Welcome, reader, to the latest Character Development Thread! These shared story exercises help budding writers develop their characters alongside the characters of other budding writers. No formal sign-up is necessary; one can simply jump right in. Just make sure to review the OP and the last few pages first.
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This particular thread focuses a bit more heavily on character interaction than usual. It is recommended, though not required, that your characters come with specific goals in mind.
Many thanks go to nrjxll, Killer Clowns, SolipSchism, Corvidae, electronic-tragedy, Darkblood Carnagefang, Strix Obscuro, Gault, Night, and gameknight102xx, among others, for helping to prepare the thread.
◊Somewhere in the vastness that is the multiverse, there lies a great city. Born from a mix of modern technologies and ancient magic, it has become a crossroads between many different realities, resulting in a wonderfully varied populace and a mostly near-futuristic cityscape.
This shining Capital prides itself on being a place of opportunity. It’s up to the inhabitants to make something of it.
- Current Time: Night (~10:00 PM)
- Current Weather: Cloudy
edited 12th Oct '15 12:20:03 PM by Yomegami
[Waterfront (Beach)]
Qrlil's posture shifted again, this time to a more relaxed one. It was good to be back on more established conversational territory, though it certainly bothered her that Angua still seemed to have these doubts about herself.
She hissed. "I would never describe you as lovesick," she said teasingly. "Not that I think it is entirely a bad thing that you wish to keep clarifying the situation. As I think I have told you, it is normal in qrtxian relationships to do such a thing. Perhaps it is simply my vocation that makes me think so, but so many problems are caused by lack of communication - "
She broke off, somewhat abruptly, as Zerrimus arrived. "Oh! Er - hello. I am glad you enjoyed your swim."
Well, this is certainly a rather awkward development of events.
Attitude is prohibited
[Market Street] (Bazaar)
Akira whispered Kyana's advice to Miyuki. "You keep saying you're fair." She said to Luíseach. "But I'm not in the habit of taking people at their word, so don't waste my time." She stated, simply. "We want at least a hundred dollars. Agree, and I'll... We will get you your rock."
Then she turned to face the others. "I'd rather not wait for another vehicle. Go find a bench the three of you can sit on. Unless your combined weight is somehow over 60 tons, I should be able to lift it and takes us all there in a couple of minutes." She said, rather flatly, as though this was not at all an unusual feat.
Not entirely dead.
The future of warfare in UC.
[Museum Park]
Cima moved in the general direction of the Capital, but stopped when she found her way blocked incidentally...maybe? The aliens here were really disturbing her, though she didn't let it show. A universe with a million new possible threats was a universe she didn't much enjoy. Three legs, avian-ish. And a uniform.
The universe wasn't totally out of its normal order. She understood uniforms. "Excuse me..." Cima trailed off, and then left it there. She didn't know the proper terms to use.
Nous restons ici.
[WEST SIDE (FOLLOWING SABAOTH)]
"Didn't you see the size of him?" Lara asked as she sped up, "Good luck trying to control someone who has a mech well over the height of Eliza's. I barely know the tyrant, but I think he'd just laugh in your face before burning it off."
Moments later, she began again, this time addressing Eliza. "I imagine your dad had different policies compared to you and Darius."
[Market Street ~ Open-Air Bazaar (Near Apothecary)] (Akira, Buso, Kyana, Luíseach, Miyuki)
Luíseach frowned, clearly unhappy with the decision. Her gaze jumped from person to person for a moment, but all she could do was roll her eyes, sigh, and say, "Fine. Fine. A hundred dollars with room to spare, easy." She snapped her fingers, as though producing the money was as simple as that.
"And my thirty ounces of buchu powder." Buso added, mask swiveling back towards the woman's direction.
"Yes yes, thirty ounces- whatever."
"Your word Luíseach." Buso insisted, turning all the way around to face her, "I want your sworn word that we have a deal. We bring you the rock, you give me thirty ounces of buchu powder. No secret proviso. No other conditions. Agree to these terms or you have no deal."
"Oh I'll bet. And where do you expect to get your precious buchu, if not from me?" she asked, eyes narrowed.
