Week 15: Darker Half A Scene 1,Week 15:
Time Spiral
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Lerris' Tent; Morning.
<Pidedis> Lerris! Breakfast!
<Hunter Lerris> Huh? Wha? Breakfast?
<Pidedis> No, but something almost as good! ::kisses Lerris::
<Hunter Lerris> Good morning to you too...
<Wyran> ::enters tent:: He's awake? Aww..... That's my job.
<Pidedis> ::blushes:: My fault. Sorry Wyran.
<Hunter Lerris> (nervously) Err.... Did you two sleep well last night?
<Pidedis> Sleep? Night? I mean, yeah. Like a Rockman.
<Wyran> Uh... ::gets nudged by Pidedis' elbow:: Uh.. Of course.
<What Yet May Be>::hands Lerris a clipboard:: Here's your schedule for... today.
<Pidedis> Hey Lerris, what day is it?
<Hunter Lerris> Stardate 317.94.320-9.
<Pidedis> ::pantomimes hitting a Starfleet communicator:: Pidedis to Lerris.
<Hunter Lerris> ::hits nonexistent communicator:: Lerris here.
<Pidedis> ::hits nonexistent communicator:: This isn't Star Trek.
<Hunter Lerris>::almost hits nonexistent communicator:: Oh.
<Pidedis> Your breakfast is over here. Now what day is it?
<Hunter Lerris> Hey.. Where'd we get the orange juice?
<Pidedis>Err... Kitchen staff found a grove inland.
<Hunter Lerris> (muttering) I remember that grove. Wyran and I-
<Pidedis> Eat your breakfast, Lerris.
<Hunter Lerris> Thank you. ::takes a bite:: This isn't right...
<What Yet May Be> What did she do to it this time?
<Hunter Lerris> Tastes like.. Blueberry. Nothing else. 'S missing something.
<Pidedis> Loki's woolens! I forgot to sabotage it!
<Hunter Lerris> Woah. Something went well on a Friday.
<Pidedis> Fri.... day.....?
<Joc> You're losing it, old girl. You forgot? Tsk tsk.
<Pidedis> Hey! This 'old girl' can still have a night on the town.
<Joc> Is that an invitation? ::blushes::
<Hunter Lerris> Well strike me down and call me George the Third....
<What Yet May Be> Yes. Slimes CAN blush, Lerris.
<Hunter Lerris> It's news to me.
Awkward silence.
<Hunter Lerris> Why don't I just run the lottery.....
Element: Phantom
Combo: Fish-Cat-Ghost
Level: 98
<Ice Mech> Sir! A messenger is coming from the West. A Common Cat. Could be Keda.
<Hunter Lerris> I hope he has good news. I don't have any. No winners this week.
<Joc> Well... Sounds important. I'll just be leaving. ::extends a psuedopod to Pidedis::
<Pidedis> Oh no you don't! ::pulls her hand away::
<Joc> You're the first one to figure it out before hand. You really are the master.
<Ice Mech> Keda will be arriving momentarily.
<Hunter Lerris> Wyran! What Yet May Be! Pidedis! Where are you going?
<Wyran> We'll be right back.
<Hunter Lerris> Don't you want to know what Keda has to say?
<Wyran> We already do. Our condolences, Lerris.
<Hunter Lerris> Condolences? The New Years party is being canceled again, isn't it? Not again! What am I going to do with 1412 gallons of punch?
<Pidedis> Alright. Now that Lerris is listening to Keda, what are we going to do? It's New Years Eve, again, Lerris is alive, and thinks it's Friday.
<What Yet May Be> But New Year's Eve is on a Tuesday this year...
<Pidedis> If you haven't noticed, Lerris is using a calendar several years old.
<What Yet May Be> I just thought he had a devil of a time keeping the days straight.
<Wyran> The calendar- it's a got an illustrated girl with a different job each month. "Behind the Scenes: Silent Support". His favorite is October.
