West is on his communicator, when something falls off his belt. It's a sphere of polished metal. Flat legs unfold from it, and it scurries off.

S0 l0ng you scrubl0rd pi3c3 of sh1t

West bolts up from his chair

Hyde's taken over again! Catch that orb!

The orb tries to scuttle to the nearest access socket on the wall, and West gives chase.

Th1s 1s b3tt3r than s3x w1th y0ur m0m L 0 L 0 L 0 L 0 L 0 L 0 L 0 L 0 L

I'll explain in more detail later. Snake is a prototype of a failed experiment, and has a split personality due to a bug in his programming. You just saw his rude, vulgar, meme-spouting alternate personality, Hyde.

edited 28th Jun '16 5:17:23 PM by MajorProblem

THE FITNESSGRAM PACER TEST IS A MULTISTAGE AEROBIC CAPACITY TEST THAT PROGRESSIVELY GETS MORE DIFFICULT AS IT CONTINUES

Please don't use words like 'faggot' in here. The rest of your post is ok, though.

The idea of censorship makes me want to drown myself in boiling water, but I will begrudgingly comply

THE FITNESSGRAM PACER TEST IS A MULTISTAGE AEROBIC CAPACITY TEST THAT PROGRESSIVELY GETS MORE DIFFICULT AS IT CONTINUES

Many of the players here are in the LGBT/GRSM spectrum, so.

Library

"Because I like you." Mitch leans closer and kisses Rakiri. "It doesn't matter that much to me how experienced you are, I look at what's in here." He playfully pokes at his chest and smirks. "And, well, maybe everywhere else."

edited 28th Jun '16 10:59:32 PM by AqueousBunnies

Even for characterization purposes, it's highly triggering. I've had it lobbed at me a lot in my life.

"I'm as free as the dust in the solar wind."

I'd imagine we have a few Harley riders as well

Y0u cann0t st0p me you hardsc0ping squ3ak3r

Don't let him near any of the lab equipment, he can spread to computers!

But it's too late, an interface jack emerges from the bottom of the spider-ball, and through the access port, Snake gets into the Troperia's systems. He won't be able to do anything without permission of the Troperia itself.

Bzzzzt....Sorry about that little "outburst", West. I was trying to obtain a system map of the Troperia, in case of emergency. And it seems this vessel has an A.I, so just imagine the scolding I'm about to receive.

As a family member of someone with severe, officially diagnosed PTSD, I'd appreciate people not use the word "trigger" in that context unless they have or are describing an actual condition that involves triggers.

edited 28th Jun '16 5:44:48 PM by MajorProblem

THE FITNESSGRAM PACER TEST IS A MULTISTAGE AEROBIC CAPACITY TEST THAT PROGRESSIVELY GETS MORE DIFFICULT AS IT CONTINUES

... Seriously? ...Do you have any idea how insensitive you sound?

"I'm as free as the dust in the solar wind."

Sorry about trying to make a South Park joke. I'd like to end this discussion before anyone gets in trouble, drop it, and throw it away.

edited 28th Jun '16 5:48:28 PM by MajorProblem

THE FITNESSGRAM PACER TEST IS A MULTISTAGE AEROBIC CAPACITY TEST THAT PROGRESSIVELY GETS MORE DIFFICULT AS IT CONTINUES

Sorry.. I misunderstood..

"I'm as free as the dust in the solar wind."

Kord was trying her hardest to keep herself from laughing.

Thanks West, I needed a good laugh

Happy to help, I guess

THE FITNESSGRAM PACER TEST IS A MULTISTAGE AEROBIC CAPACITY TEST THAT PROGRESSIVELY GETS MORE DIFFICULT AS IT CONTINUES

Dream Sequence, War-Torn City:

In a few moments that seemed like eons, the super figure had finally finished reforming itself into a gargantuan monstrosity that was difficult to describe that made Torvahk look only a foot tall in comparison. Said fusion monster looked like a 12-limbed creature with 8 legs that violently stabbed the ground as it moved, and four arms equipped with bone-crushing pincers that started breaking various different fake trees and reinforced stone walls around it to appear intimidating. The entire exoskeleton of the creature was coated in numerous (and quite frankly superfluous) spikes, and much like the entity itself, the beast emitted a surprisingly menacing pink and purple aura that appeared to slowly burn around it.

