First of all, I would like to thank everyone who reads our story for their support. The ages of Myst and all that followed have been an incredible source of inspiration throughout my life and I have been happy to give back through this project. For a universe with infinite possibilities and a community that revels in those details, this project has been a labor of love.
That said, we are going on a brief hiatus. For those who didn't see our announcement over at the Guild of Messengers, be sure we are not resting on our laurels. During this break we will be working to further develop our story. Volume 1 of our second story is complete, but there is much to be told. We hope you stick with us as we strive to bring you the best story we can.
This break will also give us time to complete work on our anticipated TCaB: KI Logs project where we have polished our earlier material for publication in PDF format as The Cleft and Below: The Third Journeyer. We hope the re-release of our first story arc will be well received by those who have been with us from the beginning as well as being a portal for those who are looking to join our adventure.
Lastly, we hope to host TCaB Live! some time this summer. For those who do not know, TCaB Live! is the title of our live reading of the story so far. It is our wish to bring life to The Third Journeyer in a Kirel near you. Watch the MOULa forums for more information as this develops.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Mark Loren - Aftermath
Gahreesen was empty; save Eric, Steven and myself. Just minutes ago the second building had been packed with explorers. They quickly disbanded after the Wall race. The discovery in the Maintainer's nexus was kept silent. Artus and I related the finding to Steven once the crowd had dispersed.
Artus didn't stick around. He looked sick. He was uncharacteristically quiet as we waited for Steven to return with Eric. I expected him to brag; it had been a close race, but he remained nauseatingly silent. I turned to him trying to think of the right words. I wanted to say something to break the cold silence of Gahreesen.
He finally spoke. "I… I gotta go." He reltoed. Steven and Eric returned moments later.
"Is it true?" Eric asked. There was something boiling under his skin.
"Yeah, I was with him when we found it.". I tried to read his expression. "You just missed him."
Steven opened his KI and studied the image I had sent him. "This is far more elaborate than what we saw before in Eder Gira.”
"Listen to me." Eric's voice trembled as he spoke. "This is just a sick joke. It was Artus."
“What are you talking about?" Steven was trying to be patient. "You saw his reaction when Torri found the symbol in Eder Gira. We asked him then if he had planted the symbol. He didn't plant it; and don’t forget: he was as scared as Torri. He couldn’t stop shaking." Steven responded.
Eric’s eyes tightened as he brought the palm of his hand to his forehead. “Can’t you see, it was just an act!"
"How can you be so sure, Eric?” I said. “There’s no way he could have planted the symbol in the Maintainer’s Nexus.” I looked around. “He would have had to sneak through the Maintainer’s Tube, up the Wall, and linked into the Maintainer’s Nexus without you, Steven, myself or any of the dozens of other explorers who gathered noticing.”
Eric started walking. “If he did this I'll make him confess." Eric walked out of the equipment room; the mechanisms of the heavy doors hissed and moved aside. “Torri deserves better than this. We deserve better than this.” He left and the doors closed behind him.
A quick look to Steven mirrored my thoughts exactly. When we caught up with Eric, he was already on the outer platform of Gahreesen; waiting for the rotation to reach the Yeesha cloth. "Wait a minute. Lets just cool off for a moment” He stopped. “If you’re right, then I want to get to the bottom of this as much as anyone else.” I paused. “But if you’re wrong,” Eric looked back at me. “If you’re wrong, there could be something else happening. Whether it be a prank, or who knows what, we need to consider all the possibilities.
“At the very least, He could have stayed to straighten things out.” Eric was understandably frustrated. “Now I don’t know what to think.” After a brief silence he linked out and soon after Steven and I went our separate ways.
I walked to the edge of the walkway and sat letting my legs dangle. It had been a long day. Laying back I stared into the Gahreesen sky. The pale gray blue of the sky was partially obscured by cloud cover. I closed my eyes and listened to the low rumble of the turning buildings, the sound of water below and the sounds of wildlife around me. There was a lot to think about.
I opened my KI to review the image I had taken earlier. Steven was right: it was far more elaborate than the one we found in Eder Gira. Apart from that, this image had been projected from the panel, meaning, whoever was responsible must have manipulated the lattice somehow. I returned to the image and lost myself in the design.
My KI flashed, shaking me out of my study. It was a message from Flora.
I stood up; linked to Relto; and to the Nexus. As I navigated the panel before me I could see the cavern populations fluctuating across regions. Ae’gura was dropping in numbers. The Watcher’s Pub was filling up. I made my selection, called the book, and linked.
The nexus swirled and faded giving way to cold lighting of blue and yellow stone. The Watcher’s pub was indeed full of people. My focus was drawn to a pair of explorers: one sitting on the shoulders of the other to see the center of the room. I looked around. Flora found me and lead me around to the crowd and up the stairs for a clear view.
As we moved through the crowd she spoke, but her voice was drowned out by the other voices. She pulled me beside her after climbing the stairs to the first landing. Only then did I catch her words. “Something is happening in this cavern.” She was certain, only stating it to see if I agreed. I looked away from her and finally to what had drawn so many people
I opened my KI to the image I had taken in the the Maintainer’s Nexus earlier that day. I showed it to her. I nodded. “The symbols match.”
