tushanshu | Entries tagged with † temeraire

[Another day, another morning of having to ration her tea and breakfast. Of residual smoke lingering in the air from the explosions that had gone off down the street. Of the near radio silence and informational uncertainty that came with it. Of having to stare at the ugly remodeled palace and remember that, whatever was inside it, it had been enough to scare certain people into staying as far away as possible.]

[There was something particularly special about this day, however...or, at least, there was supposed to be.]

[The good news was that Zatanna seemed to be feeling a lot better. You'd never know from her expression, though, as she stared dully into the camera for a fleeting moment, before calmly holding up a sign (in English):]

WORST
"SWEET" SIXTEEN
EVER

[It was the most trivial of teen trivial things, but she didn't care. Malicant wanted to listen in on everybody's conversations? Find out what they were talking about? Fine. She would rant and rave all she wanted, and he would have no choice but to listen.]

[Because #F*@kYouMalicant]

dracobin

[The feed is grainy and staticky, but Temeraire has the advantage, if nothing else, of being easily recognisable. A dedicated viewer might make out the forms of various injured kedan in the background, but only just.

Less easy to make out are the words emitting from the feed, but he tries his best anyway: his claws are too large to hold a pen, and typing is not much better.]

▓▓ should like to ▓▓vestigate the status of ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓peror's palace; ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ word from Evandau, ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ attack ▓▓▓▓▓ cannot have been a coincid▓▓▓▓. If you ▓▓▓▓▓▓ part of the Aerial Corps, ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓edge of Fire Sector; ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ FI-3B or approach from the air.

[He frowns, then, and carefully repeats the message again, in the hopes that more of it will become clear the second time around, before cutting the feed.]

[ooc: corresponding log here!]

skeletonenigma

[To be honest, he would have preferred text, but this is a perfect opportunity to test out the console. The keyboard is self-explanatory. The video function isn't. One of the kedan had offered to show Skulduggery how it worked, but he’d politely declined. He didn’t particularly feel like being saddled with a guide for the entirety of his time here.]

Ah, there we go. Excellent.

[This does, of course, mean that he can now be seen. He was a little concerned about that when all of this was first being explained to him, but then he saw someone walking around in the city with blue skin and two heads. He’s rather less concerned now.

... He doesn't really have anything to ask, though, now that he’s thinking about it.]

Thank you. Carry on.

[Yes, that was a skull talking just then, Irish accent and moving jaw and all. Why do you ask?]

looksfine

[Those who may have noticed Aya's (physical) absence since everyone's adventures in the bottle will be relieved to see the young Artificial Intelligence alive, well, and...perhaps a bit shinier than usual.]

[She had been experimenting with a new teflon glaze coating.]

[In addition, her petite form was nearly lost in the soft knitted sweater she was wearing. Completely hand-made, of course, and identical save for the individual size specifications of those presented to each and every employee of Stark Industries. (Everyone was welcome, by the way.) Unique to her ensemble, however, was the hat adorning her head as well. Aya being...well...Aya, of course, she says nothing about either of her current fashion choices. Oh, no. She has far more interesting topics to discuss with the Network this day.]

I have been devoting a significant percentage of my research time to studying the navigational methods employed by our current living situation in an effort to possibly discern not only where precisely we are located in this world, relative both to its known land masses and possibly other worlds surrounding it, but also in hopes of developing a better system in which we, as individuals, may easier travel.

Currently, the barrier surrounding our host reptile has limited maneuverability within the parameters of the city. However, this also presents something of a interesting situation.

It is my understanding that the turtle--particularly species native to the planet Earth--is a being in possession of internal sensors that allow them to detect the two opposite ends of any given planet's magnetic fields. Obviously, these are most prevalent in distinguishing between polar North and South; however, in many cases, it can be said that the minute changes in angular degrees longitude may also allow them to determine distances traveling East to West. I believe this is how the one known as Asti is capable of navigating through this world's waters. If that is the case, then relative to this world, we are in too constant a movement to accurately develop a magnetic-based system of direction, as this would be ever changing and thus, useless. What may be Magnetic North one day could be North-North West the next.

