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Post by birdy51 on Aug 9, 2017 17:23:46 GMT
Hugh. Was he Hugh? Yes. He was Hugh. The iron man from beyond pushed back against the personality of the Gunshow and recalled his humanity. It was fun to adopt Gunshow's personality, but now he needed to talk business.
The Hugh nodded forcefully as the scientist spoke. It was good to know that he was not the only one who found Thr- Evan's behavior suspect. "We are of one mind." He says at last, baring his teeth. "I do not know what Evan's game is, but it is not the right place to address it. If his behavior becomes counter productive to the mission, we will simply find a way to remove him from the equation."
He shook his head. "And yes, no more dawdling." Less... Distractions.
And lo, the Hugh walked back to Evan who was now... Conspicuously dogless. He turns to the Three, gruffly. "Are we alone now then?"
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 9, 2017 23:36:10 GMT
Before he manages to slip away, Evan sadly notices that the form of Gunshow was returning. Well, that was quick. "I would not assume that we are," he says, shaking his head, "I am almost certain that my prior encounter with the spectral one was observed by my host."
"Speaking of," he continues, "I would ask that - regardless of any desire of expediency that you have, or insistence of dragging me along - you allow me to at least stay in this area until the night falls. I have been generously offered a gift that will make travelling much easier, but it will not be ready before evening." This, of course, isn't the main reason, but the others seem like they would react much better to utilitarian reasons than emotional ones. "Also, I would much prefer to remain in good relations with the one who offered me a place to dwell. She knows that I will be leaving, but requests that I wait until nightfall, when it will be safer."
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Post by birdy51 on Aug 10, 2017 20:12:51 GMT
"Ulrich mentioned this." Hugh snarled. To be truthful, this actually made him a little happier that Evan's sudden mood change wasn't completely based in selfish aims. Maintaining face with the local population was important. Sighing heavily, he sighed crosses his arms and begins to speak. "We can explore later. It was by chance that we encountered you this early. I assure that I was just as surprised to see you."
His eyes scan the area. Dogs? No dogs. Probably wandered off. It bothered him that he was unable to help them, but he needed to remind himself that they were not his main duty. Gol was. They were distractions. Distractions and nothing more. There was no need for him to help them.
And yet...
No. This was useless! These were unnecessary thoughts. No more dog thoughts! None! "Ulrich." Hugh says hastily. "Do you have anything to add?"
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Post by ThRevanchist on Aug 10, 2017 20:30:56 GMT
Given that he seemed to be a spectacle by his mere existence here, that some over-eager specimens might be staying at arms length but still watching wasn't surprising... Really, it was an interesting reversal, almost. But enough about that. Not snarling or lecturing, but sighing, Ulrich answered, "Hmm, one thing, yes. 'Nightfall' is quite vague, and I highly doubt your friend would want us intruding upon her barrow to find you. So, Three, where will we find you once your 'prior business' is taken care of?"
He wasn't sure what to make of the pups being absent. But Hugh had calmed down, so if Evan was responsible for that disobedience... It was, just barely, tolerable in this instance. So to avoid another passionate outburst, Ulrich focused on the matter at hand.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 10, 2017 20:44:37 GMT
"Yes, I doubt that bringing a bastion of muscle, let alone a spirit, would go over well," Evan comments dryly. "I can't say where we might meet up. I do not know this area well, and have only really been outside the barrow to get food. So, what I might propose, is that you simply continue your exploration. I am sure that you will receive some guidance from beyond, overnight. Since I do not yet know when I will leave, I would not want to make you wait around." He's really hoping that either of them is able to pick up the hint on what he's saying. The Engine has a cut-off point already programmed in, and once that hits, they'll all be able to discuss things freely.
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Post by ThRevanchist on Aug 11, 2017 2:19:47 GMT
With a disagreeable agreement and an ill-explained explanation from their Dunsparce operator, Ulrich was almost regretting not being able to scowl. Or glare... But whatever, staring with the impassive mask of the Yamask, he said after a moment's consideration, "Very considerate of you. Fine, be sure to bring something to show for the delay."
