vivianquest - Tumblr blog

[vivianquest]

JANICE’S STORY

“The family I grew up in was wealthy. We had a big house, servants, private legislation handcrafted to suit our needs, everything you could think of. I was loved by my parents and received their affection, the best toys, the best education, the best implants. My eyes are replaced, as are my heart and lungs. I was bad at playing piano, so I got a new set of fingers tuned for fine motor skills. Out of my bones 72 are family heirlooms. I have life-time unlimited dental plan.”

“Back then our family didn’t have friends in the neighborhood. They kept their distance from us, and as a child I thought that it was a sign of respect. Now I realize that it was fear.”’

“See, my father was a repo man.”

“He brought the best bits back home. Everything that was lovingly given to me came from someone who couldn’t afford to keep it. Even I came from someone who had gotten into an insurmountable debt. My parents didn’t have children of their own, and they thought they could give me the best possible future. I don’t resent them for that.”

“But I felt that I had taken so much out of life already, that it was my turn to give back. That’s why I went over to church, to serve people. And now that I’m not with them anymore...well, I hope I can serve you, my friends.”

Who will tell their story next? What kind it will be, sad or happy, funny or scary?

[vivianquest]

The campfire bricks crackle and push back the coldness of desert night. Everyone is there, looking weary and dirty from the day’s travel, picking at their food rations while uneasy silence hangs over them.

A drone lands on Rebis’s palm and chitters at him in machine code gibberish, then settles down on his lap for a nap. He pets its synthetic chitin carapace idly as he tells the others that there is no sign of pursuit. It is hard to say whether this makes him more relieved or worried.

Dr. Lapin, MD, glances at Vivian with a hopeful expression. They had a stupid argument earlier that day, and she just sits next to him without saying anything. Let him stew for a moment longer still, she thinks. He sighs, and waits for the right moment to make his move. He finds it easier to charm than apologize.

Joe watches over his plate of beans, looking grumpier than usual. He feels lost on this ocean of sand, and finds no relief in his newfound freedom. What tenuous connection he had to his old life is now severed, and while being under Linnea’s influence was stressful, it at least was consistent stress. He is a creature of habit, made to serve, and now he is feeling cast adrift.

Janice speaks up. “We’re going to be spending the foreseeable future together, as a team, and I think everyone has noticed how much tensions there are between us.”

People around the campfire look at each other warily, and Vivian snorts. Janice continues undaunted.

“So! To clear the air we’re going to take turns to share stories.” She claps her hands like a camp counselor. “Stories about your past that you feel are important to you. Real stories.”

Rebis looks at her amused, and for a moment it looks like he put the idea in her mind. “Oh I’m ready to be entertained by you on this dreary desert!” he says and waves a drone next to him ready to take notes. He is the second shortest person in the group yet he manages to sound as if he was a head taller than everyone.

Joe makes a disapproving whine that ends in a growl. “Do we really have to do this?”

“Yes,” Janice replies, “because it makes others understand where you’re coming from, and that creates trust.”

“Trust is valuable goods among thieves, and I’m not in the habit of giving it away freely,” Vivian says and silently adds especially to any of you.

“She has a point,” Lapin wraps his arm around her and pulls her close, and she is ready to forgive him for the argument earlier, but then he continues. “We should try to become friends. Having to watch my back out there will get tiresome, and I don’t think any of you wants to worry about me behind you either…”

“Then it’s decided!” Janice decides for you and hurries to add, “I’ll go first,” before anyone voices their objections.

[vivianquest]

“Hi. I see that you’re not wearing your shielding. Shouldn’t you be worried?”

“I’d smell the danger.”

“But what if a sudden sandstorm rises-”

The small lizard looks away, her body language cold.

“You’re still angry about the argument,” the larger woman says softly.

The small lizard does not bother to answer. She does not want to waste a good sulk.

“I’m arranging a get together, and I’d like you to be included.” The other woman smiles weakly. 

“Do I look like someone who is good company?” The small lizard sneers.

She sighs and crouches to meet her at eye level. “I could pick you up and make you come along. I’ve seen people treat you like that so far.”

“I’ve noticed.” The small lizard’s voice is sour.

“And that’s why I won’t do it. I’m asking because I think you’d enjoy it.” She hesitates for a moment. “As a friend?”

Vivian huffs at her, but Janice seems determined to linger around until she says yes.

“Let’s get this over with, then.” Vivian raises up and dusts herself off. The gesture is powerless against the static cling of the fine electronic sand.

“Thank you!” Janice looks relieved. She feels that she is making progress.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re welcome…”

[vivianquest]

[vivianquest]

[vivianquest]

WAITING

WATCHING

[vivianquest]

ANCIENT MACHINERY HUMS TO LIFE

LIKE HAMMER OF A COCKED GUN

SUDDENLY HAVING A PURPOSE

[vivianquest]

ELSEWHERE 

A RELAY SWITCHES ON

A DREADFUL PATIENCE HAS RUN OUT

[vivianquest]

END OF CHAPTER 3

STAY TUNED FOR CHAPTER 4: WHAT LIES BURIED

[vivianquest]

You race across the plains in an uneasy silence, under the brooding sky towards an unknown fate. You have a niggling worry that Lapin got it wrong--goats do not guard bridges, they cross them--but you do not know what that means for you.

