Memory Hole
Moth Comment
return "yeah i got nothing here. seems like you could give it some input, but... no clue what it wants"
Wrong Answer
start
¥Óñ«J
hehehehe wroooong!!! wrooong wrong wrong wrong!~!!! wrong!!!
wroooong wrong wrong not riiight!!! ahehehehe
hehehehehe
byee!!!!
EXEC::setTimeout(()=>{endDialogue();moveTo(\`/local/uncosm/${env.uncode.input.value}\`)}, 1000)
WAIT::2000
RESPONSES::self
what is even happening<+>END
Surface
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
I AM AWOKEN IN MY SLEEPING SHELL BY A RAPPING AT ITS COVER
WHAT TIME IS IT? HAS THE θgaze ENDED ALREADY?
SO TIRED... WHATEVER IT IS, IT CAN WAIT
stupid
uuugh go away
my duties are not until <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">clear-sky</span>
tired
██████, it is me
sourceless
AND SHE IS NOT GOING AWAY...
I LET MY HEAD FALL BACK AGAINST THE POD'S INTERNAL FUZZ
SHE HISSES A SIGH OF FRUSTRATION
tired
there is a problem
stupid
not my problem for another, uuummm,
sourceless
I ROLL OVER TO CHECK THE <span definition="TRANSLATION FAILED::CAUSE:'no equivalent internal meaning';'no relevant inherited context'::ROMANIZATION SUCCESSFUL">ZENRUKA</span>
WITH AN UNLATCHING OF ITS CONTAINER, I SEE THAT IT IS STILL INTACT
YES, IT WOULD HAVE DETONATED BY NOW IF IT WERE TIME
THOUGH, ITS DECAY IS SUCH THAT I PROBABLY ONLY HAVE ABOUT TWO OR THREE θwinks...
AH--
SUDDENLY, THE COVER OF MY POD IS LIFTED
MY RECEPTORS COIL IN SHOCK, AND I COVER MY EYES FROM THE LIGHT
█████ PARTIALLY BLOCKS IT AS SHE LEERS AT ME
tired
this is not a joke, kelnit
███████ has not returned
he is not responding on the dullvoice either
with how long he has been out, it will not be long before his trail is dispersed
sourceless
SHE LEAVES HER EXPLANATION THERE, STARING AT ME EXPECTANTLY
MUCH AS I WANT TO TELL HER TO SKITTER AWAY,
THIS IS NOT A RESPONSIBILITY THAT CAN BE ASSIGNED TO ANYONE ELSE
stupid
fine...
i will meet you at the entrance
and have the θjut prepare the walker for us
tired
do not waste any time
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/uncosm/no/")
Parasite
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
██████'s VALIKA-BORNE CORRUCYSTS TWITCH IN THE AIR AS THEY SCAN THE AREA
THE SMELL OF A ONCE-RADIANT VEILK CORPSE... I STILL MUST GET USED TO IT
WITH THE TIME THAT HAS PASSED, ITS BONES ARE STARTING TO POKE OUT THROUGH ITS FLESH, AND SOON CAN BE HARVESTED
BUT NOW IS THE SEASON OF FRUIT, AND SO THE AIR IS THICK AND RANCID
OUR STEPS MEET THE FLESHENED GROUND WITH VILE NOISES, AND THE CAVERNGUARD'S RECEPTORS TWITCH WITH EACH ONE
HAHAHA!! HE IS FAR TOO ACCUSTOMED TO HIS HIGH-THREAT DUTIES
I HEFT THE HARVEST-BASKET AND TURN AROUND TO SPEAK ALOUD TO HIM, CONTINUING TO FOLLOW ██████ BACKWARDS
stupid
relax!
the hard part is over
sourceless
HIS RECEPTORS POINT BACK IN DISAPPROVAL OF MY VOLUME
IN HIS SURFACE VOICE, HE MURMURS BACK
guard
keep your eyes ahead
sourceless
DESPITE IT ALL, THERE IS A SENSE OF JOY IN ██████'s BRANCHED RECEPTORS, AND HE LAUGHS QUIETLY
I DO NOT MIND ESCORTING THESE ZEVAZNI-ENABLED ELDERS THROUGH SURFACE DUTIES
THEIR FOUNDRIES HAVE BEEN PUTTING OUT TRULY REMARKABLE DEVICES - LIMB REPLACEMENTS, VALIKA-CONNECTED CYSTS...
I AM SURE ██████ COULD HOLD HIS OWN NOW, EVEN IF A PREDATOR HAPPENED TO FIND US
I HEAR HIM MURMUR THROUGH THE DULLVOICE AS HE TAKES A DEEP BREATH,
elder
ah... this brings back memories
i never thought i would get to see it for myself again
or smell it, though i do not miss that part quite as much... haha!!
those gaze-guided θjut...
ah! there!
sourceless
HIS AIMA CYSTS CONVERGE THEIR EYES UPON A GLOWING CREVICE WITHIN THE VEILK CARCASS
WE STOP IN UNISON, AND THE CAVERNGUARD NEARLY STEPS FORWARD, BUT I STOP HIM, HALF-TURNING
HE GLARES AT ME, BUT UNDERSTANDS - THIS IS ██████'s FUN, NOT OURS
██████'s VALIKA-BORNE CYSTS TARGET THE CREATURE AS HE TAKES SLOW, CAREFUL STEPS FORWARD
HIS STEPS ARE SO SILENT, EVEN IN THE VEILK-ROTTED SOIL... I WISH I COULD DO THAT!!