Artus didn't stick around. He looked sick. He was uncharacteristically quiet as we waited for Steven to return with Eric. I expected him to brag; it had been a close race, but he remained nauseatingly silent. I turned to him trying to think of the right words. I wanted to say something to break the cold silence of Gahreesen.
He finally spoke. "I… I gotta go." He reltoed. Steven and Eric returned moments later.
"Is it true?" Eric asked. There was something boiling under his skin.
"Yeah, I was with him when we found it.". I tried to read his expression. "You just missed him."
Steven opened his KI and studied the image I had sent him. "This is far more elaborate than what we saw before in Eder Gira.”
"Listen to me." Eric's voice trembled as he spoke. "This is just a sick joke. It was Artus."
“What are you talking about?" Steven was trying to be patient. "You saw his reaction when Torri found the symbol in Eder Gira. We asked him then if he had planted the symbol. He didn't plant it; and don’t forget: he was as scared as Torri. He couldn’t stop shaking." Steven responded.
Eric’s eyes tightened as he brought the palm of his hand to his forehead. “Can’t you see, it was just an act!"
"How can you be so sure, Eric?” I said. “There’s no way he could have planted the symbol in the Maintainer’s Nexus.” I looked around. “He would have had to sneak through the Maintainer’s Tube, up the Wall, and linked into the Maintainer’s Nexus without you, Steven, myself or any of the dozens of other explorers who gathered noticing.”
Eric started walking. “If he did this I'll make him confess." Eric walked out of the equipment room; the mechanisms of the heavy doors hissed and moved aside. “Torri deserves better than this. We deserve better than this.” He left and the doors closed behind him.
A quick look to Steven mirrored my thoughts exactly. When we caught up with Eric, he was already on the outer platform of Gahreesen; waiting for the rotation to reach the Yeesha cloth. "Wait a minute. Lets just cool off for a moment” He stopped. “If you’re right, then I want to get to the bottom of this as much as anyone else.” I paused. “But if you’re wrong,” Eric looked back at me. “If you’re wrong, there could be something else happening. Whether it be a prank, or who knows what, we need to consider all the possibilities.
“At the very least, He could have stayed to straighten things out.” Eric was understandably frustrated. “Now I don’t know what to think.” After a brief silence he linked out and soon after Steven and I went our separate ways.
I walked to the edge of the walkway and sat letting my legs dangle. It had been a long day. Laying back I stared into the Gahreesen sky. The pale gray blue of the sky was partially obscured by cloud cover. I closed my eyes and listened to the low rumble of the turning buildings, the sound of water below and the sounds of wildlife around me. There was a lot to think about.
I opened my KI to review the image I had taken earlier. Steven was right: it was far more elaborate than the one we found in Eder Gira. Apart from that, this image had been projected from the panel, meaning, whoever was responsible must have manipulated the lattice somehow. I returned to the image and lost myself in the design.
My KI flashed, shaking me out of my study. It was a message from Flora.
Hurry to the Watcher’s Pub. They may shut down the link soon.
I stood up; linked to Relto; and to the Nexus. As I navigated the panel before me I could see the cavern populations fluctuating across regions. Ae’gura was dropping in numbers. The Watcher’s Pub was filling up. I made my selection, called the book, and linked.
The nexus swirled and faded giving way to cold lighting of blue and yellow stone. The Watcher’s pub was indeed full of people. My focus was drawn to a pair of explorers: one sitting on the shoulders of the other to see the center of the room. I looked around. Flora found me and lead me around to the crowd and up the stairs for a clear view.
As we moved through the crowd she spoke, but her voice was drowned out by the other voices. She pulled me beside her after climbing the stairs to the first landing. Only then did I catch her words. “Something is happening in this cavern.” She was certain, only stating it to see if I agreed. I looked away from her and finally to what had drawn so many people
I opened my KI to the image I had taken in the the Maintainer’s Nexus earlier that day. I showed it to her. I nodded. “The symbols match.”
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Jessie Pollick - Kahlo
Jessie Pollock seemed unreasonably calm as we waited for the signal. I couldn't help but continually check my KI. The plan was not without faults. D'veetah was a wild card and one that we would need to keep an eye on. If she suspected our intentions there is no doubt she would throw a wrench into our plan.
I opened my KI. There was the message from David Farewell. He wouldn't be joining us, but would be working behind the scenes. I wasn't sure how he planed to facilitate the necessary distraction if he wasn't here. Perhaps it was better this way. One thing less to draw D'veeta's suspicion.
"Any idea what he has planned?" I asked. We were seated at a table in Kahlo pub. Jessie Pollick leaned back and gazed at the light shining through the hole in the ceiling behind him.
"He said we'd know it when we see it." How was he so calm? My own curiosity brought me here, but surely his motivations were stronger; and yet, he seemed to be somewhere else.
Voices came from down the hall and entered the pub. Five explorers congregated around the bar and began conversing along with the occasional drink order. "You'll know it when you see it.” I took a deep breath. “I hope They notice it too.”
The gathering behind us swelled with laughter and before long the five had grown to ten and then twenty. Who knew Kahlo had become such a popular hangout? It would be rude not to mingle; if we were to wait, might as well try to relax. Jessie Pollick was blending in easily enough. I guess he needed to get out more than I did; after all, he had been exploring this mystery longer than either of us.
Music began streaming into the pub. A D'niJ had set up by the store room and was well on her way to getting the crowd dancing.
