1088/Into The Mountains: Sleeping Fate

Into The Mountains: Sleeping Fate
Date of Scene:	06 December 2014
Location:	Allagan Ruins 518, Ala Mihgo, Hydaelyn
Synopsis:	The Allagan Ruins continue to hold untold mystery and as explorers poke further on the second floor, more dark truths start to be told that only lead to further questions.
Cast of Characters:	522, 552, 573, 583

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Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
(( http://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=1008/Into_The_Mountains
http://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=1057/Into_The_Mountains:_Choices
For quick read reference to prior events and first poses give an idea of what things look like. ))

With the upper level still secure, the Garlean team of explorers continue to take what data they can get in from what is explored below. The first floor was a headache, given the ADS, but the second floor showed they were indeed not alone here and this expedition went from being rather normal to possible hostiles.

Given reason for more military based troops to be on stand by encase something decided to come up the Elevator shaft that have access too or a new shaft they have opened in another room giving access to the third floor, which they could not open from the first one they located.

Yet three floors were accessible now, with one still out of reach. The second floor that had the creature on it, along with tubes of dead monsters within remained partially unexplored given a door was jammed and none had the means at the time to get it opened. Also given the sudden attack by the mutated Voidsent, it became an after thought.

The fifth floor was believed to be where the power for the whole facility was, but none were sure what would be down there or what kind of shape it would be in.

While the third floor was equally mysterious.

The call for the Confederacy interested in coming along went out and like before, transport would be offered-- if they had not already stayed the night or few here. For these expeditions, the Garleans of the XIV Legion were glad right now to have the help.

As for the upper level that all were at, everyone was pretty busy and the Confederates would be offered food if they like some, given a data pad or two in order to read over what has been going on. Then pretty much told that Adrain and Ewald would be with them shortly.

They were just getting some gear together for the trip down below...

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora missed the second excursion into the complex because she was needed back 'home', and as much as she found interest in this operation the needs of the Dominion and its Emperor came first and foremost no matter what. Fortunately all that was taken care of so she was free to continue on this not-so-little endeavour.

Since he was actually somewhat useful the first time, she did bring Skuzzler along too. Maybe the freakish furball's aptitude would be useful again.

Right now he was fortunately staying out of trouble, sitting next to a stack of supplies hunched over his Scanbot and making a few adjustments. Mantigora herself was seated on one of the crates and leaning against another, tail draped lazily over the edge as she skimmed over the datapad's information. Which was less reading and more letting it all scan into her datacon for later easy retrieval. Actually sitting through picking details of such things wasn't really her thing, easier to file it away into a retrievable format for convenience.

Soundwave (552) has posed:
A large black-and-red mechanical bird swoops into the upper-level, almost scraping the ceiling as it locates a temporary perch to rest. In one talon is an Earth microcassette recorder, an arrowhead-like purple insignia on the clear glass 'face', and its beak seems to be holding something as well--though not immediately viewable.

The bird himself chitters softly, appraising the surroundings. "Too small." He stretches his neck over to drop something on the ledge next to him, what appears to be a red-and-black microcassette. "Don't do something Boss will regret later, Rumble."

The tape bounces upwards into the sky and unfolds into a 10'-tall robot, who lands sitting on the ledge himself like one would sit on a park-bench. "Shut it, Laserbeak. Just hand Boss ov'a an' I'll take care'a th' rest." He holds one hand out to the avian, who drops the microcassette recorder into Rumble's hand as the tape-door of the device opens.

Laserbeak immediately transforms, disappearing into the recorder before Rumble snaps the tape-door closed and begins surveying the Garlean forces (and especially their surroundings). He even gives Mantigora a nod in greeting, having never met her before but being present equates an ally all the same.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
It would not be long till the sound of metal boots are heard, followed by ones of normal soles. Ewald and Adrain both show up together, geared up and for once-- Adrain has a helm on his head, though full faced it is not.

Ewald bows in greeting though to the Casseticon and to Mantigora. "Thank you both for coming and it is good to see you again, Mantigora."

Adrain gives a wave to her furball buddy before pulling out a bag which has some orbs in it, "You want to be in charge of the lighting? Given your size you probably can scatter them faster then the rest of us."

Though even as the two greet, a few of the Troopers and some of the Expedition crew take notice of Rumble and what his buddy just did. A few them perhaps watching for a bit to long before one of the higher ups in charge barks at them to get back to work.

Ewald speaks up to both groups, "As you know or have heard, we found a creature down in the Second level. It is believed that this Voidsent was that of an Allagan Creation. Not a natural Voidsent. The details on this though are still short coming as the data was damaged on the systems boot up on low power."

He then pulls out a device which creates a holographic-like projection of the facility. "We found a shaft that leads into the third floor, but we are unsure what is down there. Further.. there is a section of the second floor that is unexplored." Ewald then looks at the group once more as the projection vanishes and he pockets the device once again. "Finally, we believe the fifth floor may have the power for the entire facility."

Adrain then cuts in, "Or-- it may lead to more shafts. We have no idea!"

Ewald nods his head, "Right. So where we go, is your choice, but staying as a group is-- for now-- the best choice."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
At the sound of new voices and mechanical movements Mantigora looks up, sticking the padd back in her inventory via one of the pockets of her longcoat. She returns Rumble's arrival with a faint nod of her own, then tilting her head a bit to regard him a bit more closely, causing a glint of light to reflect off her horns a bit. Not the first Transformer she's seen, but the design was.. different from Megatron's angles and blades. More.. squared.

Unfortunately Skuzzler also takes notice of the new arrivals, and takes off from his spot so fast that the Scanbot is left spinning in place. "Oooh, more robotic entities!" squeals the three foot furball as he prances around Rumble's feet excitedly, either ignorant or uncaring of how easily he could be stepped on. "This one is kinda blocky though. Look more like somebody giantified a toy."

Mantigora just glares at him for a moment. "If he gets too annoying, feel free to kick him. S'what I do." With a grunt she slide to her feet and turned to meet with Ewald and Adrain as they rejoin the group.

Fortunately Adrain's offer of something techno-y is enough to distract him from harassing the Transformers farther, Scuzzler scrambling over to grab one of the orbs. He turns it over a few times in his little paws, then shakes it a little. "Hmm. Interesting, how does it wo--awk!" It briefly activates too close to his face, the Chua flumping on his butt with surprise. "Augh! Forgot to put goggles on!"

Through all of this Mantigora doesn't even flinch. She's just... use to it, by this point. "Agreed. Staying together is the best option for dealing with unknown risk parameters." She considers for a moment, then glances down at Skuzzler. Whom having now pulled his work goggles on is examing the light orb again. "... As nice as power would be, trusting trying to reactivate ancient technology not fully understood to him might be... unwise."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Rumble just grins down at the gawkers, the silver metal of his face moving exactly like skin, but he doesn't acknowledge them much more than that. Especially not when his presence seems to get them darn-near into trouble with their superiors. "Glad to be here t' help. We're just sorry it took us so long t' join in," he responds to Ewald's greeting, tapping his visor in a completely unserious salute before hopping down to land in a relatively clear spot on the ground.

Skuzzler's appearance gains a faint head-tilt from Rumble, who looks vaguely more confused than offended at the creature bouncing around his ankles. "Oh yeah. Keep forgettin' there's oth'a Cybertronians." He shoots Mantigora a grin at her advice. "Good t' know." For now, he makes an effort to not step ON Skuzzler (yet) as he moves to join the briefing as well.

