Well? What are you waiting for? GO!

hey, looks like you guys are on the same secret mission to save the world! awesome.

I'm thinking about space sex right now.

Evid Corte 2011/07/06(Wed)22:12 No. 322720 ID: aa6f62
File 131001552178.jpg - (342.95KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning50.jpg )

>>322090
Righto. First, I'll step in front of the Laika painting and let Kit past.
"See you later, Kit."
"Mm. Maybe." She seems preoccupied.

She goes inside.

>>322097
...
Okay, I really hope you're not just voices in my head, because I don't want that sort of.. Unbecoming thought to have come from me. No offense, advisers.

Let's get moving.

yes, move hatwards.

>>322850
Uhhh, LAIKA painting? Please tell me you aren't part of that space program. Being a Cosmonaut is a death sentence...

Evid Corte 2011/07/08(Fri)02:14 No. 323452 ID: aa6f62
File 131011647898.jpg - (345.98KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning51.jpg )

>>322856
That space program ended a long time ago, but the painting is made for astronauts to remember that, for science, sacrifices sometimes have to be made.

It's also to remember one of the first astronauts, and the sacrifice that she made. Even if she was just a stray, she played a large part in Terra's history.

>>322850
No objections here. Onwards!

- - -

Well, I made it. It was a brisk mile of running, fraught with peril and adventure, but I made it relatively unscathed.

Oh, hell . Not one of these things.

Recently, a trend of gel buildings has hit the dome. For the worse in my opinion. These buildings look like thick bubbles, but these bubbles can withstand a nuclear explosion. They're still weird, though. Call me a traditionalist, but I'm fond of wood and stone.

Well.. Time to go inside.

Evid Corte 2011/07/08(Fri)03:20 No. 323475 ID: aa6f62
File 131012044732.jpg - (329.94KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning52.jpg )

Eeurgh. It feels like I'm stepping into a womb. Not that I would know what that feels like. Ahem.

The floor beneath me lights up to my touch, and I feel like there's things in the air. It doesn't feel sickly, exactly, just.. Wrong.

My dislike for these structures is growing.

Suddenly a monotone voice is blasted in my direction.

Identify yourself, and your reason for entering storage and registration.

Oh, great. Just great. I didn't know storage had a bot.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I can't just tell the bot I'm here to get my hat; that's not allowed. But Torcsen must have known this would happen..

I don't mean to interrupt your time, advisers, but, if it's not too much trouble.. Advise me!

>>323452
...You do know Laika died a horrific, fiery death shortly after liftoff due to a critical failure of the heat shield right?

Also, state your name, rank, and serial number, then explain you are on a classified assignment necessitating your presence in this building.

the guy said it has orders to give the hat to the first person that asks about it say "i'm here about the hat."

you're on a super secret mission which you can't tell anyone about. tell it you must enter because of that, maybe it'll work.

Evid Corte 2011/07/08(Fri)17:22 No. 323810 ID: aa6f62
File 131017092152.jpg - (325.33KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning53.jpg )

>>323521
Yes, I know how she died. But her death helped humanity learn about space, and hastened the way for human astronauts.

I don't feel comfortable telling the bot anything about myself. I'd like to make this as untraceable as possible.

>>323612
I stride up to the.. 'Desk'.

"I am on a super secret mission.. "

No response from the bot.

"I mean, a classified mission.. "

No response.

"..about a hat."

It perks up immediately.

Initializing.. Hello, Evid. This bot will let you through in a moment, but I'd like you to solve a little riddle for me before you go.

I am infinite and incalculable, yet used to calculate every day. With me around, you won't be going in circles, and don't confuse me with dessert.

Huh.

Pi

yeah man, totes Pi

Evid Corte 2011/07/08(Fri)18:23 No. 323844 ID: aa6f62
File 131017459386.jpg - (311.11KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning54.jpg )

>>323813
>>323814
Yeah, this seems simple enough.

