Week 17: Dark Designs In which two hearts are found, an old one is broken, and Lerris wins a photo shoot. Sort of....
Week 17: Dark Designs
Scene 1, Week 17:
3rd degree Burns
NRMC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Lerris' Tent; Morning.
<Wyran> Alright, I think I've got something. What Yet May Be almost had something yesterday. Lerris is getting old, fat, and soft.
<Pidedis> Almost like this Peep. ::pulls out a rather pathetic looking Peep with a red ribbon::
<What Yet May Be> Yes. Now put that thing away before your saliva forms a Slime Netmonster.
<Pidedis> Gross. I hate Slimes. ::pauses:: That couldn't really happen, could it?
<Wyran> No. Now listen up, you two. Love softens when he needs to be strong. I think if we make it clear we think he's weak and leave him--
<Pidedis> What?
<What Yet May Be> You heard the girl. Leave him.
<Wyran> -- and force him to stand on his own.
<Pidedis> It's not fair! You and Wyran have had Lerris for so long. I finally get somewhere and you say I have to just leave ?
<What Yet May Be> Only if you want him to live.
<Pidedis> But... I've never left his side. As a friend, as his aide, as a Netmonster in love... Even when I haven't been there , I've been there in thought or off doing something for him.
<What Yet May Be> Then be there in thought. Be off doing something for him. Do this for him.
<Pidedis> ... Alright. I'll dump him at lunch.
<What Yet May Be> I'll take care of his rude awakening. Wyran, you're free to whenever.
<Wyran> Well people, let's be about this, then.
<What Yet May Be> ::enters tent:: Get up, you slob! I can't believe we have to come in here and get you every day! Get out of bed! ::pulls Lerris out of bed by his covers::
<Hunter Lerris> ::lands with a grunt and a thud:: Breakfast?
<What Yet May Be> ::picks up a nearby frying pan:: I've got your breakfast right here!
<Hunter Lerris> (confused) What did I do?
<What Yet May Be> Same thing you've been doing all along. I've had it. I'm applying for a transfer.
<Hunter Lerris> (weakly) Transfer?
<What Yet May Be> Maybe I can find a Hunter who isn't a total wimp I have to baby-sit. ::storms out::
<Hunter Lerris> (stunned) Good morning to you too...
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , The Kitchen; Morning.
<Hunter Lerris> And she just up and left! No warning at all, I swear! Not a single flaming reason.
<Joc> I doubt that, Lerris. They usually have a reason. Trust me, they usually do.
<Hunter Lerris> Oh? How much experience with women do you have?
<Joc> More than you know. More than you know.
<Hunter Lerris> Alright. Do you think she'll go through with it?
<Joc> I don't know. You can never tell with women.
<Hunter Lerris> I thought you said you understood them!
<Joc> I said I knew a lot about women, not that I understood them.
<Hunter Lerris> Still doesn't sound like you know all that much....
<Joc> Lerris, the first thing you learn is that you'll never know a thing about them.
<Hunter Lerris> You're confusing me!
<Joc> No, no. That's a job for women.
<Hunter Lerris> My head hurts.
<Joc> Then you're not going to want to look now.
<Wyran> Lerris?
<Hunter Lerris> Hey Wyran. Heard what What Yet May Be's going to do?
<Wyran> Yeah. It's what I wanted to talk about.
<Hunter Lerris> I'm all ears. By the way, if she splits, the Champion slot is open...
<Wyran> (outraged) You inconsiderate scum! You presume much you unfeeling jackal. What makes you think you know what I feel, what I think, and what I was about to say? Go boil your head, you selfish cabbage! ::kicks a pot of boiling water over onto Lerris before leaving::
<Hunter Lerris> Light! Ow! Flaming evilness! Oh, Light this hurts!
<Phantom Fish> Ouch! Burn! Shot down!
<Joc> Man, Lerris, this is just not your day.
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Lerris' Tent; Morning.
<Pidedis> Good doggie. Good doggie. Find the Peeps! Find 'em! ::pulls out the ribboned Peep:: Take a good smell. Ready? Go get 'em!
