tushanshu | Entries tagged with † donatello (2003)

(A length of cloth is resting on Alayne's knees and she is busy stitching. The sound of thread being pulled through, tightened and then piercing the cloth again can be heard by the keen of hearing.)

Dresses of a Southern make are far more difficult for me to stitch. (Her pink lips purse and she bites off a thread with her teeth.) I fear, should the weather warm, I will be incredibly uncomfortable in wool. Yet silken fabrics are notoriously difficult to piece together. They leave no room for mistakes - even slight ones.

(Sucking on one of her fingers, her brow furrows. It isn't common for her to stab her fingers. Septa Mordane would know something is amiss with her. Yet her dear Septa is long dead.)

I heard some strange noises on the street. I'm certain someone grabbed my skirt, but I didn't stay long enough to look.

(Therein lies the problem.)

Could they follow me to my room?

i_speak_softly

[Today, anyone who cares to turn on their radio will find the following transmission being broadcast on several frequencies. At the end of the sequence there is a few seconds' pause, followed by the same sequence again. This seems to go on all day.]

002003005 007 011013017019 023 029031037041043 047053059061067071073079083
089097 101103107109113127 131137139149151 157163167

looksfine

[For a time, Aya debating sending this particular transmission through radio. In the interests of total transparency, however, she decided she simply did not care if the locals were to catch sight of her broadcast.]

[After all, from her perspective, she was doing nothing wrong.]

It has been brought to my attention recently that there are many residing in the city of Keelai who possess an inadequate knowledge of technology. [The statement was meant to be factual, not insulting.] As such, I would be willing to offer my knowledge and expertise to any and all who wish to learn.

Currently, I am employed at Stark Industries as an instructor. However, it does not make sense to me that the local populace should receive instruction that those of us designated as Foreigners do not. And although I am currently prohibited in bringing Foreigners into my classrooms at that location, there are various other resources I could utilize.

[A Pause, to allow this bit of information to sink in. Followed by a second request:]

In addition, I am currently seeking any carbon-based life form who would be willing to aid me in an experiment. It is both non-painful and non-invasive, I can assure you, and would require little more than a series of full-body scans, and perhaps some verbal inquiry regarding the precise biometric specifics of your unique species'

[She says, with her usual serene tone, as if it were truly nothing major.]

For those who wish to contact me about these opportunities, my name is Aya.

Thank You.

i_speak_softly

[The feed flickers on - or maybe it's not the feed that's flickering. The room is dark, black, everything burned and sooty-looking. Small fires are eating away at what's left.]

[In the midst of it, one terrified Turtle.]

Please help me...

gearshifting

[Gear isn't trying to hide who he is right now--that he's Gear, anyway--but he's also not that concerned with going video, so he doesn't. He's at one of the cafes to make this post, as he always does, sitting in a back corner while he also tests some programming in the console next to him.] Who is in charge around here?

Not the head keedan honcho, we all know who he is. Or you should by now. But who is in charge of the Foreigners around here? We don't really have any kind of democracy or cohesive polling system for major things going down except the network and it's quiet most of the time.

Who keeps track of everything? How do we know who's trustworthy and who we're supposed to be watching out for? Is there a common denominator around here that we can all go to? Someone who knows who is pooling resources where?

People are really good at working together around here when something bad or sketchy is on the rise, but I keep wondering if we should be doing more prevention, less clean-up. I know it's not easy to stick any one person in charge since we could disappear at any time, but maybe we need to have some central plan-keeper or provider in place? Someone or something to keep us all on the same foot that isn't just going back and review weeks or months of console records, if you know what I mean. That works, but it's so inefficient. [He's started rambling he knows and cuts himself off from adding anything else that isn't really explaining or adding to the conversation.]

Any ideas?

michaeljangelo

[Turtle Family Encryption.
Mike hasn't messed with it, so if Don or Leo or Raph trusted you enough to consider you part of the family, then you're seeing this.

