rather wishing he could un-open his nose. Ew.
Mikki sticks close to Jin, in turn, looking just a bit worried. Quietly, she says, "So... we're looking for a relative, if anyone asks?"
Deoradhan makes sure not to outpace Mikki and Jin, and especially not Lan. She murmurs, "Good idea," while glancing around discreetly.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Perception roll, please, everyone."
<<DICE>> Deoradhan rolled 6+5=11 CD 4 vs. 9 - FAILURE
Jin murmurs back, "If so, we probably ought to decide which one. It'll cause questions if I'm looking for my mama while someone else is searching for his brother."
<<DICE>> Jin rolled 4+5=9 CD 5 vs. 8 - FAILURE
<<DICE>> Lan rolled 5+4=9 CD 2 vs. 7 - FAILURE
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...crud."
There is a blort of Disturbance off to the left down thataway, but none of you can tell exactly what just happened.
Mikki ignores the disturbance outwardly. "Fragile people investigate last," she mutters.
Lan shifts off in that direction, weaving through the crowd like an eel through crabgrass.
Deoradhan murmurs, "Your mother, Lan's--" Then breaks off at the disturbance, eyes darting that way for a moment. ...and, when Lan preempts questioning, she follows.
Jin detours in that direction as well, and tucks a hand into Mikki's. "It's probably a good idea for you to stick close to Lan and me," he says.
<<OOC>> Jin will not /drag/, mind, if Mikki resists, but.
Mikki nods. "Should we find an alternate route? A parallel street?"
Certainly nobody attempts to get in the way of an armed and capable-looking nobleman. As Lan approaches the alley-mouth in question (being in the lead) he sees a slumped figure collapsing against the wall, blood oozing from a wound in his chest. Muddy smears suggest that someone else has just made a hasty exit out of the far end of the alley.
<<OOC>> Mikki is not resisting.
Deoradhan mutters, "Can Heal, in a pinch," then speeds up a bit to catch up with Lan. "Do you know what--erk." She pales a bit at the sight of the body.
Jin crouches down quickly to check for a pulse, trusting to someone else to stand in front of him if necessary to block the view.
Lan turns to face the rest. "See if you can stabilize him," he says, and then sprints off after the hasty exiter.
Mikki has skirts, and can fan them out a little, turning and looking behind.
Deoradhan glances between Lan and the body, then nods quickly and crouches down by Jin. "Anything?"
The bleeding man reaches out a faltering hand to touch Jin.
<<GAME>> Maya rolls the d666 and gets 1 4 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Ah, so skirts are good for something!"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hee!
The bleeding man gasps, "Brother... in Stone..."
Deoradhan stares.
Jin touches the man's hand. "Deo, if you /could/," he says quickly, and then, "What happened?"
Mikki says, over her shoulder, "I have Healing, if no one else does."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan, you come out into a crowded street. I'm afraid whoever it was managed to vanish into the crowd before you could spot them."
The man gasps, eyes glazed, "Called for help -- this evening, at the first night of the Dream, they plan to kill --" He gasps, choking on blood.
Lan bites out a curse under his breath, then turns and heads back to the scene.
Deoradhan glances around. "I do, but--" No chance to take extra time; she burns Essence, whispering song under her breath.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Three Essence, for TN:8."
<<GAME>> Deoradhan rolls the d666 and gets 6 1 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Whew."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...three Essence on top of the base cost, that is. >_< [thinks to look _up_ the base]"
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "1"
The man's breathing becomes easier as his wound closes and the flesh knits up.
Jin waits, still holding the man's hand, and stretches out his resonance.
<<DICE>> Jin rolled 1+3=4 CD 4 vs. 8 - SUCCESS
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Because, hey, you never know if they're just faking it, right?"
The man is in neat but rough clothing. (Now bloodstained.) He seems a step up from Dirt Poor, but definitely not Middle Class.
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Ooo, CD 6, with touch."
Deoradhan looks mildly relieved as the wound closes, if worried and a bit pale still.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Current state; confused. Strongest emotion; relief and urgency. Current motivation; do job. Give me a couple of actions and I'll tell you his responses."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "If I asked after his attacker, and if I asked after his job."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Wait, nix the second: if I asked how he knew me."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin; he'd tell you what he knows about the attacker; he'd explain that he's a Mercurian and resonated you."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Aie, Mercrezabuse! O:>"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan giggles!