<Fire Dog> This is so demeaning.
<Pidedis> Did I ask for commentary? Find those Peeps!
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Commons Tent; Lunch.
<What Yet May Be> Ready to see Pidedis' performance?
<Wyran> Yeah. I'm really curious to see how she does it.
<What Yet May Be> Think she'll be able to do it?
<Wyran> I think so. She went on a Peep eating binge this morning. She must be serious. It look's like she's gonna go through it.
<What Yet May Be> Shh... She's coming.
<Pidedis> Lerris here?
<What Yet May Be> He's sitting alone at his usual table.
<Wyran> You can do it, Pidedis.
<Pidedis> I certainly hope so. ::walks over to Lerris' table::
<Joc> Hey Pidedis! ::concentrates, as if remembering a difficult passage:: I'm lookin' at you with all those curves and me with no brakes.
<Pidedis> ::swallows and hides a grimace:: (sultry, with only the slightest hint of disgust) Then why don't you just floor me, Slime boy?
<Joc> (dazzled) You mean it?
<Pidedis> Sure. If you can keep up, maybe you and I can parallel park somewhere.
<Hunter Lerris> (shocked) .....
<Pidedis> Oh. Lerris. Didn't notice you there. Don't gape. It's not polite. ::extends an arm to Joc::
<Joc> ::grins:: Sorry buddy. Fortune's a fickle mistress.
<Pidedis> Come on, Joc. Let's blow this popsicle stand. Oh. Sorry. Was that your pseudopod?
<Joc> ::rubs a pseudopod vigorously:: Yes, but no matter. Let's go.
<Hunter Lerris> (shocked) .....
<Pidedis> (far away) Whoops. Didn't see that tent pole. You okay, Joc?
<Hunter Lerris> (shocked) ....
<Pidedis> (farther away) Silly place for a charcoal pit. I hope you're not too burnt for later.
<Hunter Lerris> (shocked) .....
<Phantom Fish> Joc's one messed up Light Slime. Don't you agree, Lerris?
<Hunter Lerris> (shocked) .....
<Phantom Fish> I agree. Listen, we meet down in East Wing. We'd be honored if you'd come. If you don't mind me saying, you're dragging around some serious bad karma. Just what we need. What do you say?
<Hunter Lerris> (shocked) .....
<Phantom Fish> Great. See you tonight then.
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Training Grounds; Afternoon.
<Hunter Lerris> (dazed) Dir, I just can't believe it.
Trainer Phantom Ghost attacks Lerris with A Slice of Sin...
Lerris countered the blow!!
<Dir> So you keep telling me, Sir.
<Hunter Lerris> (astonished) Pidedis and Joc!
<Dir> Most surprising, Sir. But they say opposites attract.
Hunter Lerris is dazed.*^
Dir tries to wake him up by nudging him...
Hunter Lerris is still dazed!!
*^ In-game joke. It's an adaptation of trying to wake up a sleeping Net Monster.
<Hunter Lerris> (dazed) I could only sit there, gaping, and think "Well I'll be Commander Ikari's nephew and he'll be a monkey's uncle.".
Trainer Phantom Ghost attacks Lerris with Crypt Breath...
<Trainer Phantom Ghost> (panting) I... can't touch... him today. So tired.....
<Dir> (as if talking to a small child) Lerris... Why don't we let the poor Phantom Ghost rest? I'm sure you'll feel better after lying down.
<Hunter Lerris> (dazed) Yes. I think I'll go lie down.
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Doc Boo's Tent; Afternoon.
<Joc> (croaked) Medic... Medic...
<Medic Light Mech> Doc Boo will be available in just a-- What in Shade's vile name happened to you?
<Joc> (dreamily) Pidedis.
<Medic Light Mech> (practiced) ::shakes head:: When will you give up? She's obviously not interested. It's both impractical and impolite, not to mention ill-advised, for you to---
<Joc> I don't think you understand..
<Medic Light Mech> I dare say I do. This makes how many times she's sent you here this month?
<Joc> this is the first time she's sent me here because she loves me. ::frowns:: Openly, anyway.