"So really, we've got pros an' cons no matt'a what we do or where we go," the Decepticon agent speaks up after Ewald finishes. "I'm with Mantigora on th' power issue. We've got no idea what full power could wake up by default, an' I hear youse guys have had interestin' run-ins as it is." He taps his chin thoughtfully, red visor flickering. "Usually, I'd suggest we'd clear each level b'fore movin' further down, which would mean we clear th' second level before tryin' th' third. Keeps us from gettin' cut-off or somethin' else unforseen." He rests a hand on a wall as if to passively test its strength. Not a lot of pressure, barely even putting weight on it. "Do youse guys know how well th' structural integrity held up down here?"

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Adrain grins when the Chua activates the light orb by accident. "Like that." He then gives a nod. "I'll show you some design blue prints to those later on."

Ewald glances over seeing tat Adrain seems to be perfectly fine-- so long as it isn't an Eorzean and sighs faintly. That was a mess last time... He then gives a nod to Mantigora, "Exactly and Lord Van Baelsar is trusting us to do this job right along side the Confederacy. I don't want to be the one to report to him that we screwed up by letting someone go it alone and them getting themselves injured.. or worse."

Ewald then looks over to Rumble, "Right then. Second floor it is. The door itself is jamming the area. We been trying to find a second path, but so far.. no luck. I tried to look past the crack on the ground, but whatever is block it-- is pretty much keeping any light from getting in." He crosses his arms over his armored chest. ".. and that concerns me."

Adrain speaks up suddenly when Rumble asks about the strength of the structure, "These ruins have been here for thousands of years and they are still standing! Not to forget the fact that all the magitek still operates at full power when activated." There was then a grin on the young Garleans face. "So this stuff is built to last and made of pretty strong tinsel strength."

Adrain then shrugs his shoulders lightly, "Our forging factories make our steel very similar to what the Allagan's used, though they are nearly dead on similar-- I still think the Allags did it better."

Ewald waits a bit before starting to walk away from the group, "Lets get this party rolling. We will need to go down the shaft which we have harnesses for." He looks over his shoulder at Rumble, "Though you-- you can probably easily jimmy yourself down there. No offense."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora just snorts softly at the mention of people running ahead on their own. "Be glad Artemis Zin is too busy trying to refind the Eldan master datacube to elbow her way into this operation. Intelligent explorer, but she has less sense of self-concern than -he- does." She nod towards Skuzzler with the emphasis. "But yes, the metal fellow is correct; best we take this unknown complex one step, or floor as it may be, at time."

She gave the Chua a nudge with her foot to get his attention, then turned to follow the two soldiers to the shaft. Her tail fwished back and forth a few times behind her; she wasn't into all the 'nerd science' stuff but exploring into unknown and potentially dangerous (thus exciting) areas was more than enough to keep her interest in the matter.

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Rumble nods absently at Adrain's explaination. "That explains a lot. Just wanted t' be sure Boss or I won't fall through a floor or break somethin' by accident." He frowns over at Ewald at mention of the blocked door. "If a jammed door's th' only way in, we might be able t' help wi' that." He doesn't explain further, just a heads-up pending seeing the door for themselves.

He snaps his fingers, the sound akin to scraping metal more than the sharp SNAP of the standard motion. "Slag, almost forgot. I'm Rumble, a Decepticon from Cybertron-2 an' one of Soundwave's agents."

The 'Con laughs a bit in amusement at Ewald's comment about jimmy'ing himself down the shaft on his own, easily keeping up with the rest of the group as they move. "Nah, I don't wanna risk damagin' th' shaft or gettin' stuck. I've got a bett'a idea." He sets the human-hand-sized microcassette recorder on the ground, then transforms into his own microtape form to rest against the navy-blue device. "Just stick me an' Boss in a pocket an' carry us down wit' ya. We ain't heavy in these forms, an' I'll transform again once we get there."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
"Mantigora. Bounty huntress of the Dominion Empire of Nexus as well as the Confederate army." Quickly she uses her tail to keep Skuzzler from getting grabby hands. It looks like some demented version of someone keeping a small dog out of the way by shoving them with their leg. Point is it makes it easy for her to scoop up the microplayer before he does. "Huh." She holds it up for a moment. "It kind of like having Warbot in handy portable size."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Adrain and a young male Miqo'te help Mantigora and her Chua partner suit up to go down to the second floor. "I'll give proper introductions of who we are on the second floor." Ewald says as he watches the three get taken down with the harnesses, before he himself follows.

The second floor is well lit, at least by the way of orb lights and whatever else they brought down to illuminate the area. Over to the right can be seen a few wall panels taken off, including a knock aside door. To the left was the bio-lab that they have dubbed it, which has been tapped at the entrance.

Then ahead of them was the door that was jammed. Though the sparks the plagued it have long died off. As the armored man said he would, he gives his introduction."I am Ewald. Head Centurion of this operation and someone who understands the programming language of the Allagans when it comes to computers and means of code for other types of magitek electronics."

Adrain then jabs his thumb toward himself. "I'm Adrain! I know how all the parts come to together and how they can also be taken apart. Technical stuff is what I focus on. 'Tis a love, that is for sure."

Ewald then motions to the door, "That is the problem. What has me bothered is not so much the fact it is jammed, but simply-- it seems someone locked themselves /in/."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Once they're all down on the second floor safe and sound thanks to the harness, Mantigora sets Soundwave back on the floor. "Okay, we're here. Come back out and take a look."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Rumble is silent on the trip down, just listening and waiting patiently, and only transforms back once he's back on solid ground and Mantigora is clear. He takes a moment to look around at the already-cleared part of the second floor, taking an even longer moment to look UP at the ceiling, then he turns his attention towards the door in question.

"Jammed an' locked both. Interestin' combination." He rests both hands on the door, a low-frequency hum emitting from his form as his visor flickers rapidly. "Yep. Definitely knocked off its tracks from an impact on the oth'a side, prob'ly aft'a th' door was locked. Lock's still engaged, too." He runs a hand along the crack between door-edge and frame. "Not enough room t' stick a piledriver in, but..."

His voice trails off as he looks over his shoulder. "Ey, Soundwave? Could use your help 'ere. Just watch yer head, it's a bit low fer ya."

The microcassette player shivers, then vaults high into the air and grows as it transforms into a navy-blue and white robot, much bigger than Rumble (who is already 10' tall). Soundwave lands on the ground on a one knee crouch, the low clearances forcing him to stay low in order to avoid smashing his head on the ceiling. "-Clearance warning appreciated, Rumble.-" The 30' tall Decepticon carefully makes his way to the door, sliding both hands into the gap and giving a brief tug to ensure he has decent enough grip. Only then does he shift his weight and pull against the door, steadily increasing the force until he either reaches his limit or the door moves, whichever comes first.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora takes several steps back when the larger Decepticon transforms. And grabs Skuzzler to make sure he -stays- out of the way. Which isn't hard to do, considering he's just staring in awestruck at the tiny device turning into something three times the previously present robot's size. "... And when you said warbot in palm of hand Skuzzler thought you were just being figurative."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
When Soundwave transforms, Adrain whistles in soft appreciation. "Outstanding..." he says softly as he looks over to Ewald, keeping his voice down, "Could you imagine what the Empire would be like if we had Magitek machina like them.."

Ewald however gives no reply, he only watches and his hand moving down to his folded gunblade at his hip. "Adrain," He at last says. "Stop gawking and get ready encase we have trouble."

"Oh! Right!" He quickly then gets his handgun ready.

When Soundwave yanks at the door, it creeks in response, but at last the door gives way, shoving back and a case falls right over scattering empty containers and books across the floor. When this takes place, Adrain takes a few light orbs and goes to throw them into the room, figuring the Chua would follow the same. Light up whatever was beyond this room really.