Buso said nothing, but folded his arms obstinately.
"Buso baby, if ever- if ever there was a time during which I granted someone's request with minor additional stipulations..." she paused thoughtfully, then nodded, saying, "know that it was very deserved. Now why would I ever do that to you four when you're doing me a great favor?"
"Oh, that'd be all well and good if I could believe it," Buso returned, "but your incessant avoidance of committing yourself or your word is leaving me doubtful." He tipped his mask downward, resting it against his fist for a second, before looking back up. "Help?"
"I agree to your conditions. Get out of here. Go find my rock."
"And their deal." Buso said, pointing to Akira and Miyuki. "You'll grant them the money they ask for, without any surprises."
"Go." Luíseach waved them away.
"Do you agr-"
"Deal! Go!"
Buso paused, bowed his head, then turned around, stepping closer to the others. He seemed just a little bit perkier than before. "Forgive me," he said, mask facing Miyuki, "I must've misheard you. You were saying something about a bench?"
this place needs me here
West Side - Following Sabaoth
"Very. He wasn't a monster like Sabaoth is; at the very least, I believe he truly loved Darius and I. But all the same...." Eliza sighed again. "...He was fully dedicated to the original goal of controlling everything, and he wanted people who'd rip anyone who got in the way to pieces without remorse. Which, eventually, lead to Sabaoth joining the Bleaksteel and eventually gaining the coveted rank of first Archon.
"As for controlling him...Father was the one person Sabaoth had actual respect for, likely because of all the freedom he had. He may even be the biggest reason why Sabaoth is so monstrous, though I don't doubt that the man was twisted even before he joined our organization."
She then fell silent. At first it looked as if she was just pondering her memories, but if Moreena and Lara listened closely they'd be able to hear the mechanical footsteps of Sabaoth's mech.
"I think we've almost caught up to him," she said, before she started walking as fast as she could without breaking into a sprint.
The afternoon kept dragging on and on, the sky still filled half and half with sunny blue sky and clouds. While it wasn't anywhere close to sunset, the sun was well on its way towards the western horizon.
Current time: Mid afternoon (~4:00 PM)
Current weather: Partially sunny
[Museum Park]
Trekesser had wound up not visiting any museums after all, instead just idly wandering around the park and looking at the reassuring - though not common in his more recent memories - sight of so many plants. He had begun wondering if he should go get lunch, and wasn't paying all that much attention to the other tourists until one of them spoke to him.
He turned to gaze at the human woman with one eye, assessing. She had a somewhat indistinct but professional air about her, so he decided to respond to her implicit question with a little more detail than he might have otherwise. "Captain Giun Trekesser, GANS Admiral Williams," he said in his deep voice, then inclined his head in a universal gesture of greeting. "But I'm here as a tourist, so Giun or Trekesser would be fine. Sorry, am I in your way?"
edited 30th Jul '15 6:47:28 PM by nrjxll
The future of warfare in UC.
[Museum Park]
Cima offered a small bow. "Commander of Marines Cima Garahau, of the Republic of Zeon. Also on vacation, hence the lack of uniform. You were, but..." she gestured to the uniform. "I noticed that and was curious, I suppose. The universe is much larger place than I knew and I am...perhaps grappling for familiarity." That admission pained her visibly, but she made it anyways. Keeping secrets had been noticeably harder the last three weeks.
Damn Newtypes anyways. What right had Jeannette had-but of course she knew full well it hadn't been intentional. Ah well. Just have to adapt and overcome, like everything else.
edited 30th Jul '15 7:40:34 PM by Night
Nous restons ici.
[Museum Park]
Trekesser nodded again. "Ah, Marines. Respect." The Republic of Zeon, on the other hand, he had never heard of before - but that wasn't much of a surprise here. And it might be even less so if he inferred the meaning of the sentence that had made Garahau wince correctly.
He glanced down at his uniform. "I originally wasn't going to wear the uniform for most of my time here, but I thought about it, and why not? It's environmentally sensitive smartcloth, so it's probably actually better for an environment like this then civilian clothes would."
He cocked his head in a gesture that made him appear somewhat more birdlike. "So am I right in guessing that your home reality is lacking either contact with another intelligent species, interstellar travel, or both?"