The D'niJ took a break after her five song set and spoke over the PA to the gathered explorers. "Lemme tell you: you've been awesome tonight. To the guy in the back: keep that funky Bahro boogie going." The crowd laughed. "Up next I'm gonna slow things down before we get heated up again." A few wayward cheers. "D'ni. You rock.”
I crossed the crowd finding Jessie Pollick leaning against one of the great fallen stones that cut off the pub from the back. He cut his conversation short and walked to me. "This is part one." What? My look of confusion led him to elaborate. "Explorers will be drawn here, but the ResEng..."
Beat. I got it. "David Farwell?"
Jessie Pollick nodded and we walked toward the exit. "We'll leave the explorers to their gathering."
"Part one, eh?" I mused as we walked down the hall toward the Great stair. "Then, part two should begin any minute now."
We stood at the landing looking down the stairs to Takotah II and the docks beyond. The ResEng sat by his tent working in his KI. They always seemed preoccupied with their KIs. I checked my KI again. David Farwell was in his Bevin. What exactly was he planning?
Two ResEngs emerged from the building and spoke with the one at the tent who jumped to his feet. They ran down the stairs toward the docks. Jessie Pollick rapped his knuckles on the railing. "That's our cue.” He vaulted over the rail and jogged toward the unguarded Takotah.
I followed. Jessie was already inside the building by the time I reached the tent. What could have drawn the ResEngs so quickly? I peered over the rail toward the dock. The three ResEngs surrounded a flickering hologram that seemed to be speaking to someone not present. Kakhki pants and a blue vest. It was Dr Watson! I turned and hurried into the building.
I opened my KI. There was the message from David Farewell. He wouldn't be joining us, but would be working behind the scenes. I wasn't sure how he planed to facilitate the necessary distraction if he wasn't here. Perhaps it was better this way. One thing less to draw D'veeta's suspicion.
"Any idea what he has planned?" I asked. We were seated at a table in Kahlo pub. Jessie Pollick leaned back and gazed at the light shining through the hole in the ceiling behind him.
"He said we'd know it when we see it." How was he so calm? My own curiosity brought me here, but surely his motivations were stronger; and yet, he seemed to be somewhere else.
Voices came from down the hall and entered the pub. Five explorers congregated around the bar and began conversing along with the occasional drink order. "You'll know it when you see it.” I took a deep breath. “I hope They notice it too.”
The gathering behind us swelled with laughter and before long the five had grown to ten and then twenty. Who knew Kahlo had become such a popular hangout? It would be rude not to mingle; if we were to wait, might as well try to relax. Jessie Pollick was blending in easily enough. I guess he needed to get out more than I did; after all, he had been exploring this mystery longer than either of us.
Music began streaming into the pub. A D'niJ had set up by the store room and was well on her way to getting the crowd dancing.
“Ill wind blows the road to go. How many times we've told you so
No rhyme or reason. No way to make it easy 'til it's done
So you cross onto the other side of the street
Should know better but you keep turning up the heat”
The D'niJ took a break after her five song set and spoke over the PA to the gathered explorers. "Lemme tell you: you've been awesome tonight. To the guy in the back: keep that funky Bahro boogie going." The crowd laughed. "Up next I'm gonna slow things down before we get heated up again." A few wayward cheers. "D'ni. You rock.”
I crossed the crowd finding Jessie Pollick leaning against one of the great fallen stones that cut off the pub from the back. He cut his conversation short and walked to me. "This is part one." What? My look of confusion led him to elaborate. "Explorers will be drawn here, but the ResEng..."
Beat. I got it. "David Farwell?"
Jessie Pollick nodded and we walked toward the exit. "We'll leave the explorers to their gathering."
"Part one, eh?" I mused as we walked down the hall toward the Great stair. "Then, part two should begin any minute now."
We stood at the landing looking down the stairs to Takotah II and the docks beyond. The ResEng sat by his tent working in his KI. They always seemed preoccupied with their KIs. I checked my KI again. David Farwell was in his Bevin. What exactly was he planning?
Two ResEngs emerged from the building and spoke with the one at the tent who jumped to his feet. They ran down the stairs toward the docks. Jessie Pollick rapped his knuckles on the railing. "That's our cue.” He vaulted over the rail and jogged toward the unguarded Takotah.
I followed. Jessie was already inside the building by the time I reached the tent. What could have drawn the ResEngs so quickly? I peered over the rail toward the dock. The three ResEngs surrounded a flickering hologram that seemed to be speaking to someone not present. Kakhki pants and a blue vest. It was Dr Watson! I turned and hurried into the building.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Mark Loren - The Wall
“Are you sure we all have to wear these suits?” Eric Gibson looked rather uncomfortable in hismaintainer's suit. He struggled with the helmet and took a deep breath once he got it off.
“Aww, come on.” Vinsce walked into the room from the hallway. “It’s all in the spirit of fun.” He donned his helmet and walked into the Maintainer’s Tube.
Eric scoffed. “Can you believe this guy?” Eric set his helmet on the relic maintainer’s suit before heading toward the console in the training room. I still needed to suit up.
I walked out of the equipment room and took a left toward the other training room. The heavy stone that made up the hallways maintained the silence that grew after The Fall. Even after being host to countless explorers the silence of these halls could not be touched.