<Medic Light Mech> I'm afraid you've lost me.
<Joc> Apparently she's got some sadistic tendencies. She beat me up because she loves me. They say you always hurt the ones you love.
<Medic Light Mech> Tough love. (hesitantly) Do.. you like it that way?
<Joc> Whatever suits my dearest suits me.
<Medic Light Mech> Well... I'll heal you up and you can go back to her.
Medic Light Mech uses Shock Therapy...
Joc regains 120 Life Points!
<Joc> Hey! Thanks again!
<Medic Light Mech> Bye! ::watches Joc leave:: You're welcome. ::sighs:: So Pidedis finally broke down and went out with him. Lucky girl. ::sighs again:: At least I'll see him more often now....
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Lerris' Tent; Afternoon.
<Hunter Lerris> Just like that... Guess it says something about the fragility of relationships.. ::looks up at his calendar:: Looks like it's just you and me again, Mary. You got plans for tonight? I know we go back to the beginning and you change into something more comfortable at midnight , tomorrow being the first of January and all. ::pauses:: You're not about to leave too, are you? I just can't figure out what I did wrong.
<Ops Ice Ghost> ::knocks on tent:: Sir? Can I come in?
<Hunter Lerris> Yeah. Come in.
<Ops Ice Ghost> Here's our report summary for today. There's a URL we'd also highly suggest checking.
<Hunter Lerris> Just leave it on the table.
<Ops Ice Ghost> Sir...
<Hunter Lerris> (tolerant) What is it?
<Ops Ice Ghost> It happens to everybody sometime.
<Hunter Lerris> But on the same day?
<Ops Ice Ghost> ::shrugs:: It is how it is, Sir. We can't do anything except deal with it.
<Hunter Lerris> And how would you suggest I do that?
<Ops Ice Ghost> Stop moping, get back to life as usual.
<Hunter Lerris> That will be all.
<Ops Ice Ghost> Sir! ::turns to leave::
<Hunter Lerris> One more thing....
<Ops Ice Ghost> Yes?
<Hunter Lerris> Thanks.
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Pidedis' Tent; Evening.
<Pidedis> Joc! You're back already?
<Joc> What can I say? I just can't stay away from you.
<Pidedis> So I've observed.....
<Hunter Lerris> (outside tent) Hey! Joc! You in there?
<Pidedis> ::gasps:: Lerris! ::pauses to collect herself:: Joc....... ::plays with a psuedopod:: you wouldn't want him to.. interfere with our time together.
<Joc> (happily dazed) No...
<Pidedis> Go take care of him, will you?
<Joc> Whatever you say, my love... ::oozes out of the tent::
<Pidedis> ::shudders:: I want to throw up. But at least he'll get rid of Lerris...
<Joc> So, Lerris, what brings you here? Are you... jealous?
<Hunter Lerris> Yes. No. Maybe. Actually, just surprised, but that's not why I came.
<Joc> (warily) Really...?
<Hunter Lerris> Yeah. I was wondering if you'd run the lottery for me.
<Joc> ::blushes:: I'm a bit busy.
<Hunter Lerris> ::eyebrows raise:: Oh... Um.. Well, maybe you could quickly run it and.. get back to your...
<Joc> That'd be fine.
<Hunter Lerris> ::passes his gear to Joc:: Just hit that little button.
<Joc> I know what I'm doing.
Element: Light
Combo: Slime-Slime-Slime
Level: 100+
<Hunter Lerris> Odd... The odds of that happening are... ::takes his gear back and does some quick math:: ... Are 2:16875.
<Joc> Very odd. Goodbye. In a hurry. Tata.
<Hunter Lerris> ::examines his gear:: "Joc was here"? What?! HE RIGGED MY DRAWING! JOC, GET YOUR LITTLE LIQUID REAR BACK HERE?
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Commons Tent; Evening.
<Hunter Lerris> I was sure something terrible was going to happen and the New Year's Eve party would be canceled for sure. Well, something terrible did happen...
<Ops Ice Ghost> But the party's still happening anyway.
<Hunter Lerris> Yeah. I guess it wasn't the end of the world.
