The Olympian looks down at his blood-dried armor and instinctly knows he can make them look better. Theo casts Token Spell on his clothes/armor. In moments the blood and sweat magically disappear, leaving a fresh scent. The damage the armor took remains. "Sweet!"
Without sharing these thoughts they raise their heads. "We will come as well," they say. They do not say why, as they think of the place they were made into what they are.
Charles and Nissa are led up a path that circles Guardian Nine's estate. As they do, Guardian Nine, through the Communicator, gives you a sense of how many people live and work on the property to support him and his leadership in the study of the gates that dot this mostly dead world. He points out the estates of the other Guardians and identifies their purposes. Guardian One's purpose is the Provision of Food and Shelter to all. His estate is the largest. At the center of these hilltop estates that look over the entire island is another of the ancient buildings. This one is well-maintained, but plants have been allowed to cover it. It can only be accessed by one path and that path is guarded by two Guards. The Guardian nods at them and they nod back.
As Charles and Nissa make this walk, they are told, through the Communicator, that Legato, Henri, and Theo would be joining them very soon. They are also told that there was an incident and Theo is not allowed to touch or talk to anyone, but he is not being detained. The Guardian seems concerned and confused hearing this.
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Nissa lowers her head. “Oh, Dad…” The disappointment in her tone overcompensates for the lack of surprise. Her glowing skin reddens at the cheeks.
The Healers, through the Communicator, tell Legato, Theo, and Henri that the Guardian would like to see them now, come on, get dressed, let's go, the Guardian is waiting.
As Charles and Nissa make this walk, they are told, through the Communicator, that Legato, Henri, and Theo would be joining them very soon. They are also told that there was an incident and Theo is not allowed to touch or talk to anyone, but he is not being detained. The Guardian seems concerned and confused hearing this.
Nissa lowers her head. “Oh, Dad…” The disappointment in her tone overcompensates for the lack of surprise. Her glowing skin reddens at the cheeks.
Theo, trying not to make a bad situation worse for once, silently pleads with his daughter, to no avail.
The Healers, through the Communicator, tell Legato, Theo, and Henri that the Guardian would like to see them now, come on, get dressed, let's go, the Guardian is waiting.
Theo looks to the Communicators, mentally asking about his Healer and if she's alright, and if he could see her again.
Nissa lowers her head. “Oh, Dad…” The disappointment in her tone overcompensates for the lack of surprise. Her glowing skin reddens at the cheeks.Theo, trying not to make a bad situation worse for once, silently pleads with his daughter, to no avail.
Nissa pats his hand. “We can talk later, on a world where you’re not under a gag order.”
Theo’s gonna Theo.
Legato wakes up fully and heads out. He starts to attempt to pocket another fruit attempt but gives up figuring maybe they sense intention or some such.
"All Y'all are great for writing prompts. "The bronzed demi god's disco party" Should be fun."
Charles eye Theo reproachfully with three pairs of eyes as he approaches. They say nothing aloud, however.
Theo looks to the Communicators, mentally asking about his Healer and if she's alright, and if he could see her again.
Guardian Nine greets Theo, Henri, Legato, and the second Communicator when they arrive at the ancient domed building where Charles and Nissa wait. The not much bigger than a hut stands on the top of the island's central hill. The view of the island and the surrounding waters is blocked only by the small trees that cover the hilltop and brush against the building.
The Guardian addresses the elephant in the room, saying words in her own language, which the Communicator translates into meanings in your heads, "One of our Healers received unusual feedback during one of the treatments and may be unwell. While the experience was extremely pleasant for her, she had some hallucinations, and we are concerned about her mental well-being. She is meditating now under supervision."
She gives Theo a look that, while not angry, says she will be watching him closely. "I think it unwise to overreact or assume any bad intent on your part. From what I have heard from the Minder you rescued, you have powers that no one on Utopia has yet been born with. If you had bad intentions, you could probably realize them without subterfuge."