Ewald though walks over to one of the books and picks it up. He then flips through a page or two carefully. "Allagan written language... hand written as well.. amazing how the paper has held up throughout these years..."

Ewald goes through a few more pages. "..though the age has taken the ink away.."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Soundwave only ceases the pulling once the doorway has been mostly opened, leaving a thick piece available for yanking it closed again should the situation turn south at any point. He steps aside as light balls are thrown into the room, settling down almost like a mechanical sentry as he focuses all his highly-sensitive sensors into the room itself.

Rumble grins over at Adrain and Mantigora (and Skuzzler too!). "Would ya believe most Cybertronians are about as big as him?" He removes a gun from his back and slips to the other side of the door from Soundwave, aiming the weapon into the room. He does try to stay out of the Garleans' way, letting them do their thing while keeping an optic out for anything in particular.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
When the door starts to actually give, Mantigora does the same as the two soldiers, a pair of sleek angular blades nearly as long as her own forearms seeming to slide out into place, though it's difficult to tell if the nanotech constructs them out of her bracers or her actual arms.

Fortunately it's only some boxes and books falling over. So far.

Skuzzler tosses a couple of orbs as well, and as soon as Mantigora lets go of him waddles over quickly to do his job. It's not technology, but it's books, and he's watched enough of Artemis' shows to know that's what a lot of races used before they had computers and such. So he grabs one and starts flipping it open, Scanbot hovering over his shoulder with it's analyizer aimed at the pages as well.

Mantigora just gives another soft snort as she walks up, peering into the room. Her tail keeps flicking back and forth and her eyes darting around, slipping into 'bodyguard' mode like it was natural. To some extent, it is.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
The room is a token of darkness, even the light orbs are having trouble lighting it up. Sensors may pick up movement in there but its hard to get a reading, like an almost field is distorting things. Yet for a moment, Mantigora may take notice of two glowing red eyes gleaming from the shadows.

Though they vanish when the orbs dance in and by. Whatever it was-- perhaps it was an illusion or maybe.. maybe there was something in there.

Soundwave may then hear the voice, the words hard to make out. Another language entirely and one the Multiverse can't translate, but the feel was all the same. Something wasn't happy with them being /here/.

Adrain peers inside and looks around, "I wonder why its so dark.." He asks out loud, unsure why it seems like even the light orbs are having trouble revealing everything.

Ewald glances up about then. "I remember hearing dripping noise when we came here last... so either fog from a water line.. or, worse case by what that Arcanist said.. heavy aetheric-- which means, you shouldn't go in their without a full face helm on."

Adrain peers back at Ewald, "Oh right-- cause heavy aetheric fog is.."

"Right. Toxic." Ewald snaps the book closed about then.

The Chua would find many of the words in the book faded, but one of the images looks a bit like Odin, including some scribbles of words, another faded image is some kind of winged humanoid with more written words fading away.

As Adrain goes to head back, suddenly some dark tendril latches out and snags Adrain around the arm, "What?!" Before anyone could react, the young Garlean is snatch into the room, before a dark substance then flashes over the door way acting like a web almost.

"Adrain!" Ewald shouts out as he tosses the book aside, but it seems to late for any good, even as his Gunblade hits the substance, it bounces back the impact force, nearly knocking the Garlean Centurion over.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Skuzzler pauses, squinting at one of the pictures. "This kinda looks familia--Whaa!" He doesn't even get a chance to finish before people start shouting and things are getting grabbing from the darkness. Flight or flight kicks in and the space rodent almost bounces as he rolls backwards from the boxes. Everything whips by so quickly there isn't much to be done about Adrain getting yanked into the darkness. "No fair!" Skuzzler points accusingly at the darkness afterwards. "No killing companions with traps where results can't be seen for observation!"

"Shut up," is all Mantigora snaps at him as she steps by. And lightly but firmly grabs Ewald to pull him back out of the way. "We need to save him, but flailing randomly at the obstruction isn't going to do it."

With the other hand she taps unseen controls to her nanotech and a holographic recticle slides into place over one eye, sweeping over the substance to look for any possible weak points.

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Soundwave flinches slightly as he 'hears' a voice, though his highly-sensitive audios barely pick up a whisper. Trespassing, anger, insulted -- though he knows not the words, he understands the intent behind them quite well. "-We should not be here,-" he intones, his melotone sounding rather ominous.

Rumble frowns. "Boss, what d'ya--?" His question is abruptly cut off as Adrain gets grabbed and their way into the room is blocked by... a dark substance? A forcefield? "SLAG!"

The Decepticon microcassette aims his rifle at the barrier, but a sharp bark from Soundwave keeps him from pulling the trigger. "-HOLD FIRE!-" He shifts to look around them, senses now probing the shadows beyond the lights as well as the substance itself. "-Centurion Ewald, what is this?-" He rests his fingertips against the substance, focusing his sensors accordingly.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Ewald gets pulled back by Mantigora. His hand tight on the grip on his gunblade, before he tsks in frustration. He falls silent, even as the questions come in. He then goes to take a step away and looks off to the side. Silence still holding true.

At last he turns to look at Soundwave, "Its a magical barrier. It is not of Allagan origin."

Soundwave and Mantigora both may pick up on the high energy of it, including it drawing on the aether in the very air itself to keep it empowered. Its almost sticky to the touch and as Mantigora continues to stare at it, she may see a near dark reflection of herself looking right back at her with a twisted smile, but it doesn't hang around for long.

Ewald then looks at the barrier itself. "We deal in the arts of Magitek-- not that of magic.. but.." He then folds the Gunblade back up, before going to remove his gauntlet, "..I am not a natural born of Garlemald."

"I wont be able to go with either of you, so please listen well. I will be on radio.. Mantigora, you may need to give Rumble and Soundwave the frequency.. I will hold the barrier open long as I can. But this will be taxing."

Ewald then goes to remove his helm. Those forest green eyes looking at the field, his dark amber hair slightly flat from the helm. He looked human, but he had rather rigid features. Probably in his mid 30s really. "So find him.. take an respirator from the bag if you need one and don't breath in the aetheric fog whatever you do."

"It wont kill you-- but it will eventually make you go insane after awhile of exposure."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora turns to point a clawed finger at Skuzzler. "You stay here with Ewald. No body is being left alone, and that includes if people have to stay behind for safety."

For a moment it looks like he's going to object, but either he sees the serious glare in her expression, or just realizes she's right on the not leaving people alone part. "Hff. Fine. Will just get the babysitters." He turns and opens a holographic control from his armor, which lights up as he taps a quick sequence into it. Two points seem to ripple with energy, almost like a digital signal being put together, resembling first wireframes and then being built up. It ends with two red armored robots landing the ground next to the Chua, one a small gun module on a quad of anguled insect-like legs, the other almost resembling a TV screen with clamps for arms. "Just as long as we not going anywhere. Still having pathing bugs." Which is probably why he doesn't actually deploy his robots that often.

"Just stay here and don't do anything stupid." As for protection, she takes care of that with her own nanotech, activating what appears as a mechanical collar around her shoulders, which in turn projects an energy shield to form the rest of the helmet. It's like a weird cross between futuristic and those retro 'fishbowl' helmets you see in old comics.

Then redeploys her arm blades. "Ready as soon as you are."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Soundwave hums softly. "-Outside interference.-" It seems to be the best logic for the situation, considering this seems to be something that doesn't belong.

He and Rumble share a glance at each other during Ewald's explanation. "Don' worry about us. Cybertronians don' need t' breathe, not like organics," Rumble replies, despite grabbing a Garlean respirator or two anyways. "We can handle it."

