Patchwork Universe

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 303 Location: The Zoo

[OOC: Erk. That should be "part-responsible for *that* state of affairs", of course. As no "Friend of Jones" I can't edit my posts in this patch, sadly ;) ]

Dr. William T. Odom · Good Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 381 Location: The Museum

"Oh, don't be so timid Mr. Trubshawe. There's no 'seems' about it."

Kao Sheng · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 7:46 pm Post subject:

Kao Sheng bowed in formal farewell towards Trubshawe before turning again towards Doctor Odom.

"Your conclusions cannot be faulted, sir," said Kao Sheng, indicating with an expansive sweeping bow that the Doctor should consider himself at liberty to begin the journey.

"As to your question, O insightful Doctor Jewel, your conjecture is correct if not specific. It would be largely correct to state that the immediate cause of many of the observed changes was the breach made into the subterranean caverns, which itself penetrated the wards between that area and the surface world. The dedicated Mister Jones having undertaken great efforts to render the surface safe for travellers, the contrast was highly profound, and the natural laws and conditions which permeate the underworld were briefly asserted upon the lands through which we now walk: These conditions, unfortunately, include the assertion that dragons are creatures of great evil and little sentience, and the much beleaguered Kalyndis, being some considerable distance from his own domain, became subject to that most unfortunate definition himself."

Dr. William T. Odom · Good Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 381 Location: The Museum

With a shrug Dr. Odom stowed his notebook and spectacles and set of in a sort of south-southeasterly direction, walking a little too stiffly to be strolling.

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 303 Location: The Zoo

Trubshawe dug his heels into the mud and waited somewhat pessimistically to see if anyone else would stay put.

From what Kao Sheng had said, Kalyndis' behaviour had been affected because the dragons that Jones was used to acted differently from Kalyndis' type. Interesting... but thank Dawkins that Head Zookeepers were invariably all alike, the multiverse over!
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Dr Jewel · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:38 pm Post subject:

Jewel fell in step with Dr Odom and Kao Sheng.

"So Kalyndis became a mindless predator because the dragons in the lower dungeons were." She considered this for a moment. "I think that's the second time that you've mentioned how Kalyndis being far from his domain is a factor. Do you mean we're now a long way from his original world, or because his patch of land," Jewel consulted her notebook again, "is several away from here?"

As far as mine in fact, she noted rather nervously. She decided to ask about something else.

"So the station was responsible, because the foundations pierced the dungeons?" Jewel started to see why the arrival of the station had aroused Jones' suspicions. "Are there stations suddenly being built in other people's land pieces as well? It's just that I don't think Jones was very happy about it, so he obviously didn't request one himself. Not to mention that the building looks rather out of place here."

Kao Sheng · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 11:39 pm Post subject:

"As regards the matter of distance, the second of your conjectures may be considered to be correct," Kao Sheng replied. "The matter of the origin of the station is rather more complex, involving as it does many individuals amongst which responsibility may not be easily distributed. The unfortunate result, however, seems unlikely to be premeditated."

Kalyndis · Good Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 206 Location: Kerya

"Trubshawe, I am as interested in finding out what happened here as Doctor Odom is, though for different reasons. Kao Sheng has obviously not told us the whole truth, but he does appear to be well informed, so I will accompany him in the hope of devising questions he is willing to answer. As far as trust is concerned, it was you yourself who suggested Jones might be in league with greater powers, so we might trust one as well as the other." Kalyndis glanced at the two doctors as they walked away. "When you see Jones, let him know that I will endeavour return as soon as possible, hopefully with an explanation of past events. He might also take comfort from the fact that Doctor Jewel, whom he considers able to harm me, will be present to constrain my actions." He bowed slightly. "I hope to see you soon."

He strode off to catch up with the others, having overheard their conversation with his sensitive ears. "Kao Sheng, your explanation is fascinating, if rather horrifying. If distance from my domain is indeed a factor, will movement in this direction lead to any further unfortunate incidents? And what can be done to ensure it doesn't happen again?" Killing a human without reason, if that had indeed happened, would be of not inconsiderable embarrassment to a properly brought up dragon, but the apparently complete loss of memory and volition was far more disturbing. If Kalyndis was going to kill someone, he would rather do it of his own free will.

