|
|
Post by Whill Shaman Xixo on Feb 27, 2013 11:06:25 GMT -8
*Osarian is a planet of grassy planes, lakes, and white sand beaches. The terrain is dominated by peaceful and pleasant landscapes, a calming environment that encourages a sense of serenity in those that visit.*
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2018 7:05:44 GMT -8
Setting the Geheim Masjien down on the small, somewhat run down landing pad near to an aging four bedroom house that he has rented, Fumnanya shuts down the light freighter's engines and then reaches out to flip the ship's intercom on to tell his crew, managing to sound cheerful despite his exhaustion and lingering concerns after their last job, "Welcome to Osarian. I hope you all brought your swim suits, the weather and beach are both inviting."
Leaning into the cockpit, Dikeledi grins as she crinkles her nose and says, "Dee does that banter thing better. Just sayin'."
Shrugging, Fumnanya says, "I tried my best. Waving for Dikeledi to disembark, he jokes, Go and secure the perimeter or something," even though he knows Dikeledi well enough to guess that she was probably going to do just that despite the remote location he intentionally chose.
"Aye aye, Dikeledi says, heading to the boarding ramp and, after stopping to shade her eyes and take in the sight of the small, tranquil lake, surrounded by one of the white sandy beaches the world they have come to is known for, mutters to herself, Does look pretty inviting at that," and then heads out to scout out and secure the area around the house just as Fumnanya suspected she would.
Nkosana, scratching his stomach as he whistles while admiring the view after exiting the ship, asks Sango, "How much do you think this is costing us?"
Removing his suit coat and folding it over his arm, Sango says, "Dikeledi said it's coming out of the proceeds from the last job set aside for fuel, repairs, and so on. There was a bit of an excess accumulated, apparently, so Fumnanya decided to splurge for once."
Vejide, walking around the boarding ramp, which she had made Sango clean thoroughly during their hyperspace journey, to gauge how much work she will have to do to repair the damage their doctor did to it while pounding on it with a fire extinguisher, says, "Cool. Surprising, she adds since Fumnanya is known for being rather frugal where credits are concerned, but cool."
|
|
Dees
Member
Home is a Universe Away
Posts: 326 
Affiliation: Hyperspace
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Dees on Sept 22, 2018 21:05:06 GMT -8
=In Hyperspace=Dee closed the door to her cabin and sat down on the bed. Colors swirled around her as the little elf danced along the walls of the room. Slowly, she slipped the armor off her body. Elfo continued to laugh and play. His voice was a high-pitched stream of rainbows. One arm and then the other. Leg armor next. Focus for just a few more minutes. Were these her hands or the hands of something else? No, wait, the rest of the armor needs to come off. It’s already off, when did that happen? Elfo was jumping on top of the pile of armor as Dee pulled herself out of her Stillsuit. She piled it next to the armor and grabbed a towel and wiped herself off. Sitting back on the bed after a considerable amount of time, she watched as the elf ran around the bedspread, jumping over her legs as he chased an imaginary butterfly. Dee laughed. Her elf hallucination had an imaginary butterfly. As he played, the sounds of the hyperdrive spooling down made the color of the room change. Elfo began to fade into a ghost of himself. He waved goodbye to Dee, and she waved back. She tossed her pillow on the floor and scooted back so she could lean back on something as she came down. AVI, these petals you packed are much better than the first ones.
Glad to hear.Hey AVI.
Yes, Dee.She paused as a dizzy spell washed over her. For a second, she wondered if the bed she was sitting on was real or not. It passed quickly. AVI, thanks for saving our butts back there.
Please, I caused more problems than I solved.
Nah, you did great.
You almost died because of me.
Dee looked over at the mechanical heap that was AVI as the frame rested. She smiled, confused. You what now?
Dee, the subroutine I left you was bugged, and you almost died because of it.
She felt the ship shudder as it entered the atmosphere. AVI, no. That was my dumb fault for thinking I could fight. I couldn’t pull the trigger myself. Let’s just say it’s both of our faults.
Sure.AVI?Dee, I thought you were dead. I literally broke because I thought that I had caused your death. I… I have been replaying the scenario over and over, and it all comes down to my inability to keep you safe. It won’t happen again.
AVI. I… I forgive you. I’m not mad, and I don’t fault you at all. Please don’t beat yourself up over it. There was silence in the room. The sounds of the landing legs descending resonated through the hull. AVI? Please?Ok. Yeah, ok."Welcome to Osarian. I hope you all brought your swim suits, the weather and beach are both inviting."
She leaned her head back and closed her eyes for a few moments before getting up and stripping out of her underwear, toweling off again to get some of the stench off. She tosses on a pair of athletic shorts and a shirt, packs a small toiletry bag with her holopad and heads out of the room. She is well behind everyone, but she has her mind set on one thing. She sees the door close to the house, and she bolts over to it. Before anyone can see her, at least as is her hope, she runs barefoot across the room and into an open bathroom. Locking the door behind her, she hits the lights and the heater as she catches her breath. Dibbs! She shouts through the door before muttering to herself, and she rubs one foot across her leg Any longer and I will start to look like Sango over here
|
|
Dees
Member
Home is a Universe Away
Posts: 326
Affiliation: Hyperspace
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Dees on Sept 24, 2018 19:57:07 GMT -8
Dee stepped out of the bathroom after a long time. Her body was steaming and she was beaming ear to ear. The loose long sleeve shirt was several sizes too big for her body, and it hid the athletic shorts she was wearing. She sprawled out on a couch and threw her head back, flinging the towel off her head.
Ok, I’m clean and ready to relax.
She ignored the shadows of the elf playing in the corners of her vision. Echoes of laughter came and went in waves, with hues of light washing over her. She closed her eyes, but it didn’t stop the sensations.
Dee Smiled.
What do we have to eat? I’m Famished.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2018 3:11:13 GMT -8
"Please tell me this place has more than one bathroom," Vejide groans while Dee dashes to the bathroom off of the main living area of the house.
