Patchwork Universe

liason · Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 2:14 pm Post subject: Lost in the Museum

Running silently through the corridors of the museum, Ambassador Liason was unnoticed for some time by the staff. Only after some minutes, as he began to tire, did he stop to consider his situation.

A vast building. Surely larger even than the Principal Palace of the Illuminated Emperor ?

Given the urgency of his journey, Liason decided at length that there was only one alternative. Pulling his cloak about him to hide his weapons, he stepped from the shadows and called to a man he could see coming the other way along the corridor.

"Excuse me sir," Liason bowed slightly, "might I beg your assistance ? I have become lost in my attempts to navigate this establishment."

Dr. William T. Odom · Good Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 84 Location: The Museum

George rubbed his nose against his sleeve. He breathed noisily through his mouth while he did the math and then did it again to double check. Yes, this was the second time he had been stopped by visitors who had lost their Guides. Being asked for directions did wonderful things for George's sense of himself. Perhaps he would become a Runner one day after all!

"Back that way until it ends," George said, pointing back over his shoulder. "Turn left and go 'til you hit the main hallway. Turn right and go about 2475 yards. That'll get you back to the foyer, and they should be able to send a Runner or two to find your Guide. 'Less he's already waiting for you." He rubbed his nose again. "Or she. Was it a girl?"

Yes, this sort of thing made George feel awfully important.

"I shall be sure to tell Dr. Odom the Guides have been falling down on the job," he announced severely. Then he beamed at Liaison, grinning guilelessly, revealing square, gleaming teeth.

liason · Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 3:09 pm Post subject:

"Thank you sir, much obliged."

Liason bowed briefly, before setting off at a brisk stride through the corridors.

The directions proved themselves accurate and Liason stopped in the Foyer to recover his breath. Then he noticed a remarkable thing. Suspended from the roof was a huge metal model of some kind of aquatic creature, a cross between a manta ray and a shark. Next to it, sitting atop a tall ladder, a young lady appeared to be engaged in the business of cleaning it.

"Do excuse my interruption," Liason called loudly to her, "but whereabouts might I find a Guide ?"

liason · Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 3:41 pm Post subject:

Dr. Odom stepped out of the cloakroom and walked briskly toward the back of the foyer. The boots rang loudly in the vast room.

"Sir, this is the very place to find a Guide. In fact, I'm surprised you haven't already been assigned to one. Do you have a particular interest, or do you wish to see a variety of exhibits?"

Suddenly Dr. Odom realized that he was greeting a visitor while wearing a diving suit, the spherical brass helmet in one hand and a battered china cup in the other.

Liason bowed to the approaching knight.

"Had I time enough I should like to study all of your exhibits. However, at present I am simply seeking an exit leading Northwards. I entered your establishment from the South and have only myself to blame for my lack of a Guide."

The man's armour was of a curious and unusual design. It looked tough - Liason wondered if his pistol would even penetrate it. Fortunately, the knight appeared friendly enough.

Suddenly a though occurred to him and he glanced back up at the metal sea creature. Was it possible that this wasn't a model, but an automaton ?

Dr. William T. Odom · Good Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 84 Location: The Museum

[OOC: continued in "Bad News for Zookeepers"]