Even when engaged in inter-planetary travels, the calculations necessary in order to safely engage a ship's Warp Drive were based on the pre-established constant of Sector Zero, and a certain planet identified as the center of the universe. From there, it was a matter of placing into the equation each known planet located in the relative path traveled, as well as their respective orbits, gravitational fields, magnetic fields, and any other recorded anomalies that could be potentially detrimental to our safety in flight. These are not figures I am currently in possession of at this time.

[A pause. While it may seem to many--or, rather, anybody who's miraculously been able to follow Aya's train of thought until now--that she has stumbled upon a mental block, Aya does not appear frustrated at all. If anything, the hypothetical conundrum is amusing to her.]

I suppose what my intentions of conveying at this time are a curiosity as to how many individuals on the Turtle are able to navigate beyond visual memory and typical "landmark" associations with familiar streets.

Perhaps, then, I may be able to develop a better way for new arrivals to accurately find their way around.

bindsthedead

[Sabriel's face appears on the screen, looking as unnaturally pale as ever- and it's clear she's been crying, and has only just stopped, she can't quite keep the wavering out of her voice.]

Has anyone seen Amon? I haven't seen him since I got back from Kithika [He's a grown man. Sabriel knows this, but his continued absence makes her uncomfortable- and she knows well enough what will happen to him once he returns to his world.] And I haven't seen Javert in a while either.

Also, if anyone still has one of those weapons they found in Sinbrilee- Try putting the blade in one of the fire fountains. I think you'll find the results interesting. [It's only fair she shares what she's learned, even if it's something relatively minor.]

Finally, if there's anyone here who has no powers of their own, but would like to learn a useful skill, I'm always willing to teach people how to use Charter Magic. Given recent events, I think everyone ought to learn something that will let them defend themselves if they need it.

[Locked to her students, standard encryption]

I want to teach all of you how to defend yourselves. I know I've taught some of you nonlethal methods- and I want you to keep practicing that- but I also want to teach you how to work with more lethal spells, and more about binding. [It's easier to remain calm when there's something to focus on, rather than thinking about the people who aren't here anymore. She never spoke to Cinna or Javert about it, but she knows Alcuin died back in his world- and Amon will die soon after he returns to his. But Sabriel knows that she needs to deal with the problems in front of her right now- teaching her students and fighting Malicant.] And I encourage you to practice what you've learned with each other. As Charter Mages, we can work more powerful magic when we cooperate and combine our abilities.

And- none of you were hurt during the incident with the fog and the bottle, were you? [Sabriel mentally adds healling magic to the list of things she wants to teach her students.]

watcheslanterns

[Rapunzel sits before her console with red rimmed eyes and pink cheeks. It is obvious from her downcast expression that something has upset her and that she only recently stopped crying. She takes a deep breath and firmly holds her head upright, addressing the camera directly.]

Alcuin nó Delaunay and Cinna are both gone. I hope that they are both home and happy, but they were very good friends and will be missed. I still plan on working in Alcuin's shop so if people are still in need of clothes, please feel free to come and see what we have or make new orders.

I never talked with many of the others working for Alcuin, so if there is anyone I'd love to speak with you now. Maybe we could work on ways to keep the shop running? I've never done something like it before, but I'll do what I can.

Thank you.

dracobin

I appear to have--damaged my harness, and also a dear possession of mine, while I was in the bottle.

[His ruff droops guiltily. Is that a note of embarrassment in his voice? Of course it is. He is nothing if not transparent.]

If there is anyone here with a talent for leatherworking, or perhaps metalworking, I should be very glad to hear it.

[private to anyone who encountered his mirrorverse self in Kithika]

I--I must beg your pardon, if I said anything to you that was very rude, or stupid, or both; you may rest assured I am in my right mind again, and the incident is unlikely to repeat itself, and I should like it very much if you forgot everything I--that is to say he--told you, and pay it no mind at all, because it is not true.

[Beat.]

