Logfile from M3
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... There ... ... :,...)
[Radio] Transmmission detected: ... Okie! ^
[Radio] Transmission detected: <repeat for Blast ... other ... ... Finally ... ... of my ... are rewarded with success! ... ... located Data Raccoon!
You enter the Seoul - United Nations Plaza.
Seoul - United Nations Plaza
It is here that most of the world's decisions are made. The kind of power here reflects in the architecture, with the HUGE UN building that holds the General Assembly. Blue and dome shaped in design, it is the only one in the world of its kind, and workplace to the thousands that work here. The perimeter of the General Assembly building is surrounded the flags of every country that has a seat, which is nearly everyone. Outside are a number of other large office buildings, ranging from delegate bureau's, to the Headquarters of the UN Police, to a Repliforce office. Constantly patrolled and guarded by UN Police, safety is among an utmost concern after the infamous April Fools Day Massacre. Despite that, the place is a very safe environment.
Contents: Contents:
Serena Gilbert [Serena] [C] Ernest Fairbanks [C]
Retro Packrat [C] Gabriel [Resonance] [C]
Kammas Press Stand
Terra Trunk's Orchard <TTR> United Nations Vehicle Garages <UNVG>
<UN>: United Nations Building
East <E>: Seoul - Northern Commercial District
West <W>: Seoul - Tourist District
South <S>: Seoul - Historical District
North <N>: Seoul - Eastern Residential District
[Radio] Transmission detected: Guh...
[Radio] Transmission detected: We *must* ... ... ... once. ... ... ... ... ... assist me in this endeavour?
[Radio] Transmission detected: So ... ... located Data ... I will ... ... assist you ... ... Where are ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: :chortles ... in his throat. "I am ... ... Data is in Seoul coordinates ... ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: Roger...
Alpha arrives from the Seoul - Tourist District.
Alpha has arrived.
Alpha enters the Seoul - Eastern Residential District.
Alpha has left.
Ernest Fairbanks nods his head to the reploid. "I'll take a soda," he says. He steps up next to him. "I've never used the vending machines. That bad, huh?"
Retro Packrat shrugs. "Not all of them, but I remember one that sucked this one guy up and trapped him inside. Had military grade weapons and all. WHoever made it was a certifiable nutcase. You guys want anything?" He asks the crew that was directing Ernest earlier.
Serena Gilbert walks out of UN HQ... Yeah, that's all. Really. She peers at Retro. "Pepsi, if ya would, sugah."
The crew that had been helping Retro looks at him for a moment, and then turns to themselves. After a bit of brief and loud deliberation, they issue Retro a rather long list of soft drinks for the reploid to get. Ernie winces a little bit, and then looks at him. "Um. Maybe I'll help you with that?"
Retro Packrat's eyes go wide, ears perking up high at the long list of the soda, the vestigial flaps on his head flattening down again as he interally groans. Looks like he's got help though. "Heh...sure, Ernest. Even if I am used to lifting scrap, this order might be too much even for me." And with that, he heads west. He's still a bit wary of the vending machines around here, so....
"
Ernest Fairbanks nods and walks along with the robot, putting his hands into his pants pockets. He chuckles and glances up ahead. The manual labor had been a good way to get the events of the day before off his mind. "Where are the vending machines, anyways?"
Bridgit Cascio arrives from the United Nations Building.
Bridgit Cascio has arrived.
Bridgit Cascio has left.
Retro Packrat shrugs. "There are a few on the buliding across the street, but I'm still not trusting those. YOu can check around for more, I'm gonna look for a few this way." He points toward the Tourist section, walking off and finishing for a few zenny coins in his pocket.
Serena Gilbert follows along, "Well, it is right there, but as they say, it is a fight ta even get one can out of one these days..."
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... hidden ... dear wasp. I will ... intercept our ... ... ... ... are my ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... I ... wait here in ... ... of a ... ... ... that we ... ... this ... ... too ... ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: You ... ... both my ... Keep ... ... ... trouble.
[Radio] Transmission detected: Roger....
Ernest Fairbanks nods as he follows along. "Sounds good to me." He would rather like to get his drink, /especially/ with what cans out of a vending machine must cost in 2216. The price could only be utterly staggering.
"My children!" booms a voice from the far side of the Plaza. "Listen to the words of the Lord's servant David!"
A man in dark blue with a matching, wide-brimmed hat has entered the Plaza, a large hard-backed book in his hand. The other is used to emphasize the text being spoken with wavy gestures.
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer; by night, and am not silent. Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel!"
His expression is decidedly somber, appropriate for the message he preaches. His voice can /easily/ be heard unaided across the Plaza -- either he projects well or he's just yelling at the top of his lungs. Or maybe both.
"In *you* our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them!"
Serena Gilbert looks over and blinks at Feste. Blinks. "...Riiggght," says the Anti-Child. Sex AFTER Marriage? YEAH RIGHT.
Gabriel changes into her Gabriel armor.
Retro Packrat shrugs, walking along, though he stares at Feste as he preaches. "What in the heck...." He shakes his head a bit. "Crazy people in this world..."