She gestures toward the small domed building and a small hatch beside the door slides open revealing a pad shaped like a hand. She places her hand onto it and winces. The doors open. You recognize the interior, it's another ancient elevator. This one is spotless though. The ancient metal shines, either lovingly polished or resurfaced. She removes her hand from the pad and a small trace of blood disappears into the metal. "Almost every person on Utopia passes this way only twice, once when they are born and again when they die. Few see it otherwise. Among those who worship those-who-came-before, this is a sacred place. For all of us, it is a place of fear and reverence. I will show you the heart of Utopia, the artifact that births us. Perhaps you can give us some insight."
Charles' sword thrums ever so gently.
She pays the price of blood…
Nissa wonders if L.C. or even some of her present teammates would understand how the machine works from what is observed here.
She flutters into the elevator, eagerly anticipating a mechanized miracle.
The Guardian addresses the elephant in the room, saying words in her own language, which the Communicator translates into meanings in your heads, "One of our Healers received unusual feedback during one of the treatments and may be unwell. While the experience was extremely pleasant for her, she had some hallucinations, and we are concerned about her mental well-being. She is meditating now under supervision."
She gives Theo a look that, while not angry, says she will be watching him closely. "I think it unwise to overreact or assume any bad intent on your part. From what I have heard from the Minder you rescued, you have powers that no one on Utopia has yet been born with. If you had bad intentions, you could probably realize them without subterfuge."
Theo steps forward, looking straight at The Guardian. "I want to see her. Believe me, I mean her no harm."
The godling adds, "My Healer was able to unlock something powerful deep inside me. I need to thank her, and set her mind at ease. Maybe answer any questions she has. Please."
The Guardian addresses the elephant in the room, saying words in her own language, which the Communicator translates into meanings in your heads, "One of our Healers received unusual feedback during one of the treatments and may be unwell. While the experience was extremely pleasant for her, she had some hallucinations, and we are concerned about her mental well-being. She is meditating now under supervision."
She gives Theo a look that, while not angry, says she will be watching him closely. "I think it unwise to overreact or assume any bad intent on your part. From what I have heard from the Minder you rescued, you have powers that no one on Utopia has yet been born with. If you had bad intentions, you could probably realize them without subterfuge."
Theo steps forward, looking straight at The Guardian. "I want to see her. Believe me, I mean her no harm."
The godling adds, "My Healer was able to unlock something powerful deep inside me. I need to thank her, and set her mind at ease. Maybe answer any questions she has. Please."
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20 + 17
"After her meditation, we will ask her if she wishes to see you again and under what circumstances. Healing is an intimate process and our Healers always have the right to refuse to heal someone or meet with a patient, particularly if it causes them to lose their composure," says Guardian Nine.
Since the Communicator is translating these into your thoughts rather directly, the exact linguistic form may vary. Nissa may have heard "lose their composure" but Theo might have heard "lose it" or "mess with their chill" or something else. Whatever words you would think it in, are the words you receive it in.
”For what it is worth, Guardian, I can attest that Theo tells the truth. From the perspective of a scientist, I can say that while the Healer probably felt something more intense, everyone in the room felt the power that the Healer unlocked. That is not something that Theo has done before in my experience.”
He is still observing, learning as much as possible from the culture and environment.
Intimate process… she lost her composure. Wait—
“This is very interesting, Miss Guardian. I’m no longer of the flesh, exactly, but on my world—and most—that I’ve been to anyway—making a baby is an intimate process. Y’know, if one lover is male and another is female. Male-female isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
“—heh, but what I mean to ask is if sexual reproduction exists on your world, or if only the machine brings you children.”
And she thinks, hoping her more embarrassing question is picked up telepathically.
And well you see, even on my 21st birthday, we weren’t exactly Girls Gone Wild—which is kinda great because now I’m like just shy of three inches tall and, y’know? Our connection is based on feelings, so maybe she’s gonna be okay with my new me.
But… what if she’s disappointed that I’m like this. What if she’s ready for the physical stuff. Not like it’ll be our first time, just… work is really busy and we just—the details aren’t important.
How???