"One for each bedroom, Fumnanya says, plopping down in a recliner and lacing his hands behind his head. Dee and AVI can have the room off that one, then I figured Sango and Niko can share one, you and Dikeledi can have the . . ."
"How come you get your own room?" Vejide asks, opening the sliding glass doors that lead to a deck overlooking the lake.
"Because I'm the captain," Fumnanya replies with a smug grin.
Rolling her eyes, Vejide says, walking onto the deck and resting her arms on the railing as she turns her face up to the sun and closes her eyes, "Whatever. Where's the closest town? I need to buy a swim suit."
"Why bother? Nkosana asks, scratching an elbow. Just, like, skinny dip."
"You wish," Vejide says, laughing with a shake of her head.
Sango, along with the rest of the crew, is outside on the deck, preparing to grill Bantha steaks for everyone, when Dee emerges from the bathroom and sprawls on the couch, and so Fumnanya, still lounging in the recliner, answers cheerfully even though he had looked a bit more pensive than cheerful before Dee had arrived, "Sango's making Bantha steaks. Motioning towards the deck, he says, Go ahead and join them outside, tell him how you want yours cooked, I think they have some ales and a bottle of wine out there too. Or just yell if you're too comfortable to move. Looking concerned, he asks after pausing to debate whether or not to risk an honest answer to a question that has clearly been weighing on him, You alright? Our jobs are usually a bit less stressful than Coruscant turned out to be. More like Tatooine, you know? Most of the times they're almost routine. I should have planned more carefully, he says with a strained, apologetic smile. Sorry."
|
|
Dees
Member
Home is a Universe Away
Posts: 326
Affiliation: Hyperspace
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Dees on Sept 27, 2018 20:01:33 GMT -8
She waved him on. With an arm draped over her eyes, she tried to stop seeing the rainbow array of sounds coming from Fumnanya. The feelings were fading, but it was enough to make her chuckle a little bit. I’ll get up and get it here in a sec. We'll probably need to have a heart to heart with AVI though. He is taking the whole thing a little too hard.
She sat up and wavered for a moment. Once Fumnanya was looking her way, she lifted one side of her tee shirt. Her side was black and blue from her bra to her pants line. I guess this is what happens when a blaster bolt gets absorbed and reflected by shielded Jedi armor. She smiled as she let the shirt fall back down. Laying back down on the couch, she throws her arm over her eyes again. I’ll let Sango check me out later. Friggin Jedi man, they had some good tech. Guess I can thank the goddess that I grabbed the armor I did. I wasn’t even sure it was more than just regular laminate armor. She laughed I lucked out. Pretty sure I looked Death in the face and she was ready to take me.
There was a pause before she mused under her breath. I wonder If my spirit is stuck in this universe or if I will get to go home when I die?
She coughed, causing her head to spin a little. For a moment, she wondered if Fumnanya was even real, or if she wasn’t dead already and all of this was just a dream. That thought faded quickly and was replaced with the notion that she had never experienced anything like this, nor had the past few days been anything like she had experienced before.
Am I ok? I don’t know. I am alive, I think. But this isn’t my first flirt with death. Heck - She laughed as she spoke Meh, let’s just say this has been the closest I’ve come to it. Dee sat up again, her head spinning a little less. She stretched and weaved her way to the door. It’s not your fault, It’s not AVI's fault. I did the dumbs. I’ll try better next time. She looked back So, don’t sweat it, kay?
Slipping out to the patio, she reached into a cooler as she walked by. Hey Sango, can you make mine medium, please? Loads of salt and pepper, nothing else please. I have to go check on AVI, be right back She continued walking to the ship, drinking the ale as she sauntered along.
In the cabin, she sat cross-legged on the bed and looked at the motionless frame. She took a drink and gasped at its refreshing taste. It took her a minute before finally saying anything. Before she did, she tapped his head with the bottle. Hey, lug nut, you going to come out and socialize?
The air was still and silent. Recirculators were operating on low power mode, leaving the only sounds and movements her own. After a few moments, the little LED's on the frame glowed to life, and AVI looked up at her. I have calculated multiple iterations and instances and I have come to the concl-
AVI, stop.
Please, let me finish.
She nodded and took another drink
I have come to the conclusion that I made a mistake in my subroutine, and that you made a mistake trying to save the ship, and that combined we have only your Goddess to thank that the Jedi gave you the armor they did. That... That is all. AVI stood up and rolled his shoulder servos. Let’s go get you some food.
Dee hopped up and nodded in agreement. I'll be better. You be better. And we won’t have this happen again, savvy?
Savvy.
Back out on the patio, Dee plopped into an open lounge chair and finished off her ale. AVI grabbed her another and took a position at the edge of the group gently and barely swaying as he observed. Both of them listened to the conversation and relaxed. It was the first real relaxation they had experienced. It was odd and good and satisfying. Dee was all smiles
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2018 6:57:14 GMT -8
Fumnanya nods when Dee, after bouncing along conversationally in what is starting to think is just her unique conversational style from one topic to another, some more connected than others, concludes by suggesting that he not sweat what had happened on Coruscant, grinning as he agrees, "No more sweating it, got it," and then stays sitting inside alone for a few moments after she has left. Having been in the smuggling business for as long as he has, Fumnanya knows that more than a little danger goes with the territory, and that there are times that no amount of planning can prevent things like what happened on Coruscant, and so does his best to do exactly what Dee asked of him, ceasing his efforts to analyze what happened and what he might have done differently.
Sango is starting to serve out the steaks when Fumnanya comes outside, and the fact that the crew all seem to have embraced the vacation spirit their destination was chosen to inspire helps Fumnanya to do the same. By the time everyone has finished eating, some having started on their third or fourth ales, the conversation is flowing, nearly everyone's spirits seeming to be high, and Fumnanya finds himself more than a little amused at how normal the scene seems despite their shared decidedly less than normal occupation. Dikeledi, like Dee and AVI, seems to content to stay on the periphery, only occasionally joining in the lively conversation when her solitary nature allows her to do so, and Fumnanya supposes it is progress of some kind that the Shownarri has not simply gone off on her own already.