Ernest Fairbanks sees the approaching preacher and immediately winces. Easter, for Ernie, is one of those times he cannot help but feel a little left out. The other one is Christmas. Chalk it up to being Jewish. He quickly starts sidestepping the preacher and looks eager to drag Retro and Serena with him. "Um, this way, maybe?"
Gabriel
A shrouded figure of sorts, most of this beings body is covered in black robes, merely revealing two dull brownish hazel eyes, two additional circles surnuding each pupil, slightly seperated from one another and long, straight dark-blue hair falling behind her. The robes are featureless aside for a rose placed over the heart and a vine covered in thorns wrapping around from the rose itself, a little thick, and actually piercing through a slit in the robes where it presumably continues to wrap around this person's body. The rest of the body is rather covered, suspicious, but that's the idea sometimes.
Carrying:
Resonance
Gabriel shouts, "That is to say!", as she approaches in after Feste, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani!", she grins widely though her own clothes hide this, "And what luck, somewhere today it is the ninth hour as well.", most of her body is, in fact, shrouded, even though she lightly floats on the ground, foot barely touching the floor, "Ah, The Eastern Coast, most honorable of lands at this time, or perhaps most corrupt in the failing of guidance, the failure of philosophy, but no, no, it takes a much sterner mind, thought, heart my friend to see through this, come, come! Perhaps if you throw caution to the wind, physics to the dogs you will see that to be forsaken is to be embraced."
Her grin lessens into a slight smile, her eyes darting this way and that, "Ah, my most, sincerest, -dearest- apologies, I do hope I did not throw off your groove, if I have most apologies, most apologies, -many- apologies, I have found you interesting, and so I stumbled ahead, leaping without looking as my eyes were too focused to see."
Serena Gilbert is Christian (STRICTLY Christian) but after her... exploits, shall we say... if she goes to church... She will need to say 200 Acts just to perge her 'spirit'. "Yah. Ah'm with ya." She moves with Ernie, almost running.
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... ... ... ... ... ... attempts ... win our ... ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... ... ... Cyber Peacock. ... knew ... was ... ... he got here ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: Uh oh....need ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: Say wha?!
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... Call ... if you ... some....explosive muscles!
[Radio] Transmission detected: I ... Data that ... wouldn't ... into a ... ... the Maverick's are ... ... ... violent has happened ... but he's ... to ... ... ... ... his side it looks.
[Radio] Transmission detected: Oi...um....um....
Feste is so unappreciated around her. It's enough to drive a man to tears, really, it is.
The Preacher carries on, eyes half-closed but distinctly focused on the Interpolers across the plaza. "They cried to you and were saved; in YOU they trusted and were NOT disappointed!" The barely-hidden Fool carries on, hiding the beginnings of a smile. "But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the--"
But then, a most interesting thing happens. He is interrupted.
The Preacher lowers his raised hand, shuts his Bible with a quiet 'fwhap'. He turns, the wide brim of his hat shading his unnatural eyes.
"It is the ninth hour in men's hearts everywhere," he answers, at the same level of volume. "The Eastern Coast would do well to look to the workings of the *Savior*." Still in-character.
But this woman... strange woman... throws the Fool a bone, whether she knows it or not, by handing him a bit of foolery he can truly sink his teeth into. To be forsaken is to be embraced. Beautiful.
"And what is your name, my daughter?"
Retro Packrat blinks, sighing and looking about, ignoring the fools for now. "Oi....it's Data again..." He looks a bit indecisive right now... "SHould we go help, or...."
Ernest Fairbanks nods eagerly. "I'm not in the mood to be converted," the young man says hastily. He tries to slink behind a tree and glances over at the preacher. He seems occupied, which is good. "I feel a bit bad abandoning her, but..."
Serena Gilbert frowns, "The situations sounds unsettled at best, if we come we may force Data to the Mavericks. Let's sit on this and wait fer Midi's word. If he needs us, then we'll come. If not..." She eyes the priest.
Gabriel glances to Ernie and Serena. "Hm...", she seems to consider before returning her gaze to The Preacher, "Despised by the women? But who cares, everlasting love for all, even the punished, even the damned has their place in the Savior's heart, it is that they reject the Savior that the Savior cannot save."
She looks back to the Interpollers and says, "No, no dissapointment by the people, the people may hate and scorn those who save them yet you cannot dissapoint because you can do no less than what you are trusted to do, or so I believe with the lack of wisdom offered to me.", she looks back to the Preacher, "Indeed, but in more than men's it seems as you are not a man but a worm to your words, though I feel I see a man in your heart even if a worm is your guise, they could do well to do a many things, lesser justices compared to the Greatest one, but alas, they fall before doing even that, sometimes it seems, more sometimes than other times."
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... your ... Blast.
[Radio] Transmission detected: Roger....
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... my. He ... ... tempermental ... is he not?
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... a ... ... ... ... ... ... Cyber.... ... ... ... ... move now?"
[Radio] Transmission detected: Be prepared. I ... ... ... lash ... Tch ... ... ... boy ... *must* ... to ... ... temper ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... ... ... ... because it might end up very ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... I have encountered ... ... I ... his capabilities.
[Radio] Transmission detected: Good then ... really ... how to handle him I ... ;,...)