<<OOC>> Jin mmms, yes.
Jin says "Who did this to you, and how may we help?"
<<OOC>> Jin coughs. Is perhaps not going to mention the Mercurian thing around Mikki until he knows--oh, heck. Will resonate Mikki too, who is standing so conveniently nearby.
<<DICE>> Jin rolled 6+5=11 CD 3 vs. 8 - FAILURE
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Ah well."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan .oO(...it'd be funny if _this_ was the death we were supposed to prevent. "Okay, we're done here, let's go home!" [a few hours later in Elizabethan London, the Mercurian is trampled by a horse] "...Drat.")
The no-longer-dying-on-the-spot man says, "I don't know. He was a stranger, but I think he was a demon. Must have been trying to stop me before I could prevent the assassination. And as to how you can help me -- well, thank God you came, brothers, sister, because I must prevent the Queen of England from being assassinated."
Jin . o O ( Ding! )
<<OOC>> Deoradhan ...dies.
Mikki's head whips 'round for a moment, before she goes back to watching out for anyone spying upon them.
Jin smiles. "We can certainly help you with that. Lan, I take it you couldn't follow him?"
Deoradhan _stares_. .oO(...yeah, _that'd_ be the death.)
Lan shakes his head. "Whoever it was disappeared into the crowd."
Jin says "In that case, we may want to acquire more details somewhere less public."
<<OOC>> Jin takes a moment to adore at CorpHealing. No more of the "man dies while whispering out a clue before getting to the final, most important words" thing!
Lan nods. "Dee, do you know of a nearby inn? Or perhaps a church."
Deoradhan looks abstracted. "Let me check--unless you know of anywhere?" she asks the freshly-healed man, while resonating for 'nearby church'. Will check for inns afterward, if the former comes up blank, but, ah, churches wouldn't require money.
<<DICE>> Deoradhan rolled 4+2=6 CD 2 vs. 9 - SUCCESS
<<OOC>> Deoradhan pauses to snicker at being called Dee, given the Queen's astrologist's name. W00ts at her rez! Even if it's more CD:2s. >.>
The man says, "Aye, there is a church just around the corner -- St James the Lesser, an old place, and it will be quiet at this hour. We can speak in peace there." He struggles to his feet. "Forgive me. My name is Zachariah, but here they call me Zach."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo, you've just spotted a church "just round the corner". :)"
Jin stands up again as the man rises. "My name is Jin, though no doubt you'd already discovered that. Let's go discuss this, then, before we draw unwanted attention."
<<OOC>> Jin <3 at StoneMercs. Always did like Mercurians, and it's nice to be around Stone.
Mikki wonders, briefly, how this person could have uncovered Jin's name without an introduction.
Deoradhan opens her mouth, then closes it when the man speaks, and nods. She offers a hand to help him to his feet, if it seems necessary. "Indeed. Ah, Zach, can you--walk behind one of us, perhaps?" She indicates the blood and torn clothing, apologetically. "If you're all right enough to?"
Lan helps Zach up. "I am called Allen. My friends are ... Jin, yes - Dee, and Mikki."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "By the way, Maya, how are the streets in this area paved? Cobblestones?"
Deoradhan offers, with a faint smile, "Daniel, for formality here." She glances around, then backs up a bit. "Let's get going."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan apologizes to Lan in meta for the alias-choice. But Biblical names are perfectly valid in 1500s London, right? Even if they're, er, Judgey names? [innocent]
The man accepts Deo and Lan's help. "Thank you, my friends. I believe I can walk, with a little help, and if you stay close to me, nobody will look too near. Let us to the church, then we can talk in peace."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Yup, Jin. Cobblestones in this area."
MIkki turns, and trails along after everyone, nervously. Like... a mortal servant, right? Right?
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Mm. Will be keeping an eye out for any loose stones in the area, then. Having a rock on one's person can be handy, and it's much easier to justify on a small child than on a grown woman. Kids do pick up funny things."
