Session Start: Sun Aug 04 00:00:00 2002 * Having left behind the disreputable stellar waystation, the intrepid crew of the LSS Freedom races on to the planet K'Ket'Laa, in hopes of finding the next beacon. What do we know about this place? * Hyperion is on the bridge * Redliner is in his quarters, plugged into some music and generally being a lazyass. Uh, not a lot, culturally. So it's inhabited then? Geographically, it's mostly jungle. Warm, humid. Probably not quite so much as to be a hazard to Cybertrons. The dominant life form is a kind of medium-sized reptile, maybe the size of a smallish Transformer. Finally a planet where we won't need to drag out the heavy treaders Relatively primitive. No spaceflight. Does that mean I won't get to go planetside? There hasn't been much contact with them. They're recorded as being "friendly but disinterested". There's basically one government and one religion. Not many specifics on either. Doesnt sound like we'll need you just yet. Unless this one is buried too Disinterested, aye? sounds like me, heh. * Slipstream is lounging on the bridge at the tactical station Ah well, I guess I should have expected this when I took bridge duty * Sunspot is hanging out unobtrusively on the bridge some more. * Drillmaster twirls a drill like a top So, what's our ETA? How are they for trade? I'd like to get the beacon with a minimum of breaking local law this time Hrm. There's not really any record of trade. Apparently the crew who cataloged the place didn't do much of it. About 15 minutes yet til we get there It's the Cons you got on this tub. Perhaps you should have just taken former Autobots Pardon? There aren't many registered landings. * Anchor hangs out in the bar. Literally. A joke, nevermind it This is why I spend all my freetime cleaning * Avalanche has decided to forgo the bar for a while and is hanging out in the sims training. With any luck we'll be in and out in under an hour Luck hasn't seemed to be with us recently. No, that it hasnt Luck, shmuck. There's no such thing, really I can't recall any visit to anything we've had that's turned out well * Redliner eventually decides to leave his new quarters and go meandering about the station. He murmurs the lyrics of some Chinese song, crooning along quietly as he cruises the hallways idly... That unfortunately excludes the run-ins with Spectral Death That's nice and fatalistic of you... *chuckles* Fatalistic? Hardly. Just realistic. I tend to agree. We make our own luck Exactly. with such a mis-matched crew, it's going to take us eons to get along Either that or we'll all just have to kill each other I dunno. Most of us get along pretty well * Scrabble chooses this moment to drop off the ceiling and land on Wait's head. So you'd think * Slipstream grins You'll see in time * Waitstate twists to the side and the spider lands on armrest I'm getting the hang of that, heh * Scrabble beeps at Wait Chuck Scrabble over here, Wait. * Waitstate gets an evil look, then tosses the spiderbot at Slip's head * Slipstream easily snags Scrabble out of the air with one hand Y'gotta do better than that, grey one. *grins* yeah, yeah * Sunspot plays with Moonstone. Oh, hey, while I think of it. How's the green dude we picked up before doing? I don't know. I was just about to go and check on the guy actually With all the new recruits we should just hire a recruiter Wasn't that Lil's job once upon a time? Well, he DOES handle our ad copy * Redliner meanders his way towards the bar, whistling some kind of jaunty tune... * Anchor swings from a notch on the celing by his tail, sipping a cup of cy-tea in a relaxing fasion I'm going to swing by medbay for a few minutes before we arrive * Waitstate stands and goes * Redliner pauses right in the doorway and holds up a hand in greeting for Anchor to see. "Hola, monkeything. What's the haps?" * Anchor opens one eye, "Hello." I'll come with, just for the heck of it. * Slipstream stands and follows Wait out. Sounds like a riot * Waitstate sees Slip behind him and holds the lift for her thanks :) Coming with? Yeah. Curious. * Slipstream leans against the back wall of the lift and waits for it to get wherever * The lift stops and the door opens. After you * Slipstream bows and exits the lift * Redliner strolls into the bar area place and approaches the counter, casually looking around for other occupants as he sits down on a barstool... * Anchor lets go of the cup and lets go of the nook at the same time, falling and flipping upright at the same time, lands on his feet, and catches the cup * Waitstate follows Slip out of the lift * Slipstream heads for the medbay with Wait cool! *he golf claps, nodding in admiration of the monkeybot's dexterity.