revenance_comms | [video/action]

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[He knew what Wash had said. Wash had damn well warned him not to go alone.

Did Epsilon listen? Of course not. When he wanted to see something, he was stubborn.

That's why he's currently somewhere on the Mother of Invention in spite of the warning, holding his head. At first... It wasn't terrible. It probably would have been fine if he hadn't been alone with Allison and his memories. The Alpha's memories. Being tortured to the point of breaking over and over again. Now? He couldn't really tell where the memories ended and the world began.

And that's why Allison has his communicator, pressing buttons to turn it on with the camera on her person. The camera isn't steady... Someone needs to talk to him for her. She's making anxious noises and trying to comfort him... It's not helping. Especially as she knows there should be Nightmare Dream Eaters somewhere here. It's a matter of time before they're noticed, and her person in no shape to run or help. Not that he isn't more likely to put a hole in the ship than help.

Allison would die before she let him down in a time like this.

The background of the shaking camera isn't various obvious, but it appears to be a hallway. Epsilon managed to get further than the bridge before he was overwhelmed. Not by a whole lot.]

[Edit note: Added last paragraph]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I take it to heart mostly because Wash can still control the damn strings with me, and does it without hesitation. He has my commands, Carolina. Wash doesn't even have to kill me himself. A few words at a bad time, and I'm nightmare food. Even with the other fragments, I'm completely and utterly alone here, other than Allison. [He doesn't really have his memories like in the unit anymore.]

Ten varieties other than Pricklemanes in the first two places, more here. I just need the right pieces. [Laughing] It was North's idea. York bet on you. Wash bet on she who must not be named. [Okay, yea, Epsilon isn't going to be an angel regarding that...] And I picked Wyoming. He and Gamma are here.

[Epsilon's following, and Allison is taking up rearguard with Dax.]

I'll talk to him.

[She's repeating herself. Her words are spoken a little more flatly, with a hint of frost present, but it's even less clear if that's intended for Epsilon or for Washington. She is listening to him, however, which is more than she did for Church before the talk they had at the abandoned base.

She doesn't offer further reassurance, however. It sounds like he's too well versed in how things have been here. She'd have to settle for proving with action, when the time was right.]

You picked-- [It's a cold flash, anger subsiding immediately.] ..Interesting. Well, I'm glad you got something out of it.

And you're about to get a few more pieces for the puzzle of your choosing. [Said, as two goat-like monsters and two owls materalize in the corridor ahead of them. Always some sort of road block.

Both plasma rifles flash as she begins to fire, no point in wasting time, after all.]

[The Hebby Repp...sits down. Yup. His Person totally has this handled, yo, let's wait and watch. And then eat the food when she's done. ]

Wyoming was the best of a list of shit options. They picked most of the reasonable options. If it weren't for York, I'd have bet on you.

Every bit of money and dream pieces will help. Though I've been careful about ammo. [At the warning, he checks his gun, makes sure his knife is ready for pulling out.]

Small warning? If I fire at all? Beware the ricochet.

[Unlike Carolina's dream eater, Allison is charging forward eagerly, ready for the fight. Lazy Hebby Repp. She'll show him.]

[There's a snort.] Now that, I bought right up until the end. You can't honestly expect me to believe I'd have been your first choice.

[ There's blink he can't see at the warning, but she appreciates it nonetheless; the ram creatures fuss in place before lowering their heads to charge, but their attacks are clearly broadcast. It's the owls she shoots for, sidestepping quickly along the corridor wall to follow their attempts to avoid her.

Not quite one of the workout exercises FILSS used to run for her, but it'll do. For now. ]

[ Allison can show off all the moves she wants. Cuz, hey, he's totally seen his Person fight, and he is NOT getting in the way of that. She be crazy. Dax is staying way over here. ]

Better you than most of the others, Carolina.

[Allison is charging in at one of the ram creatures, trying to drive it back. Her person. Stay back.

Epsilon is aiming but not firing yet at Allison's targets.]

[Hmm. He may have a point.]

Better than having one of those sim soldiers show up, I guess. [...Nope, she's still not a fan.]

[ The Hebby Repp chirps and snarls encouragement in turns, safely sat at the rear, while Carolina charges forwards into the fray. Left hand gun is reholstered, and the right still holds its twin at the reason, but her primary attack is via kicks. Her foot swinging high while Allison goes low, she seems mostly unconcerned by Epsilon's target dithering.

One of the owls explodes in a shower of pieces, and there's a disappointed noise from Dax. That one didn't have any treats. These nightmares suck!]

Hey, even if they're useless? They're harmless. You can't say that about any Freelancer.

[Okay, Allison could get used to having backup like this. It's nice. And better than getting shot again. She could work with this person, and she seems friendly to Epsilon.]

Useless and harmless. Exactly what you want at a time like now, huh?