Retro Packrat just shakes his head. He's already confused as is. He doesn't need these weird street preachers to bother them. Sighing, he sits down, rubbing his eyes, trying to figure out what exactly he should do right now.
[Radio] Transmission detected: You still ok ... ...
Ernest Fairbanks scratches his chin, while trying to get out of the path of Gabriel's attention. He appreciates the sentiment, of course, but does not really care to get the preacher's attention. "Um, is there maybe a shortcut through an alley, Retro?"
Retro Packrat shrugs. "Maybe. If we wanna head out, it couldn't hurt. At the worst, it'll just be a dead end."
Serena Gilbert nods, "Bettah than listenin' ta 'im."
Ernest Fairbanks nods to the reploid. He has a point. No one will be jumping them in the alleyway, this close to the plaza. "All right, then. Let's do that." Ernie chooses an alleyway, and quickly starts off down it. He isn't quite sure where it leads, but it has to be better than getting cornered by a preacher... right?
The Preacher is taken in now, by this strange shrouded woman. Religion was never his strongpoint, but he does know his Scripture. Wordplay, now... heh.
"It's 'despised by the people', actually," offers the Preacher in a very different tone than before -- casual, quiet, curious -- but it changes back just as quickly.
"They are not my words, but the Lord's, speaking through his servant David. I am a worm before the Lord, a lowly man; but in the world of worms and men such a thing can accomplish much through the power of the Lord, no?"
Luckily for them, the Preacher has seemingly forgotten about the Interpolers. You are spared. FOR NOW. *dundundun*
Retro Packrat just follows Ernie for now, the sodas forgotten.
Serena Gilbert just follows the Rat and Ernie.
The alleyway, unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, does not seem intent on ending. It is rather long, and apparently leading into less pleasant areas of the city immediately surrounding the plaza. Litter, filth, and a rank smell are what greets the intrepid Interpollers.
"Ew," Ernie mutters as something that has the odor of something in between a dying cow and spoiled milk filters it's way towards them. "What is that and where are we?"
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... Do you need ...
Gabriel says, "Indeed, many things can be accomplished with such power.", she seems, perhaps also thankfully to the Interpollers (though you never know, she may have intended to say things more clearly to them prior to her hearing of the Preacher), but rather accurately focused on the Bibleman. She says, "Scorned by the men -and- despised by the people? Well, that is certainly A hundred and fifty percent of us all unless women do not scorn worms in which case men do not despise you, merely scorn, and any woman who loves you would have to despise you as well, though certainly holding you in good countenance. Bewildered am I.", she glances around. Did they scare everybody away? Sigh, so easy these days.
"So a man before the Lord is a worm, but a man before a man is a man, and so a man before the Lord is a worm to other men, so no self can be the Lord only others. Though I agree wholeheartedly, much has been accomplished with Holy power, certainly, perhaps more than one can provide with their own will?"
Abernathy arrives from the United Nations Building.
Abernathy has arrived.
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... ... not know. I ... ... ... ... ... makes ... ... ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... ... Cyber.... My ...
Luckily, Retro was never given much in way of Olifactory sensors. "No idea. DIdn't think this alley was this long, though...."
Much to probably everyone's surprise, the Preacher /laughs/.
"Apt, very apt, i'faith, my daughter," he says, sounding very amused, and with a smile to match. "Such an experience would truly bring one closer to God, as do we, as sinners, not despise Him?" So it's back in-character, then. "Only God's love is unconditional and pure, daughter...it is that simple."
The Preacher idly adjusts his wide-brimmed hat, pulling it forward so that it hides more of his face. Whoa. This conversation just became so much more interesting...
"Indeed, daughter, for the Lord is not of the world of men. The Lord is immortal, and to be *immortal* is to *deny form*. His will is stronger than ours could ever be." Let her swallow *that*.
Serena Gilbert has left.
Gabriel is still smiling at the Preacher, intrigued pleasantly, and that is not something altogether -easy- to do. "That may be something there.", she says softly, "Even the love I try to offer is wrought with conditions. I do not protest to be the Lord, of course, but I try to remain, ah, apt.", she looks over the hat, slowly rising about an inch off the ground (instead of the infinitesimal point she usually strides on), "Yet the chains which bind me here to this plane are somewhat voluntarily even so, I have denied form, but only in temporary instances, one day, perhaps, I will deny it for good and return to his embrace, but even a child must mark their own territory, and so I seek to do for now while preparing for the day when all will recognize the scope of his everlasting promise. Even if only he can return it, even if we have defied and denied him, he will accept us. No matter how great the sin. It is an angelic vice to think of those who shall not be redeemed, a guilty one am I of such, but I acknowledge it before I practice it, hoping for salvation just as those of humanity do.", she lets out a breath, "To see his will persisting to this day, despite so many against it unwillingly or willingly, is to show its strength.", she has slowed down slightly.
The Preacher nods, still smiling enigmatically. "All of us eventually return to Him and become formless. It is the goal of this life. Heaven, if you will. No? We all must suffer the burden of 'form'." There is some vague amusement in this Preacher's voice, some tone decidedly uncharacteristic of clergy.
"Yes, my daughter, you see the light!" the Preacher announces, returning to his previous booming voice. "That is the point of this *holy* day! Though we suffer now, we will be accepted into the kingdom of heaven later! Our sins have been paid for in /full/!" Ooh, he's back into his groove now. He turns back to the non-crowd, away from Gabriel.