It's a bird.
West Side - Following Sabaoth
"I suppose that would make sense," Moreena said, with a barely noticeable hint of... something in her voice. Sympathy perhaps? She wasn't entirely sure herself, but Eliza's stories about the Bleaksteel did make her recall some rather unpleasant memories of her own.
As she heard the footsteps and watched Eliza speed off, she too increased her pace, preparing a few spells just in case.
Waiting on Gault for Garkin.
edited 31st Jul '15 11:08:41 AM by Corvidae
Still a great "screw depression" song even after seven years.
Laugh and grow dank!
[Waterfront - Beach]
Angua nodded a greeting to Garkin, but didn't say anything. She turned to Qrlil and said, shrugging, "I guess we should both just focus on enjoying this." She cracked a smile. "I worry too much. It's kinda strange of me- that's usually Wesley's job, to worry for the both of us- but he isn't here so I guess I had to take up my share of the burden. And that's fine. I just shouldn't dump it on you too."
yey
It's a bird.
Waterfront (Beach)
Garkin glanced over at the others. He'd only heard the end of the conversation, but it wasn't too difficult to figure out what it might have been about.
"I can't really blame you for worrying too much," he said too Angua, immediately feeling somewhat awkward. "I tend to do that a lot too, and not um, just because of my job."
Still a great "screw depression" song even after seven years.
[West Side]
Roderick finished up his calls to Central just in time to catch the last words from Gev. He froze, blinked, and thought. "If they're still there..." he mumbled. He yanked out his sheet, and- "Yeah, yeah," he said. "They're right outside the portal, still. If your people move now, they'll get them."
He tapped his chin. "And it wouldn't hurt if I also-" Then he cut himself off and shook his head. "No," he sighed, "no, I already have Lydia. My own people wouldn't care, they'd just tell me to get my ass back home."
He looked at his sheet again, and the image shifted to Kommissar and Echo in the refinery. A few blurs of motion later, Roderick pulled a map from the cab's glove compartment and circled a certain location in pen. "At the moment," he said to Kevin, handing over the map, "your target's right there. Some abandoned factory. Obviously, can't guarantee they'll stay there, but it's a start. If you're going to go, good luck."
edited 31st Jul '15 11:54:49 AM by TeraChimera
[Waterfront (Beach)]
Qrlil looked up for a moment as the others talked, taking in the oddly divided sky. I suppose I should better enjoy the weather while I can - it seems it might not last forever.
Actually, it certainly won't last forever. But then, what does?
She lay back down on the beach, letting herself absorb the heat of the sun and the sand through her thinned robes, and let out a pleased hiss. Then she refocused on the conversation. "I find myself in a similar emotional position to you both," she said. "It is strange: philosophically, I am a strong believer in, as you say, enjoying the moment. It is really the only type of philosophy you can have in a place such as this, really. But professionally, I am obligated to constantly consider the long-term consequences of my actions - and I do enjoy doing that, most of the time at least, as well."
She closed her eyes, letting herself savor the environment. "Still, as long as we are all aware of it, I suppose it is not that bad."
Crazy Kiwi
Taxi - Seon and Gwion
"All done with the calls. I - um - see we're almost there."Gwion nodded and would have commented had his Portable Office not rung. He answered it.
Within moments he had an accurate and concise report of the inside of the terminal and its occupants. "Thanks for that. Most appreciated." He hung up.
"We're set. There's a courier there, so that's most likely your luggage, and no visible threats." He tapped on the partition. "Drive right in and park with the left side of the cab close to the portal, please."
The cabbie nodded.
By this stage, the Visitor Terminal was in sight and Gwion could see its occupants through the glass.
The taxi turned into the vehicle entrance.
Visitor's District - Visitor Terminal
David Marshall spotted the taxi arrive through the vehicle entrance and was able to see his objective seated in the back beside a male human. Finally. As the taxi drew to a halt beside the portal, he began to walk towards it.Gwion could see the man approaching and noted "Central Couriers" and a logo prominently displayed on his jacket and the case in his hand. Definitely Seon's gear, Gwion thought. He scratched his ear.