<Pidedis> Oh?
<Wyran> ::nods:: Or it was last I checked.
<Pidedis> Girl especially cute?
<Wyran> She's pretty, I'll admit, but that wasn't it, though. October, she's a maid.
<Pidedis> And he goes for that kind of thing?
<Wyran> Not exactly. There's a butler in the picture.
<What Yet May Be> He got this butler-maid fantasy?
<Wyran> Not that I know of. He's just always wanted to be a butler.
Stunned silence.
<Pidedis> Guess we set ourselves up for that one.
<Wyran> He also likes June. She's stage crew in that picture.
<Pidedis> So he's had this for a while?
<Wyran> Yeah. It was a present from his first crew. We were trying to increase his interest in women so he'd find another Hunter and get a social life.
<Pidedis> That's sweet. Was it to try and stop his advances on you?
<Wyran> No. That didn't happen until after he got the calendar.
<Pidedis> He actually made advance on you?
<Wyran> ::blushes defensively:: No! You know Lerris. Can you imagine him trying to put the moves on someone?
<What Yet May Be>Not without a fair bit of laughter.
<Pidedis> Was their any Hunter you guys had in mind for him?
<Wyran> No. Any Hunter would have done for us. We all agreed he needed a life. Any life.
<Pidedis> So you did it because you all were such good friends with him?
<Wyran> Yeah. We really loved him. Even though he barely made Professional, some of us called him Commander. ...And he'd ease up on the workload if he got a girlfriend.
<Pidedis> And instead he ended up with you. So that's the story of the calendar.
<What Yet May Be> .. I've been thinking.... Do you guys think Lerris took the calendar as a subtle hint his support was feeling neglected? And that's why he chose Wyran? Does he think of us as his support crew? If so, between my yelling, Pidedis' tricks, and Wyran's awkward predicament, he's probably felling rather alone. Maybe yesterday- today- was a warning. Maybe we're too hard on him?
<Pidedis> He's a big boy. He can take care of himself.
<What Yet May Be> Can he? How long do you think he'd last if we up and left.
Awkward silence.
<What Yet May Be> Exactly.
<Pidedis> So, today is "be nice to Lerris" day?
<What Yet May Be> Couldn't hurt. If... If today is the last, don't say anything you'll regret. And make sure you say everything you mean to.
<Pidedis> That little oration sounded suspiciously like one of Lerris' psychology books.
<What Yet May Be> Ermmm... Guilty as charged. He just left one open one day, and...
<Pidedis> Yeah. They should put warning labels on those things.
<Wyran> Guys? Why do we get a second chance?
<Pidedis> Look Wyran, I know you've been out of the loop for a while, so I'll keep it simple: Use the chance and don't ask why.
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Scene 2, Week 15: Closure
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Commons Tent; Lunch.
<Joc> Hey Pidedis! ::concentrates, as if trying to remember a difficult paragraph::
<Pidedis> Oh no...
<Joc> Do you sleep on your stomach?
<Pidedis> Uhh.. Er.. No.......
<Joc> Can I?*^
*^I would like to take time to reiterate that no females (or males!) were accosted in the gathering of these pickup lines.
<Pidedis> Go osmose your dried frog collection.
<Phantom Fish> Ouch! Shot down!
<Joc> It's okay. I've got three week of kitchen...
<Pidedis> Must not let chauvinist Slime disrupt tranquility. Will ruin my chance. Must not let chauvinist Slime disrupt tranq-- Hey Lerris! Save a spot for me!
<Hunter Lerris> Should I save another for whomever your friend is? You're carrying two trays.
<Pidedis> No. The second one's yours.
<Hunter Lerris> Oh. Thanks.
<Fire Bug> Hurry, hurry! Place your bets! What will Lerris be eating today? Is it the ever popular Holy Kitty Nibbles? Or perhaps the exotic Fallen Soufflé?
<Hunter Lerris> Just ignore him, Pidedis. I appreciate the gesture.
