[Nexus] DART Headquarters

[Fenric]

In an as yet undisclosed location (but revealed to be somewhere Inside), there is a surprisingly crisp, clean, nondescript office building. It appears to be five stories tall, with the usual mirrored glass exterior and a mediocre fountain out in a round drive in front of a car port that most motels might well scoff at.

But this is no simple regional bank branch or insurance company, despite how it might look. This is the headquarters of a fearsome group who feels that Robspierre had it right and the best way to ensure societal harmony is simply to kill everyone who might threaten it.

This is the headquarters of DART:

the Dastardly Agents of the Reign of Terror.

[Fenric]

A black Lincoln Town Car pulls up into the carport at a less than sedate pace. Three DART agents jump out and scurry toward the entrance, confident that no one could possibly have followed their clever ruse.

[Duck999]

A cat falls of the bottom of the car, crawling out. She smiles, which is not very noticeable on a cat. She runs into the shadows near the wall, unseeable since she is a black cat, blending in. She walks along the wall, following the men. If they enter without noticing her, she will try to slip in.
((Twice I have made somebody pick left, right, or middle, and both times it was left. So I picked left and got lucky!))

[Fenric]

Automatic sliding glass doors slide open and the agents hurry inside. It's a standard airlock-style office building entrance with exterior and interior doors. The exterior doors start to close very shortly after the agents pass.

[Duck999]

Faeles guesses that if she enters, she will be caught before the interior doors close. She waits outside and watches. As soon as they get in, she will look for any possible other entrances.

[Fenric]

There are trees around, and the windows appear to be able to open. It's a warm day, so there's a high likelihood that there is an open window near a branch. It will be rough to say if the room is vacant before making the leap, though.

Or perhaps a quick scouting around the building's perimeter for other possibilities would be wise.

[Duck999]

Faeles climbs a tree, but does not enter a window. Hidden among the leaves and branches, she leaps from tree to tree. As she goes around the building, she looks for any more possible entrances, or anything suspicious.

[Fenric]

The windows facing the street and the two sides facing other buildings would not look out of place at an accountant's firm. There is one promising room on the third floor: the lights are off, there's a coffee maker and a refrigerator, it's clearly empty, and there's no door at all.

[Duck999]

Too suspicious. Though as a ninja cat, Faeles doesn't care. Rather than going in, she jumps, clinging to the wall. She circles the room, looking in, looking for anything suspicious.

[Fenric]

There's a half-gallon "Community Coffee" pump-style urn sitting under it's proprietary automatic-drip brewing station. Smells like the standard "Breakfast Blend" in all its acidic, burnt-tasting glory.

The microwave needs to be cleaned, and the refrigerator somebody likes garlic more than whoever's coworkers probably appreciate: one can smell it clearly.

There's a can of diet coke on the table, open, but the lack of condensation hints that it's either empty or has been there long enough to reach room temperature.

But most noticeable of all: there is a strange, very old looking poster of a man dressed completely ridiculously by modern standards, holding a tattered flag and standing over a body. On a banner that is draped in defiance of gravity or wind is written:

Liberté, Fraternité, Egalité, ou La Mort!

One gets the feeling that it's more of a threat than a defiant statement.

[Duck999]

Faeles looks around. Seeing no way out of the room, she continues. The next time she sees an empty room through a window, she enters it.

[Fenric]

(( "There is no door" means "permanently open entrance", not "no exit". That was my office's breakroom this morning with the exception of the coffee - we retired the Community Coffee urn last year. ))

[Duck999]

(( "There is no door" means "permanently open entrance", not "no exit". That was my office's breakroom this morning with the exception of the coffee - we retired the Community Coffee urn last year. ))

((Derpish me))
Faeles just enters that room, assuming no alarms or anything, she hides behind anything she can.

[Fenric]

No alarm goes off, though the coffee pot releases a cloud of steam and gurgles softly.

the hallway runs parallel to the room, so it's hard to see far from inside. Bright ugly blue fluorescent lights in a tacky corporate drop-ceiling light up standard-issue grey composite tiles and walls of soul-sucking beige. The hallway is silent...

...until there is a faint *DING* from an elevator.

[Duck999]

Faeles peeks the tiniest bit outside the doorway. Being a cat, she should be hard to see. She looks around, trying to locate the elevator. If she does, she looks for anyone who comes out. If someone looks and/or walks towards her, she will jumo back into the room and hide behind something other than furniture or the coffee pot. Unless that is all there is, then she hides behind that.

[Fenric]

The click-clack of hard-soled shoes on cheap laminate echoes down the hallway, accompanied by a familiar voice...

I'm telling you: it was a CAT. It jumped on me like a staving flea and it knew our name.

You won't be allowed outside of the office for a year, if you're lucky.

Lucky?!

Yeah: lucky. Didn't you hear the radio chatter on the way in? Agent 27 ended up detonating his suicide vest in that stupid fox temple after killing their head priest and a bunch of others?

Their voices recede - they must have turned off down a side hallway

[Duck999]

Faeles thinks about what they saod, then comes out of hiding. She peeks down the hallway, looking for anyone else.

[Fenric]

The hallway is currently empty, but the rest rooms are near the break room so it's really hard to say how long it will stay that way. There's a door every ten feet or so, most of which are closed, and a hallway running off to the right around fifty feet down which is probably where the agents went.

[Duck999]

Faeles dashes for the other hallway. Before entering it, she peeks out. If it is clear, she will go into any open room. If there are none, she will continue down the hallway.

[Fenric]

The hallway is empty. The room Faeles enters has a brunette secretary who's desk faces the window, and she is busy typing on an electric typewriter.

[Duck999]

Faeles reapeats this process, going to the next open room.

[Fenric]

The next room that is open is next to the elevators, and has three vending machines and a garbage can. There is a man here listening to Nightwish on an MP3 player at a VERY loud volume.

[Duck999]

Faeles continues to switch between rooms until she hears someone talking (whether or not the door is closed), or until she gets to the end of the hallway. Whichever comes first.

[Fenric]

Faeles inevitably comes to the door at the end of the hallway. It is almost, but not quite, closed. The nameplate on the door simply says "4", and the man from the post office is clearly inside.

... cat was waiting at the post office for me, and even knew which box I was going for.

So you failed procedure and re-used a box for more than one contact, and now you have led a potential enemy agent to our office.

What? No, there's no way I could have been followed. Standard evasion tactic twelve...

... is a fool's hope, though I expect little better of you and the agents in the procurement division. We must move our plans forward without the cooperation of that particular disheveled establishment. Sixteen!

Yes, sir?

Execute plan "Playground of Tears". Number two has noticed our delay already, so don't mess this up.

Yes, sir! Immediately, sir!

(( The astute listener might expect the door to come flying open in the very near future ))

As for you, two-sixty-seven, I must make some calls before I can decide your fate: return to your desk and await further instructions.

Yes... sir...

Now get out of here: both of you!

[Duck999]

If the door flies open, Faeles lays low, and slips into the room. If she is not noticed, she will hide behind anything in the room.

[Fenric]

Um... ok. Agents 16 and 267 leave in a hurry, so Faeles has no trouble slipping in.

Agent 4 starts calling various others to discuss agent 267's performance and recommendations for disciplining him. It appears he's a relatively useful lackey overall, and the consensus seems to be heading for "dock a week's vacation".

[Duck999]

Faeles resirts to her usual tactics. She leaps on agent 4s head, slamming a paw over his mouth. Assuming she isn't thrown off yet, she says, who are you.
((and hilariousness ensues.))

[Fenric]

Agent 4 replies

Grrf errf mmmf hfff

as speaking with a cat's paw over your mouth is difficult. He seems rather a lot less high-strung than 267 was, though, and doesn't flail. He does reach up to grab the scruff of her neck, though.

[Duck999]

She jumps out of the way, landing on a shoulder. She says Do not call for help. Answer me. She takes away her paw, unsheathing her claws as she does so.

[Fenric]

The mans steely grey eyes bore into Faeles for a moment, then he chuckles, folding his hands in his lap.

I am agent four, cat, and you are very much out of your league.

[Duck999]

Faeles snarls
What is DART? What do you do?

[Fenric]

The man smiles darkly

We work tirelessly to promote the cause of law and order, seeking to bring about the greater good and establish peace and harmony. As our motto states: Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood.