"You're Pi."

The bot's 'face' falls.

Damn. That simple, eh?

The door opens suddenly and silently.

Hey, before you go - storage level 6, room 5, remember - don't worry about being found out. All records of your presence here will be destroyed after you leave, besides the guard, and I trust him.

Ah. Cool. I walk to the door.

Evid Corte 2011/07/08(Fri)18:25 No. 323845 ID: aa6f62
File 131017470150.jpg - (317.91KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning55.jpg )

Oh, and Evid..

I stop at the door.

Don't be late.

I continue on through.

>>323844

does that mean you can also mess around in the other rooms and levels without being detected?

>>323847
now that's an ungentlemanly idea. By the way how advanced is AI around here? that robot sounded almost self aware.

>>323946
it was a recording, dude. before evid said the codeword 'hat' it sat there like a brick.
anyway, over the threshold!

Evid Corte 2011/07/09(Sat)05:22 No. 324094 ID: aa6f62
File 131021415126.jpg - (415.16KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning56.jpg )

>>323847

Maybe. But I don't want to test that idea, and even if I did, I can't be late for whatever is happening at the auditorium. It's already 1200.

>>323946

Generally, A.I. remains a dream. Most models, like that bot I ran into, work off of social and goal-oriented programming.

I don't know how exactly Torcsen got custom programming into the bot. I guess he's more than just a Third Hand.

>>323947

Yes, it did seem to be triggered by a codeword. A very simple program. Anyways, over the threshold and onto storage level 6!

- - -

Here we are. The storage levels are even stranger than the normal building. It's solid and dark, yet everything appears to be lit. The floor still lights up to my touch.

There's room 1. Just a few more doors, and then I'm there. I'm a little on edge, but my hat is so close I can taste it.

It tastes like a hat.

==>

==>

Evid Corte 2011/07/09(Sat)18:55 No. 324379 ID: aa6f62
File 131026290190.jpg - (422.71KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning57.jpg )

>>324098
>>324122

Right.

There's room 2 gone.

Evid Corte 2011/07/09(Sat)19:13 No. 324384 ID: aa6f62
File 131026400393.jpg - (429.06KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning58.jpg )

And there's.. Agh. My head just started pounding. What are you doing in there?

There's.. There's room 3 gone.

not us, some.... thing. appeared. looks like it is made of static.

>>324384
Quick, do a combat roll into room three!

it's either that thing in front of you, or 0d7a83 had a Taco Bell dinner.

Evid Corte 2011/07/10(Sun)06:01 No. 324535 ID: aa6f62
File 131030291183.gif - (357.00KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning59.gif )

>>324392

I.. The room is locked. I.. I think it is. I'm just going to.. Going to continue on..

>>324385
>>324530

It's a.. I think it's a.. It hurts..

Was that room 4? I.. I don't know..

{animated}

that was indeed room 4. just a little bit more. you can make it.you must get the hat. the hat is the life.

OBEY THE HAT. And yeah, it's probably in there. GO GET IT!

>>324530
...
wut?

Idiom Alpha 2011/07/10(Sun)18:23 No. 324846 ID: aa6f62
File 131034741708.jpg - (407.24KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning61.jpg )

>>324539
>>324592

Yes.. Yes, of course. The headache's going away, and I'm finally at room five.

Okay, so I'm just going to get my hat and get the fuck out, because something is wrong with this place.

>>324846
Burst through the door like the Kool Aid man. With a GUN.

>>324846

pray it's this place and not you.

change your name back to Evid and proceed to room 5.

>>324850

Xenu damn it.

Evid Corte 2011/07/10(Sun)18:37 No. 324859 ID: aa6f62
File 131034822225.jpg - (409.68KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning62.jpg )

>>324846
>>324850

Sounds like a plan. But, uh, who's the Kool Aid man?

Whatever, I get the idea.

Bursting into room 5.