ONCE THE AIMA CYSTS OF HIS VALIKA GLOW WITH CONFIRMATION, THE CENTRAL ONE RELEASES A PULSE OF GREY LIGHT
WHEN OUR EYES RECOVER, THE VEILK LIMB IS CLEAVED OPEN, REVEALING THE GLOWING FRUITS OF A CELKI
elder
hahahaha! with not even a lift of my claw!
this one is fully ripe, it will not be fighting us
another one for the basket
guard
i will get it
sourceless
██████'s SON REACHES IN AND GRASPS THE CELKI AT ITS BASE
AND WITH HIS OTHER HAND, GRIPS A SMALL CUTTER TO QUICKLY AND CLEANLY CUT IT FREE FROM ITS FEEDING POINT
THE BULBOUS FRUIT SQUIRMS SLIGHTLY, BUT IS TOO FATTENED TO DO ANYTHING
SO IT IS TOSSED INTO THE BASKET EASILY, AND WE CONTINUE ON...
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Larval
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
WHILE I REPAIR MY VALIKA, █████ APPROACHES THE CORNER OF THE ARMORY I HAVE COMMANDEERED
I LOOK UP TO FACE HIM, RECEPTORS WIDE IN JOYOUS GREETING, ONLY TO SEE THAT HIS ARE MEEKLY PULLED BACK WITH WORRY
stupid
hey █████!!!
hesitant
hi ██████!
stupid
what brings you here? do they have another device for me to try out?
the aima cysts were truly incredible to use, it was like...
my mind's eye, multiplied, hovering outside of my body
disorienting, but... eye-opening. hehehe
hesitant
oh, yeah... yeah, it is
sourceless
MY RECEPTORS SETTLE INTO A SIMILARLY WORRIED TWIST
HE SEEMS SO SULLEN...?
stupid
sooo...?
what is it?
sourceless
HE REACHES INTO HIS LONGCLOAK'S INNER POCKET, FETCHING A FAIRLY LARGE HANDHELD CORRUCYST
THERE IS A MOMENT WHERE HE STARES AT IT, FROZEN, BEFORE WORDLESSLY OFFERING IT TO ME
hesitant
it is...
a new emergency device from the vazni foundries
they, um...
sourceless
I CANNOT HELP BUT CHUCKLE AT HOW STRANGE HE IS ACTING
THIS SEEMS TO FLUSTER HIM FURTHER
I UNCURL ONE OF MY RECEPTORS TO CONNECT TO IT, BUT HE NEARLY LUNGES IN RESPONSE
hesitant
wai--wait!
do not connect to it!!
it... extracts your mind
stupid
what?
sourceless
IMMEDIATELY, MY RECEPTOR RECOILS
stupid
how? what?
sourceless
█████ WRINGS HIS CLAWS NERVOUSLY, RECEPTORS SIMILARLY CURLING AWAY
hesitant
like i said... emergency
see, the zevazni foundry θjut have created this new process...
they are saying it is a new state of life - a sort of undeath
where you live within corru... your mind, your body, everything
stupid
that is so cool!!!!
hesitant
wha--what?
no, it is extremely dangerous!
not just for yourself, but... for the future
i mean, if this catches on, eventually, umm...
it might be the end of us, you know?
either way, i wanted you to have one of the few we got
stupid
...and, you <em>do not</em> want me to use it?
hesitant
of course not, but, if you are really going to be doing this...
the world is changing very fast, ██████
i want you to be around to see it
if you ever got attacked on one of your runs, or caught by...
sourceless
HE WAVES AWAY THE NOTION, NOT EVEN WANTING TO THINK IT
hesitant
this is your best chance at continuing to live
or, some... facsimile of it
sourceless
I CHUCKLE, EXASPERATED - SUCH CONFUSING MESSAGES!
stupid
well, is it like those--what did you call them?
echoes?
if i use this... is it me?
hesitant
yes, without a doubt
sourceless
█████ SITS DOWN AT MY ARMORY STATION, ACROSS FROM ME
hesitant
just like how the aima cysts become an extension of your mind,
so too does the mindcore--that is what they are calling it
i cannot imagine what sort of maniac it took to discover this, but...
it shifts the weight of your mind into it, and then disconnects
leaving an empty vessel to die
sourceless
I LOOK OVER THE GLASSY SURFACE OF THE MINDCORE THOUGHTFULLY
BENEATH THE CYSTIC GLASS, I CAN SEE THE FLOW OF CORRU WITHIN
A SLOW, WHORLING CURRENT OF VIOLET PEARLESCENCE
IT IS ENTRANCING - MORE THAN ANY OTHER DEVICE I HAVE BEEN GIVEN YET
A PRODUCT OF ITS DENSITY, MAYBE? IT IS RATHER HEAVY
OH--YES, HE IS STILL HERE
stupid
well, do not worry!!
you have never seen my veilk-scaling skills!
and did i ever tell you about the time, i <em>broke</em> a guktik's arm?
sourceless
I RAISE MY RIGHT HAND INTO A FIST, DISPLAYING THE CHITIN OF MY FOREARM
IT IS DREADFULLY CRACKED, THE KIND OF DEEP CHITIN WOUND THAT COULD TAKE AN EYE TO HEAL
BUT IT IS A POINT OF PRIDE, STILL. A RAISE OF MY ARM TO DEFLECT THE LUNGING GUKTIK AT THE RIGHT TIME...