What this is, is Mike looking spread way too thin around the edges. Like someone who's maybe had one too many sleepless nights, and quite possibly spent a little too much time away from his own lantern.]

I think Raph's gone. Like...gone gone.
I've checked everywhere, and he hasn't been here.

You guys haven't seen him, have you?

...are you there?

iguanasolution

[Frank looks slightly less awkward than he always does when making a post to the network.]

So, it's really hot. [But only slightly.]

I mean, we've all noticed yeah. But it's kid of- it's getting to the little turtles? And this is something I'd already talked about with some people before but: what if we had some sort of big building thing for all of them? Something with AC, and maybe some sort of heat while we're at it once winter comes again. I don't know, I'm not sure what they would need long term.

But something like that would have to be built, and we'd obviously need a lot of people working together for that. So I thought I'd check if there's interest first.

Also if you don't like using the network I'm heading to the hospital after this so we can talk more there.

[ooc: Open to action and network both]

i_speak_softly

[Don sits at his console, opens a Video channel, and prepares to speak. Before he can get a single word out, Mike leans in front of him.]

We interrupt this program to bring you the following special announcement.

[Don sighs and pushes Mike out of the frame to say his piece.]

Caretakers of hatchlings, please listen!

This mean you, chuckles. Pipe down.

[Yes, Mike, thank you. Continuing now.]

It's awfully hot out there, and while you may have heard that reptiles love heat, too much of it is dangerous for them.

Please don't cook your turtle.

The hatchlings, like all reptiles, are ectotherms. This means that they regulate their body temperatures by exchanging heat with the environment around them. In other words, they take on the external temperature.

They're cold-blooded.

Yes, Mike, that's what I said. Could you please stop interrupting me? Ahem...

While reptiles are adapted to tolerate a wider range of internal temperatures than mammals, they can still suffer from both heat stroke and hypothermia when conditions are too extreme.

We repeat: please do not cook your turtle.

[Fine. From here on out, Don is just ignoring the interjections.]

Like now. Please don't let your hatchlings stay outside too long in this weather, no matter what they say to you. They will overheat and get sick. But, bring them inside carefully.

And not just because they're likely several times your size, though there's that too.

Remind them that safe equalization is very important. Going directly from an extreme temperature to a comfortable one may sound like a good idea, but it causes another condition called thermic shock. That can lead to unconsciousness or even death.

We know about this because we're turtles, and we've been turtles longer than they've been turtles, and so clearly we know better than they do. That's just Science.

[A pause, what else does he need to say.]

Oh, and remember that turtles drink a lot, even when it isn't this warm. Be sure to provide plenty of clean water!

Because good hydration is key.

Never put your hatchling in an ice bath. Ever.

That's just cold, man.

I don't really trust these "coldstones" either.

...

I'm done, Mike. You can talk now.

[The screen is again filled by Mike's gleeful face.]

We now return you to your program, already in progress.

[End transmission.]

notaheroascientist

[the screen turns on to reveal Carlos in his ever-present lab coat, pushing his glasses up his nose as he nervously grins at the screen]

I believe this is the point where introductions are in order, so...my name is Carlos and I am a scientist. I am not of this world, but from what I have been told neither are any of you. I'll need to run some surveys on that later - scientifically speaking, other worlds are very exciting. I mean, I'm here in a world where an entire city can be built on the back of a giant turtle the size of - well I don't know what size yet, I'll need to run some tests, or maybe just find an accurate map - but it's got to be at least the size of Rhode Island! There are just so many rules of physics that this thing must be breaking! Like, how does a turtle that large even float? And that's just in this world, I can't even begin to hypothesise about what else might be...

