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  1. - Top - End - #61
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "Okay," Cynthia muses. "So... they have cars here, but something happened, probably. Which is concerning. More conflict overseas, cutting off our supply of fuel, maybe? That would certainly curtail some of our industry. Well, 'our' in a presumptive sense. Or maybe it's something completely unknown."

    And of course it's raining. Couldn't be a nice day, could it? This is why she likes indoors. It doesn't rain on you. Oh well, the sacrifices that must be made.

  2. - Top - End - #62
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    RedKnightGirl

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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "A part of me wants to have a look at those vehicles but that may draw some attention." Alek replies. "There is no telling how different this world is from our own, but it's a good idea to keep an eye on those details." He looks up at the sky. "I hope it doesn't rain harder or we may need shelter."

  3. - Top - End - #63
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    ElfRangerGuy

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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    You're walking in the drizzle, not getting any happier. You're about 30 minutes out from where you started when suddenly Leo stopped.
    "I thought I saw some movement up there," he said to the two others. The two others look at the building, another delapidated three story building like you've seen many, but you see nothing there.
    Clacks-Overhead: GNU Terry Pratchett

    "Magic can turn a frog into a prince. Science can turn a frog into a Ph.D. and you still have the frog you started with." Terry Pratchett
    "I will not yield to evil, unless she's cute."

  4. - Top - End - #64
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "Hmm... concerning," Cynthia says, quietly. "Well, since we've stopped, they probably know we know. Do we want to check it out? At the very least, we should be able to get some idea of what we're dealing with in a small, isolated case. And find out if a wider array of people might know we're here."

  5. - Top - End - #65
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "I had hoped to observe the inhabitants from a distance first." Aleksandr replies, "but I am willing to try. I will not do the talking of course. I expect my accent may be unwelcome."

  6. - Top - End - #66
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "Fine, fine, I suppose it is what I'm paid for," Cynthia says with a teasing tone, mock-sighing theatrically. Need to try and keep spirits up in the rain. "Though, I'm pretty sure that this isn't the 1960s... probably. I guess it could be. They did mention something about time being wonky in places..." She does try and do a mental comparison with what she remembers about that Cold War - which, admittedly, history isn't her strong suit - in case there's anything that jogs any similarities. "I would have preferred distance, too, but it seems they got the drop on us."

  7. - Top - End - #67
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    ElfRangerGuy

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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    The people on the other side seem to have reached the same conclusion, as now you all see some movement. Some of that movement is not in the building you thought you saw the movement first, but two buildings to the side. There you see a machinegun being housted on its bipod. It is clear that if these people want, they could rip through you without too much problem. Now other people are visible, about 10 you can see.

    Then you hear the rumble of a vehicle and quickly a large pick-up truck comes around a corner. It's a regular one, but it's been modified. On the top of the cabin is another machine gun mounted so that someone standing in the back could easily fire it. You've seen it before, but only on the news about civil wars in Africa or in movies. But now one is coming towards you. When it comes closer, two women in camouflage clothing jump over the side and come towards you.

    "Are you crazy," one of them shouts, "get these on. Hopefully it's not too late."
    Both of the women have a gasmask in their hand and come towards Alex and Leo and force the gasmasks on. Well, force... you could refuse, but there are a number of guns on you.

    They don't seem to worry about Cynthia and they are not wearing one themselves.
    Clacks-Overhead: GNU Terry Pratchett

    "Magic can turn a frog into a prince. Science can turn a frog into a Ph.D. and you still have the frog you started with." Terry Pratchett
    "I will not yield to evil, unless she's cute."

  8. - Top - End - #68
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Well, this isn't good, Cynthia reflects, trying to piece together things. So, the people in here seem to be the people who made the tracks. The truck and the building people look to be together. Well, she hopes, at least - otherwise they're right in the crossfire. There's some heavy armament involved. There's something to do with the men. And these people at least seem willing to help. But help in what, she doesn't know.

    All of it paints a fairly bleak picture of where they'd landed. She wants to say something, find out more, but decides to wait. Let one of the men say something first. The attention's on them, and so how things are responded to when they say anything should be able to tell something about this world.

  9. - Top - End - #69
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Aleksandr freezes up when he sees the weapons. It's hard to argue with strangers with guns, but it didn't seem like they meant him harm. He considers asking what was going on, but that would instantly tip them off to something being wrong. If they weren't already.