[Duck999]

Ha, ha, no. I was talking to someone when they got assassinated. They were killed by a dart made to kill were beings. On the body, I found a business card for DART, and that was my only lead. I came here, do you know why this person was assassinated.
Faeles jumps off the shoulder, staring at agent 4.

[Fenric]

Agent four rolls his eyes

Strictly speaking? Because Procurement is damn incompetent, and I see that I need to hand out more punishment than just taking 267's vacation.

But you know, our founder's brother worked at another misunderstood law enforcement organization, and they taught us a thing or two.

With Faeles no longer on his shoulder, he lifts his watch and directs a powerful aerosol jet mixture of liquid agony right at her face. The cone has a decent spread, so she has her work cut out to dodge. Should she fail... well, military grade pepper spray is a comforting lotion in comparison.

[Duck999]

She jumps towards him, onto his head again. She is a ninja cat after all. If she gets within paws reach, she swings, hitting him across the face with her unsheathed claws. If she still isn't stopped, she will land on his head.

[Fenric]

His reaction isn't nearly that slow, and her jump is most likely interrupted by a forearm check into her ribcage that is not going to be at all pleasant.

(( He had picked up his left arm to aim the watch, and she jumped up. So now he can put a pretty forceful back-handed swipe against something flying toward his head ))

[Duck999]

Awww. Faeles, being a light weight cat, goes flying backwards hitting the wall. She jumps on the closest thing there is to jump on, and kicks the closest thing there is to kick at agent 4. If this turns out to be anything hard, it will most likely be painful if it hits. Faeles has a strong kick, and is using the full force.

[Fenric]

The wastepaper basket isn't really favorable for a mass/weight ratio, regardless of her strength, but it certainly occupies the entirety of agent 4's attention.

However... from behind Faeles, she hears the unfortunate phrase Hold followed by a tingly surge of power.

[Duck999]

ugg, meanie, thinks Faeles. So you're illegal she asks whoever can hear.

[Fenric]

Agent 4 has a bloody nose, and it might even be broken

How long will dat hold?

The mage agent walks carefully around Faeles

Quite a long while, sir. Sorry about that: I came as quickly as I could.

Agent 4 scowls as darkly as he can while holding his nose with a tissue.

Take it downstairs and get it restrained: I don't want it tipping de temple off. It's just some do-gooder, here because Procurement needs a re-org.

The agent nods

Yes, sir: we'll keep it quiet.

The mage picks up Faeles gently and carefully, so as not to disturb the hold, and carries her out of the office.

[Duck999]

Faeles uses all of her will power to try and break free. If she can talk, she will send some insults at the agent.

[Fenric]

Faeles, Faeles... you were supposed to follow agent 16, but now you have forced the DM to get creative...

Agent 112 carries Faeles down into the basement, past the briefing room

We strike precisely at 8:30 am, when they are sent out into the yard. You four will deploy fragmentation grenades to cause maximum effect. As soon as the caretakers are neutralized, set up a perimeter and keep the defenders occupied while the specialists work to recover the material. Our goal is the maximum obtainable casualty level.

Agent 112 hums as they arrive in a room full of captive creatures in cages. Faeles is put into one, and the door is shut.

The trouble with being an awakened animal is that once I push this button, you're just an animal. The Mundane generator is such a useful tool in cases like this.

But he didn't latch the door quite yet... Faeles has the tiniest glimmer of hope, if she moves quickly.

[Duck999]

YAY! Forcing DMs to do real thinking! I thought there was a spell holding Faeles...
Faeles uses her surprisingly strong willpower to try to break out of the spell. If she breaks free, she will run through the room, opening all the cages and letting the animals cause chaos. Just in case they can understand her, she yells Create a commotion!

[Fenric]

Yes, a spell: so there will be the tiniest fraction of a moment between the Mundane field taking that out and her "awakened" state and turning her back into a normal cat... 'cause otherwise you're in "roll a new character" territory.

Faeles escapes! Agent 16 is flat-footed and stares in befuddlement.

The agents in the central monitoring room have yet to notice.

This is the point where I'd give you a steady look and say "roll and intelligence check", then dryly remark: He said "The Mundane field generator"... might want to figure out how to turn those off if you want to get help from the other prisoners.

[Duck999]

Huh. Must have blanked out on that the first time. Faeles is smart, so off to turn off the mundane field. She looks around for anything important, that looks like it could cause mundaness.
100
My intelligence check. :smallsmile:

[Fenric]

Each little box on each cage has a wire that runs back to a conduit on the wall. Tracing that, it runs to a circuit-breaker box across the room.

The mage is NOT pleased that Faeles escaped.

Not smart enough to stay in your cage, eh? Fine, we'll do this the hard way

three Magic Missiles come Faeles' way.

[Duck999]

Faeles leaps, contorting to avoid the missiles. Faeles dashes for the box, hoping to break something and stop the mundananator.

[Fenric]

Ouch, ouch, owie! You can't dodge magic missiles... but each one kinda sucks... so Faeles makes it to the breaker box, just a little the worse for wear.

[Duck999]

Faeles is too lazy and in pain to figure this out. She rips apart every wire she can find, hoping it does something.

[Fenric]

Snap! Crackle! Pop! Cutting randomly through wires can be an electrifying experience. I've got a pair of snips with a cute round hole melted through where I cut a wire I thought was disconnected but... wasn't.

On the bright side, the field generators are powering down, and quite a few magical creatures are waking up and boy are they pissed.

On the not so bright side, Mr. Wizard just cast Burning Hands at Faeles.

[Duck999]

Since it is cone shaped, Faeles leaps towards Mr. Wizard, so she will duck under the biggest part. She then tries to dash away to open as many cages as possible. Ninja cats have good reflexes.

[Fenric]

Agent 112 doesn't seem to like that idea!

No, no, no!

He starts throwing Chromatic Orbs at Faeles. (( wow... it's been a while since I played such a low-level wizard as this :smallsmile: ))

Faeles releases a couple of fairies, a gnome, and some odd looking cats. It's then that she comes to a cage with a strange panther-like creature with two tentacles sprouting from her back.

[Duck999]

Faeles leaps, trying to dodge the spell, as she tries to free the odd looking creature.
((been a while since I last played a ninja cat... wait, I never have.))

[Fenric]

Faeles is hit by a red orb! Fire damage and singed fur ensues. In revenge, she releases a displacer beast! It's a bizzare sight: the panther like creature jumps into the air off to the right of the wizard, but he falls down as if hit. The creature gnaws on empty space, and the wizard's throat is torn out...

Now, how to get out? Oh wait... the folks in the central monitoring room have finally noticed! You can tell because guards come bursting into the room and stand dumbfounded.

Behold: an open door!

[Duck999]

Faeles painfully runs for the door, trying to leave the guards to fight the monsters. As she goes, she yells, Goodbye Also trying to scratch their ankles.

[Fenric]

Faeles hears yells of pain mingled with gunshots behind her as she runs.

On the walls, there is a bad sign: genre-savvy motivational posters, with slogans like "Hit the target, or be the target.", "Don't be a dupe: know your co-workers", "Systems redundancy: a useful distraction and a secure environment", "Going alone is for video games: always take a buddy", and "Only fools take turns: coordinated attacks bring victory".

The door at the end of the hall marked "Exit" has three guards, and bullets are already starting to mar the floor and walls around the dodging cat. Chances that she will successfully reach them before being hit are slim, and even if she does, the heavy steel door might as well be a blank wall.

[Duck999]

Faeles turns, returning to the previous room. If the guards are still there, she scratches their ankles.

[Fenric]

(( I'm still at work, sucky as that is [and yeah, it's 10 after 10 pm my time]. Given the lack of an OOC thread, I don't have a lot of places to post the "HELP! I'm stuck at work!" notice. ))

[Fenric]

Turning back lets the a few shots graze poor Faeles' hind-quarters. She doesn't get all the way back to the previous room, though: the displacer beast lurches into the hallway in a towering fury, bleeding from several hits.

The red dots of the laser sights flick up to the new threat, but that is quite useless.

With a thundering roar, the beast hurls itself down the hallway

[Duck999]

Faeles slips behind the beast, and follows it.

[Fenric]

Bullets ricochet with disturbing whistles as the guards fire ineffectively at the displacer beast. To be fair, their aim is quite good... if only the extra-planar cat was actually at the location that it appeared to be.

