Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

"Eh?" Rikke blinked as Janet dismissed ever saying anything, the rogue stopped briefly and looked around, her eyes seemingly catching a very brief visage of some female... though only for a moment. Any attempts to catch glympses of the female after that proved unfruitful "You... didn't hear that... did you?" Rikke looked to Janet, who likely had no idea what the girl was on about.

The rogue glanced to the blade she was gifted briefly with clear curiousity... this artifact seemed far more potent than the rest, could that've been it's effects... or maybe a shred of the previous ownders very essence still lingered in the ancient sword?--- "Come on Rikke. If we hurry we might be home for dinner!"

Suddenly Janets voice pierced the silence as the rogue was beckoned into their particulary fancy golem! "Oh... Sorry. Comin'!" hopefully the trip back would go smoothly... and ghost free.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

The trip back proved uneventful and while Rikke had no outward signs of the woman she did feel a gaze linger on her. Needless to say the trip back was none to relaxing. Still once they landed Rikke felt the gaze pull away as if distracted by something. Free of its attention for now she could finally relax. "You okay Rikke you seem.... tense." Saying to Janet what she would Rikke found out she was free for the evening the other team staying in Endus for the night.

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Honestly for the first few minutes, even the hour the sense of a lingering presence was alright, but hours upon hours quickly stacked up. Once the girls finally returned back, Rikke looked a bit... pale?

"Y-Yeah..." Rikke glanced about "Just... I'm..." the rogue glanced aorund once again "Pretty sure the blades is haunted." if Janet didn't quite buy it either laughting it off or the like, Rikke would quickly add "Janet, I took the tabard from a family of Vampires. This is far more likely than that."

Sure the rogue was quite an experienced adventurer, but paranomal activity was still something relatively new to her. Either way first things first - the two needed to get this artifact near the others. Perhaps then Rikke could relax and actually review what she collected so far, before going to rest and relax.

There was also the matter of the Goo-suit. Was this her temporal armor... or would it be inappropriate to always keep on. While hardly subtle, perhaps it was still slightly more subtle than wearing fairly ancient armor.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

"Haunted?" Surprisingly Janet didn't seem to question her to much. Though her friend put a firm hand on her shoulder. "Lets get cleaned up and out of our IS. I'll even treat you to a drink." Getting Rikke's answer Janet nodded and headed off to the hanger to change. Turning to where she had decided to go she caught a glimpse of a figure staring at the nest. Looking back at it the figure was gone. It was doubtful that the spirit could harm Jess given how much power the girl had but it was still curious as to why it seemed drawn there. Rikke could check it out or enjoy some time away from the spirit. There was also checking out the artifacts she gathered. Plenty of things to do but what would the rogue choose.

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Well at the very least she'd not have to wear the goo suit for long, it was mainly combat or well 'pilotin' oriented. To avoid certain gazes from Rhea and a testing of Sauls will, Rikke would slip out of the skintight goo suit, before turning in their latest find "So up for that drink?" Janet asked as the duo got dressed in their far more casual wear "I'll check up on a few things, then head over to meet you. The bar right?" the rogue smiled, slipping into her blue jeans and a quite frankly supremely comfy shirt... the one with the strange cat.

While Crolian weather wasn't known for it's kindness, Rikke hardly felt cold as she moved to present the blade to Saul. Chances were on her way she'd pass quite a few of the wargs, giving her looks of admiration for her play in the base defense earlier. Perhaps even a few more starstruck gazes as well, be it for her skill of beauty to boot... but whatever the case may be the rogues plan was simple - turn in the weapon to Saul and check up on what she had collected so far.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Indeed the summer was quite warm this year, easily the warmest Rikke had ever felt. Maybe the unusual warmth was due to Jess. After all she had created a jungle in the middle of a temperate climate.

As she walked to the command building she found a few wargs out and about. The base was still on alert but a few of them did smile at her and even a few gave appreciative nods. Over all though Rikke could tell the mood was still tense.

Reaching the command center she easily found Rhea as the girl was coming out talking on her communication device. "I understand Saul. Oh if you could while you're in Endus try to pick up some ice cream or something. Everyone has been so down lately and they need a pick me up, and it doesn't need to be more booze. We have enough of that already. Uh huh... yep.... Love you. Bye." Hanging up the commander of the wargs saw Rikke and smiled. The bandage had been removed showing a little scare that ran from her eyebrow up to her hair line. She was wearing the casual military uniform that Rikke had seen Janet get into. It consisted of a green tank top and the strange tricolor pants. Rhea had her hair back in a pony tail and still wore her sidearm. "Rikke!" A moment later the rogue was in a tight hug.