<Ops Ice Ghost> You sound as if you're trying to convince yourself...
<Hunter Lerris> Am I that transparent?
<Ops Ice Ghost> I'm afraid so.
<Hunter Lerris> What gender were you before...
<Ops Ice Ghost> ::shakes head:: I was female, but you need more time to understand everything that's happened. Besides, I'm not as comfortable with the Hunter-Netmonster thing...
<Hunter Lerris> Oh. I'm sorry. (musing) Guess I really do have to stand alone.
<Ops Ice Ghost> You know, I'm not sure how well What Yet May Be, Wyran, and Pidedis were handling the Hunter-Netmonster thing either. That might be why they left.
<Hunter Lerris> You think so? That's not the way they were acting..
<Ops Ice Ghost>All four of you have something of a noble streak. There's quite a bit you'd do for each other, no matter the cost. Including hiding your motives.
<Hunter Lerris> ....
<Ops Ice Ghost> We admire you guys for it, but occasionally we have to set you straight. Your eyes are easily blinded by tears.
<Hunter Lerris> Thanks.
<Ops Ice Ghost> ::shakes head:: (with a hint of her former voice) We do what we can. If we'd known, we might have been able to find out what was bothering them. Probably wouldn't have talked them out of it, but we would have known why...
<Hunter Lerris> Why do you guys do this for us?
<Ops Ice Ghost> ::grins:: You're a fair bunch of commanders. You take care of us and don't drive us too hard or treat us like slaves. We're given liberties we hadn't even dreamed of when we were in the Rift. We could have done a lot worse. And we see you guys trying to hold a normal life in the middle of the war.. and we think that if you can, so can we. You're our commanders. Besides.. You keeps us amused, you in particular. Some of us even think you're cute.
<Hunter Lerris> How did a girl like you end up in Covert Ops?
<Ops Ice Ghost> I know I don't fit the template to be working in Ops, but it's something that interested me. Besides, you can't judge a book by its cover.
<Hunter Lerris> You can't, can you?
<Ops Ice Ghost> And the first few chapters aren't the definitive guide either.
<Hunter Lerris> Does that make you Cliff notes?
<Ops Ice Ghost> I... guess so. But most of this is speculation. It's hardly comprehensive.
<Hunter Lerris> But it gets the necessary points across.
Awkward silence.
<Ops Ice Ghost> ::blushes:: If you're trying to flirt with me....
<Hunter Lerris> I'm not. It's just...
Awkward silence.
<Ops Ice Ghost> (timidly) Penny for your thoughts?
<Hunter Lerris> I was wondering where you've been all this time.
<Ops Ice Ghost> ::blushes furiously:: I'm leaving if you're flirting with me.
<Hunter Lerris> ::shakes his head:: It's not that. It's just that your insight... It sounds like a familiar voice. It makes me wonder how many other people like you have slipped just under my notice...
<Ops Ice Ghost> Twice.
<Hunter Lerris> Twice?
<Ops Ice Ghost> Let's just say we've met before.
<Hunter Lerris> ... You were part of my old crew?
<Ops Ice Ghost> If you check my profile, I was a Mech in my former life.
<Hunter Lerris> Former... ::pales:: It was that bloody Node, wasn't it?
<Ops Ice Ghost> Yeah. But you got it.
<Hunter Lerris> I could only trash it once. Not enough for you, or Wyran, or any of the others.
<Ops Ice Ghost> But you did what you could. We can ask no more.
<Hunter Lerris> But you deserve it.
<Ops Ice Ghost> ::smiles sadly:: Are you sure we deserve you?
<Hunter Lerris> (shocked) How can you say that? Is that what you've told yourself for all these years?
<Ops Ice Ghost> (Teary eyed) Maybe.
<Hunter Lerris> You're right. You don't deserve me. You're better than that.
<Ops Ice Ghost> Don't you say that!
<Hunter Lerris> Why not? You've said the same. And were just as wrong.
<Ops Ice Ghost> ::wipes her eyes:: See? That's why it could never work. Inferiority complexes are like that. We'd just play off each other and spiral down into self pity.