Seriously how? Can a Lover or whatever title the Sex Lady holds—can she tell me how my girlfriend and I can… y’know? Like, what would be fun for her with me? Not that I’ll cheat on L.C. I just need ideas from the taller woman’s perspective… later of course.
Witnessing the birth is the important thing now!::
Nissa is silent for a looooooong time. But her sunspot eyes shift nervously. Her eyes seem to roam Guardian Nine’s body, she blushes furiously all over until her flesh is pinkish-red—leaving only her hair and sundress yellow, along with a molten gold tear forming… followed by another.
Charles bow to the Guardian as they open the way. "We will treat this opportunity with care, recognizing the importance of this place," they say.
They say nothing just now of the Sword of Truth, but they pay attention to its reaction. They watch to see if there is anything portal-like in the area as they enter.
"While Theo is not as obvious about it as we are, he also has some... unusual elements to his ancestry," Charles comments after Theo speaks. "Our guess would be that this occurance is related to this."
"Is there any reason you would need answer questions in person if the Healer does not wish to speak with you directly?" they ask Theo at the same time.
Legato tries to stiffle a laugh and avoid the sheer second hand embaressment he feels for some of these situations so far. "Magic loves being dramtaic, and it has a taste for the handsome or the dark. " Giving a bit of a shrug and steps into the new area when prompted "I sure don't know much about portal hoppin. But in lieu of a rooster in the hen house party. Should be interesting here."
”For what it is worth, Guardian, I can attest that Theo tells the truth. From the perspective of a scientist, I can say that while the Healer probably felt something more intense, everyone in the room felt the power that the Healer unlocked. That is not something that Theo has done before in my experience.”
He is still observing, learning as much as possible from the culture and environment.
"As a Guardian, my primary task is rendering good judgements about the matters before me. I'd like to think my judgement of people is particularly good. I trust all of you," says the Guardian through the Communicator. When she speaks through the Communicator, you can feel her trust as she says it. The Communicator, who usually spends days trying to help Utopians improve their relationships, is quite happy to be doing something more interesting today; you can feel his excitement leaking through as well.
The elevator descends.
Charles' sword thrums progressively harder.
Intimate process… she lost her composure. Wait—
“This is very interesting, Miss Guardian. I’m no longer of the flesh, exactly, but on my world—and most—that I’ve been to anyway—making a baby is an intimate process. Y’know, if one lover is male and another is female. Male-female isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
“—heh, but what I mean to ask is if sexual reproduction exists on your world, or if only the machine brings you children.”
And she thinks, hoping her more embarrassing question is picked up telepathically.
** spoiler omitted **
Nissa is silent for a looooooong time. But her sunspot eyes shift nervously. Her eyes seem to roam Guardian Nine’s body, she blushes furiously all over until her flesh is pinkish-red—leaving only her hair and sundress yellow, along with a molten gold tear forming… followed by another.
"We understand the process of sexual reproduction and believe our bodies, in theory, to be capable of it. We've tried. In fact, all of our adults are legally obliged to try at least once a month, but few need to be reminded. We are not overly concerned about the gender of the partners, do you think that is a significant factor in the process?" asks the Guardian. She seems amused, but it is unclear if she is joking. She doesn't seem to be joking when she say, "The Lovers often tutor single people and couples in the arts of love. Perhaps if you brought this LJ here, you could borrow one for an evening."
The elevator descends.
Charles' sword practically jumps out of its sheath a few times, but the elevator continues without stopping.
Blushing furiously, Nissa lights up the entire elevator like a tiny Red Dwarf.
She doesn’t correct the mistranslation of her girlfriend’s initials. And telepathically she says she’ll consider the offer should L.C. join her on a return trip to this world.
Despite the embarrassing conversation having been blurted aloud by the communicator, Nissa also trusts the people here. Being born with a single purpose—and genetically engineered to devote your life to that purpose—is tragic to Nissa, but the people are so beautiful she wishes she could grow to her old size just to hug them.
Thoughts of this help her gradually revert her hue to its proper golden yellow.