And I should think it obvious that goes doubly for you, M. Pontmercy.

cherrywood

[ For those who have spoken to Milyn before, they might note a stark departure from her usual bubbly smiles and demeanor. Instead she addresses the console with a level gaze and a calm, succinct tone of voice. ]

Hello Foreigners. The source of the miasma has been identified.

In the time of the initial war with the Enemy, three vessels existed representing the three Planes of Life, Dreaming and Death. The trinity was thought lost during the final battle with no trace of them remaining... until now. It appears that one of them -- the vessel of the Death realm -- remained hidden within the Palace of the Landed Sky and has been, as you can see, opened. These vessels contain lands which exist inside those Planes.

As you have no doubt witnessed, the black fog permeating the city is only one symptom of the corruption contained within this dimension. It poisons what it touches and will continue to spread, overtaking everything if it is not stopped, blighting both body and mind. I have tested it extensively and nothing I have found so far suggests that anyone here possesses an immunity to it; you may note that even the magics and abilities you harness likewise cannot purge it.

There is no other way to stop the contamination in Keeliai other than to strike at its source: within Kithika, the land housed inside the bottle itself and encompassed by the Death Plane.

By imperial decree of the Alderwood Emperor, all Foreigners capable of combat must report to the Palace immediately. You will be sent to Kithika through the vessel, to locate and destroy the source of this affliction. Bring any weapons and tools you have to aid you. If the corruption cannot be cleansed it will infect everyone and everything in the city before spreading to Tu Vishan.

If you fail, there will be nothing left for you to return to.

beardedflannel

[ How long has it been since he last sat at a working computer? Twenty some odd years now? Joel stares down at the keyboard. It shouldn't be that hard to get working, he knows there's a power button somewhere on the damn thing.

The last thing he remembers using was his cell phone, even then his memory is hazy on the brand and size. He almost doesn't remember what it had looked like, what he'd had on it or the list of its contacts.

Dammit--focus. Gotta find her. Figure out what the hell is goin' on.

A deep breath.

The device is powered up, and it takes a solid minute for the screen to show up, his eyes roaming over the icons on the screen as if trying to remember what is what. There's got to be some way he can use this to get in touch with someone - anyone. With her. If she's even here, he reminds himself. Which seems impossible given what he last remembers happening before blacking out. ]

This on? [ Joel wonders where the microphone is, but what does it matter. He should be able to speak and it should pick up his voice no problem. ] Am I gettin' through here to anyone?

[ Fuck it. ]

Look- [ Heaves out a heavy and impatient sigh. On edge. Old nerves wrought with anxiety he's trying real hard to keep bottled in. ] -I'm lookin' for a young girl. Just over five feet, has a scar on her right brow, brown-red hair in a ponytail, sorta past her shoulders. She'll be wearin' a faded jacket and a gray shirt with a backpack on her back. [ Or was last he'd been with her. ]

She's got one helluva mouth on her too, you can't - Christ--you can't miss her.

[ Like hell will he mention her name on a network of strangers, though, even if it would benefit him more in the end than anything else.

Joel tries to keep his voice steady; he can't afford to break apart on some foreign network. To strangers. Keep it together, keep it together. But if someone tells him they haven't seen her--he might just slip up and lose it. ]

If she's here - then where?

iguanasolution

[The first thing the network sees is a big piece of paper with something written in it with dark ink, and careful calligraphy. For those who understand, it says 'Fai Zhang son of Emily Zhang', 'The strongest dragon of them all' ... and 'I like rice'.

Grandma Zhang had really tried to teach him Chinese but he had barely listened, okay, it was actually hard for him to remember that much.]

So... [After a few moments he moves the paper from the camera and the network gets a view of Frank, looking slightly awkward. It's been a while since he made an actual post on the network. Ever since he lost his voice, actually.] Is there anyone who can understand this? It's Chinese, at least that's what it's called where I'm from. If so, could you teach me? I'll pay.

I'm not sure how much I should pay for this, so just... pick your price? Like, I'm not loaded or anything so keep that in mind.