You stroke Lapin's hand idly, and realize that you are not so afraid anymore. You can see your future in the featureless horizon, and knowing that no direction is better than another feels strangely liberating.

So instead of worrying you curl up and take a nap, because why not? You drift into a light sleep, lulled in by the car’s jostling, and do not see dreams...

[vivianquest]

The five of you jam yourselves into the car, and Rebis hits the ignition. The engine roars to life, its growls reverberating on the buildings hungry and beast-like, and when he floors the pedal the dune buggy bolts and careens off the town square. You slam against the leather seats as the car gobbles up the pavement all cylinders flaring, wind rushing in your ears and clawing at your eyes.

“It’s the culmination of my entire career,” Rebis shouts over the engine thunder as buildings flit past you, “they didn’t even know enough to tell me that it couldn’t be done, but I’ve shown them anyway!”

“What!?” you yell, but he does not stop to listen.

“I’ve located AERI!” He shifts gear and grins while the ground shudders and flees in front of the tires.

“What’s that?”

“Anomalous Energies Research Institute! Back when the Ophidians swam like Gods among the stars, that’s where their most advanced discoveries were made!”

“Never heard of that!”

“Why should’ve you! It was their most jealously kept secret! Its existence was lost in history!”

“How you found it then?”

“Because I’m a goat!” Rebis feeds the beast nitrous oxide, filling its metal veins with speed and radiator with fire. You fly across the featureless dust plains, the lash of wind around you rivaling the bone-stripping thunder storms that gather on the horizon. Weight of acceleration slouches on your lap and chest, muting you even while your teeth chatter with every tremble and groan the car makes.

Your boyfriend leans over the seat. “Goats are bridge keepers! That’s what you mean?”

“Exactly!” Rebis howls with wild laughter. “I’m the last in line of guardians of AERI, and we’re going to claim my birthright!”

“What about us?” Joe barks from the back seat. “Helping you made us fugitives!”

“Relax.” Rebis eases the gas slightly and settles to a more comfortable rocket propelled cruising speed. The dust cloud rises behind you like a drifting cliff side. “They created miracles on a daily basis over there. Even the least of trinkets you take back is worth a fortune, and I’m letting you have everything you can carry.”

You fall in silence while thinking of the possibilities, but then Janice breaks it. “Are you certain this will work?”

“Of course! I have my accumulated notes and the lore passed from generation to generation in my family. I don’t see how we could possibly fail!”

“I wish I could share your confidence,” you mutter and look around to Lapin. He nods and puts his hand over yours, and squeezes it softly.

Rebis scratches his nose. “Well, truth be told I’m also pretty high on ephedrine right now, but the research is still solid. Either way finding out if I was right or not will be a wild ride!”

[vivianquest]

Wessolf:

Vivian and Co.: Get in the car and have a chat with your "employer"

“Okay! Okay, point taken! I’m sorry I put you through the wringer okay?” Rebis sounds surprisingly angry for someone who struggles to stand up, his legs shaking and dust static clinging to his suit. “Just don’t beat me up anymore!”

“Hah, why shouldn’t we? You certainly deserve it for being such a massive jerk!” You growl at Rebis, but start to feel apprehensive when his horned head slowly rises over you.

He snorts and wipes his snout, then spits gray electronic grit on the ground, slowly regaining his smug composure. “There’s procedure to be followed, in case you didn’t know.”

“Oh it’s procedure you want?” Joe shoves him, making him bump against the side of the dune buggy. “How about taking your car as a repayment for my troubles? You made me sit with that crazy monkey for days!”

Rebis bounces back and gets up close, spitting words into Joe’s nostrils as he speaks. “Please, think with your brains for a moment! Even the likes of you must see that letting the fortune of a lifetime slip through your fingers for the sake of a petty vengeance is dumb.”

“Watch it, goat.” Joe crosses his arms. 

“You’re really not making this easier for yourself.” You glower enthusiastically behind the hyena.

Dr. Lapin, MD, and Janice share a concerned glance, then he steps between you.

“All right, all right, now that we’ve all let out some steam let’s think about this calmly…”

Janice touches Joe’s shoulder gently but firmly. “Captain, let’s get away from here before Linnea comes after us, all right? We can have this discussion later.”

Joe tenses when he feels the weight of her palm, and just nods. “All right. Let’s go, Rebis.”

[vivianquest]

Anonymous said to vivianquest:

Silly Zealot says, get in the car, but before that, inform Rebis to adjust his pants, they are about to fall off. Alternatively, pull them down all the way as revenge for all the trouble

[vivianquest]

emynoduesp said to vivianquest:

You made us jump through many hoops Rebis. Now that we're face-to-face, what's stopping us from kicking your teeth in and taking your car as repayment for our troubles?

