Week 14: Dark Half Scene 1,Week 14:
A change of pace
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea, Sandy Plateau; Morning.
<Wyran> Hey, Lerris! Morning! Wake up!
<Hunter Lerris> (mumbling) We must lead the ducks in a charge. Forward the rubber duckies!
<Wyran> ::anime sweatdrop:: Okay.... ::pokes her head out of the tent:: Hey guys, Lerris isn't waking up.
<What Yet May Be> Have you tried "Breakfast"?
<Wyran> No. Let me give it a try. ::pops her head back into the tent:: Lerris! BREAKFAST!
<Hunter Lerris> Huh? Wha...? Breakfast?
<Wyran> Good morning to you too.
<Hunter Lerris> Oh. Morning, Wyran. Did you sleep well?
<Wyran> ...Not really.
<Hunter Lerris> Nightmares, huh?
<Wyran> ::nods:: Childish, I know.
<Hunter Lerris> Not at all. Hey Wyran?
<Wyran> Yes?
<Hunter Lerris> The dreams will pass.
<Wyran> You speak from experience?
<Hunter Lerris> ::shrugs:: Rehabilitated Sec Nodes. They might be able to answer your questions. (whispered) Besides, you're not the only one who's had nightmares.
<Pidedis> (waiting outside the tent with a breakfast tray) Morning Lerris!
<Hunter Lerris> Morning Pidedis! Hey! Orange juice! Very nice.
<Pidedis> The boys down in the kitchen found a grove about half a mile inland. Means it's fresh.
<Hunter Lerris> (to himself) I'd forgotten about that....
<What Yet May Be> Here's your schedule for today, Lerris.
<Hunter Lerris> (mouth full of toast) Faing, Wot yate meby.
<What Yet May Be> For heaven's sake, finish chewing and swallow!
<Hunter Lerris> ::swallows:: Thanks, What Yet May Be. Lemme see I've got a drawing, a bit of recruiting, some boss profiles to look over, a ton of DNA conjectures to go over, and a sector sweep for hostiles. Sounds like it's going to be a busy day.
<Pidedis> So finish your oatmeal and get the drawing out of the way.
<Hunter Lerris> Are you sure we should do it so early? They'll have no motivation to keep reading. Is the drawing necessary anyway?
<What Yet May Be> It keeps morale up.
<Hunter Lerris> Alright... Gear me.
<What Yet May Be> ::hands Lerris his gear:: Good luck!
<Hunter Lerris>They're the ones that need it, not me. Oatmeal me.
<What Yet May Be> ::flings oatmeal at Lerris:: Be careful what you wish.
<Hunter Lerris> Not funny. Alright, let's do this.
Element: Earth
Combo: Rockman-Fish-Mech
Level: 11
<Hunter Lerris> See? I told you! No winners. Now they're going to spend the rest of the article depressed. ::sighs:: Okay, hand me that oatmeal. ::takes a bite:: Hmm Blueberries with a hint of Pond Skaters? You fed me Ice Fish food? I don't do bugs, thank you kindly!
<Joc> Pidedis 9723, Lerris 0.
<Pidedis> Part at my tent when I break 10000.
<Joc> Does that mean I'm invited?
<Pidedis> Of course, my quasi-solid partner in crime.
<Joc> Having a friend down at the Kitchen helps, doesn't it?
<Pidedis> Immensely.
<Joc> Which reminds me.... Put her there... ::extends a psuedopod::
<Pidedis> Mi amigo---- ::stutters as voltage causes her to convulse::
<Joc> I love being conductive. I don't even have to wear it on my psuedopod. I can hide the hand buzzer anywhere in my body and ZAP!
<Pidedis> (with mock hurt) Why have you betrayed me?
<Joc> Well You have feelings for Lerris and express them through shameless pranks. SO, if you equate love with embarrassing tricks.... ::turns a shade of pink::
<Hunter Lerris> Now I've seen everything. I did not know Slimes could blush.
<Joc> Besides, it's more feasible, socially and romantically, than a Hunter-Netmonster relationship.