[He shrugs. Really bad at this, for srs.]

Also, I was given this. [He shows the network... a little bag of purple candy. Or what looks like candy anyway.] By Milyn, that [Uh] really happy doctor who helped us all when we ghosted out and later, to recover what we'd missed and cleansing in the ritual. She's nice, or she seems nice, but yeah.

Candy given by strangers. You see how that could end up badly. So is there anyone who could analize it or something? Tell me if it's safe for consumption? I'll also try to pay for that. [Rich kid, never really had to think about money, etc.]

Thanks!

ixis

someone plese explain how these buttons are[practicl for siomeone with uust one hand//?

[It’s a few moments after the text is received that a video entry pops up instead. Naugus’ scowling face takes up most of the screen, as he appears to be leaning close and examining it. He seems to not be aware the video feed is already live and functional. A fingertip taps at the glass before he finally sits back to a more reasonable distance. He's an odd-looking figure, with his bat ears, plentiful sharp teeth, horned forehead and long beard. The wizard clears his throat, still scowling.]

I suppose this will have to suffice for now. But really, whoever is behind these planks with lettered buttons on them CLEARLY did not account for something like this.

[Naugus lifts his left hand to reveal that it's instead a crab-like claw. He snaps it twice for illustrative emphasis before lowering it again.]

Ehhn. That aside, I am quite interested in learning what other, aheh, 'heroes' have been summoned to this realm. Feel free to make yourself known and I will deign to do the same.

softlycall

[ The woman seated in the centre of the video feed is pensive, worry in the lines of her mouth and the tension of her brow, but when she's sure the feed is working, those lines make a small shift until she's smiling - lopsidedly, sure, but genuine - into the camera. If this device does what they've told her, she'll have no complaints. ]

A good day to ye, friends. [ Whoever she's addressing. The uncertainty has her lifting her chin in unconscious bravado. ] I'm not a face any of ye'll be knowing, but if all's true we're to be allies all the same. The name's Anne Bonny, and I'd surely be obliged to any of ye with an idea of what to do for money in this fine city I'm to live in. I'm not in the mind to be stepping on toes, but it sounds like there isn't much call for a woman looking for shipwork round these parts, and war's no steady employment.

[ She pauses, then seems to come to some decision with a grimace. She'd abandoned barwork, and gladly, for ~~piracy~~ more exciting opportunities, but that's a world away. She adds, ] Something to the tune of serving drinks would be grand, for a time.

denyamenti

[ Bakura's drawing on every relevant mannerism of his host and thus "Ryou" on screen looks distressed and hesitant, his voice wavering slightly before he clears his throat and speaks. ]

I'm very sorry if this is, ah, inappropriate from someone who is a very new arrival to this city. But, in light of the Emperor's tragic death--

[ a moment of flawlessly feigned unsurety and he looks flustered ]

-- or, um... murder. I don't mean to make light of it! That is, I was wondering if... someone should organize a memorial, or-- or the like. I've noticed some of the kedan doing small things? I didn't have the opportunity to speak to her but... I just thought perhaps it would be respectful.

dracobin

[It is well past nightfall when Temeraire appears on the network, his expression exhausted and his posture hunched.

He has spent the bulk of the day flying, trying to dull his--well, it cannot be called grief, when he did not know the Emperor well enough for that, but it must be something close, surely. One cannot win wars without a few losses of one's own, but this is a price unfairly paid: something stolen and not captured on the field of combat. It is the gravest offense imaginable, for a dragon, and there is as much rumbling anger in his voice as there is sorrow when he speaks.]

Given recent events, there is little point in delaying the matter any longer. I do not know what form our enemy will take when it comes to us, but we must be prepared for any possibility, especially now that Eshai's power can no longer keep it at bay.

To that end, I am announcing the formation of the Keeliai Aerial Corps. There is little point in formation-flying when we cannot predict our enemy's movements, but at the very least those of us who can fly must grow used to flying together, and those of us who can fight must be prepared to do so under any circumstances.