"Mark." I looked up to see Flora stepping through the heavy door from the observation room. "You'd better hurry," she laughed a little as she spoke. "Vinsce is already in the pit."
"Yeah, I saw him head down."
"Shall we?". I nodded and we continued toward the training room.
"Have you heard anything from Torri?" Flora asked. I was a little surprised at the question.
"No. Not really." I thought to myself. I haven't really seen her since that night in Eder Gira.
"Me neither." In just a few moments Flora had gone from her usual cheerful self to being pensive and muted. "I tried to invite her to the race today, but she never replied to my KI mail."
"Maybe she's just gotten tied up on the surface?" I offered hopefully.
"Maybe..." Flora opened her KI. "I guess that's possible, but I sent that message three days ago." She looked worried. I had heard that Torri and Flora had met once on the surface, but more than that I was unsure just how close they were.
"Hey, don't you.."
"Come on. What's the hold up?" Steven Petersen had come out of the control room. His voice was muffled by the helmet.
"I'll be there in a moment." Steven made like he couldn't hear very well and waved before turning back into the control room. "I think he's got his helmet on a little tight." Flora cracked a smile, waved, and ran back toward the observation room. That's a relief. She had me worried for a moment.
I passed through the training room and patted Steven on the back before getting suited up. I stepped into the Maintainer’s Tube, doned my maintainer's suit and dropped into the pit.
I climbed the ladder and looked around. I saw Flora amidst a crowd through the conference room window to my right. I thought Pam would be with her. The other conference room was packed. I opened my KI and sent Artus a message. Good luck. A moment later my KI flashed.Good luck to you too. You’ll need it.
Eric started the countdown on the speakers, “3, 2, 1, Go!”
I started my climb. <<Mark, can you hear me?>> A voice came through my helmet. I reached forward and continued to pull myself up the wall.
“Is that you Steven?” I asked. Thoughts began crawling through my mind. How exactly did I get chosen to climb? I’m not certain this is my sport. Steven responded.
<<We’re gonna win this one. You hear me?>> He sounded determined. I didn’t want to let him down. I reached up again and before I knew it found myself falling to the floor. I flailed and caught my hand on the catwalk preventing my crashing into the hard stone floor. <<Mark! Are you alright?>> I pulled myself up and got to my feet. <<That was the first marker. Artus should be reaching the nasty trap I left him soon.>> My hands were still shaking from the fall.
“I’m not sure I can do this.”
<<You’ll be fine.>> Steven’s voice was steady and reassuring. <<That suit you’re wearing was made to take more of a beating than that.>> As I thought about it, the fall had caught me off guard; but I wasn’t injured. I had expected my shoulder to be wrenched from catching myself the way I did, but I felt quite comfortable - aside from a mild nausea from the fall. I placed my hands on the wall and began my ascent again. <<I’ll keep track of blocker locations and try to guide you through this.>>
“Got it.” I felt a thud through solid wall. Artus must have taken quite a fall. Inevitably I fell, and each time, Steven made a mark as to it’s location. Before long, the end was in my reach. I had to be careful. There had been 20 blockers set for this course; yet I had only ran into 12 of them. One wrong move and I would be sent plummeting back to the floor.
<<You’ll have to play it safe.>> Steven must have been thinking the same thing I was. <<If I were Eric, I would have placed the final bumpers around the most direct route to the linking panel. Looks like you’ll have to go around.>>
I agreed, “Better to take my time, than to have to start over again.” I climbed carefully to the side. Looking up and to my left I could see my goal. Just a few more paces.
Two paces up. Now, just to slide over to the finish line. I reached out my hand and heard a linking sound and closed my eyes. My hand kept moving. I opened my eyes and saw the Wall before me as my hand moved to touch the linking panel. He beat me. Artus beat me. I linked.
I watched as the world around me warped and twisted, leaving a darkness that faded into the elevator shaft of the Maintainer’s Nexus.. Artus stood next to me. “Good game,” Artus said as the platform began to rise. “I gotta hand it to Steven. He almost got me.” He looked back to me. “Aw, come on.” He nudged my shoulder. “You almost had it. Next time for sure.” He chuckled to himself and removed his helmet.
As the elevator platform reached the top of the shaft I struggled to get my helmet off. “Mark…” I heard Artus falter.
“What’s wrong?” I finally pulled my helmet off and looked around the room. Artus stood two steps from me; his eyes fixed on the panel before him. I looked around him and saw a glowing spiral.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Jessie Pollick - Plots and Puzzles
The plaza gets its name from two if the surrounding buildings: Takotah and Takotah II. Years ago, the DRC took up residence in Takotah and every now and then explorers can be seen scaling the building as they try to sneak into the old offices. Takotah II is different.
Consisting of a series of interconnected buildings, Takotah II was inhabited by various explorers following the closing of the cavern under Cate Alexander. Eight months ago, the building was evacuated. The building was condemned. Rather than erect a barricade over the single entryway, just above the Ferry Terminal, has been under constant guard via a ResEng.
We'll need a considerable distraction. One at the Ferry Terminal and one above in the Takotah plaza. If successful they should serve to draw the explorers and the ResEng from his post. The ResEngs are few in number so if we're lucky, we should be able to leave Takotah II unguarded - if only long enough to get inside without being spotted. And what will I find?