<Fire Bug> Oh! He's raising the fork! Last bets, people, last bets. He's opening his mouth... and it's in! It's in! It's...
<Hunter Lerris> Plain macaroni and cheese.
<Fire Bug> That's right! Plain macaroni and.... Well, that was unexpected. Uh.. Nobody wins. Er... Gotta run! ::flees an angry mob of Netmonsters::
<Hunter Lerris> Twice in one day. I might start thinking you like me.
<Pidedis> ::swallows a hurt gasp::
<Hunter Lerris> ::takes her hand:: That was a joke. ::gives her hand a gentle squeeze::
<Pidedis> Oh Lerris... I..
<Hunter Lerris> Hey Pidedis, let's get our meals to go. I want to show you something.
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Hidden Overlook; Lunch.
<Pidedis> Wow... The view here is spectacular. Not your style at all.
<Hunter Lerris> Hey! I'm not completely heartless, you know. I can enjoy scenery. I didn't pick this spot for its superior solar exposure.
<Pidedis> Sorry.
<Hunter Lerris> No need. It's a pretty place. Secluded too. What's on your mind?
<Pidedis> What makes you think there's something on my mind?
<Hunter Lerris> It doesn't take an Encryption key to figure that one out. A Data Node could see this one a server away.
<Pidedis> A Data Node, huh? ::snuggles up to Lerris:: You'll protect me, right?
<Hunter Lerris> With my life.
<Pidedis> Don't say that!
<Hunter Lerris> ???
<Pidedis> It's just... Never mind.
<Hunter Lerris> So, what's on your mind, Lightning Lady?
<Pidedis> You haven't called me that in a while.
<Hunter Lerris> Keeps it special. About the food... I don't mind that you spike it with Net Monster food. It defiantly makes thins interesting.
<Pidedis> Lerris... Where are we going?
<Hunter Lerris> (somewhat wistfully) Nowhere at the moment.
<Pidedis> You know what I mean.
<Hunter Lerris> .... I've been thinking about trying to grow a beard.
<Pidedis> You might look pretty good with a beard.
<Hunter Lerris> Dunno. Always thought it might give me this "Thor" look.
<Pidedis> You could be my god of thunder any day. ::gasps:: (mortified) Did I just say that?
<Hunter Lerris> 'Fraid so. I must say, you look fetching in red.
<Pidedis> Red? ::looks down to see her blushing skin:: You're terrible!
<Hunter Lerris> Yup. That's me. Lerris the terrible, god of thunder.
<Pidedis> That's just what your ego needs. A god complex.
<Hunter Lerris> (in a deep bass) What ho, Lightning Lady. Behold the skies, they shake and roll with peels of-
<Pidedis> Thunder?
<Hunter Lerris> No. Try laughter.
<Pidedis> Laughter?
<Hunter Lerris> ::tickles Pidedis:: Indeed. And there's a might storm a brewing.
<Pidedis> Lerris! Don't! ::laughs:: Hey! ::laughs:: You're not listening to me!
<Hunter Lerris> I am above thy plea, mortal.
<Pidedis>(laughing) Yeah? Well how about this? Knee to the groin!
<Hunter Lerris> (stunned) Ow.
<Pidedis> Whoops. I'm really sorry Lerris! I wasn't thinking. Are you okay?
<Hunter Lerris> (strained) Just fine. I think you won.
<Pidedis> Oh! I blew it! There's no way we could have a future. And its all my fault.
<Hunter Lerris>Not at all. You're just not used to opening up.
<Pidedis> They gave me another chance and I blew it! ::runs away::
<Hunter Lerris> ::limps after Pidedis:: Pidedis! Come back!
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Lerris' Tent; Afternoon.
<Wyran> What's wrong Lerris?
<Hunter Lerris> Huh?
<Wyran> You're not complaining about paperwork.
<Hunter Lerris> Maybe.. I'm enjoying it?