* Thank you, thank you. * Anchor takes a seat, a regular one * Waitstate walks the short walk to Medbay and goes inside. The place appears empty, so he goes on in to the recovery ward * Welder looks up as Wait and Slip walk in * Chameleon walks into the bar, blending into his surroundings, and goes behind the counter pouring drinks at random since there's no one there to do so. Oh, I didn't realize anyone was on duty How's the patient? Fully repaired. I've just been running some final scans to make sure everything's okay. We can wake him up whenever you're ready. has he been conscious at all? so, uhh, what can you recommend drinkwise, monkeybot? Not yet. We've been keeping him in stasis so far. Safest that way. You can call me Anchor. * Dark Force minus Drillmaster walk into the bar As for recomendations, I usually don't drink. I guess, if he's ready, go ahead and wake him * Welder nods and sets about waking the big green dude We should have light shows or something in here This place can be so dreary sometimes * Chameleon notices most of Dark Force walk in *optics begin to light up partially* * Slipstream leans against a nearby wall and watches curiously Yeah, but at least you can get your system totally wacked-out here Hello friendly bar folk sorry 'bout that, Anchor. There's just so many people on board this ship... I hear this new planet doesn't have much of a trade business. You know what that means? * Redliner turns slightly to check out the crew strolling in... * Anchor ignores Dark Force I'll have nearly 100% of the market *moves hand a bit* ....uuuuhr. *seems to be trying to shake off a headache and wake up at the same time* ...we clear 'em out? Yeah, y'could say that. Isn't there another bar tender? The cargo ship got away safely * Chameleon walks out from behind the counter, drink in hand, then makes himself visible * Slipstream's voice gets Talis' attention and snaps him awake ....uuuuuuuuh damn. damn? I thought you were defending them I'm guessing they've gone on strike or something. *mumbles, putting hand to forehead* Pitspawn, this isn't good. A hilarious notion Take it easy, y'got hit in a not very friendly way. ...Yeah, I remember that part... *sits up and looks over at Slipstream* That other ship... * Redliner blinks as Chameleon sorta materializes out of nowhere. The freighter? If they are, and they're asking for a higher pay rate, then the rest of us might as well do the same. I'm afraid you have us a bit confused Not the freighter. The OTHER one. Where am I exactly? Look at all the newcomers. It does my heart well knowing we've got an increased female population You're on the LSS Freedom You mean the big purple one? You're in the big purple one at the moment. :) Yes, the purple one, heh *sighs* Unfortunately none of them have the poor taste to come to the bar *lies back down* Nope, this isn't good. Except these lovely ladies What ain't good? >:| * Chameleon decides to go and sit with Dark Force. I'm afraid you were badly damaged. We couldn't just leave you there, and there didn't seem to be anyone coming after you Where are we at the moment? What sector? Ah, glad you could join us Chameleon. I never did believe the things they said about you *looks at Waitstate* .... ....well, if you saved my life, than thanks. But... Don't worry about Scamp. He's just decided to be our spokesperson today Was I the only one left out there when you guys rescued me? A ha. I'd have to check with the bridge to be sure Somewhere in the Togris sector, I believe *to self* further out than I want to be, but it could be worse... So, what variety of fun things have the lot of you been up to? Just coming here to spread our family love! I'm sorry we've taken you out of your way, but we didn't want to just leave you there No, I understand. Really, thank you. I'm not sure whether I should be afraid or relieved Being afraid is always a better choice. I don't know what sort of contacts you may have, or if you're capable of long range travel, but while you're here I'm happy to provide you with quarters Thanks. Some quarters while I'm here would be nice. Contacts....that's a different story. Dark Star! Nice of you to say something today. We have a fully equipped comm array, which I'm happy to let you use. But you should use it soon, since we move around a lot. Roadkill can help ya with the comm if y'need it. *breaking from