My hope is to find something that will point to the truth. If my thoughts on “Panta in Takotah II” are correct, we may find some clue in this: the origin of the story. There is the possibility that we will find nothing. As I said before, the building was evacuated. It would make sense for any explorers still living within to take their belongings with them. Regardless of the likelihood, I still must see what there is to be seen. There are no other paths open to me.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Torri Illan - Flight of Fancy
I woke up this morning with a dull headache. It wasn't long before I found my way to the medicine cabinet. I've had too many of those days lately. Maybe if I caught it early enough I could stop it. No work today. That’s a relief, I thought to myself.
After a quick shower I thought I saw it in the mirror. Five nights I had seen it. Stupid Vinsce. I should give him a punch in the gut for that. Of course, I'd never tell him. I needed to get away. I needed to clear my mind.
I grabbed my KI and sent Hannah a quick message.
"Lets do something fun today"
A few moments, and then my KI flashed with a message.
I closed my eyes for a moment. A flash of memory. The Spiral glowed in the darkness; a sound comes from behind me. I turn to the cloaked figure with daggers in hand. In the darkness I can hear the sound of blood dripping. He moves fast toward me. I force myself awake again. It's no wonder I haven't been sleeping well.
My hands were shaking again. I shook my head in hopes of loosing the memory. My KI flashed again. Meet me in the Watcher's Pub. A few links later I was met by Hannah.
"That was fast."
"Yeah, well I figured you'd want to get started early."
"You're not wrong."
Soon we found ourselves in Er'cana. I had been here before, but never felt the need to return. I left the lighting of the cavern to others.
“So, why Er’cana?” I asked.” I turned to see Hannah with bundles of what appeared to be bamboo and canvas.
“Gimme a hand with this.” Hannah said as she passed one of the bundles my way. “You’ve been here before, right?” I nodded. "I've been working on a project for the past few days." We began walking from the link-in zone. "I've been collecting bamboo from Eder Kemo over the last few weeks. And I lucked into an old DRC tent from a rooftop in Ae'gura; I doubt it will be missed."
“And your plan?” My question was answered with a grin and a point toward the cliff that brought an
abrupt end to the trail; that was presumably was the cause of the broken tram tracks over head. “How is a tent going to help you?”
Hannah laughed. “Not a tent. A glider!” I stopped walking. Hannah turned realizing I was no longer following her. I began to protest. Of course, it wasn't long before Hannah had convinced me of her plan. Convinced, but not thrilled about it.
The glider was large, but still only big enough to support one of us. Lucky me. It seems I was going to ride it across the gap with rope in hand. The tricky part was getting onto the track; but after some time and a few bruised ribs later, I was balanced on the track with the glider.
“Are you sure this is gonna work?”
“Absolutely.” Hannah called. “I used it in Eder Gira just the other day.”
I thought briefly about how the steam vents in that age would have made for a prolonged flight and then readied myself for the jump. I had a short run of track before me. As long as I didn't slip I should be able to get the lift I needed for the glide. Ready. Go.
My heart hung in my mouth as I jumped from the end of the rail. I tensed up expecting the ground to rush at me. It was only after hearing Hannah cheering that I realized I had closed my eyes. I looked around and found I was gliding across the gap. It was working!
Then I heard a tearing sound. I looked to the side and saw wing was tearing. The glider began to roll to the left and then pitched forward. In a spin, I dropped the glider and reached out to anything I could catch. When my sense of direction returned, I realized I had one hand on the lip of the gap. The glider had wrecked below me and I was sliding down towards it.
I fell. I was dazed from the impact. When I came to my senses again, I opened my eyes to Hannah shouting down at me from the edge of the drop. My clothes were soaked. The water was deeper than I expected.
“Torri! Are you alright?”
“I’m here.” My voice was weaker than I had expected. I reached for my Relto. It must have been lost in the crash. Where did it go?
I stood up and checked again for any serious damage. “Torri, I think I’m going to need a rope.” I continued my search for the book. It must be here somewhere. I wouldn't be leaving this pit until I found it.
A rope descended from above. Hannah wanted me to test it before she climbed down to help. I took the rope in my left hand and placed the other on the canyon wall in front of me. I felt a strange sensation. A soft blue glow drew my eye.
Quickly, I drew my hand back from the wall. There it was again. I squeezed my eyes shut and opened them again. The spiral was still there.
After a quick shower I thought I saw it in the mirror. Five nights I had seen it. Stupid Vinsce. I should give him a punch in the gut for that. Of course, I'd never tell him. I needed to get away. I needed to clear my mind.
I grabbed my KI and sent Hannah a quick message.
"Lets do something fun today"
A few moments, and then my KI flashed with a message.
Sure. I'll take you on an adventure! :)
I closed my eyes for a moment. A flash of memory. The Spiral glowed in the darkness; a sound comes from behind me. I turn to the cloaked figure with daggers in hand. In the darkness I can hear the sound of blood dripping. He moves fast toward me. I force myself awake again. It's no wonder I haven't been sleeping well.
My hands were shaking again. I shook my head in hopes of loosing the memory. My KI flashed again. Meet me in the Watcher's Pub. A few links later I was met by Hannah.
"That was fast."
"Yeah, well I figured you'd want to get started early."
"You're not wrong."
Soon we found ourselves in Er'cana. I had been here before, but never felt the need to return. I left the lighting of the cavern to others.
“So, why Er’cana?” I asked.” I turned to see Hannah with bundles of what appeared to be bamboo and canvas.
