Scene #5144: Keep on the Flowerlands(Pt 1)

Owner	Pose
Nort and Scar	how the message got out varies widely. Syndicate boards making(discreet) posts, word of mouth, some even may have gotten letters if they have a reputation for it. A peaceful land known as the Flower Lands has settled for several months with being content and only occasionally venturing out the nearby warpgate, but said village is now looking for outsiders. Neutrals, the curious the adventurous, for a task that it cannot do for itself. However the word has been spread, a meeting place has been arranged. It isn't far from the warpgate, which is some distance to the north of the nearest large settlement, a peaceful town known as Haven, appropriately. The request did ask for those coming to be 'somewhat discreet in their arrival' for some reason. Yet the man waiting in the small clearing is quite plain. Healthy, tall, and very fit, he's dressed in newly-made clothes that are suitable for a small but prosperous settlement, sizing up those who arrive.
The Kid	Kid doesn't get out enough himself to receive letters. But if there's a job that needs doing and offers cash to help keep the Bastion residents in food, he'll do it. Even in spite of his busy week raiding the ruins of the Union headquarters and experiencing a massive psychohazardous event, there's always more work to do. Thankfully for the requester, he would fit into a world like this quite well. His leather armour with the occasional metal plating marks him as any old adventurer. Although his choice of weapons is a bit unusual. A greatshield is strapped to his back, and hanging from his belt is a machete and what looks like a gun made of bones. However, he does take a bit of a roundabout approach to the meeting place, cutting through the trees, just in case. When he finally emerges, he sizes the fellow up before striding forward. "You the one who put out the call 'bout that job?"
Samantha Middleton	Discreet? Sure. That just means that Samantha leaves her armor and ship at the warpgate's other end, other than some leathers for basic protection. Long sleeves, long pants, to mostly hide her prosthetics. A glove helps with the rest, but the shining brass of the wrist glimpses sometimes. Goggles over her head, a pack at her side, she looks ready for travel! Because she is! Arriving just a little after the Kid, Samantha echoes his question, sizing up the man, then the environs. This looks... surprisingly normal.
Velvet Crowe	Velvet doesn't really do discreet. She doesn't have discreet clothes, for one! For two, she kind of stands out. But she also doesn't do standing still and doing nothing, and something to do beats nothing to do ten times out of ten. That's why the young woman does show up, though she's not made any effort to blend in. That tattered outfit, the long black coat, the vibrant red accessories and top, the bandaged hand and the five feet of hair trailing behind her, only loosely tied near the tip. An adventure, maybe that'll take her mind off things. She frowns as she spots Samantha, but approaches regardless. Arms cross in protest. "I'm just going to keep running into you, aren't I? Where's all your... stuff?" Machinery. Armor. Whatever she calls what she was wearing before.
Samantha Middleton	Samantha waves, then shrugs at Velvet. "They asked for discreet. This is as close as I get. Armor's not far if I really need it, I can just radio for Michelle to airdrop it." She jerks her thumb at the guy. "Maybe he can explain why."
Lyria Mason	Lyria Mason saw the post on the Syndicate boards abnd ws more than happy to take up such a job. Either way Lyria was taking time off to cool her heels nad explorings. She did look quit the part of the adventurer. Exotic clothing and possibly even the strange hair colour. She loooked about for a moment as a strange snake like machine tailed after her. She woul take a moment to see the man as she met up with him sizing him up while she sized up many of the otehr arrivals. She's only been aware of the Kid and only due to some old Union reports everyone else for the most part was a mystery officall. She knew of Velvet from the watch boards but Lyria's not been advertising she's with them just yet given the possible blow back that could hit her family say from the Paladins being a major factor.
Henry Jekyll	Henry Jekyll is wearing his usual, and despite his fame he's always been able to remain sufficiently nondescript when the occassion calls for it. The League's leading figure is taking a private interest in the matter, and the young gentleman approaches with a smile and a lack of any apparent weaponry. "Hello." He greets, handing over a business card with a contact number for the League's offices, "Professor Henry Jekyll of the League of Progress, you can contact them to confirm or get references if you wish."