The elevator stops and opens revealing a huge chamber constructed inside the mountain. On three of the walls, box-like dwellings are stacked four high, all the way to the ceiling with ladders connecting them. Other buildings have been constructed within the space. Tubes and buckets hang from the ceiling under glowing lights. 80 foot long rolling ladders reach up towards the ceiling.
"This is where our civilization was born and, perhaps, where the one that came before died," says Guardian Nine.
Lit by a handful of lanterns a tall, handsome man beckons Guardian Nine with one finger; he is surrounded by a small entourage. "Guardian Four," explains Guardian Nine, "He overseas these chambers and registers each birth."
She briefly acknowledges Guardian Four. “Thank you for inviting us in,” she says softly.
Her interest is piqued by her surroundings—including some strange words that are almost decipherable.
“I don’t quite know the language,” she says, pointing out some signs and even some graffiti. “But it may have some Atlantean roots.”
"We understand the process of sexual reproduction and believe our bodies, in theory, to be capable of it. We've tried. In fact, all of our adults are legally obliged to try at least once a month, but few need to be reminded. We are not overly concerned about the gender of the partners, do you think that is a significant factor in the process?" asks the Guardian. She seems amused, but it is unclear if she is joking. She doesn't seem to be joking when she say, "The Lovers often tutor single people and couples in the arts of love. Perhaps if you brought this LJ here, you could borrow one for an evening."
The discussion of 'sex' breaks Theo out of his Love-Funk. "Weeell, if you all need an new infusion into the gene pool...well..", The Olympian looks innocently at his daughter. "I could be persuaded..eh..to..spend a day..helping usher in a newer, healthier generation..?"
"I'd concur, Nissa. That is most definitely Atlantean script."
She briefly acknowledges Guardian Four. “Thank you for inviting us in,” she says softly.
Her interest is piqued by her surroundings—including some strange words that are almost decipherable.
[dice=Culture]d20+12+d6
“I don’t quite know the language,” she says, pointing out some signs and even some graffiti. “But it may have some Atlantean roots.”
[spoiler]
With that roll, Nissa can tell that the writing system is Atlantean, but it was used to write a language that wasn't. Some new letters could indicate sounds that aren't part of Atlantean. The only words she recognizes are on a plaque 'generosity,' which, in Atlantean, carries the meaning of 'hopeful investment' as well as the meaning of 'waste.' Quite near it the words Nissa can make out 'of the people of the Moro'. The whole phrase could translate as 'the very ADJECTIVE generosity of the Morovians'.With that roll, Nissa also would remember that Atlanteans colonized thousands of worlds and spread their language, culture, and writing throughout these worlds. She would also know that the Atlantean writing system was, like all Atlantean technology, stolen. As is Atlantean custom, they cannot remember who they stole it from.[/spoiler
“No… wait, Dad. I got it backwards. The Atlanteans steal everything—” She flits to the plaque, pointing to a strange word that she Anglicizes: “—Morovians! The people of Moro created this.
“We should tell Pah.” Nissa turns to Guardian Nine and explains, “We may have a connection to people who may understand your technology.”
Henri continues to watch and note and consider.
Traveling through Realities, a very handsome blonde man with short hair, pure-white wings, and wearing a simple white toga flies in on his next quarry.
"Theo Nephus. A.K.A. 'The Olympian'", Eros chuckles, conferring with a long scroll of parchment. "Oh, that's adorable! Wow! He's a Long Way from home. Let's see. Oh. Another one of Zeus's godlings, eh? Boy, you really can find them everywhere, can't you?"
Love's Messenger tilts his wings and enters another scene, trapped in-between seconds. Ero's quarry, Theo Nephus, has locked eyes with a beautiful woman being led away by other similarly dressed women. They look like oracles, Eros thought.
"Hmm. What's the resolution on this job?" Eros again speak to no one in particular as he examines further down the scroll. "OH!" The minor God of Love winced. "ZEUS! Poor bastard. Particularly true in this instance. Oh well. Job's a job."