“Gimme a hand with this.” Hannah said as she passed one of the bundles my way. “You’ve been here before, right?” I nodded. "I've been working on a project for the past few days." We began walking from the link-in zone. "I've been collecting bamboo from Eder Kemo over the last few weeks. And I lucked into an old DRC tent from a rooftop in Ae'gura; I doubt it will be missed."
“And your plan?” My question was answered with a grin and a point toward the cliff that brought an abrupt end to the trail; that was presumably was the cause of the broken tram tracks over head. “How is a tent going to help you?”
Hannah laughed. “Not a tent. A glider!” I stopped walking. Hannah turned realizing I was no longer following her. I began to protest. Of course, it wasn't long before Hannah had convinced me of her plan. Convinced, but not thrilled about it.
The glider was large, but still only big enough to support one of us. Lucky me. It seems I was going to ride it across the gap with rope in hand. The tricky part was getting onto the track; but after some time and a few bruised ribs later, I was balanced on the track with the glider.
“Are you sure this is gonna work?”
“Absolutely.” Hannah called. “I used it in Eder Gira just the other day.”
I thought briefly about how the steam vents in that age would have made for a prolonged flight and then readied myself for the jump. I had a short run of track before me. As long as I didn't slip I should be able to get the lift I needed for the glide. Ready. Go.
My heart hung in my mouth as I jumped from the end of the rail. I tensed up expecting the ground to rush at me. It was only after hearing Hannah cheering that I realized I had closed my eyes. I looked around and found I was gliding across the gap. It was working!
Then I heard a tearing sound. I looked to the side and saw wing was tearing. The glider began to roll to the left and then pitched forward. In a spin, I dropped the glider and reached out to anything I could catch. When my sense of direction returned, I realized I had one hand on the lip of the gap. The glider had wrecked below me and I was sliding down towards it.
I fell. I was dazed from the impact. When I came to my senses again, I opened my eyes to Hannah shouting down at me from the edge of the drop. My clothes were soaked. The water was deeper than I expected.
“Torri! Are you alright?”
“I’m here.” My voice was weaker than I had expected. I reached for my Relto. It must have been lost in the crash. Where did it go?
I stood up and checked again for any serious damage. “Torri, I think I’m going to need a rope.” I continued my search for the book. It must be here somewhere. I wouldn't be leaving this pit until I found it.
A rope descended from above. Hannah wanted me to test it before she climbed down to help. I took the rope in my left hand and placed the other on the canyon wall in front of me. I felt a strange sensation. A soft blue glow drew my eye.
Quickly, I drew my hand back from the wall. There it was again. I squeezed my eyes shut and opened them again. The spiral was still there.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
No Updates This Week
I realize this is last minute, but there will be no update to TCaB this week. This is a busy time of year for many people and we want to be sure we bring you the best story we can. With that in mind, TCaB will be back on schedule for next week.
PS. Keep an eye out at this AGM for exciting news concerning TCaB
.shorah b'shemtee
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
David Farwell - A Proposition
“You want me to do what?” I turned around to see Jeremy Reinold close the classroom door behind him. I turned back to Jessie Pollick who was shuffling through his notes.
“Word on the street is that you have a knack for getting around… regulations.” Jessie looked up and smiled.
“Then perhaps you've also heard that I got busted just a few days ago for doing exactly what you’re asking me to do now.” I couldn't believe this.
“We’re aware.” The response came from Jeremy. His look was serious as his tone. “We don’t want D’veeta to become involved any more than you do.
“Funny,” I replied. This was getting better each moment. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
“Consider this.” Jessie was speaking again. “Until recently, Takotah II was inhabited by explorers.” He paused. “Why do you think it is suddenly closed off and monitored by a ResEng?”
I had no intentions of being drawn into this. D’veeta was already on me for last weeks incident. Getting caught again would surely mean being banned from Pahrahtehs. “I would think that the message of structural instability would be a big hint,” I replied. I didn't care if I sounded snide. I needed to lay low. At least until I could get back on D’veeta’s good side.
Jessie spoke up. “If these buildings are so unstable then wouldn't it be more like the DRC to shut down that section of Ae’gura? They've had no problems with barricading people away from regions of the cavern before.”
“I think he’s right, David.” I could tell Jeremy was trying to assure me of the logic. He continued. “There’s something more to this.”
After something between a deep breath and a sigh I had a response. “I can think of several earthquakes in the last year that affected this cavern. Who knows how many buildings were damaged. And it’s not like you can just prevent people from going places any more.”
“And that’s where you come in.” Jessie said. They had me make their point for them. “You can’t prevent people from going where they please in the cavern. Structural instabilities in the cavern may seem like a good cover, but in truth the Nexus could be shut down and linking zones could be restricted. It wouldn't stop people from coming here. It might not even stop them from reaching the restricted zones.”
I closed my eyes and looked at the light on the ceiling; thinking very carefully about how to proceed. “Why do you need to get in there?”
“Research.” Not the response I expected. “It shouldn't take too long, but if I’m right I may be able to shed some light on the issue at hand.”
“Alright,” I said. “I can get you in, but I’m going to need help.” this needed to go off without a hitch otherwise there would be hell to pay. Jessie nodded his head before sitting behind his desk in relief.
I fumbled with my KI briefly; just long enough to send Terry a short message. Egg Room.
