High Command 2011/06/30(Thu)10:12 No. 319883 ID: aa6f62
File 130945394506.jpg - (74.79KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning28.jpg )

But they did take.. My hat.

Why would they take a man's hat? It's unlawful! It won't interfere with astronautical activities! It's a hat!

I loved that hat. My head feels vulnerable without it.

All right. Objective one: space. Objective two: find and recover my hat. Objective three: don't get caught.

I admit, it's not the most polite way to go about it, but I need that hat. It's a good hat.

Something behind me feels weird.

Turn around.

And be patient. Wait for more posts

is wearing a hat practical in a zero g environment? if not it could be they want you getting used to not wearing it before they send you into space. not

>>319883
It's nothing major, just your door shafting turnways into the forth dimension. What's in the lockers? It looks like that outfit has at least basic armoring. Does that have something to do with your role on the ship or is it just standard uniform?

Evid Corte 2011/06/30(Thu)11:57 No. 319903 ID: aa6f62
File 130946020348.jpg - (70.61KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning29.jpg )

>>319887
Sir, a trilby is always practical.

>>319893
That's ridiculous! That would mean the door would be shifting in time, and doors generally don't do that.

>>319885

OH WHAT THE FUCK

see, nothing major. probably that wraith is going to show up again.

>>319903
Dude, I said shafting, not shifting. Now go poke it.

Evid Corte 2011/06/30(Thu)12:14 No. 319912 ID: aa6f62
File 130946124398.jpg - (80.25KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning30.jpg )

>>319909
Whoa, hello voices. How long have you been there? Sorry, it's been a month, and that was a little sudden.

Anyways, you got it. I wonder who said you shouldn't listen to voices in your head? Because they're an idiot.

>Heellooo, Eevid. How are yooour new quaaarters working out? Eveeereything comfortable?

Wat.

other then the hat thing it seems so.

DEMAND HATS.

ask him if there's anything he can tell you about whats going on.

 

This.

>>319918
...the fuck? Anyway the only course of action in this situation is to Brofist.

Evid Corte 2011/06/30(Thu)12:40 No. 319926 ID: aa6f62
File 130946284077.jpg - (78.46KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning31.jpg )

>>319918
Fair enough. I edge towards the locker with my osprey in it, talking to keep it distracted.

>>319910
Sure, that seems like a good- Heeeey. Nice try, voices.

>>319921
I would be happy to, if it had any arms. Or if it wasn't a creepy wraith-thing of unknown gender.

>>319913
"Pleasant enough, I suppose. Though I am experiencing a troubling lack of hats."
>>319915
"I don't suppose you have any on you?"

>Myyy apooloogies. I doo not.

>>319917
"Pity. Well, failing that, could you - oh I don't know - tell me what the hell is going on?"

"just don't ask me why a star fell burning, i still don't know that one"

Say this verbatim: "Why are you here?"

Evid Corte 2011/06/30(Thu)13:14 No. 319937 ID: aa6f62
File 130946486180.jpg - (85.90KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning32.jpg )

>>319929
"And don't ask me why a star fell burning, I still don't know that one."

>Yes.. I know. I'm sooorry for myyy preeevious ruUudeness.

>The answer I seek from yoou, yoou caaannot yet giiive.

>Aaand soo I shaaall waaait. Until yoou can aanswer.

>Pleease, dooo not feeeel the neeed for a weeaapon.

Was I that obvious? I thought I was sneaky..

>As fooor telling yoou more, I again saaay I cannot.

>I cannot break the ruules.

>Yooou will haaave to discoover the aanswers yooourself.

> I'm sorry.

"so is your job to just come by and remind me to look out for the answers?

Evid Corte 2011/06/30(Thu)14:03 No. 319948 ID: aa6f62
File 130946783224.jpg - (84.49KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning33.jpg )

>>319940
Before I can speak, it responds.

>No. But I may.

>>As for who I am, advisors..

>>Hm. I cannot aid, but I may help lead you to aid yourself.

>>I suppose I am a guide.

I stare. It speaks in my direction, but I don't think it's talking to me. I think.. It's talking to you.

Alright GMan, be all mysterious and jazz. But at the first sign of Stasis Dimensions and jumpsuits, we're takin you down. Until then, ciao.

Ok so where do we get aid then?

Evid Corte 2011/06/30(Thu)14:40 No. 319962 ID: aa6f62
File 130947002451.jpg - (98.43KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning34.jpg )

>>319955
>Advisooors. You misunderstaand.