thought* Erm...thanks. But I don't think it'll be much help. See, I...don't really have anyone to contact. At the moment. I see... * Slipstream raises a browplate curiously, but keeps silent I must support my team. well, you're welcome to stay here. We're always looking for new people. I'll leave you a copy of our group profile in your quarters Speaking of which, where's the rest of the Tactibots? We should have a party Thanks, that's a nice offer. That's the best idea I've heard all day. I'm sure they're around the place somewhere. I've set you up on Deck 4. *grabs a pad from from a table* This will show you the way there when you're ready to check out of here * Roadkill wanders into the bar. "Did I hear someone say party?" Yes I can show him around, Wait. Ain't like y'need me on the bridge at the moment, aye? *takes the pad from Waistate and nods.* * Chameleon comms the other Tactibots Drillmaster should be able to join us I'm afraid I have duties on the bridge, or else I'd show you around. Slip, would you mind helping out our new guest? Sure thing. Nah, Drillmaster has bridge duties, at least until we land By the way...might I ask your names? ... that would prob'ly help, aye? *grins* Of course. I'm Waitstate. I'm sort of the leader around here Well, I think they're gonna show up. Except Hyperion, he seems to think parties are pointless. at least, we let him -think- he's the leader. ;) I'm Slipstream. *nods again* I'm Talis. Parties, pointless? *pretends to faint* Good to meet you, heh I've logged the room with your name now I should go. I imagine we've arrived at our destination by now * Arashi, Firestorm and Starstorm enter the bar and head over to where Dark Force and Chameleon are. How many people are going to show up here in ten minutes? If you'll both excuse me? Thanks for stopping by. Sorry if I seem out of it. Things are rather confusing, if you can imagine. Sure thing, grey one. :) Of course *smiles* I'll check in on you later when things are less busy. So, this is the party then? well, the pre-party. we haven't managed to get to the actual party yet. * Waitstate heads for the bridge C'mon, I'll show ya 'round. *looks at Slip* so...where to? * Avalanche gets tired of the sims and decided to wander down to the plaza. * Waitstate arrives on the bridge Are we there yet? heh Well now, I suppose it's a party Well, I think I'll follow the tradition on board this ship and take y'down to the bar first. ;) So what's first? How about a training game in the sims? * Splitwit busts his way into the bar "Need!" We could play Dark Force vs. Tactibots * Sunspot looks up and waves a little at Wait. oh help, it's the resident sponge... *playfully throws a coaster at Split* * Waitstate smiles at Sunspot and waves back er.....can't say I drink much. * Splitwit bats it away and saunters up to the bar, and orderes his usual * Moonstone chirps nicely at Wait. * Redliner just kinda sits on his barstool and watches proceedings, unsure of how to approach anyone. His gaze follows Splitwit... Yeah, I put us in orbit about 20 minutes ago. Pretty place, innit? Not very shiney though * Diablo walks into the bar, followed by Ghost-Stalker. Both head over to the others* Lots of green. And blue. *chuckles* I don't drink at all. It's just the place where most everyone hangs out. * Splitwit flips out and points accusingly at Redliner "What're YOU lookin' at huh?" Spose we could maybe do that. It's certainly more interesting than an orbital view of Cybertron Any technology? Should we try hailing the local government? Redliner, would you care to join us? Drillmaster is on duty so we could use a replacement * Avalanche notices all the people in the bar and, against his better judgement, goes in. Ah. Rec Room of sorts. * Redliner is taken aback for a moment, ready to retort when he hears his name and turns to look at Amethyst. "Huh?" he says intelligently y'could say that about it, heh. *starts out of the medbay* c'mon. *follows Slip* It's okay if you dont' want to come with us Redliner * Avalanche stands in the doorway and looks around the crowded bar. Heeeey! Avi! *waves* *heads towards the plaza* If y'don't mind me askin', what faction d'ya belong to at the moment? If any, that is. what? uh, hey, I'm for it. What're you guys doing? Trying to get a party going, last I heard. You're damn right ...sort of a merc group. Hired guns. But we prefer to look into our bookings first. Ah. I know the type. They're always fun *looks at Slip as they walk* We prefer not to have any Decepticon Dealings. Uh, they appear to basically