Callynote could see the cab and the courier reflected in the glass front of the vending machine. She lingered as if indecisive about what to buy.
Over by the pamphlet stand, Shonanote had a good view of the portal, the cab and its occupants, and the courier. With one hand, she opened the side zip of the pouch she wore on her hip and continued to feign interest in the colourful pamphlets.
At the computer terminal, Hunternote idly flipped through screens of hotels, aware of the taxi out of the corner of her eye.
Over closer to the door to the street, Connornote drew casually on his cigarette as if merely waiting for his companions to tend to their business.
Gwion turned to Seon. "We're here, and so, it appears, is your gear."
David had to walk around the taxi to get to the door at which Seon sat. He rapped at the window. "Rah-Klev Seon? I have your belongings."
as 3-4 minutes have passed since Gev called for backup, I'll stop there.
Edit: clarification - Gwion's on the side of the cab closest to the portal itself, Seon's on the side away from the portal.
edited 31st Jul '15 5:58:26 PM by Wolf1066
[WEST SIDE (FOLLOWING SABAOTH)]
Lara, also picking up the pace, made both her bracelets glimmer with their respective elements.
It was the calm before the storm. Whatever Sabaoth would greet them with, she was unsure.
"Would stealth be any use here?" She asked Eliza.
The future of warfare in UC.
[Museum Park]
"Both. I pity the first to visit us, though. It will not be a pleasant experience for either side." Cima replied. The first aliens to meet humanity were going to have to be fast talkers to avoid someone trying to blow them up. She paused a moment. "Particularly if they're not prepared for the...metaphysics of it."
Nous restons ici.
[Museum Park]
Trekesser blinked in puzzlement. 'The metaphysics of it'?
"I guess I can't say I'm that surprised to hear that," he said, remembering a couple of particularly nasty assignments he'd been on back in the seventies. "But on the other hand, you might be pleasantly surprised. It did work out for the best for everyone in my reality - though of course I am saying that from the perspective of centuries later."
He tilted his head again. "Okay, I'll grab. What is it you mean by 'the metaphysics of it'?"
For a moment, he considered whether it was possible that she might be talking about Gate travel. But from what he'd read before, that didn't seem likely.
Still trying to decide what I'll do for Seon and Gev. I'll try to post for them before going to bed, if nothing else.
I have too much fun messing with Samantha. XD
Meiko's Cafe
Aku grinned at the girl despite the daggers she was shooting at him. "Sure, I'll have a orange juice please. And for food, I'm thinking pancakes." he replied, kicking back in his seat but keeping his feet below the table as Linxy would most likely scold him. Kiyumi stifled a giggle as she watched. This boy was definitely entertaining.
Old City
Midori looked a bit sad at Sophie's words. All her life it seemed she never really had the chance to be a teenager and have fun. Meanwhile all the Party Ninjas ever did was have fun and not take things seriously. Maybe they could take a break later that day and have fun. Giving a smile she said, "Maybe we could have fun later. You deserve a break. I'm sure my other friends will agree." Though it would feel wrong, since Samantha would probably disagree, maybe they could have fun behind her back.
Market Street - Open Air Bazaar
Kyana's eyes widened at Miyuki's suggestion. "W-wait, you want us to sit on a bench and you fly us all there by carrying us!?!" she exclaimed. It sounded crazy but if it worked, it would get them way faster than taking the bus. And to be honest, Kyana was getting sick of the bus. "I guess I'm fine with it." she said and started looking around for a bench.
"Can you imagine an imaginary menagerie manager imagining managing an imaginary menagerie?"
Laugh and grow dank!
[Waterfront - Beach]
Angua put on a strange smile. "Yeah, this place ain't bad. Uh, say- I think I'd better go change into these." She held up the pair of yellow trunks Qrlil had bought for her. "Not much point if I never got to use 'em, eh? Be back in a few." She got up and headed off towards the changing rooms.
yey
It's a bird.
Waterfront (Beach)
Garkin smirked at Qrlil's comments. Since he met her he had grown quite fond of her personality quirks and slightly odd ways of expressing herself. He glanced up at Angua as she ran off to the changing rooms, before leaning back to enjoy the sun, using his backpack as a headrest.