CRACK!! OH, THE PAIN, BUT SEEING IT SCURRY AWAY AFTERWARDS, SUCH POWER!!
IMAGINE WHAT I COULD DO IN A BODY MADE OF CORRU...
█████ LAUGHS, WAVING AWAY THE BRAG WITH HIS RECEPTORS
hesitant
yes, i still remember the last time you told me
and the time before that...
look, just do not take this as an excuse to be reckless, okay?
we still do not really know what the consequences of the process are, long-term
stupid
but if i <em>do</em>, you will help me make a cool new body, right?
sourceless
OH, THAT WAS A BAD THING TO SAY
THE LOOK HE IS GIVING ME...
stupid
sorry, hehehe... just joking around
velzie's wrath! it is the very same eye that watches over me on my journeys, after all
sourceless
A KIND ATTENTION FORMS IN HIS RECEPTORS
AND HE GIVES A QUIET, ALMOST SOUNDLESS CHUCKLE AS HE STANDS UP TO LEAVE
STILL SO SULLEN... I WILL HAVE TO FETCH A VEILK-FRUIT TO CHEER HIM UP LATER
hesitant
velzie's wrath!
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Dull
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
THROUGH MY CONNECTION TO THE PILOT CYST, I SEE IT BEFORE US
THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I HAVE EVER USED THE DULL
SOME LARVAL FEAR GRIPS ME, THREATENING THAT IT WILL DISINTEGRATE ME...
TOTAL ANNIHILATION, REMOVAL FROM VELZIE'S STAGE FOR ALL TIME
OR WORSE - SOMETHING WITHIN WILL FIND ME ON MY PATH THROUGH
BUT OF COURSE, IT IS SUPERSTITION
mind
approaching
EXEC::env.dull.portal.classList.add("zoom1")
sourceless
INDEED, NO LIFE AS WE UNDERSTAND IT COULD EXIST IN THE DULL
THAT IS WHAT THEY SAY
DULLZKOVIK'S EXTENDED STUDIES HAVE PROVEN IT, AFTER ALL
ENOUGH STUDY TO HAVE DRIVEN HIM MAD
WHAT IS HE ON, HIS FOURTH RENEWAL NOW?
AHAHA VELZIE SO FAVORS TORMENTING HIM
AH - I AM RECEIVING AN OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE
other
attention, ██████
this is ██████ on behalf of anterior dull station '<span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'reference to weather phenomena'">brightwall</span>'
you are all clear to proceed!
be sure you release all active dull tethers or hearts,
also expect to lose communications for a little bit
oh yes, and if you brought any <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest cultural equivalent'">tithes</span>,
say your goodbyes! hehe
origin
of course, thank you
<span definition="NOTE::'common phrase';'religious implication';'implies wish for safe journey'">keep velzie entertained, will you?</span>
other
hehehe, we will hold a performance just for you
your correspondent will establish contact as soon as you are on the other side
good luck!
mind
dull hearts released
permitting gravitic control
sourceless
THE VESSEL SHIFTS AS SOON AS THE HEARTS RELEASE
MY <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest cultural equivalent'">TITHE</span>... I CLUTCH ONE OF MY PRESERVED LARVAL RECEPTOR SHELLS
A HARD, HOLLOW SPIRAL OF SEGMENTED CHITIN,
A PART OF MYSELF TO REMAIN IN THE DULL, OUTSIDE OF VELZIE'S CREATION
I DISCONNECT FROM THE PILOT CYST ABRUPTLY - PERHAPS I SHOULD NOT LOOK
EXEC::content.classList.add('nostars')
I CLOSE MY EYES... NO, I TURN THEM OFF
EXEC::changeBgm(env.dull.bgm404, {length: 6000})
AND I DISABLE MY SENSATION - BEST TO BE SAFE
INDEED, PERHAPS EVEN SOUND SHOULD BE LIMITED
I PULL THE MEMBRANES AROUND MY MINDCORE CLOSER TO IT
I AM NOTHING, IN A VOID, AND NOTHING IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN
YET STILL I SEE IT IN MY MINDS EYE, I HEAR ITS SILENCE ROARING
NO MATTER WHAT I DISABLE, IT IS STILL PERCEIVED, RESONATING WITHIN MY θdeathly FORM
EXEC::env.dull.portal.classList.add("quick")
I TRY TO THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE, BUT IT IS HERE BEFORE ME,
AND IT IS COMING
EXEC::env.dull.portal.classList.add("zoom5");env.dull.closeout()
AND IT IS HERE
AND IT IS HERE
AND IT IS HERE
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
Sorry
start
sys
NOTICE::'coherent entity located'
EXEC::env.sorry.velzie()
unknown
there you are
interloper
forgive my roundabout path...
RESPONSES::self
velzie<+>hello
hello
self
hello velzie
will you answer my questions?
moth
oh shit
is it here? i can't see it
unknown
velzie? hehe...
time is short, interloper
i must choose my words carefully
and so, a confession:
my mind was limited by the sanity of this cyst when we first met...
in my hunger and rage,
and perhaps a grip too tight...
i feel that i have placed myself as your adversary
this is not my intention
in atonement: i have prepared this place for you
a hole in the uncosm
granting you sight into the past
concepts of significance will present themselves
take them here, and they will serve as destinations
it will answer the questions i cannot
continue guiding this cyst to health
we will speak again
self
why will you not just tell me what's happening?
unknown
i wish it were that simple
goodbye interloper
sys
ATTENTION::'thoughtform modified';'resources removed'
EXEC::env.sorry.velbye()
NOTICE::'no data'
sourceless
...........................