The guard on the left looks very surprised as the displacer pounds into him, blasting him into the door and plowing it open as well. The guard on the right screams as the illusion of the panther goes right through him.

[Duck999]

Faeles leaps through the door, taking in her surroundings, looking where she can go.

[Fenric]

It's a loading dock: several trucks are parked at raised platforms, and it smells of diesel and oil. There is a ramp leading up and bright light is spilling in: there doesn't appear to be an exterior door.

The guards seem to be a bit occupied right now and haven't followed.

[Duck999]

Faeles runs the closest way heading to the innermost point of the building, hoping she'll find someone important.

[Fenric]

Up onto a loading dock and back inside, then... there are two guards, but it's just a heavy rubber loading-dock curtain rather than a real door.

It's the psycho cat!
Shoot it!

[Duck999]

Great description! yells Faeles, as she tries to jump on ones face. :smalltongue:

[Fenric]

Facehugger cat!

YEARGH!

The guard drops his pistol and tires to hook his hands under Faeles' belly in order to fling her away - she'll end up in the back of the truck if he succeeds.

[Duck999]

Faeles be nimble, Faeles be quick, Faeles jump on, the other guys face.
((Doesn't quite rhyme))

[Fenric]

The other guard flails and stumbles in utter panic

BLYARGH! Psycho cat! Psycho cat! Get it off! Get it off! Get it ...

There is a falling sensation as the man slips off the edge of the loading platform, and a sick *crunch* as he hits the ground head-first. The other guard peers over the edge.

Martin? Oh my god! The cat killed Martin!

[Duck999]

Faeles leaps up onto the ledge. I don't want to hurt you, just give me information.

[Fenric]

The guard drops his pistol and raises his hands

I surrender! What is it? What do you want from me? I'm just a guard!

[Duck999]

I didn't mean to kill anyone. I just want to know about DART. What do you know?

[Fenric]

The guard blinks.

Uh... it's a vigilante law enforcement organization dedicated to ensuring general compliance through unconventional means.

It was founded by three members of ...

He looks around in fear

the first acronym.

There is a hissing sound, and an ominous cloud starts to form as small jets near the ceiling spray something into the air.

Oh no... no... no, no, no...

[Duck999]

Faeles sees that something is wrong, and grabs the mans ankle, trying to drag him onto the ground below the ledge. When/if they get to the edge, she says jump down!

[Fenric]

He doesn't hesitate, but jumps down. The mist, however, is already settling down toward the floor: whatever it is, it is heavier than air.

They brought the formula with them: it's the real stuff, not the watered down drink they serve at the Black Dragon's Den. The inner doors are sealed off, and we'll never make the exit in time.

He coughs

[Duck999]

Run now! Talk later!
Faeles starts off, running inwards. Cuz shes dumb like that.

[Fenric]

The guard runs the other way

No! *cough* Outside! *chough! groan!*

The aerosolized liquid agony is not nice stuff at all. It's current concentration is like being in the same room that someone just unloaded a can of pepper spray into, and it's getting worse by the moment.

[Duck999]

Faeles spins on her feet, stumbling before running the other way. She starts to feel the effects, and looks for anything with wheels.

[Fenric]

There are two standard in-town box trucks at the loading docks, a couple of dollies that probably wouldn't help, and...

a Segway, of all the strange things.

[Duck999]

Faeles yells Sebway!
She runs at it, hoping the man makes it.

[Fenric]

The man stumbles over, coughing and gagging, and clambers onto the awkward yet elegant two-wheeler. The device activates instantly due to the smart card the guard is carrying, and begins to roll slowly forward.

[Duck999]

Faeles leaps on between the mans feet, hoping her tiny weight will push it forward a little faster.

[Fenric]

Between Faeles' jump and the man's increasing coughing, the guard lurches forward which makes the Segway speed ahead toward the ramp. Almost unbelievably, the dreadful burning pain of the mist continues to increase.

[Duck999]

Faeles knows she can't do much, so she just leans forward.

[Fenric]

The noxious vapors thin as the two-wheeled vehicle heads up the ramp and outside. Segways aren't supposed to crash, but if the driver pitches off violently, then there's not many options left - particularly when it deactivates.

Faeles is outside, and there are several amber warning lights flashing on the exterior. Police sirens can be heard in the distance, and the sign near the dock says "Davison Accounting, Reporting, and Testing"

[Duck999]

Faeles runs over to tue man, checking for injury.

[Fenric]

He's not injured per se beyond minor bruises and abrasions... but he's quite unconscious from shock, and chances are good you'll find him in the addict's section of Town in short order due to Liquid Agony exposure.

KNAVES was a dreadful organization: The "Killing of the Not Able to Vote Ending Solution" - they executed people who refused to vote. Their overall strategy was that of the first French revolution: bring about compliance with the law by instilling Terror into the hearts of the population, as promulgated by their main proponent: Maximilien Robespierre.

DART seeks that same goal: Law and Order, at any cost. The are Lawful Neutral - they have no regard whatsoever for the wellbeing of those under the law, they only care that the law is carried out to its fullest extent.

The chaotic good foxes have their hands full, to say the least.

[Duck999]

Faeles shakes the man. If he does not wake up, she tries to climb the buildings wall.

[Fenric]

He doesn't wake up.

There's nothing in particular at this moment to stop her, so up she goes.

Police cars begin to arrive.

[Duck999]

Time to go window scouting. She jumps in the first empty room she sees that looks safe.

[Fenric]

The windows are now all shut tightly, and blinds have been drawn on every room.

Oddly, the police cars abruptly turn and drive away as fast as they can. Could something more important have come up?

[Duck999]

Faeles now looks down and around. What's going on?

[Fenric]

Nothing immediately visible, sorry. The windows are all still locked.

[Duck999]

Faeles scampers down the fall, back to the ground. She looks around for anyone.

[Fenric]

It is *remarkably* deserted. Faeles may notice that cars are leaving the garage entrance on the other side of the building - everyone seems to be going home, for some reason. There's even a helicopter on the roof, now.

[Duck999]

Does that mean that the unconscious/injured/dead(?) guy is also gone?
Faeles goes to look back in the building, seeing if the gas is still there.

[Fenric]

(( Awkward timing: Mad Hatter took longer to get his hallucination-poisoned-water thing going than I expected - but that's why everyone left. Not that Faeles would know, anyway ))

The man is starting to stir, but isn't particularly coherent quite yet.

The agony gas is no longer being dispensed, and what was already there is gradually dispersing, but the loading dock is still not a pleasant place.

The helicopter departs.

[Duck999]

Faeles sticks around a little to see if the man gets better. She goes around both sides of the building to try to see why people are leaving.

[Fenric]

The guard sits up groggily

Where am I?

Faeles will catch frightened fragments of "...hope everyone is ok", and "... my MOM lives there", and "... not enough vacation to cover this."

[Fenric]

(( Moved from Skyside ))

[La Meridian Restaurant]

Vivian tilts her head

What happened?

[TechnoScrabble]

(( Moved from Skyside ))

[La Meridian Restaurant]

Vivian tilts her head

What happened?

"Welll..." Jackalope leans his head back and begins counting on his fingers, "I went for a run and got bit by some weird dog, passed out, woke up in some fetish club, met a guy who gave me a job at Derek Avery's, met you, flirted with you, got scotxh thrown at me by you, and somehow managed to ens up eating dinner with you anyways."

Jackie smiles pleasantly the whole time Jack tells his tale, as if its not too odd of a day.

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Vivian's ears fold briefly

You've had a rough day! Sorry about the scotch...

The waiter comes back and removes the empty settings, replacing them with the salads

Enjoy!

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

Jackie shrugs while Jack digs into tbe salad before him.

"I'd say this more than makes up for the scotch, sweetheart."

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Vivian smiles

Well... thank you. I'm sorry that I didn't trust you, earlier, and now we're both likely to get a promotion.

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

Jack laughs and shakes his head.

"In that case, I will not apologize for my untoward behavior!"

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

The waiter comes to remove the salads, and the kitchen boy brings the main course!

As if you were going to anyway. And MMMM!

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

"Don't pretend you didn't enjoy it," Jackie says, waving a taunting finger. Jack chuckles and takes a bite of his meal, smiling and nodding at the taste.