Pray provide your name if you are interested; we will meet once a week at the very least, for target-practice and drills, and we might discuss tactics, and new technologies, as well.

If it brings an army with it, we will at least not be caught unawares.

[corresponding OOC signup thread here!]

alderwood

[The video comes up not with the backdrop of the Commander's office, but instead that of the Emperor's personal quarters. It is Alderwood that sits there, his expression dark and controlled; there are signs of grief in the redness of his eyes same as there are signs of activity in the motion of police kedan behind him, but he ignores that to address the network.]

The Ironwood Emperor is-- [Here, he breaks a moment before the line of his jaw settles with stonelike strength and he continues.] She is dead.

[Centuries of war that she survived, centuries of difficulties, and he found her as innocently dead as a victim in a murder. Evandau appears torn, once again on the brink of the grief that threatens to consume him, but he forces himself into mould of a Commander so that he might serve the purpose of this message.]

The sealed scroll outlining her succession was opened this morning under my authority as Commander. [His hand moves, briefly touching a rolled up scroll set on the flat surface before withdrawing as though burned.] It was her wish that I assume all authorities and responsibilities as Emperor after her passing.

[His look is pained, but does not break.]

Henceforth, I assume the role of Alderwood Emperor and thusly fulfill her wishes. The responsibilites of the Commander will continue with me until I choose a successor.

[A pause, a breath as he composes his next words.]

The Palace of Landed Sky is closed to all petitioners until further notice. Without Eshai's power protecting it, this is no longer a safe haven for those that wish to speak its name, so do not risk it.

[For he already suspects that Malicant is behind this and will not have it invited in to make a pair of he and Eshai in death.

That brings him to the end of what he needed to announce and so he only offers one flat statement in closing.]

This changes nothing of your presence or purpose, so do not come beg of return. Those magicks are beyond me and my priority is determining what fool made the decision to kill her.

parallels

[Clara has still been under the weather the past few days and so she's been avoiding the network even more than usual. But now she something to say. She turns the video on, coughs, then clears her throat before speaking.]

Hullo. Clara, by the way, if you don't know. Been stuck inside with a nasty cold for the past few days so I've been doing a lot of reading. Well, more reading than usual. And so I've finished with the third read through of all the books I've managed to recover here.

[She gestures to a pile next to her. There's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Little Prince, Pride and Prejudice along with a few other Austin novels, and Canturbury Tales. All of them have significant wear.]

So I was thinking and had a clever thought. Plenty of people I've talked to are also quite into reading and I do imagine we're in the same miserably situation of having only a few books in English or otherwise Earth languages. Like I said, I'm on the third go for mine.

But if we all exchanged books that we had we had with each other, we'd be able to actually read something new and not just go for repeated viewings. Even I'm getting a bit bored these and they're my favorites. Might be able to get in a few new good reads. We could even lend out books to anyone who doesn't have any.

Spread a bit of literature about, get some new books to shove our noses in, it's a brilliant plan if you ask me. And not just because I thought of it.

[She grins but then coughs and sniffs before biting her lip. Like she's unsure about if she actually wants to say what she has to say next.]

And if you haven't heard, the Doctor, the funny one with the bowtie, has left the turtle. Won't find him anywhere.

[She shakes her head before looking back up at the screen. It's clear that it was something that she felt had to be said,]

So English or other earth language book owners, give me a ring. Let's discuss each other's collections. Make a few swaps. Maybe we'll even make it a club.

hulkintraining

[The console turns on to the sight of Teddy's anxious face and in the background the viewer can just make out the shape of a giant egg laying in a pile of blankets on the floor.]

I'm calling all turtle egg parents here. I'm a new...,uh parent I guess. Man that is really strange to say. This is my first time taking care of the egg by myself. I guess I was just wondering what are some of the ways you other egg parents take care of your egg. Like, do you ever leave your apartment? Because I have to admit the idea of walking around out there with the egg is kind of intimidating.

So...yeah. Help? Please?

[Teddy scoots in closer.]

