genessia | The Chariot and the Tower, Part 1 [Action]

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The Chariot and the Tower, Part 1 [Action]

The Tower. An artificial edifice made to be broken. The folly of man's designs, toppled by a heavenly bolt of lightning. The work comes aflame as its inhabitants are thrust out. When evil prevails, our own creations will overshadow us, leaving no recourse but destruction.

The Chariot. Conquest in all it forms, especially the intellect. Thus, two sphinxes of black and white draw the vehicle of war. But what will happen when the beasts are not properly harnessed? Will the rider reassert control before he comes to ruin?

Look at them. Rats, rodents. Vermin. Their beady eyes, their fleshy tails, their disease-ridden coats. They were everywhere, getting into everything. Along Nova City's automated sidewalks they zoomed, spreading far beyond what nature would permit. Some were aggressive, using violence to assert themselves and their plauge. Others were timid, hiding in the the trunks of flying cars and other technological cavities, transmitting their sick to all and sundry. Nova City, despite its futuristic splendor, had a rat problem.

The citizenry had problems far beyond mere pest control, however. Their behavior had taken a turn for the bizarre. Many shut themselves up in their homes, using advanced technology solely for the purpose of preserving a severe introversion. Others amassed in swarms, forming roving crowds who flit from activity to activity in a communal craze. Fights broke out; primal contests at odds with the advanced civilization around them. One might think that Nova City was a city of plenty, having beaten the problems that routinely hounded ancient ancestors. Not so. There was an elevation of consciousness over resources, adding an unusual level of tension to the shopping experience. Something foul had gotten into the water...

[OOC: This is the first phase of the Jerks plot. Here muses will act out the conditions afflicted to them via the infestation of Nova City rats. See this post to get up to speed. One of the infected? Leave a comment below with the specific rat your character's been infected with (if applicable). Not one of the infected? Express concern for your friends and those who are. Remember: getting rat-touched is your ticket to part 2, hunting Patient Zero. I'm available to manage any ratty or rat-touched npcs you like. Have fun!]

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Ever since you know what, Ted had done his best to make himself scarce. Still, even great self-pity wouldn't be enough to refuse the outing of a friend. Or at least presumed friend, given the disparity between his and Satsuki's feelings.

Ted even said he'd invite Ronan along, given their mutual affection for firearms. In a way he regretted that; having a former coworker ride with him revived the past and salted the wound. But a man always keeps his word, even the silly ones.

Thus, Ted found himself distraught in Satsuki's limousine, summoning his manners and trying very hard to enjoy it. Who knows, maybe a few popped off rounds would perk his spirits. He did complete all his licensing, so the flashier parts of Nova City's arsenal were available to him.

But first, a conversation had to be struck up, if only to preserve appearances. He fumbled around for something to say. "So, Satsuki...I noticed you weren't there for the Christmas party. Did business pick up around the holidays?"

Edited 2015-12-31 23:19 (UTC)

As for Satsuki, it wasn't really her intention to make herself scarce, she's pretty much always doing something or other. But it would appear now she'll have more free time on her hands. And yet she doesn't look particularly upset about it, in fact she appears the same as she always does, though perhaps a little more distant.

That said, she's hardly offended by Ted's silence either. She gets it.

"You could say that, but it was mostly preparations." she replies as she glances to her company. "There are several things I wished to place in the event I did not manage to gain another term. That aside, I felt no pressing need to attend. Did anything interesting occur?"

Edited 2016-01-01 23:21 (UTC)

A sigh escaped his lips. "Yes, something incurably vulgar. I met my hero, and learned firsthand why they say not to. The Bishop of Myra, better known as St. Nick. Or at least a caricature of him. I was starstruck, at first, until the glitter wore off and I started thinking.