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Vivian chuckles

Fine: it was a bit exciting to be noticed for a change. Things can be awfully stuffy at Merisanne.

She takes a bite, savoring the flavor

Really, outside of work, I just don't have much of a social life.

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

"My situation is quite the opposite," Jack shrugs, "Outside of my social life, I don't do much work!"

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Vivian giggles and shakes her head

Oh, goodness... I've needed a night like this for a long time, Jack. You're utterly impossible, irresponsible, and more than a bit silly... and you didn't hesitate to flirt with a single, middle-aged corporate buyer.

She sighs happily

Thank you.

[TechnoScrabble]

LA Meridian

"Don't thank me yet," the Jackalopes say together with a smirk, "We haven't even gotten to the best part."

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Vivian's ears flick briefly down

Oh... hm....

And she busies herself with her food for a few moments, and seems to come to a decision

can't wait.

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

The Jackalopes smile and busy themselves with their own meals, voracious appetites becoming apparent. They seem especially pleased with any greens and low fat meats, avoiding dressings and sauces for the most part.

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

The waiter comes back and clears the entrée dishes, and then a male fox who closely resembles Vivian comes out with desert.

Hey, sis. How's it going?

Vivian smiles

Matthew! I'd like you to meet Jack and Jackie, sales executives from Derrek Avery's. We're celebrating a successful contract cycle.

Matthew shakes his head

Someday you'll bring a real date into my restaurant, Viv. Nice to meet you guys, hope you enjoyed dinner.

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

Jackie brushes her hair back and makes eyes at Matthew, raising her eyebrows.

"It's delightful," Jack says, "Wonderful work, my friend."

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Matthew smiles

Glad to hear it!

Then he returns the big eyes with a saucy grin

Would Madame be interested in a special desert?

Oh dear... poor boy doesn't know what he just started, does he? Vivian smiles, thinking quite seriously of an actual desert.

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

"Oh you know I would," Jackie says in a sultry tone, drawing a laugh from Jack.

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Matthew grins and bobs

Coming right up!

Vivian giggles

I hope you like chocolate!

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

Jackie looks genuinely disappointed and slightlt offended, and Jack has ti work hars to stifle a loud guffaw.

"I think your brother might actually be dumber than me, mademoiselle," he says to Vivian while Jackie fumes.

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Vivian blinks, then grins

You've not had his double-chocolate molten center cake with double-fudge frosting and midnight chocolate ice cream, Jackie.

then it dawns on her, and she chuckles naughtily: ears perked up

You'll get the other desert with only the tiniest bit of effort

Prix Fixe menu for three? $600
Fantastic limited availability wine? $350
The ability to get back at your older brother? Priceless!

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

Jackie grins devilishly and undoes the first few buttons of her suit while nobody is looking. It doesn't actually do much, considering her drame, but its better than nothing.

"And say I weren't much of a chocolate man?" Jack says, "What other desserts do you think you could arrange?"

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Vivian pokes Jack in the tummy

Unless you're deathly allergic to chocolate, which seems rather unlikely given your scent, you just need to pretend to like my brother's premiere desert.

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

"The smell is not my fault!" Jack insists with a giggle, "But I will ascede to your demands, mademoiselle."

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

And unless you were deathly allergic to chocolate, you'd be hard pressed to not go mad at the sight and scent of the marvelous dish Matthew is carrying. The warm, rich cake! The devilish molten center! The fabulous silky frosting just starting to melt at the edges! And all topped with the darkest black-brown ice-cream which promises... well... Jackie will enjoy the desert.

Vivian picks at a tiny corner with a smile

You've out-done yourself this time, Matthew

Oh... "unless"... :(

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

Jackalope is not allergic to chocolate, and actually loves it a great deal. Jack and Jackie take slow bites, savoring them immensely, while Jackie lnce more makes eyes at Matthew.

"It's wonderful, "she says, " I simply must taste more of your...creations sometime."

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Matthew is finally relaxed enough to catch the hint, this time. He looks at his sister, and she winks at him

Who said he wasn't my date? But his ... sister is all left out.

His ears fold half-way down, but he gets them back up

Is that so? But perhaps she would let me try her treats later on?

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

"I'd be delighted," Jackie says, "I do so love...cooking."

Jack stifles another laugh, grinning wildly while looking in a direction Matthew hopefully wont see.

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Matthew blinks, then grins

Well... I am so glad to hear that. We're closing soon, so perhaps you could stay...

Vivian has unaccountably unbuttoned several buttons of her own. And for her, that is quite noticeable.

Now, now... have a bit of decorum, Jack. And yes, Matt: you can ride in the limo, tonight.

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

Eeeeevil plans already begin to formulate in Jackalope's minds.

Jackie smiles at Vivian and feigns a sigh.

"Fine, if I must behave."

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Matthew sits down next to Jackie, as the kitchen is now closed, and he has caught on to the general atmosphere

But behavior is a measurement... what sort of behavior were you planning?

Vivian grins and promptly ducks her muzzle behind Jack's head to demonstrate what nibble-grooming means.

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

"The kind that won't get us in trouble juuusssst yet," Jackie practically purrs.

Jack, meanwhile, shivers a bit at the attention, and gratefully returns it with a gradual reprisal of the invisible limbs, starting with the ears and neck and eventually leaving little of Vivian unnattended.

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Vivian giggles

Wait until we're somewhere a little more private for that

Matthew chuckles

Well... we'll just have to see now, won't we?

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

"At this point its only a matter of whether or not we get to that limo in time or not," Jackie says breathilt, letting the candy smell pour out while she begins to introduce Matthew to her own ethereal appendages.

Jack makes a sad face at Vivian.

"Where's the fun in that? "

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Vivian gets out her cellphone and dials the limo driver

We're wrapping up. About how long? 10 minutes? Ok, see you then.

Matthew blinks

Ten minutes! I have to wrap up in the kitchen... sorry, Jackie: be right back!

and he scurries off, leaving Vivian with the jackalopes. She shakes her head at jack

The fun of not having the rest of the night ruined by a visit from the police.

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

Jack shrugs.
"A fair point, mademoiselle, though somehow I think I could neogotiate my way out."

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Vivian shakes her head

I bet you could... I'd still rather not be on a police report for that.

She sips at her water and sidles up close to Jack

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

"As you wish, mademoiselle," Jack says, putting an arm around Vivian as she slides over.

[Fenric]

[La Meridian]

Matthew returns soon enough

Ready to go?

Vivian nods, and slides out of the booth

Yep! Limo should be here any second now.

[TechnoScrabble]

La Meridian

The Jackalopes slide out of the booth after Vivian, Jackie slinking up to Matthew's side and clinging to his arm.

"This really has been the best day I've had in a while, wonderful meal, monsieur," Jack says to Matthew with a slight nod.

[Fenric]

[La Meridian -> Limousine]

Matthew beams

I'm really glad to hear that! Cooking is my art, and I put my heart and soul into these recipies: it means a lot to me to hear when people enjoy it.

Out in front, the Limo is waiting again

Welcome back, Ma'am. Where to?

Vivian smiles

Home, please.

The chauffeur arches an eyebrow

All of you?

Vivian grins

You got it.

[TechnoScrabble]

Limo

Jack, ever the gentleman, holds open the door for everyone to get into the limo.

He may or may not also be checking out their butts as they get in. It's a thing.

[Fenric]

[Limousine]

Everyone piles in (and gets checked out). Matthew and Jackie end up on one side facing Vivian and Jack on the other. It's not a huge stretch limo, but it could probably hold a couple more people.

[TechnoScrabble]

Limo

Jack and Jackie resume the ghostly massages as soon as the door shuts.
Jackie leans heavily on Matthew's shoulder, sighing.

Vivian and Matthew may notice some soft music playing, accompanied by giggling and a sweet, smooth smell with an intoxicating effect. An almost blindingly beautiful woman in damp white robes sits at the back of the limo, playing pan flutes!

[Fenric]

Limo

Vivian and Matthew both freeze

Who is that?

Where did she come from?

[TechnoScrabble]

Limo

"Relax," Jackie says, "She's a friend of mine.

"I once dated a death goddess," Jack explains, "And got tied up in the pantheon. And you can probably guess what sort of followers I tend to get."

[Fenric]

Limo

Relaxing isn't going so well

Followers? Vivian....

It... Explains a lot... I....

but...