> You are the aid.

>You maay help wheere I caaannot.

It turns to leave.

>Eevid.

I snap to attention.

>Hypothetically.. If you seee soomething liike meee, dooo not aaalways assuume it wiiill bee frieendlyyy.

>Such assuuumptions are daaangerous.

>Iiin a few minutes, a maan will knoock on yoour door.

>I reecommeend yooou agreee to whaat he suggests.

>Buut it is yooour choice.

It moves to the door. If I've got anything to say, I'd better say it now. Got any ideas.. 'Advisors'?

>>319962
Wait, sir, does that mean we can directly affect things? Or is it just aid via advice like usual?

"any passphrase you can give me to confirm it's you and not another of your kind trying to get me to lower our guard?"

Evid Corte 2011/06/30(Thu)15:27 No. 319979 ID: aa6f62
File 130947283915.jpg - (73.44KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning35.jpg )

>>319973

>You cannot toouch the wooorld around yoou. But yoour aadvice maay affeect it moore than yoou reealize.

>>319974

>When you seeee mee again, aaask me my name. If I doo not saaay 'The Guide', theen you are in danger.

>Gooodbye, Eevid. And gooodbye, advisoors.

It's gone.

Well, that went swimmingly.

So, I guess you're more than just voices in my head, and I'm not crazy. Go me.

Or maybe I'm just denying it.

Agh, I need to take my mind off this. Let's go find my hat.

Evid Corte 2011/06/30(Thu)16:27 No. 319996 ID: aa6f62
File 130947642514.jpg - (301.70KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning36.jpg )

Since you've been gone for a while, let me give you a merry little introduction to where we are; Zeus Starbase, the world's leading facility in astronautical endeavors.

It's a state-of-the-art installation, with the economy and population of a small city, all contained within an unbreakable diamond dome.

In the center of the starbase is the Starway to Heaven, a massive launch chamber and mission control station. It's where all the serious business goes on.

Near the Starway is the Grand Auditorium, a massive area designed for sports, speeches, and other events. Both the prime minister and the president have spoken there.

On the two sides of the dome, there are the civilian and official zones. The civilian zone is the closest establishment to the entrance, and is where most of the tourist trade goes on. It has a sizable population.

The official zone is where much of the facility's official business goes on. The academy is there, and also a storage area, which is likely where my hat is.

Finally, there's the place I am now, officially called 'Astronautical Living And Recreational Area', and unofficially, 'Star House'. It's where all the astronauts, like me, live and train for space. The top few floors are living units, like this one, and the rest are either entertainment areas, or training areas.

Besides that, it's mostly just hydroponic farmland.

Evid Corte 2011/06/30(Thu)16:30 No. 319997 ID: aa6f62
File 130947663363.jpg - (175.28KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning37.jpg )

Got all that? And that was the quick version.

Here's a map for convenience .

So, advisors, where do you want to go?

My vote's on the official zone, to get my hat, but going against you guys results in crazy whiskey hallucinations, so I'll go with the flow if you decide differently.

why is it enclosed in an a diamond dome? that sound expensive enough that thy must have a good reason for it.

>>320012
It's actually relatively cheap, and it's designed so that if the fusion reactor in the center of the city goes critical, the dome can be evacuated and the damage will be contained within.

Evid Corte 2011/06/30(Thu)18:57 No. 320045 ID: aa6f62
File 130948543431.jpg - (72.12KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning38.jpg )

Before I can decide, there comes a knock at my completely not-shafting-into-the-fourth-dimension door.

"Hello?"

>"It's Third Hand Torcsen!"

Ah. It's my landlord.

"Come in!"

SHOOT HIM! Just kidding. Have you been paying your rent? It isn't the care you've been taking. That room is IMMACULATE.

Open the door for him. Smile through your magnificent mustache. Ask him if there is any problem.

Evid Corte 2011/06/30(Thu)22:49 No. 320136 ID: aa6f62
File 130949939998.jpg - (78.11KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning39.jpg )

>>320046

Well.. I was being a little loose with the term 'landlord'.

A third hand is a kind of manager and overseer of a group of people. Technically, they're also supposed to be personal helpers and assistants, but if you call them either of those things, you'll probably get hit with a demerit. Or a fist.

As for the room's condition, I've only had it long enough to move my things into. I suppose they clean the rooms after the previous tenants have left. That, or the last guy had OCD.