[vivianquest]

The harsh glare of the sun makes you squint as you step out. The metal infused air cuts your sinuses with its dry caress, but you inhale it greedily just happy to be out of the museum fortress’s stifling presence. Before you have the time to get your bearings an impatient voice calls at you.

“What took you so long? Get in the car chop chop, time is of the essence!”

Now what?

[vivianquest]

The Intendent’s men make a wall between you and the furious Linnea, and the four of you make haste towards the elevator. The ride down feels long as you study each other in silence, trying to guess what thoughts pass through your minds.

“So… weren’t you two supposed to deliver Rebis to Linnea?” Lapin asks.

Joe shakes his head. “It’s a moot point now, she knows where he’ll be headed. We would be a liability to her at the best.” He sighs. “She’s very thorough and doesn’t like leaving loose ends hanging.”

“Huh. I guess we’re in this together then. Truce?” Lapin extends his hand, but Joe crosses his arms.

“You were supposed to be my enemy? I hardly even noticed that.”

“That’s rich coming from a man who turned tail and ran. How’s that worked for you, hmm?”

“Ran? I saved all of us by drawing the enemies’ attention to myself!”

“If you want call hiding and crying that, sure…”

“Stop it, you two!” Janice huffs and grabs both of them by the arm. “I’m going to turn this elevator around and go back if you two can’t play nice together!”

That is enough to shut them up and the rest of the ride is spent in sullen silence.

[vivianquest]

Julius Lapin, MD, does not look impressed. He shakes his head slightly, and the way how light dances on the soft tuft of hair on his forehead makes you want to tousle it.

“I’m not buying the story you’re selling, Rebis. You made us travel to this backend of nowhere town to test us because you need each and every one of our special skills. You are not in a position to turn anyone down.”

“Oh my, you presume to tell me my motivations? Do go on, if you have figured it out please share your insights with everyone. I am dying to hear this!”

“For starters, I’m a medic but also immune to most environmental hazards. That one,” he points at Janice, “is not only muscle but also has no qualms about sharing her gift of regeneration.”

Hearing that the people around Janice murmur and take a step away from her, but she does not pay attention to them.

“Really now.” Rebis does not sound amused anymore. “What about those two chumps over there, the washed up hyena and the weird otter thing? What could I possibly need them for, hmm?”

“The hyena’s a mid level church official.”

“Ha! If I needed a preacher-”

“Thus he’s fluent in Old Imperial. A dead language, restricted to the clergy and their servants. Quite useful when exploring ancient Ophidian ruins…”

Joe harrumphs and adjusts his tie. “This washed up hyena also happens to have leadership training, has certificates in administration, and is skilled at close quarter combat. I resent being talked to in this manner by a cheap toy!”

“As for the other,” Lapin continues, “an infiltration specialist-”

“Oh no, count me out,” Jaan crosses his arms. "I'm not going to scrounge around in some dusty pit. I'm a people person and my skills would be wasted in whatever dump you're headed at!" 

Joe looks relieved, but also slightly disappointed, so Jaan continues. "Besides, you need someone to mislead the people coming after you, and I just love telling lies."

"Honestly?"

"You can take my word for it," he makes a lopsided smile.

"That leaves just me, then," you say to Rebis. "You can't find anyone small enough to crawl through the inevitable air ducts and pick locks except me."

"Don't flatter yourself, lady. The frogs are pretty small too, and crafty to boot."

You give the drone a flat stare. “They also need moisture to live and we’re headed for desert.”

"...Fine. All of you, meet me at the front door in five minutes. You’re accepted on the adventure of your lifetime.” He sighs. “Maurice, can you hold off the rude lioness for me? I would be much obliged if we got a head start of a day or two."

"I'll stay and help them," Daniel cracks his knuckles and grins at you. “You bailed me out of a tight spot once, so it’s the least I can do. These weenies need someone to show how it’s done!”

You glance at Lapin who nods, and then you reach out to shake Daniel’s hand. His meaty paw is big enough to swallow it whole.

“Thank you Daniel. I won’t forget this.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll gather up some friends and follow you after I’m finished here. You’ll have a debt of gratitude I’m going to collect!”

“Always a repo man, you big lummox!” You snort and both of you laugh a little.

Joe pats Jaan’s shoulder. “So, this is it then? I hope that we’ll meet again.”

“Ha! I never thought I’d hear you say that.”

“Truth to be told me neither.”

There is a pause that starts to grow awkward between them, and Jaan breaks it. 

“Hey cap’n?”

“Yea?”

“You’re all right.”

“You too, Jaan.”

“Oh come on, that is starting to stretch my suspension of disbelief. Get going already, before we start hugging each other!” 

Joe shakes his head ruefully. “I’ll never hear the end of it now, me telling you that you’re okay...?”

“Yea I’m going to rub it in if you return. I’m looking forward to it, so don’t let me down!” Jaan taps Joe’s chin with his knuckles, but the hyena just takes it glumly.