Jin takes Mikki's hand again, rather as if she were his nursemaid or a close relative he was supposed to mind.
Deoradhan nods, and proffers her shoulder for Zach to lean on as they walk, in that case.
<<OOC>> Jin power-poses. Do not panic, little Stonie! We shall save you! And the Queen. Her too.
<<OOC>> Mikki thinks we'd better save the Queen. How many time-traveling short stories would be unwritten without her?
<<OOC>> Deoradhan snrk!
<<OOC>> Lan does not know of any stories that time-travel.
It takes only a few minutes to reach the small corner church; a quiet place, currently between services (to judge by the lack of service), with a definite smell of incense to it.
Zach subsides with a sigh of relief into one of the battered wooden pews. "My thanks, again."
Mikki holds Jin's hand tightly. (It might even have been painfully tight, except for her corporeal weakness.)
Jin nods politely to Zach. "It's a good thing we happened by when we did. You had no warning of that attack?"
<<OOC>> Lan hm. Wanted to examine the scene; oh well.
Zach says, "I feared I was pursued, but the actual assault took me by surprise. I am not one of our Lord's strong fighters, alas."
Deoradhan murmurs, "Pleased to help," hovering near the pew instead of sitting down. Then hushes to let Jin handle the talking to his fellow Stonie.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan; there wasn't much to see. It was an alleyway that someone got stabbed in."
<<OOC>> Lan nods.
Jin gestures with one hand, the other still held by Mikki. "We're all called to different duties. In this case, it seems we've been called here to assist you. Could you explain about this plot you've caught wind of?"
Zach nods. "Aye. To explain; I was assigned by my Archangel to watch over Master Shakespeare's company -- the Lord Chamberlain's Men, as they are known. I know such art is not a common fancy of his, but I believe he was most moved by that Agincourt speech which Will wrote. You know the one -- we few, we happy few, we band of brothers?"
Lan fingers his sword inobtrusively. There's something not right here.
Jin nods, absently checking up on the people around him. "I know the man's work, though not that piece."
Mikki is quiet, and listening, and clinging to Jin's other hand. . o O (Mortal servant. Think mortal servant. Wimpy mortal servant, not worth resonating...)
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Zach and Mikki, I think. General pinging."
Lan raises an eyebrow. "Archangel?"
<<DICE>> Jin rolled 5+6=11 CD 1 vs. 8 - FAILURE
Zach says, "So I took a part in the company, getting a job as stagehand and scene-shifter." He turns to Lan. "I serve David, the Lord of Stone."
<<DICE>> Jin rolled 2+6=8 CD 4 vs. 8 - SUCCESS
Lan says "I see."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "With a plus two for contact?"
Lan says "How long have you been in his service?"
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...oh. Right. My."
To (arcangel, Maya), Jin pages: Two actions: freeing his hand from Mikki's, or leaving it be.
Zach says, "Now with Her Majesty herself due to attend the Dream tonight -- this is Master Shakespeare's newest play, A Midsummer Night's Dream -- naturally her soldiers have been checking the theatre for any Catholics who may be lurking under the seats." He laughs depreciatingly. "So I was setting out the mechanics for some of the action later, when I heard two of them talking the other side of the wall. It is a thin wall."
Jin tilts his gaze towards Lan for a moment, but decides to stay quiet.
Deoradhan perks up at the title of the play, paying closer attention.
To (Jin, Maya), arcangel pages: MIkki is scared -- both that this new angel will do Something Awful to her, and that it will resonate her and there will Be Trouble. Freeing Jin's hand would... make Mikki a bit scared, and she'd fade back to the edges. Holding on... she'd be a bit scared about being close to this new angel, but reassured that she's at least Under Protection. Sort of fifty-fifty on What Would Be Best.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan .oO(Sure, it's got all those ethereals in, but still!)
Zach says, "One said, "Hast thou the device?" The other said, "Aye, and it is set and ready." The first said, "Dost think it will do as is required?" The second said, "Indeed, she will be dead, and likely a mort of others. He who has charge of it will take action while all are distracted by the Dream.""
Zach coughs. "At this point I fear that I may have made some sound."
Deoradhan ...winces.
Jin listens intently. "What happened then?"