<Wyran> You haven't gotten any better at lying.
<Hunter Lerris> I haven't gotten any better at anything since you left.
<Wyran> That's wonderfully flattering and sentimental, but probably not true.
<Hunter Lerris> (hopefully) My cooking has gotten worse.
<Wyran> And so now that I'm back it'll miraculously get better?
<Hunter Lerris> Erm...
<Wyran> For the record, it hasn't.
<Hunter Lerris> Woah. That's the kind of chew out I would have expected from What Yet May Be.
<Wyran> We're not dissimilar.
<Hunter Lerris> Don't remind me.
<Wyran> I'll let that pass. But only because what I have to say is important. ::pauses:: You've chosen well.
<Hunter Lerris> Huh? ... Does that mean you've given up on me?
<Wyran> No. I just wanted you to know that I approve of them. Just in case something happens.
<Hunter Lerris> I'm not going anywhere.
<Wyran> Don't if you can avoid it.
<Hunter Lerris> Why would I go anywhere? I have everything I want here.
<Wyran> And everyone who wants you here feels the same.
<Hunter Lerris> (slightly crestfallen) So you're their spokesperson?
<Wyran> No. Those are my own words. Others simply share the sentiment.
<Hunter Lerris> And how much are you willing to share?
<Wyran> What's that supposed to mean?
<Hunter Lerris> Sorry. It's more like how long.
<Wyran> 'How long' what?
<Hunter Lerris> Before I have to choose.
<Wyran> Choose?
<Hunter Lerris> Yes. It can't go on like this forever. The carnival has to pack up and go home some time. I'm starting to feel pressured. Now more than ever. I'm even having dreams.
<Wyran> I wish I could say that you had forever to make your decision..
<Hunter Lerris> Then I would procrastinate and put it off indefinitely. You know me.
<Wyran> But do you have to decide?
<Hunter Lerris> What?
<Wyran> You may not have to.
<Hunter Lerris> You're not making an ounce of sense.
<Wyran> What if you didn't have to?
<Hunter Lerris> I'm still not following you. It sounds... wrong.
<Wyran> I... can't explain more. Let's just say you don't have to decide this instant. Don't withdraw on us Lerris. We need you too.
<Hunter Lerris> Which is why I can't make the decision.
<Wyran> Then don't. Just worry about it later.
<Hunter Lerris> I don't know. It sounds an awful lot like an excuse for procrastination.
<Wyran> You're not listening to me, Lerris! You don't need to figure it out right now.
<Hunter Lerris> (calmly, bemused) We're fighting again.
<Wyran> Happens to all couples eventually.
<Hunter Lerris> Or constantly in some cases.
<Wyran> Lerris!
<Hunter Lerris> All people fight, Wyran. It only seems special in the case of couples because its someone you actually care about.
<Wyran> Aren't I special to you?
<Hunter Lerris> Very. ::puts his arms around Wyran:: Don't know how I lived without out it.
<Wyran> You missed our fighting?
<Hunter Lerris> Yes... And no. But if it's the cost of having you around, I'll pay it gladly.
<Wyran> (wryly) So it's the price of having me around?
<Hunter Lerris> I try to think of it as an added bonus. ::kisses Wyran::
<Wyran> You're weird, Lerris.
<Hunter Lerris> And you're a rehabilitated Security Node. Does it matter?
<Wyran> ::smiles:: No. After a while. I missed our fights too.
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , What Yet May Be's Tent; Late Afternoon.
<What Yet May Be> Alright, give me a status report people.
<Wyran> I'm done. I've said my goodbyes and got everything I wanted out of it.
<What Yet May Be> Really? Everything?
<Wyran> Well.. Not everything .
<What Yet May Be> Isn't that the truth? ::chuckles:: Pidedis?
<Pidedis> Uh... Well... I tried at lunch. It went pretty well, but I blew it.
<Wyran> Is that what was bugging Lerris?