“Word on the street is that you have a knack for getting around… regulations.” Jessie looked up and smiled.
“Then perhaps you've also heard that I got busted just a few days ago for doing exactly what you’re asking me to do now.” I couldn't believe this.
“We’re aware.” The response came from Jeremy. His look was serious as his tone. “We don’t want D’veeta to become involved any more than you do.
“Funny,” I replied. This was getting better each moment. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
“Consider this.” Jessie was speaking again. “Until recently, Takotah II was inhabited by explorers.” He paused. “Why do you think it is suddenly closed off and monitored by a ResEng?”
I had no intentions of being drawn into this. D’veeta was already on me for last weeks incident. Getting caught again would surely mean being banned from Pahrahtehs. “I would think that the message of structural instability would be a big hint,” I replied. I didn't care if I sounded snide. I needed to lay low. At least until I could get back on D’veeta’s good side.
Jessie spoke up. “If these buildings are so unstable then wouldn't it be more like the DRC to shut down that section of Ae’gura? They've had no problems with barricading people away from regions of the cavern before.”
“I think he’s right, David.” I could tell Jeremy was trying to assure me of the logic. He continued. “There’s something more to this.”
After something between a deep breath and a sigh I had a response. “I can think of several earthquakes in the last year that affected this cavern. Who knows how many buildings were damaged. And it’s not like you can just prevent people from going places any more.”
“And that’s where you come in.” Jessie said. They had me make their point for them. “You can’t prevent people from going where they please in the cavern. Structural instabilities in the cavern may seem like a good cover, but in truth the Nexus could be shut down and linking zones could be restricted. It wouldn't stop people from coming here. It might not even stop them from reaching the restricted zones.”
I closed my eyes and looked at the light on the ceiling; thinking very carefully about how to proceed. “Why do you need to get in there?”
“Research.” Not the response I expected. “It shouldn't take too long, but if I’m right I may be able to shed some light on the issue at hand.”
“Alright,” I said. “I can get you in, but I’m going to need help.” this needed to go off without a hitch otherwise there would be hell to pay. Jessie nodded his head before sitting behind his desk in relief.
I fumbled with my KI briefly; just long enough to send Terry a short message. Egg Room.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Jessie Pollick - Pieces of the Journey Part 3
A few days after an announcement from Ikuro Kodama that the cavern would be closing, a strange KI message began to float around the cavern that read 02/09/04 The gathered will tell the path of the shell. 33359/ 58/ -81. What followed were the first steps of Yeesha’s second Journey, the Path of the Shell.
Two journeys, or perhaps just one Journey. Yeesha’s Journey and her Path of the Shell were both marked by symbols that outlined a message behind each. Yeesha Prime taught her followers about the Least. The Bahro; and their enslavement by the D’ni. The Path of the Shell’s message was far grander and abstract. Plenty of works have detailed the minutiae of each journey and its meaning so I will not expand much further. I only wish to draw attention to the symbols connected to these journeys.
Yeesha’ Prime was not only designated by five ages, but also the five lines used to make the hand. It doesn’t take much imagination to realize what each line represents. Furthermore, as enigmatic as the Path of the Shell is, it should be noted that the shell symbol can be drawn from the Yeesha hand by dropping the fingers and drawing a line connecting the thumb to the center of the spiral. This spiral is an important commonality.
An analysis of petroglyphs from around the world reveals the spiral to be a common motif; being one of the most ancient symbols. The spiral can represent many things including growth and awareness of the one in the context of the whole. The spiral also can be given the meaning of journey. Assuming that the spirals found in both journey symbols are not there by coincidence but to symbolically represent the meaning of the journey they represent then the altering of the Yeesha hand to the Shell symbol is as Yeesha said: a tying of the beginning to the end.
It is assumed that these cloths and the associated journey were the result of Yeesha and the bahro though I have found no direct confirmation. This assumption is supported by visible changes in one’s Relto after completing these ‘door runs.’ A comparison of this symbol with the previous two clearly shows the emphasis of the spiral in the design. This strengthens my belief that the spiral is meant to denote some sort of journey.
This brings me to the issue of Pantaleon and the associated cave ins. It is a commonly held belief by the explorer community that the cave ins and missing persons of the past year can be attributed to the activities of an explorer named Pantaleon. Tracing the root of this belief reveals that this story originates from The Cavern Today following an interview with Pantaleon. He claimed that his friends had been tricked into taking a journey they believed was meant to restore the Path of the Shell but would ultimately leave the cavern vulnerable to invasion from a conquering race. The story he provided is as unbelievable as the details concerning certain associated cave ins is disturbing.
His knowledge of the circumstances surrounds the cave ins, understanding of how the cave ins were triggered, and the continued absence of anyone who can verify his claims serve to. The explorers Esto, Dean, Adelia, and Laroon were all named by Pantaleon as being involved in this ordeal, but none have been seen in the cavern for quite some time. First to go missing was Dean; there were also rumors of Esto having fallen into madness. In the case of Adelia, her disappearance followed her recovery from injuries acquired during a cave in in descent that claimed the lives of many explorers. Following her disappearance, a community effort began in hopes of finding her. Again, Pantaleon can be found at the root as he is noted as organizing many of these searches.