"SALVATION, my flock, SALVATION! That is the message of this day! The God of this world forsook his one and ONLY son for YOU..."
Feste smiles thinly. He never realized how much fun it was to be an evangelist. He'll have to try this again sometime, really, especially what with all he's learned today. This woman, whoever she is, has proved very, very interesting. He will have to seek her out again...
Terra Trunk has arrived.
[OOC] Terra Trunk returns from OOCness.
"Screw it," Ernie laments after awhile. The stench of the foul alley is overpowering. What in the name of /God/ is that smell? It is as if Death itself has come and taken the form of an odor. And more importantly, why does it smell like the Reaper less than a block from the Plaza?
With a newfound ambition to get out of the stench, the young man turns and starts down the alley at a quick pace--nearly a run. Having someone try to convert him from Judaism would be better than this horrible, horrible smell. He has enough of a faith to handle it. He comes barelling out into the plaza, breathing heavily.
[OOC] Gabriel says, "And so God scared Ernest back into his fold with the aid of foul odor."
[Radio] Transmission detected: OOooohh...
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... diodes ... ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: :groans. "What ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: ;'s ... ... transmits ... enough "S-something's ... with ... His ... head picks ... the cue. ... ... shocker."
[Radio] Transmission detected: Well for ... information I just finished repairing ... ... programs ... ... I/O ... ... ... ... also ... ... defensive programs ... ... IFF ... ... ... ... equipment ... ... our ... systems ... ... ... ... for ... ... system ... ... ...
[Radio] Transmission detected: ... can ... ... ... ... ... ... or what?
You deactivate your radio intercept ability.
Tap
Taptap
TaptaptapTHUNKrattletap
Taptap
What odd noises could these be, nearly subsumed in Feste's vociferous declaration of salvation? Who could be so disrespectful as to be making such noise instead of listening to the overwhelming declarations the man is making? None other than a black-clad figure walking without a spotter along the back of a nearby bench, his features darkened by one of those oh-so-trendy broad-brimmed hats, pulled low over his eyes. Though his eyes are on his feet, that's his only concession to balance -- as his hands are folded behind his back, even as he makes the careful hop across the six-inch gap between his current bench and the one adjoining. Those occasional hops, as he works his way around the edge of the plaza, are the source of the rattling noises between the quieter tapping of his footsteps.
*sniffsniff* "Well, this is certainly interesting. I wonder what's causing this aroma? Quite interesting combination..."
blabbering like an idiot again, Terra Trunk wanders out of the shaodws in the other side of the alley, a couple of reeds poking from the top of his trunk. "Oh, hello everyone! Goodness gracious, I wouldn't have expected such a crowd to come and investigate such a ghastly thing as this."
Gabriel glances to Ernie, "Ah, seems you have shown one other the Light.", she says gesturing with her head to Ernest. Every word she says is muffled, but she still manages to project with cloth over her mouth. "Oh, and another to hear your words, father.", she bobs her head, looking towards the man who cannot be Abernathy. She turns to him, bowing very deeply, mood sombering quickly, "Good day to you.", she says, straightening slowly, as she doesn't look to Terra Tnuk, "We didn't.", she says, though it's mostly muffled by her shroud.
"The light?" Ernie asks cluelessly, trying to fight down that pesky gag reflex at the horrendous stench. He shakes it off as Gabriel's attention is turned elsewhere and looks up at the other sound of interest: Terra Trunk's voice. He smiles at the bioroid, who he quite likes--despite the hellish laxative carrots he had met at Terra's hands ... or branches. "Hi, Terra." The young man grins sheepishly. "Any idea what that horrible, horrible odor is?"
[OOC] Retro Packrat returns to OOCness.
Retro Packrat has left.
The Preacher slows to a gradual stop, having quickly lost the interest for evangelism. More people on the scene. And it's not that he doesn't enjoy the role -- he does. He'd just rather not go on yelling.
So the Preacher, growing silent, merely nods to Gabriel. Mm. New targets! "I must go, then, and preach the Word," says Feste in a tone meant to be heard only by Gabriel. It's that same amused voice, the one that implies that this Preacher is not who he professes to be.
"Yes, my son, the Light! Do you not see it, as you emerge from the depths of your darkness?" demands the Preacher of Ernie, pointing a finger at the alleyway.
Feste glances briefly at the guy hopping benches over yonder. He can be next.
The syncopated rhythm of tap-rattle-thump-tap-tap continues unabated from the direction of that black-clad figure. It's slow going, but he's traversing the plaza all the same, calm and poised. He only seems to lose his balance once, a nascent waver as he lands a little off balance. Unfolding a hand from behind his back, he puts out an arm -- steadying himself, and glancing up from his feet to look in the direction of the Preacher and his unwitting victims. The eyes beneath the shadow of the hat shift briefly to red, transilluminated for a short second. And then the figure looks back down again, resuming his slow progress around the edge of the plaza.
Terra Trunk is more likely to be an unwitting victim than an unwilling one. The reeds twitch feverishly as he walks, and his experession is one of puzzlement. "No, I've got no idea where it's from- in fact, I'm trying to analyse its composition myself. You never know when it might come in handy, eh?"