Zach hangs his head. "Aye, you may well scold me. A better angel would have remained silent and heard more."
<<OOC>> Lan says, "Maya, when you said last time that we heard a disturbance in the alley, was it "ripples in the Symphony" or "sounds of a scuffle"?"
Deoradhan says, gently, "A more experienced one, perhaps. Not necessarily a better one. And even the most experienced can slip."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "It was some sort of Symphonic disturbance, but you all failed your rolls and couldn't tell what sort."
<<OOC>> Lan nods.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "It could have been someone Singing or someone boosting a roll with Essence."
<<OOC>> Lan nods.
Zach says, "You are kind indeed. In any case -- it was a thin wall, as I said, and I heard them approaching the door at the end of the corridor. I thought it might be better for me not to be found there. But who among humans would believe me if I said I had heard the royal guard discussing such a thing? I thought it better to run to a Tether and beg help of my fellow angels. I do not know if today is Her Majesty's death, but I would save her if I could."
Zach says, "So I took a brief leave of my fellows and ran, but I must have been followed, and you know the rest."
Jin hmms. "Less information than one could like, but more by far than we had before."
Lan turns his resonant gaze on Zach.
<<DICE>> Lan rolled 6+1=7 CD 6 vs. 7 - SUCCESS
<<OOC>> Lan does /not/ get the touch bonus.
Jin looks to Lan. "I'm not the one so tactically adept as some," he adds.
Zach frowns. "You had information before? What is this?"
Jin spreads his free hand. "We had information that there might be dangerous plots in this area, very soon... Nothing so specific as to be of much use until now."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay. Three most noble things in the last year; risked his life to save a friend, investigated a Kobalite conspiracy, deliberately broke off a possible relationship with a human he loved to spare her pain. Three most ignoble; got blind drunk and assaulted the guard after breaking off said relationship, failed to get involved in local architectural projects, cheated at dice yesterday. Greatest virtue; sincerity. Greatest sin; lazy. Potential height/depth; might be a friendly teacher-type angel of Stone later in life, gently guiding those around him. Might also become a demon of Gluttony if he falls, cheating and lying."
Zach returns a similarly resonance-laden gaze.
<<GAME>> Maya rolls the d666 and gets 2 4 CHECK: 1.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Fat lot of good that is. ;)"
Deoradhan nods to Jin, rocking on her heels. "But now we know. And we can try to stop it."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _giggles_.
Zach nods. "Were these demonic plots, sister, or human ones?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...Sister? (Mikki's the only one who looks female right now, unless Zach's seen through Deo's costume.)"
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Who's being aimed at with 'sister'? I think Jin's kiddy-vessel is male..."
<<OOC>> Lan IS TEH LEEDR!!!11
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _snrk_!
<<OOC>> Jin kinda fears the social dynamics of this group showing up on a Mercurian ping.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Zach pinged Jin earlier and for some reason hit her "recently female" bit."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "The angels probably show up...fairly normally! ...Mikki, OTOH..."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan ah! That explains it.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "I suppose he could always call Jin, "Lad," or "little one...""
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Ah! Okay, just checking."
<<OOC>> Lan | Zach [to Jin]: Yo, tiny!
Deoradhan blinks at the term of address, but since it seems to be aimed at Jin, doesn't respond.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan .oO(Sibling is a good catchall once you know you're talking to an Elohite?)
Jin lifts one shoulder in a half-shrug. "We believe they are demonic, but there is room for error in this. The one who ambushed you earlier... Are you sure on his nature?"
Zach says, "Aye. I felt him spend Essence to be certain that his blade went home."
Jin . o O ( Which doesn't exclude Hellsworn, but this probably isn't the time to ask the Mercurian if he whacked his attacker to make sure. )
Zach says, with sincerity, "Thank God that we have met."
Jin nods in agreement. "Then it seems our objective is clear, though how to reach it may be a trickier question."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "aka, Agh, my player could not strategize her way out of a paper bag, help!"
Zach says, thoughtfully, "I could introduce you at the theatre -- he," he nods to Lan, "is clearly an aristocrat."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan heeeee.