Nort and Scar	The 'trees' turn out to be very soft... and toppling them reveals why. They're actually gigantic /flowers/ that bloom outward as they grow. Must be why they call this place the Flower Lands, huh? The question is expected... as are the outfits? Apparently what passes for 'discreet' here is pretty shaky, or maybe when he said 'somewhat discreet' clothing didn't matter. A giant starship might have caused more issues. Questions will be answered in a moment, as the man clears his throat. "Pleasure to meet you. Yes, I'm the one who called for the task. My name is Gene, and Haven requires some... neutral parties to acquire a few things for them. If you wish to see Haven, you're welcome to it, but we're a little new to those offworld and really prefer to try rebuilding what we can from our own world. Most don't even know this whole Multiverse exists, just the Council and a few scouts. We'd like to keep it that way for now, since we've heard some disturbing rumors that we'd like some people to check out for us. If you're interested, we can negotiate some kind of payment, though cash is a little tight. We have plenty of other things, though." He smiles, "It will be dangerous though. So why don't we find out who you are and what you want, and I'll tell you what we need."
Samantha Middleton	Samantha stares at Jekyll, but decides to not bring up his affiliation. "Hah! I LAUGH in the face of danger! I only quickly roll away from the fists and feet of danger!" She raises a hand. "Samantha Middleton, and if you have any broken junk that you can't fix or just want to get rid of, well... the more the better, okay? Also like... other stuff and valuables too. But mainly junk."
The Kid	At the mention of 'rebuilding,' Kid actually perks up a bit. But it dissipates when the man-Gene-says he would prefer if they be discreet for now. Not that he can blame them, he's seen some bizarre things. Glancing around at the assembled, he shrugs and says, "Introductions? Fine. Folks call me 'Kid.' Trained to build 'n break things, though I do more of the second these days." As for what he wants? Well, if money is short, he doesn't want to rob them. So may as well cut out the middle man. "Food is good. Even some flour would be fine if I could get a bunch."
Velvet Crowe	To Samantha, Velvet replies: "Convenient. Air travel, so... flight?" She has a few things to learn about what people can make, apparently. Her world really just has... wooden ships. And magic! But no airships. No cars. A glance at everyone as they arrive. She sizes Henry up in particular. A professor? Really? He looks kind of young for the position. Ugh, and he looks like Oscar too. And Gawain. That style must be really popular. Oh, they're being asked what they want. She turns back towards the man greeting them, shrugging. "Velvet Crowe. Money. Maybe clothes. I keep getting comments about this outfit." Outfit? That's a generous term for the six or seven separate, torn pieces of clothing she threw together in a hurry.
Henry Jekyll	"I have no need for money, I just want to look around." Jekyll answers with a smile, "Though a donation to the League wouldn't be turned down if you're feeling particularly grateful." He turns towards Samantha Middleton, "I don't as such, but I am on the lookout for an old magic wish-granting cup, if you've got any leads I would be grateful." He comments, and then to Velvet, "I could write a paper about the psychology of fashion regarding your outfit, quite fascinating."
Lyria Mason	Lyria Mason is curious about the flower trees as she takes notes she smiles a bt at the man for a moment. "Good to meet you Gene and I'm Lyria Mason." She seems pretty chipper and she seems to get the idea it was a pretty big thing for her world when it came out. She seems to understand now as she listens. "I'm fine for alterantive payments if it comes to id I'm not that greedy and i'm ready for trouble just let us know what we have to deal with? I like it when a employer has informtion on the trouble at hand." She eyes Velvet, ya totally needs the clothes as it looks like she's stuck in rags after all. She also looks over to Jekyll recalling him from his broadcast.
Nort and Scar	"Junk we have plenty of, and I think we can set you up..." Though he's mildly concerned with Samantha's age, from the way he's looking her over. Her comments about armor and air-dropping make it a little easier to let that slide though. "As for food, we have plenty of that to spare, thankfully. That's... one of the problems, actually. I think we can accomodate all of you. Clothing and so on, and we can probably get some money together so long as you don't all expect coin. I tried using dolars outside, once, but they said the dolars were expired." He shrugs uncertainly, holding up a bright red credit card, battered and scuffed. "As for the problems, we have heard several things of interest," Gene continues. "You see, Haven is dedicated to rebuilding the glory of the Ancients, but while avoiding the mistakes of the past. To do this we retrieve information and artifacts from ruins and restore them. Unfortunately there are dangers to this. We're still looking into some rumors we've heard of installations to the south and other interesting places, but the two immediate items of interst start with Mindkeep. An ancient installation on a plateau near the center of the Flower Lands. Unfortunately anyone trying to reach it will pass through the territory of other villages... and the other problem is that our scouts have picked up numerous rumors of war brewing, though we haven't found the source of it yet. We thought it would be best for outsiders to do the exploration, because of this..." He pauses. "And hopefully find out what is going on with that, if possible."
