Patchwork Universe

Yarrow · Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 2:20 pm Post subject: Pretty as a Pitcher

[ooc: From The Rag and Bone Shop: A present from the Zoo]

Specks came out on to green grass and breathed deeply of the smell of spring. All around roses were bursting into bloom from the tangled of scented bushes. The urchin wiped his grummy hands on his even grubbier clothes, awed by this strange new world.
"Lummy," he muttered. "It don't seem half real."

Turning around he looked hopefully for the toff who was supposed to be giving him a job.

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 351 Location: The Zoo

Daltrey burst from the mists, gangly limbs flailing in panic. He actually looked quite surprised to have made it to the other side.

"We made it, Specks! You beautiful fellow, I could kiss you!"

The boy drew back in alarm but Daltrey didn't seem intent on making good his threat.

"But," said the Assistant Zookeeper, looking around at a new set of unfamiliar surroundings, "where the Dawkins are we? Ooh, nice flora."

Yarrow · Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 5:39 pm Post subject:

"Pretty as a pitcher, innit?" Specks looked pleased at this change in his fortunes.

"You know, I ain't never managed to cross that mist before now," he added. "Wonder how come it worked this time. Lucky for us it did, mind."

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 351 Location: The Zoo

"Mm, I had trouble getting through some mists myself not long ago," replied Daltrey. "Ended up having to ask some overalled cove, name of Weekday, for help, most embarrassing. Still, looks like our problems on that score are over, my young friend!"

He rubbed his hands together.

"So all we need to do is find out which way the Zoo lies from this place and we're home and dry. Maybe we'll find someone in the vicinity who can point us in the right direction, though most of these mistbound lands seem to be trackless wildernesses, so maybe not. Either way, Specks, how'd you fancy a bit of exploring?"

Dr James Kirby · Good Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 214 Location: Empire City

As the two talk, a large dirigible floats into the patch from the east, and puts down an anchor.

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 351 Location: The Zoo

"Whoa! I haven't seen an aircraft quite like that before," said Daltrey to Specks, impressed.

"So this area is inhabited, after all. I say we go see if they can give us directions."

Yarrow · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 3:04 pm Post subject:

"Righto, mate," Specks said cheerfully. "Maybe we can get whoever it is to give us a lift to the Zoo in his balloon?"

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 351 Location: The Zoo

"My thoughts exactly, Specks, my thoughts exactly," chortled Daltrey, clapping his young protege between the shoulderblades. "What an Assistant Zookeeper you're going to make."

The pair of them were now close enough to the dirigible to stand a chance of attracting its occupants' attention.

"Holloa!" cried Daltrey, squinting up at the craft while waving his arms frantically. "Anybody up there?"

Dr James Kirby · Good Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 214 Location: Empire City

An aristocratic head popped out of the side of the gondola.

"Hello there!" called the man, in a German accent. "Can you tell me where I am? I have been blown a little... off course."

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 351 Location: The Zoo

"A similar thing happened to us!" Daltrey shouted back. "But," he added cunningly, "there are landmarks I'm sure we'd recognise, if we were high enough up. Permission to come aboard, captain?"

Dr James Kirby · Good Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 214 Location: Empire City

"By all means" drawled the man.

A steel rope ladder uncoiled and dropped to the floor. There was a clack, as the ladder appeared to tense itself, and became rigid.

"Please, come up."

Yarrow · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 4:45 pm Post subject:

Without hesitation Specks leapt for the ladder and swarmed up it like a monkey, climbing up to join the man in the gondola.

"I'm Specks," he said. "Assistant Zookeeper and this here's my boss, Daltrey." Turning he bent down to offer a hand to Daltrey, who's ability at climbing a ladder he wasn't sure of, given the mess the man had made of picking a simple lock.

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 351 Location: The Zoo

"Thank you, Specks, I can manage," snapped Daltrey, wondering if the boy realised who was the Assistant Zookeeper First Class here and who the Assistant Zookeeper (Probationary).

Still bearded only on one half of his face, he must have presented an odd sight indeed to the dirigible's pilot, but seemingly unaware of the fact he extended his hand for shaking.

Dr James Kirby · Good Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 214 Location: Empire City

The man affected not to notice Daltrey's hand, but instead treated the pair to a warm smile. He went to sit down at his workbench, and motioned the pair to a row of more-or-less comfortable seats which lined the gondola.

"So, you are zookeepers?" This seemed to amuse the man, for no real reason. "Tell me then, where is your zoo?"

"Oh, but where are my manners? If you too are lost, then you are no doubt in need of refreshment. Can I offer you anything?"

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 351 Location: The Zoo

"That would be great, thank you," replied Daltrey, plopping down into one of the seat. Remembering that Specks was a minor he went on: "Two glasses of milk, if you have any.

"As to the location of the Zoo, it's a long story. As it happens, I was kidnapped! Anyway, we know that the Zoo's not to the north of here. We'd probably be able to see it, but you see those banks of mists in all directions? Anyway, if you were to fly south we'd probably spot it from the air in no time. The Head Zookeeper is one of the most brilliant men of the age, he'd surely be able to help you find your way, er, Mr...?"