Beginning to drift off, he pivoted to face Hugh and said, "Gunshow, keep the farewell brief. I'll leave you to it." So saying, he went off a ways, far enough to give the two privacy, but not so far that their Chief of Security should forget he was there... Hopefully. Well, Evan would no doubt send him in this direction anyways.
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Post by birdy51 on Aug 11, 2017 4:18:54 GMT
Hugh listened passively to the Sparce, but admittedly heard little. His eyes gazed just about anywhere else but Evan. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Pet the Skitty. All of that.
Now, when he had finally given the time to collect and control his thoughts and after watching Ulrich depart, Hugh stepped forward to speak. "I'll not waste time. Here is what we have learned. We're in a valley ringed by four mountains, with a single canyon leading out of it. Up there..." Hugh says, pointing up the mountain. "Is a Pokémon Settlement led by a powerful Fighting Type Pokémon who calls himself Kiai. The mountain is a sanctuary where no battling is permitted. Should one of our constructs be gravely injured, we should go there immediately to seek help."
"Further. Kiai knows that we have fallen from the shuttles. I did not see fit to hide this information from him, nor would I expect Gunshow to hide this while I am away. As a reward for this honesty, I do not think he hold either the Gunshow or Ulrich II as suspicious." He paused, eyes glowing with intent. "Should he ask you of your own true identity, I think you know what to do."
The not-so-giant contained in the body of a smaller being shuffled awkwardly. "Any questions?" He asks, at a loss for anything further to say.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 11, 2017 4:57:40 GMT
Evan takes in what Hugh says, with some trepidation. So, there are those - or, at least one - who know of their presence as outsiders. To what degree... well, that is a question for when there is no risk of being overheard. And, also, when they are not in the vessels. Because, while he doesn't know how they interpret the time while they're Bonded... he doesn't want to risk them remembering anything about the Carnate Engine itself. Though, Hugh has already begun to scuttle that ship...
"No, no questions," he says. "But, thank you for the information. In any case, I should depart myself, now. Return to my gracious host." He begins to snake his way away from his companion, aiming to make his way back via a slightly indirect route, so as to not reveal the location of the entrance by just following a straight line. He also glances to make sure that neither Hugh nor Ulrich are following him. Neither would likely be welcomed by Sheila...
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Post by birdy51 on Aug 11, 2017 18:51:26 GMT
Within moments of having his conversation with Evan cease, Hugh was back at Ulrich's side. "Evan is returning to his friend in the burrows." He says curtly. "I do not expect that he will be joining us. We will have to continue this operation alone."
Something like a small hand caresses the Gunshow's shoulder, and he turns. Anyone. No? Ah yes. He knew what it was now. A small breeze wafts through the valley, and the Gunshow's mon-nostrils kidnap it jealously. Hugh was struck in that moment by the smells and aromas. Had he not noticed before? Such strange smells. Like a kitchen, but clearly, not the kitchen. More... Earthy? Earth has a smell? In spite of themselves, the Hughshow laughs. "You ought to find a vessel with a nose, Ulrich. This place smells like nothing I have known before!"
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Post by ThRevanchist on Aug 11, 2017 19:12:33 GMT
Ah, good, he was back. Now, after so much delay, they could get back to something approximating a schedule... Ignoring the sour news about Evan, Ulrich instead answered, "Is that so? I suppose for the sake of completeness I'll have to. It would be quite wasteful to neglect that, yes... Hmm, and for all its wonders, Gol may indeed be lacking in that respect. Heh heh, what do you think the Professor would say to a report detailing the many smells one can encounter on the Surface?"
He wasn't so inclined to share in the laughter, jokes or no, however. Back to the matter at hand, he then asked, "In light of recent events, we shouldn't waste any more time here. Keeping to the local area for the time being, I propose we explore that village from earlier, while we have the time. Any complaints?"
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Post by birdy51 on Aug 11, 2017 19:28:30 GMT
Hugh did not laugh, for Hugh did not understand the joke. Hugh was terrible at jokes. It was his one weakness...
But!
"None! That sounds like a proper idea." Hugh says at last with a grin. Already he could feel his latent Gunshow personality stirring excitedly. Talking to other Pokémon made Gunshow happy. It would make Hugh happy too! "I think it would be a nice change of pace! Perhaps Lola and Artesia will be about. They are friends to the Gunshow."