    "Yes, thank you," he manages to sputter out through the mask once it is secured. "Please, there is no need for any trouble, we will cooperate." Aleksandr puts his hands in the air. He still counts his captors in his head and deems escape unlikely so he'd best go along with these newcomers' demands.
    Last edited by CateranEnforcer; 2020-04-20 at 08:58 PM. Reason: Aleksandr doesn't use contractions

  10. - Top - End - #70
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    All three of you are put on into the pick-up truck. Two of the women sit against the cab, their backs to it and looking at you, weapons ready. The one on the machinegun keeps an eye out on the surroundings. They clearly expect trouble and are ready to dish it out if needed. As you drive you see some more people on the street. They look at the pick-up, but don't seem to give any reaction to the weapons on display. After a couple of miles you drive onto a yard. It is clear that there used to be a gate and a guard shack here, but the rusted hinges are the only thing that shows where it used to be. The building you arrive at is also in dire need of maintenance, but it still looks quite nice. In fact there are a number of buildings, but the main one is 8 stories tall and except for a number of broken windows it still looks quite well.

    On the premises are a large number of people, all as far as you can see women and most armed in some way. You stop next to a side building where the only description you can think of is 'bunker'. The door is typical for a bunker and as you are escorted in, people do look at you. You are escorted downstairs into another bunker inside the bunker and here you see what you think are additions to the Original design. There seems to be a sort of airlock set up with one door clearly an Original but the other a new addition. You are all brought into the airlock, which is quite large. As soon as you are inside and both doors are closed, a bank of bright lights came on and some fine mist sprayed from nozzles build into the side. The mist smells heavily of disinfectant.

    After a minute or so, the lights go back out and the inside door opens. Two more women are waiting in the hallway on the inside, one of which is quite old.
    "Welcome to the Reserve clan," the old one said, "you can take your gasmasks off now, it's quite safe inside."
    Clacks-Overhead: GNU Terry Pratchett

    "Magic can turn a frog into a prince. Science can turn a frog into a Ph.D. and you still have the frog you started with." Terry Pratchett
    "I will not yield to evil, unless she's cute."

  11. - Top - End - #71
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "Safety is appreciated," Cynthia says. There's not going to be any way to get around not being from here, so, might as well attempt to mitigate the damage, and reduce the important information given out. "However... we knew we were headed into danger. There are... compatriots of ours, who we were informed were taken and probably held in this area. We need to either get them back, preferably... or else confirm their demise."

    "I did not expect that we would find those who would be friendly to us out here,"
    she admits. "Or even what to expect, entirely. We... were not exactly told a whole lot before having to set out. I have not heard of the Reserve clan before."

  12. - Top - End - #72
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    RedKnightGirl

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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Aleksandr does as he is told and removes his mask. He badly wants to know why the mask is required and if he perhaps had already been exposed to some kind of disease since setting foot on this world. Asking about it might be the height of ignorance though, like asking why someone in his world brushes their teeth.

    "Yes, your help is unexpected but welcome. But if it is not too much trouble, can I ask where we are now?"

  13. - Top - End - #73
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    ElfRangerGuy

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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "Follow me," the old woman said, "but please leave your weapons here. Don't worry, they will be here when you leave."
    She shows a closet where some other weapons are stored and where there's room enough for yours.

    She guided you further into the bunker to a small room where a couch and a few comfortable chairs were standing. Along the way they noticed only women, most of who looked at the two men and ignored Cynthia. In the room the old woman motioned for you to sit down as she took one of the chairs. Two other women stayed in the room as well.

    "This building used to be the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta," the old woman said, "I used to work here before the calamity and now I'm sort of the boss around here. But, where are you from and what are your names?"

    Spoiler: OOC extra information
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    The Federal Reserve Building is in exactly the same location as it is in your own tangent.
    Clacks-Overhead: GNU Terry Pratchett

    "Magic can turn a frog into a prince. Science can turn a frog into a Ph.D. and you still have the frog you started with." Terry Pratchett
    "I will not yield to evil, unless she's cute."

  14. - Top - End - #74
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Cynthia relinquishes her weapon without a fight. If she had to use it here, they were dead anyways. She takes the offered seat as well.

    She nods at the explanation. "That certainly explains why there's such heavy protection here. My name is Cynthia. These are my associates, Alexsander, and Leo." She gestures to each of them in turn. "As for where we're from... I'm afraid that I can't say. I hope you can understand that it's for the... safety and security of certain people." Well, a whole lot of people, actually. On both sides of the tangents. "I'm sure you understand, though, being responsible for the well-being of people here."

  15. - Top - End - #75
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    RedKnightGirl

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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Aleksandr likewise relinquishes his pistol and follows the rest deeper into the facility. He thinks Cynthia's reply is sound and nods in agreement. He does have questions, but doesn't want to overstep his bounds. They are going to have to be very careful choosing their words. He just took this time to observe his surroundings as best as he could.