<Pidedis> Was he upset?
<Wyran> Not like that. You know him. He thinks it's his fault. What did you do?
<Pidedis> (embarrassed) I... kicked him in the---
<Wyran> Oh. I did that too.
<Pidedis> Today?
<Wyran> No. The first time he asked me out.
<Pidedis> You did?
<Wyran> Yeah. He wouldn't get out of my way. Wouldn't take no for an answer.
<Pidedis> So you---
<Wyran> Yeah. Lucky for me he didn't give up easily.
<Pidedis> Glad it means I'm not irredeemable. I want another shot.
<Wyran> ::grins:: Don't worry. You'll get it.
<What Yet May Be> We still have until this evening.
<Wyran> If he really cares, he'll show up bearing gifts.
<Pidedis> You speak from experience?
<Wyran> ::grins wider:: Hope you like chocolate.
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Pidedis' Tent; Late Afternoon.
<Hunter Lerris> Hi Pidedis. Look... About this afternoon... I'm really sorry. I overstepped my bounds and, well.. take these with my apologies. ::sighs:: Okay. Let's go over that one more time.
<Joc> Is that you, Lerris? Who were you talking to?
<Hunter Lerris> Err... No one.
<Joc> What brings you to these parts of camp?
<Hunter Lerris> Need to ask Pidedis about... New Years plans.
<Joc> And that wrapped box is...?
<Hunter Lerris> Paperwork. Bane of the---
<Joc> I got it. Stop right there. I know how you can get if we let you get started.
<Hunter Lerris> I could ask you the same. Aren't you supposed to be down in the kitchens?
<Joc> Yeah... I was just on my way there.
<Hunter Lerris> Dinner's pretty soon, so you'd better hurry.
<Joc> Of course. That's a very pretty bow you have around the paperwork, if I do say so myself, sir.
<Hunter Lerris> I see you noticed our state of the art camouflage. These are very important papers.
<Joc> (nervously) I see..
<Hunter Lerris> (quietly) This is strictly confidential, you understand.
<Joc> Ah. ::oozes away::
<Hunter Lerris> (calling after Joc) Tell no one!
<Joc> The old boy has really lost it.
<Hunter Lerris> That was close. Very smooth. Go me. ::pauses reflectively:: Camouflage? I really hope he bought that.... I wish I had a bow tie to fidget with. And if it was dark, I'd feel so much more comfortable. And she couldn't see me blush. Why do men and women blush, but only women flush? Where's Pidedis? I want to get this over-- Hi Pidedis.... Uh... How are you?
<Pidedis> F-fine. Lerris, what are you doing around my tent?
<Hunter Lerris> Keeping away nameless Light Slimes?
<Pidedis> Really? Well, I can tak-- I mean, thanks. That's sweet.
<Hunter Lerris> Look, about this afternoon... I overstepped my bounds and, well...
<Pidedis> Lerris, I'm sorry too. I overstepped and...
<Hunter Lerris> Take these with my apology.
<Pidedis> ... Chocolates?
<Hunter Lerris> ::nods nervously:: Umm... If Joc asked, they're important papers.
<Pidedis> Papers?
<Hunter Lerris> Yeah. Joc showed up and I told him they were papers. Camouflaged papers.
<Pidedis> And he believed it?
<Hunter Lerris> I hope so.
<Pidedis> This wasn't necessary...
<Hunter Lerris> Yes they were. We were having a nice moment and I wrecked it on an impulse. It's not often we find the time for such.
<Pidedis> Maybe we should make time for more.
<Hunter Lerris> I wish I could find some. ::looks away sadly::
<Pidedis> Why not now?
<Hunter Lerris> I ... have to get back to my paperwork.
<Pidedis> ::taps box:: I've got your papers right here.
Awkward silence.
<Pidedis> So... should I eat one now?
<Hunter Lerris> If you want.
<Pidedis> ::opens box and selects a chocolate:: Are these any good?