Evid Corte 2011/07/10(Sun)19:04 No. 324878 ID: aa6f62
File 131034986665.gif - (760.96KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning63.gif )

{animated}

...Evid? Stay in the room. Don't ask.

>>324886
Actually I think he needs to hurry up and gtfo of this gel coffin.

Evid Corte 2011/07/10(Sun)23:59 No. 324961 ID: aa6f62
File 131036756423.jpg - (529.83KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning64.jpg )

>>324886

Huh?

>>324894

Couldn't agree more.

Room 5 is oddly elevated, and as I walk in, I feel unease in my stomach. From the back wall, protruding out of the gel are several glowing.. The only word I can think of is 'tumors'.

The room is triangular and of a different, lighter shade than the hallway. In the corners are a bureau and a bed, odd items to be found in a storage room. They look fairly clean.

The floor continues to light up to my touch.

>"You must be Evid. Welcome to my home."

The voice at first seems to come from nowhere, but then I make out the shape of a smallish man dressed entirely in black, with a smile on his face. His pupils are entirely black, and he creeps me out in a way not dissimilar to Torcsen.

>>324961
Ask him who he is and if he's seen your hat.

surely this figure is at least gentlemanly enough to introduce himself?

Evid Corte 2011/07/12(Tue)07:02 No. 325322 ID: aa6f62
File 131047936428.jpg - (545.84KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning65.jpg )

>>325019

Indeed, it doesn't seem polite. He has me at a social disadvantage.

>>324972

"Who are you? Have you seen any hats around here?"

His smile fades almost instantly.

>"So that's that, then? Straight to business, is it? Just here to grab your hat and go?"

I cannot help but feel I've offended him.

Before I can say anything, he marches to the back wall and brutally rams his arm through one of the tumors. As he moves his arm around inside it, he begins to speak.

>"My name's Orion. I'm a guard. I live in this room, guarding both the things stored here and my personal items. I get approximately two visitors a year, because I live in this weird gel-place where you need clearance to even enter.

>"I'm not antisocial, I just can't get out much because of my job, so I relish the times when my cousin Torcsen, or, in fact, anybody comes over, because it adds an hour or so of fun to my otherwise static existence. So, that's my life story. How 'bout yours?"

...Hm.

He continues to dig around in the tumor.

tell him your story then. not too much though.

>>325322
Tell him about yourself, then apologize for your gruffness and explain that you didn't realize there would be anyone here, that you hate these buildings and that you got a weird feeling out in the hall as explanation for your behavior.

Have a nice chat with him. Also, ask him what's with the hallway outside. It felt like something was fucking with your head.

Evid Corte 2011/07/13(Wed)01:08 No. 325914 ID: aa6f62
File 131054448614.jpg - (545.88KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning66.jpg )

"Before I start, have you noticed anything.. Particularly odd about the hallway outside?"

>"Nothing more than the gel itself. I never quite get used to it. Why?"

"Just a strange feeling."

>>325323
>>325338

I'll leave out the.. Strange parts.

"I was an orphan, but nobody noticed. I spent my childhood in a library reading classical literature. I grew up, went to school, and fell in love. I wanted to become an astronaut, so I did, and I tried to be a gentleman through it all. I got married, but my wife died in an accident. I plan to go to space soon. That's about it. Sorry if I was terse before, but I'm a little on edge right now. I don't like these buildings at all."

His grin returns.

>"Aw, don't worry about it. Torcsen said you might be in a hurry. I just like company. It's not like gel is my favorite thing, either."

His face lights up and he stops moving his arm around in the tumor.

>"Oh, I think I've found your hat."

thank him for his time, and you really must be off, you were warned not to be late.

Evid Corte 2011/07/13(Wed)03:46 No. 325936 ID: aa6f62
File 131055401007.jpg - (539.23KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning67.jpg )

>>325918

Just a moment..