Then he looks at Jackie, both hopeful and frightened

[TechnoScrabble]

Limo

"Why does everyone freak out when they find out I'm a god?" Jack asks, exasperated, "We're a dime a dozen here in the Nexus!"

"We're not dangerous or anything, promise! " Jackie says.

[Fenric]

Limo

Vivian smiles

it's ok, Matt. It really is.

Matthew looks at Jackie, torn.

I... Jackie? I do like you...

[TechnoScrabble]

Limo

Jackie gives Matthew a big squeeze hug.

"And Iiiiiii like youuuuuu. It's all good! What's wrong?"

[Fenric]

Limo

Vivian smiles

Really... It's ok, Matt - trust me.

Matthew closes his eyes and snuggles up to Jackie

ok...

[TechnoScrabble]

Limo

Jackie reaches up to try and give Matthew a kiss when his eyes close.

Jack, meanwhile, shrugs, "Maybe I should've explained that earlier. I didn't think it was such a big deal."

[Fenric]

Limo

Matthew does not resis, and even returns the kiss - tentatively at first, but enthusiastically shortly after.

Vivian smiles and shakes her head

He'll be ok... He just hasn't had as much time to get used to you as I have.

[TechnoScrabble]

Limo

The ghost massages resume once more, and Jack shrugs and says, "Well, you know the best way to handle a cold pool, right? You dive right in!"

[Fenric]

Limo

Matthew seems to have finally relaxed... Or given up. Either way, doesn't really matter.

Regardless, the limo pulls into a moderate (for the part of Skyside) apartment complex and stops near the entrance.

Here we are, Ms. Cartwright

Vivian smiles

Thanks, Henry!

[TechnoScrabble]

Limo

Jack opens the door and holds it open for everyone again, ever the gentleman, and looks up at the building.

"I like your home, mademoiselle."

[Fenric]

Vivian's Apartment

Vivian grins

Thanks!

Inside, the apartment is modern, with white walls, a beige carpet, and a strangely laid out open floor plan. The Cartwright siblings have decorated it in a contrasting traditional style with ornate French furniture, impressionist prints, china accents, and small Persian rugs. They have a full aesthetic, with something interesting to see I every small nook.

[TechnoScrabble]

Vivian's Apartment

"Oh, wow!" Jackie says, "This place is beautiful!"

Jack whistles and nods, "Quite."

[Fenric]

Vivian's Apartment

Vivian grins broadly

Glad you like it! The Merisanne family was very generous to those of us who came over to the Nexus, and we chose to use our allowance to get better decorations for a less expensive apartment.

[TechnoScrabble]

Vivian's Apartment

"It seems to have worked out well for you," Jackie says.

Jack walks around, having a look over the place.

[Fenric]

Vivian's Apartment

With Jack distracted, Vivian takes the opportunity to scurry off.

Be right back!

As she goes, she whispers something in Vulpan to her brother that makes his ears flick down briefly.

Jack will see family photos and various small crystal figurines in a display case.

[TechnoScrabble]

Vivian's Apartment

Jack tilts his head and smiles, looking at all the little figurines.

Jackie, still clinging to Matthew, looks up and asks, "Oooh! What did she say?"

The nymph is still in the background, playing the pan flute and looking around mischievously, edging her way towards the kitchen. Hopefully there's Little Debbie's somewhere.

[Fenric]

Vivian's Apartment

The Nymph will be disappointed on that front, as the foxes can't eat chocolate and don't really care for sweet. There are some tart jam-filled cookies with an almost creamy texture and an ever so slightly sour taste (because they are indeed made with sour cream and are ever so yummy), and some shortbread cookies heavily laden with sesame seeds and nuts.

Matthew' ears flick down again.

Literally, "There are no walls in a meadow". I think she's getting the big blanket...

[TechnoScrabble]

Vivian's Apartment

Jam cookies will have to do!

Jackie laughs, drawing an odd look from Jack, but she waves him off. Better for him to be surprised.

[Fenric]

Vivian's Apartment

Vivian returns grinning, dressed in a bathrobe and carrying two large blankets and a pile of pillows

Settle down, make yourselves comfortable. Is anybody even the slightest bit hungry anymore? We do have some snacks...

[TechnoScrabble]

Vivian's Apartment

Jack and Jackie don't answer the question, darting at Vivian to try and snatch the blankets from her and roll up inside them, disappearing into the cushiony mountainscape of blankets if able.

The nymph is still busy stuffing her face in the kitchen.

[Fenric]

Vivian's Apartment

Invasion of the blanket snatchers! Jack and Jackie are successful, leaving a very confused Vivan and a somewhat confused Matthew

um...

[TechnoScrabble]

Vivian's Apartment

Jack peers out from beneath his blanket, his suit having disappeared somewhere along the way.

"'S cozy in here," he says flatly.

[Fenric]

Vivian's Apartment

The pair look at each other, then Vivian shrugs and wiggles into Jack's blanket, her bathrobe piling up on the floor.

Matthew shakes his head, wondering what his sister has gotten them into before undressing and getting into Jackie's

And unless I miss my guess, we're done here for a bit. :smallwink:

[TechnoScrabble]

Vivian's Apartment

A likely unhealthily long amount of time later, three pairs of antlers and rabbit ears pop up from beneath the blankets, shortly followed by the attached Jackalopes. The third, stretches, yawns, then notices the other two glaring at him. He's not supposed to still be here.

"Ah, er, right, yeah, I'll-"

With a poof, he disappears, leaving Jack and Jackie to giggle.

[Fenric]

[Vivian's Apartment]

Matthew and Vivian extract themselves from the blankets, notice each other, and simultaneously have their ears fold down

I need to take a shower

Yeah... go on, sis.

She scurries off and he takes a deep breath

That was... something else.

[TechnoScrabble]

Vivian's Apartment

"There's a joke somewhere about rabbits" Jackie says with a shrug, "But I think it's pretty worn out, no?"

[Fenric]

[Vivian's Apartment]

Matthew laughs softly

Yeah, there is, I suppose. I could probably make a joke about eating rabbit now, myself.

He stretches

But joking aside... it was great to meet you two. Anytime you visit La Meridian, just let the waiter know that you know me and you'll get employee pricing - and don't worry, they always check with me.

[TechnoScrabble]

Vivian's Apartment

"Thanks, hon, it's-"

"Oh man I-er, we're late for work!" Jack taps on his watch, still remarkably intact for having been around Jackalope for 24 hours, and he and Jackie are dressed within moments, even the stain from the previous night's drink gone.

" Damn I'm good."

[Fenric]

[Vivian's Apartment]

Vivian reappears moments later, hastily dressed with hair still wet. She's already on the phone to the limo driver

Yes, thank you so much! I know, I know.. charge it to my account.

She looks at Jack with gently wild eyes

Late. Very late! I've got a limo coming to take you back to Derrek Avery's - I can't afford the delay. Matt will see you to the door: so sorry!

And she runs out without further ado. Her brother laughs

She never learns: never! I gave up trying a long time ago... something about you sales types, I guess. Congrats on the contract and all. I'll show you out, no trouble - my place doesn't even open until four

[TechnoScrabble]

Vivian's Apartment

"Au reservoir, mademsoille!" Jack shouts after Vivian.

"It's appreciated," Jackie says, giggling at Jack.

[Fenric]

[Vivian's Apartment]

Matthew shakes his head

You speak French like an American high school student. And that has got to be the language you're shooting for, because you don't speak Cheritanni worth crap. Look, I don't give a crap what Avery's or anyone else is doing... just don't hurt my sister, ok?

[TechnoScrabble]

Vivian's Apartment

"Hurting people isn't my style,"["/COLOR] Jack tries to assure, but Jackie ruins it by adding, [COLOR="#8B4513"]"Unless they ask politely."

[Fenric]

[Vivian's Apartment]

Matthew rolls his eyes at the joke, and the phone rings with the second limo.

All right: your ride's here. Come on.

And he will lead the pair to the limo that will take them to... the actual point of this thread!

[TechnoScrabble]

DART HQ

Jackalope strides into the office like it's no big deal, Jackie *poof*ing out of reality as the pair round a corner. Jackalope figures the best plan is just to act casual.

"Morning, everyone."

[Fenric]

[DART Skyside]

Kyle looks at Jack with big eyes

Ooooh... Mr. Alopare... You need to go see the boss. He's waiting for you.