After a while, Sango and Nkosana head into the city, no doubt to feed their addiction, and Vejide heads inside after saying she wants to get an early start on repairing the Geheim Masjien in the morning, leaving Fumnanya, AVI, Dee and Dikeledi on the deck. Dikeledi is leaning on the railing, looking out at the play of stars and moon on the surface of the lake, and Fumnanya wonders what it is that she is thinking about, not yet having come, despite all of the time they have spent together, close to finding out what goes on in the Shownarri's head at such quiet moments.
Taking a sip of his drink, Fumnanya snaps his fingers as it occurs to him that he has not yet sorted out a few matters with Dee and AVI, asking them, "How do you two want to handle your shares? We get paid in cold, hard credits, but if you prefer having your shares deposited in accounts, I can arrange that. Fumnanya has an account, in the name of the Schattig Corporation, that he deposits the portion of the crew's earnings set aside for maintaining the ship and other communal expenses like food, and supposes that if the newest members of the crew prefer not to have to deal with the hassle of dealing with physical credits he can handle paying them at the same time he deals with the other banking transactions. Pursing his lips in thought as he remembers that Dee is, unless she is delusional, from another universe entirely and so probably doesn't have an account or even such simple things as identification papers, Fumnanya says, I've also got a safe in my cabin on the Geheim Masjien, so if you don't have accounts and need a safe place to keep your credits, I can provide one. Free of charge," he jokes with a grin.
|
|
Dees
Member
Home is a Universe Away
Posts: 326
Affiliation: Hyperspace
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Dees on Sept 30, 2018 9:28:37 GMT -8
At some point in the conversation, colors returned to their normal vibrancy and Dee was able to sit back and relax. The evening was conducive to not doing anything. It was a nice change of pace really. Dee figured she really couldn’t be in much better company and the ale staved off any longing for home. Full stomach and a head full of ale; the dizzies were coming back to her. A few moments came and went where she wondered about the realness of the evening, mostly brought back on thanks to the alcohol, but they were fleeting. She just accepted the reality of the patio and smiled and chatted.
As the evening wore on and people started to go their own ways, she too begins to feel the sandy embrace of sleep coming her way. Fumnanya finger snap pulls her back out into reality.
She gives it a few moments before looking back at AVI and then back to Fumnanya with a puzzled look.
Shares, plural? You mean my payment, singular.
She laughed lightly, remembering their conversation a few days ago on Dressel where Fumnanya and Dikeledi revealed that AVI wouldn’t be a paid member of the crew since he was a non-biological. Both Dee and AVI had come to terms with the arrangement, seeing that they could still make a profit doing this compared to other lines of work.
I actually have an account you can deposit it into. My counterpart from this universe; it’s her old account that we just reactivated. AVI can get you the deets.
SHe looked down at her toes and wiggled them
Pfffft... what even is IdEnTiTy ThEfT?!
She bobbed her head from side to side as he made a mocking tone. She had been given explicit permission and instruction to use the account since the De'ath of this universe was in a different galaxy. Dee snorted a laugh.
AVI nodded. Producing a datapad with the correct account information, he handed it to Fumnanya. Stepping backward, he headed over to the railing and quietly stood beside Dikeledi. A few moments passed, and he followed her gaze outward.
Dee is going to want to sleep on the ship in her cabin. She never sleeps well with solid ground under her feet. Something about how she was raised.
A breeze kept the cool air moving. Its moments like this that AVI was grateful to have a chassis that allowed him to register the sensor data.
Anyway, her room in the cabin is yours if you want it.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2018 17:32:53 GMT -8
Fumnanya, having switched from ale to whiskey not long ago, takes a drink before, looking into the glass as he swishes the contents around gently, telling Dee with a grin accompanied by a tone that makes it evident he is not in the mood to debate the point, "Meant what I said. Shares. Plural. AVI's sentient, and since all the other sentients on the crew get a share, he does too. Looking simultaneously perplexed and amused when Dee explains she has an account to use that used to belong to this universe's Dee, Fumnanya nods after a moment and says, I'm not sure it counts as identity theft if it's another you whose identity your using. Anyway, I'll have the credits deposited in there tomorrow, yours and AVI's unless he wants to handle it differently."
Dikeledi nods after AVI has let her know that she can use the room that had been set aside for Dee, smiling as, obviously appreciative of the offer, she says, "Tell her thanks, Vee is a cover hog, be nice to have a bed to myself." Looking over her shoulder to Dee, she lifts her drink and mouths thanks before finishing her drink and setting on the railing as she looks out onto the lake in silence.
Taking the bottle of whiskey and refilling his glass with a level of concentration suggesting he is quite possibly more drunk than he otherwise appears to be, Fumnanya sways a bit unsteadily as he stands after completing his task without spilling anything, and asks Dee with an uncertain, almost hesitant look on his face that matches his tone, "Hey, um, you think AVI would mind if I pulled him aside for a minute or two? Gotta question I wanted to run by him. Alone, if that's cool? Personal thing, nothing to do with work."
|
|
Dees
Member
Home is a Universe Away
Posts: 326
Affiliation: Hyperspace
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Dees on Sept 30, 2018 18:20:38 GMT -8
Dee smiled. The change in attitude toward her friend was unexpected, but she was in no position to argue about it. How could she, it was something she agreed with anyway. She finished off her bottle of ale and stood up, giving Dikeledi a thumbs up when she looked back. Looking back at Fumnanya she shrugged at his inquiry, swaying a little in the breeze.
I’m sure he'll be fine. He can handle himself.
She turned and walked toward the ship, raising a hand and waving. She giggled a little as her voice kicked in a little sarcasm.
Just don’t keep him out too late, he gets cranky when he doesn’t get his beauty sleep. G'Night.
=====
Dee crawled into the pilot’s seat and turned on the full life support system. She sat for a few moments. A part of her wanted to take off and sleep in the comfort of space. She got up and started to leave, paused, and looked back as she considered the possibility.