be landbound. You might be able to contact them on some kind of common ground-based communications, but I wouldn't know where to start. You might just want to pick a place and land. *nods* Cons ain't on my list of friendlies either. I'm totally cool with partying, man. *grins* Name the time and place and I'm already there...! Good idea. Have you scanned for the beacon yet? gotta warn ya though, there's a few ex-cons around on the ship. be nice. :) It's in the main city on the equatorial continent. oh, yay *pauses a moment* *is still walking though* Just derailed your train of thought, aye? Cirrus, move us into geosynchronous orbit over the city. Remind me not to volunteer to go down there if this species regards it as some sort of object of importance. Well I suppose we either all go or we can continue to sit here and stare Gotcha Well, Ex-Con...I dunno. I'll see what happens. Heh, I should prob'ly explain. This is LONAC. League of Non-Aligned Cybertronians. to put it simply, we're all neutral. Oh. Mhm. Makes for interesting conversation though, heh. *arrives at the Plaza* That's different then. So are you a collection of everything? 'Bot, 'Con and neutrals? Pretty much, yup. I guess a landing party is in order *looks around* I thought this was going to be a drinking party? There's other types of parties? well if that's the way you'll have it I'll take the strongest thing at the bar * Redliner leans back, resting his elbows on the barcounter while facing Dark Force and company. "So what's the occasion?" Hyperion, any recommendations? I was sorta hoping to avoid getting plastered for a while... Beer We're just celebrating our crewmenship! Well, this is the Plaza. Home to the few shops and stuff we have on board at the moment. A theatre too. I keep forgetting about that. wow. Shopping establishment inside your own ship? That's a word right? ^_^ Heh, yup. It keeps the civilian types on board busy. Kind of. Nothing really, aside from bots who'll be able to handle the terrain with ease. Specifically the jungle areas. *heads towards the bar* The most important feature is the Neutral Ground. The lifeblood of the ship, y'could say. *grins* I'll bet. Heh. Anyone from your group you'd recommend? * Slipstream reaches the bar entrance, looks in, sees all the people crowded in there, and pauses. any excuse to party is good enough for me. Hey 'tender! Gemme something good! * Avalanche, still standing by the door, looks over and nods to Slip. uuh... yikes. It's busier than normal in there. Hi Slip! * Slipstream waves slightly at Avy * Splitwit falls off his stool oy vey... drunk already, Split? Chameleon. And Ghost-Stalker... I was about to say. Sure is busy! I don't think anybody's been here long enough to get really interesting yet. Except Split. * Splitwit gives Slip a toothy grin. Very. Y'wanna brave the masses and meet some of the rowdy locals? * Splitwit takes another swig Diamond Fire could handle the terrain pretty well. I could probably fair well myself. I wouldn't mind meeting the locals. But should I when they're all rowdy? Hm. I dunno if those two are our best bet for deplomacy Probably best to get to know us at our worst. *grins* Prob'ly the best time for it. Sunspot, I'd like you to come. Your smaller size may make us seem less threatening Dark Star and Scamp could probably do it too, but they're not much for diplomacy either Most likely not, though I assume you'd have others go down to the surface also. *spots Slip and heads over* Heya Slippy gal, we're tryin' to organise a party. Y'wanna help out? * Sunspot nods. "Okay." * Slipstream smacks Roadkill upside the head. "Don't call me that, damnit." Drillmaster, I guess you're as good a choice as any to come along. And Chameleon, as a reserve. If we DO need to get around local law, he's a prime choice *grins, then notices the massive green guy behind her* Oh hey, a new guy! C'mon in, say hello. Very well then. Shall I reload my weapons? I don't anticipate trouble. ...so yes *motions forward* Very well, I suppose we should meet in the docking bay? * Slipstream heads into the bar * Sunspot picks up Moonstone and stands. Yes. Hyperion, contact Cham and inform him of the mission * Hyperion nods * Drillmaster exists the bridge Sunspot, come with me to the docking bay and we'll get the shuttle ready * Sunspot nods and follows Wait. *walks in behind Slipstream, a full head taller than her, and a bulk that matches his height.