That's a worrying thought if ever there was one. He looks around, and offers a curt nod to go with a "Good afternoon, Ernest," but adds to Gabriel "Haven't seen you around. I'm Terra Trunk, nice to meet you."
Ernest Fairbanks initially nods to Terra. "Oh, that makes sense. Could be a decent, um, chemical weapon?"
He then stares blankly at the evangelical preacher. He gulps and his mind cycles to what he normally does when confronted with a situation such as this. College and high school had been proving grounds for this strategy, and it had proved most effective. It would surely win.
Act cute and stupid.
"Sure, I see a light," Ernie says. He smiles innocently, and points to a number of the large lights above the plaza, though they aren't on at the moment. "There's one, and there's another!"
Ebony Fox has arrived.
[OOC] Ebony Fox returns from OOCness.
Oh boy. Someone was bound to play dumb eventually. Little do they know that they are encroaching on Feste's territory. Hiss!
The Preacher smiles at Ernie, his latest target. So that's the way they're going to play it, hmm? Alrighty.
"How very astute of you, my son. But can you see the light of HEAVEN?" The Preacher leeeans forward, using all of his six and a half feet to *loom* over Ernie. Scary.
Secret Bench Hopping Abernathy earns another glance. Interesting.
Gabriel says, politely, "Good luck and, ah, Godspeed, sir.", and with that she turns, watching the figure, tapping and rattling. She does not derobe herself, though some could probably recognize her in this 'diguise' as Gabriel, at least. She blinks once before turning her gaze to Terra Trunk, peering lightly, landing once more onto the infinitesimal spot, as she raises her arms slightly...before placing them lightly over her rose, "Is it nice to see me...I wonder...Have you come to me for salvation?"
Kuff has connected.
It's zen, that quiet hopping between benches. And, like many zen things, goes utterly unexplained, even as the figure hops to the last bench between him and Feste, and -- stops. He shifts his feet slightly, to best maintain his balance, and looks up again. Half his face is cast in shadow, producing something of a spectral effect -- as he merely watches the Preacher, expression completely closed. Hello, and what are you doing on my territory?
Kuff deactivates his stealth mode.
Kuff activates his stealth mode.
"Well, maybe not a weapon, but I'm sure it'd be a riot at parties," argues Terra to Ernest. It certainly seems to be taking a while for him to absorb and decode this deathy smell, though, so he remains mostly stationary. Whatever Gabriel is talking about earns her a queer look, and he replies "You personally? Well, no, I was just out and about. Smelled this and came to investigate. I was heading to the Teleportation Station, as a matter of fact. Off to San An."
"Definitely a riot at parties," Ernie says with a weird look on his face, speaking quietly to the bioroid while mostly facing the preacher. He gulps and reverts his attention to the preacher in full once again. The dumb act is not working as well as he would like it to.
"Oh, that sort of light," Ernie says with a sheepish grin. "My rabbi tells me a little bit about it, actually. Oi vey."
The Preacher once again acknowledges Gabriel's sentiments with a nod, before returning his attention to Abernathy and Ernest.
Abernathy first. The Preacher turns, nodding at this rather odd new person. "Greetings, my son, in the name of the Lord! Peace be with you!" Blah blah, that's that, back to Ernie, now. The other guy can wait for now.
"Well, my son, you should definitely listen to your rabbi, then. Don't you know what today is?"
And again with that smile.
Kuff has disconnected.
Gabriel says, "You deserve a distinction.", softly, "Absentminded Professor.", she smiles. beneath her shroud, stepping back slightly, even as she reaches into her robes with one limb, and tugs free a familiar (to at least one fellow here) stopwatch. She looks at it for a few moments before turning slightly, raising it with one outstretched limb so that it is facing the bench-hopper, and clicks it open so he can see the time.
A soft music box melody filters into the plaza from the device, the time however stuck on one precise hour, minute, second. She leaves it outstretched, as if she could do this all day without tiring. With her eyes, however, she watches the Preacher.
Ebony Fox has left.
Abernathy returns the nod with gravity, not smiling, despite the Preacher's infectious antic nature. "Good evening to you as well," he drawls, tones as smooth as ever. Perhaps he'd say more; but Gabriel distracts him, and he angles his head toward her, that sound catching his attention. Recognition lights a moment in his eyes, and he pivots easily on the bench to step down to the seat, then the ground. Rattle, rattle. Treading over to Gabriel, he doffs his hat, and offers her -- of all things -- a graceful half-bow.
Straightening, he tucks the hat under his arm and meets her gaze, soberly. "Lady?" he inquires, and his tone is grave. Even graver on his next words. "May I kiss you?"
Ebony Fox has arrived.
[OOC] Ebony Fox returns from OOCness.
Ebony Fox enters the United Nations Building.
Ebony Fox has left.
"Aw, shucks," mutters Terra Trunk, in quite a bright mood. Considering what he'd be going to San An to do, he could use the cheer, especially since he won't be curing the White Rust in themain with the cure he spent a straight week making, frustratingly enough. His macrophage is better than lye any day. Harrumph. The tableau playing out before him is certainly starting to get interesting, though, so the Trunk hops up on one of the benches and watches with a degree of amusement.