Zach says, "And if I plead injury, but say that a friend of mine will take my part tonight, one of you could work as a stagehand."
Jin looks at Deo. "That seems an excellent way to get in two of us. The other two of us may be slightly more difficult. Even if we could attend, I don't think they'd let our type very near the place where the Queen will be sitting."
Jin . o O ( Do they let aristocratic children near the Queen? I hope not. No, wait, I hope they do. I could probably change. )
Zach says, "Well, Her Majesty is known to have a soft spot for merchant adventurers. You have recently docked here in London, I perceive. Have you any tokens from foreign lands, curiosities, or the like?"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Mercurian resonance -> "This is a ship's crew recently arrived here...""
<<OOC>> Jin dies giggling.
<<OOC>> arcangel back . . . heehee.
Deoradhan rocks on her heels, thoughtful. "I could likely pass for a stagehand, or try, if you told me the duties, Zach. As for the rest--if there's a device planted somewhere _already_, we may wish to look... And if they meant a device one of them would carry and trigger at need, well, at least we'd eliminate one possibility." She pauses at the question. Shoots the other three a look, like, '...?'
Lan hms. "Not on my person, but I am certain that such could be acquired from, ah, the ship's stores.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hee!
Mikki does _not_ giggle hysterically.
Jin does not burst into hysterical giggles. It would be inappropriate. "We may. There's time yet to check our supplies for items if interest..."
<<OOC>> Mikki brainjars with Jin.
<<OOC>> Jin heeee. Poor Jin is entirely in accord with Mikki on this point.
Zach says, "That would be a good thought."
<<OOC>> arcangel asks "Demi, what season is it currently?"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Autumn."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Sept 21st, 1595."
From afar, arcangel . o O (Please to remember, the fifth of November... Gunpowder, treason, and plot!)
arcangel pages: Mikki is wondering if someone has decided to...move up the date on that one.
Jin says "How long will it take to have Lan and Daniel introduced appropriately? If it'll be long, perhaps the two of us should return to check our stores promptly, and see what might be of interest to the Queen."
Long distance to arcangel: Maya snickers darkly.
arcangel pages: May Mikki remember that rhyme?
Zach says, "Her Majesty will not be present till this evening, but I can briefly make Lan and Daniel known at the theatre this morning."
You paged arcangel with 'Sure!'.
Mikki frowns, suddenly, and murmurs something to herself.
<<GAME>> Maya rolls the d666 and gets 3 6 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Zach just blew his resonance, some people here will be glad to know. ;)"
<<OOC>> Mikki thanks... the Game dice!
Zach says, "What is it, cousin?"
Deoradhan fiddles with her hat, settling it more securely on her head. "If it'll be brief, perhaps the two of you may be able to search, while Zach introduces us?" She blinks at Mikki, though.
Mikki... does not quite twitch. "An old rhyme, sir," she mumbles. "About... plots, in autumn. It's... probably nothing important."
<<OOC>> Mikki . o O (Mortal servant, mortal servant, mortal servant, no, really.)
Zach blinks. "Nay, continue."
Jin smiles up at Mikki, and says nothing, hand still in hers.
<<OOC>> Jin pings Mikki, because, hey, Mikki-pinging is becoming something of a habit.
<<DICE>> Jin rolled 5+6=11 CD 6 vs. 8 - FAILURE
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...bad habit. A /bad/ habit."
Zach says, "Fear not, I value the counsel of mortals as well as of angels."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan GIGGLES.
Lan nearly chokes on his nothing.
Jin retains his innocent-little-boy smile, though for a moment it looks slightly strained at the edges.
Deoradhan .oO(...well, it's as good an explanation as any.) She does _not_ change expressions at Zach's statement. Really.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hee!
<<OOC>> Jin watches all the angels try to look INNOCENT NO REALLY HONEST and snickers.
Mikki says, nervously, "Just something... I heard, once. About a plot, in autumn, to kill England's rulers with planted fires." She looks around at the others who might actually have a clue about what she's talking about. "It might be coincidence. It might be... inspired."
Zach frowns. "What, you think they mean to torch the theatre?"
Mikki says, "It would be logical, if they wanted to kill a lot of people. Or make sure certain people were dead, in the confusion. Or... dead and replaced, and no one knowing the wiser. Ah, sir."