Awkward silence.
<Joc> Ermm. Did I say that out loud? Would you look at the time. That food doesn't cook itself. Umm. Gotta go.
<Pidedis> (subdued) I would have killed him, but I'm not quite over the shock.
<What Yet May Be> Ditto.
<Ice Mech> Sir! A messenger is approaching from the West! It's a Common Cat. Might be Keda.
<Hunter Lerris> Alright. Direct him here. What Yet May Be, Pidedis, in my ready room.
<Pidedis> Uh Lerris. You don't have a ready room.
<Hunter Lerris> I did it again, didn't I?
<Pidedis> Yep. Earth to Lerris. You're not Captain Picard.
<Hunter Lerris> I'm working on it.
<Ice Mech> Keda will be here momentarily.
<Hunter Lerris> All stations, red alert.
<Pidedis> Lerris?
<Hunter Lerris> It was a joke. Let me get my share of gags in too.
<Keda> PANT. Pant pant.. There's got to be a better way to do this.
<Hunter Lerris> Ah.. Greetings, Keda. You look pretty dead. Sit a spell.
<Keda> I might just do that. This place is a lot better than your last camp. Here's the message.
<Hunter Lerris> Thank you. ::breaks the seal and skims:: I see....
<Keda> I hate to be the bearer of bad news.
<Pidedis> Pay check canceled?
<What Yet May Be> Called back to base?
<Hunter Lerris> Worse. The dream is over.
<Pidedis> Wha.?
<Hunter Lerris> Net Monster 2.0 has been canceled. Production is shelved. It is to be one of the 6 Masterpieces. It will be finished eventually, and it'll be beautiful. Viva la resistance.
<What Yet May Be> I'm sorry, Lerris. I now how much you were looking forward to it.
<Hunter Lerris> It's okay. It just gives me more time to destroy Shade. ::pauses thoughtfully:: What was that you said about paychecks, Pidedis?
<Pidedis> That there might not be any.
<Hunter Lerris> Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
<What Yet May Be> ::shakes her head:: You're hopelessly mercenary, Lerris.
************************************************************
Scene 2, Week 14: Acquaintances
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea, Sandy Plateau, Commons Tent; Lunch.
<Joc> Hey Pidedis! ::concentrates as if trying to remember a difficult passage:: Um. The Human body is 90% water and I'm thirsty.
<Pidedis> What?
<Joc> Umm. ::concentrates again:: Did it hurt?
<Pidedis> Did what hurt?
<Joc> When you fell from heaven?**
**Disclaimer: No females were accosted in the gathering of these (or any subsequent) pick up lines.
<Pidedis> Go fill a jelly donut, Joc.
<Phantom Fish> Oh! Shot down!
<Joc> It's okay. I've got 3 weeks of kitchen duty with which to read through the 7000 best pickup lines of all time, complete with professional commentary.
<Phantom Fish> Professional what? Sleazes?
<Joc> The sleaziest.
<Phantom Fish> You're one messed up Light Slime.
<Joc> I'm just a polyphase solid with a mission.
<Phantom Fish> Actually, you're just the kind of guy I've been looking for. We meet down in West Flank on Thursdays. You're welcome to come....
<Pidedis> Oh! The nerve of that Joc! He's... He's... he's a lowdown Slime, that's what he is!
<Hunter Lerris> And that's new how? Far as I know, he's been a Slime all his life.
<Pidedis> Not a Slime. A slime . You know, like... Never mind.
<Hunter Lerris> Does that mean I get a point? Lerris 1, Pidedis 9723?
*********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea, Sandy Plateau, Hidden Overlook; Afternoon.
<What Yet May Be> There you are, Lerris. What are you doing here? The views very nice.
<Hunter Lerris> I'm not completely heartless, you know. I can enjoy the scenery.
<What Yet May Be> Seriously, you have a heart? I've never heard you say that.
<Hunter Lerris> Well. Metaphorically. Physically, I have a mechanical replacement, due to a stab wound from a fight in my Academy days.
<What Yet May Be> Really?