* [comm] Chameleon, you're needed at the docking bay for a mission. Now. * Chameleon receives the comm * Waitstate gives Hyperion an odd look as the lift doors close [comm] You have to ruin my fun, don't you. * Redliner manages to procure a drink somehow (seeing as how the uhh, local bartender has left?) and kinda sits by himself, sipping it and remaining somewhat spaced out for the time being. [comm] It seems to appear that way. Looks like I'll have to give this party a miss. Some other time, perhaps. * Chameleon heads off towards the docking bay So. Is there a free seat? Bummer. Ah well, we'll see ya later then, Cham. * Redliner smiles and raises his glass to see Chameleon off. "See ya." Should be, somewhere. *heads for the nearest unoccupied table. if there is one. * Avalanche waves. "Later." You ok for this mission Sunny? So intro us to the new guy already, Slip. * Splitwit waves his cup in the general direction of Talis mmm hey! Oh fine. Everyone, this be Talis. Talis, this all be everyone. Hi. * Slipstream grins * Splitwit pours Talis another cup from his and shoves it towards him "Have a glass, Tally ol' pal!" * Redliner waves. * Avalanche waves and grins a little. Hmm? I'm okay. It sounds like it should be neat. I just want to be sure you're up to it. You've been... quiet lately * Chameleon arrives in the docking bay. "So what's the reason for dragging me away from the party?" * Ghost-Stalker carefully observes the others in the bar *takes the glass* er....what is it? * Sunspot shrugs. I've...had a lot to think about. * Drillmaster arrives at the docking bay If it's something Splitwit here's been drinking, y'prob'ly don't wanna know. It's not piss'n vinegar or anything, babe. Just a good ol' squeaky wheel. My fav' *samples the drink* I can imagine. Anything you want to talk about? * Slipstream smacks Split upside the head. ... Owwww the girl hit me head... Slipstream> I'll hit more'n that if y'call me babe again, splitty. You got it, lass. * Waitstate steps out of the lift and walks to the Docking Bay, Sunny in tow I think it's probbly better if I just try not to, y'know, dwell on stuff so much. I need to get out more. And I guess Avy's method doesn't really suit me... *winces a bit* Phew. Kinda like the stronger stuff I carry. Interesting chemical mix, though. What is that...sour taste? Wait for the after taste. lemon, I think some kinda weird terran fruit thing, anyway. lemon. Never heard of it. ah. How do you mean? * Waitstate starts prepping the shuttle Earth fruit. Lemonis Deliciousis, I believe they call it. you're talkin' out your skidplate again, Split. Or maybe your skidplates talkin' outta you? * Sunspot takes a seat near the front of the shuttle. * Ghost-Stalker leaves the bar Whenever I see him lately he's either in the bar or hung over. * Slipstream ignores split. * Chameleon decides he had better get in the shuttle. *to Talis* Anyway. The big blue guy over there is Avalanche. The two ladies there are Diamond Fire and Amythest, Ruse is the guy with 'em, feel free to kick him around any time. ;) I gotta start spending more time down there again. I'd hate to think people were going down dangerous roads. I've seen too much of that already They're just having a friendly party down there. Now what's the reason for dragging me away from it? Engines check out ok? I looked over this one not too long ago, everything should be running well... I am a little worried about him. I'll talk to him when we get back. Maybe we can find something more constructive for him to do * Waitstate gets inside * Sunspot finds a nice spot inside the shuttle to settle in. Sorry about the party Cham. You're our ace in the hole if things go wrong down there though Everyone ready to go? Hmm. Should I leave Moonstone here? He might get in the way, but I guess if they're reptillian they might like him... Which given our history will happen I'm surrounded by cynics. lovely * Waitstate fires up the shuttle's propulsion systems and opens the bay doors I don't think he'd try to eat anybody... * Waitstate takes us out, and heads downward * Slipstream lounges around in the bar, pointing out everyone to Talis. I assume we're after another one of those beacons? * Waitstate locates a clearing and lands the shuttle * Anchor gives Talis the "new Member Discount" at his trash heap. Yeah Fun It's near here. Unfortunately, it's in a highly populated area, so we cant just go take it eeeverybody outta the car * Waitstate pops the hatch You did consider that the locals may be able to see things our optics can't, my little party trick in particular, didn't you? * Sunspot steps out of the shuttle and looks around at all the weird organic stuff. * Chameleon steps out behind the others No, I didnt. I suppose we should test that out before anything else * Drillmaster transforms to drill tank mode *examines the small plasticard with Anchor's junk yard logo on it, shrugs then puts it in a small storage compartment in his hip-plating.