The Kid	The Kid offers a helpless shrug back at Gene as he flashes the battered credit card. He doesn't get how that stuff works either. But, on to why they are here. Slip through hostile soil to get at some ancient ruins, clear them out without upsetting the locals and then bring back news on that whole affair if they can. Now, the Kid is uneducated, but that doens't make him stupid. A couple of puzzle pieces fall together in his head and he points. "Is this why ya wanted us to come here all quietlike? So word doesn't spread 'bout you contractin' us to these villages?"
Velvet Crowe	"Hey, don't go reading into this. I broke out of jail less than a week ago, I pieced this together from the prisoner effects storage room. I'm pretty damn small as daemons go, and daemons don't tend to wear much, so it turns out nothing in there really fit me." The coat has something to it. She doesn't mind looking intimidating? It'll make her job easier in the long run. ... still, three years without a change of clothes, the part of her that's still people wouldn't mind having a wardrobe again, you know? Back to Gene, after that brief reply to Henry. "So what, you want us to head out there, get rid of whatever's in our way and bring you back the artifacts, without involving your village in whatever's going on? So we take all the heat for you and you don't have to deal with this war?"
Lyria Mason	Lyria Mason does not mind junk iot cna lead to parts and the like or just interesing thing she's also eager for an adventure she now listens for a moment as they speak of a place known as the MindKeep she does take good notice of this. "I get it hire outsiders who won't pervoke trouble. I take it we're not to say we're working for you if we get asked to keep thigns from blowing up in our faces?" She looks to the Kid nodding in agreement she sees where it's going. She pauses at the mention of deamon and her eyes narrow ever so lightly for a moment. She'd seen the reports but this is confirmation from the subject herself. "So what do we need out of the Mindkeep?"
Samantha Middleton	Samantha sees another angle from what the Kid says. "And maybe figure out what's making the war brewing?" Velvet has a more negative opinion of this, but Samantha isn't surprised. She has a more important question, too. One that she thinks is relevant for all of them! "Does it have to be us, or can we bring in friends and allies? This sounds like um... it might take a while."
Henry Jekyll	"Ahhh, a Daemon, I see." Henry smiles faintly, and then adds, "You simply must meet an acquaintance of mine, his name is Mister Hyde." Calling his alter-ego a daemon isn't that much of a stretch, it's a walking, breathing embodiment of sin and excess after all. Then he adds, "It's a tricky kind of situation, but I think there's much value to be had for ourselves beyond what they offer, and why not give them a hand while we're here. Their motives are commendable."
Nort and Scar	Gene breathes a sigh of relief as everyone seems to get the general idea. "So long as you don't cause any trouble, I don't think it's a problem if you tell others you're looking around on behalf of us, so long as you aren't actually natives. We aren't really asking for anything dangerous, after all." He smiles, "Ah, and you're guessing right that there is something specific to be had. I'd prefer that you keep the precise details a secret for reasons that will be obvious." He pauses. "We'd like you to find a working computer core and terminal from any remaining computers you can find in Mindkeep, and failing that find the answer to these two questions: "Where are the Cities of Man?" and "How can people reach the Cities of Man?"" Gene produces a small package, handing it to the first person to step forward for it. "Here I have a map of the area. I'll need it back. In the meantime, you or any allies you bring into this situation who prove trustworthy can stay at Haven while you are here. We can offer food, shelter, medicine, maintenance of anything we understand..." He shrugs, knowing that offworld tech is different. "You'll be given leeway to decide how to approach this. It's a long term task, proceed as you will, so long as you or your allies make some progress." He straightens up. "Keep your true mission quiet... even in Haven. About the computer core and Cities of Man. Otherwise... I can give you some advice. Avoid the Great Glow, it's highly radioactive. The weather in this area is also very... different. We know nothing of the White Woods area on your map, this was done from an aerial photograph. You'll also see the Village of Oskar there, which is closer to Mindkeep. It's run by a mutant wolverine named Timon, we don't know much about him. Also, avoid the Black Orchid Fields, dangerous creatures live there." He opens the packet to show the photo. "As for this, it was given to us by a hermit named Ermon, living in the location marked Blue Food Flats. He says some strange things from time to time but he claims to have worked in Mindkeep."