<Hunter Lerris> Indeed. How I miss Star Fleet Academy.
<What Yet May Be> Star... Fleet?
<Hunter Lerris> I did it again, didn't I? I've still got all my hair. I'm not even old enough for a mid-life crisis. Why do I keep confusing myself with Captain Picard?
<What Yet May Be> You both have the weight of command, enormous charisma, and a British accent? Okay... So you don't have the accent.
<Hunter Lerris> Nice try, though. Any reason you followed me out here?
<What Yet May Be> No. No special reason.
<Hunter Lerris> Sometimes it's nice to do things with no real reason. Like watching the sea.
<What Yet May Be> ::takes a seat by Lerris:: Or sitting by friends.
<Hunter Lerris> I'm glad to see that you can relax. You really seem strictly business.
<What Yet May Be> Just like you seem mostly heartless.
<Hunter Lerris> There maybe some truth to those statements.
<What Yet May Be> You're saying I'm all work and no play?
<Hunter Lerris> Not at all.
<What Yet May Be> So you think you're a heartless wretch?
<Hunter Lerris> Maybe.
<What Yet May Be> Lerris, you can't keep blaming yourself.
<Hunter Lerris> Blaming myself for what?
<What Yet May Be> Everything.
<Hunter Lerris> What makes you think I blame myself?
<What Yet May Be> You're selfish.
<Hunter Lerris> Gee.. Thanks.
<What Yet May Be> I mean it. You won't share the blame with anyone. You blame yourself for Wyran, for Leandr, even for...
<Hunter Lerris> Even for what?
<What Yet May Be> For.. me.
<Hunter Lerris> Shhh... You don't need to worry about it.
<What Yet May Be> And let you do all the worrying?
<Hunter Lerris> I've got to be good for something.
<What Yet May Be> ::kisses Lerris on the cheek:: I'm sure you'll find something.
<Hunter Lerris> What was that for?
<What Yet May Be> For trying. ::kisses Lerris' cheek again::
<Hunter Lerris> And that one?
<What Yet May Be> No reason. You're right. It is nice to do things without a reason.
***************************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea, Sandy Plateau, Lerris' Tent; Afternoon.
<Hunter Lerris> Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. Armies don't march on their stomachs. They march on triplicate, dual countersigned, time consuming forms!
<Wyran> Come on, Lerris. They're not that bad. Besides, you get a quiet afternoon out of the deal.
<Hunter Lerris> I'm glad you're here to talk to me. It'll make this all a lot more pleasant.
<Wyran> So.. Who's this Jean Luc Picard I keep hearing Pidedis talk about?
<Hunter Lerris> He's from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Pidedis thinks I shouldn't watch it because I have a loose grip on reality and get confused.
<Wyran> Do you have a loose grip on reality>
<Hunter Lerris> Don't know. Reality has been rather.... subjective lately.
<Wyran> So, why do you confuse yourself with him?
<Hunter Lerris> I'm not really sure. It might be the Borg. They're like 'Nodes in space. Truthfully, I have no idea. Pidedis makes sure I stay firmly rooted, though.
<Wyran> So... You drowned reality in a flood of faces to find a few to keep you anchored here.
<Hunter Lerris>You have a new way with words, Wyran. That was a beautiful extended metaphor. But... you sound a lot sadder than you used to.
<Wyran> That bothers you?
<Hunter Lerris> It does. It's just... I remember you so happy. It's a bit of a shock.
<Wyran> And I remember you being happier, not to mention less scatterbrained.
<Hunter Lerris> (irately) I'm scatterbrained, am I?
<Wyran> Lerris... Change happens slowly. It's just so... so drastic seeming after all these years.
<Hunter Lerris>... I missed our fights.
<Wyran> Even though they used to be playful.
<Hunter Lerris>... True. It's still nice to have them- and you- back. ::hugs Wyran:: Change sucks.
<Wyran> I agree. I don't have a lot of things anymore. I can't hug you, kiss you, cry, and quite a few other things. I don't think it will ever be the same.
<Hunter Lerris> You're right, you know.