<Hunter Lerris> ::nods:: They're made with sugar, artificial flavoring, and the concentrated sap of certain flowers and plants. (whispering) But it's more artificial flavoring than anything.
<Pidedis> Sounds interesting. How did you come across them?
<Hunter Lerris> My father used to get them for my mother. I have memories of these as far as I can remember.
<Pidedis> You had parents?
<Hunter Lerris> (stunned) Yeah...
<Pidedis> Oh. I didn't mean it that way. Of course you had parents. It's just.. You've never mentioned them. Are they still alive?
<Hunter Lerris> As far as I know.
Awkward pause.
<Pidedis> I guess I better have a taste... ::cautiously brings a chocolate to her mouth::
<Hunter Lerris> ::leans expectantly:: Is it any good?
<Pidedis> ::chews thoughtfully:: It is a trifle sweet. What flavor is it?
<Hunter Lerris> Let me see.... ::takes the bitten chocolate and smells it delicately::
<Pidedis> Uh.. Lerris?
<Hunter Lerris> Trust me. ::breaks off a piece:: This is a dark chocolate rose filled. The rose was yellow and it was manufactured in the Holland plant (which is in Ohio ). You can tell from the dye consistency. In addition, it was made during the night shift, as the pollen grain is more central rather than exterior.
<Pidedis> Woah.
<Hunter Lerris> My mother taught me that.
<Pidedis> (sadly) I thought I knew you. But everyday there's something new.
<Hunter Lerris> You do know me. You just know me a little more every day.
<Pidedis> What else can you tell me from that chocolate?
<Hunter Lerris> If I'm not mistake, from the prevalence of rose hip oil, this was made during a drought and the oil was used to compensate for the lack of sap concentrate.
<Pidedis> That everything?
<Hunter Lerris> One more thing. It's my favorite flavor.
<Pidedis> Really?
<Hunter Lerris> That, or Orange Blossom.
<Pidedis> Which one's that?
<Hunter Lerris> ::points out a chocolate:: This one.
<Pidedis> ::takes a bite:: You have good taste.
<Hunter Lerris> (muttering) Second time today.
<Pidedis> Ever wonder what they taste like together?
<Hunter Lerris> (with the horror of a true purist) No!
<Pidedis> Want to know what my favorite flavor is?
<Hunter Lerris> Sure.
<Pidedis> ::kisses Lerris:: Lerris; a non-traditional flavor, but nice in a quaint sort of way.
<Hunter Lerris> (dazed) The mixture of rose and orange blossom is nice, but over powering.
<Pidedis> ::kisses Lerris gently:: Any better?
<Hunter Lerris> Sweet, tart, and gentle. It certainly holds promise.
<Pidedis> Only promise?
<Hunter Lerris> Some vintages take time to reach their full potential.
<Pidedis> And this one hasn't had enough. ::turns slightly away::
<Hunter Lerris> ::pauses, remembering something:: I didn't say that.
<Pidedis> ::eyes come close to tearing:: Then what did you mean by that?
<Hunter Lerris> (choosing his words carefully) Something get better with time. Let me get familiar with the peculiars now and I'll decide later.
<Pidedis> How much later?
<Hunter Lerris> I don't know.
<Pidedis> (fragilely) And if it isn't vintage yet? Will you return it to the cellar?
<Hunter Lerris> (soothingly) No. I'll keep it by my side, where it's always been. It will have sunshine, warmth, and safety, and I'll wait until it's ready.
<Pidedis> How will you know?
<Hunter Lerris> ::brushes a hair from her face:: Only time will tell.
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Scene 3, Week 14: Test
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Commons Tent; Dinner.
<Joc> Pidedis! Vision of dawn with birds! My little Jello mold!
<Pidedis> (monotone) Hi Joc.
<Joc> You're late for dinner. First time this year. You look flushed.
<Pidedis> (suddenly on the defensive) Lerris is cooking. and I, uh, ran here.