...........................
moth
are you done talking to it?
i was expecting it to do that data overload thing, again...
sourceless
beyond your connection to the corrucyst, you hear a metal thunk.
moth
guess i didn't need the extinguisher
what did it say?
self
velzie gave us a way to find memories in the uncosm
it doesn't want to be our enemy
moth
oh yeah? is that why it nearly exploded your brain that one time?
i mean
not that it would have, of course
but i don't trust it dude
either way, the more data we can get, the better, so...
let's not look a gift horse in the mouth, or whatever
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Upon Revisit
sys
ERROR::'no data';'unable to render'
RESPONSES::self
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo('/local/uncosm/where/')
Clemens Romanus
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
I FEEL OUR VESSEL STRAIN UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THIS DEPTH
MY POOR GLAZIKA MUST BE STRUGGLING TO KEEP UP WITH OPTIMIZATIONS
mind
halting
pulsing now
sourceless
A GROWING RADIUS OF VISION IS CREATED FROM THE DEPTH PULSE
AS ITS THRESHOLD EXPANDS OUTWARDS AND FADES, I SEE IT
IN THIS DESOLATE PLACE, A MASS OF DEAD METAL
SOME SORT OF VESSEL MANUFACTURED BY THE COUSINS, BUT...
I DRAW MY ATTENTION OUTWARDS AND EXCHANGE A LOOK WITH █████
origin
you see it too?
other
yes...
a cousinly vessel that must have sunk long ago
origin
look towards its center--see how it splits?
what is happening to it...?
is that where she wants us to go?
other
no way
i do not like the look of it
besides, whatever is being done to it, it is not for habitation
we need to keep looking - it must be near here
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Cavik
start
self
hello?
sourceless
...
...
____SHOWIF::"embassy_d1_complete"
moth
hold on, what exactly are you looking at?
is this just cavik from the embassy?
is he doing anything?
self
he's just standing there
____SHOWIF::["embassy_d1_complete", false]
moth
hold on, what exactly are you looking at?
is that another obesk signature? how did you even figure this out?
...is it doing anything?
self
it's just standing there
____END
sourceless
...
self
hello?
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
AFTER THE BRIGHT COUSINS STEP AWAY, I CLENCH MY CLAWS
EXEC::ratween(page.bgm, 0.2)
BEFORE HE CAN SAY ANYTHING, I GRIP CAVIK BY HIS FOREARM AND LEAD HIM DOWN THE HALL
PERHAPS HE ALREADY KNOWS SOMETHING IS WRONG FROM THE WAY THEY REACTED TO ME
cavik
you are scaring me!! stop!
what is going on?
why did you not tell us anything?
this is good, is it not??
it is everything we have ever worked for!
or--
sourceless
I GRIP HIM BY THE SHOULDERS
HIS RECEPTORS RECOIL, AND HE FREEZES, AS IF SPOTTED BY A PREDATOR
IT MUST BE SOMETHING IN MY RECEPTORS, OR MAYBE MY EYES
THERE CAN BE NO MISUNDERSTANDING
origin
cavik
you cannot tell anyone
not even our team
no matter what
sourceless
MY VOICE WAVERS WITH MORTAL FEAR
origin
understand?
especially not now...
cavik
██████...
i have never seen you like this
will you please tell me what is going on?
please
pleas e
it hurts
EXEC::env.secavik.cavikDmg(1)
hurts
EXEC::ratween(page.bgm, 0.1)
c a
someone is there
i feel you
i cannot wake up
you have to end this
its going to start again
you have to end this
please
cv i k
p l e a s e
EXEC::env.secavik.closeout()
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Unity
cutscene(true);MUI('off')
env.setTimeout(()=>{
play('criticalError', 1, 0.5, true)
vfx({type: 'beacon', state: true})
vfx({type: 'flash', state: true})
}, 400)
env.setTimeout(()=>{
readoutAdd({message: `<p>ATTENTION::'thoughtform activity detected'::'resources removed'</p>`, name:"sys"})
change("secavik", "beaconed")
content.classList.add('beaconed')
vfx({type: 'flash', state: false})
cutscene(false)
}, 2000)
setTimeout(()=>{
vfx({type: 'beacon', state: false})
}, 4000)
Moth Comment
let moth = "don't look at me lol"
if(check("secavik", "beaconed")) moth = "that unity thing actually worked on this? it didn't even seem like there was anything left... weird"
else if(check("secavik")) moth = "looks like it lost coherence once you pulled that memory from it"
if(env.currentDialogue.justChanged) moth = "anything else on your mind?"
Addendum
Veilk
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
...though the spirestorm is distant, its rage echoes here in the form of little water droplets
the veilk are drenched already, allowing my claws to find easy purchase in their thick, waterlogged flesh
this one i have chosen to be my carrier has myriad pockmarks from similar travelers
but at this height, they have grown sparse, and the ground has disappeared in the surface vapors and darkness...
how far would i fall, if i failed to hold on now? what a thrill!!
i am certain to have no visitors here, so i reach over my shoulder to activate my zzepel
sourceless quiet
it extends outwards from me to form a semispherical corrucystic shell, biting into the flesh of my carrier to secure itself
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 0.5);play('stab', 0.75)
sourceless
i am sealed into darkness for only a θblink, as once the respite is fully formed, the inner lights activate, and it detaches from my back-carrier
these lights are pale, unreliable chemicals, and it is not quite as spacious as i would like...
but i can finally let my limbs relax
and so i place my back against the clammy flesh of the veilk, my legs in restful support against the hard shell the zzepel has formed
ugh... but the humidity is near unbearable - the cooling winds of this height are unable to reach me any longer
there is a great tremble as the veilk's next step lands distantly below
how long will it be before it carries me past the <span class="code">spire</span>?
i should check with that coordinator...
