Scene 1, Week 10: Don't kill the Messenger
NMRC Camp, Edge of the Digital Desert; Watchpoint 3
<Pidedis> Lerris, everybody's ready to go. Shall we move out?
<Hunter Lerris> Not just yet. I need to tell HQ where we're restationing to and check my mail.
<Joc> Why? HQ isn't going to need us anytime soon. You've had your email account for what?4 years? How many messages have you received? Zero, last I checked.
<Hunter Lerris> That's not true. I get stuff sent to me weekly.
<Joc> That's just entries from the RDLP readers. You and I both know they're only in it for the MP.**
**Don't even bother denying. We both know it's true.
<Hunter Lerris> Then maybe today will be different. ::turns red as several hundred Net Monsters start chuckling:: Open window. Begin log-in process. User name Lerris783, access code AngelBlue6442.
<Window> Log in successful. Enter desired operation.
<Hunter Lerris> Send voice message. ::clears his throat:: Hunter Lerris reporting. Arimas defeated. Relocating to Search Engine Sea . ETA 1 week. Over and out. Close window. Open new window.
<Dir> Is that where we're headed?
<Pidedis> I hear that area is really pretty.
<What Yet May Be> But that's not why he's taking us there. What is he up to? ::peers at Lerris, trying to figure him out::
<Transparent Window> You have 1 message.
<Hunter Lerris> Ha! Told you guys! Open message.
<Transparent Window> wfa439721@dn.org
Fwd: Fwd: A little questionnaire for **you**
To: Totemo@yahoo.com , drk_angl@hotmail.com , rgraysen@k12.al.us.edu , XxrosepetalsxX@aol.com , magusillum@attbi.com , Lerris783@nmrc.org , bknite@yahoo.com , Bazer479@aol.com , ch4mf4m@hotmail.com , GokuSuperSayan@i8.com
I love filling these out! Everybody send this back to me so I can read them, 'kay? Smiles and hugs to everyone! (Wish me luck on my Trig test tomorrow, too.)
1. When was the last time you showered?
It more than a week ago. I'm not saying anymore than that.
<Hunter Lerris> ::chuckles:: Makes me glad I got one this morning.
<Joc> What? Your answering this verbally? Don't you have anyone you could send it to after filling it out?
<Hunter Lerris> No. As you pointed out, I don't know anyone and never get emails.
<Joc> You could always send it back to wfa439721@dn.org .
<Transparent Window>
2. What's your favorite flower?
Roses. Just kidding. Chrysanthemums rock!
<Hunter Lerris> I always thought tiger lilies were nice.
<Transparent Window>
3. When was the last time you kissed/were kissed?
Almost 2 years ago. I feel so pathetic. : (
<Joc> I bet Lerris has never kissed ANYONE.
<Hunter Lerris> Actually, it was... 3 or 4 weeks ago.
<Pidedis> ::blushes::
<Transparent Window>
5. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla.
<Hunter Lerris> Chocolate. As long as I'm not wearing it. ::glances over at What Yet May Be::
<Transparent Window>
6. Do you believe in love at first sight?
Yes. I'm just a sucker for romance. Alran .
<Pidedis> How about you, Lerris?
<Hunter Lerris> (softly) I'm not sure. Maybe. ' Alran '? Light..... She's alive. ::faints::
<Joc> I knew getting email was bad for him.
<What Yet May Be> Somebody close that window and start dragging Lerris. We need to get there and set up as soon as possible. Move out!
<Pidedis> Who stuck a dead squirrel in her leather jacket? You three, come here. Bring a tarp.
***********************************************
Scene 2 Week 9: Valley of the Wind NMRC Camp, the Search Engine Sea ; A long time ago. <Younger Lerris> Alright. Everybody ready? Let's make our first capture for the day.
<Wyran> Hey, what's that? ::points off in the distance::
<Younger Lerris> It's a.... grey box. Can you see anything more? Anybody?
<Earth Mage> ::squints:: It's covered in lines and strange objects....
<Data Node> Assimilation of internet species complete....
<Data Node> Scanning perimeter.... **Intruder Detected** Intruder identified as Hunter Lerris. Transferring power to Security Node GG-421990....
<Younger Lerris> What's going on? Uh..... Pietr, can you take this one?
<Phantom Ghost> No problem. Maybe this one'll be challenge enough to get me to sweat.
<Fire Cat> Like last time? That Common Slime wasn't even that powerful. You spent a week in the hospital.
<Pietr> I've been practicing. You'll see.
Pietr attacks GG-421990 with Slice of Sin...
14 damage!
GG-421990 attacks Pietr with Bitter Icicle...
87 damage!
Pietr attack GG-421900 with Icy Cold Stare...
4 damage!
GG-421990 attacks Pietr with Shatter kick....
200 damage!
GG-421990 wins!
<Data Node> Intruder defeated.... Raising shiel--- ::pauses uncharacteristically:: Beginning assimilation of internet species...
<Younger Lerris> Pietr!
<Data Node> Assimilation of internet species complete. Beginning assimilation of internet species....
<Fire Cat> Merciful Bast. What are we going to do?
<Wryan> Lerris, what can we do?
<Younger Lerris> I--- I--- I don't know.
<Data Node> Assimilation of internet species complete. Beginning assimilation of internet species....
<Wyran> Seasons of Doran! How can something like this happen?
<Data Node> Assimilation of internet species complete. Beginning assimilation of internet species...
<Younger Lerris> Everybody run! We can't stand up to something this powerful! Retreat!!
<Data Node> Assimilation of internet species complete. Beginning assimilation of internet species....
<Wyran> ::trips:: Lerris! Help!
<Data Node> Assimilation of internet species complete. Beginning assimilation of champion...
<Younger Lerris> Lord of the Sith! No! Wyran! ::runs at breakneck speed::
GG-421990 attacks Wyran with Bitter Icicle....
It's blocked by Lerris! 72 damage!
<Younger Lerris> Wyran! Are you okay? Speak to me!
Wryan favors Lerris with one last smile as she looks at his eyes.
<Data Node> Assimilation of champion complete. Beginning assimilation of internet species...
<Younger Lerris> No! You darkness-fired demon!
Lerris attacks GG-421990!
0 damage!
GG-42199 attacks Lerris with Winter's Fury!
44 damage!
Lerris passes out!
****************************************************
Lerris stands in a dimly lit corridor. A Data Node stands in front of him. He leans forward, kissing it passionately.
****************************************************
Long trek to the Search Engine Sea .
<Hunter Lerris> Wha.....?