<Joc> Speaking of Lerris, where is he? He wasn't down in the kitchen.
<Pidedis> Why aren't you down in the kitchen. You should be serving right now.
<Joc> Delivering meals to the guys down in Ops. They're working late.
<Pidedis> ::gasps:: I need to get down there!
<Joc> Walk with me?
<Pidedis> More like run.
<Joc> A woman with endurance. Just how I like 'em. ::growl suggestively::
<Pidedis> Shut up and run.
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Lerris' Tent; Dinner.
<Hunter Lerris> I'm really sorry guys. I got caught up in something else and ran out of time.
<Wyran> It's okay, Lerris. We can eat down in the Commons tent.
<What Yet May Be> What's that smell on your breath?
<Hunter Lerris> (nervously) Orange blossom and rose.
<Wyran> (appreciatively) Ahh...
<What Yet May Be> He's been gargling perfume? I don't get it.
<Hunter Lerris> ::sends a desperate look at Wyran:: We'd better get to dinner.
<Wyran> (softly, so only Lerris can hear it) Relax. We don't tell each other everything .
<Hunter Lerris> (softly) Close enough.
<What Yet May Be> Eat quickly, Lerris. This is actually rather fortunate. I need to talk with you after dinner.
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Command Sector, Covert Ops; Dinner.
<Pidedis> What?!
<Ops Ice Ghost> We couldn't find you or Lerris. You didn't show up to get our reports, so....
<Pidedis> So you sent it, over my head, to Lerris! How could you?
<Ops Ice Ghost> (meekly) I didn't know I was overstepping my authority.
<Pidedis> Do you realize how important this is? Do you? You're dead when I find you tomorrow!
<Ops Ice Ghost> ::swallows:: Yes, ma'am-m-m.
<Wyran> So this is Covert Ops. This is some wicked gear.
<Pidedis> Wyran! We're too late!
<Wyran> Too late for what?
<Pidedis> They've sent the URL to Lerris. He's going to open it, and...
<Wyran> He's eating dinner. What Yet May Be's about to make her run.
<Pidedis> Then we still have time! Let's go! ::runs out the tent::
<Wyran> ::tries to keep pace with Pidedis:: Ah ha! Rose and orange blossom!
<Pidedis> Huh?
<Wyran> You're good. I never thought of using chocolates that way.
<Pidedis> ::blushes:: It.. I didn't mean for it to happen like that.
<Wyran> What did happen, you Electrical Enchantress, you?
<Pidedis> He kissed me.
<Wyran> And...?
<Pidedis> We talked.
<Wyran> And...?
<Pidedis> We kissed some more.
<Wyran> And...?
<Pidedis> What's the answer you're looking for?
<Wyran> Was it a total make out fest? How far did it go? How long was the first kiss? Details, details!
<Pidedis> I can't believe it. I thought you were so saintly...
<Wyran> Don't believe everything you see. Besides, do you think Lerris could get a relationship off the ground without a push from the second party? He couldn't get a relationship out of a paper bag on his own!
<Pidedis> That makes sense.
<Wyran> After all, who made the first move?
<Pidedis> I did.
<Wyran> See?
<Pidedis> Since you insist on knowing, nothing more serious than a 5 second kiss occurred.
<Wyran> But you were gone so long. That's a lot of 5 second kisses.
<Pidedis> I told him how I felt. And all the time I wished I'd have said something. How I felt during so many of the events in the past.
<Wyran> You know, if he bites it again, he won't remember a word of it.
<Pidedis> You mean...
<Wyran> Yup.
<Pidedis> Then we'd better make take the shortcut ahead. Turn left!
<Wyran> Think we'll make it in time?
<Pidedis> I hope so. Wait. Here's my tent. I need to grab something.
***********************************************
Search Engine Sea , Moonlit Beach; Evening.
<What Yet May Be> It's been a long day.
<Hunter Lerris> More than you know.