I have another question for you guys, and this one probably applies to a wider group of people here. I know that a lot of people here have powers or special abilities that are unique to them. That's probably old news to everyone, right? What I'm interested in knowing is what kind of powers or abilities does everyone have? Think of it as a kind of survey. It might become useful in the future to know that we have twelve magic users and only two telepaths or whatever. [If not it will certainly satisfy Teddy's geeky need to categorize as many new heroes and their abilities as possible in his head. He's definitely missing Wikipedia right about now.]

You don't have to give your name if that makes you uncomfortable. Feel free to reply with an anonymous text if you want. To start things off, I'll go first. My main talent is shape-shifting. But I also have some other handy abilities like super-strength and a healing factor. [The anonymous text idea is really for people who want to keep their established secret identity a secret. Teddy feels more comfortable being open about his identity here where he's surrounded by other people with powers, but he knows there are probably others who don't feel the same.]

loquaciouslyfeline

[Amelia is sitting straight up, looking directly at the screen. Hands folded in front of her, the very pose exudes authority; this is a woman who knows she is of rank.]

I am Captain Amelia of the Terran Royal Navy, lately returned from an expedition to locate the lost trove of the infamous pirate Nathaniel Flint, and more recently rather unceremoniously drenched in a tub of water and informed that I am to be engaging in a conflict against a malevolent entity of which I have not heard until today.

[A measured pause. Her tone indicates she is more irritated by the idea of fighting someone else’s war, rather than the prospect of combat itself. Or perhaps it is the drenching she is cross about.]

I do not care for being brought here against my will, especially if I do not know the how of it. These kedan are maddeningly unhelpful when questioned on such topics. They tell me that time has been stopped in my universe, which, if true - highly doubtful, of course - is of some relief. But if I am to stay here for an extended tenure, there are important questions that I must have answered. This…

[and here she pauses for a moment to pick her words. Amelia is not given to superstitions regarding the summoning of a monstrous being simply by speaking his name, but the kedan were very adamant about not saying it, and this has been a rather strange day. Best to not risk it, then.]

...M-fellow. I'd like to know more about him. If I have indeed been brought here to fight a war, then it is imperative that I know what I shall be dealing with. In addition, is it true we are riding on the back of a giant turtle?

[This last question is accompanied by nearly palpable disbelief.]

[The next pause is not one of calculation or thought, but of expectancy. Amelia’s waiting for her answers, and it’s only after the silence has gone on for a few seconds that she realizes replies will not be instantaneous.]

That’ll do, for the moment, so as not to overwhelm you.

[It’s a save, but she says it like it was always planned that way. She nods her head once at the screen, just ever so slightly.]

That is all.

[end transmission]

justlittle

[Bean is either getting more comfortable using the Network as himself, or he's getting more desperate. Either way, this post is audio, not text like those before it.]

I know there was just a recent post about food, but I find myself in need. The simple fact is I can't cook. I either need someone to do it for me or I need someone to teach me how. I can pay in juulan or I can trade language lessons. I know everything is translated, but text isn't. I can teach English, French, Spanish, and a number of other languages. [Those seem most common, however.]

I'm not picky. I just know it's getting colder and food will be harder to come by. I've been on the edge of starving before, and I have no intention of ever being there again.

Thank you.

wintershepherd

[ Contrary to what anyone might have anticipated Jack's reaction to this sudden cold snap to be, he turns on the video with only a restrained nod. There's a large book open on the desk next to him... from this angle, it's possible to see that there's been a sheet added, and crayon visible drawn on it. ]

Victoria's gone home. Korra and I were going to get her some warm clothes before these vouchers came out so I wanted to make sure she had enough-- her suite was being emptied out by the kedan when I got there.

[ something occurs to him: ]

Speaking of vouchers, if anyone needs extras they can have mine. I'm definitely the last guy here who needs them.

[ private to Korra & Temeraire individually ]
I know Victoria was watching one of the turtle eggs with you two, she talked about it sometimes. I don't know how that works when someone goes home, but... if there's any way I can help, just ask.

Tu Shanshu

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