"I am not afraid of monsters, is this the best you can do?" Torvahk questioned in his language, still trying his damned hardest to keep up his stoic bravado that was now beginning to show signs of cracking. "I can show you powers that would shatter your mind into irreperable fragments, survive this, and you just may see our power at its worst." The Entity replied. "Our? What do you mean our? How many of you are there?" Torvahk then asked, only for the Entity to swiftly strike out its arm in a waving motion toward the avian-raptor, bringing the giant entity to life that pulsated with unnatural power, almost appearing to be breathing even though it wasn't really alive.

"This is not the time for questions fool! Good luck!" The Entity replied, their response dripping with sarcasm at the last segment as a triple-barreled rocket launcher was created by Torvahk's feet. Said missile launcher was one of the common Nehkmehr Anti-Vehicle Rocket Launchers with homing capabilities that was designed with the Crimson Imperium aesthetic of being even more unwieldy with more focus on function than comfort than the retrofitted equivalent that Mehketar inherited. Torvahk quickly grabbed the weapon and tried to maneuver himself in a way to get a clear shot at the creature, but constantly lost his aim as he had to quickly evade one of the creature's legs that tried to impale him. Eventually, Torvahk gave up on trying to aim for the creature's face and instead quickly fired a barrage of three missiles into one of the creature's legs, stunning it briefly as one of its legs buckled.

"I did not intend for your battle against The Demolisher to be an easy one. That is your only warning!" The Entity taunted as the bizarre creation recovered from its stunned state. While Torvahk would continue fighting the creature, trying to destroy its legs inside his mind, in the outside world the only thing one may notice was that he was breathing at a faster rate and with a hint of discomfort, unaware that he was not actually tiring himself by constantly maneuvering to avoid getting crushed and/or skewered.

Living The Fever Dream

Just saw your edit a few posts above, I was not hyperbolizing when I said I was triggered. I grew up in a highly abusive family situation, and while undiagnosed, I likely have some level of PTSD from it. Though I can understand why misusing it can be harmful. I am sorry if it seemed as such.

Dream

Merrick heads over to the stairs, and reaches out with a mist trailing arm and touching the railing, reinforcing the stairs as he does so. Without turning from the darkness shrouding his face, he addresses Toraq, ”Yes, doctor? What is it that frightens you so? Please be careful not to go into the dark alone. We wouldn’t want to lose anyone now, would we?”

Biolab

Chris looks worried at Peter’s results too, getting jittery, but not nearly as worked up as Greg seems to be. He rubs at his fireball boyfriend’s chest, ”Shh…calmate, mi osito, everything’s gonna be ok…”

“Seriously, though, Dom.. what does that mean..?”

Chris chuckles at Snake’s antics. Over the intercom, an audible squawk of surprise can be heard, Excuse me, what exactly are you trying to do in there?

Bridge

Meanwhile in the bridge, Troperia beams at Izzie, Glad you enjoy it. I am sorry about this mess. I hope we can help him through whatever’s wrong.. also, that is quite the interesting form you’ve chosen. It suits you.

"I'm as free as the dust in the solar wind."

Sorry about being so forceful, I just wanted to save a system map in case of emergency.

THE FITNESSGRAM PACER TEST IS A MULTISTAGE AEROBIC CAPACITY TEST THAT PROGRESSIVELY GETS MORE DIFFICULT AS IT CONTINUES

Biolab

Peter hugs Greg to try to get him to calm down. "Hon, please... I'm fine. Everything will be alright..." He says telepathically, slightly fearful.