For starters, there's his, ah, girth. The sin of gluttony seems at odds for a holy man of his caliber. Then I overheard mention of a 'Ms. Claus', which clashes with the celibacy expected of bishops in his time. Finally there's the fact that he showed up at all. That whole stocking tradition arose because he paid the dowries for a family of poor daughters. In secret, keeping with the dogma. And now he's...what, making celebrity appearances?" Ted stretched three fingers. "Fat, married, and obvious. So much for saints. It's funny; I spent some time chastising people for refusing to believe in him. Now my faith has been vindicated, and I'm not sure whose position is worse."

Translation: Christmas is ruined. "In conclusion, you didn't miss anything." Just a barrel of joy, this one. At least Satsuki seemed to be taking events well.

Edited 2016-01-02 03:41 (UTC)

On one hand, that got Ted talking. On the other, she wasn't exactly prepared to tackle the particular subject matter he focuses on and while her expression remains somewhat neutral, she's starting to think that this guy has finally lost his mind.

It's finally happened. He did it. He's off his rocker. Is it really a good idea to take him to a shooting range in this condition?

Well, no, perhaps it is too soon to jump to such a conclusion. After all she doesn't know the answer to a most vital question. It all really comes down to just one. "So... Santa exists in your world?"

He wasn't expecting tepid curiosity. "Does he not in yours? Aren't we both Earthlings? Then again, you do hale from a Japan which produces 'naturally' pink-haired girls and swarthy blonde bodybuilders. Even in a heathen country you must have heard of him."

"I do hale from such a place, though it would appear possessing pink hair or bodybuilding does not make them susceptible to tall tales of a jolly red man that delivers gifts using an impossible system."

"Perhaps you should consider taking up bodybuilding, it would set you up for far less disappointment and produce tangible results."

Edited 2016-01-03 05:26 (UTC)

"He was jolly, he was red, he was a he, and gave me a very tangible gift with his hands. All, I'm afraid, so possible as to have happened. A tale so short it may very well sink into hell for its sacrilege."

He mulled over the thought of lifting weights, daydreaming of what a blonde and much better dressed Ike would look like.

"Speaking of hellish possibilities, is it possible you mean what you seem to? That is, that risky undertakings aren't worthwhile? Because, I'm sorry to say, your last job appeared to be one of those. Are you not disappointed, or did you get the results you wanted?"

Satsuki is quiet for a moment, then sighs. ".. If you say so."

She's more than happy to move along to another subject. "While it may not appear as such with your eyes, I assure you I have accomplished several objectives during my time in office. I suppose the error on my part was failing to make those accomplishments public, but that essentially defeats the point of having secret weapons in the first place."

"Mind, I am displeased that I was unable to complete all of my projects, but it wasn't as if this scenario was entirely unprepared for. It is generally a good idea to have a 'Plan B'." Another pause. "Oh. You mean 'that'."

She glances to the side. "It was an error. I played right into her hands."

"Ah! No, sorry, I didn't mean any gravedigging. Just the, you know, position itself." He sort of wanted to know about these secret weapons of hers. Maybe it'd give inspiration. In a better mood, Ted would've asked, but now he was somber and sober, knowing full well that divulging a secret weapon was oxymoronic.

"Well, I'm glad you made the most of it." He really wished he had a plan B, but doing anything less than focusing and enjoying the present would be a rare venture for him. He couldn't do much thinking of the future while he was still anxious for the past.

"For what it's worth I don't know that there was much you could've done anyways. They've done studies where people predicted the results of elections based solely on a candidate's picture. Most everyone was pretty good at picking the winner. The common factor was the-face; specifically, an effeminate one. Supposed to signify trustworthiness, apparently. Fai had one, Satori had one, and Weiss had one. Well, more of one." Ted thought this was comforting, somehow, despite being oblivious to how he'd implied Satsuki had a masculine visage. She'd understand. Hopefully.

"Hmn.." Satsuki's eyes narrow for the briefest of moments, only to fall back to something more relaxed. Relaxed as far as she's concerned, anyway. "I confess I am unclear on what risk was involved. Are you referring to the ban you implemented?"