<What Yet May Be> I know walked on the beach are nice, but you look like sitting on the beach would be better.
<Hunter Lerris> Thanks. I feel like I've walked to Cyberia and back.
<What Yet May Be> So where do we go next?
<Hunter Lerris> Ops is doing an analysis and trying to figure out the best region.
<What Yet May Be> Oh?
<Hunter Lerris> Highest Boss probability. This war's been going on for sometime.
<What Yet May Be> You want to end the war?
<Hunter Lerris> I don't know ho much longer I can run this operation.
<What Yet May Be> Why don't you give up?
<Hunter Lerris> Because I have you to keep me on track and not let the pressure get to me.
<What Yet May Be> Do you remember what it was like to be an Internet Civilian?
<Hunter Lerris> Only that that it was more lonely. And I didn't think my first name was Hunter.
<What Yet May Be> You think Lerris is your last name?
<Hunter Lerris> No. I don't remember my last name.
<What Yet May Be> ... Lerris? Would you consider mine?
<Hunter Lerris> Was that a proposal?
<What Yet May Be> Just testing.
<Hunter Lerris> Testing me or testing you?
<What Yet May Be> What's that supposed to mean?
<Hunter Lerris> Something's going on. It's not that I don't appreciate the fact you're all voicing your feelings. It's actually quite wonderful. My doubts are dying and it's like walking through a dream.
<What Yet May Be> You noticed?
<Hunter Lerris> How could I miss it? You all seem so desperate and rushed, as if one of you were leaving. Is that what this is all about?
<What Yet May Be> (embarrassed) Err....
<Hunter Lerris> (darkly) I have to choose and the losers get sent away.
<What Yet May Be> (relieved) That's not it at all! ::throws her arms around Lerris:: You're completely wrong.
<Hunter Lerris> I am?
<What Yet May Be> Couldn't be more so. ::kisses Lerris::
<Hunter Lerris> I'll have to be wrong more often.
<What Yet May Be> Wrong again! ::kisses Lerris:: I think you manage enough as is. I should reward bad behavior anyway.
<Hunter Lerris> You think this is bad? Just you--
<Ops Earth Mech> This is for you, sir.
<Hunter Lerris> (quickly regaining composure) Ah. Thank you. How much of this planning meeting have you heard?
<Ops Earth Mech> None, sir.
<Hunter Lerris> Ah. Good.
Awkward silence.
<Hunter Lerris> What are you waiting for, a tip?
<Ops Earth Mech> No sir. We just want to know what's there. It's been bothering us terribly and we have a pool going.
<Hunter Lerris> ::sighs:: Alright, then.
<What Yet May Be> Lerris, no!
(For all who were wondering, that wondering flaming sphere in the picture at the beginning of the scene is Nemesis. Ugly little sucker, no?)
<Hunter Lerris> Was that bad?
<What Yet May Be> Very.
<Hunter Lerris> And I be I don't get a kiss for it, either.
<What Yet May Be> Bingo.
<Pidedis> (gasping for air) Are we too late?
<Hunter Lerris> No, just in--
<What Yet May Be> Way too late.
<Hunter Lerris> Wyran, do you--
<Wyran> ::pales:: No. I can't.
<Hunter Lerris> Anyone else think--- ::breaks off::
<What Yet May Be> ::gasps as Nemesis targets her::
***********************************************
Search Engine Sea, Moonlit Beach; 5 seconds later.
<Pidedis> Wow. She's stood up to 2 hits from that thing.
<Hunter Lerris> But there's no way she'll be able to take a third.
<Wyran> ::nods sympathetically:: I'm impressed she's still standing.
<Pidedis> You did okay, Wyran. Don't feel-- No! That mead brain!
<Wyran> Wha.. Not again. Lerris! You'll die out there!
<Hunter Lerris> Don't worry.
<Pidedis> You will. Again.
<What Yet May Be> They're right. Get out from in front of me. Just-