Dominic sighs before he begins explaining. "To my knowledge, Savato is the last strain of oncosymbiotes currently in development. Studies of subjects with its immature forms show that they gain enhancements primarily related to the muscular and nervous systems, particularly in speed. Most of this information is confidential in case someone tries to use it as a weapon, and as far as I know our scientists hasn't completed the research that allows its mature form to manifest."

He turns slightly to Peter, though still talking to others as well. "Whatever the case, Peter somehow managed to develop something that we kept strictly regulated for centuries. I don't want him, and by proxy, the crew of this ship, in danger because of it. I can assure you that the organism itself won't harm him, though." He says that last part to Greg and Chris, putting his hand on the latter's shoulder; a rather rare gesture from someone like him, which makes it more signficant.

"You're not the only ones worried as fuck." He adds to the two.

"Er, yes, hold on." Peter says to Mireille.

Name: Percival Tobias Blackwell-Brandt

Gender: Non-binary

Species: Human

Notable Injuries: GSW on the side of the abdomen, rib fracture

Life Expectancy: Around 200-250, counting current augmentations, not counting other tech

Bridge

Izzie clears her throat loudly in response to Godsgift. "Does he have anyone to talk to about... whatever is making him take that stuff?"

edited 28th Jun '16 7:43:37 PM by AqueousBunnies

A small fighter craft, in space, near the Troperia

Zak sighed, the faint glow of lights on the dashboard of his... Well, not his, really. Well, for now it was, but he had... acquired it recently. Whatever the case, the faint glow of lights on the dashboard of his starfighter was the only light in the darkness of space. All his stuff was in the storage container, hastily crammed in, in preparation for an "emergency take-off". There was also a slagged half of a navigation droid, its remains stuck in the droid slot on top of the craft. He wondered where in the universe he would go. No more friends to go to, no more crime bosses who owed him a favor, nothing. He couldn't even go back to Ness, who had struck out on her own... He didn't know where she was. How would that conversation even go? "Hey, Ness... It's me, your father. Just wanted to stay with you for a while, because I have nowhere else to go." Like that would go over well. Fuck, he had to find somewhere to stay, before the Feds caught up to him.

edited 28th Jun '16 7:45:17 PM by MonkBarbarian

Biolab

We're going to need those medical forms, as well

THE FITNESSGRAM PACER TEST IS A MULTISTAGE AEROBIC CAPACITY TEST THAT PROGRESSIVELY GETS MORE DIFFICULT AS IT CONTINUES

Forgot to add this, might as well make a new post.

Biolab

"Is your... other personality going to cause problems?" Dominic asks Snake.

No. Despite his demeanor, he always acts the same as I do. He just talks differently

THE FITNESSGRAM PACER TEST IS A MULTISTAGE AEROBIC CAPACITY TEST THAT PROGRESSIVELY GETS MORE DIFFICULT AS IT CONTINUES

Dream Sequence: War-Torn City

As the unnamed Crimson Imperium city continued to be destroyed by the opposing forces that fought one another, Torvahk remained intensely focused on trying to defeat The Demolisher. He had repeatedly launched several missiles at the creature's legs, to the point of actually destroying several of them, which wasn't much of an accomplishment considering that they tended to spew acidic blood that periodically hit Torvahk's armor and burned clean through it. Fortunately he hadn't taken much damage, and had managed to fell enough legs on The Demolisher to immobilize it...or so Torvahk had thought. What he didn't expect was the creature to curl into a destructive, spiked ball before rolling toward him. Torvahk quickly realized that he wouldn't be able to outrun The Demolisher, and instead relied on his superior jumping ability and reflexes to avoid the creature when it got too close, eventually getting the bright idea of luring it straight into a wall. While the Demolisher would have destroyed a huge portion of the steel-reinforced stone wall, it would not only be stunned by the impact but badly damaged by the bombardment of falling stone blocks. Even when they were broken into segments, they were extremely painful if not lethal.