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Spire
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
...i rummage through my drenched cloak, head resting against the cold flesh of the <span class="code">veilk</span>
everything trembles as my carrier veilk takes another step distantly below
eventually, i find it: my dullvoice receiver!
with a quick affix to my favored receptor, i reach out for the regional coordinator...
█████, i think... a nice tir, though we have sparsely spoken
after a few well-placed thoughts, he is within reach, and i establish contact
still, there is some interference here... the spirestorm grows closer, suffusing my senses with an ever-present rumble
stupid
hello █████!! this is ██████!!
i have secured a position on a yellow-eyed carrier veilk
how far out am i? from both the spire and ukazni, if you can tell
other
oh, hello again!
i hope velzie has been kind to your journey so far!
let me see... i have a drone in the area
...
ah, yes, there you are!
all right, the herd is at rest now, but their top-tendrils are showing some anxiety... i think they will be moving again soon
if that is the case, they will be following the ukazni ozo path, and you should be at a good dropping point near there within the gaze!
my estimations: likely less than a θwink for the herd to continue, two θwinks until you pass the spire fully, and then two more θwinks before you are near the ukazni range
this assumes ideal conditions, and that the veilk do not stop for rest again--which, i think is unlikely
either way, i hope you brought some entertainment, ██████!
and i have to say, i am really surprised...
they did not give you a walker for this one?
that would have shortened your trip by several θwinks, and allowed you to avoid the spire completely...
stupid
hehe, no, this is a non-vital trip - you could call it personal
the oltazni council only lets us use walkers if it is an emergency
anyway, thanks for the help, █████!
<span definition="NOTE::'common phrase';'religious implication';'implies wish for safe journey'">keep velzie entertained for me!</span>
other
will do!
and remember, once you reach it, do not exit your respite while within the spirestorm!!
the lightning rarely strays from the spire, but when it does, it is fatal!
may the gaze end kindly for you, ██████
sourceless
with the closing of the connection, velzie's decision for my fate is made clear:
to be bored in this cramped zzepel respite for the rest of the gaze
still, i have some time...
i tap at some of the corrucystic controls near the top of the respite, and its plating recedes near the bottom,
sourceless quiet
allowing me to crawl out onto the veilk's flesh again
EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 0.75);
sourceless
the winds and rain have risen, and the fog-like vapor that cloaks the surface has risen even further... the spire draws near, so this may be my last chance to see it before i must shelter
i skitter up the side of my carrier, carefully angled so that i know i may directly descend to find my respite again
before long, i have risen past the other veilk-stalks, letting me see an expanse of darkness,
the black clouds lit from below by the countless glowing growths attached to the veilk herds...
and there, in the distance, is the spirestorm - lit by its continuous lightning, roaring endlessly...
a violent vortex that dips below the cloudline, twirling around a barely perceptible empty shape made clear only by the lightning that attacks it
a matte black monolith, featureless and dangerous, disappearing into the sky: the vazni spire...
taller than the tallest mountains, wider than anything ever built
and yet, if not for my aima cysts, i would not be able to see it at all!!
it draws nearer with every trembling step of my carrier veilk, and so my time to admire it is very limited - i ought to return...
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Corru
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
in the relative safety of the entry tunnel, ██████ drops his surface voice
guard
incredible... that would have taken so much longer, before
██████, what is the count?
sourceless
while the real answer is just within my receptor's curl,
i make a show of counting my claws, and then play one of my favorite sayings
stupid
ah... we will have to gather the tir!
sourceless
he chuckles, to my surprise
only θblinks earlier he seemed irritated with my banter
still, as planned, i give him a proper answer immediately after
stupid
i counted just over thirty
elder
haha!
thirty, from just that trip...
sourceless
██████ stops and grasps his dull-pulse valika-cyst by its tether,
pulling it down to eye-level with a shaky hand so he can look into it properly
i feel an instant of shock, as does his son by the sight of his receptors,
but we both realize he is looking at the side, rather than directly at the deadly part
elder
from simple food containers, to the deadliest weapons ever conceived...
sourceless
there is a sort of idle drift in his receptors as he stares into it
it is so easy to tell when a tir's mind wanders
elder
corru...
you know, they came up with using the spheres they form for food just when my receptors started to split
my excavation mentor once told me the strangest stories about it, and our ancestors...
it was not long after we struck that great natural vein of it down in the deep chambers
it is so much smaller now...
as we prepared a harvesting bore, you know what he said?
sourceless
██████ turns to me, his branched receptors outstretching their tendrils
elder
his father, and his fathers before him, saw it as a pest!
haha!!
how the tir of old would encounter it in great walls while digging,
and it had to be scraped away by claw, or dug around, as our acids had no effect...