Soundwave takes a step back as his own rifle appears in his grasp in a flash of light. "-Do what you must, Centurion. We will find him.-" He nods to Mantigora. "-As are we.-"

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
The Centurion nods his head before a glow of white energy trails around his finger tips. He inhales deeply, before extending out his fingers and that glow of light blasting against the field, tearing it open and holding it. "Go. Now."

Once the group goes in, they will find the area is indeed very dark, the light orbs having trouble illuminating anything. The floor itself feels slippery-- wet almost. Black ooze of some kind drips down from the high ceiling that is about 25 feet sloping down to 12 feet, toward the hall ahead that is about 15 feet wide.

Any light ran along the walls or even sensors that allow vision of it can swear the walls were almost moving, but perhaps an optical illusion due to the heavy aetheric fog in the room. Cluttering and clanging can be heard echoing a bit down the hall, but it seems to split off into a T, with a path going left and a path going right.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
'The eyes are the least reliable and most easily mislead. A true hunter relies on -all- their senses.'

As wise as the advice of her mentor was, it doesn't really help entirely right now since Mantigora can't readily employ her sends of smell, either. Though the lack of clear vision doesn't seem to bother her too much either way. Or the ooze. The ooze is disgusting, but frankly, she's had to trudge through worse. At least the treads of her combat boots and evermoving tail help her keep some traction and balance.

Forward in a partial crouch, arms ready with her weapons at her sides, legs poised the lunge with every movement; the way she moved was very much like a prowling beast; other than doing so without getting down on all fours. The Decepticons might not the similarity due to their various cat-form allies.

However at the T-split she has to stop, shifting from one direction to the other. A vage growl of frustration escapes between her teeth. Or maybe it was a curse. It's hard to distinguish. "We don't have time to be searching both ways."

Meanwhile outside, Skuzzler sits down at Ewald's feet, spreads open the book on the floor. Then pulls out a small data recorder and activates it, going through various logs of Mantigora's activities. "Aha!" He pauses the playback at a point just before the fight started with Odin, expanding the holo image and setting the display next to the book. "Skuzzler knew he saw familiar face somewhere..."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Soundwave and Rumble both slip through the hole Ewald creates, though the Decepticon tapemaster emits a low tone in displeasure once they begin moving. The strange 'moving' walls and the black ooze dripping on them is of no help, but the ceiling dropping down to half his height is a much greater concern. "-Rumble.-"

"Yeah, I noticed." The maroon-and-black robot subspaces the masks he had taken and holds out a hand. "Ready." Soundwave transforms back into device mode and lands in Rumble's hand, who continues on as if nothing had happened to begin with. He doesn't stop to take samples of the ooze, figuring there'd be enough on the two of them to get enough for analysis anyways.

When they reach the 'T', the Decepticon agent pauses. "Left or right. Almost seems like a trick question." He looks to Mantigora, nodding at her assessment. "I've got an idea. Soundwave?" Rumble presses the eject button and a black microcassette flies out, transforming into a robotic silver-and-black panther. "One of two ways, I figure. Ravage here scouts th' path we don't take, in case we've chosen wrong, or Ravage goes with you one way while me an' Soundwave take the other. Got a preference, Mantigora?"

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Ewald continues to focus on keeping the opening, well, open. So when Skuzzler speaks up, Ewald really can't look away or he make break his focus. But he does ask, "What did you find?" After all-- they were here to find information. The creatures that go bump in the night were.. well.. just an annoyance.

Then he hears it over the radio. The Explination. His brows furrow. He makes the young man wonder what the connection is between Odin and these voidsent mutants...

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora looks up, though since he's a quadroped Ravage isn't quite as taller than her than Rumble is. "Oh, now this one's form I like." Predator to predator, after all. But she doesn't let herself get distracted by the matter. "A good idea.. choice in direction does't matter. My senses are limited to close proximity with this protective helmet on, so if you mechanicals can determine a choice in paths, by all means do so."

Skuzzler sticks a marker in the page with Odin's picture, then closes the book and tucks it into storage. Guard first, can investigate literary peculiarities later. "Every possible answer brings more questions too."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Ravage almost purrs at the compliment, though it's only momentary due to the nature of the situation at hand. He sniffs at the air, only to imitate a snort as if to clear his nostrils. "There is too much of this aetheric fog," he says, waving a black paw at their surroundings. "I cannot track... whatever it is we're chasing." It seems Soundwave updated Ravage on the situation before ejecting the feline 'Con.

Rumble nods. "A'right, we'll chance it. Ravage, stick with Mantigora an' head right. I'll take Soundwave and go left. If anything happens, use the comms and be ready to backtrack at a moment's notice." He drops what almost looks like a lightstick on the ground back the way they'd come. "Just in case we gotta beat it real quick."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
"Agreed then. Speak up as soon as you see anything." Mantigora nods to Ravage, and starts down the right passage with her stalking stride. Even though vision isn't very clear her augmented datacron is building a general map layout as they proceed, so backtracking will be easy when the time comes.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
"Isn't that the truth.." Ewald says softly. "..which is why I am hoping this particular ruin is worth the reward..."

        -- RIGHT PATH --

The path is hard to make out as the fog grows thicker, trickling sounds of water can be heard and even seen running down from cracks in the wall, though they have an almost blue florescent glow. It pools at the bottom and then travels down the way they are heading, until falling into some cracks along the ground.

Mantigora and Ravage will notice some claw marks however along the walls, rather deep ones at that and as they continue, it makes another T like hall way. This one has a door to the right that has claw marks all over it and an open path to the left, that cuts quickly to continue on straight.

        -- LEFT PATH --

Rumble will find himself with the aetheric fog becoming less and his sensors maybe clearing up a bit. However damage can be seen to the ground where panels have been yanked up. Some cloud clanging around can also be heard echoing down the hall.

Though there is a door dead ahead for him and it is slightly cracked open. Sparks can be seen from beyond the crack. Lighting up what looks like a far larger room as it does so, including what looks like several container boxes, hanging wires, broken pipes, and looks like a warzone went on beyond this door from what little that crack shows.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora traces her clawnails along one of the carved ruts in the wall as they pass, and gives an appreciative whistle that ends up with a slight electronic edge due to the speaker in her environmental helmet. "Whatever is down here, it is well armed." With that noted, there is little to do other than continue, until they come to another split the passages. "The original door was jammed -and- locked. Am starting to wonder if it was done to keep -something- inside."

Oh that just figures.

Rather than fuss over the matter Mantigora steps up to the door, examining the claw marks closely, trying to tell if they were made opening the door or failing in doing so. If something tried and failed, they were likely to have headed down the other passage, saving them from wasting time following empty paths...

Soundwave (552) has posed:
-- RIGHT PATH --

Ravage stays right at Mantigora's side, red optics glinting as he takes in the sights himself. He pauses for a moment to sniff at the slightly-glowing blue water, his stick-like tail flicking. "...There is no scent..." He mutters quietly, almost to himself, and simply makes a mental note of it before continuing on. The claw marks are of greater concern, especially when they encounter another 'T' with one branch blocked with a door marred with those same claws.

"Agreed," the robotic panther rumbles, appraising the damage himself for a moment. "I doubt that door would still be standing if this... thing... could get past at all." He nods towards the unblocked branch. "I say we leave this alone and continue on the path of least resistance."

     -- LEFT PATH --

Rumble sighs in relief as the fog messing with his sensors seems to abate slightly, though he doesn't relax one bit. He pauses when he sees a slightly cracked-open door, but moves in closer to peer through it. "Looks like the aftermath of one of our battles," he comments outloud. There seems to be little sign of the creature coming this way, but there's no telling just yet. He pulls on the door experimentally to see whether or not it moves on its own with his own strength, the ceiling too low for Soundwave to help. Can't hurt to check and be sure.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
        -- LEFT PATH --

Rumble goes to move the door and it slides easily enough, though it screeches on the tracks. The ceiling here is about 40 feet up. Steam vents can be seen exhaling warm air into the air. More then likely the hot aetheric magma is probably right above it.