He placed a quiet hand on his chin and made his way back up to the rock wall to reach the village. Come to think of it, given the relative seclusion of the valley, maybe this place would make a good landing zone for Gol... Oh! What fun!
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Post by Robot on Aug 14, 2017 11:02:03 GMT
With Three returning to his hostess, and Gunshow and Ulrich plodding along down the mountain towards the valley below, the hours quickly while away. The Dunsparce notices the passage of time significantly less, with no sun to go by within the barrow, the remainder of his day is spent in relaxation and idle conversation with Sheila's brood.
On the lower slopes of the mountain, the stone gives way to forest and a layer of undergrowth the likes of which the Golians have never experienced before. The scent of mulched plant matter, the light rustle of wind through the trees, the dappled warmth of the setting sun, and distant birdsong. Even just the texture of Gunshow's footing is something to behold. The air is clean and crisp, lacking the tinge of ozone that the artificial atmosphere of Gol always carries. So much of this is lost to Ulrich.
Disquiet settles into the ghost, something about it all is... off. There is no evidence to prove this notion, but it's one of the first strong 'emotions', if he could even call it that, that Ulrich has experienced since diving the spirit in the first place.
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Post by birdy51 on Aug 14, 2017 16:36:01 GMT
The Hughshow was once again, happy. No. Not happy. Things still bothered him in the indescribable sense; feelings of vertigo and dysfunction felt inside the body of another. The foreign emotions, of another bothered him too.
But here amongst the quiet trees, the Hughshow was- content. That was the word he was looking for.
He walked quietly in the basking twilight hours of the dawn, oblivious to all worlds, but this one right here, right now.
Red.
How strange. He never knew the world could be so... Red.
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Post by ThRevanchist on Aug 14, 2017 17:54:31 GMT
While Ulrich the Second presumably lacked the required faculties and Ulrich the Original tended to ignore such emotional responses... Well, it would take a great fool indeed to neglect such a powerful signal. Looming closer over his cohort's shoulder and casting his suspicious gaze across and around the overwhelming green expanse surrounding them, he said, "...Gunshow. I want you to describe to me exactly what you feel, right now, alright? Leave out the prose from last time, though, I need...? I need to compare something."
That ought to have been enough, but for one reason or another the researcher was compelled to add, "...that body of yours, I think it might be more suited to this test. Is all."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 14, 2017 18:10:30 GMT
For Evan, the innocent, idle chatter of the young serpents is a breath of fresh air. They don't have any problems for him to solve, there are no serious discussions, and it's fairly easy to keep things steered away from specifics that would be best unrevealed.
It's something that he never really experienced on Gol. As a youth, he was usually more surrounded by colleagues of his parents, rather than kids his age. And, after growing up, he never got close enough to anyone who had kids of their own. But, now, just being surrounded by those who have not yet experienced exactly what awaits them in the world... there's a feeling that he's been missing out. Over the last day, he's managed to feel more at home, more content, and more alive than at any point so far in his life. And that's something to ponder on. In the future.
But, for now, he just lets himself to be subsumed into the babble, waiting for something to interrupt his chatter.
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Post by birdy51 on Aug 14, 2017 19:17:29 GMT
The Hughshow turned from his reveries to face his ghostly comrade in arms. This was not one of his usual questions. Normally, it was all more probing statements like, "Hugh! Tell me what you are doing in the enclosure." or "Hugh! Tell me what you are you doing removing the specimens from quarantine." Those were good statements! They were the kind that made him think. What was he doing in the enclosure? Why was he trying to launch the creepy golems from the shuttle?
This however? This was different. Hugh couldn't quite understand what the ghost was getting at, but he closed his eyes anyways and turned his attention to his peripheral senses. "I feel... Dirt. Beneath my toes. It is different than, synthdirt. It's lighter and less clumpy. The short, slippery, green things are... Ticklish, if that is the right word. And the sun? I've never known it to be this warm as it is on Gol."
No. This didn't feel right. Hugh paused, and then a moment later, clarified asking, "Ulrich, do you mean to ask about something else?"