He removes his hand and my hat from the tumor. The tumor seals itself up instantly and eerily, and no scar can be seen.

He strides forward, my hat in his hands.

>" I believe this belongs to you, sir?"

He hands me my hat.

Evid Corte 2011/07/13(Wed)05:05 No. 325944 ID: aa6f62
File 131055870450.gif - (813.51KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning68.gif )

HAT ACQUIRED.

{animated}

the weirdness is back.

I hope it isn't the hat. I've had just about enough of cursed hats.

thank the gentleman and leave posthaste.

Stay and chat. He needs someone to talk to!

Ask him if he likes your hat. Also inquire as to what other kind of stuff he guards.

Evid Corte 2011/07/14(Thu)15:08 No. 326383 ID: aa6f62
File 131068129882.gif - (352.31KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning69.gif )

>>325953
>>325986

"Uh.. So what else do you guard?"

His voice is grainy, as though coming through a filter.

>"Well, the red pod holds a planet cracker. Kept only for science, I presume. If I tried to get that out, the pod would eat my arm off in a moment, and would alert almost everyone."

"Mm." I try to keep my expression civil.

>"Yeah, I think Torcsen managed to get this cleared in the system. Not sure how, but she's pretty resourceful."

What.

Split, my head hurts . I can't stay in here anymore.

>>325950

Gah, I hope not. Anyway..

"Well, it's been fun. Thanks for the hat, but I've got to see a man about a top-secret assignment."

run back to the entrance.

Get the hell out of there!

pretend you're a Kenyan athlete and there's cake at the exit.

Evid Corte 2011/07/14(Thu)20:17 No. 326437 ID: aa6f62
File 131069985312.gif - (324.65KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning70.gif )

The consensus seems to be to get the fuck out, and I think I'll make it unanimous: getting the fuck out.

As I go, Orion's voice, so distorted I can barely make it out, calls after me.

>"Hey, if you have the time, don't forget to vis-"

He cuts off, sharply. I don't want to turn around.

I leave.

{animated}

Evid Corte 2011/07/14(Thu)20:43 No. 326443 ID: aa6f62
File 131070138995.gif - (344.14KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning71.gif )

I stumble out of the room, my head hurting like it never has before. I don't think there's anything here, but.. I'm having vision problems. I don't know if you can see beyond what I see, but if, somehow, you could lead me.. That would be helpful..

{animated}

run to your left, full speed.

Go left with great haste.

Evid Corte 2011/07/15(Fri)05:12 No. 326550 ID: aa6f62
File 131073192429.jpg - (528.45KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning72.jpg )

>>326456
>>326491

Yes, of course..

In my head, a number of voices reverberate.. Not voices like you, but.. People I've heard before..

Evid. Evid. Mr. Corte. Mr. Corte. Evid. Evid Corte.

If it is possible for you to walk any faster, I suggest you do that now.

it's just trying to make you pay attention to it, so ignore it.

Evid Corte 2011/07/16(Sat)03:37 No. 326810 ID: aa6f62
File 131081263197.jpg - (577.18KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning73.jpg )

I'm trying to ignore it, but.. But it's inside my head..

My goodness, you're as pale as pale as paper. What's happened What's happened What's happened to you?

The voice of a flower shop owner, worried about me..

Walk faster!

Increase gentlemanly pace to damn fast.

it looks fast. try telling it to fuck off, because it's giving you headaches.

>>326810
It's a being constructed out of pieces of reality. One piece was part of the security guard.

It's a fucking MONSTER.

Evid Corte 2011/07/16(Sat)20:40 No. 327049 ID: aa6f62
File 131087405938.jpg - (528.81KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning74.jpg )

>>326551
>>326812
>>326831

Running like I'm still in basic training, check. Somehow it helps clear my head.

I wanna BE with you and BE with you and make BELIEEEEVE with YOOOuouou!

The voice of a drunkard, singing his way home..