Occam's Razor dictates that the the simplest explanation is often the most accurate. Are we to believe Pantaleon’s story of an elaborate deception put together by the leader of a race of conquerors or is it more likely that this tale was a fantasy of a deranged explorer. The crime of murder is an awfully heavy accusation to make especially in a community as tightly woven as the cavern community. In truth, we have no evidence of deaths or intent. The likelihood that Pantaleon is some sort of serial criminal with a penchant for elaborate story is as likely as the chance that his story is true. While he may believe his story to be true, the actuality of the events is probably somewhere in between these two options.
Having lost his credibility, Pantaleon has left for the surface. Any attempts at contacting him have been met with silence. His absence has lead to the proliferation of the story of “Panta in Takotah II.” The practice is regrettable, but it serves to educate and remind the explorer community of the recent tragedy and its perceived source.
The story Pantaleon gave to TCT involved an elaborate symbol that he described as a Triple Shell. Regardless of whether his story is true, I am curious to see if this symbol shares the similarities noted from earlier journeys. Finding a representation of this symbol in his notes could go a long way to revealing the truth of these events as similarities in the symbol may give weight and credibility to his story. In the case that the symbol does not share these qualities it is more likely that we can discredit his tale as fantasy.
One thing more. Jeremy Reinold has given me a page with an odd symbol upon it. Like the Yeesha hand, the Shell symbol, and the garden age symbol, this symbol shares the spiral motif. At first glance I found some familiarity in this design. After some research I find that it is strikingly similar to glyphs drawn by the Hopi on the surface. This "Hopi Spiral" is another curiosity I hope to investigate in the future. Perhaps some field work is in order.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Jessie Pollick - Pieces of the Journey Part 2
 |
| The Great Tree Symbol |
Perhaps one of the most fascinating moments during this time occurred on December 2nd. Phil had come to the URU Obsession Neighborhood and was met there by many explorers including Douglas Sharper and Brian Fioca of the Great Tree. In an attempt to curtail the efforts of groups such as the Great Tree and the followers of Yeesha, whom the DRC found increasingly polarizing, the DRC began confiscating Journey cloths and Yeesha Pages that had been spread around the ages. When asked about this act, Phil told the explorers that “She knows,” before vanishing and then appearing in a different location moments later. His teleportation was erratic and based upon the accounts of those who saw him teleport it was unclear if he had full, if any, control over this ability.
After appearing in the light garden, Phil was told by an explorer that a page Yeesha had placed on the wall had been recently removed. His response was that Yeesha would come to that location again and he asked the explorers to wait with him. Chat logs show that Brian Fioca and Douglas Sharper remained highly skeptical about Yeesha but chose to wait in the light garden with Phil. Phil asked those who remained to watch the stone. Moments later, the page that had been confiscated reappeared on the stone wall.
It is important to note that at this time Phil did not have a Relto, a gift from Yeesha which serves as a junction to many ages in a similar manner as the Nexus, and as a result had to rely on other explorers to travel to different locations in D’ni. Following the events in the light garden he sought out his own Relto and began to help others on their Journey. Douglas Sharper was one of those he helped. When the two returned, Sharper was a changed man.
After this event, skeptics Douglas Sharper and Brian Fioca were seen wearing the Yeesha shirt now believing fully that Yeesha was alive and could bring about the change the cavern needed. With an increasing number of explorers showing their support for Yeesha, the DRC felt increasingly battered and often became frustrated with the explorer community. Phil Henderson only exacerbated issues when he began climbing the Guild Hall.
Dr. Watson and a crowd of explorers pleaded with Phil to leave the dangerous location, but Phil replied that it was part of his Journey. He went on to speak to the crowd who asked him about Yeesha and her plan. “She wants you to know what D’ni was. She wants you to know what power does, the power of books.” Despite this message, there were still those in the cavern who did not trust Yeesha.
Eventually, Watson was able to encourage Phil to meet him at the bridge. Sharper warned Phil not to go. Sharper’s bad feeling about the situation worsened when Laxman showed up and onlookers called across the cavern for Phil to run. He did not. Sharper panic linked off the bridge hoping that Phil would follow behind. Soon after, Laxman stole Phil's Relto book, forced Phil through it,and then followed after with Watson. Phil was kidnapped and kept secluded in the Egg Room of Kirel for two weeks.
On Dec 26, 2003 Phil was released by the DRC. Almost immediately he was climbing on the Guild Hall again. The DRC pleaded with him to come down. The explorers didn't understand what danger he was in saying "let us help.” Laxman is noted to have told the explorers “There is no safe way to get up there.” It seems the area around the Guild Hall was so unstable that even the nexus link did not work.
It is also of note that during this event many strange cries could be heard throughout the cavern. When asked about these sounds Laxman is on record as saying “We believe Phil is effecting this somehow.” Some explorers proposed these were the cries of the Bahro.
Regardless of the source the cavern was in awe when the section of the Guild Hall wall where Phil had been climbing collapsed. Phil's KI went offline. The cries had stopped. When the DRC cleared away the rubble all they found was a smashed KI. Phil was presumed dead and two months later, after much silence from the DRC, the Cavern closed.
Officially, the reason for the closing of the cavern was due to lack of funding. Funding aside, it seems likely that the close had much to do with the death of Phil Henderson. The cavern was divided but neither side wished to see Phil die. Records show that Phil often told explorers "The journey continues.” He was right.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)