* I'm not sure that's quite the image we want to put forward... But onward I suppose * Waitstate heads into the trees that seperate the clearing from the edge of the city * Chameleon follows Waitstate Cham, go see-through for now. If they notice you, drop the cloak * Redliner sips his drink, just sitting around casually and playing the background patron... ;) He's good at that. Righty oh * Chameleon does as told * A pair of largish, somewhat-humanoid reptiles enter the clearing from the far side on six walking legs. * The two mutter frantically between themselves. * Sunspot curiously examines the local flora. * One heads back the way they came, carrying both of the sacks the two had. * The remaining reptile approaches slowly but confidently. Ksss kssekack tlaalcome, traavellerss! I caannot beleive thaat it faalls to me to be the one to finaally greet you aafter aall the years! Ah, hello. You know of our race then I take it? * Sunspot looks back over at the odd creature. * Drillmaster stands next to Waitstate in robot mode * Moonstone chirps very quietly at Sunspot. * KKet looks excitedly back and forth between the four (yes, four) robots. You aare seriouss? * Waitstate holds out his hand in greeting, not sure if they shake hands here Aa test, perhaaps, to see if we haave kept the faaith? * Chameleon makes himself visible to the others I'm not sure what you mean * KKet approaches and clasps Wait's hand with both of his hands. * Waitstate is a bit overwhelmed by the reptiloid's enthusiasm *to Drillmaster* Heh, just a little friendly, isn't he. Perhaaps I aam not versed well enough in the aancient writings to speak with you properly! You will of course desire to meet with our wisest to dischaarge your businesss! ahh, yes. I do want to meet with your local government. We've come looking for something, and we think it's in your city *to Chameleon* I've got my weapons ready Please, follow me! I will taake you to Sset K'Sek, who will doubtless haave the aanswers you aare expecting! * Sunspot slowly walks back over to Wait. I think we'd better follow him then, heh. Cham, Drillmaster, one of you stay with the shuttle * KKet appears to be ecstatic at the idea of taking LONAC whereveer it is he wants to go, and it's contagious. I'll stay with the shuttle My appearance is quite imposing I've been told You aare not coming? But you...well, I aam no one to saay what you aare to do! The rest of you, follow, swiftly! Don't have too much fun, Drillmaster. *Catches up with Waitstate and SUnspot* * Sunspot kneels down and smiles at the lizard guy. "Thanks!" * KKet gallops weirdly past and towards the city, jerking back excited glances at the Cybertrons. * Waitstate follows as best he can, wishing he could go to car mode in this terrain This is promising. *back at the bar* Well, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll be heading to my new room. * Avalanche waves. "Later." * As the treeline is cleared, the primitive-but-impressive city, not entirely unlike an Aztec city-state, appears before LONAC. The K'Ket's compatriot has obviously already alerted the ctitzenry, for there is an impressive crowd arrayed in the streets and windows. er....*bends down to Slip* I can't say I have any form of curency on me at the moment. How do you pay for the drinks? Geez, who called out the welcome wagon? Heh, don't worry about it. it's taken care of. thanks. Well, I'll see you fellas around. Wow... Nice place. * Redliner waves to Talis a second time! :) * KKet leads the LONACers to the small group of what appear to be officials in the sort of open city square. * KKet then vanishes into the eager crowd. *leaves and goes to his quarters* *quiet* anyone else feel suddenly self conscious? * Sunspot looks all around, facinated. * Waitstate wishes he'd gotten a nice wash and wax before coming down now Traavellerss! * Slipstream leans back in her chair and falls asleep * Sunspot is distracted by all the shiny stuff. * The incessant crowd murmur dies to a crowd whisper. * Redliner eyes Slip. He looks around at the mostly empty bar now. * Waitstate decides to speak Aafter so long, our paatience haas been rewaarded! I've been told you know us *whisper* Maybe they'll have a party for us, better than the one