"Hmm...you're not nearly as stupid as I thought you were, but you're still disgustingly primitive warrior-kin!" The Entity said with a back-handed compliment. The Demolisher appeared to lay dead in a pile of rubble, only to get revived by a snap of the Entity's bony talon-fingers. The Demolisher's injuries had been completely negated, and it was more ready than ever to fight again. "I have more than enough rockets to deal with you again!" Torvahk retorted before making the mistake of wondering how much ammunition he had left. The moment he tried to fire another salvo, nothing happened. He attempted to fire again, only to hear the same alarm and see the same flashing light that destroyed the last weapon emit from the missile launcher. Knowing exactly what to do, Torvahk threw the weapon at the creature...only to hardly do any damage whatsoever.

"Face it Torvahk, no matter how strong you think you are, you are just a pathetic, inferior lifeform...but if you really think I'll let you win, you can try to win with this!" The Entity said, generating an Executioner Hand Cannon in Torvahk's hand. Torvahk only stood there in thought for a moment before forming a smirk as he realized an important detail about his situation. "If nothing is what it seems here, and I'm not actually awake...then shouldn't I have some control over what's happening since this is my mind?" He inquired aloud in his language. With that said, the statue of Bokovahk began to glow in a golden aura as various illuminated light patterns began to form over the statue as it started coming to life, standing upright and functioning in a way that wasn't too dissimilar to a giant mecha despite the fact that it was more of a golem than anything. The Statue of Bokovahk made a threatening pose with its gunblade as wings of fire sprouted from its back and it stood in a ready combat position.

The Demolisher made the first move as it tried to charge at the statue, only for it to side-step away from the creature and somehow lift itself from the ground on its fiery wings before slamming feet-first into it while plunging its gunblade into its hide and firing. While none of this should have been actually happening, Torvahk gave up on making sense of what was going on. Afterall, the imagination was not confined to reality. He watched as The Demolisher and The Statue of Bokovahk continued to fight one another, however the victor would not be determined within the same post.

edited 28th Jun '16 8:25:52 PM by ParadoxialStratagem

Living The Fever Dream

[Bridge]

The Godsgift-ant shrugged. "Doubt it. He's certainly not making any moves to talk to anyone. At the moment, he's sleeping on the bridge of our ship."

He paused.

"Wait, no. He's just brooding. But he's not doing drugs, so it's all good, right? I mean, if he wants to talk, I'm sure he knows he can talk to me about anything. I'm fully qualified in literally every school of medicine, including psychiatry, psychology, all the 'psy' stuff. And I'm super approachable!" His sharp, gleaming mandibles clicked as if to punctuate the sentence.

Library

Rakiri blushes for the what he felt like was probably the 100th time now. Seriously, he was surprised his face hadn't permanently discolored by now. "Hehe...you're definitely rough around the edges...but, that's part of what makes you so cute." he replies happily. Mitch might feel a gentle surge of Rakiri's energy through his body as he holds his hand. "And about the name...you can call me Aeridyn or Aeryn, if you want. I think you deserve that much."

---

Biolab

Greg is slient, listening to Dom's explanations as Peter and Chris both try to calm him down. It works somewhat. When he finally finishes, he looks down. His voice low, he mutters something mostly unintelligible to anyone else but him unless they have super ears. "Why don't you just take it out...he's not some guinea pig..."

edited 28th Jun '16 9:42:24 PM by BaronGreen

Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.

Biolab

"I see. That's a small relief, I guess."

Peter does indeed catch what Greg said, being next to him. "I want it, babe Trust me, I'll be fine."

"And this way, I don't have to be a load to the rest of the team anymore..." He adds rather sadly.

Library

Mitch gives out a satisfied hum as Rakiri shares his energy, and wraps their fingers together again. "I think I'm kinda used to Rakiri by now. Though I can call you that sometimes." He says, stroking his hair.

Val appears near the two of them from behind a bookshelf. "Mind if I sit near you two?"