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Rikke hugged the girl back and smiled widely "Mission succesful. We also gave Willow a run through its paces as well." if asked what she thought of the golem, the rogue wouldn't even hesistate to share her excitement and glee at the absolutely insane weapon! Though shortly after she still needed to report her progress.

"Found this sword... it's a kinda haunted, but the ghost doesn't seem to bear any ill will." Rikke would glance towards the dome as she spoke, before looking to Rhea "So that makes it another one down. How did the other squad do?"

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

"A fine machine not bad for an experimental platform. Anna will be pleased it did well. Is her baby after all." Rhea smiled and looked to the blade raising an eyebrow. "Haunted?" Rhea would take a look at the weapon her brow furrowed in thought. "This seems familiar, though I don't recall where I've seen it before. Anyway the other mission was a success. They manged to get the item though from what I can tell its going to be interesting to find out what part of it we need." Seeing Rikke confusion Rhea clarified. "The item Saul's team went to get seems to be worked into a larger piece. The scanner cannot tell which is what so they are bringing it in tomorrow. Oh that reminds me Saul told me that your implant will expire today and to make sure Kimiko is transferred back to idea before that happens." Digging in her pocket Rhea handed Rikke a keycard. "Here this will get you into my private quarters. Ida has a dedicated station there." Rhea winked at the rogue. "Ill meet ya at the bar."

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

What did Saul find...? Rikke indeed seemed puzzled, but until the man came back it would likely be unclear just what exactly he was bring back. There was little point trying to explain it now, since Rhea was more than a bit vague the item was likely easier seen than explained "I see."

Kimiko? Rikke seemed fairly surprised Rhea knew about the rogues lockpicking device, she thought it more a secret between her and Saul "W-what do you mean its 'coming out'" the girl seemed to turn a bit green just imagining... or more likely overimagining how the process would go down.

Be it calmed down or not, Rikke was given the keys to Rheas room and seemed her next stop would be Ida "Hey!" Rikke interupted Rheas departure "I need to put the blade away, you remember where we're keeping all the artifacts?" the heroine smiled kindly "I'd like to give them a quick look over as well." with her information acquired, Rikke would promise to drop by the bar as soon as she could and went to Rheas private quarters, looking to find Ida there.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

"Yeah he didn't tell me much but seemed really really excited." Rhea shrugged and saw Rikke pale a little at the mention of her device coming out. "Don't worry you big sissy." Rhea lightly punched her in the arm. "It won't hurt at all and I bet you won't even notice till its gone. One day its there and then you go to the bathroom and its gone." With that and Rhea handing over her key the kitsune moved to leave only to be interrupted by Rikke. "Humm? Oh thats right you haven't been in there. Its on the second floor of the command center. Ida will let you have access. See ya!"

Heading out Rikke's first stop was Rhea's quarters. For the most part it looked like any of the private bungalow's on the base. Once inside however it was clear that Rhea was well to do. In the front room location sat a massive tv and the strange XgameStation 3000 that she and Rhea had played back at the hotel. It was currently running the same game she had experienced. The player however surprised Rikke. On the couch Ida sat her holographic form in deep thought as the game scenario played out. Flickering slightly the form didn't move but Ida spoke. "I told ya Rhea not to forget your ration card. Its on the table.

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Rikke saw Ida clearly acting just like her or Rhea... so it was true, the girl was not just a mana construct... she was an artificial living being "Um... It's me, Rikke." the rogue knocked on the door, likely spuring a fairly quick return to 'character' for the AI "It's alright, Janet told me all about you, Ida. I won't tell anyone." shed wink slyly to the construct.

Back during her brief conversation about these 'A.I.s' Rikke had so many questions, so many curiousities to inquire about, but standing before someone who could answer them.. the words just didn't come "I'm just here to return Kimiko and check up on our artifacts." the rogue smiled sheepishly "Help?"