May I recommend you recommend you try you try our ship simulator? It's free.

The voice of a diminutive bar owner, offering entertainment..

>>326848

"Kindly.. f-fuck off, sir.." I try to yell, but it comes out weaker than I intended. There comes an immediate response.

You still have to pay, Mr. Corte in fact, that's why I'm here.

An assortment of voices, one after the other, forming a facade of a sentence..

>>327049
Ask what the payment is.

say "put it on my tab!"

Evid Corte 2011/07/18(Mon)04:28 No. 327476 ID: aa6f62
File 131098851543.jpg - (605.50KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning75.jpg )

>>327053

"What's the payment?"

The voices cease momentarily. I believe it's searching for words, but for all I know, it could be focusing on destroying me. Just as I almost think it's gone for good, I hear a voice:

Get ready for.. I can't find the words.

The voices of my third hand and Kithai, intertwined in a mockery of speech..

>>327056

"Put it on my tab!"

I try very hard to not be there anymore.

Ay-veed-veed Coor-tea. Safe safe travels, huh?

The voice of a mispronouncing taxi driver..

>>327476
Look behind you to see if it's catching up.

Evid Corte 2011/07/19(Tue)09:44 No. 328043 ID: aa6f62
File 131109388711.jpg - (463.40KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning76.jpg )

>>327639

I'm ahead of it, I think. I'm not going to stop yet, of course, but I think I can see again. When I open my eyes, I almost have to close them again. Intense light radiates from a figure in front of me, and I hear a voice that sounds like a very old synthesizer, humming a song I haven't heard for a long, long time. It's comforting, yet disturbing, just as the figure is almost angelic, yet eerily inhuman.

It begins to speak, in a voice that does not pause for breath, or to change tone. It's like a melody with one long note.

>Be calm, Evid.

>The thing that hunts you is but a facsimile. A scarecrow.

>It has no hold here. It must borrow. As we all must, save you.

>But we cannot protect. Only guide.

>Stand fast, Evid. Do not fear, for confidence is your greatest weapon.

Though I listen, I don't stop running. The figure steps neatly aside and continues walking toward whatever is behind me.

stop and see what happens. deploy popcorn.

i see. of course. every time you had a surge of confidence you stopped something bad. that swirl of color isn't just a metaphor, you actually summon is as an aura. stop being afraid.

>>328043
You should stop. I don't think you're getting away anyway.

Evid Corte 2011/07/20(Wed)06:54 No. 328565 ID: aa6f62
File 131117007497.jpg - (484.68KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning77.jpg )

>>328054
>>328109

I'll slow down, but I keep making my way toward the elevator at the end of the hall. My eye is on the scene behind me, however.

The bright figure spreads itself out, blocking the.. Thing's way.


>Back down, Patron of the Void! You will not have him!

Words force themselves into my brain, and yet I feel they are not directed at me.

Identify yourself.

The voice of a robotic clerk..

Evid Corte 2011/07/20(Wed)07:16 No. 328566 ID: aa6f62
File 131117137741.jpg - (518.07KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning78.jpg )

The white figure repeats its words.

>Back down, Patron of the Void! You will not have him!

Your presence will be remembered.

A loud burst of static, followed by silence.

Evid Corte 2011/07/20(Wed)07:44 No. 328568 ID: aa6f62
File 131117309171.gif - (1.01MB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning79.gif )

The silence is broken by what sounds like a very old synthesizer, screaming.

{animated}

>>328568

run.

I cannot think of a good reason why you would do something that isn't running the fuck away in this situation.

Evid Corte 2011/07/21(Thu)07:42 No. 328957 ID: aa6f62
File 131125933308.jpg - (465.26KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning80.jpg )

>>328574
>>328581

Run the fuck away? I can do that.

A voice speaks, this time not inside my head. The synthesizer voice, now mixed with others.

>Fear me, Evid.

>Fear.

>Fear.

>Fear.