Still a great "screw depression" song even after seven years.
[Waterfront (Beach)]
"An excellent point," Qrlil said after Angua as she left, though she doubted the kasuar could hear her. "I should probably change as well." She wondered what that smile had signified; it had seemed a bit odd.
For the moment, though, she was content to lie where she was and take in the sun. Perhaps she'd change if Angua did go into the water.
It is rather too bad that this can't last forever. It's very pleasant.
[West Side]
After a few moments, Gev looked up from her comm unit. She'd had to have been somewhat evasive when explaining the situation to Rualis. It wasn't that she was afraid of admitting how badly she'd fucked up, or that she couldn't take responsibility. But she didn't want to get dressed down in front of the humans, even if they didn't actually hear it. She could tell the full story in her formal report once all this was over and she was out of this wretched city.
"Right," she told the others. "They're sending a tactical response team with orders to intercept and capture Seon at the rift. But the Gates... like I think I told you, they have minds of their own, so there's no way to tell if they'll get there in time."
She blinked, fingers twitching slightly. "I guess all I have left to do now is hope."
[Visitor's District - Visitor's Terminal]
Seon got out of the taxi, eyes darting rapidly around as he tried to spot any sign of danger. There shouldn't have been any possible way that their pursuers could have beaten them here, but this city had shown him more than once that the impossible wasn't so much so here. And he'd just remember that there was always the chance the shvuim - if she really was FLS - had called for some kind of backup team.
In fact, I suppose she could have done that even if she's not really FLS. He gulped.
There was no sign of any immediate threat, though, at least not that he could see. There was also no obvious sign of Gwion's backup team, unless the man offering him his possessions was one of them. Undoubtedly they were probably trying to blend in, but he couldn't really read humans well enough to guess which ones they might be, at least when they didn't have Gwion's sort of obvious augmentations.
He took the metal case containing his communications gear from the man and turned to Gwion. He really wanted to just bolt for the portal, but that would look suspicious, and besides, he owed the alien his thanks. "Um - thank you. For your - all of your help." He looked hesitant. "If I might ask? It's, er, possible that my employers will send another agent through to try to finish what I started with the Resistance; is there a way you can - they can get in contact with you?"
edited 1st Aug '15 12:42:26 PM by nrjxll
It's a bird.
Waterfront (Beach)
Garkin turned his head to the side, taking in the sight of Qrlil basking in the sun. Here he was on an alien beach, together with a cute Qrtxian and her girlfriend, and it all somehow felt completely normal. Well, aside from the occasional awkward moment... and the ongoing rescue mission. He shook his head, spikes rustling.
"Qrlil," he said. "Do you ever get this um, feeling that your life is just a bit too strange to be true? I mean... um, it is, obviously, but it seems like I just keep ending up in all these surreal situations as of late. I'm thankful for ending up here, of course, but... I don't know. These last few months..."
Still a great "screw depression" song even after seven years.
The future of warfare in UC.
[Museum Park]
"We have...people with documented precognitive abilities, for example. Normally it looks just like hyperfast response times, but sometimes they obviously saw the future by anything from minutes to hours. Some degree of telepathy. With mechanical assistance, even telekinesis." A long pause. "And two weeks ago we may have proved the existence of life after death and souls. Nobody is entirely sure, considering right after that we also had the first documented psychic attack and it was against the person who did the souls thing."
Cima sighed heavily. "I've seen the manifestations. I know it works, and if I had any doubts...telepathy is normally possible only between those with the ability, I'm not one. But my friend Jeannette is, and she wanted me desperately to understand her point of view on something. Suddenly I did. I understood her completely and I understood everything about her. Neither of us were prepared for that."
Nous restons ici.
Waterfront (Beach)
Garkin made his way back to Qrlil and Angua, and although he had missed most of their conversation, he did notice the head shakes and the somewhat awkward atmosphere. Not wanting to pry, he simply sat down in the sand to let the sun dry him.
"I definitely needed that," he said, mostly to himself, and looked out across the waves.
Still a great "screw depression" song even after seven years.