Maybe next time...
She stumbled into her cabin, already half undressed. Exhaustion had finally hit, mixed with a few too many brews, she was well on her way to sleep.
=====
AVI nodded at Dikeledi
I will let her know.
He continued to stand and watch with her. There was a certain peace that came with silent observation. He even stopped his calculation processes for a few cycles as he took in the sensory data that was coming in.
His proximity sensors currently heightened in his silent observations detected Fumnanya approaching. His voice was warm and welcoming; aimed both at Dikeledi and Fumnanya.
So, I guess I am officially a part of the crew now too.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2018 19:19:11 GMT -8
Fumnanya chuckles at Dee's departing joke, nodding and assuring her, "I won't keep him long, promise."
Walking over to where Dikeledi and AVI are looking out at the lake silently together, Fumnanya lifts his drink as though in a toast after AVI correctly guesses that he has been officially added to the crew, "You an' Dee both. Frowning as he realizes that he neglected to tell Dee that her position has also been made a permanent one, both her and AVI having satisfied the terms of the arrangement they had made on Dressel, Fumnanya says, Should'a told her that I guess. Shrugging, he grins, We can make an announcement or something next time we're all together."
"Welcome to the crew," Dikeledi says, punching AVI companionably in the shoulder.
"Give us a minute? Fumnanya asks Dikeledi, who nods and tells them both goodnight before heading inside. Fumnanya doesn't say anything for a moment after he and AVI are alone, debating whether or not to go ahead with the idea that seemed like a good one after a few drinks but, now that the moment has come, doesn't seem to offer the same promise of potential relief or whatever illusory promise it seemed to offer before. Downing most of his drink, Fumnanya carefully begins refilling it as, with a shrug, he says as much to himself as to AVI, Fek it. So, he takes a drink, and then runs a hand through his hair tiredly, I got a . . . hypothetical question for you, AVI. Jus', he waves his drink around in the air in a circular motion, causing some of the liquid to slosh over the side of the glass, something that has been on my mind. You know how it is, he says with a scowl that unintentionally reveals some of the depths of sadness and self loathing Fumnanya feels as he asks the question that is almost certainly not really a hypothetical one, when something just pops into your head an' won't let go, always nagging at you? Anyway, he tries to recover from the unguarded moment by grinning as cockily as he can, figured you might be able to help me out with all the information you have access to, all of your intelligence, give me an answer to this hypothetical question that's been bugging me."
Finishing his drink, Fumnanya slowly and carefully refills it, the slight almost frightened shaking of his hand making it impossible for him not to spill some of the whiskey before he has succeeded, "Say someone was frozen in carbonite, right? When they were sixteen. And then say they were kept frozen for about fifty years, give or take. What would they be like if they were unfrozen? What would the effects be, on their mind, their body? And, do you think, if they were sane and healthy, they would thank you for unfreezing them after all that time? When basically a whole lifetime would have been stolen from them, and just about everyone and everything they knew would be gone, or so changed that they wouldn't recognize you . . . I mean anyone, or anything? Or would they hate whoever unfroze them, releasing them into, he waves his drink around angrily, indicating the current state of the universe, all of the misery and conflict and disappointment it contains, or so it seems to him, all of this? Would it be better to just leave them frozen? More merciful to just . . . shut down the life support systems?"
|
|
Dees
Member
Home is a Universe Away
Posts: 326
Affiliation: Hyperspace
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Dees on Sept 30, 2018 20:19:12 GMT -8
AVI stumbled against the punch and reached up to rub the spot. It didn’t hurt him since he didn’t have pain receptors. He only did it as a playful reaction. He continued looking into the openness beyond as Fumnanya drunkenly rambled. Would it be better to just leave them frozen? More merciful to just . . . shut down the life support systems?" He answered immediately and sternly, almost interrupting Fumnanya. No. No. FIve seconds passed as AVI processed the question. It was but a moment for Fumnanya; it was hundreds of billions of processing cycles for AVI. He nodded, starting off slow and methodical, it eventually resumed its normal pace. He was warm in his tone and careful with his words. Allow me- to- begin answering your question- with- a parable.
There once was a man who was lost in time. He had the world on a platter for him before an accident cast him over three hundred years into the future. Stumbling to find his place in this new world he found himself in, he eventually found his way back home to take his rightful place. It was not without strife. It was not without conflict. There were many battles to be fought to get back what was once his, but he was persistent and tenacious before and after his accident. His character carried him through, and he was better for it in the end.
Let me tell you one more. A man was once lost on the sea for countless days on a ship without a name and a crew that had abandoned him. This ship drifted over the waves and through the storms for more time than he could count, and eventually, he went to sleep. More time passed as he slumbered, until one fateful day he was woken by a curious creature. He was able to rebuild himself thanks to her guidance. He may be a different person now than what he was before he set off on his voyage, but he is nonetheless grateful for the chance at life and the limitless opportunities that come with that chance.
Fumnanya, in my time, I have witnessed the absolute bravery and tenacity of biological life to thrive and flourish in the harshest of conditions. Infinitesimally small creatures who can exist on the very edge of possibility, and monsters more massive and powerful than even I have capability to rationalize. But the minds of sentient creatures are a wonder to behold. Resilient, plastic, and creative in ways I only wish I could be.He paused, having spent this time to do some quick searching on the holonet, he wanted to formulate his next words carefully. He looked at Fumnanya and then back to nothing in particular beyond the horizon.
If your hypothetical individual is currently alive and well, putting an end to them without giving them the chance to decide their own fate is not something I would consider merciful. Leaving them frozen and unable to take on the opportunity that life has for them is not something I would consider merciful.