[ Caboose would either be the best or worst nightmare distraction, lets be real here. And Tucker might even manage to be useful - if he survived long enough.

There's a sharp sideways roll that backs Carolina out of the way of one of the laser blasts from a recently spawned Cyber Yog, but the fight itself is winding down as the ladies take care of business.
Allison is definitely one of the stronger dream eaters Carolina's met since getting here. Not that Abby and Fluffy were slouches, but it's clear that keeping Epsilon safe has been working for her.

Only once the last nightmare disintergrates does Carolina's constant flow of movement cease, the freelancer remaining in a crouch as she observes their surroundings warily. ]

I think we're clear.

You have a point.

[Well, it may be less that she's stronger and more that Allison has been fighting on her own without a reliable partner and without other Dream Eaters since Epsilon got her. She had to adapt.]

Looks like it. [Epsilon's moving to gather up the spoils quickly once the enemies are handled before they get more company. Then, he's tossing Allison a treat.] We'll need to keep moving. Others would have heard that.

[ She adapted well. Carolina gives Allison a rather respectful nod as she straightens, though her rifle remains in hand.

Dax immediately lumbers after Epsilon, nosing the dream pieces towards the robot-controlling AI, and gleefully consuming any treats that happen to pass under his nose. Regardless of how beneficial they may or may not be for him, they are treats and they are tasty. Why shouldn't they totally deserve to reap the benefits of Carolina's hard work here?

There's a sigh for her partner. Then a nod to Epsilon. ]

We're not far from the bridge now. Once we're there, we'll head through the portal to that other town. [And you'll stay there. :| Though the likelihood of that sticking is...slim. Nonetheless, with that, she's off in the lead again, and Dax waddles swiftly in an effort to keep up.]

[Epsilon makes sure Allison gets a fair share, watching Carolina's dream eater. Allison nuzzles Epsilon happily.] It's like you ended up with a Dream Eater version of Grif.

Good. And thank you for coming for me. I didn't expect that to happen. [Of course he won't stay put. But for now, Epsilon is following her like a good AI.]

That's the orange one, isn't it? [Or was it yellow? His gear seemed stained enough, Carolina wasn't sure she truly cared to know. He'd been one of the Red sim-soldiers, at least. She shook her head a little before gently bopping Dax over the head as he moved up along side her.] Still, better him than Tucker.

[ Although Wash was now predicting someone would end up with a dream eater with that idiot's personality. ]

You're welcome. [She's not used to thanks. Never mind from Church. There's a one-shouldered shrug as she moves forwards, the corridor conspicuously empty ahead.] ...Consider it payback for showing me those files.

That's Grif. [Okay, the idea of a dream eater Tucker gets a shudder.] Good point. Very good point. Do you even know how much porn he expected me to share space with when I lacked a body?

[If he could, he'd be smirking.] You mean my showing how awesome I am? And seriously, you needed to see them.

Well, this one's called Dax.

[Admittedly picked before his personality started shining through. Then again, Carolina doesn't need any further reminders of that feckless crew of idiots.]

I'm not sure that was information that required sharing, Church. [But it doesn't surprise her to hear it at all. Ugh.]

I'm sure we can find a way to have your 'awesome' running in a mongoose again. [ The lightness drops from her voice almost immediately. ] It helped. Having access to those files has gone a long way.

[ The corridors aren't any narrower the closer to the Bridge they get. Leaning forward in her stalk, it almost feels too easy to Carolina. ] Almost there.

Fortunately. I'll keep it in mind.

[Snickering] Sometimes, misery needs shared. Though I did the world a favor by deleting it.

[He'd be glaring if he could] Don't even think about it. York laughed at me enough when I let it slip. I'm happier in this body. [He doesn't want to think about being removed from the body.] I'm glad the logs helped. Have you spoke to him yet?

[And Epsilon can't help agreeing with the thought, looking around carefully] Good.

[ As if anyone could forget Dax! The lizard wagged his tail at Epsilon, before focusing again on his Person's path. ]

[Dryly.] Your modesty is truly astounding, you know that? But yes, you probably did.

[And now there really is a faint huff of laughter. She hadn't found it funnny either - originally. But it was amazing how the slightest shift in perspective could change that. It doesn't surprise her at all that York would have found the situation amusing. ] I sincerely doubt you've anything to worry about. Unless there's a tank in the hanger bay.

[She lets it be after that, if only because his own question earns him a rather long, drawn pause. Then a nod.] I have. He explained a bit about this place, and how long some people have been here.

[ And the feeling of being watched just isn't going away, is it.

The Hebby Repp charges forwards once the greater doors to the bridge are visible, while Carolina halts, waving Epsilon to move ahead of her so she can keep an eye on the rear. ]

Of course. Like everything else about me. [Yes, he knows he's being ridiculous. But it's helping him not think about other things.]