The scroll disappears in sparkling dust to be replaced with a powerful looking bow and arrow, both instruments adorn with various heart motiffs. Eros drawn the bow back, aiming straight at Theo's chest, then makes a quick adjustment. "Left ventricle...AND..."
The heart-laded arrow enters Theo's chest soundlessly, going through his armor as if it wasn't there. The arrow takes immediate effect, as Theo's irises take on a momentary heart shape until retracting back to a perfect circle.
"And done" Eros says with a finality of a job well done for millennia. The bow disappears in sparkling dust to be replaced by the scroll once more.
"Ooookay. Who's Next?"
Charles look around warily at the complex. They note the hydroponics.
"Food was once grown in here. Perhaps before the surface was prepared for habitation?" they theorize.
"People we're not sure to trust," Charles interjects after Nissa's comment. "Pah treats us well, but do we know how good he is at keeping secrets? What would happen if some of the other Atlanteans heard about this?"
Henri continues to watch and note and consider.
[dice=Life Sciences]1d20 + 14
[dice=Engineering]1d20 + 14
“No… wait, Dad. I got it backwards. The Atlanteans steal everything—” She flits to the plaque, pointing to a strange word that she Anglicizes: “—Morovians! The people of Moro created this.
“We should tell Pah.” Nissa turns to Guardian Nine and explains, “We may have a connection to people who may understand your technology.”
"I could show you similar writing on one of the gates upstairs," says Guardian Nine.
"It will have to be later," says Guardian Four, "It is time for the birth."
Guardian Four turns to Guardian Nine, "It is acceptable that you brought them, considering how they might provide insight into the mysteries entrusted to you, but the birth cannot be delayed. Mother Utopia waits for no one."
He gestures and his entourage turn and start to hike alongside a piece of non-functioning equipment that looks like it might have once been a form of transportation across the cavern. The birthing chamber is a two minute walk from the elevator. The cavern and its no longer used structures continue further still. The place is huge.
Nissa tries not to bring up any (more) controversial topics. Utopia/Moro(via?) is an interesting world, and while being assigned a career at birth seems oppressive… there isn’t an actual oppressor to thwart. There is only the machine, and to shut it down when Guardian Nine has hope for another way…
That would be oppression.
Charles is right that Atlanteans can’t be trusted too easily. Saving this world isn’t profitable, or shouldn’t be. But they definitely OWE the people their technology back, if by stealing it, they caused this world to die.
This world… and how many people with it?
"Perhaps we can look after the birth," Charles suggest.
They frown. They feel... something. A tension, a tingling... something because of so many portals in the near area? The Sword of Truth had reacted so strongly on the way down...
Henri studies the equipment as they pass by, trying to determine if it might be possible to bring it back on-line. He suspects a close inspection will require permission, so he settles for looking for obvious damage as opposed to years of neglect.
Legato simple whistles and follows along, pondering how awkward this is. Pausing a whistle for a moment. "Is Missy Utopia like any of you, like us.Fleshy, Hungry. Or sometin else?" Pondering if they're like Ants or like humans.
Guardian Four opens a door by touching a metal pad shaped like a human hand. The surface is briefly red when he removes his hand. The large door opens with a whish. Down a short corridor and you find yourself in a balcony looking down on the 'birthing chamber.'.Guardian Four says, "Stay here." and continues on to a set of stairs descending into the chamber. You can see well from the balcony.
The room is huge and warm. The walls glow in places, warming the room. It is lit softly, but not dimly. A melodious singing voice comes from everywhere and nowhere. In dozens of places, the walls are decorated with the shape of a smiling matronly figure. Her features are simple and crude but it seems intentional. There are eggs everywhere. They look more like young eggplants than eggs. Eggs don't have long stems connecting them to a stalk. These white sacks do. A thick white fleshy vine grows out of one wall of the large chamber. From it spread smaller white vines, that split and split again. At the end of each vine is a large white fleshy egg.