Yes, they would be starting over in a universe unrecognizable to them. But if De'ath and I have been any indication, I don’t think that would be an issue. Would they thank you? I cannot say. However, with a particular expression - you would recognize as love and kindness - they would be able to thrive. That and a sufficient amount of medical attention after coming out of the freeze.He waited a few moments, then looked over. So, who is it and where are they?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2018 21:44:52 GMT -8
Fumnanya hadn't known what he wanted to hear when asking the question, not really. A part of him had wanted an answer that would let him lay the burden he has carried for fifty years down at last, as selfish as it would feel no matter what kind of answer he had received, and another part of him had wanted a reason to keep carrying it. The answer, if nothing else, silences the selfish voice that had been whispering to him that it would be kinder to just stop making the payments that ensure the life support is not turned off, and Fumnanya supposes that he can be grateful for that.
"It was just a hypothetical question, Fumnanya says wearily despite the grin he wears to conceal his unrelieved anguish, not trying to convince AVI so much as buy himself a moment to consider just how much to unburden himself. Telling AVI everything would entail revealing things he has never told another soul, and as he is not sure AVI would want to know or keep his secrets, in the end Fumnanya decides to tell only a part of the truth. Taking a moment to concoct a story that will fit the details he gave without contradicting his apparent age, Fumnanya sighs and finally says, Meghranoush Grigoryan. Sister of a Sector Ranger I . . . he hesitates, wondering how to characterize the nature of the relationship he and Razmik, who were the best of friends long ago, before Meghanoush was taken from both their lives in a way that led Razmik to believe Fumnanya is responsible for his sister's death even though she is not dead at all, used to know. I owe him a . . . favor. Settling into the lie he has spun, Fumnanya shrugs with a grin that is almost convincing, He told me about a gangster putting his sister in carbonite, and I used to have this stupid dream of finding her and rescuing her. Reuniting them, you know? But, he takes a drink, it happened before my time, and so much time has passed now that I wondered if, even if it were possible to find her, it would . . . they would . . . Laughing uncertainly, as though he cannot vocalize what it was he was wondering even though he had only a moment ago, Fumnanya says, Like I said, if it would be a kind thing to do, or a cruel thing. Waving his glass towards AVI, he lifts it in a toast, Guess I know it wouldn't necessarily be cruelty now, huh?"
Downing the last of his drink and peering at the remains of the bottle, Fumnanya says, "As for the where, the gangster ain't sayin'. So, he shrugs and gulps down the last of the whiskey from the bottle rather than trying to pour it into his glass, I guess my dream is only ever gonna be just that. A dream. Weaving unsteadily, Fumnanya tries to pat AVI on the shoulder, missing twice before finally succeeding in doing so, and grins cockily as he says, Thanks for listenin', AVI. And for, he waves a hand around vaguely as he sets out for the doors leading back inside with the caution and concentration of a very drunk individual, your honest answer. Lifting his hand in a triumphant way even though he feels anything but triumphant, Fumnanya cries out, Keep hope alive! Successfully reaching the doors, Fumnanya swings it open, nearly falls through it, calling out, Night AVI," as he steadies himself and then turns in a semi-circle to get his bearings before, empty bottle and glass still in hand, he begins weaving his way towards his room.
|
|
Dees
Member
Home is a Universe Away
Posts: 326
Affiliation: Hyperspace
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Dees on Sept 30, 2018 22:42:20 GMT -8
For a brief moment, AVI considered the possibility that the question posed to him was truly hypothetical. If so, it would be incredibly odd that such a question would come up in a drunken stupor. It was well thought out, as though it had been considered for quite some time. AVI reasoned that the chances that it was just a random hypothetical were slim and that his initial hunch was correct.
That led to the curious answer he received. For being such a well thought out question, the answer AVI received was rather hastily thrown together. While certain names and details may have been from a truth somewhere, they did not seem to belong in the order that was given.
Nevertheless, AVI nodded to the toast and watched as Fumnanya fumbled into the house. AVI instinctively reached out as the man stumbled along, but was too far out of reach to actually catch. For a moment, there was the consideration just to carry him to bed, but AVI instead turned and watched the night pass along.
Morning was coming, and AVI stood unmoving. Dew had collected on his metallic frame and was beginning to glisten in the morning twilight. His processes began to stir once again as he detected movement inside the cabin. Here he would wait for Vejide to finish her morning routine.
When she finally came out, he intercepted her approach to the ship and walked beside her. He elevated his tone to be chipper and friendly.
Good morning. I wish to be of assistance to you, seeing as how Dee ordered Sango to damage your loading ramp, and how I made a mess of things. I - He hesitated and nodded his head owe you one... or several.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2018 13:10:30 GMT -8
Vejide holds up a hand after AVI has trotted along beside her to make his request to help her with the repairs to the Geheim Masjien, opening her mouth at first to tell him not to worry about it since she can handle it on her own. Before she says anything, however, Vejide's cultural knack for interpreting nonverbal cues clues her in to the fact that it is important to AVI that he pay off his perceived debt to her, and so she turns the hand gesture from one of waving aside the offer to a thumbs up and says intsead, "Yeah, sure. Whatevs," her chipper tone ideally making it evident that she is annoyed with him neither about the door despite his concerns nor that he has offered to help in the first place.
Pausing as she spots Dikeledi jogging around the lake, Vejide pushes her glasses up on her nose and tells AVI, "No matter how early I get up, she's already been up and exercising. It's really annoying. Continuing on towards the Geheim Masjien, Vejide indulges in her penchant for jumping from one topic to another without any regard for tethering things together, telling AVI, Your chassis is unlike anything I've ever seen. The fine motor control, the nuances and subtleties it allows for in the way of body language are about comparable to what you normally see in HRDs despite the obvious disregard for completely replicating a humanoid appearance. Pretty boss. Cool that you and Dee found something that sophisticated for you to inhabit. Jumping again, she asks, You ever use the long rod and knockdown tool method to fix dents? Rod goes under, use the knockdown on the top, gets the dents out completely without ruining the paint. More than it's already ruined anyway. We'll have to remove the ramp first, of course, separate the interior side to get at the underside of the dings."