I wouldn't mind a tank. That would better than a mongoose. But in a tank, I'd be trapped down there.

[Epsilon nods.] And he explained timeline issues? Like how I suspect you're either from the same point as I am or later?

[Epsilon follows the lazy Dream Eater to the door, followed by an overprotective Allison. Though she keeps turning around to look.]

[ Hey, if it means he does as he's told for five minutes, she'll put up with it. For now. Her tone remains dry. ] Please tell me he's not always like this, Allison.

True, that portal is a little far away. Too bad, I guess you won't be able to tell Tucker about 'picks up' in a tank. [ ..She might let that one drop. Eventually. ]

[ The large doors to the bridge heave open, and Dax hops across the threshhold, hissing for those behind him to hurry up. The exit's right here, let's go lets go! Turning so that her back is to Epsilon - and the other half of the corridor - Carolina trains her weapons on the route they'd just come down, before pausing mid-stride at Epsilon's question. ]

He did. It's taken a while for things to sink in, but given everything else that's happened.. [This Place being here, for one.] And who else, when else, others are here from, can't say this is what I expected from a 'dream'.

What's the last thing you remember, Church?

Like what? [Allison just makes a noise at that. There are things best left unsaid there.]

... Shut up, Carolina. That's not funny. [Except it is, and he's just butthurt.]

[Epsilon heads onto the bridge without hesitation, but he can't help freezing after a few steps. At least Carolina's words and Allison moving to push against his leg are there remind him of the here and now.] This place is strange.

The first time I arrived? I knew I was being rescued from that unit... I didn't know about you. The second time? We were where York had died.

[ There's a knowing headtilt towards the Pricklemane. Say no more, Allison, say no more. Let's leave Church wondering on that one (and cursing the women in his life some more). ]

Awww, not your sort of pick-me-up, Church? [Just be glad she's not going to pass this one on to York, because he. Would have a field day.]

[The moment he stops, Epsilon will find himself nudged on not only by Allison, but Carolina as well, a careful shove at his robot back until he's past the point where the door closes over the threshhold, and she herself has joined him. The sensation of being stared at doesn't really go away, but the Freelancer can't help but feel a little more secure now they're on the Bridge.]

This entire set up is strange. I'm afraid you're going to have to be a little more specific.

[She then dials her communicator - time to put in a call:] Wash. We're on the Bridge, all good here.

[ That done, she turned back to Epsilon. Suddenly glad he couldn't see her face. ]

..I see. [She doesn't flinch when he mentions the site. She does however stare at him for a moment, considering.] That was a little while ago, from my perspective.

Edited (ooc: pose edit due to sleep dep making me repeat an earlier question durrrrrr /farli fails/) 2013-06-10 11:47 (UTC)

You really are impossible, Carolina.

[Epsilon pauses] The ship feels wrong, Carolina. Even if I only really have the Alpha's memories and the mess with Wash... It's enough.

Did we get the bastard?

[ Just keeping it in the family, Epsilon. ]

The place is empty, yet it still feels like we're being watched. [Her head tilted at Epsilon, frown hidden but evident in her voice.] Just a general 'wrongness'? Or does it feel that way because of FILSS not responding?

[ She's assuming a lack of FILSS, actually - AI didn't sleep, the bizarre circumstances of this multi-world shared dream/hallucination allowing Epsilon and the other AI aside. The ship's AI certainly didn't seem to notice the passage of people, which was unusual for her, and hadn't responded to voiced commands according to York.

Her attention is briefly turned by Wash's response - did he really just issue her orders? - before Church asks his question.

A flicker of cold anger surfaces. ]

We would have, if I hadn't been brought here.

It's a little of everything, Carolina. Being watched, but it's so quiet... And I didn't really try too much with talking to FILSS to be honest. Everything else feels too wrong. I didn't want to make it worse with being called the Director again.

You were close... I haven't lived that much yet.

[Allison is making worried noises at Epsilon. He's agitated.] I'm fine, Allison. Settle.

More than close. [ She let out a soft hiss, before shaking her head, visibly reining in her temper. It was hardly his fault she'd been snatched at the cusp of finally tagging her long sought target, after all.] And when I get back, we'll finish it. But until then, I'd prefer that stay just between us.

Come on. Let's head to Twilight Town. It's less unnerving there. [For a place with an eternal sunset, at least.]

[ An unseen glance was cast Allison's way. The pricklemane definitely had better judgement than Epsilon did in this case, she thought. But Carolina understood what he meant about mistaken identities.

There were too many strangers here who wouldn't understand. ]

Wash thinks we're obsessed with revenge. The others might not understand. Better to not tell anything else.

[Epsilon nodded at that, Allison rubbing against his leg again. Good. let's go home now.] Anything is less unnerving than this haunted spaceship.

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