<Hunter Lerris> ::shakes head:: Just the opposite. But as you pointed out, I'm not ready. Neither are you. Haste makes waste, and hurting you further is the last thing I want to do.
<Ops Ice Ghost> I... don't know what to say...
<Hunter Lerris> You've said more than enough. You've put me on the path I need to be on.
<Ops Ice Ghost> Is there room for two on that path?
<Hunter Lerris> As you've told me, right now, no. Eventually... Who knows? Really, that's up to you. After all, where would I be now if you hadn't taken the initiative?
<Ops Ice Ghost> In your tent talking in a calendar.
<Hunter Lerris> That was rhetorical.
<Ops Ice Ghost> ::giggles and grins:: I know.
<Hunter Lerris> You're insufferable.
<Ops Ice Ghost> Just wait 'til you get to know me.
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Lerris' Tent; Evening.
<What Yet May Be> How does he do it? Not 3 hours and he's already got another one lined up!
<Wyran> I think it's something more than his natural charm. It's almost as if he unconsciously calls people to him.
<What Yet May Be> But why?
<Wyran> I don't know. But this one was fast, even for him.
<What Yet May Be> You know that for a fact?
<Wyran> No. But it feels that way.
<What Yet May Be> Think he subconsciously knows Nemesis is coming?
<Wyran> Don't know. ... Are you sure we should be having this conversation in this tent?
<What Yet May Be> Why not? He's not using it. He's too busy hitting on some Ice Ghost.
<Wyran> From what I could tell, she's doing all the hitting.
<What Yet May Be> That's right. Lerris would need a backbone for that.
<Wyran> I hope he has. He's going to need it against Nemesis.
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Joc's Tent; Night.
Pidedis' Journal 1/31/02
Woke up. Got hit on by Joc. Lerris died. Didn't read poem. In short, v.bad day. Universe ended. Forgot to mention that.
1/31/02
Not sure if yesterday was a dream. Lerris not dead. Joc hit on me again. Kicked Lerris in the... Got chocolates, a Peep, and got kissed lots of times. V.good. Lerris got killed again. V.bad. Still hasn't read poem. Universe ended again.
1/31/02
Am sure universe is repeating itself. V.frustrating. WYMB taking care of Lerris. V.bored. Set Berokuko on Covert Ops. Prank total climbing. Lerris killed. Still has not read poem. Oh yeah. Universe ended. Joc's fault.
1/31/02
Had to break up with Lerris. Wyran's plan. Oh goody. Ate lots of Peeps. Peeps v.good. Got hit on by Joc again. Slime v.persistant. Decided to hit back. Am making his life a living--
<Joc> Hello? Pidedis?
<Pidedis> What, Joc?
<Joc> This is supposed to be a romantic moment. Why are you writing in your journal?
<Pidedis> Umm.. I never want to forget today, that's all.
<Joc> Oh. Well, when you're done, I'd like to propose a toast.
<Pidedis> Okay...... ::closes journal::
<Joc> ::clears his throat:: To my one and only love, whose enthusiastic affections have sent me to Doc Boo's tent 5 times tonight.
<Pidedis> What can I say? My little Love Pudding bruises too easily.
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NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Lerris' Tent; Night.
<Hunter Lerris> I have mail!!!!! ::does a little dance:: Alright... Entries.. I've won a contest?
<Transparent Window> Congratulation, Hunter Lerris! You've won the Greenwich 3rd annual Photo shoot, Scenery subdivision. Click here to send us your personal information so that we can send your prize.
<Hunter Lerris> What?? Greenwich Photo shoot? Um... Click?
<Transparent Window> Loading.... Here is your picture. "Nemesis on the Beach".
<Hunter Lerris> Wha...?
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The Void, where time is immaterial.
<Pidedis> On the whole, I'd say that was a failure.
<Wyran> It worked just about as well as all of our other plans.
<Pidedis> That might say something about plans... Maybe we're trying too hard........
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Are they trying too hard?
How long can one plot line stretch?
Will unrequited love remain so?
The answer to these exciting and intriguing questions next edition of NML !!!