<Wyran> (shakily) I.. I am?
<Hunter Lerris> It wont be the same. Light willing, it'll be better.
****************************************************
Scene 3, Week 14: Death
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea, Sandy Plateau, Lerris' Tent; Evening.
<What Yet May Be> Wow. Two nights in a row. This has to be a world's record.
<Wyran> Not really. He used to cook every night.
<Pidedis> Seriously?
<Wyran> Yes. He hasn't forgotten, but his skills have suffered.
<Pidedis> ::giggles:: That's true enough.
<Wyran> I was wondering.... Why did we become friends so quickly?
<What Yet May Be> ::looks down nervously:: Erm.... That's not necessarily correct.
<Wyran> We're not friends?
<What Yet May Be> Not exactly friends. Not quite yet.
<Wyran> Did Lerris force you to make me feel welcome?
<Pidedis> No. Besides, you think we'd listen to him if we didn't want to?
<Wyran> Well... you are in love with him...
<Pidedis> But not married to him. I don't recall any "honor and obey" clause.
<Wyran> I see. And he likes it that way?
<Pidedis> Don't know. I've never been willing to be submissive enough to see.
<Wyran> So it's important to you to keep your independence?
<Pidedis> Very.
<Wyran> And you, What Yet May Be?
<What Yet May Be> ::nods:: Same here.
<Wyran> I'm glad you were here for him.
<What Yet May Be> See? That's why we can accept you right off the bat.
<Pidedis> What Yet May Be and I have been duking it out for several weeks. Then you showed up on the scene. We had two choices: Unite against a common enemy or fight you and the other one. So.. We took the 3 rd option: unite with you.
<Wyran> So it's Wyran and Pidedis versus Wyran and What Yet May Be, not Wyran, Pidedis, and What Yet May Be.
<Pidedis> Exactly. You say things so well!
<Wyran> And you make it look so easy being beautiful. I had to spend over an hour every morning.
<What Yet May Be> You have a charming personality, Wyran.
<Wyran> Your fashion sense is impeccable, What Yet May Be.
<Pidedis> It's a pity we didn't meet earlier. We would have been great friends.
<Wyran> Does that mean there's something stopping us now?
<What Yet May Be> Not at all.
***********************************************
Search Engine Sea, Moonlit Beach; Evening.
<Pidedis> Hey! Lerris! Wait up! Its not like you to go off walking alone!
<Hunter Lerris> You'd rather I walk with someone? Any specific person in mind?
<Pidedis> Hey! I didn't come here to trade gentle barbs with you. I just wanted to say the food was good.
<Hunter Lerris> It's a fair cry safer than eating anything you make.
<Pidedis> A few more comments like that and it'll be a Bucket o' Tar next time.
<Hunter Lerris> How'd you plan to get away with that one?
<Pidedis> I'd find a way. Believe me, I'd find a way.
<Hunter Lerris> Scary. Any way to get back into your good graces?
<Pidedis> I can think of a few...
<What Yet May Be>... So I said to him "What? You're going to leave me in the dark?"
<Wyran> That's hilarious! And he's always like this?
<What Yet May Be> More often than not.
<Wyran> Maybe I could come to like this new.... Lerris?
<Hunter Lerris> Er... Hi Wyran.
<Pidedis> Wh... What are you doing here?
<What Yet May Be> We could ask the same.
<Hunter Lerris> Well.... I was out for a walk and Pidedis
<Pidedis> Came with a URL that the guys down in Ops want you to check out.
<Hunter Lerris> Really?
<Pidedis> ::nods:: Here.
<Hunter Lerris> ::tries to stealthily separate a text file from the URL:: Ah.. Lets have a look then.
<What Yet May Be> ::eyes narrow:: Indeed. Let's.
<Hunter Lerris> ::swallows:: Yeah.... ::opens URL with his gear::
<Wyran> ::gasps:: What is that thing? It certainly isn't any NetMonster I've ever seen.
<Pidedis> It looks like a Slime boss NM. And a nasty one at that.