[TechnoScrabble]

DART HQ

Jackalopr pivots misstep to make his way to the boss's office, swallowing nervously.

"Right-o! Thanks for the head's up, Kyle!"

[Fenric]

[DART Skyside: Agent 10's Office]

Jack comes to the door: the name-plate has the simple label "10"

Inside, a human male in his later 50's is sitting at a desk. He looks up at Jack as he enters, utterly unphased by the jackalope's appearance.

Ah... Agent sixty-nine. Amusing circumstance, is it not? Did you enjoy your evening with our customers?

He waves any potential answer off

The deal was already sealed, and celebrations were in order. What matter who you took them with? We have a new issue brewing, and you have already been put forward as one who could handle it. HE would like to speak with you.

The way he said the pronoun was chilling... terrible, even. Given the theme, given the numbers, there could only be one person that meant...

[TechnoScrabble]

agent 10's office

Jackalope pauses for a moment, not entirely sure what all is going on.

"The way you say 'he'...Would I be wrong to hope you mean Kung Fu Jesus or someone like that? I mean, you said it awfully ominously..."

[Fenric]

[DART Skyside: Agent 10's Office]

Agent 10 shakes his head

I'm sorry, Jack: you have to meet Agent One. We'll most likely never see you again here at Derrek Avery's: You will either join the inner circle, or... you'll be killed by your target. We'll send a card to Miss Cartwright for you, if you want.

[TechnoScrabble]

Agent 10's Office

"I'll deliver it myself," Jackalope says with a smirk, "After I do...whatever it is Agent 1 needs me to do."

[Fenric]

[DART Skyside: Agent 10's Office]

Agent 10 nods

Whatever you want, Jack. There's a shuttle leaving for Inside in 10 minutes. You're headed to Davison Accounting, Reporting, and Testing: that's our front down there, and the main office. Your liason is Agent 44 who will escort you to your next stage.

He stands and extends his hand

You haven't been with us long, but you've been better than most people I've worked with for years. It's been an honor, sir, and I wish you the best of luck.

Liberte, Fraternatie, Egalatie, ou La Morte!

[TechnoScrabble]

Agent 10's Office

Jackalopr accepts the hand with slight hesitance, repeating the strangenmotto and thinking about how he hasn't even been a member for a full twenty four hours yet and doesn't even actually know this man.

"I'll be on my best behavior. "

[Fenric]

[DART Skyside -> Shuttle]

Agent ten nods and smiles. Immediately afterwards, an assistant opens the door

The shuttle is arriving, sir.

Agent ten nods again

Off you go, Jack. Good luck!

The assistant looks expectantly for Jack to follow down to the shuttle.

[TechnoScrabble]

>>>Shuttle

Jackalope nods and makes his way out, following the assistant and making serious reflection back on his life.

He'd probably learn a thing or two if by 'making serious reflection' I didn't mean 'thinking about making love in sports cars'.

[Fenric]

[Shuttle -> Mountains]

The shuttle leaves the Skyside platform and starts to head away from Inside, north and out into the mountains. But it abruptly turns back and speeds up rapidly

Urgent message from Inside: agents in need of assistance. We have a priority one chaos anomaly to contain and transport to base.


[LATER....]

The shuttle containing Jack and Fortuna pulls up into the roundabout in front of the Davison Accounting, Reporting, and Testing building. The description is on the first page.

A man in a lab coat is waiting in front of the double doors with a cheerful smile.

[TechnoScrabble]

Davison Labs

Jackalope holds the door for the quad-copter and waves to the lab technician in his usual way. (Read: Oh god why I am suddenly attracted to someone with antlers and floppy ears)

"Well, here we are! You want me to head in with you?"

[Rebonack]

[Davison Labs]

vvvvrrrrrrr...

"That's up to you," comes Fortuna's voice from the quad copter. "We're probably just going to talk about a bunch of really dry physics stuff that won't be very interesting."

And since the drone can't wave as it lacks the capacity to do so, it just approaches the fellow at the door.

"Hello there, Fortuna speaking. Thanks for inviting me to your lab. Please understand that I couldn't attend in person."

[Fenric]

[Davison Labs]

The man nods, but looks uncomfortable

I'm going to need to get you to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement and given that you are here remotely, I will also need a binding Memorandum of Understanding that you won't record any images, audio, or video of the lab or the property... we do not usually allow cameras or recording devices to be brought in by visitors.

[TechnoScrabble]

Davison Labs

Jackalope shrugs.

"I'm not too big on all that high techy stuff, really. If you don't need ms, I'll find my way out."

He gets about halfway there before turning back around, a stupid grin on his face.

"Then again, last time I was in a lab, I got superpowers, so hey, why not?"

[Rebonack]

[Dart HQ]

Fortuna knows what that first thing is.

She has no idea what that second thing is.

"Oh, well, alright?" she replies a little cautiously. Probably has something to do with not leaking R&D secrets. And/or preventing her from exposing their eeeeevil.

[Fenric]

[Davison Labs]

The man looks apologetic

I'm sorry... I'm rather used to visits by corporate executives who are impatient, incurious, and already familiar with these things. Please allow me to start over:

My name is Steve Johnson, I'm the Lab Manager for the research group here at Davison.

Before we can let you into the lab, I need you to sign a contract promising that you will not share the information you learn here with anyone else without permission from us, because we consider it either trade secret or intellectual property. Some things here are patented, some are intended to be patented, some thing here belong to other people and are used under licenses that don't allow us to share them.

Because you are visiting us remotely and using a camera, I need you to promise that you won't record the video feed. And I need you to promise it in a legally binding document that we can use in court if you decide to record the video anyway. Normally, a laboratory like ours does not allow cameras inside at all - otherwise people are likely to steal trade secrets, customer data or information, or security information like the location and type of door controls, security cameras, motion detectors, glass break sensors, and so on. It's a precaution both for our financial security and for the safety of our employees.

[Rebonack]

[Davison Labs]

"Oh! Well, that sounds pretty reasonable," Fortuna replies brightly. "You have to understand, the only reason I sent the copter instead of coming myself is because one of the agents who invited me here shot at me. I decided to do some digging and found some worrying rumors. I'm not sure what if anything is true, but it left me feeling really uneasy coming here in person to a location that's ostensibly under their control. But in case this is all just a big misunderstanding, I still wanted to come and help them better understand both how magic works in my home universe and how the Nexus' interesting translational properties function."

She's still curious.

And she still wants to help people to learn.

"So I'll be happy to sign those documents if you like. And... for what it's worth I have an eidetic memory. I can recall in perfect detail everything that I'm focusing on or paying attention to. Obviously that would be covered under the non-disclosure agreement since I can't exactly share my memories with someone, barring the use of equipment of a third party."

Fortuna knows about the memory orbs and memory extraction spells the Ministry of Morale used to employ, but she doesn't exactly have access to any of their technology.

[Fenric]

[Davison Labs]

Steve smiles, and doesn't address the agents at all...

That's right: your brain is covered by the NDA. So, let's get this formality out of the way and then we can move on to more interesting things!

And so, the SPOOOKY RECEPTION DESK is visited.

Er...

well...

Ok, it's really the "bog-standard, light honey colored maple reception desk with a chipper young intern from some local college or other". Steve smiles

Ana, I need a standard lab NDA and a no-record MOU.

Sure, Mr. Johnson!

And she swiftly plucks two forms out of two stacks of such forms and puts them on the counter, along with a pen.

[TechnoScrabble]

Davison Labs

Jackalope leans on the desk and makes the usual small talk with Ana, waiting patiently for lab access. Typical chat, y'know, like 'Hey', 'how are you', 'what's it like working into the labs', and 'wanna mack in the closet while they're busy'. Nothing out of the ordinary.

[Rebonack]

[Davison Labs]

"Umm..." the drone drones.

It seems there's a problem.

The drone lacks any method of manipulating a pen.

"Could I copy these documents, fill them out, and then send them back to you electronically? I'm sorry that this is all really inconvenient, but I really don't want to be bumbling into a trap."

Because traps are terrible.

[Fenric]

[Davison Labs]

Ana giggles and simpers at Jack

Steve ignores them both

Um... I guess that would be ok...