Four of the Utopians stand around one of the eggs. They bow quickly but respectfully go Guardian Four as he enters. One of them says something and he joins them.
Henri studies the equipment as they pass by, trying to determine if it might be possible to bring it back on-line. He suspects a close inspection will require permission, so he settles for looking for obvious damage as opposed to years of neglect.
The functioning technology often seems like it is only being kept functioning by luck and the hopeful patches made by a people that don't understand it. Henri may not know how the technology works, but he can tell the people maintaining it don't either.
Charles look about for a moment, noting the odd machinery. It wasn't like what PhDestruction had in his lab, from their fracture memories. Rather it reminded them uncomfortably of Void...
A shudder runs down their body, and a great weariness suddenly assails them. They realize what the tingling earlier presaged.
"We must go!" they suddenly shout.
They turn and run back towards the elevator. Another shudder makes them stumble. They can barely keep their eyes open. They see their goal up ahead...
They do not reach it. Charles stumble over their own feet, crashing to the ground and sliding forward slightly, coming to a stop a few yards from the elevator door as their eyes shut. And they begin to change...
As the presentation from the balcony Legato just states under his breath. "So that's a no then.".
As charles turns and runs Legato watches briefly and then looks to Charles' friends in confusion pointing towards where Charles crashes.
Nissa grimaces as Charles seems to panic? Rage? Maybe for good reason but…
Nissa’s warm glow and calmness hopefully resonates with the guardians.
“Charles… these people are victims, not villains. And we are their guests in a place that is sacred to them. Please remain calm.”
She telepathically assures the Morovians that no one is in danger. She genuinely believes this, but is concerned that Charles is reacting this way.
The o walks over and helps Charles back to his feet.
Henri begins to say, "I recognize some of," but Charles' outburst stops him cold. He looks at Nissa with some alarm.
Nissa sees Henri’s look—and Theo helping Charles—and Charles changing…!
She considers her own flesh-body heating, Theo’s literal after-glow, and now Charles. And the timing of it all.
Gaia’s bite must have awakened something inside all of our bodies. Henri wasn’t penetrated by her… was Legato?
Charles lie unresponsive on the floor, a half-ton mass of armored chimera. Their only movement is their slow breathing and the occasional shudder that travels down their body from tail to heads.
Nissa whispers to Henri, “I think Charles is undergoing another metamorphosis.”
She is momentarily torn—wanting to witness the birth, wanting to support her friend… but really, there’s nothing she can do for him at the moment. And it will be a slap in the face to the Morovians if not one guest witnesses the birth.
“I don’t have the ability to help him, even in a medical emergency. If none of us witness the birth, that will insult our hosts. I’ll stay by the rail.”
And despite her minuscule new form, Nissa knows how the right pose, the right expression, the right framing within a scene sets the mood.
Birth is beautiful. Charles’ changes are beautiful. And my new body?
…still got it!
Holding the unconscious Charles, Theo looks to his daughter.
"I don't know if it will help, but it wouldn't hurt."
The Olympian closes his eyes, sets his mind in focus as a channel of energy radiates from his body.
Nissa is trying to look beautiful and fully attentive for the sake of the Morovians. But her sunspot eyes glance back as Theo creates a wave of healing light.
If Theo opens his eyes in time, he might catch his little girl beaming with pride.
Charles succumbs once again to the overwhelming drain on his energy these transformations pose and he does so, inconveniently, far enough away from the birthing chamber that you cannot participate in both watching Charles and watching the birth.
"Please! They're about to give birth," the Communicator thinks to you. "At first Guardian Four didn't want you here and now he's offended you aren't here. Please."
It's not clear if she is conveying this message on behalf of herself or Guardian Nine.
"Quickly!"
Roll for Initiative to make it back to the room and witness the miracle of childbirth, Utopian style. Or don't.
Nissa is at the rail looking beautiful because that’s a goddess-approved habit. She calls to the others, “The baby is coming!”
Henri never left Nissa's side. With a concerned glance back at the others, he steps up to the rail, more interested than he cares to admit in what was about to transpire.