As for my Third Hand, he's a nice enough guy. Better than the drill sergeants I've seen on other floors. He is a bit odd, though; I heard he had gene therapy done on himself. Just a rumor, as far as I know, but his eyes are red, and his fingers go into points. I have to wonder what they look like under the gloves.

>[i{ Open the door for him. Smile through your magnificent mustache. Ask him if there is any problem. [/i}

Can do.

"Anything the problem, sir?

>"Oh, no, you're top-rate, Mr. Corte. In fact, that's why I'm here."

He eyes the door behind him, and goes to close it.

>"The walls have ears, Mr. Corte."

get a bit closer and start whispering "so should we take this outside? no walls there"

Evid Corte 2011/07/01(Fri)02:15 No. 320186 ID: aa6f62
File 130951174196.jpg - (82.27KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning40.jpg )

>>320143

>"Heh. Not quite what I meant."

He closes the door. And then he locks it.

>"Evid, you have been watched for some time now."

>"I know every single facet of your life."

>"I've seen what you do and how you do it."

>"I've seen things about your character you yourself do not know."

>"And I like what I see."

"..."

"thank you, sir"

"Are you coming on to me?"

ok, that's a little creepy. But it does sound like we are about to get fast tracked. Though you might want to politely point out to him just how messed up that sounded.

Evid Corte 2011/07/01(Fri)11:53 No. 320261 ID: aa6f62
File 130954638143.jpg - (83.43KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning41.jpg )

>>320188
"T-thank you, sir."

>>320201
>>320236

Well, I don't want to be impolite..

I have to admit there's a quaver in my voice, as Torcsen pushes forward, red eyes staring at me. It's at this point I also notice he has no ears.

>"Evid, There's only one even slightly negative thing I've noticed."

>"You're too distant, Evid."

>"You need to open up."

>"And I have a proposal."

>"Oh, I'm always bad at this.. Let me see if I can find the words."

Okay, screw politeness.

"Sir, do you realize what that sounds like?"

>"Hm?"

"Mr. Torcsen, are you coming on to me?"

>>320263
Sorry, hit the wrong button

Back up until you hit the wall. Put on a Unicode Stare.

Evid Corte 2011/07/01(Fri)12:42 No. 320284 ID: aa6f62
File 130954933779.jpg - (82.73KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning42.jpg )

>"Hm. Well, let me think about that~"

He gets an.. Odd expression on his face.

>"Well, Evid.. That mustache is quite handsome, I must say, and your hair is quite the gentleman's coif.."

>>320266
Stare given.

He laughs.

>"But, oh, I couldn't possibly love that sort of face. Would telling you I have a wife in the civilian zone help it go away? I'm not interested, Mr. Corte, thanks for asking."

Buhwha?

>"I'm sorry if I was anything more than cordial. I have been told I have a habit of flirtatiousness."

The expression on his face shifts to a more serious tone.

>"Anyways, I came to make you an official, classified offer."

>>320284
Tell him thanks, but he's REALLY not your type
patience

Oh I see, hes one of those guys who flirts with everyone he meets.

Evid Corte 2011/07/01(Fri)16:48 No. 320367 ID: aa6f62
File 130956409126.jpg - (84.77KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning43.jpg )

>>320286
"Sir, I'm really not your type."

I maneuver around him, so that I'm not up against the wall.

>"The flirting is over, Evid."

>"What I've come here to tell you is that you've been selected for a.. Special assignment. This assignment is not yet on file, and only a handful of people in this entire complex know about it."

>"First off; it's difficult, risky, and highly experimental. I won't lie to you, it's dangerous. But I think you can handle it."

>"If you accept this assignment, you'll be remembered as one of the greats. For the next hundred years, you'll be remembered as a space pioneer. It's guaranteed."

>"And.. If you accept, you'll be going into space within the month."

>"You can't go back on this decision, and I can't tell you any more until you say yes. If you say no, I'll leave, and this entire conversation never happened."

>"So, Evid. What's your answer?"

Huh. Advisors, what do think?

Okay, here's the deal. If you say no, YOU ARE 100% CERTAIN TO DIE. If you say YES, there is a small chance you will LIVE. Choose LIFE, say YES.

yeah, most likely this is the deal the guide was talking about. he can't give us FACTS but he recommended accepting this. which is as close to tell us to do it he can get. so yes.