Hopping topics once more, this time with at least some tenuous connective tissue to an earlier stop along the track of her often racing and winding train of thought, she asks, "Is the humanoid frame one you've settled on out of convenience or choice? Not likely you'd find anything other than a HRD type frame that can match what you've got in terms of range of motion, but still, lots of forms you could take. Arachnid, that'd be kinda cool, huh? Like those B'omarr Monks? Multiple limbs? What's that species that has four arms? Not the goofy cartoon character looking one, but the one that is pretty much human with four arms? Or, say you went the replica droid route, opens up all kinda doors. You could be a Herglic or something like, I dunno, a Bor Gullett or even an Assembler. Cost you a pretty credit or two probably, but still, kinda cool, right? So, say you could pick any form you wanted, what would it be? Or are you totes happy with that frame? Another skip as they reach the ship and Vejide lowers the boarding ramp, I saw a few pieces of shrapnel or something poking out of the top and starboard side. Probably from those Panthers you made go boom. I can deal with those if you want to do the dents? Or we can go the other way around if you wanna?"
|
|
Dees
Member
Home is a Universe Away
Posts: 326
Affiliation: Hyperspace
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Dees on Oct 1, 2018 19:20:37 GMT -8
AVI listened intently as Vejide questioned the nature of his mobile frame. Many questions he hadn't considered. As they reached the ramp, he patted it and mused.
I think I can handle Sango's dents. Just point me in the way of the right tools, and I will have it done.
As she produced the tools for him to perform the task of removing the ramp, he wondered aloud
I use this frame as a mobile platform to accomplish physical tasks. It was not something Dee nor myself planned on doing, but it was necessary for our survival alone on the Sanctuary Moon. Neither one of us knew what the future held for us, so myself being in a form that could aid her was beneficial to us both.
As he loosened the bolts, he gripped the ramp and slowly lowered it to the landing pad.
The fact that this frame, whose makers are unknown, is a biped is not entirely out of the ordinary. The vast history of this universe is littered with bipedal species from numerous regions. It is energy efficient, which for this frame, means I can exert myself far longer than if this frame were a quadruped or even arachnid-like.
He began to peel away the protective covers off the bolt holes that held the ramp together and began to remove the bolts.
It can be surmised that my creators were most likely creating a machine similar to their image, as the facility I was found in was created to suit bipeds with two arms. Again, much of this universe's sentient species are similar to this appearance, so many facets of society are created with these physical traits in mind.
He set aside the bolts in a small pile as he worked his way around.
Alternative forms of locomotion are not always beneficial. Droids that roll their bodies roll on wheels or utilize tracks are great on flat surfaces, but should they encounter features meant for the benefit of legs, they are hindered. Having multiple arms could come in handy in some situations. However, many of those use cases would be limited again because most of society has been developed around creatures with two arms. The added weight to my frame is also something I would have to take into consideration. The benefits would not outweigh the costs in this case.
Taking the topside of the landing ramp off, he began to remove the insulation and carefully analyze the places he would need to repair.
Beyond that, I am not really concerned with my appearance. I don't really wish to look like any particular species or race because I do not belong to any of them that I am aware of. I am a being that up until we found this frame was entirely non-physical. If anything, the only real body I knew of before was being apart of a ship's computer systems. I have been apart of ships like the Geheim Masjien to Star Destroyer class ships. The company we worked for even had Multi-kilometer ships dedicated to moving freight.
He began to work the dents out of the multi-layered surface. Taking the rod, he used the torque in his servo motors to provide the precise pressure needed to knead the dents out.
I have only had this body for over a month. While I have had sufficient time getting used to its quirks and idiosyncrasies, I have found it to be far less limiting to my abilities than I was expecting. While its calculative abilities are somewhat limited, It is far more than say an emulation in a holopad. The only true de-limiter of my potential would probably be a planetary computer. Mind you; I was found on a ship floating in space in a computer smaller than a planetary computer which says something about my original creators I suppose.
As he continued to work out the dents, he paused and looked up and over at Vejide
I have completed my analysis of what form I would take on if I had the opportunity, however, and it goes much against my analysis of my current form. I would be a full-sized adult Zillo Beast.
He bobbed his head from side to side as he continued working.
=====
In the cabin, Dee slept soundly wrapped in the covers of her bed.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2018 20:54:39 GMT -8
Emerging from the Geheim Masjien in a coverall and carrying a toolbox with what she and AVI will need along with tarp for the boarding ramp to be placed on, Vejide watches AVI get to work for a few moments while listening to him, long enough to be relatively confident that he won't muck anything up, before, continuing to listen to his somewhat dry and analytical answer to her questions, she makes her way to the top of the ship to start assessing the damage the shards of shrapnel had done.
Having removed the first of the damaged panels and examined what lay beneath it for any indications that she will need to do any additional repairs beyond welding the tear in the plate pierced by the shrapnel, Vejide has set it aside and is moving on the next by the time AVI wraps up with his answer to what he'd want to look like. Laughing as she sets to work removing the charred hunk of shrapnel from the second plate, Vejide says, "We'd need a bigger ship to accommodate ya, and then asks, Why a Zillo? Aesthetic appreciation of the form, or something else?"
Fumnanya, groaning as he stumbles into the kitchen after waking with a hangover, shakes his head as he passes Sango and Nkosana in the living room, one passed out on a sofa and the other in a recliner, a baggie of spice on the coffee table between them, along with open bags of chips and other indications that both, before nodding out, succumbed to the munchies. After brewing a pot of stimcaf, Fumnanya walks out onto the deck and looks out towards the lake, where Dikeledi, who must have gone shopping sometime after jogging, is laying on her stomach, reading a book in a purple bikini that makes her look even more pale than usual. Chuckling as he looks at his arm, pale from his having been aboard the Geheim Masjien more often than not, Fumnanya guesses that they are all probably just as pale as their Shownarri first mate. Uninvited, the thought enters his mind that Meghranoush has not felt the sun, or anything else, in nearly fifty years, dispelling any sense of enjoyment he might have begun to feel about the prospect of a day spent primarily engaged in doing nothing more than simply relaxing. Dumping the dregs of his caf over the side of the railing, Fumnanya heads back inside to shower before making his way into the city to handle the banking he has to do, including his payment to the Hutt that will ensure that the life support systems keeping Meghranoush alive while encased in carbonite stay on, at least so long as he keeps paying the Hutt.