"You spout the most unusual trivia." she adds with a quirked brow. "I will not deny it may play some part to the completely uninformed, but I find it difficult to believe it could be truly that simple for the majority. When you are picking someone for your sports team based on appearance, do you choose the one with the prettiest face over the one that appears rugged?"

Far from any specific policy, Ted's thoughts broadened to encompass the entire Guardian experience. A whirlwind romance that ended too soon. "No, simply the risk any of us take when we become...invested. Attached; worldly maybe."

"If only it were judged like sports. Alas, elections and campaigning and voting cast an associative spell, putting politics on the brain. Then our instincts take the reigns; who can resist it?" Wouldn't stop Ted from being sore about the whole thing.

"If your future isn't as secret as your past, then tell me: what is your plan B?"

Edited 2016-01-05 05:14 (UTC)

"I would argue you have gained far more than you have lost, Satchel. You have gained experience, you have recognized your errors and have the chance to work around them; it is not like you will never get a second chance should you wish to pursue that career once more. It is my opinion that you lost not because you are disliked, but your opponents presentation appeared to be the better choice. But that aside, do you now feel you have gained most with your newfound camaraderie? I recall you mentioning that you desired devout followers. The loss of your position does not equate to the loss of the contacts you have made." beat. "At least, I would be surprised if that were not the case."

She didn't have much more to say on the election process and responds with a mumbling sort of sound.

"My plan B? Our goals differ, so my actions would be of little use to you. Either way, you will see in February." she says, when the vehicle then comes to a halt, then the doors slide open.

Edited 2016-01-05 23:45 (UTC)

"The thought behind your actions, then. The forest, rather than the trees." Ted was comfortable thinking in broad terms. "But all right, I'll be patient for your surprise."

He couldn't help but smile and chuckle for the rest. Presentation...was that it? "Seems we're both victims of aesthetics." His thoughts then traveled to his friends. "Goodness, Kiryuin. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to cheer me up." He wouldn't gainsay that, whatever his doubts. Truthfully it was the association between friends that he missed, rather than the people themselves. The common cause and space that bound them together. Things would not be the same, of that Ted was certain. The other worrying thing is that nearly all of them seemed rather lukewarm near the end. Ronan, a fellow believer, talked him out of his convictions. Porrim had never been that keen. She and Levy had been positively meek in the face of Dracula, Everglade's worst enemy. And then there was Maria, whom he couldn't honestly fault. She may have been a little too devout, what with her assumption of marriage. Maybe his doubts were just getting to him.

In any case, he wouldn't verbalize them out of politeness. He stepped out of the car and into the familiar range, with tempered enthusiasm to try out his new toys. People with his class of license get the special booth, where they get to try top-of-the-line weaponry. Phasers with multiple settings, heat rays, lightning belchers, dispensers of acute radiation, and...you get the picture. It soon became clear why Nova City needed its own rage: to accurately assess the varied death machines, as well as provide a safe environment to use them in. Even sadsack Ted couldn't hold back a smile as he saw chain lightning ravage the hologram targets.

The only possible dampener was that his score dropped a bit. Conventionally, he did fine with the basic slugs. 93% accuracy! He was almost towards Satsuki's goal of 95%. The others were difficult, if not for faltering accuracy, then entirely new parameters. Some weapons did their damage in such wide areas that it wasn't simply hitting the target, but hitting the greatest portion of all the targets in a group.

Well, the world can rest safer now that Ted could destroy more than ever before. As he took off all the safety equipment they piled on him, something strange happened. A sleek-looking rat scurried past, at odds with the high-tech surroundings. The Beautiful One, carrying with it the attendant psychosis. In this case, narcissism and a slavish devotion to solitude and grooming. He shook his head, trying to clear out the mental fog, before adopting it as entirely natural.