  16. - Top - End - #76
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    ElfRangerGuy

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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Leo nodded when Cynthia gave his name, but didn't say anything for now.

    "I can understand," the woman said, "I'm Ania by the way. But that doesn't explain why you have two males with you who are not affected and were running around without a gasmask."
    Clacks-Overhead: GNU Terry Pratchett

    "Magic can turn a frog into a prince. Science can turn a frog into a Ph.D. and you still have the frog you started with." Terry Pratchett
    "I will not yield to evil, unless she's cute."

  17. - Top - End - #77
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Cynthia inhales. She takes a moment to decide things. "To be perfectly honest, Ania, there are... gaps in our knowledge. We don't have memories of the important things that you do. Which is just coming more and more to light as-is. And that's something that's concerning, since things seem to get more and more... problematic, as we learn more. There is... probably plenty that we were not informed of, being sent on this endeavor," well, that's the understatement of the century, "so... it might help here to have some general overview of the situation, so we might be able to answer some of your questions, by connecting it to our own knowledge. I'm sorry that we're unable to be more helpful in that regard."

  18. - Top - End - #78
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Aleksandr is visibly shaken,"Have I been exposed to something out there? Do I have something to be worried about."

  19. - Top - End - #79
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "How can you not know," Ania said in surprise, "where exactly do you come from if you're not aware of the Calamity?"
    Clacks-Overhead: GNU Terry Pratchett

    "Magic can turn a frog into a prince. Science can turn a frog into a Ph.D. and you still have the frog you started with." Terry Pratchett
    "I will not yield to evil, unless she's cute."

  20. - Top - End - #80
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Ah, damn it. She was hoping to get a bit more information before things deteriorated. This is not going well. "I'm sorry, Ania," she says, "I'd love to answer your questions... but, to be frank, we really don't know ourselves. We found ourselves in the wastelands out there with no real memories of anything that'd happened here. Just the knowledge that there were some of our compatriots who were taken, by someone. And that we need to get them out, or make sure that they're dead. The information they hold, whatever it is... it's too dangerous. And I would assume that reason there is why we really don't remember things. You'd think we could get some more basics, though." She lets some irritation creep into her voice.

  21. - Top - End - #81
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "Mmm," Ania said, "I'm sure there is more to it than you want to let me know. I can understand that. Let's make a deal, shall we. We have something you want I guess, and I'm absolutely sure you have something we can use. I'm sure we can come to an arrangement. So tell me, in bold terms, what do you want?"
    Clacks-Overhead: GNU Terry Pratchett

    "Magic can turn a frog into a prince. Science can turn a frog into a Ph.D. and you still have the frog you started with." Terry Pratchett
    "I will not yield to evil, unless she's cute."

  22. - Top - End - #82
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Cynthia didn't really expect it to hold up - any forces like this certainly don't survive by being unable to detect BS that might be infiltrators - so... this is probably the best they'll get. "What would be appreciated is... just an overview of what history we apparently can't remember," she says, "and we're trying to get into... what we presume is a facility that we were headed to before you picked us up, in order to extract compatriots." She gives a rough distance and direction from where they were picked up, comparatively. "Information about that would be helpful, if you can provide it."

    "Now,"
    she smiles, "What can we do for you?"

  23. - Top - End - #83
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "Information about history we can provide," Ania said, "although I don't know anything about your … compatriots, so I can't help you there at the moment. As to what you can do for us, that's rather simple. As you might have seen we're rather short of men. It's part of our history. So while you personally can't really help, unless you have some technical skills we can use, your colleagues most certainly can, if you catch my drift."
    Clacks-Overhead: GNU Terry Pratchett

    "Magic can turn a frog into a prince. Science can turn a frog into a Ph.D. and you still have the frog you started with." Terry Pratchett
    "I will not yield to evil, unless she's cute."

  24. - Top - End - #84
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "The only thing that I really know about the people that we're trying to rescue is that they're also men," Cynthia says, shrugging. "So, we're really on the same page, there."

    She raises an eyebrow internally at the request. Ah. So that's what they need. And she's beginning to possibly put pieces together. So that's why the scientists were probably taken, it dawns on her, and the realization shows on her face. Not for information. Not because they poked their noses in in the wrong places, or were out of place. But for human repopulation. "Oh. I think I get it now. I feel like I understand. The Cataclysm... it killed or sterilized men, didn't it? I'm not sure which. Maybe both. Chemical weapon, probably. That all... makes sense, I think. It feels right..."