Lan says "Perhaps more to the point, if they are talking about a device then I'm not sure that I can imagine anything more effective than powder."
Zach says, "Indeed. Certainly one could not leave it in haste, if there were a fire. Or -- no, surely no fool would use barrels of gunpowder for such a reason..."
Deoradhan winces.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan looks OOCly completely clueless about any rhyme, and Google-fu is failing her. But hey.
Mikki murmurs, "...gunpowder, treason, and plot..." Darkly.
Jin says, dryly, "I've found there are many fools in this world, brother. It wouldn't do to discount this entirely."
<<OOC>> Lan says, "Remember, remember the fifth of November:/Gunpowder, treason, and plot!"
<<OOC>> Jin says, "I see no reason that gunpowder treason should ever be forgot..."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Oh! Gotcha. [laughs]"
<<OOC>> Maya admires you all. ;)
Zach looks shaken. "Such destruction of life, such carelessness of humans -- it would be a vile thing!"
Mikki mutters something about demons and vileness.
Deoradhan points out, quietly, "But not out of the question for demons, or their servants. Especially if they're of dark Fire, or of the War."
Jin tilts a hand. "And there are many vile creatures in this world." He abruptly chooses not to finish with "Not all of them demons." Mercurians can be...touchy, about things.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan is less tactful than Jin. Oops.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Well, not /that/ much less tactful."
<<OOC>> Jin cannot tell if Zach would be offended or not. Brain fuzzed! Wah!
<<OOC>> Mikki is sorry, even though it's not _strictly_ her fault.
<<OOC>> Jin wonders if Mikki would relax if told that Jin can't use his resonance on her for a while, discovers that because of the fuzzed resonance he /can't find out/, and cries.
<<OOC>> Mikki pats the poor Elohite! Sorry! Sorry! Whaa!
Zach says, "You all speak truth. I cry your pardon for my folly."
Zach says, "But in that case, we must stop this vile plot!"
Mikki looks nervous at an angel apologizing to her even as part of a group. She nods.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...why do I now have images of the angels all angsting on Mikki about brainfuzz simultaneously, so Mikki starts working on relics to fix their resonances faster?"
Jin nods briskly. "Agreed. To that end, I'll return to search our stores for a suitable oddity, while you introduce the others." And pauses for a moment, in case there are reasonable objections.
Zach says, "A very fine and reasonable thought. I'll lead Lan and Daniel to the theatre, then. You know its location, in Blackfriars?"
Jin . o O ( No, but if I were there I'd know where I was... )
Mikki holds Jin's hand, because there is No Doubt At All that she will accompany her angelic master, right? Right?
Deoradhan frowns slightly. "I still think at least one of us should look for this device -- and a child can get into places an adult can't. But perhaps I can do that, once Zach has settled us--" she misses a beat at 'Blackfriars', then continues "--in at the theater."
Zach nods. "And I can loiter around, even if they think me not fit to work, and search also."
Deoradhan smiles. "A good idea, that."
Zach smiles. "Again, heaven be praised that you were guided to my side. I will laud you all when next I make my full report."
Mikki says, "If they're concerned with killing her with the plot, they'd plant something near her... place. If they want to replace her, it will be far from her location."
Jin says "Shall we meet you there, then? If a child can go searching, I can certainly fit that job."
Zach says, "A good thought."
Deoradhan spreads her hands at Zach, to the comment. "Any angel would do the same, in our position." She winces and nods to Mikki, then nods again to Jin.
Jin clings firmly to Mikki's hand, because there is No Doubt At All that he'll keep his human servant close, right?
<<OOC>> Deoradhan .oO(<Zach> "And I am very grateful to Jin, Dee, Lan, and their human servant for--" <David> "Waitwaitwait. Who, who, who, and what?" <Zach> "...er?")
Zach grins, and dusts off his doublet. "Give me a moment with the water-butt outside, and I shall remove some of these stains."
Mikki says to Jin, "If it's the latter, and they want to replace the Queen... Perhaps I should be closer to her. I might be able to stall."