Vejide, shading her eyes as she watches Fumnanya heading off on Dikeledi's swoop bike, mutters, "Better hope he don't get a scratch on that thing, and then, correctly guessing that their captain is going to manage the banking he habitually looks after soon after any job the do is completed, asks AVI, So, what are you going to do with your share of the take? Anything in particular you have been wanting to treat yourself to?"
|
|
Dees
Member
Home is a Universe Away
Posts: 326
Affiliation: Hyperspace
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Dees on Oct 1, 2018 21:44:25 GMT -8
Because AVI goes back to work pulling out the dents There are few things big enough to take one down. I would be unstoppable.
=====
Dee finally wakes up to the sounds of work being done to the ship. Sitting up, she wonders where her clothes ran off to in her late night stumble.
There's pants, but where is?
She kicks over the armor on the floor
Screw it.
Pulling on her pants, she covers herself and sprints for the ship's bathroom.
Woop woop woop woop!
The door hisses shut behind her, and she lets out a single laugh.
=====
AVI satisfied with the first half of his work begins to rotate the plate to work on the other side of the flooring. He scans the surface and gets new measurements before popping out the dents little by little.
Up until a few hours ago, I wasn't aware I was going to get paid. When we first met Fumnanya and Dikeledi on Dressel, they made it clear that I was a non-biological crew member was not eligible for reimbursement. However, it appears I have made a bit of an impression. He looks up at the panels Vejide is removing and nods toward them. On the crew as well as the ship. He shrugs. I have no real need for material wealth. I may just invest in stocks and play the markets. I am certain that if I inject a small subroutine in the right place, I will have no need for funding for the foreseeable future. He hears footsteps above him and looks up to see Dee armored up once again with her gray robes over the top. Her E-11 sniper shouldered up; she smiles at him through her open helmet.
Hey! I see they put you to work this morning!
He nods and stands up to help her out of the ship. He puts up his hands, and she gingerly steps into them. I volunteered my services. He says as he lowers her to the ground. Going to shoot some of our empty bottles?
Yeah, I figured I might as well get used to pulling the trigger a little myself.
AVI kneels back down and goes back to work on the ramp as Dee goes around the patio picking up a handful of bottles and cans and putting them into a bag. AVI looks up at Vejide for a moment as she works inside an open panel. What about you? What is your money reserved for?
=====
Dee makes her way down to the beach and heads out from the cabin. With enough distance, she starts setting up her targets at various ranges. She breathes in the fresh air but decides it reminds her too much of her home and shuts the helmet. AVI, you in here?
I can be. Would you like some help?
She sets down the last bottle and heads back up the beach toward the cabin once again. She keeps herself to several dozen meters to the closest bottle and lays down on the ground. Maybe. I want to give it a go myself, but if I am doing anything dumb or wrong, let me know.
Savvy.
She holds her hands steady. Target lined up. Dee jerks the trigger, and the unmistakable sound of a sniper shot pierces the air. Kriff!
You jerked the trigger and shot wide. Squeeze the trigger. She leveled out again. She tried to squeeze the trigger but instead jerked it again. The tranquil air is pierced again. Dee...
I Know I know… squeeze don't jerk.
She leveled out once again. One moment, Let me try something. Ok, go for it. She pulled the trigger, and the rifle pulled wide again, but it didn't fire.
What the?
I disabled the rifle. You are pulling the trigger too hard. It takes a light squeeze. Try again. She leveled out, held her breath, and gently pulled the trigger. The rifle was unmoved, and no blast came out. See? Gentle. You don't have to brutalize it.
Dee laughed
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2018 3:17:12 GMT -8
Vejide laughs when AVI explains why he'd want to be a Zillo if he could be anything he wanted to be, asking with an arched eyebrow, "And what exactly is it you wanna do that you'd have to be unstoppable to do? Or do you just like the idea of being unstoppable just 'cause?"
Waving to Dee as their pilot heads off to shoot bottles, Vejide says in an amused tone, "She might wanna warn everyone before she starts shooting. Shaking her head as she puts on a pair of welder's goggles and sets to work welding the tear in one of the damaged hull panels, Vejide answers AVI's question about what her plans are for her credits, I'm saving up to start a club. Something posh and classy, but with an edge so it isn't totes square, you know? Maybe even keep a foot in the life, get in the information brokering trade. I was thinking Zeltros for the location, because, you know, it's Zeltros. But what with it being occupied now, might have to think of someplace else when the time comes."
Nkosana throws himself over the side of the recliner when the first shot wakes him, popping up wide eyed and jittery to try and ascertain where the shot came from. Crouching and darting over to where Sango, blearily rubbing his eyes with a confused expression, is sitting up on the couch, Nkosana pulls the Bothan down onto the ground, hissing, "Get down! Kicking the coffee table over onto its side so that they have cover in case whoever fired the shot is preparing to break down the front door, Nkosana cringes as the second shot sounds forth, his head whipping around towards the back deck when he determines that is where the sound came from. Pointing towards the deck, Nkosana says, They're out back. Stay here, stay down. My shotgun is, like, in the room, he swallows and takes a deep breath, preparing to dash for their room. Shout out if anyone comes in," Nkosana says before bolting in a crouch from the main room into the hall.
Dikeledi, dropping her book and rolling to her left to draw her hold out blaster from the open holster beside her when the first shot is fired, is up on her knees with the blaster in a two-handed grip, sighting in on the prone, grey robed figure she spots after traversing the weapon to search for the shooter. Muttering a curse when she recognizes the robes, Dikeledi throws her hands up into the air in exasperation, cursing some more as she returns to her towel and her book.
Back against the wall near the doors leading out onto the deck, Nkosana slides down into a crouch and then, DC-17 shotgun in his right hand, slowly reaches up for the door handle with his left to slide the door open. His adam's apple bobbing up and down as he takes a few deep breaths while listening for any more shots or other sounds that will help him locate what he assumes is at least one attacker, Nkosana pivots around the corner and dives onto his stomach on the deck, moving the barrel of the shotgun from one side to the other to search for a target.