[Carlos coughs, suddenly remembering that this is actually the time for introductions, and figuring out what on earth (or in this case, what on turtle) he is meant to be doing next, and not time for Science]

Um. Yes. But I can figure that all out later, I'll need time to organise a proper survey questionnaire anyway. In the meantime - this is me, hello [Carlos waves quickly], and I would really appreciate it if someone could tell me where to get food, groceries, that sort of thing. Also is all of this [Carlos waves around him to indicate the place he's been set up in] something paid for, or am I going to need to pay this all back? I meant to ask, but I kind of got distracted with all of my questions about the turtle.

Also I...I realise this is a long shot, but the last otherworldly universe I got stuck in had this fantastic wifi, and I didn't have to worry about my phone's battery dying either. Which meant being stuck in a desert that was not of this world wasn't so bad, because I could still ring home. That...that's not going to be possible here, is it? I mean, obviously if time is not passing in my world then there is no time in which anyone will be able to answer the phone, but I...I just thought I'd check. Just in case.

oneofthegoodguys

[The video pops on to show Mike at the computer with a fairly impressive set-up off to the side, featuring multiple systems. River is tinkering with a circuit board behind him, hair and a second screwdriver tucked behind one ear with an intent look. When Mike starts to speak, she looks up from her work and listens as he addresses the network.]

Mike Weston. I’ve been working with River, Aya, and Rex to locate the source of the virus that Codename Lucifer exposed our network to some months ago. The bad news is it’s a self-replicating, mutating virus, which means it’s difficult to locate and even harder to neutralize. The good news is, we’re pretty sure we’ve found the origin and can use a program we’ve developed to start removing its influence.

This version of the code has a timed failsafe built into it - a kind of self destruct. The program will run for one week and then expire on its own, preventing it from being used anywhere else or by anyone else. Just us. The whole of the foreigner population, I mean. If it works, then we have what should be a permanent fix ready to install.

We need you. If you can read this, that includes you. In order for this to work, we need to install the program on as many systems as possible as fast as we can and then let the code do the rest. If it works, our network’s security and encryptions should be in working condition again. If you notice anything glitching or failure to encrypt, errors, anything.. we need to know about it right away.

If you have questions, ask.

[ooc: River may reply to any/all comments unless specified to Mike. Mike will reply to all unless specified to River.]

gearshifting

[It’s a strategic choice to go on the network first as Gear. He was already in his uniform when he was brought here so it was easier to leave it that way. Lucky for him that they have internet cafes in other dimensions, too.]

Can’t say that ending up on the back of a turtle was something I’d ever thought I’d put on my “Weirdest Places I’ve Been” list. Maybe I need to stop having expectations by now. Bet this stuff happens to Big Leaguers all the time. [He gives a crooked smile and a shrug.]

So the name’s Gear and I know we’ve got Baddie McEvilbutt out there we’re supposed to be getting rid of to save magical turtles everywhere. Since getting back home isn’t in the cards yet, count me ready and available for helping out when needed. I’m no Superman, so don’t ask me to stand in front of any trains, but they don’t call me Gear for nothing. Give me a bit and I’ll be figuring out how to play mp3s on these things in no time.

looksfine

[There were two things unusual about Aya's Network Post today. The first was that her eyes glowed. A bright, iridescent green. Not so brightly that she could have been in the presence of a Blue Lantern, but certainly enough to indicate she was accessing the very core of her Energy.]

I will do my best to keep this transmission as ░▒░▒░░▒ as is within the range of my capabilities at this time.

[The second was that, even as she spoke...eyes still glowing...the distinct clicking sound of keys could be heard. Were one to pay close enough attention, the lower portions of her arms could be seen twitching. She was simultaneously coding and rerouting and altering the transmission.]

As the current head of the Wayne Enterprise Science Department, as well as ░▒░░▒ of Stark ░▒░░▒░▒░░▒ and member of the Green Lantern Corps, it is my responsibility to ░▒░░▒░▒░░▒ the resources which are currently available to me.