Evid Corte 2011/07/02(Sat)18:28 No. 320873 ID: aa6f62
File 130965651796.gif - (2.53MB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning44.gif )

>>320372
>>320376

It's not like I need much convincing.

"Sir, without hesitation.."

I strike a gentleman's pose.

"..My answer is yes."

My head hurts a little.

{animated}

uh oh, looks like your about to get a visitor.

yeah, some kind of skull thing appeared over you in 4d space. if you didn't have that surge of confidence it may of possessed you or something.

>>320873
Well that wasn't creepy at all.

Carry on.

Evid Corte 2011/07/03(Sun)00:43 No. 320966 ID: aa6f62
File 130967898369.jpg - (84.68KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning45.jpg )

>>320879
Huh? There's nobody here.

>>320880
Whoa.

>"Excellent."

>"At 16:00, there's going to be a closed address at the auditorium, delivered by the grand commander. When pressed for it, the password is 'Tunguska'. Be there."

He opens the door, moving to leave, but then he stops and turns to me.

>"Oh, and.. I've heard rumors that a very dashing hat was recently put into storage. The rumor goes that it's on storage level 6, room 5, and that the guard there has been given unofficial orders to return it to the first gentleman to come asking for it. All rumors, of course, and you didn't hear it from me."

He winks, then leaves. What an odd sort of fellow. Nice enough, though.

Strange.. The room suddenly feels cold.

obviously that is your gut telling you to leave. go to storage level 6, room 5 and get that hat!

>>320966
...it appears our lens is frosting up.
But we don't have a lens.

Okay, whatever. Anyway. Cold is probably not a good thing. But I don't know what to do about it. SO: go hatwards.

Evid Corte 2011/07/03(Sun)01:27 No. 320973 ID: aa6f62
File 130968165428.jpg - (97.52KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning46.jpg )

>>320968
>>320969

Huh?

OH FUCK, IT'S..

It's..

Evid Corte 2011/07/03(Sun)01:40 No. 320975 ID: aa6f62
File 130968244851.jpg - (107.71KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning47.jpg )

It's actually not the strangest thing that's happened to me today.

I can't even get worked up about it.

Whatever. Let's go get my hat.

Goodbye, room. Keep on being boring and possessed or whatever is up with you. We'll always have memories to look back on.

perfect! keep this up and space will have nothing it could possibly throw at you that would make you lose your cool.

Good work! Now leave. After you launch, don't even WORRY that the Earth just froze solid and you're on a course for the Sun. You're way too cool.

Evid Corte 2011/07/04(Mon)14:08 No. 321593 ID: aa6f62
File 130981371984.jpg - (353.97KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning48.jpg )

Well, that was a long, arduous, and generally uneventful trip down the building. Although that thing with the tap-dancing monkey was interesting enough, I suppose.

>>320976
Yeah. After all this stuff, space is gonna be almost boring. Not that I'd mind. It's still space after all.

>>321006
Well. I.. Well. Let's just assume that's not going to happen. I did wait outside the room to see if the weird energy field thing would follow me, but I think it stopped at the door. I'm certainly not going to go back to check.

As I leave Star House, somebody runs into me at full speed, as I wheeze my breath back in, I can see it's Kithai.

Kithai's a friend from the academy. She's short, a little clumsy, and reminds me a bit of Amelia. Amazing astronaut, too; she was always above me in class.

>"Oi, be carefu- Oh, Evid!"

say hello, maybe flirt a little. Amelia wouldn't want you making yourself miserable in the name of a memory.

 

Smile, nod, say,"I'll be fine" in a cocky voice, and do the secret handshake. You know the one.

>>321594

ask her why she's in such a hurry.

Evid Corte 2011/07/05(Tue)14:45 No. 322080 ID: aa6f62
File 130990235755.jpg - (353.28KB , 800x800 , AStarFellBurning49.jpg )

>>321594
..Uh. Kithai's just a friend. As far as I can tell, we've never had any romantic feelings for each other. Besides which, getting into a relationship just before going into space is cruel and unnecessary.

>>321651
"It's okay." Handshake given. I'm not going to show you, of course, because I need to protect its secrecy. She grins.

>>321652
"Hey, where are you off to in such a hurry?"
"Oh, I have to get ready for this thing that Torcsen-" she stops, and looks defensive. "Actually, I can't tell you, it's
classified. Sorry. In any case, I have to get ready for something."

Hm.

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