It repeats, a steady loop.

yell "i'm in too much of a hurry to be afraid!"

>>328957
>>328983
"You are no gentleman! I have no reason to fear a vulgar nightmare such as you!"
alternatively
"You're already making me late for my duties, so piss off before you piss me off!"

Evid Corte 2011/07/22(Fri)08:42 No. 329482 ID: aa6f62
File 131134934074.jpg - (648.28KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning81.jpg )

>>329204

"You are no gentleman! I have no reason to fear a vulgar nightmare such as you, and you're already making me late for my duties, so piss off before you piss me off!"

I'm almost to the elevator. Just a meter or so more, and I'm safe. Assuming it can't walk through walls. If it can walk through walls, I'm screwed no matter what I do.

You're not getting away. Turn and fight.

nah, keep on struttin.

Evid Corte 2011/07/23(Sat)10:31 No. 330080 ID: aa6f62
File 131144226009.jpg - (393.11KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning82.jpg )

>>329574

I am certainly getting away, and I'm not sure how I could fight whatever is after me. Especially not with this damned headache. But I stamp on one of its.. Arms? I don't even know. It doesn't help much, anyway.

>>329590

Yes! Elevator time is happy time.

He's trying to take your HAT.

get your bladder under control.

Evid Corte 2011/08/18(Thu)01:15 No. 341149 ID: aa6f62
File 131365533332.jpg - (327.45KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning83.jpg )

>>330145

Son of a bitch.

I throw myself into the elevator and mash the get-the-fuck-out button. The door squashes shut, blocking the 'arms' from getting in. Torcsen's voice rings out, though he's not the one speaking.

> You yourself do not know.

Evid Corte 2011/08/18(Thu)01:18 No. 341151 ID: aa6f62
File 131365550633.gif - (2.09MB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning84.gif )

>You can't go back, Evid.

With that, the voices cease, and the elevator begins its descent.

{animated}

Evid Corte 2011/08/21(Sun)04:20 No. 342053 ID: aa6f62
File 131392561543.jpg - (330.64KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning85.jpg )

And I collapse.

I'm not strong at all. I'm not a gentleman, much as I wish I were. I'm not the kind of man who could be a hero. I don't know what's happening in my life.

I have voices in my head, ones that speak strange things to me. And I believe in what they say.

I can't do this anymore. All I wanted to do was go into space. Just see the stars. Not be tested like this. Not see the coward in me that I never knew was there. I was faced by a monster, and all I did was run.

This is somebody else's job. Not mine.

I'm just Evid Corte. That's it. That's all I can be, and until recently, it's all I needed to be. But not anymore.

Now, I don't know who I'm supposed to be.

But I do know this.

Evid Corte 2011/08/21(Sun)04:22 No. 342054 ID: aa6f62
File 131392572502.jpg - (330.72KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning86.jpg )

>>333552

My bladder is fine.

hehehe. anyway, it seems your emotions make these things react.

Evid Corte 2011/08/29(Mon)03:33 No. 343695 ID: aa6f62
File 131461401374.jpg - (317.93KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning87.jpg )

>>342093
Emotions? I.. I suppose. I'm not sure what just happened to me. But I do know I'm getting out of here. It's been a long hour.

Hey there, Evid. I hope you had a good time in there, but you should get going now. You only have {TEN} minutes to get to the Grand Auditorium. This bot will now erase all records of your presence here, including this program.

Shitbiscuits of the Silmarillion.

The Grand Auditorium is fifteen minutes away, and that's if I run.

any faster ways? like a turbo-tube or some future shit?

Ride the robot there like a mechanical bull.

WARNING WARNING ALL SYSTEMS DEFINITELY NOT NOMINAL

Sorry, anybody that cares about this! My computer died, so it might be a few more days before an update. Once I do start again, I probably won't have any issues for a while.

TO THE FUTURE AND BACK AGAIN, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA