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 GAZE 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
<span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████</span>, 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 WINKS...
AH--
SUDDENLY, THE COVER OF MY POD IS LIFTED
MY RECEPTORS COIL IN SHOCK, AND I COVER MY EYES FROM THE LIGHT
<span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">█████</span> PARTIALLY BLOCKS IT AS SHE LEERS AT ME
tired
this is not a joke, <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'derogatory';'incompetent fighter'">kelnit</span>
<span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">███████</span> has not returned
he is not responding on the <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">dullvoice</span> 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 jut 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
<span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████'s</span> <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'wide conical headwear';'surface camouflage'">VALIKA</span>-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 <span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████</span> BACKWARDS
stupid
relax!
the hard part is over
sourceless
HIS RECEPTORS POINT BACK IN DISAPPROVAL OF MY VOLUME
IN HIS <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'specialized volume management';'fast and enunciated'">SURFACE VOICE</span>, HE MURMURS BACK
guard
keep your eyes ahead
sourceless
DESPITE IT ALL, THERE IS A SENSE OF JOY IN <span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████'s</span> BRANCHED RECEPTORS, AND HE LAUGHS QUIETLY
I DO NOT MIND ESCORTING THESE <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'central cave-city';'revolution origin'">ZEVAZNI</SPAN>-ENABLED ELDERS THROUGH SURFACE DUTIES
THEIR FOUNDRIES HAVE BEEN PUTTING OUT TRULY REMARKABLE DEVICES - LIMB REPLACEMENTS, VALIKA-CONNECTED CYSTS...
I AM SURE <span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████</span> COULD HOLD HIS OWN NOW, EVEN IF A PREDATOR HAPPENED TO FIND US
I HEAR HIM MURMUR THROUGH THE <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">DULLVOICE</span> 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 jut...
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 <span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████'S</span> FUN, NOT OURS
<span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████'S</span> 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 <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'veilk parasite';'food'">CELKI</span>
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
<span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████'S</span> 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 <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'wide conical headwear';'surface camouflage'">VALIKA</span>, <span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">█████</span> 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 <span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">█████</span>!!!
hesitant
hi <span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████</span>!
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'S 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
<span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">█████</span> WRINGS HIS CLAWS NERVOUSLY, RECEPTORS SIMILARLY CURLING AWAY
hesitant
like i said... emergency
see, the <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'central cave-city';'revolution origin'">zevazni</span> foundry jut 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, <span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████</span>
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
<span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">█████</span> 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 <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'predator';'bladed arms';'cooked flesh goes well with zzoust'">guktik</span>'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...
<span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">█████</span> 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, <span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████</span>
this is <span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████</span> 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 DEATHLY 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/")
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 <span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">█████</span>
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
...
...
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
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
<span definition="ERROR::'missing entity'">██████</span>...
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/")
Moth Comment
let moth = "don't look at me lol"
if(env.currentDialogue.justChanged) moth = "anything else on your mind?"
if(check("secavik")) moth = "looks like it lost coherence once you pulled that memory from it"
Addendum
