Mission 003 ~ Encounter in the trees[Action/Dictated]

[noblefive]

[There's a figure sitting against one of the trees outside of the castle, relaxing. He has his helmet off, it resting off to one side, sitting with his eyes closed in the snow. His journal is open in his lap.

There's the sound of rustling, crunching snow, of something very small moving about. Jorge opens his eyes, looking about.]

Hello?

[No answer. More rustling. And then, something jumps out of a nearby bush.]

Piplup!

[Jorge stares at the little penguin-y thing as it hops closer and stares up at the SPARTAN. He turns to his journal.]

Uh. Has anyone lost a... Penguin?

Piplup?

((OOC: Open to all. Action or over the journal.))

Comments

[noblefive]

May not startle you, but it's still insane.

[inafadingcrown]

[She laughs] I begin to think most here might say the same. And if they could not before their arrival, they soon will be able to do so.

[noblefive]

This place really screws with the head, huh? Great.

[Just what he needs. Another mind-breaking experience]

[inafadingcrown]

It does. I gather you did not arrive in time to experience Paris?

[noblefive]

No, but from what I've heard, I'm glad I didn't experience it.

[inafadingcrown]

Oh, come now. It was not overly troublesome. It was a time of peace, albeit mild inconvenience, and, in its own way, the city was quite charming. And I daresay that I had more difficulty adjusting than you would have, for you, at least, are accustomed to being of the race of Man.

[noblefive]

Yeah, but from what Six has told me? I'm not used to being the same size, strength and sensory awareness as a normal man.

[inafadingcrown]

It was the sense that troubled me most, I will confess. I had not realized the full extent of the difference until then. Still, there is a saying, is there not? To place oneself in another's shoes? It was an informative experience, if nothing else.

[noblefive]

I'm sure it was, but it doesn't sit right with me. My enhancements are what help keep me safe, like my armour. It would be... Uncomfortable.

[inafadingcrown]

That I also understand better than you might think. [She felt...blinded without her gift.] Yet, I would advise you ready yourself for the discomfort, for I hear such things are something of a regular occurrence here.

[noblefive]

Considering it. Maybe going training out in the Beyond.

[inafadingcrown]

It would do you well, I think. My vision and hearing were not effected, as they are merely a trait of my race, but what time I spent there did prepare me for the lack of certain other gifts.

[noblefive]

Six says that all SPARTANs lose their augments in the Beyond. It would be the perfect training.

[inafadingcrown]

I will urge you to be cautious. There are those who dwell beyond the borders of the Dead Zone who do not wish us well.

[noblefive]

Yeah. I heard about them. If I do ever go out there, it won't be alone.

[inafadingcrown]

I am glad to hear it.

[noblefive]

What more can you tell me about the Beyond, anyway? I'm curious.

[inafadingcrown]

What do you wish to know? In truth, I know less than I would like. I have journeyed there but once, though I do make some attempt to keep account of what is known of its inhabitants.

[noblefive]

Why are people living out there, for one?

[inafadingcrown]

Would that I could answer that more fully. My understanding is that they were brought here at the whim of the castle, as were we, and chose to remove themselves almost entirely from its influence. Alas, we know little else; they are secretive almost beyond all reason.

[noblefive]

And they're a threat to us? Know why?

[inafadingcrown]

They seem to regard any venture into the Dead Zone as an encroachment of their territory and have also some special distaste for castle residents, though I know not why. I should also mention that they appear to have found some way of allowing technology to work in the Beyond. Do not ask me to explain- we know nothing of their methods and such things are far beyond my ken.

[noblefive]

[A gruff grunt as Jorge thinks on all of this] Sounds dangerous. Not to mention the tiniest bit suicidal.

[inafadingcrown]

[A thoughtful hum.] Perhaps. [She has a great many thoughts on the situation, but she'll keep them to herself for now.]

[noblefive]

He relaxes back, watching his breath frost about him. Piplup has fallen asleep in the big guy's lap.]

Would you mind telling me more about your species? I'll tell you anything you want to know in return.