Then he looks concerned (and a trifle hurt)

Do you know the name of the person that you met in the park who worried you quite so badly? It really isn't normal for visitors to be quite so apprehensive about visiting us. We don't do weapons research, the only magic allowed at all is under very strictly controlled circumstances, and we aren't a pharmaceutical company. We are regulated by several different government agencies and are routinely audited.
Because truly, if one of our employees shot at you then we need to fire them immediately and turn them over to the proper authorities.

[TechnoScrabble]

Davison Labs

"That's what I said!" Jackalope testifies to the idea of turning in Fortuna's assailant before turning back to the intern, "Seriously though, I'm good looking, you're good looking, they're obviously gonna be awhile before I get to play with anything shiny, I'm sure you get bored sitting behind this desk all day..."

[Rebonack]

[Davison Labs]

"He only refereed to himself as Agent 24," Fortuna admits. She provides the best description of him that she can, but given that her race has very different things they focus on in facial recognition...

Anywho!

The signed documents should be faxed back shortly.

[Fenric]

[Davison]

Ana giggles

It does get pretty boring, yes. But I can't very well leave reception empty!

Steve frowns

That doesn't sound like anyone I know. Suits would imply the accounting guys, though... but they're all tweaked to begin with, and I could certainly see one of the bean-counters cracking and going vigilante. Well, I'm terribly sorry: you aren't going to hear us referring to each other as "agents", and nobody is armed except the uniformed security guards

An example of which waves boredly: balding, overweight, navy pants, blue shirt, shiny badge, belt with too many things on it... hard to miss.

If you'll follow me, I've set up a lab with our current prototype Portable Impossibility Excluder. They are intended for law enforcement, private security, and small zone protection. Magical attacks are a significant problem here in the Nexus, particularly against security personnel, and the hope is that these will help both with employee safety and overall success rates.

because really, a bunch of dead guards is just adding insult to injury.

[Rebonack]

[Davison Labs]

"If someone had stolen of your PIE units and was using it out in the field without authorization, would you have some way of tracking that? Or at least tracing when the unit was taken?" Fortuna inquires. "They had one such device that they used to neutralize the ongoing chaos magic effects that I was testing. It was really rather disruptive and completely ruined my data. I had to start the whole experiment over again."

And no one likes having to start he whole experiment over again.

Collecting data can be boring enough all on its own, let alone being forced to do it twice.

[TechnoScrabble]

Davison Labs

If Ana looks over to her left, she'll find another Jackalope leaning on the opposite edge of the desk, idly inspecting his finger nails.

"Who said anything had to be empty?" he asks with a smile.

[Fenric]

[Davison Labs]

Steve leads the Fortuna-drone down to nicely appointed lab: several computer terminals, devices and scanners of several types, a few boxes of not-immediately-obvious purpose, and resting on a table is one of the PIE units next to a Star Trek style phaser pistol.

No... I didn't put tracking in them... I probably should have. This is my newest prototype: it rejects seven more varieties of impossible effects than the previous model. This is the first one to exclude "science fiction" style weapons that can't possibly exist, particularly directed energy types that have effects that can't possibly happen.

That pistol, for instance, is just shy of a magic wand: it can instantly incapacitate a human, kill them without leaving a mark, or dissolve them to a plasma. But it has a tiny power cell and somehow the effects it causes magically know to only interact with the intended target: most settings won't impact clothing or equipment, but no setting will damage the floor or other surroundings.

Meanwhile, the giggling Ana gets up to follow Jack wherever he might lead.

[TechnoScrabble]

Davison Labs

Jackalope looks for the nearest empty room that isn't too dirty or cluttered, already calling up ghost hands to massage Ana. Meanwhile, the other Jackalope fiddles with a pair of pencils at Ana's desk, trying in vain to juggle a quarter between them.

[Rebonack]

[Dart Labs]

"Oh! I recognize that, it's a Star Trek phaser," Fortuna announces excitedly. "I've been watching Star Trek on NexFlix recently, it's really fascinating. It's... umm... for purely research reasons, of course. Into human culture and mythology."

Of course, Fortuna.

That's the only reason why you've been watching it.

It has nothing to do with the program being entertaining.

"I was really curious about their technology, though. It seems awfully outlandish when you really analyze the range of effects a phaser or something like a tri-corder can produce. We had stunning weapons back home, but they were mostly variants on electrolasers. And of course the laser portion of the weapon could cause some pretty serious burns. Just typically not lethal ones."

This is all very fascinating!

"Barring a system that enforces a particular set of physics I'm not sure how well a device like the PIE will work against equestrian magic. It's a coherent part of the set of physical laws that govern our universe and so it really isn't impossible. I do know of spells that can inhibit magic use, but that's more of a targeted paralysis of the corresponding organs."

[Fenric]

[Davison Labs]

Interns... go figure. :smallwink::smallbiggrin:

Steve nods

It is quite the unlikely technology. And that has been the case so far: if something ends up following the rules of a physical system (and not just wishful thinking, mind), then the PIE doesn't usually have any effect at all. But the further off something is, the easier it is to disrupt. For example, one very important device I just rendered inoperable yesterday is this little gem.

He holds up a smallish cylindrical device, which when activated emits a quite annoying high pitched modulated buzzing

This little gem can do just short of anything you might want, has numerous break-in and infiltration uses, and might as well be a wand of infinite limited wishes for all the reality there is in it.

He turns it off and shakes his head

"Sonic Screwdriver", indeed. But as far as enforcing any particular set of physical laws? The point of the device is to make crime more difficult, not hurting people whose metabolism depends on non-standard physical laws. Trying to enforce something like that is not safe and potentially lethal.

[Rebonack]

[Davison Labs]

"From Doctor Hooves! I was surprised to discover that several other universes have a similar program," Fortuna muses. "The show regularly butchered everything from biology to materials science to applied quantum thaumatics. I would imagine the human equivalent of the program wasn't much better."

Honestly, she finds that a little bit funny. Isn't it strange how the same ideas turn up across the vast reaches of the Cosmos? That alone would be a subject worthy of lifetimes of study.

"I talked to the so-called agents about that particular subject. The physiology of people from my home world needs the thaumatic field to function just as much as we need the electromagnetic or Higgs field. Though I have the suspicion that the Nexus' translational effect would come into play with any physics imposition that could be potentially lethal. Based on what little data I have, a translation into a form that could survive in the new imposed set of laws would be most likely. That's worth more study, I think."

There are quite a few things about the Nexus that are worth more study.

"If you're simply looking for a way to prevent the use of destructive magics within an area, I could provide some schematics for the magical inhibitor fields that were used for security purposes back home. It's a Ministry of Arcane Science design that I ran across in my travels that inhibits the voluntary thaumatically active crystalline portions of a pony's skeletal system. It prevents a unicorn from using active spellwork, a pegasus from flying, or an earth pony from drawing on their supernatural strength while inside the bounds of the field. Prolonged exposure is safe, baring natural degeneration from disuse."

A beat.

"They require equestrian smoke quartz for the spell-matrix, though," Fortune continues. "Equestrian gems are incredibly difficult to come by in the Nexus since there aren't any stable portals or bridges for trade. That's a problem that my colleagues and I are presently attempting to tackle."

[TechnoScrabble]

Davison Labs

It'll probably be awhile before anyone emerges, Jackalope leaving Ana a scrap of paper with his number and an inordinate number of x's and o's on it.

Meanwhile, secretary!Jackalope has taken to spinning in his swivel chair, and a third Jackalope has spawned and is now walking through the labs as if he belongs there, looking for anything useful.

[Fenric]

[Davison Labs]

The third Jackalope is getting some grumpy looks as he walks around. Perhaps he should find a lab-coat?

Steve bobs his head

I don't know that the Equestrians are really all that high on the list of things we need to protect against. Worse, adding expensive and difficult to come by components will make the devices themselves a target.

But the problem of portals to other realities has remained elusive as a technological goal. Lately, one of my groups has been following up on a notion that we've been going about it the wrong way: trying to poke bridges through spatiality using arbitrary topological dimensions is expensive, prone to causing gamma radiation (or worse), and calculating the topological convolution matrices brings even our best computers to their knees.