<Hunter Lerris> It's big, round, flaming, and seems to have an attitude. Any ideas, What Yet May Be?
<What Yet May Be> Maybe.. ::gasps:: Please don't tell me this is Nemesis!
<Hunter Lerris> Nemesis?
<What Yet May Be> Heard about it in a special dispatch. Nemesis, Seed of Evil.
<Hunter Lerris> That's Ominous. ::collects himself:: Alright.. Let's do this! Wyran.. Think you can take this one?
<Wyran> I.. I think so. I've gotten a bit stronger.
<Hunter Lerris> Let's see what you can do, then!
<Pidedis> (whispering) So soon? Are you sure she's ready?
<Hunter Lerris> (whispering) Sink or swim, Pidedis. Sink or swim.
<Pidedis> (whispering) So, you're willing to risk her drowning?
<Hunter Lerris> . (whispering) I only pray she's naturally buoyant.
***************************************************
Search Engine Sea, Moonlit Beach; 5 seconds later.
<Hunter Lerris> Wyran!
<What Yet May Be> Man... She took quite a beating.
<Pidedis> 20,000 leagues under the sea....
<What Yet May Be> Huh?
<Pidedis> He said 'sink or swim'. I'd say sink, off hand...
<What Yet May Be> I've seen Bosses this thing could have taken down just as easily.
<Pidedis> Weak bosses?
<What Yet May Be> Only if you compare them to this .
<Hunter Lerris> I've got to get her out of there. Wyran! Just hand on! Somebody make sure Doc Boo is ready when I get back to camp!
<What Yet May Be> Lerris! No! Don't go out on the field! The battle's still going!
<Pidedis> But she's totally KO'd. Why doesn't it stop?
<What Yet May Be> More like why doesn't Lerris.
*******************************************************
Search Engine Sea, Moonlit Beach; 4.39 seconds later.
<Pidedis> Looks like Lerris didn't fare much better.
<What Yet May Be> How can you be so callous?
<Pidedis> He'll survive.
<What Yet May Be> Lerris, Lerris. Just had to lead the charge. So much for brilliant strategy. Wouldn't happen to be related to a dude named Custer?
<Pidedis> Freya! He's not breathing!
<What Yet May Be> How can you be...No! They're both down!
<Pidedis> What... What are we going to do? Do we go out there too?
<What Yet May Be> No... That'd be suicide. We can only wait until it departs.
<Pidedis> But... It just keeps hammering them.
<What Yet May Be> It's out of our hands. We have to care for the wounded before we mourn the dead.
<Pidedis> Why? If he's dead, the world's over. What's left to mourn?
*********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea, Sandy Plateau, Doc Boo's tent; Night.
<Doc Boo> Well.... What do I have to work with.... Eww. Did you raid a morgue for this one?
<What Yet May Be>'Fraid not. Can you fix her up?
<Doc Boo> I'm pretty sure I can.
<What Yet May Be> And the other one?
<Doc Boo> I don't do Hunters. Not licensed to.
<What Yet May Be> But he's just about dead. He needs attention immediately.
<Doc Boo> So you want me to finish him off?
<What Yet May Be> No! He might already be dead! You have to try and save him!
<Doc Boo> Alright. I'll give him a look over.
<What Yet May Be> Oh; thank you, Doc Boo. You can't possibly
<Doc Boo> Don't thank me. He's-
<What Yet May Be> I know it's your sworn duty, but it's just-
<Doc Boo> I said 'Don't thank me. He's dead.'.
<Pidedis> Are you serious? Are you absolutely sure?
<Doc Boo> Yes ma'am. I need to treat my other patient now. Ill give you time to say goodbye before I send for the burial crew.
<What Yet May Be> We have a burial crew?
<Doc Boo> No. But we will in a few minutes.
<Pidedis> Lerris! Lerris.. I Lerris, you jerk! I hate you! I'll never reach 10,000 now! You left me! And mixed up my emotions! Lerris.. you... ::sobs::
<What Yet May Be> What happens to me now? Do I get reassigned to another Hunter? ::pauses: It's okay Lerris. I forgive you. Even if you won't forgive yourself.