Low rumbling can be heard from some of the heavy pipes that go down along the right wall. Liquid probably moving through it. More sparks flicker around the area and the clattering noise comes to a dead stop when Rumble enters.

Soundwave though-- may get that same feeling again.

        -- RIGHT PATH --

As Ravage and Mantigora make it along the path, that same dark substance can be found along the walls and hanging from the ceiling like spider webs. On the ground in front of another door before them as Adrain's handgun.

The door itself is odd because it has a strange crystal-like formation along the ground at the edge of which it opens. The crystals giving light to show the claw marks that seem to grip the very door to force it open and also claw holes from perhaps something taking hold to move it.

Also flakes of crystals can be found just laying along the ground itself.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora stoops down to pick up the handgun. It only takes a moment of looking at it to confirm it belonged to the missing man. "Looks like we chose right.. Hmm." She regards the door again, slitted eyes narrowing. She disliked having to work with a lack of caution, but knowing Adrain wasn't going to manage long in the corrupting mist was forcing their hand to some degree of hurry.

"Be ready for anything," she murmurs over her shoulder to Ravage. Then looks at the door again. Well, seeing as something apparently uses its claws to open the door...

She extends her own clawblades with only the faintest of audible clicks, and attempts to do the same thing with them. Both the answer to this mystery and the well-being of their comrade were at possible stake here.

For as fierce and aggressive as Draken are, they are also quite loyal to those considered allies.

Soundwave (552) has posed:
-- RIGHT PATH --

Ravage sniffs at Adrain's abandoned handgun just before Mantigora picks it up, a low growl emitting from his vocalizer. "Agreed," is his only response to her. As Mantigora attempts to use her clawblades to force the door open, Ravage attempts to assist however he can, mainly by wedging himself in and pushing.

     --LEFT PATH --

Soundwave senses the change in the atmosphere, that same intent that preceeded Adrain's capture. He leaps out of Rumble's grip before the smaller Decepticon could fully enter the room, transforming and blocking the way in. Rumble himself is caught off-guard, though knows from experience that Soundwave does not make sudden moves with no reason. "Boss?"

"-Join Mantigora and Ravage.-" The melotone has a no-nonsense edge to it now, with no way for his agent to see inside. "-Assist in the rescue mission. Hurry!-" Rumble hesitates for just a moment more, then simply turns and disappears back into the aetheric miasma at his best speed. Soundwave himself stays put, rifle raised in the direction of the intent he had picked up, waiting to see if the feeling is just that... or just a precursor.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
        -- RIGHT PATH --

The door does slide open as Mantigora and Ravage move it. There, hanging upside down covered in the dark go is poor Adrain. Knocked out cold and hanging there like he was to be someone's lunch. Though he looks oddly pale.

Something then moves around the room, Tendrils can seen flickering in the shadows before red eyes gleam out. A feline almost like creature walks out, before its figure starts to change into more of a feminine shape. Taking on the look of a very distorted version of Mantigora.

It then smiles with rows of sharp teeth. Before a claw hand raises up and points at Adrain, then points at Mantigora. Was it trying to communicate and more correctly-- did it matter?

        -- LEFT PATH --

Soundwave is left to his own devices, but soon something drops down from the ceiling with a loud thud. The figure almost looks like an armored figure, but the form is distorted, bestial really. Solid black eyes, Bat like wing that almost drag across the ground and long clawed fingers.

The voice speaks out, but the words not understood. Yet the attention was there. It was not happy and became obvious as its right hand started to take on the form of a blade that started to draw in the aetheric energy from outside the door. As the blade formed fully, it dragged across the ground. The creature then let out a loud roar that echoed down the very halls themselves.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora didn't flinch when such an image briefly appeared across the first obstruction, and she doesn't flinch now, either. In fact she smiles back at first, which only shows that to be an accurate if exaggerated accuracy as she does in fact have some rather sharp teeth. "Cassians have some witty line about imitation being form of flattery... but honestly, that is second worst impersonation I have ever seen."

Don't ask what the first was.

Attempt at communication? Doesn't matter if it is or not. It forcefully hauled off an ally, and that is all Mantigora needs to decide what to do next. With blades extended she ... does NOT charge as one might be expecting, instead forming a pair of her armor piercing Razor Discs from her nanotech stores and launching those at the mimicing monster instead.

Soundwave (552) has posed:
-- LEFT PATH --

Facing down an armored humanoid creature with a sword was not what Soundwave was expecting. Of course, there is not really anything in particular that he /WAS/ expecting, so the statement falls apart regardless. The creature's 'voice' is recorded for later, the intent clear enough despite the language barrier, and Soundwave uses his heel to pull the door mostly closed behind him (just in case). The turret on his shoulder whirrs to life as he opens fire with his rifle, hoping to injure or hobble the creature before it can get close. He must buy more time.

     -- RIGHT PATH --

Ravage snarls as the distorted Mantigora appears before them, his gaze shifting between it and Adrain. "I'll see what I can do," he states as he fades into the shadows and disappears. Perhaps he can use those tendrils as a stairladder and pull Adrain down by force?

Meanwhile, Rumble reaches the second 'T', the one with the clawed-up door and clear path. He only takes a moment to appraise his surroundings, making sure nothing followed him, before he continues on. Nothing else was in that entry room, Soundwave's holding off whatever was in the other branch... so if this dead-ends into wherever Ravage and Mantigora are, the path is most definitely clear.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
        -- RIGHT PATH --

The Discs come and the creature quickly changes form. Those tendrils quickly grabbing to the roof, even as the aether crystals around it glow gently.

It moves across the ceiling, before leaping back down to the ground, rising up in a feline-like form and leaping right for Mantigora with a high pitch roar, attempting to jump right at her, dig those claws probably in and try to chomp down on her helm.

Ravage will find a means to get up there and he will notice that this dark web substance has a weak point on the aetheric crystal which its having trouble sticking too. It is here he should be able to cut it down and get Adrain free.

        -- LEFT PATH --

As soon has the bullets fly, the humanoid being quickly moves away and goes to take cover. A very proper human reaction really. Though it is obvious to see on the ground a few spots of black 'blood' lie there from where it was impacted.

The creature speaks out again, this time the words make sense, "LEAVE!!" it roars out with a great deal of ferocity. "OR YE SHALL BE DAMNED WITH US! LET US SUFFER IN PEACE FOR 'E SINS WE HAVE COMMITED!"

It is not soon a dark orb forms into its hands, flickering with dark purple energy, before it steps around and flings it at Soundwave, "GO! BEFORE WE FEAST UPON YE LIGHT!"

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Contrary to how it may seem, Mantigora does have a strategy in mind. The thing a lot of people have taken for granted about the Bounty Huntress was they don't look as far as the very real aggressiveness that she acts with. Few live after that to realize that beneath the 'noble savage' as many of their allies refer to the Draken, there is the cunning of a hunter and the strategy of a soldier constantly at work beneath it. With the extra benefit of advanced science allowing the processing parts of her mind to do so rapidly and on multiple tangents at once. Even as she was throwing the discs her mind was calculating the odds of reactions taken.

And most importantly, get its attention on -her-.

The creature heaves itself overhead, then drops back to the ground in a feline form to leap at her. The two bodies collide, but as they do Mantigora purposely falls over backwards with the blow, letting the creature think it's pounced on her while grabbing its shoulders.