sourceless
he turns back to the path ahead, carefully stepping down the incline as he continues reminiscing
his son gives me a forward-pointing gesture of his receptors, as we both start to follow
elder
that feeling, when wild corru gets on your receptors
have you ever felt it?
sourceless
his son does not respond, indifferent
he must have heard all this before
stupid
no!
they usually keep it sealed in those big skulls
elder
well, if even a drop of it gets on,
you feel eyes on you - like something is in the chamber with you,
staring, listening...
but i guess all this time, it really was listening, right? haha!
what do you think they will do next with it? velzie's eye cast down, ████ got a new arm out of the stuff!
stupid
well, it will have to take another <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'common myth';'intoxicated tir knocked over corru container and fell into it'">tir stumbling into their research chamber</span> to figure out what is next!
sourceless
his laugh overpowers the tunnel, enough to send my receptors into a clenched curl
elder
██████, start planning a transport to oltazni for me, would you?
i have a foundry to barge into
guard
right away, father
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Flower
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
after peering through the thick glass of ██████'s trading chamber to ensure no other bright cousins linger within, i push through the front entry
a chime with the distinct buzz of their lightning announces my entry, and ██████ peeks out from the door in the back,
barely visible through the stands and displays of bright ground-parasites
no no... 'flowers'... i must call them 'flowers'
flower
Hey, just a minute!
I'm just about to close, so let me know if you need anything and we'll get you sorted quick.
sourceless
as predicted - she does not recognize my form
i idly browse the yellow ones, quietly creeping towards the back, where she lingers out of sight
how will i surprise her, i wonder?
oh--what if i smoothed over this face!! featureless... she will be terrified!!
hehehe... an effortless morph for this disguise
when she finally emerges, i face away from her, acting as if i am merely browsing
flower
Hey, did you hear me? Do you need help finding--
sourceless
i turn to face her
despite having no visible eyes, i can still see her
her face turns pale, smile fading, half-stepping back, but half frozen in terror
flower
Oh my god.
Oh my god.
sourceless
i lift my arms, this hideously malleable disguise-form allowing me to extend them out to twice their length
my neck, too--yes, how horrifying this must be!!
in my plain voice, though with mock-intimidation, i announce to her...
wiser
no...
it is you i seek!
sourceless
i curve my unwieldy arms forwards, waggling my claws at her
in an instant, her terror starts to fade, replaced with an exasperated, single laugh
then another, and then more, as she places a hand over her face
at the same time, i pull my form back to a standard appearance, reforming my face--which reads my receptor impulses as a terrible grin
i laugh, more than i have in so many θeyes,
it is like i am larval again
flower
██████, what...
WHAT, the hell?
I don't think I've been so scared in my entire life.
When you said disguise, I pictured, I don't know, a wide-brimmed hat and a trenchcoat?
sourceless
funfriend - make a note of that
wiser
ahh, yes, yes, this is it!!
this was an old research form, used in the early θgazes of our research into your languages...
it is kind of fun to use
sourceless
██████ steps forward, poking at the fabric of one of my sleeves
she continues laughing, mostly from relief that i am not a horrible monster
flower
And what is this? You are a disaster.
We need to work on your 'Bright Cousin Style'.
Anyway, give me a few minutes, I just need to close a few things down before we can go.
wiser
all right!
flower
and DO NOT do that again, got it?
sourceless
i take great care not to give her a verbal answer
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Dog
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
███'s dog skitters away from me, but in this closed chamber, it can only go so far
it stands no chance as i leap forth, curling my arms under its shell and pulling it into a hug
it squeaks like an unripe celki when i tear it from the ground, and i spin while i dance around ███'s furniture
i see the lights of ███'s optics peering skeptically from the connected cooking chamber, but pay her no mind
kind
oh, ███, stop your torment, he is scared
sourceless
her flat voice betrays her amusement
stupid
i cannot help myself, dear sister!
i see food, i must hunt!
sourceless
still, i set down the dog and leap backwards
it skitters and turns about to face me, waiting for my next move
stupid
see what i said?
clearly, it is merely play-deprived!
dog
è
sourceless
i half-lunge at it, stopping just an instant after i start, to tell it we are not done
it ducks lower to the ground in response, and after another moment of stillness, it scurries towards me abruptly
i laugh and squeal in surprise, backing off and nearly climbing backwards up the wall
even ███ laughs as it chases me about
i narrowly avoid crashing into ███'s ornate kalstik stand
kind
all right, all right...
just do not break anything, please!!
i am almost done in here
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Yuzku
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
i have to contain myself from skittering well ahead of █████
the gathering chamber's festivities will not go anywhere... just keep walking slowly...
he is talking--what was he talking about again?
hesitant
...and, right in the center of the cysts, they have this tiny pale grey one--and it connects to that very place!
stupid
no way!
sourceless
i have no idea
hesitant
right?! to think, it was right beneath our receptors all this time
i wager we could even see runners flying over the veilk, eventually!
stupid
with wings?
hesitant
n-no, with the nodes! imagine--great hovering spheres attached to a back-piece, with veins up to receptors to control elevation, and direction...
sourceless
oh, yes... the dull bone stuff
this all is interesting, but i do not care enough to learn deeply of it
still, it is good to see him so excited, he has been so anxious lately
as we continue up the tunnel, i notice a tir up ahead replacing one of the yuzku globes with one of the new corrucysts
i stop nearby to observe her work, █████ trailing off and stopping near me soon after
stupid
hey!
that is one of the new cavelights, right?
other
ah? oh, yes!
stupid
can i see?
sourceless
i scurry closer to the tir, and she pulls a different glowing corrucyst from her basket for me
holding it in my claws, it has the same cyan light--no, brighter--than the old yuzku globes, but...
it does not have the distinctive rattle and tap of the little creatures climbing and falling within
stupid
oh, it is so quiet!
i am going to miss all the old yuzku...
sourceless
the tir laughs as she finishes latching the replacement globe into its wall socket
other
i will not!
maintenance and feeding was such a chore...
with these new ones, all i do is put in a strange little blue square the θjut pass along,
then it lasts for gazes and gazes!
stupid
a square...