back at the ship. * Roadkill is still in the bar. Somewhere. Aare you the leader aamongst your raanks, Shaadow? Parties are always good. * Redliner is just being too lazy to socialize. ;) * Slipstream is snoozing * Diablo leaves the bar Yes, I am. * Avalanche notices the new guy over by the bar. "So how long have you been around?" * Waitstate wonders about "shadow", but figures it's just his coloration Are you the leader of yours? I aam the aapointed representaative of the worldly concerns of my people, yess. Then it's you that I need to speak with My group has come looking for something on your world Aallow me to introduce myself, Exaalted Shaadow. I aam Sset K'Sek Laassek. If aany caan aassist you with your goals, I or my counterpaart Keraakaasaa caan. Whaat is it you seek? Be it of this world or... * SsetKsekLassek gestures skyward. ...yourss? * Waitstate looks up It is something not native to your world, yes Something left with us so long aago? yes, I suppose you could say that * Redliner breaks out of his spaced-outness and looks up at Avalanche. "Oh, hi. Err. Not long, barely a few days..." I have images of it, if you'd like. We'd appreciate any assistance you can give us. We don't wish to interfere with your way of life at all I've seen you around, but we've never really spoken. *extends a hand to shake and smiles faintly* Redliner's the name, to meet you. Aa jest? Surely it must be! I'm sorry... I don't understand Our waay of life haas prepaared us for this daay aabove aall otherss! * Avalanche shakes and grins for the first time that night. "Avalanche. Same. I haven't been here that long myself." You haave returned! *whispers* They seem really impressed with us, hmm, Cham? "Oh yeah? how long have you been saddled up with these guys?" I'm afraid you may have us mistaken with someone else. We have never been here before Perhaaps not you yourselves, Shaadow. Your cohort does not maatch those in the Recordss. *whispers back* Seems like they are. Something tells me that getting this beacon won't be easy though My cohort? * Waitstate looks at Sunspot and Cham Those aabout you. The Blossom and the Chill, aand the Goliath with your flying city. * Sunspot looks up at Wait, startled, then giggles. A few months. It's a nice enough place to rest a while, get your life back in order... Tell me, if I maay be so ingraacious aas to pry into your aaffaairs, why must the Goliaath remaain with your city? Surely you caannot fear your servaants? Ah, no, of course not. But we never know what emergencies might befall us. It's a precaution only Perhaps I should introduce myself and my friends properly My name is Waitstate. This is Sunspot and Chameleon. Our friend at the, um, flying city is called Drillmaster. It shaall be written, Shaadow Waaitstaate. The Faaith shaall updaate their writings thaat these revelaations not be lost. I caan haardly believe thaat you haave come in my time! *to Sunspot and Cham* Shadow, heh... I kinda like that actually You sound like you don't intend to hang around for long. Perhaps you can tell us what you expect of us? Four generaations aago, Keraa K'Sek S'aaraasaa waas considered to be the greatest of aall leaders of aall generaationss. Maany were certaain thaat - but of coursse. I aapologize for aallowing my excitement to interfere with my duties to you. You will teach us the True Meaning of the Aartifact, and lead our people into paaraadisse! * Avalanche shakes his head. I'm just not sure what I want to do with myself right now. I don't know about paradise, but I suppose we can tell you about the Artifact. Assuming it's what we're looking for anyway. Aare you, Shaadow Waaitstaate, the maaster of the Aartifaact? Or is there aanother aamongst your raanks who should be led to it? For the people must be given rein to veneraate those who aare not aabsolutely necessaary in the Temple! Even now, they caan baarely hold baack their ecstaasy. No doubt you caan feel it? * Sunspot starts giggling quietly again to herself. "I thought they meant I was Waitstate's GIRLFRIEND..." No, I'm the one. Uh, do you two mind waiting out here, I guess? hey, that makes two of us. Cheers. *he smiles and raises his glass in a mock toast before finish it off.* * Avalanche grins and pantomimes a toast. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with the place. It's just me, I guess. ahhh, yeah. I know what you mean. couldn't ask for better, I guess. This place is just a free lunch. so what'd you do before LONAC? Do whatever you've gotta do. We'll socialise with the locals or something.