Ernest Fairbanks nods his head. Of course he knows what day it is, and it's no longer necessary to hide it. Granted, the day has no significance for him. Today is simply two days after Passover. "It's Good Friday, in the Christian calendar," Ernie answers with a shrug. "Two days after Passover."
<Global News Network> The ABCDHDTV signal suddenly shifts, and the tune for a (wait for it...) special announcement appears! Right in the middle of your favorite show, too. Don't you just hate that? An odd looking reploid appears on the screen, obviously the newsman. "This is Anchor Aardvark here with a special announcement." He squints at a reader board that's obviously behind the camera for an instant before continuing. "It seems as if Khan Industrie, victim of a Robot Master attack last week, has been hit by tragedy again. The authorities are responding to a four alarm fire, and there are reports that a different alarm went off beforehand." The scene shifts to a shot of the Khan complex, oviously in a state of disarray as employees run madly out of the bulding, covered with white fire retardant foam. There doesn't seem to be a visible fire, though. "We'll keep you posted as more reports come in."
"That's RIGHT," booms the Preacher. "PASSOVER! Ponder this, young man -- the lamb that marks your doorway and spares you from Death -- is he not the same Lamb sacrificed for you on this day?" Not quite the 'convert, heathen!' speech Ernie may have been expecting, but...hey.
Then this wonderfully interesting lady does something, well, interesting again. The Preacher simply leaves Ernie without another word, turning back around to watch this...spectacle. He cocks his head, adopting a quizzical expression at this... music-box? And then the equally strange and yet decidedly *familiar* actions of the bench-hopper. Hmm.
Gabriel smiles to herself, slowing shutting the pocketwatch after it has served its purpose, the music abruptly ending as quickly as it began. Nobody else would recognize the sound, and as such she returns it into the confines of her robe once more. She turns around as she hears him approach, since it's hard to be stealthy with rattle rattling. Yet still, one can be stealthy in intention even if the steps are as loud as a giants, and as he bows, Gabriel seems to be curious, returning a half-curtsey, almost as if trying to match respect (though she is graceful in her movements, a refined, practiced, yet relaxed decorum.). Her robes hang amongst her like a second skin as she raises, placing her hands lightly on the rose. And oddly enough, if she's surprised, she carries it in her mind for her body still remains as relaxed as ever. She says, gravely, "If you wish to.", she hesitates, "But as I warned, it was not for the organizations that I have done this, Lord."
<Global News Network> The tone for the special announcements drones again, and Announcer Aardvark appears on the screen once more, still squinting behind the camera. "This just in folks, we have it on reliable sources that at least one Robot Master has yet again infiltrated the compound. We don't know which one yet, but odds are, he's not up to any good. More as it comes in."
<Global News Network> OOC It's in Flordia. Sorry :D
"It is not for the sake of the organization I offer you honor," Abernathy replies, tone just as grave. "It's for my own." And so, having been granted the permission he requested, he drops to one knee to be on a level with her; and, resting his hands on her shoulders, leans in to give her a very chaste kiss on the cheek. A sign of honor, and no more, exactly as he's said.
After a second, he breaks off the contact, leaning back to gaze into her eyes a moment longer -- and offer her a slow, slight nod. "Thank you." That curious gravity of tone remains, giving the words especial emphasis.
Ernest Fairbanks blinks as the preacher leaves him with just the vague suggestion about a certain prophet dying for his sins. He shrugs it off. If the preacher is content to leave him alone, then he certainly will not complain. He looks over at Terra and shrugs helplessly. "Well, that was a rather disconcerting smell, huh?"
"Woooo!" squeaks Terra Trunk quietly, the reeds whipping back inside his trunk. Chemical analysis- complete. He's going to make the mother of all stinkbombs with this one, oh yes. And now that's done... well, unless someone like Feste flips out and does something silly. He makes a movement to get up, but does so a little more slowly as he's addressed again by Ernest.
"Certainly was, but I'm sure I'll be able to find a good use for it. Not a particularly pleasant one, granted, but a useful one I'm sure."
Feste does not usually flip out. He is prone to silly things, because that's his job, but he does not usually flip out.
[OOC] Abernathy says, "It's the purpose of the NINJA to flip out. Feste is a Fool. There's a difference. But they're both mammals."
[OOC] Abernathy says, "... Today is the end of Lent, right?"
[OOC] Feste says, "Two more days, Abby. :>"
[OOC] Feste says, "I think."
[OOC] Abernathy says, "..."
[OOC] Abernathy says, "Well, darn."
[OOC] Feste says, "Dare I ask?"
[OOC] Abernathy coughs.
[OOC] Feste says, ">_> <_< >_>"
From afar, Abernathy (Lilo)'s IC Lenten promise: 'I will not look at another man as attractive.'
[OOC] Abernathy leans over and whispers.
Long distance to Abernathy: Feste XD
From afar, Abernathy (Lilo), NOT HAVING AN EASY TIME OF IT, as you can see. X)
From afar, Abernathy (Lilo) : "Two more days of not being gay. So far, so good." <Feste walks past.> >_> " ... Damn."