I have been working for approximately 32.7 hours consecutively, studying the ░▒░░▒░▒ that is effecting the consoles, and how I may circumvent these external controls. The highly complex meth--░▒░░▒░ ▒░░▒ are somewhat admirable, though I am ░▒░░▒░▒░░▒ to admit as much, given the most likely source. However, combined with the efforts of ░▒░░▒░ ▒░░▒░ ▒ ░░▒░▒░ ░▒░▒░░▒--

[A frown, and the transmission momentarily cuts out.]

[Then back in again.]

...that is better.

As I was saying, I am seeking those in Keelai with an expert knowledge in advanced programming and engineering who may aid me in my quest to fix this. Access will be granted to any and all resources I am currently within my ability to provide you.

You may contact me at this location. Be forewarned that no information exchanged will be deemed Classified.

Thank you.

{{GREEN LANTERN RING TRANSMISSION, with backdoor for BLUE LANTERN RING as well}}

I do not believe your rings have been compromised.

However, I cannot be certain at this time, as I do not possess one of my own to analyze.

i_speak_softly

( Arrival )

[After a few days of this migratory living, Don concludes that:

A. His current situation has nothing to do with the wooden soldiers.
B. No one here is much interested in fighting with him at all.
C. But he can't go home, and he's expected to help with some kind of war.

Armed with this knowledge, he finally goes to check out his assigned suite in ME-3B. His intention is to use the console to find out if his brothers are somewhere in this city, but a cursory inspection of the premises soon turns into taking half the gadgets apart to see how they work. Completely disassembling and rebuilding the console doesn't solve the bizarre screen display issues, but after some more failed troubleshooting, Don tries to use the network anyway.]

Ah… hi, everyone. My name is Donatello. I arrived here a few days ago, and I'm hoping I'm not the only Turtle around.

Aside from the one under us, I mean. Are there others living in the city? I'd really appreciate any information…

[He trails off, then adds:] Guys, they told me everyone has one of these consoles. Please don't be that technologically hopeless.

oneofthegoodguys

This is Mike Weston.% [h¥=Q3«¸ċÕ:+5e*ÜřG!†¶^^íÅ¢ ^§®ç1ºoles' power has been restored. As far as I can tell though, all securities are being automatically decrypted by Ě*ħ̋ôJ ˟†*2Ãç4!_³͞Hæ$aven't been able to pinpoint. That means nothing you say over the network is secure. As mᵩ∑(çK7˟ :4Ě Å€Üq Đ(«5q§€^\2: €e¶!¸¤ need to revert to old school methods of writing things down and talking face-to-face where "×fĆ|¡5«[vÿæ͞L §ħ]}Œǒ?*eg4C/æÅ%?-º ¶âQ¥_gf^,j[/3[Vfh*Ü ,jy×¤*|7k€Ü2\dVù/Ɵ3â I'm in the Earth Sector, in apartment 2A. If you have any technological abilities ˭t6ↄ4⁺rĆA|_t9∩«0d§if you have any powers that can help with delivering and receiving messages, please come find me. I won't force anyone. I don't want anyone telling me what anyone else can do. You volunteer or you don't - it's your choice. Ë/?Q1h¡+2€ ¥eAt@§h×,æÿf!¤5¶Ghá]øfm2º ÅjÿHf{6y«_¥ f1fg3H\6º Ühâ6^dg *ù8_hV,9%f|€7 *h3-¡jlk4Byÿks. /addendum: Things are coming out garbledọ-2s∩h‡⁷kIyá¡ÜvF7^§4t×4£k°2Eigj+ÿ/// [ooc: By request, see comments for how to make your own garbled text.]

ironwood

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Tu Shanshu

[Console] (Video) ❅ The Second

005 ~ Radio

[CONSOLE}: VIDEO

003 ~ Video

[Anonymous | Audio | Open]

Video 003 - The one with the bad news.

video;

002 ~ Video

[Video]

00003 VIDEO: hackers

001 ☣ [Video] ☣ Anonymous Location

➢ 005 | VIDEO

001 ~ Audio

00002 TEXT: the quiet

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