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Post by ThRevanchist on Aug 15, 2017 3:23:35 GMT
In their giant's moment of silence, Ulrich couldn't quite determine whether to be annoyed at the still-useless data or not. He had cut the flowery language and emotional appeals, but it wasn't anything near... Whatever he was asking about. It... Was it the wrong information in the first place? Without time enough to sift through those thoughts, Hugh continued. Ulrich paused next.
How to put it... If even Hugh realized something was amiss, it wasn't well something to ignore. But concrete details simply weren't right, were they? After some delay, time enough to gather his thoughts, Ulrich agreed, "Yes... Actually, I believe I did? I'm not sure what came over me..."
Solely in the interest of clear communication, the human inside the ghost explained, "While Gunshow is equipped with many functions this body lacks, if not most of them... That is, even on Gol it required none of the essentials the others did, and while Three and Rosebud took poorly to such a stark environment it mattered little to this one... Anyways. I've long since documented the sensory shift, and don't feel like reviewing old data. Suffice to say, their lack is nothing new."
"But... While I expected some disorientation adapting to the Surface, it has been far more of an experience than I anticipated. First, Architect's bizarre construction which transfixed this one for the entire adjustment period, and then Kiai's talk of- ah, wait, you had already left to find Evan by then, forget that... No, this is different. I don't believe its a matter of physical stimuli, but something is..." If only it had had some physical origin, maybe this introspection wouldn't have to be so painful... Decidedly irritated after all that, Ulrich concluded, "This one- no, even more, I feel something, something incongruent."
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Post by birdy51 on Aug 15, 2017 15:07:54 GMT
The Hughshow nodded in understanding. Hughshow did not understand.
Ulrich, for all of his disdain of flowery prose, could certainly weave a path of words that didn't make any sense. Incongruent? What does that even mean? Bah! Silly ghost! "You think too much." He says curtly, crossing his arms in irritation. "If is not something you feel in the body, then clearly your head is sick and you bumped it too hard somehow." He says decisively.
Wait. No. Too harsh? Yes. Too harsh. Hugh scratches the back of his head idly as he adds hastily, "No. I did not mean that. What I mean, sometimes when thing feels off, something is off. You are sick. Or, something is making you sick. You are sick, because something is making you not make sense. So if something is making you not make sense then- What is it?"
A groan escapes his lips as he grips his head. This was too much thinking for the Hughshow in a single day...
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Post by ThRevanchist on Aug 15, 2017 16:03:56 GMT
Relieved that Hugh seemed to be sharing his pain, if nothing else, Ulrich bobbed slowly, saying, "Sick, something making me...? Well, I can't overlook tampering, I suppose. Even if everything is fine on the other end, there are a host of potential complications. Hmm, yes, yes, that must be it; you and Evan simply have other distractors to process, so its masked more heavily than mine."
Satisfied with that explanation or not, having a potential cause meant there was a potential solution. Ulrich then asked, "Right, on that note, it is imperative that you alert me of any sensations that are foreign to Gunshow. Aah, that is, anything that feels out of place or distinctly unnatural." While not one given to speculating on something as mundane as a colleague, in light of this new idea he speculated, "Perhaps that was the underlying cause of Evan's hostility, some inexplicable (to him) feeling of anxiety he attributed to us."
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Post by birdy51 on Aug 15, 2017 16:37:47 GMT
Lightning strikes the brain. Yes! Perhaps that was it! Evan was just, ill as well! Something effecting his brain. Dear Captain in space in the great beyond, something could be effecting all of their brains! Hugh grinds his teeth softly. A great unseen enemy... How curious! "I shall endeavor to be truthful in all matters relating strange feelings, Ulrich." The Hughshow says, beating his chest in accord with his manly spirit. "I know you to be most wise and reasonable. If I am troubled with something I cannot explain, I shall be certain to bring it to your attention."
At once, he snapped his fingers. "Oh! Do you think Evan's host might have anything to do with it?" Hugh asked plaintively. "He was only acting so strangely after he had met with the host. On the shuttle, he was so normal, but as soon as he got down here, he seemed so inexplicably bent on spending time with this... Personage of the unknown. It makes me feel... Uneasy, I think!"
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