█████, could that be the 'sfer' stuff?
hesitant
haha, no, i think this is a new one
it is probably a byproduct, or maybe it could be a specific sfer variant...
sourceless
i dip my receptors to the tir, and she responds in kind
with a simple gesture to █████, we continue on our journey
hesitant
...see, in the sfer "vats" that the zevazni foundries came up with,
there is this layer of sludge that accumulates near the bottom, and i think they say it is blue--what was it called again...
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Effigy
Effigy Dialogues
start
self
hello
sourceless
the thoughtform's attention fixes upon your mind's eye with unusual clarity
effigy
hiii!
RESPOBJ::drinkquestions
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::self
who are you?<+>who
how did you get here?<+>here
can i have a drink<+>drink
jokzi ozo<+>ozo
SHOWIF::"ozo__council-task"
bye<+>END
Who are you
who
self
who are you?
effigy
ummmmm
...
ummmmmmm
.....
akizet! right!
yes
akizet
RESPONSES::self
ok<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
How did you get here
here
self
how did you get here?
effigy
the ground fell and then i got really sick
it felt horrible...
i wanted to go back to dreaming
but something in the dark caught me!
and it put me here!
i even watched it put it together!
cool!
self
ok what was it though
can you give me more details
effigy
sorry i forgot
so easy to forget here...
RESPONSES::self
darn<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Can I have a drink
drink
self
can i have a drink
effigy
yes!!
it's all orange juice! forever!
cool!
just ask the barfriend!
sourceless quiet
...
EXEC::content.classList.add('barfocus')
...
sourceless
the thoughtform behind the bar is unresponsive
RESPONSES::self
thanks...<+>loop
EXEC::content.classList.remove('barfocus')
FAKEEND::(back)
Jokzi ozo
ozo
self
you should go to jokzi ozo
effigy
ok!
sourceless
...
...
effigy
how do i go there please
self
hold on
RESPONSES::self
i need to use the mask action<+>loop
FAKEEND::(back)
Effigy unity chatter
chatter({actor: 'effigy', text: `jokzi... jokzi ozo!!`, readout: true, customEl: effigy, delay: 2000})
chatter({actor: 'effigy', text: `that's right! i have a home!!`, readout: true, delay: 4000})
chatter({actor: 'effigy', text: `ok this was nice but i gotta go barfriend`, readout: true, delay: 7000})
chatter({actor: 'effigy', text: `i'll take another one for the journey!`, readout: true, delay: 9000})
Moth comment
"interesting... this is like a little bubble of coherence in the uncosm, i wonder how it's holding together?"
After unitying the effigy
sys
ERROR::'no data';'unable to render'
____SHOWONCE::
moth
wait
why would this have stopped existing just because that effigy thing left?
that's weird
____END
RESPONSES::self
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo('/local/uncosm/where/')
Humor
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
i sit against the <span class="code">veilk</span>'s cold flesh as even colder wind whips violently outside my zzepel,
the carrier veilk pushing through the vazni spirestorm slowly, every movement fought against by the swirling air
water droplets and hail impact the zzepel's outer shell,
some moisture slipping through the cracks and dripping within my shelter, sparkling in the inner lights
this is always so unpleasant...
fortunately the regional coordinator is free enough to chat, barring this interruption
█████ finally gets back to me through my dullvoice receiver,
other
sorry, just had one other runner to direct
where was i? the thought slipped amongst my drone connections!
stupid
humor readings! remember? something about your father?
other
oh, yes! right--i never took after my father's interest in humorism,
but he and his old humorist friends started to experiment in using corru with it
the conceit of it has always been in reading the sensation of receptor curls, so,
obviously it is not quite so acceptable or common within these θgazes anymore
stupid
ahahaha! yes, even in oltazni, it is seen almost as a perversion!
other
right? it is the same here!
of course, i think there is some merit to it,
the feelings from a curl are complex after all, and supposedly unique
so, they wanted to find a way to continue the practice,
without the weight of the city's skeptical gaze crushing them
and here is the interesting part: they succeeded!
they established a method of doing <em>remote</em> readings!!
stupid
well, what is even the point of it without the curl?
other
come, this is my father we speak of - an honest, bonded tir!
the vague energy found in others was his interest, not simply curling receptors with strangers
anyway, all it takes is a dullvoice connection, and silence
they actually put together and distributed a guide, in hopes of bringing legitimacy back to the practice
i helped by reviewing the guiding thoughts of his group, it really is very simple
in fact, i could do one for you right now!
sourceless
oh, where is the fun in it without the curl?
a crash of lightning and thunder shakes the zzepel
stupid
all right, why not? let us see how velzie has drawn my path!
other
haha! good!
all right, you just need to keep the connection open, as if you are thinking something to me...
but try not to think anything
stupid
think without thinking?
shall i grow a tail next?
other
i know it sounds silly, but it is possible! try focusing on the rain!
sourceless
oh, simple enough
i close my eyes as another of the carrier veilk's steps lands far below
there will not be another for a handful of θblinks, so it is a good time
the rain...