Gabriel is given a chaste, honorable kiss, her eyes staring ahead, and then looking into Abernathy's as he moves away. "And I thought intelligent gallantry was dead.", she too keeps her words on a low level as she says, "You surprise me each conversation.", slowly. Which may not seem too odd, they only met twice, yes? She takes a few moments, as if searching for some kind of damnable discrepency there that will doom this fellow. He's in easy killing range, he was even likely off guard a few moments prior, and she -still- cannot merely let it free, burn him, destroy his brain in a few moments. She might even be able to escape before being caught.
And so she reaches a hand to her collar, eyes impassive as she continues studying Abernathy as she considers the conundrum.
Eventually, she lowers her hand, closing her eyes as she reaches into the confines of her robe once more, "I suppose I should inquire if there is anything else you would like me to do for your sake, then."
Feste watches this display with intense curiousity. My God. People like HIM! SCORE!
The Fool who would be a priest puts his Bible under his arm and quietly approaches Gabriel and Abernathy, stopping a polite, respectful distance away.
"I hate to interrupt, madonna," says the Fool in voz baja, "but intelligent gallantry is, like chivalry, only reasonably dead." He smiles. It is time to put away the facade and start playing his true part.
"Just try not to stink the whole Plaza up," Ernie says with an uneasy grin. He could combine the stench with the hellcarrots, but that somehow strikes Ernie as far too much--and far, far too deadly.
Terra Trunk would never dream of doing such a thing! Make some long-ranged lobbing bombs, perhaps. Or some sort of raffelesia. Whatever it is, it's bound to be nasty.
"I'll work on it when I get back from this treatment work," replies Terra, starting to walk away. "I'm off to San Angeles to give people White Rust treatment. I'll see you all around!"
If Abernathy recognizes the potential threat against his health and person that Gabriel presents, none of that recognition shows in his eyes. Instead, he maintains that level gaze, only giving her the slightest smirk. "Gallantry? Oh, no. Nothing like that." The Director never lies -- to others. That cuts out lying to himself rather neatly. "And we've met -- what, twice? I still surprise those who think they know me." This, his expression seems to add, is only really the beginning.
He uncurls from his crouch, giving her another polite nod -- and turning back, to face the man who just addressed Gabriel. He blinks, taking in the other's appearance appraisingly, and his smirk disappears. "One would ask if either really existed in its true form, to be dead now," he comments, politely enough.
Oh no, if Abernathy had 'SCORED' then Gabriel would probably have released her collar, and enjoyed the sensation of sending direct electricity and fire into his body, disrupting his neural system, possibly killing him rather cleanly due to his cybernetic being. Unfortunately, as it stands, Gabriel has not even that as a reason to prematurely end his life. She had left a small crack open to see if Abernathy was on to her, so to speak, yet if he did, he wisely showed no clue in that regard. No reason to finally get that sweet revenge, -someone- high up to destroy, yet... He was the fellow who assisted in the destruction of this, she's not sure what kind of failing or wisdom he had that stopped him and earned him his position, but...
She nods to Abernathy briefly, not pursuing her offer or questions as she looks to the Fool, "The image of it is what I was considering.", she seems to notice the difference, but does not comment on -that- for a few moments, as she considers, but decides to risk it anyway, "Switching masks?", she offers.
"The image, or the truth," offers the Fool, smiling wolfishly. "You cannot kill the truth. That is why it is truth, after all." The Bible is tucked into a pocket inside Feste's coat.
"Why yes," answers the Fool in response to Gabriel. "I am. I have achieved my goals, if only temporarily." He looks askance at Abernathy. "And so the truth must prevail, no?"
Feste removes the wide-brimmed Preacher-hat from his head in one sweeping motion. "Allow me to introduce myself -- I absolutely *must* have the pleasure of both your acquaintances."
"I am the Fool, but Feste will do for now." His smile widens.
"As ever," the Director murmurs in response, intent upon this most unusual of strangers. "Though people have been making inroads on it, in the name of subjective 'fact' and relativity." His eyes narrow behind his sunglasses, and he gives the slightest disparaging shake of his head. Perish the thought.
Feste's introduction prompts a slight smile on the Director's face, and he returns the sweeping acknowledgment with a nod of his head. "Well met, then, Feste. I am Abernathy, and this is -- " He gestures elegantly to Gabriel. " -- Well. She's not free with her name." At least, he didn't catch it when he met her in the flower shop that one time, but she was rather intent on spooking the Robot Masters.
Terra Trunk has disconnected.
Gabriel says, "Truth is the sword, Lies are the shield, you can parry with both, but the latter makes for better cover.", she too, smiles, at Feste's introduction. What can she say, she acknowledges his Word is his? "I am not free with my name, but I can loosen it's chains a little for you both. I am Gabriel.", There is, oddly enough, respect for both present, so far, in her voice. Her smile is gone quickly, however. She looks to Abernathy, "It was our first meeting, you understand. For, ah, Feste, well, I have high expectations..." She doesn't know much of the latter, but if he's so intent on wrapping himself around his title, then he is quite good at it, and thusly is, if nothing else, predictable to act as the title demands, even if it allows him to take another onto him.
The Fool grins at Gabriel. "Indeed it does, no? Lies are a shield and a sheltering fog."