But before it can chomp down into her helmet she kicks up a leg to put her knee into it's relative midsection, and kick with both legs to throw it off again, proving to be much stronger than her toned feminine build would at first suggest. Using the momentum to get back onto her feet, she wheels around to fling something at the creature, that seems to miss.

Only not, as it passes a beam of energy shoots out of the device to grab the creature, just before the spike end hits the ground and latchs down. If it all works out the Tether Mine will restrict the creature to no more than three meters of distance to move. It won't last very long against such a creature, but it may be just the few extra moments they need.

Soundwave (552) has posed:
-- RIGHT PATH --

Ravage digs his claws into the stone as he bounds from one wall-outcropping to the next, scarcely landing on one long enough to take his weight before he's already leaping to the next one. Only falling pebbles mark his passage, due to himself being cloaked at the moment. Though it is in a bit of a spiral around the room, it is climbing upwards while also building speed. This also gives him time to gauge trajectory and fully analyze how Adrain is being tethered.

Suddenly, he lands fully on a high outcropping and leaps towards Adrain, jaws opening wide as he aims right for the crystal that acts as the anchor for Adrain's tether -- fully intending to snap his jaws shut on the crystal itself and shatter it, thus freeing the Garlean. Rumble hits the doorway at about that moment, doing his best to avoid the creature and tethering alike, and pulls one of the Garlean rebreather masks from subspace.

    -- LEFT PATH --

Soundwave advances forwards into the room as soon as the creature is driven back behind cover, not willing to let it pass him and get to the door. He almost shifts as if to press the advantage, only for the creature to speak a language he understands. Though he sees the dark purplish energy building about where the creature was last seen, Soundwave sacrifices a chance to duck for cover in order to reopen the door with a swipe of his hand -- and the dark purple energy slams into his upper back, throwing him against the wall above the door.

The Decepticon staggers backwards a few steps, shaking his helm, but does not turn to face the creature again. "-As you wish.-" His speakers suddenly erupt in chaotic noise, of white noise and screeching feedback, voices and sounds meshing and clashing like one's worst nightmares. This sonic attack is intended to keep the creature back for the precious few seconds -- enough time for him to suddenly charge the door and baseball-slide through, reaching back to slam the door shut behind him. Hopefully with enough force to jam it, no less.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
        -- RIGHT PATH --

The Creature gets knocked back and then trapped down, its forms shifts to something for a moment akin to a small female woman with bat like wings, long ears, and fanged teeth, as she attempts to claw away at the device. Screeching loudly like a banshee really.

As for Adrain he is cut free, or at least dropped free from what holds him. Coming crashing down from the 12 foot ceiling he hangs from, unless someone catches him quickly. He may also be very cold to the touch.

        -- LEFT PATH --

Soundwave's sonic attack, indeed keeps the creature back, even as he escapes out in a form of a baseball slide. The door slamming shut behind him and it was easy to hear the locks falling into place. Perhaps what was attended to do at one time, but failed.

        -- BACK AT THE MAIN POINT --

Ewald comes crashing down on one knee, as he tries to keep his hand extended out. The white glow of light coming from his hand is starting to weaken. His brows furrowed, as those forest green eyes of his are almost glowing as he pulls on more of his own aetheric energy to try and keep the barrier open.

Sweat was even forming on his brow from all the focus it was taking, the brown amber hair already looking slightly wet around the neck line and temples. The only reason he has even lasted this long was thanks to Mantigora's little buddy, but that too was starting to wear off.

"..come on.." he whispers out. "..just.. a bit longer.. don't fade..focus.."

If someone doesn't step in here shortly to take over for the Centurion, Mantigora, Soundwave and his group-- along with Adrain, may be trapped in their for who knows how long!

Though the call for assistance has already gone out, once the alert went up to the main floor.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
The maneuver worked, and that's all Mantigora needs. Well aware of the limited amount of time the tether will hold, her agility kicks in and she jumps backwards to be there to catch Adrain as he falls. Good thing Ravage warned her he was going to do that.

Though as soon as she can she passes him over to Rumble. "Put the mask on him and lets get him out of here." She figures the Decepticons are stronger in comparison and won't be slowed down much in having to carry him.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Skuzzler has been doing his best to keel Ewald on his feet, but stimpacks and energy injectors can only go so far. The hovering bot does hook its arms under his to help hold him up, but that's about all they can do if help doesn't come soon!

Mihk Lihzeh (573) has posed:
    Mihk felt, more than heard the call for help. Aetheric readings in her Compass going insane from the direction of the encampment, which she had recently returned to after meeting Gaius for a little 'chat'. She comes in, spotting Ewald falling to one knee. "Hold fast. Help is to hand!" she calls, pulling her tome from her belt and flipping to the appropriate page. Aether rushes into her, and a new white light forms. Not from her hands, but from her entire body, rushing outwards in long tendrils to grab at the opening in the barrier and WRENCH it further open, relieving Ewald of the strain of doing so himself. "Medica, see to the Centurion, I shall hold the gate open for our allies."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Rumble immediately slips the rebreather mask over Adrain's face, hoping that would help his condition somehow. "Done!" There's a dull THUD as Ravage lands on the ground deeper in the room. "Let's go!"

"We apologize in advance, but time is NOT on our side!" Ravage speaks up suddenly as he charges towards them. Rumble shifts Adrain to one arm, grabs Mantigora in the other, and deposits both onto Ravage's back with barely a pause. He himself transforms, letting Ravage grab his tape form with his jaws, and the cat turns the corner to bolt back the way they'd come.

MEANWHILE

Soundwave allows himself a brief moment of relief when the door locks behind him, but the radio erupts with conflicting reports. He can certainly sense they are running out of time -- even with Mihk's timely arrival buying them a little more. He /could/ crawl on his hands-and-knees back to the 'T' and run the rest of the way, but that may take too much time. Instead, he ejects Frenzy -- a purple-and-blue humanoid robot -- and transforms back to device mode, issuing a single order: "-RUN.-" And as soon as Frenzy catches his keeper, that's exactly what he does.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
        -- RIGHT PATH --

The 'Banshee' imp was indeed trying to break free and one of the lines could be hear suddenly snapping, her other teeth snapping down on the other line as she tries to bite it, if not yank it fully free. They were not running out of time by the barrier-- but also this crazy beotch getting free!

    -- MAIN POINT --

Ewald was about to fall over, even with the robots trying to help him stay up, just as the last of his own aetheric magic faded, Mihk stepped in. The Centurion could only glance over at her, before he smirks faintly, "...thanks.."

He uses that chance to try and get himself back together and just using the robots for support. He does look over to Skuzzler, "You there.. gather what book you can from.. that shelf.. take them back up top.. Once everyone is out.. I'm going to seal this path shut.. those damn beasts can.. rot in here for all I care.."

Ewald speaks a bit on the radio, as he at last forces himself to stand up with his own reserves. He walks over, almost stumbles but walks over to the shaft before yelling up, "Toss me down that Field generator!"

"What do you want that for?" Someone calls down, this being the male seeker of the sun.

"Just bloody do it!"

"Yes sir!"

Mihk Lihzeh (573) has posed:
    Light flickers across the Miqo'te's body, Aetheric energy casting off from her like the bow wave of a ship at speed, pulsing along the tendrils that are holding the barrier open. Mihk's face is set in a grim determination, as she continuously runs and recalculates the flow to counter the barriers constant attempts to close. The stress beginning to show as sweat beads on her brow, and a gasp escapes her lips. She speaks over the radio, urging the others to move and get clear.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora turns her head in the direction of the sound of the bonds snapping, and she's reaching for one of her pockets just as Rumble scoops her up and tosses her on Ravage's back. It takes her a moment to get reoriented but she adapts quickly, grabbing onto Adrain with one arm to hand onto him, and wrapping her tail as much as she can around Ravage's body to support herself.