"O-oh, hey. I guess." Mitch replies, rather surprised that Val managed to get this close without him noticing with his metal sensing. He usually wasn't this distracted, he thinks to himself. Meanwhile, Val takes a seat on the couch next to them.

Bridge

Izzie just stares at Ant-Godsgift for a moment. "...Something makes me doubt that."

Troperia, Observation Room

Sha'Koro didn't understand anything, and seeing the creature look at him that way didn't made it better. He thought about what to do. Aicha still stood there before getting a completly new idea "Master, up your arm goes." Indeed he lifted up his arm to let her climb on it. "Master, their face, now." He lifted his hand so Aicha now was near the face, her fear from before was gone, replaced by what seemed to be playful curiosity. "Hm..." On his hand she made a few poses... from funny ones, to dramatic ones to... others, just to test the reaction.

Troperia, Lab/Biolab

Mireille only nodded while listening, she could understand that this was something needing to be kept secret. She stretched a bit as a slight yawn escaped her mouth before getting another syringe "Okay, now I only need to take the sample and we're done. Who will be next?" She also pointed to the froms still lying there "There are enough, feel free to take one."

edited 29th Jun '16 4:43:46 AM by Sergey_Smirnov

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Troperia

Observation Room

The creature looked at the tiny avatar focusing on it. Its mandibles moving quickly around a little bit clearly fascinated by what Aicha was doing. Its body rocking a little bit side to side, swaying subtly maybe in amusement?

"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."

Dream Sequence: War-Torn City

While the two colossal combatants were busy fighting each other, Torvahk tried to take the opportunity to escape and save at least some of the people he overheard screaming in terror as the city continued to get bombed and set further ablaze, only to be stopped by a wall of fire that happened to ignite the generic CI civilians and military forces alike that happened to be caught in the blaze as they flailed around in flames screaming before collapsing and burning to ashes that quickly disappeared.

"I already told you Torvahk, you can't change history. Even if this were the present you can't save anyone! You claim to be a protector, but we both know you fail at the very life's motivation you claim to have!" The Entity mocked, changing the scenery around to teleport both itself, Torvahk, and the two giant fighters to a massive cemetery space full of headstones and surrounded by mausoleum after mausoleum. The Statue of Bokovahk and The Demolisher continued fighting, desecrating various graves both marked and unmarked.

"As much as I'd love to torture you in cold blood and break you of your damnable will, I'd rather see this fight reach its conclusion. I don't want any distractions while I break both your morale and your bones!" The Entity said as the two giants continued trying to kill each other. The Statue of Bokovahk had the upperhand, cutting off leg after leg, unaffected by whatever blows it faced. The Demolisher had even tried using its pincher claws to break the statue's limbs and at times try to throw stuff at the statue, only to fail as its arms were also cut off. Eventually the creature was left limbless and vulnerable for the killing blow, which The Statue of Bokovahk delivered by viciously jabbing the bayonet of its gunblade into the massive compound eye of the hideous creature three times before firing a powerful shot that obliterated the creature. The Statue then took a victory pose over the corpse of the Demolisher, only to be struck by a massive bolt of pink-purple lightning that created cracks throughout the statue, ending at its core and causing it to both shatter and explode into a plume of dust and rocks.

"I'd imagine you wouldn't understand this being such a primitive creature, but that was supposed to be a visual metaphor of your race. No matter how great you think your victories are, they're ultimately pointless." The Entity remarked, prompting more annoyance and fury from Torvahk than he'd normally care to reveal. If there was anything being gained in the real world though, the MRI machine would have most likely obtained a clear view of Torvahk's skeleton and some of his systems. What one may have noticed was that the olfactory regions of the Kahmandra's brain had more development than say, a human's, which would reveal that Torvahk's species had a keen sense of smell. Fitting considering that they could identity details of an individual, including their biological gender just by the pheromones one subconsciously released.

Living The Fever Dream