Jin nods. "A good point. We'll have to try to get in close. Which I suppose means finding items of interest to present to her..."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan .oO(<David, at Jin's fledging> "...'to Jin, Dee, Lan, and--' OH." <tiny!Jin> "...?")
<<OOC>> Deoradhan .oO(<Yves, that day> "...why do I have a headache? ...oh, that, right.")
Lan quotes: "'Indeed, she will be dead, and likely a mort of others.' Unless they mean to kill her later."
Zach says, helpfully, "She is most fond of items that are not only curious, but present good prospects for trade."
Deoradhan looks considering. "...I wonder if we could persuade her to move? Assuming the device is planted in the theater and not on one of the guards' persons?"
Jin . o O ( Okay, somewhere in that device there has to be something the Queen would find interesting, which Yves will not tch at us about displaying in this era. Curious trade. Riiiight. It's a good thing we have a few hours. )
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _giggles_.
Zach says, "Her Majesty has a certain reputation for ... stubbornness."
Mikki looks a little pale at the Ofanite. Remains silent.
<<OOC>> Jin heee. Poor baby!Jin.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Heh."
Zach says, "In any case, excuse me one moment; I shall be back in an instant." He rises, and heads towards the door.
Lan listens for danger.
Mikki watches Zach go, her expression pale and strained.
Deoradhan rocks on her heels. "Yesss. But were it suggested that, oh, she might hear better from over _there_, or be able to see the items better, or some such..." She blinks and nods to Zach.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "No danger currently in the Symphony, Lan."
Jin gives Mikki's hand a quick, reassuring squeeze. "The two of us might as well head back to start looking promptly. Surely there's something suitable to be found."
Mikki nods, still looking stressy. "I... Yes. Safer there."
Jin . o O ( Note to self: pick up Celestial Tongues, for those lovely moments when you're about to wander off with a demon while your resonance is shot to hell. Just in case. )
Deoradhan nods to Jin. "Will you be able to find your way back, or should we ask Zach to meet with you here?"
Jin hmms. "It might well be safer to have him meet us here. Or at least less prone to error. While I know where I am, deciphering how to reach where I /want/ to be is more an Ofanite's talent."
Deoradhan nods, wry. "And we need me at the theater, or else I'd come with you to play guide."
Jin smiles. "We'll meet him back here once we've found something, then. Does anyone know Celestial Tongues, in case an emergency should come up?"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "You need celphones! Oh, wait. No carrier. ;)"
<<OOC>> arcangel laughs!
<<OOC>> Mikki shakes her head.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "We need special their-own-carrier SparkyTech cell phones!"
Deoradhan nods to the first, and shakes her head to the second. "My only emergency Song is Healing. Which we might need, but not yet."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan yes!
<<OOC>> Lan thinks those are called walkie-talkies.
Jin says "Ah well. Mikki, are you ready to go?"
Mikki nods. "Yes."
Lan says "Not I, no."
Lan is preoccupied with thoughts about how the explosives could be wired.
Jin turns to return to the device of hopefully curious trade items, hand still locked in the Impudite's.
Deoradhan nods, settling her hat more firmly on her head. "Good luck," she offers, as the other two leave, and sets to pacing until Zach comes back inside.
Mikki is entirely in agreement with this course of action.
Zach returns, shaking drops of water from his wet but now cleaner doublet.
To (Maya, Jin), arcangel pages: (So I don't forget -- when Mikki and Jin are safely out of hearing, such as in the Device, she will say, "I know the Ethereal Song of Attraction. Or... with enough Essence, my... resonance. Could perhaps persuade even a stubborn human.")
Zach returns, shaking drops of water, etc.
Zach says, "Well then! Shall we to the theatre?"
<<GAME>> Maya rolls the d666 and gets 5 6 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "And fails to resonate Deo. ;)"
<<OOC>> Jin hee. Poor Mercurian.
Deoradhan brightens, and starts over toward the door. "Certainly. Ah--would you mind coming back here after we're done, though? In case our friends can't find the theater on their own." She looks apologetic.
Zach says, "As you wish." He makes a bow. "Let us go."
Deoradhan smiles, glances over to make sure that Lan is coming too, and follows.
Lan follows, still pensive.
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TARDIN page