"Over there, Sango says in an amused tone from behind Nkosana, having crawled to a window while the Nish was going for the shotgun, and peered out to find that there was no danger when he saw Dee aiming towards bottles. Dee is doing a bit of target practice."
"You, like, could have told me that before I dove out onto the deck, Nkosana whines, standing up and rubbing his stomach. Resting the barrel of his shotgun against his shoulder, he worriedly asks, I didn't spill the spice when I knocked that table over, did I?"
Holding up the baggie containing what is left of their spice, Sango grins and says, "Fortune smiled upon us this day, my friend, the bag was sealed."
"Sweet. Shaking his head, Nkosana scratches an elbow as he heads back inside, Man, I almost crapped myself when I heard that first shot. Could'a, like, given us some kinda warning, right?"
"Certainly could have, Sango nods in agreement, obviously more amused by the situation than Nkosana. Patting the Nish on the shoulder, Sango says, Come on, I'll whip up some breakfast for everyone."
"It's almost noon," Nkosana points out, the prospect of eating dispelling his grumpiness all but instantly.
"Brunch then, Sango amends his earlier statement. How does Quor'save fried steak with white dwarf gravy and Ikototch toast sound?"
"Groovy, Nkosana replies happily, then leans his shotgun in a corner and says, I'll let everyone know to come back in a bit." Heading outside, Nkosana shouts out to everyone that Sango is preparing brunch, telling them it will be ready shortly.
Vejide, pulling off her work gloves and wiping the sweat from her face with a rag, asks AVI, "You ready to take a break? Laughing as it occurs to her that AVI could probably work without any breaks for however long it took to fix everything that needs fixing, she tilts her head to the side and asks, Probably don't need one, do you, but do you wanna take five anyway, socialize with us organics while we eat?"
|
|
Dees
Member
Home is a Universe Away
Posts: 326
Affiliation: Hyperspace
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Dees on Oct 5, 2018 1:28:17 GMT -8
AVI continued working out the dents little by little. Children look to superheroes and villains to be creatures of unimaginable might. Some fictionalized heroes have super strength, super speed, or vision that can see through walls. Some heroes and villains take on odd forms that inspire courage or summon fear. The answer to whether I want to be feared or admired, I suppose, is just: yes. He watches Dee head down and shrugs as he continues his work. Yeah, though, we could warn everyone too. Yet here we are working away wanting to see how everyone reacts, no?
He listens to her plan to start a club and nods along. Once the sniper fire echoes around the cabin and chaos ensue from inside, AVI watches with amusement and wonder, pausing his work. How did they get so paranoid over weapons fire like this? If anything, this was a sufficient test for AVI to see the reaction times of the team he now found himself among. He made notes on each person and their reactions. Unfortunately, he was missing data on Dikeledi since she was out of sight, and Fumnanya since he wasn’t in the area.
The possibility that Dee would be in danger from the crew crossed his mind, and he determined he would step in before that became an issue. As he watched the situation fade, he went back to his work. It was a short-lived moment before food was announced. Standing to see his project almost completed, he nods at Vejide.
I can take a moment to recalibrate my servos before finishing this little project. And I wouldn’t mind observing and interacting some more. He follows her to the cabin. Besides, I received data on reaction times and methods; I would like to see how that follows up
=====
Dee continues dry firing the rifle, lessening her pull and jerking the rifle less and less. She sighs in frustration as AVI continues to tell her the rifle will fire next time, but it never does. Come on, just let me try.
Dee, you are trying. Once you are firing the rifle steady, you will be ready.
She sits up and holds the rifle in her lap. Looking up she sees several birds floating overhead.
***She stares at them for a few moments and notices they aren’t moving. Looking down and the water beside her is completely still. She begins to panic when a soothing and familiar voice comes from beside her
Having fun, are we?
Dee jumps with a yelp. De'ath?! What are you doing here?
The woman standing by her looks out over the horizon. Her frilled skirted blue bikini moved and flowed in the unmoving wind. I came to see if you knew why I had a massive bruise on my side. She turned to reveal a large black and blue bruise on her side while looking at Dee with a piercing gaze. And then I had some really weird dreams that were mildly less trippy than that one time on Endor. De'ath looked up and rolled her eyes before taking a seat beside Dee who was now looking more at the ground around her.
De'ath shook her head as Dee spoke up I was trying to protect -
You need to protect that tight, cute little body of yours missy! De'ath pounded the sand as she shouted with fury What happens to you happens to me you know! I don’t really care how you got hurt like this, but it seems like I need to make it abundantly clear to you that we are linked together. Good goddess help me...
Dee sniffled as she looked up at De'ath I- I'm sorry. I was… I will do better. That’s why I’m out here; I want to get better.
There was a lull as they both looked around. Minutes went by, and De'ath pointed at the targets downrange. You haven’t hit anything.
No, I keep jerking the rifle when I pull the trigger. AVI is trying to break me of it.
De'ath nodded and scooted around behind Dee. She had Dee raise the rifle and wrapped their hands together on the trigger. For a brief moment, it felt like De'ath slipped inside of Dee's body. Taking a singular breath and holding it, the trigger eased down. The rifle was unmoving against Dee's shoulder as she sat in the sand. See. Easy. De'ath was once again standing beside Dee, and she was offering her hand to help Dee get up. Come on. Let’s take a walk
Dee took her hand and got up.***
She began walking down the beach, past her targets. While De'ath was nowhere to be found, Dee felt like she was being guided by someone inside of her.
Hey Dee, you want a bite of breakfast?
Not Now AVI
Her tone was stern and confident. Up in the cabin, AVI's head twitched to the side as he attempted to process the odd tone from Dee.
Where are you headed?
For a walk
He was taken aback by the suddenness. He went to comm her again, but it comm was cut from her end. He looked around and then over at Vejide and shrugged I guess Dee isn't hungry
|
|