"Thank you for the outing, Satsuki. I should probably get away from all...this." He looked toward the armaments he'd had a much more positive reception towards not moments ago. "Incredibly reckless stuff. You'd need more than a leaden vest to walk away from it unscathed. Think I'll just...retire, for a while. Consider my options. Have a happy New Years."

Left on his own, Ted would retreat back to Genessia City, the tamest part of Genessia, before hiding into his bag indefinitely outside the Nova City archway.

"The primary thought is 'how can I continue to gain and spread influence in Nova City in the event I am voted out'." Satsuki replies. As for trying to cheer him up, she replies. "Is that so. The way I see it, the fact of the matter is to allow what has formed to evaporate would truly make everything pointless. I am certain you can guess who loathes having their time wasted."

There isn't the slightest bit of surprise of a lower score, though at some point Satsuki would have mentioned that this was to be a relaxed, recreational outing rather than any sort of test. She's never held a firearm in her life so a lot of her time is simply spent observing, though she did end up creating more unusual scenarios such as saving cows from floating U.F.O.s, and taking down renegade toy soldiers trying to overthrow a store. As for the rat, the former Guardian didn't really think anything of it, but she'll certainly alert the manager and maybe even threaten a negative review on Gelp. She'll do it.

His farewell is met with a slight frown. Last time he was practically prancing away. Did she end up doing something wrong after all? Social outings are so aggravating- It seems she desperately needs more experience.

Well she has six months for that. "Very well; farewell. Happy New Years."

Kahlan had taken some time to get to know each city. She was the Seekers companion and as such she wanted to have the information to help him. It was strange knowing so little so she worked to remedy her situation with exploration. She had a map and she was able to follow it easy without asking for directions. She looked like a tourist though and would walk into shops just to ask what they sold.

She didn’t see anything strange about rats; there were vermin everywhere in the Mid-lands though she tried her best to stay away from them.

It wasn’t until she was walking home one day that she noticed that something was wrong. She felt feverish and tired. She knew the signs of getting sick but she couldn’t think of what might have affected her like this. She staggered a few paces trying to make her way back to Fayren and the Inn where her and Richard were staying.

Richard had finished aiding one of the local merchants patching his roof that had caved under the heavy snows more quickly than he'd thought he would, and was on his way back to the inn to clean up for lunch with Kahlan when he saw her come, or rather stumble, over the rise. Something about the way she was walking immediately caught his attention and he rushed to meet her.

She was pale, ashen really, and her eyes had a shining, sunken look. He immediately moved to her side and wrapped an arm around her waist, his concern soaring to new heights when he felt the fever in her body.

"Kahlan, what happened?"

Kahlan didn't have an answer but she was happy to see him. She let her weight fall against his side knowing he had enough strength to pull them both along.

"I don't know. I was fine just a little while ago." Her mind was trying to race through everything she had done that day only it became too fuzzy for her to make anything out at all. She looked up at Richard and smiled as if seeing him next to her for the first time.

"I'll be fine. I just need to lay down."

She had to believe that it would pass.

He shook his head as he lead them both back toward the inn. "Kahlan, I don't need to be a Confessor to know you're lying."

The fever rolling off of her was intense, and he was already making a mental checklist of things he'd need to get once she was comfortable. "Where have you been?"

Kahlan smiled in spite of the roaring fever and weakness that plagued her limbs. She wanted to say something in return but the words were lost. It was to hard to speak and she knew that he'd want to know where she was first.

"Nova City." She paused letting her eyes slip closed as Richard half carried her to their shared room. "It's also a loud place."

Kahlan let out a puff of air trying to keep her head from spinning.

With his free hand, Richard cradled her head against his shoulder, his voice barely above a whisper. "Shh, Kahlan. It's alright. I've got you. We're almost there."

He nudged open the door to their room with his foot and guided her gently to the bed, easing her back onto the pillow and smoothing down her hair. "Do you remember anything else about Nova City?"

Kahlan swallowed feeling her throat dry and horas. She looked up at Richard and smiled focusing on the relaxing pressure of his fingers as they glide perfectly through her hair. Laying down helped the ache in her limbs though her chest noticeably rose with each long breath.