The other hand grabs for the pocket, and pulls out a small spheroid. She clicks the activator and just as Ravage is heading out the door she throws it behind them, in the general direction of the psychotic monster. It doesn't need to be direct, because when it goes off it turns out to just be a blindingly bright and loud concussion grenade. Every few more precious seconds she can buy them.

Meanwhile out front, Skuzzler's ears flare up and his expression brightens immeadiately. "Hah! Yes! Raiding is next best thing next to the SCIENCE!" Picking up a bunch of books quickly? Not a problem! Not when you have such technology as a personal inventory vacuum that will just suck up all the loot right to you. No muss, no fuss, no having to pick through individual bodies! Or in this case, shelves. Ain't technology grand?

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Ravage continues down the hall at his best speed and skids around the corner, heading back to the main 'T' joint. He spots Frenzy already running into the main room, and a quick ping to him gets a return ping from Soundwave himself. Good, he was starting to get worried.

"Frenzy! Transform!" The panther calls as he makes the final turn and bolts back towards the main room. The purple-and-blue robot doesn't hesitate, tossing the microcassette recorder into Ravage's path before transforming to follow.

Ravage catches them both in his mouth without breaking his stride, and he doesn't slow down until he leaps through the magically/aetherically-created hole in the dark barrier. He skids to a stop and flops flat onto his stomach as soon as momentum runs out, allowing the Garleans to reclaim Adrain and for Mantigora to climb off of his back at her leisure.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Ewald catches the bag as it comes down. Though it isn't shortly after that the Seeker of the Sun and an another Garlemald Garlean come on down. Ewald looks at them both, "Help them get Adrain back to the top.. I need to get this device setup."

He opens the bag and then takes out a clear prism like device with a ring around it. He rests the ring on the ground and open up a panel. Then starts to type some things into it.

He looks at the others and then points to the shaft, "Get moving! I'll be up there shortly." For a man who was about to pass out, he seems to be back on his feet again. Then again, Adrenaline is a wonderful thing.

Adrain however is out cold, still cold to the touch and nearly as pale as snow. Almost like death itself has claimed him, the only reason none would believe that is the simple fact he is still breathing and his lips still have color.

Mihk Lihzeh (573) has posed:
    Mihk staggers as the group leap clear of the barrier. She stumbles, then turns to follow the others, letting the barrier close as she releases the Aether maintaining the opening. She stops near to Ewald, and takes up a defensive position near him. "Do not try and order me to leave. I will not." she prewarns, gathering Aether into her tome, just in case something comes out of the barrier.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora passes Adrain down to his peers before getting off Ravage's back herself. Then turns to pat the robotic feline on the head, though it probably doesn't mean the same thing to cybertronics as it would the real thing. "Good work." Then turns back to the lingering going ons. She gives a concerned look towards Ewald, but can respect his desire to finish his duty here before leaving. Soundwave's crew will likely collect themselves. Mihk, less worn that the rest of them, will stay to keep an eye on him finishing up. Good. So that just leaves... "Skuzzler!"

The Chua trundles over to her, muttering something about taking up so much space and weight in inventory is probably why books got to be OUTDATED. "If she could see this ancient literary haul, Zin would be -so jealous-."

"Riiiight." Mantigora just shakes her head a little as he unsummons his robot assistants and then grabs him, putting him on her shoulders and telling him to hold on. The Garleans need the harnesses more to get the ill Adrain and themselves back up, so she does now what she said she could of done earlier. A quick switch in her own nanotech inventory, and instead of her previous combat blades a trio of thicker, hook-ended claws extend from each arm. The curved points she makes use of like rock picks to just climb back up the shaft herself.

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Ravage appreciates a nice scritch behind the ears or a pat on the head once in a blue moon. So the pats are accepted with a chuckle and left at that. "Same to you," he replies back to Mantigora.

He carefully gathers his brothers and keeper, then tucks them into a Garlean's pocket before transforming and joining them himself. Might as well hitch a ride with an evacuee, since they don't add any weight.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
Everyone gets up easy enough, but the screech of that crazy psychotic beast can be heard coming through the dark barrier. That can't be good.

Once they get up top, The group up there helps them up and several of the troopers take guard at the Elevator shaft ready to fire down it encase the main plan fails. As for Ewald he gets the device ready, as he glances over to Mihk. "You know, if you were in the military, disobeying an order would get you caught doing hundred push-ups and possible a few runs around a mile."

There was a beep as whatever he typed in was accepted. "However, it is most appreciated from someone whom has no involvement to concern herself over one such as myself." He then reaches for his helm and puts it back on, along with his gauntlet as the device starts a beep countdown.

"Now come on." Ewald says to Mihk as he goes to leap out of the Elevator to take the rope and then extends out his hand to Mihk to take hold. He'll give her a piggy back ride out of here before either of them get caught in the field that will act as the new door.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
As soon as they're back on the main floor Mantigora takes up position with the soldiers at the shaft, just to be on the safe side. The holo-reticle slips back into place over her right eye. While she lacks much in the way of powerful ranged attacks, she can provide targeting and point analysis to the soldiers should something -other- than Ewald and Mihk come up the shaft.

Soundwave (552) has posed:
The Garlean who had carried the Decepticons out of the second level was nice enough to drop them off on top of some supplies. Soundwave transforms and returns his three agents back into his chestplate, then moves back to the shaft to join Mantigora on overwatch. Some may notice that Soundwave's upper back seems charred and melted, as if an energy blast had struck him, but he doesn't seem to notice it himself.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
It wont be long till Ewald with Mihk on his backside start to come up. Behind them where floor two was, there is a flash of blue as the field generator kicks in, forever sealing off that location and a loud screech can be heard from it before something runs straight into it and sounds like it is knocked right back.

Ewald lets Mihk get off first, before he pulls himself up and chuckles faintly. "Magitek, ever as good has technology, mm?" He says jokingly, though as he goes to step forward, that is when he almost falls back over as his body once more reminds him-- it is not a happy camper.

Ewald places a hand on the wall though and watches as they cart off Adrain, he then looks back over at the others. "You all have done well. I will be writing a report to Lord Van Baelsar regarding our findings.. and those books.." He points over to an open container. "Put them in there."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
"Books? Wha-ow!" Skuzzler gets interrupted by Mantigora whapping him over the head. "I was just joking. Sheesh!" The furball troddles over to empty out his inventory into the box.

Though as he does so Mantigora snatchs up he had been looking at earlier, flipping it open to the bookmarked page. "... You're right, that does look like Odin." She taps the other page with the winged figure. "So I wonder who this is suppose to be..."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Soundwave kneels down on the ground and watches the after-effects of the Magitek 'sealing', yellow visor and faceplate shielding whatever expression he'd have at what he can see of it. "-Equivocal,-" he responds to Ewald, his melotone sounding almost... amused. "-Rumble relays an apology. He claims responsibility for opening that sector.-"

He rolls his shoulder-joints stiffly, testing the flexibility of his upper-back. When he gets up, it is very stiffly as if purposefully trying to avoid too much movement, and looks over at the book Mantigora has in her hands. His visor flickers in surprise as he emits a clearly audible hum. "-I encountered a creature similar to that drawing, when I sent Rumble to assist the rescue.-"

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora bites her lower lip softly. "That has... disturbing implications... Though without the text to translate it is little more than hypothetical thought..."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
The winged figure had what looked to be sketched out a two tone shade, part of the body one shade, while the other another shade. It also lacked any form of clothing or armor, The head also looked rather demonic and the wings were shown to have an impressive size.