So instead, we've been exploring the notion that there may be a basic dimension that could be worked with rather than a topological one. As I'm sure you're aware, basic dimensions that you aren't naturally a part of are very difficult to even notice, let alone interact with. The discovery of spatiality through astronomical observations of the red-shift of light wasn't followed up with a practical implementation ... well ... on a great many worlds, they have yet to do so. But hyperspatial transmission is still impractically expensive and side-effect prone. Then we can consider the spin dimension, which was described by Charles Howard Hinton in 1888... but no practical use beyond mathematics has ever been found for that.

But we have started working on a postulate that the "infinite worlds" hypothesis is true, and that a sixth basic dimension exists which measures the degree that any two of them may interact. Call it... "Sympathy". If one were able to manipulate their own coordinates through that space, one could simply choose the reality they wished to visit by joining its sphere of influence as it were, rather than rudely poking a hole in reality.

[TechnoScrabble]

Davison Labs

Ah, yes, and he'll need an ID, too!

Jackalope tries to find a lone lab technician and sidles up to them with a 'heeeeeeey'. In no small amount of time, he jumps from small talk to straight up hitting on them, and from there inviting them to someplace private. If all is successful, he should walk back out with a new lab coat and ID!

[Rebonack]

[Davison HQ]

"Heh, well, with any luck they won't be nearly as difficult to come by soon," Fortuna laughs. Then she listens carefully to the talk of trans-reality travel! "Hmm... I think we might be operating off different sets of cosmological architecture," she ponders aloud. "That wouldn't be too much of a shock, given the widely divergent places the Nexus seems intent on bringing together. If I'm understanding you correctly, you have height, width, depth, spatiality, spin, and sympathy as six space-like dimensions and time as a single time-like dimension?"

There comes a hrrming sound from the helecopter as Fortune considers how to phrase what follows.

"Back home, dimensions were divided into three sets of three. The objective dimensions, the variance dimensions, and the impossible dimensions. The first three as a unit represent a universe at any specific point in time. The second three represent all possible variations of that universe, a multiverse. The last three cover all impossible variations, other multiverses with different sets of physical laws," Fortuna explains. "We had spells that allowed for time travel that could create a closed loop on our universe's own world line. And a small set of artifacts that could bridge the dimensions of all impossibility to reach out to wholly different worlds."

Fortuna takes a little breath before continuing.

"Presently, my research has been focusing on the Nexus' unusual property as a meta-location. It seems to technically exist in all universes simultaneously. That means a relatively simple universe-bound teleportation or gate spell should be sufficient to make the type of Einstein-Rosen bridge we need to cross the distance rather than having to rely on far more esoteric magic like what's utilized by the Crystal Mirror back home."

[Fenric]

[Davison Labs]

Jack is successful! One lab coat and fake ID later, and nobody is looking at him strangely... well... less hostily, anyway.

Steve looks thoughtful

That does make sense... if Sympathy is more of a value dimension like Spatiality, and the Nexus has a value approaching the highest possible... then we're short a dimension, and that's why the hyperspace shunts work so poorly: we're aiming them wrong.

he seems quite excited

If we could reconcile your dimensional model with ours, we might be able to come up with the missing concept and finally not need to depend on magical handwaving anymore! And since I can filter out most extraneous magical handwaving already...

He goes to the table and picks up his prototype PIE, turning it off as he does. Then he starts to scurry around the room gathering up a number of portable devices.

Fine. Some idiot scared you from coming here yourself, so I'll just have to go to that park myself! This may just be the most important discovery... EVER!

[TechnoScrabble]

Davison Labs

Jackalope looks around for anything interesting. Strange experiments, large, ominous machinery, adorkable scientists, the usual.

His ears perk up when he hears mention of the park, and soon a fourth Jackalope rejoins Fortuna and Steve.

"Can I watch? Oh pretty please can I watch?"

[Rebonack]

[Davison HQ]

"A system of synthases could provide a major breakthrough..." Fortuna mutters through the drone. "We don't have any real concept of the value dimensions as you described them. All of the dimensions we work with are technically space-like. If the value dimensions are what I'm missing from my model that could explain why no one could ever figure out how the Crystal Mirror worked..."

And then?

She makes a decision.

"I'll meet you at d(Park)/dx Park. The highly Law aligned nature of the location makes for an extraordinarily low random magical background. That's part of the reason why I've been using it for my studies," she explains, then gives a little huff. "I'm starting to think this mess was all just a huge misunderstanding. If a unified system of cosmological architecture is possible then what we've both been butting our heads against might turn out to be a floor rather than a wall. A safe way of opening new bridges from the Nexus will open up effectively infinite new routes of trade, both economic and scientific. Not to mention it'll finally give the people who have been stranded in the Nexus a way home. I would like to collaborate with you on this, doctor. If we can make this work, countless lives will be touched for the better."

[Fenric]

[Davison Labs]

Steve nods

Spatiality is a value, ranging from 0 - the density of space/time at the big bang - to infinity. If sympathy works the same way, with 0.0 being utterly isolated and 1.0 being "interacts with everything", then we've been going about it the wrong way and we need...

Then Jackalope.

Hold on... just who exactly are you, anyway? I don't remember you working here, and I'm the Lab Manager! And just why were you down at that park where those two "agent" weirdos were stalking this fine researcher? And why do you have a lab coat now, when you were dressed like an accountant earlier?

Ya know... something tells me he's not agent 244. Probably because 244 called in sick today, and so the coded message about an important customer coming to visit went tripping merrily up to Steve, who went to visit the important customer himself.

[TechnoScrabble]

Davison Labs

"I'm Jackalope, I was called in to give this fine lady a ride and escort her here, and I like to play dress up," Jackalope peeps cheerfully, "In fact, I'm so good at dress-up, I had to make up a new game called 'undress-up'!"

[Rebonack]

[Davison Labs]

Fortuna is about to say something insightful about the concept of value dimensions, but then Jack went and started being Jack, totally derailing her train of thought.

"Um... I'll just leave the drone here, I don't really need it right away. There's a flash drive taped to it that has some .pdf files on the physics of equestrian magic. I thought that the people at your lab might find it useful information on a physics system they weren't familiar with."

A pause.

When Fortuna speaks again she sounds slightly worried.

"Maybe it would be a good idea to bring a few security personal with you, doctor? I would hate to have to have a repeat of this afternoon's mishap."

And by mishap she means 'assault on her person'.

Those are the worst.

[Fenric]

[Davison Labs]

Steve blinks, then frowns

Is this some kind of a trick by Accounting to mess up my numbers for this quarter? I know you crazy bean-counters are running behind.

Then he picks up the lab's phone and dials an extension

It's Steve. Hi. Listen, who's responsible for this "Jackalope" guy? ... He's a what? From ... THEY made this appointment!? This Fortuna is from Avery's?! No? Oh. So... Oh. No he doesn't look upset. Yes, I'll do whatever he asks. Look, I need to borrow a couple of the security guards. Off-site equipment deal. Yeah. Yeah. Out front. Yeah. And a car. Now would be nice. Yes, Jack wants it.

He hangs up and closes his eyes to collect himself, looking like he'd rather kill himself than say the next paragraph.

I'm so terribly sorry, Mr. Alopare: I was under the impression that you worked for us. I had no idea you were a Senior Sales Manager at Derrek Avery's, please accept my most sincere apologies. Derrek Avery's is a highly valued client and of course you can come along. If there is anything else I can do to make up for my outburst, please don't hesitate to ask.

Then he turns to the drone and removes the thumb drive, setting it on the desk near the phone.

Thank you, Miss Fortuna: we'll look these over later. I have arranged for two armed security guards to accompany me, hopefully they will deter any further unpleasantness. You are welcome to leave your drone here as long as you like: it will not be disturbed.

Back to Jack

Mr. Alopare... if you would follow me, please.

[TechnoScrabble]

Davison Labs

Jackalope's teeth flash in his grin.

"Anything? I'll keep that in mind."

After a moment, he laughs.

"No, no, you're all good, though. I don't waste time on being mad at people. Lead the way!"

He's a bit confused, though. When did he ask for armed guards?

[Rebonack]

[Davison Labs]

"Thank you, Mister Johnson," comes Fortuna's voice from the drone. "I look forward to meeting you in person."

And then?

It'll shut down. Given the fashion it shut down it would require someone turning it back on in person, so Fortuna is probably planning on visiting the lab herself to retrieve it at some point.

[Fenric]

[Davison Labs]

And so Steve Johnson leads the party off to the front entrance, ignoring other instances of Jack, to the waiting car which takes them to the Park Park...