Dr. William T. Odom · Good Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 381 Location: The Museum

While Dr. Odom listened to the questions and answers about distances, stations and dragons he set about constructing a cigarette -- the first since before leaving the public house, he was pleased to realize, possibly even the first since the young thug had originally threatened him. He let the breeze take a couple of papers that were too damp to use before he reached a dry one, and soon sent a spent match after the papers.

He briefly considered going back to retrieve the wand and mace he had left lying in the muddy field, but if Jones wanted murderers wandering about he could also have weapons lying about.

Dr Jewel · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 8:40 am Post subject:

Jewel could see the mists, they would pass through to the Juniper School very soon.

Pity Kalyndis decided to come along. She thought. It's going to be a rather tense journey. Particularly if he makes any more species-ist comments.

"So the station was located by someone who didn't know it was going to open up the dungeon." She theorised aloud. "Is it an underground train? I assume so, because I didn't see any tracks. Where does it go?"

She realised that she was, perhaps, moving away from topics that required a God to answer them.

"But I can probably take a look for myself." She apologised. "I really wanted to know about the patches. Why have they been set up here? Why were the specific places chosen?"

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 303 Location: The Zoo

"Hmph," was all Trubshawe said as he watched their four backs dwindle into the distance. Serve them right if they all killed one another.

With exaggerated dignity he began to pick his way back through the mud towards the Public House.

[Trubshawe leaves this thread]

Kao Sheng · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:28 pm Post subject:

"Although many effects are possible, it is the current understanding of this person that no environments of a nature which you will find to be personally hazardous are present along the extent of this present journey, O honoured Kalyndis," Kao Sheng continued.

"As to your questions, O accomplished Doctor Jewel, the first touches upon a matter upon which this incapable person is presently unable to elaborate, being bound as he is by an oath of a most somber and serious nature. The second has similar connections, but it may perhaps be addressed in part by explaining that a considerable element of chance is involved, in addition to a number of conditions, some of which must undoubtedly be obvious to your enlightened mind."

Kalyndis · Good Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 206 Location: Kerya

"Noting that the environment of Jones's territory was not initially hazardous, I must ask, are other patches similarly unstable? How many patches are there? Do you know so much about them because you are one of the beings who created this arrangement, or are you, like Jones, someone who has been here for a long time? And..." He looked puzzled, and asked quietly, "Doctor Jewel, why is Doctor Odom blowing smoke from his mouth?"

Dr Jewel · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:20 pm Post subject:

"Dr Odom is smoking a cigarette." Jewel replied to Kalyndis. "The roll of paper contains a narcotic. It's a social activity where I come from, but I don't smoke myself. Or, perhaps I should say, when I wasn't a ghost I chose not to smoke; because of course I couldn't now anyway."

She turned back to Kao Sheng.

"Can you tell us who or what you swore the oath to?" Jewel asked. "Or say what things it forbids you to mention? Or is the entire topic out of bounds?"

She reached the edge of the mist and glanced through. The edge of the new patch looked right for Miss Mercury's lands. She looked to the others, checking that they were happy to follow over the boundary.

Almost forgotten in her hand, she still held the spirit blade.

Kao Sheng · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 7:56 pm Post subject:

"Ah..."

Kao Sheng's eyes seemed to sparkle, and he very nearly smiled, just for a moment.

"This area is internally conflicted because the dedicated Mister Jones has devoted great effort and considerable time towards changing its nature for the better," he said. "As to the oath..."

He paused, taking on a rather distant look, and folded his arms inside his sleeves. Even a minor story had to be treated with respect.

"Many years ago, when there were but five of us here present, a difference of opinion arose between us, regarding the matter of what should be told, and what should be kept unsaid. It was the opinion of this one that disclosure was desirable, but to his misfortune, his voice was in the minority.

"At that time this apparently over-optimistic and nearsighted person entertained some hope that an inquiring mind could still gain a very complete and profound insight, even if only by an enlightened process of observation and supposition: And so it was that to his later lasting regret, this incautious and misguided one gave his consent to be bound by the wishes of his accomplished peers."

Looking back at Doctor Jewel, he continued in a very slightly less formal tone.

"Of course, it need not be said that many of those who came chose not to devote the greater part of their attention towards philosophical speculations. For many years, therefore, there have been secrets kept, and this unwise person has until recently had very little opportunity to correct his past mis-step."