He nods at Abernathy, still smiling. Combined with the glittering red optics, he can be downright eerie sometimes.
"Well met indeed, sir," he says, shifting onto his toes and then back, idly. "And you too, madonna. Gabriel... mm. A wonderful name... what does it mean again? I'd forgotten." He idly looks toward Abernathy, perhaps expecting the answer from him. But oh...high expectations, eh? Lovely. The Fool's eyes glitter; he'll have to see both of them again sometime soon. Yeees.
Domino has connected.
"Man of God," Abernathy obliges Feste, not breaking gaze with the Fool. Pink gaze to red; how -- perfectly interesting. To Gabriel, he adds: "Lies may be a shield and a shelter, but they're but a last resort, and a very poor one, with a frail foundation. Burn away the fog, shatter the arm behind the shield, and where else will you run?" The smile he gives them both is positively seraphic -- in more than one sense of the word.
Ernest Fairbanks has gone to watching the transpirings with the Director General and his two cohorts. He leans back against a wall, wearing his sweat-covered undershirt with grease stains from working on the Defiant most of his shift, and seems a bit interested, if a little depressed. Time alone means time to think about the lab the day before yesterday. He bows his head and sighs.
Must not think about that, he quickly concludes. He looks up, and is content to watch.
Gabriel nods to Feste, and even to Abernathy as she wraps her arms around herself, "Yes, it is preferable to go on the attack, and lies are even less of an offense than truth is a defense.", especially if you have two truths, then you can go all tai chi on people and become an undefeatable killing machine with a simple 7 step technique.
Gabriel lets the question be answered by Abernathy, but does consider the thought of running. She ruffles her robes in a shrug and says, "There is nowhere to run. Eventually one would merely be consumed by vengeance flames or swords of justice, whichever came first.", she raises her head, turning to look to Ernest. She smiles, but it is hidden of course, but she does almost seem glad to see the fellow...but then she returns her attention to the other two.
Feste turns his attention back to Abernathy long enough to notice that the man is staring at him. Eh, well. It happens. No big deal. "Ah, yes. Figured as much."
He is content to watch, noting the shift of Abby's eyes, marking that down for later. "Wise words, sir, to the ears of a man who knows no wisdom."
A simple nod of his head. "I've enjoyed such an exchange of wisdom, lord and lady, but I'm afraid I must retreat. Even a fool, even one gilded by another's wisdom, must go to his rest." Feste steps back, bowing to the both of them.
"God give you both peace, and a good evening," he finishes in the Preacher's bass voice, replacing the wide-brimmed hat on his head and the Bible under his arm.
Yes, well. It did happen, and the Director is quite close to breaking his Lenten promise, and this close to the end of Lent, at that. He offers the retreating Feste a simple analyst's salute, smirking dispassionately at the compliments, or words that might pass for them. "And a good evening to you as well. Don't die on your way home." Aw, look, he likes Feste enough to bid the Fool his usual farewell.
Except that that voice-shifting trick would make keeping track of him exceptionally interesting. Pity, that.
Cyclops arrives from the Seoul - Tourist District.
Cyclops has arrived.
Domino
"Yeah. I see you, baby.."
Domino. Known to his friends as... Domino. Yeah. He's not exactly the most sociable person in the world, but what does one expect? This particular 'Agent' is a rather tall guy, nearing six foot five, his features pointing to a heritage bound in Pacifica or in the caribbean. Dark brown skin, smooth and mostly hairless from heritage, pulls tight across a body designed for effeciency. Not the bulk of a weight lifter, but without the pot belly of your usual couch potatoe. Something akin to a runner, perhaps, his face lacking the strong definition of a person of african heritage - instead just a little rounder. A little more blank, which makes reading this taciturn all the more difficult. Deep brown hair usually kept in several dreadlocks, the length of which leaves them to fall just past his jawline. The hint of a personality, at least.
He is a cyborg, at least. This much is clear. His left arm is quite metallic in nature, with no pretense of synthskin to keep it from prying eyes. What that metal arm leads too, however, is generally kept neatly hidden underneath Domino's garb. Even part of his face seems cybernetic, a band of metal that replaces a strip of flesh from his left eye to his left ear. Both of which have been replaced themselves, though the left eye seems to be just a little more complex than standard cybernetic replacements call for. Wonder what thats all about? His clothing is simplish, earth tone dress pants and an untucked shirt, overshadowed by a long duster. For the pocket space, of course. And he is almost never found without his favorite visor shades, designed so that when he's wearing them - one would have to look hard to spot the cybernetic band in his face.
Gabriel half-curtseys, once more, though this time to Feste. "Yes, that would be a shame.", she comments. "Good evening.", she watches him leave. She wonders if she'd be able to garner assistance from him. Unknown, but it would be good to see him again. Ahh, but why must this world keep offering reasons to remain after she chose to depart? Well, the AI turns and looks to Abernathy.
Cyclops enters the United Nations Building.
Cyclops has left.
Oops. If only Feste knew the depth of what he's getting into.
"I will not, through the grace of God," says Father Feste, grinning as he exits stage left.
Cyclops arrives from the Seoul - Tourist District.
Cyclops has arrived.