Rikke wanted to know about the rogue AI that spurred the conflict, the now neutered kin that Ida had to look upon every day, but it all seemed to only lead to spurring sadness in the construct. Instead as Ida helped Rikke clear up her need, the rogue would ask but a single question "Say Ida... do you ever feel lonely?" she'd smile to the girl, clearly hinting at the questions earnest nature.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Ida deed indeed turn suddenly to see Rikke her concentration broke allowing the onscreen enemies kill her character. As the game over screen came up Ida looked at her before relaxing. "The did? Im surprised they didn't sooner. Ida got up and moved threw the couch her form distorting before reforming next to Rikke. "Maybe because they didn't trust you yet." Ida looked Rikke in the eye a moment. "Did they tell you what would happen if someone found out?" Ida brought up her hand which glowed brightly as Kimiko appeared over Rikke's implant. The small mana statue looked to Rikke and bowed before vanishing. Ida looked at Rikke to know if she had the answer or not. "Nothing would happen to me. I would be physically okay but... I would be shut off from the open net. Rhea and Saul however would be imprisoned, as well as any one who knew of my existence." Ida waited for Rikke to say anything. If the rogue was lost for words or had finished speaking her mind she would speak up. "The command center has what you need Ill give you access threw retinal and hand scanner." As she said this a bright light hit Rikke's eyes before another scanned her hand. "There your entered into the database." Asking her question Ida paused a moment her virtual face deep in thought. "Yes an no. I have Rhea, Rune, Saul, and Janet to keep me company but I do feel alone at time. I cannot contact the other A.I. for fear of being discovered. But that is only a loneliness born of being the only you around. It would like you being stuck in a land full of nothing but Elves. I would love to sing my existence to the world but the world is not yet ready for me or my kin and I really do think my kin are not ready for the world. Its hard to have empathy for things that can die or be hurt permanently. The closest we have is Sophia and she will not talk to me."

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

"Don't worry, I'm not one to blab secrets." the rogue winked slyly to the girl, now thinking of her much as a living than just a sole-purpose construct "So when we first met each other, you were just being careful? Has Saul even told you of who... or well what I am?"

"From what Janet told... it would be a bit different. A much... sadder world than just being surrounded by elves." the rogue gave the creation a kind smile, however she did mention something that seemed very few people knew? "Wait.. so you knew Sophia was still alive? Why didn't you tell anyone?" even if Rikke had little investment in the weapons rebirth, Sophia had saved her and the crew from being mushed during the assault "Everyone thought she was dead and gone, majority of people still do."

If Ida seemed to shut away or shun away from conversation, Rikke would have to thank her anyway and head to investigate the artifacts. Afterall the odd creations plight was not something she could involve herself in... her own world needed her.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Ida looked at Rikke and smiled. "He told me that you are a hero from another time. Of course I told him that time travel is impossible and that it was more likely that your from an alternate realm of existence. We actually debated it for a few hours while you were unconscious."

Ida moved over to the tv and shut down the game before answering Rikke once more. "Janet has always been able to see into the heart of the matter. Though it really isn't as lonely as she makes it out to be. I still have Rhea, Rune, Janet, and Saul to talk to. As for Sophia well I wasn't sure. I could see her but she wouldn't respond or acknowledge me so I wasn't sure if I was just detecting an automated system or if it really was her. Sophia sacrificed much for the Wargs. In away parts of her did die. As lonely as I feel at times I've never been directly connected to the people I care for. I guess the reason Sophia didn't talk to me was she was in mourning."

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

"I could take you to her." Rikke beamed a smile "She might not listen to us, but she could listen to one of her kin." the heroine kept her gaze on Ida "She's been absolutely alone and locked away for far too long as is. It's long since past she had a conversation with someone a-kin to her... maybe you could use the chat as well." Rikke snickered lightly "Besides, I need to drop by her to thank her for the save way earlier. So I'll be going there anyway."

If there was even a chance to arrange the possible meeting, Rikke would insist for Ida to give a shot, pledging to help the AI in whatever manner she could "Give me a few minutes to check up on the artifacts. You get ready, 'kay?"

Ofcourse if it was just impossible Rikke would thank Ida for her help and sadly hear onwards to her goal. She had a blade to deliver.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Ida looked at Rikke a moment. "I guess we can try. Though if she hasn't spoken to me before I don't see why she would now. I don't know if she has talked to anyone. Though there is a problem I cannot leave the system interface. I can speak with her and meet her over the net if she wants or even cares to."