"The buildings were all very tall..." Her voice was softer as if mimicking Richards whisper. "Everything seemed clean except for rat." Except rats were everywhere.

Kahlan looked up at Richard, her hand slowly reaching for him.

"Except for rats?" He wasn't sure where she was going with that, but his line of questioning could wait. "Are you thirsty? Let me get you some water." There was a pitcher and glass on the side table, which he moved to retrieve, pouring some before helping her into a sitting position. He took her hand after she was up, retrieving the glass with the other and placing it to her lips. "Drive slowly."

Kahlan moans softly as he pushes her torso up. Her eyes lock on the cool glass of water, her hand shook slightly as she tries to reach for the glass. Her other hand tightly grasped his feeling comforted by the light contact. She feels the liquid against her lips and parts them for the refreshing water to drip down her throat.

After he pulled away the glass she tried to smile though the curl of her lips was weak. "Thank you Richard."

From the descriptions he's read of Nova City, it sounded like a place of wonder, if not loud like she'd described, but it also didn't sound like a place with a rat problem, not enough that Kahlan would mention it, anyway. Something told him that bit of information was important, and he'd learned to trust his gut on matters like this.

He moved to a sitting position on the bed, back to the headboard, and let her lay against him. It was as much a comfort to him as to her as worry gripped him. He didn't know how the rats were a problem, but if they were, something would need to be done about them.

"Of course, Kahlan. You don't have to thank me." He reached his free hand to the water pitcher and dipped it in, then placed his hand, cooled from the water, against her forehead. "It's going to be alright. Just rest."

Kahlan was comforted as Richard moved beside her. Her head rested on against his neck while her back lightly pressed against his right shoulder. She let her eyes slip closed and focused on the warmth of his body. It was too warm.

She inhaled a sharp breath when his cold fingers reached her forehead causing her eyes to open and look up at him hopelessly. She felt awful.

"Will you stay?" She took another labored breath. "If I sleep?"

"Of course, Kahlan." He wrapped his arms around her as if to accentuate his point. "I'd never leave you." He leaned his head down against hers, hating the heat that radiated from her body, even though a part of him enjoyed the level of intimacy they were sharing at the moment. It was rare, and he would cherish it.

"Just rest, now. I'm here."

She nodded softly, one hand rising to rest on his chest while she snuggled against his side. She breathed a deep warm breath of hair that rushed past his neck before allowing sleep to take her. It was quick and as time passed her fever seemed to lesson.

Richard took the hand she'd laid on his chest in his own, gripping it firmly but gently. It bothered him, what she'd said about Nova City, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why. He wanted to go, see what this place had to show for itself, but he wouldn't leave her. She was ill, and he'd given his word. Not only that, but there wasn't anywhere else in any world he'd rather be than as a pillow for Kahlan Amnell's head.

He leaned his head down against hers after a while, uncertain of how much time had passed. His own work that day and the adrenaline the worry of Kahlan had risen caught up with him and his eyelids grew heavy. When he allowed his eyes to slide closed, he hadn't intended on falling asleep, but sleep took him nonetheless.

Rats were not normal, at least from what Aqua had seen. She spent all her time in Nova City and with the sub-archway she had been staying in the city itself. It was a strange sensation when she woke that morning but she had to move, she had to get things done and she couldn’t just wait around.

She didn’t feel like herself but she was too frantic to notice.

Aqua moved through her everyday work but with a strange bound of energy as if she had to do everything right away and nothing could wait. She can be found running from place to place in Nova City and a few times waiting impatiently for someone to meet her.

Didn’t they realize that she had to do this now?!

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The Chariot and the Tower, Part 1 [Action]

[The Beautiful One but not quite yet; you'll know]

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do you even lift Ted

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The Beautiful One

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Kahlan | OPEN

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[The Rat of Frenzy] Aqua