(( http://images.gameskinny.com/gameskinny/8b28506599102044fdd3ea1bd0e39775.jpg ))

Sadly many of the notes are missing on the page, faded away due to time. Though its all in a strange language that once more the Multiverse can not seem to translate. Though a voice speaks up from the room in the corner surrounded by computers. "You found something of interest in that book? May I see it?"

Mantigora (583) has posed:
".. Come to think of it, the creature we encounter also looked similar at one point. But it was also a shapeshifter, so that's possibly not fully relevant" Then someone else speaks up, causing her to pause for a moment as she turns to see where it came from. By the computers. Somehow not a surprise. Mantigora walks over and sets the book open by the computers. "Yes. This book has image similar to the Primal called Odin... and the creature on the other page." She nods over her shoulder towards Soundwave. "He says he encountered similar down there."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Soundwave nods in agreement with Mantigora. "-Affirmative. However...-" His voice trails off as he studies the picture a little closer. "-What I fought wore armor and spoke in two different languages. Its words...-" He emits a low rumble. "-Haunting.-"

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
The man was another Garlean, evident by the third eye that even Adrain had as well. The man had one leg crossed over the other. He was mostly wearing black clothing with some red on it and gold trim. The boots were calf high and the pant legs were tucked into it.

He pulls out a pair of reading glasses and then takes the book in his hand. His other hand starts to type some stuff in over a touch-pad based keyboard, though soon his hand pauses, as he then reaches up to pull the glasses off.

"What you have here.. this winged beast.. is a very powerful Voidsent named Diabolos. Known in the records to be devourer of dreams and maker of nightmares."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora archs a spiked brow a bit. "Voidsent?" That's all there is to really say because that's all that is needed to ask the question.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
The man raises an eyebrow in equal to Mantigora's own with a simple question in return as he pockets his glasses, "Have you not read Lord Van Baelsar's report on what the Voidsent are?" He sighs softly and then pulls up the report for her to read on the screen.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora continues to stare coldly back at him for a moment, but then hffs softly. "Typically scientists are all too happy to talk about their information, thought it would save me a few minutes of having to re-crossreference reports. Sometimes there are details in ... personal reveals that letters on a screen do not convey," she answers, flatly.

Wanna bet she was already rechecking it in her head in case she had to compare between the two? Yeah, you'd win that one. It's a bounty hunter habit, don't take it too personally.

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Soundwave rumbles threateningly as he straightens to his full height -- only to slam the damage to his upper back against the roof and remind him moments before he would've whacked his head on the stone. Oh, right, low clearance. Almost forgot.

Now thoroughly annoyed, he kneels back down and levels the Garlean with a baleful stare, visor or not. "-Exasperation: unnecessary.-" What is with scientists acting holier-than-thou no matter WHAT world they come from, anyways? He couldn't tolerate it from Shockwave, and he's not about to start now, allies or not. "-What did we encounter down there?-"

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
The Scientist closes his eyes for a moment in thought. "I am not sure, but we do have a few guesses and the fact you ran into something akin to Diabolos makes it all the more reason to believe it is true." He opens his eyes once more to look at Mantigora.

"But yes-- Voidsents are creatures from the void. They are, hm, our worlds.. demons. They feed on aether, just as Eikons do, but where Eikons require prayer and aetheric crystals to take physical shape.." He motions to the image of Diabolos. "Voidsent just need to wait for the plain between worlds to become thin enough to drift over."

The Scientist then shakes his head lightly. "The conclusion we are coming to, is that this place was a research facility on voidsent, but even far darker then that." He then looks over to Soundwave, "After all, think about it.. beings within magitek holding tubes of liquid, some not even fully grown yet.. the creature you met down there that looked like this voidsent, but wore armor.." He tilts his head faintly, "What do you think it all means?"

"Now, what is truly curious.. is why Odin is in this same book."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora grunts darkly. Mostly because what the scientist is saying, and implying, reminds her way more about some of the Eldan experiments she's had to contend with on Nexus than she is comfortable. "Weaponizing them."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Soundwave stays very still, analyzing the evidence presented and finding an ugly picture of his own. "-Worse.-" His melotone holds a note of dread. "-Creation. Making their own instead of relying on independant powers-that-be.-" He has been part of a great many projects in the Decepticon Empire with similar overtones, not all of them he necessarily agreed with.

His helm tilts, appraising the book's pages again. "-If the Primal -- Eikon -- Odin is related to what we saw here, there is a possibility he is less Eikon and more Voidsent.-" He rumbles. "-There seems to be a connection between Odin and this fallen civilization, at the least.-"

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora turns her head a bit to look up to Soundwave. "It is possible they were doing so intending to fight the Primals... or worse, try to subjegate them. So they could work on -them- next."

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
The Scientist taps his chin as he listens to the two. "The Allags you see, had the same problem we have-- the Eikons. The Eikons were far more in the land then even what Eorzea plagues us with and they tested many ways to deal with these.. aetheric beings."

He then looks at the two once more. "Voidsent eat aether-- Eikons are made of aether, so yes-- it is a strong belief that if you could harness that power of the voidsent, you could perhaps devour an Eikon." He then looks down at the image of Odin.

"Though Odin has all the signs of an Eikon and not that of a Voidsent.. also Odin's first true sighting was that near the end of the Allag reign.."

The Scientist then looks at the two once again, "So perhaps, they obtained what they wanted from one and went to go work on another..."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
"Many possibilities... but no definate answers yet. I suspect your superiors will want to continue investigating to try and find those answers." Mantigora turns her head a bit to look back towards the elevator shaft. Her tail twitchs a bit with the shudder she otherwise holds back. It's like every day they come down here it reminds her of some of the nastier, spiteful things she's seen come out of the Eldan facilities. Though many of those are the 'mistakes' rather than the true creations of the prognators. Still.

"At least we know what sort of things are down there. Next time, if and when there is one, we can be better prepared."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Soundwave chuckles humorlessly. "-An Eikon creation to hunt Voidsent and those not of this world. A Voidsent creation to hunt Eikons and restore balance to this world.-" Does he actually believe that? Who knows? He doesn't understand enough about Eorzea to say for certain, and is still trying to understand similarities between Cereleum and Energon.

He nods in agreement to Mantigora's statement and refocuses on the Garlean researcher. "-I will provide video and audio of what we encountered, once I have been repaired.-" He can only assume that additional data will only make it easier for Gaius to decide what to do with this place from here-on.

Gaius Van Baelsar (522) has posed:
"Indeed." The researcher says with a soft, cold smile. "This place holds many mysterious on what the Allagans were up too in order to battle the Eikon threat and that-- has become not only Lord Van Baelsar's main focus, but that of the Confederates as well."

He then taps the book. "I'll see what I can cross reference with the House Darnus records to this book and perhaps-- I will be able to humor you both later. Now do take care of your health, 'Tis was a pleasure."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora nods her head a bit. "Hopefully my ... 'other jobs' won't keep me away for as long this time. Good evening." She turns to walk away, but then pauses and glances over her shoulder before leaving. "And do let us know how Adrain is doing. That was a... harrowing experience for even a practiced soldier to go through."

Soundwave (552) has posed:
Soundwave watches the researcher take his leave, then shakes his head. "-Humans of Earth have a saying: 'He who fights monsters should take care not to become one himself',-" he mutters, perhaps to himself but well within Mantigora's hearing. "-If only it was so easy.-" He seems to set that aside for now and dips his helm to Mantigora in farewell. "-Until next we meet.-"