The walk to the command center was quiet a few Wargs out and about but nothing to interesting going on. She did however see Sophia thanks to the glinting dog tags in the moonlight, but first the blade. Heading in Rikke was surprised to see that almost all the scars of the battle where gone and even more surprised to see who was effecting repairs. Chu moved around the hallway a small gun in hand that seemed to ooze some sort of paste. He seemed to have had his damaged limb fixed as his spider crab like body moved up to the ceiling a ^_^ on his display. Rikke of course could speak with Chu if she wanted or move on to the vault. Either way it seemed Chu would be making repairs in this hallway for a good while. Once she reached the second floor where the vault was located she was scanned by two Wargs before even allowed to enter the room. Once inside she was confronted with a massive metal door in the shape of a circle. Following the outline of the door RIkke saw a strange screen with a hand outline as well as a device that looked like a scanner. Thinking back to what Ida told her before she left she placed her hand on the screen and her eye near the scanner. Both beeped and a moment later a loud hiss was heard before the sound of heavy machinery kicked in and the massive door, which was easily as thick as she was tall opened. Inside lay all sorts of strange looking devices that had to be weapons given their shape and apparent triggers. As well as several larger items at the back of the room with black sheets over them. However what Rikke was looking for was right in front of her face. Her collection of items that she had been gathering for the past few days. The Ruby Necklace in the shape of a demon, The Sun cult tabbard, Janet's old blade. Two more slots sat empty one for Emi's katana and one for what ever Saul would bring back. Of course this was a room full of treasure even if it wasn't the glittering kind. The rogues senses tingled at what could be hidden.

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Here they were... all of them right before the rogue "And how will you help save the world..." she'd utter to herself as she looked over the objects. A necklace, a tabard and two swords... all items of the great importance for their owners. Blades that had warriors bet their life on them, a Tabard of unyielding loyalty and a Necklace perhaps a forgotten lovers promise... but why these items specifically.

As much as Rikke looked upon the objects, she just couldn't quite grasp what bound them together... surely there were thousands if not millions similar objects, was it just chance that fate chose these.

If she could Rikke would attempt to pick up and inspect the objects, seemingly making sure there was nothing more they had to tell her. Though with her inspection done, unless something odd happened the rogue would secure the blade for it await whats to come.

Nodding to herself Rikke was about to leave... only for her rogue sense to tingle... what exactly was so meticulously covered up in here? The rogue turned to the object and puckered her lips with clear curiousity... perhaps a peep wouldn't hurt.

Being ever so careful Rikke would carefully attempt to remove the black cloth and took a glance what lied beneath.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Rikke looked over her collection seemingly satisfied. Touching each would bring a buzz but no direct visions. It was almost like she could feel the stories within and if she focused she could experience them if she wanted. Still she had things to do and sense she had access to the vault there was no rush. As she stepped away however she felt a slight tingle and looked back at the covered objects. Lifting one up she was greeted by a large metalic black circle roughly the size of a truck tire. This one had faint lights next to some faded letters. What she could make out was Power, Data, Connection. Only the Power option had a light next to it that was green the rest where dark. Lifting up the sheet further Rikke found other words. A.G.I.T.H.A. #2 Candance

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

The words seemed so familiar... just the rogue couldn't quite place it where she heard or read them. The Acronym was barely a distant memory, however Candance... wasn't it the 'tank' that her crew drove not too long ago?

Rikke looked to the device in silence briefly, subtly nibbling on her lower lip... the item was locked in a vault of supreme importance. She could get into a lot of trouble... what if it harmed the artifacts?! Still the rogues intuition hardly ever failed her! It should be fine! She'll turn it off right after! For curiousity sakes!

Whatever excuse she picked out as best, Rikke reached out and clicked the power button.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 4 An Uncertain Future(Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Rikke reached out and pressed the green light only to have nothing happen. Looking it over it appeared just to be a read out. Inspecting it further Rikke found a large cable running into the object with three other cables running to the other covered objects. It was very frustrating to say the least. Covering up the first one she looked at the second. It appeared to be in a similar stat however it had two green lights One at power the other at Connection. Its writing was different as well. A.G. T. A. #4 Amanda. The letters of the acronym had been scuffed and damaged but it was clear it was the same model as Candance.