Velvet Crowe	"Hyde huh? Another daemon, or something similar?" Velvet figures someone wouldn't set up a meeting if there wasn't some relevant link between the people involved. She's not sure about being the subject of a study, but maybe this guy'd be willing to pay her for it. She could use the money, being broker than broke without a job. Mission looks straightforward, at least. Get artifacts, get answers. Maybe try not to start a war. Her wording was a bit crude, but it's how she sees it. These people can't afford conflict, so they're just sending other people to take care of it and take the fall if it comes down to it. Alright, that last part is in her head, but she's wary of people. "One question, what's a computer core? And a terminal?" That's some more learning she'll have to do.
Henry Jekyll	"Something similar. If we keep at this, I'm sure you'll meet him soon enough." The bits about computers make him smile and explain, "It's this fascinating thing they invented after my death, computers are devices that are extremely good at computation, storage and long-distance communication. A terminal is what you use to operate a computer." Talking about the mission itself doesn't seem to interest him very much, but he did make all kinds of nods and affirmative noices to make it clear he understood.
The Kid	The Kid takes the map! Mapreading and charting count themselves among his few 'academic' skills. He also takes out a marvelous little invention he stumbled across while doing some shopping in the Multiverse. Little sticky bits of paper you can use to annotate things without permanently marking them. Since Gene wants this back, he doesn't want to mar the map permanently. So yes, he basically Post-Its the map up with reminders on the leads Gene is giving them.
Samantha Middleton	With the whole situation laid out, Samantha nods, but gives Henry another look. She's not thrilled at working with the League, but this does seem to be right up their alley. "We'll be sure to figure that part out before we get to where we're going, right?" The girl tugs at her sleeve, feeling it catch in the arm, and then she nods approvingly at what the Kid is doing! "So where to first? I'm thinking this hermit guy or maybe the village. Got any ideas?" She adds, "The um... Timon village. Hey, do you know another wolverine ridden by a guy named Nort?" There can't be THAT many mutant wolverines around, right?
Lyria Mason	Lyria Mason has a lot to take in and she lisens now ashe gets the idea that well? This is going to take a lot of work to get his job done. She needs to keep the true mission. She seems all right with this as she leans back a bit and listens. She now knows they are going to be dealing with trouble, but hey? it's to be expected right? She looks to Henry and Velvet but doesn't comment on the whole thing she does look wary though.
Nort and Scar	"A device for storing information," Gene answers Velvet, as does Henry. "Like a thinking box, I suppose. We've lost the ability to make them from scratch." To Samantha, "I know a couple wolverines, but they aren't common in these parts. None that are riding beasts, though. Sorry." Right world, wrong region, kiddo.
Velvet Crowe	"So like radios, but better, and the terminal is buttons and stuff," Velvet simplifies what Henry says, not really getting the whole picture even when Gene explains. She broadly gets it, at least! Open-mindedness helps. Selective open-mindedness, anyway. Does she have an opinion on where to start? No, not really. What she needs right now is something to do. Anything, really. The Black Orchid Fields sound interesting, but they'll probably be avoiding them. If she had to choose, though... "Ermon's probably not a bad place to start if he knows as much as he claims. Or we could go see what's in the White Woods." It's the direct method of fixing not knowing what's there.
The Kid	"Forewarned is forearmed," Kid says once he's done taking notes. He passes it around to everyone to make sure nothing was missed. "I'd like ta visit this Ermon feller. Even if any info he has is old, better'n what we got now." He then nods to Gene. "Offer of lodging is pretty generous, but I'll hafta be comin' and goin' anyway. Other things that need doin'. I'll try not ta raise eyebrows though, don't you worry none."