    "I'm afraid that I don't particularly have any technical skills," she says, shaking her head. "Not that I'm aware of, at least." She glances at her companions. "I can't exactly speak for their willingness." Inwardly, though, she chuckles. She feels like, even if these two aren't willing, there might be more than enough scientists on the project who would be happy to, uh, voluntarily contribute towards saving humanity. It's not exactly a resort tangent, but, it's something to maybe be able to solve later. Command probably wouldn't be happy about it... especially given a problem of cross-cultural contamination. But, hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh? Might as well send a message later.

  25. - Top - End - #85
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    RedKnightGirl

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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Aleksandr watched as the conversation unfolded. He felt rather uncomfortable about the whole situation, and if the people here had a dire enough of a situation, a simple 'no thank you' would probably not be enough.

    "Ah...hmm.." he began no-so sagely. "So I can see you are speaking subtlety, but I am a scientist and Leo is a doctor. I think we would prefer it if you told us in detail what you propose. We do still have an assignment to complete, but I do not think you will take no as an answer, no? What, precisely, you do need from us?"

  26. - Top - End - #86
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Ania smiled at the two men.
    "Technicians and doctors are certainly welcome," she said, "and I'm sure we can help you with your assignment. As to what we mostly want, actually need, is male genetic material. And you are right, we can keep you here if we want, but we'd rather come to an agreement. Besides, we have agreements with most of the neighbouring clans, so we might get your associates back to you where you could run around here for months. Spending a few nights with our ladies is a small price to pay for that, don't you think?"
    Clacks-Overhead: GNU Terry Pratchett

    "Magic can turn a frog into a prince. Science can turn a frog into a Ph.D. and you still have the frog you started with." Terry Pratchett
    "I will not yield to evil, unless she's cute."

  27. - Top - End - #87
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Cynthia keeps mostly quiet on this. She can't really help here, and it's not her place to say anything. Granted, they might be expecting her to offer them up, but... she ain't going to do that. Months is a n issue, probably. Though, she doesn't want to do anything until checking in.

    "How many other Clans are there around?"
    she asks, idly.
    Last edited by DataNinja; 2020-05-03 at 12:57 PM.

  28. - Top - End - #88
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Aleksandr thinks for a moment, "I feel that we must agree. I am sure we can come up with something. It may be to your benefit to use a way to artificially spread the genetic material. I am do not know much about that subject, however. It seems like something could be arranged, even if we have to go low tech." A month of that? That probably breaks a few rules at the institute, but they frankly didn't have much choice but to be agreeable in this alternate dimension. Itv was better than becoming a prisoner. He just hoped his interference didn't jeopardize his world or theirs.

    Spoiler: Charm roll that I never did that I said I would do
    Show
    (1d20)[4] + (1d4)[2] 8/4/2
    Last edited by CateranEnforcer; 2020-05-04 at 08:43 AM.

  29. - Top - End - #89
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    "Where's the fun in that," Ania said with a smile, "but if that's the way you want it, I'm sure we can work something out. And if you have indeed a doctor with you, we're doubly blessed. As this Calamity as we know it was caused by a virus. A cossacki…"

    "coxsackie ," interjected Leo.

    "Yes, coxsackie," Ania continued, "none of us are doctors, we only have a few nurses, but what we do know is that it made most men go crazy. A lot of shootings, people having their heads bashed in. Only very few men were immune and a lot of those were killed. That's why we were surprised to see you without gas mask. Since then we live in clans, protecting the few men we still have and trying to get society going again. We used to fight over men, but lately we mostly come to exchane agreements. You know, to get the genepool deeper. So if your associates are here somewhere, they were probably taken somewhere."
    Clacks-Overhead: GNU Terry Pratchett

    "Magic can turn a frog into a prince. Science can turn a frog into a Ph.D. and you still have the frog you started with." Terry Pratchett
    "I will not yield to evil, unless she's cute."

  30. - Top - End - #90
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    Default Re: IC: Time to Visit other worlds (Alternity Dark Matter)

    Hmmm. Interesting. Going crazy, not sterile. Well, they're going to have to be very careful here. As even if they avoid the issues, it would be abysmal to infect home. Hm. Maybe they could synthesize something?

    Well, no, she's feeling sorry for all of this... but they're not here to interfere. She does need to present the facts, and warn the higher ups of the potential danger, but there's unlikely to be anything that can be done.

    "Well, I'll leave the doctor to discuss that sort of stuff with you," Cynthia says. "But I can see that getting them back will likely be a hassle... and if they were to disappear while they were here, that would probably invite retribution on you, I would imagine." Again, that's probably being too soft... but also, she would rather not spend any longer in crazy-virus dimension than she has to, thanks. And waiting a month or more to get the scientists... well, by that time, they'd certainly be normalized here, and it would probably disrupt things even more than getting them back now.

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