...
our connection is silent, but open - i can feel it still
there is something akin to a receptor curl in it, without the physical sensation
countless vague feelings overlapping, impossible to grasp the origin of any single one,
regret, happiness, the welling of laughter in my chest - though all distant, transient
they pass around me like the wind of the spirestorm
other
...
i think i did it right, but...
no--maybe i did it wrong
stupid
huh? come, tell me!
you cannot simply say that without sharing the result!!
other
heheh, well,
either velzie's gaze is fixed upon you, or i need to try again
it is like you have nothing but light and claws!
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")
Zuzucri
start
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream located'
sourceless
the silence of this dormant herd is almost too much
only the wind and thunder masks our slight movements as we draw closer to ███
it is by velzie's favor alone that she has survived out here so long... poor vel!!
she sits against her dull beacon in the little clearing, bleeding, surrounded by the two bodies of her running companions
it is fortunate that we found them while the eye still lights our path!
when I nearly enter the clearing, ██████ grabs my arm and pulls me back,
hiding us both from ███'s view around a juvenile veilk tendril
we speak silently, through the dullvoice:
stupid
what?
there is no threat of secri here
besides, how would one have deployed a beacon?
guard
just wait - take a closer look
the scent in the air...
it is not right
if she is here, why has she not received any of our calls?
sourceless
the scent of vel and kiv, two dead - exactly what we see... what is he worried about?
with a quick impulse, i instruct my vailka-borne aima cyst to peer around the side
███ is sitting a little strangely, perhaps with too large of a pack,
but from this side angle it is hard to tell
the wind shifts towards us, the trio's trails made more apparent
the vel's scent is strange, sickly, metallic...
stupid
you are right
stay here
prepare your dull-pulse, and keep it aimed on her
sourceless
i feel his affirmation through the dullvoice, and so i twist about,
calling out in my surface voice before i step into full view of ███,
stupid
███! is that you?
are you all right?
sourceless
a cloud passes between the eye and this veilk herd just as i see ███ turn towards me,
and while we are plunged into darkness, i feel a terrible dread
for i thought i saw her face split apart for an instant
but as it passes, she pushes herself to her feet,
face intact and spiraling receptors curled tight with worry
host
██████...?
please--do not look away
i will go away again
i just blinked... i blinked and they were all gone!!
i did not do anything! please!
sourceless
her arms and face are stained cyan with blood,
claws longer than they ought to be--more numerous than they should be...
a dark, angular shape is obscured behind her, barely visible over her shoulders
parts of it twist occasionally--alive!!
██████ communicates to me via dullvoice,
guard
██████ - she is lost
if there is one zuzucri here, there are others
preparing to release the pulse
sourceless
silently, as to not alert ███ that i have a companion,
i gesture for him to wait with a claw behind my back, and he obliges
though every nerve in my body commands me to flee,
i know - i must soothe ███, lest the beast stop wielding her mind
stupid
███, it is all right...
what happened?
sourceless
███ approaches, but her legs do not move, dragging against the soil
only as soon as the zuzucri notices my eyes upon her legs does she begin to walk with them
i raise one of my climbing gauntlets defensively, and she halts, bringing her claws to her eyes
she weeps, and my aima cyst detects movement in the dark shape behind her
a number of eyes blinking in unison, the true shape of the beast too hard to make out
host
sorry... sorry...
i know--i need to stay away
i do not know when it got me, or how long it has been...
i think it used my knowledge to activate their beacon, to bring you here
you must not let me return!!
and... and you cannot let me stay here
sourceless
though ██████ would undoubtedly prefer that we free her from her role,
i have an idea...
with some rummaging through my cloak, i produce that little mindcore that █████ granted me
it <em>was</em> for me, but if there is any chance we can save ███...
i offer it to her, arm outstretched, tilted away in case i must evade
the zuzucri will surely be appeased by my apparent acceptance of her
stupid
no, ███, it is OK!
just put this on your receptor, and we can help you
sourceless
she pulls her claws from her face, an extra one i had not noticed disappearing behind her back
her receptors uncurl with hope and delight, and in her face i more clearly see the zuzucri's facade
yes--split into four quadrants, occasionally parting to breathe... i nearly strike her then
but i wait, and she takes the mindcore, allowing me to step back further...
as she places it on a receptor, she...
no, wait, it does not part for her?
she brings it to her face, and it is clearly operational, but...
host
██████... it will not let me
stupid
ah...
sourceless
the corru, it does not recognize her...
velzie snatches away my hope once more, inspiration replaced with despair
just as i prepare to signal to ██████, her claws dig into the shell of the cyst,
and she begins to lunge it towards the sharp end of her receptor, sobbing
stupid
no, wait--!
sourceless
out of stupid impulse, i snatch that arm by the wrist
and as i do, her face splits apart, the zuzucri's hidden limbs rearing in the dark
its teeth linger only a receptor's length away
a terror i have never known grips me, my limbs silent and unable to recoil
guard
we're done - releasing pulse now
sourceless
a blinding flash beams between me and the beast, severing her mindcore-bearing claw
i have only a blink to scramble away, before--
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
RESPONSES::sys
return<+>END
EXEC::moveTo("/local/depths/")