<Pidedis> ::looks up from sobbing:: But I don't! You died before reading my poem! All that work wasted!
<What Yet May Be> ::reaches into Lerris' pocket, withdrawing a text file:: Do you mind?
<Pidedis> Ill let you read it later. How did you know? ::pockets text file::
<What Yet May Be> The hand may be faster than the eye, but not the mind. He could be so transparent.
<Pidedis> You could read him?
<What Yet May Be> Easy as 72 point bold CAPS.
<Pidedis> Did he?
<What Yet May Be> You gave me plenty of reason to worry. It was going to be a race to see who was Netmonster enough to admit their love first.
<Pidedis> If I'd known this was going to happen, I would have
<What Yet May Be> ::shakes her head:: Life doesn't give second chances.
<Pidedis> (angrily) Says who? I'll make it!
<What Yet May Be> Pidedis, sheer voltage isn't going fix it.
<Pidedis> Why not? I'll be a defibrillator if I have to!
Pidedis attacks Corpse Lerris with Thor's Hammer!
No effect!
<What Yet May Be> Just accept it and move on.
Pidedis attacks Corpse Lerris with Thor's Hammer.
No effect!
<Pidedis> And where's your mourning? I could have saved him!
Pidedis attacks Corpse Lerris with Thor's Hammer.
No effect!
<What Yet May Be> No, you couldn't have. I'll mourn when there's time. Give up.
Pidedis attacks Corpse Lerris with Thor's Hammer.
No effect!
<Pidedis> Lerris wouldn't have giving up. Not on me! Not on any of us!
<What Yet May Be> And that's why he's dead.
<Pidedis> How dare you!
<Doc Boo> Wyran's coming aroun--- ::freezes::
******************************************************
Void; where time is immaterial.
<What Yet May Be> Doc Boo? Are you.... Where are we?
<Pidedis> I don't know, but it's dark.
<Wyran> Where's Lerris?
<Pidedis> Wyran, he's... He's dead.
<Wyran> How?
<What Yet May Be> He went out after you. Nemesis got him too. He shielded you, which is probably the only reason you're still alive.
<Pidedis> I.. I'd often thought the Net would be nothing without Lerris. ::looks around:: I never thought it was so literal.
<What Yet May Be> Wouldn't that give him an ego boost.
<Wyran> Where do we go from here?
<What Yet May Be> Forward. Together.
Profound silence.
<Pidedis> That's very nice, but which way is forward?
<What Yet May Be> Which ever way we choose.
********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea, Sandy Plateau; Morning.
<What Yet May Be> When's the funeral?
<Earth Slime> What? Whose?
<What Yet May Be> Lerris'.
<Earth Slime> What'd he do to irritate Pidedis this time?
<What Yet May Be> He died, that's what!
<Earth Slime> ..... She just can't make up her mind. Wants him dead one minute..
<Pidedis> I heard that!
Pidedis attacks Earth Slime with Thor's Hammer.
Earth Slime is strong against the attack! 42 damage!
Earth Slime attempts to run away!
Pidedis stops Earth Slime from running away!
Pidedis attack Earth Slime with Needle Bomb!
218 damage!
Pidedis was victorious!
<Pidedis> The nerve of that Slime! I hate Slimes! I wish I were a Mage. Then I'd have Anti-Slime Magic.
<Thunder Bird> Somebody warn Lerris! Pidedis is on the war path!
<What Yet May Be> Maybe all that happened last night was a dream.
<Pidedis> Let's see if we can wake up Lerris.
<Wyran> Physically, mentally, or metaphorically?
<Pidedis> All of the above.
*********************************************************
Was yesterday a dream?
Or is it today that is the dream?
Is Lerris the center of the universe?
What does Pidedis' poem say?
What is with the Search Engine Sea?
Will Lerris regain his former culinary prowess?
Are dreams innocent?
What's a Chocolate Security Node filled with?
Could Joc and Pidedis be an item?
The answer to these exciting and intriguing questions next edition of NML !!!
