Toru Nui

IC: Navu and Klawne (Irnakk’s Tooth Airspace, The Taku, The Bridge) - Music Makes You Lose Control Navu clutched her ears and took on a strained expression. "AH, NO, STOP, NOISE!" "Oh, I don’t think it’s that bad-" "YES IT IS!" @Vezok's Friend@BULiK@Tarn

IC: NU-8020S (Ehlek’s Fortress, Asylum Pre-Processing) - Organic Interfacing "Heartwarming. If only I was also soft and squishy, then perhaps I too would be worthy of your 'compassion'. You can mate with each other later, someone is dying in the other room." @BULiK@Tarn@Snelly

IC: Tekmo and Ostrox (Kumu Peninsula, The Ambling Alp, The Bridge) - Hero Roll Call "I am usually referred to as Ostrox. Universally." "I am Toa Tekmo, these are Toa Skorm, Toa Keitara, Zyglak Irna... the unconscious man from before was Steltian Waveahk." @Crimson Jester@Keeper of Kraata@TL01 NUVA@Void Emissary@EmperorWhenua IC: Ulkarr, Achro, Enra, Gnabol, Reckless and Wayward (Irnakk’s Tooth, Nightmare Pits) - Irnakk’s Prize "Some versions of the story say you have a trial by combat between two people to decide which of ‘em is gonna be sacrificed to the Pit. Clearly, Irnakk is willing to settle for most of you, not all of you." "Interesting, interesting... is anyone gonna - uh, do anything with that? We’re not just gonna leave a severed arm lying around, are we?" "Meh." @Tarn@Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Ehlek’s Fortress, Asylum Pre-Processing) - Apprehension NU-8020S turned her volume down to a whisper, just enough so Knichou could hear. "I can hear hostile Vahki units in the next room, they seem to be torturing an organic being, likely under orders from Ehlek. They seem to be aware that we are here, but are apparently uninterested in doing anything about it. Are we to 'apprehend' them as well?" @Unreliable Narrator@BULiK@Tarn

IC: Ulkarr, Achro, Enra, Gnabol, Reckless and Wayward (Irnakk’s Tooth, Nightmare Pits) - Communication Breakdown "Of course not. We came down here to find those responsible for creating these giant creatures. Behold - they are not here. We must find them. We must correlate data." "They’re not exactly inconspicuous, these things. Surely, if we look around outside, we’ll pick up a trail. Marks, footprints, paths of devastation left in their wake, stuff like that." "Look, uh, how about we get outta here? This isn’t a place that provides a calm and clear-thinking atmosphere." @Tarn@Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Ehlek’s Fortress, Intersection) - Search and Destroy The strange sights and sounds produced by warping through space via whatever means Stannis - presumably, if objects could be taken with him, he could take people so long as he had their consent - were dulled by the sight of Captain Meatsack himself. "You again. I presume you are also here to terminate Barraki Ehlek?" @BULiK@Tarn

IC: Tekmo, Waveahk and Ostrox (Kumu Peninsula, The Ambling Alp, Boarding Ramp) - The Last Laugh Well, this had been a complete waste of time, or so it seemed. Ostrox followed the others back aboard the idiotically named airship. Whatever crisis Leklo and Korruhn were racing to stop by acquiring these 'Makoki Stones', it couldn’t possibly be the real one. That would require acknowledgement of fault, after all. Worst case scenario, he could take delight in seeing their minds enslaved and precious 'Three Virtues' revealed for what they really were when their master returned. For some reason, that thought didn’t comfort him as much as he thought it would. Tekmo accompanied the others as they boarded the Ambling Alp. Charming name, could do without the abnormally-fleshy foot coming out of a mountain insignia on the exterior. "Erm, pardon me, but may I ask what exactly it is we’re saving the world from? And what are these 'Makoki Stones', precisely?" Remaining firmly unconscious, Waveahk could make no effort to resist Irna picking him up. @EmperorWhenua@Crimson Jester@Void Emissary@TL01 NUVA@Keeper of Kraata IC: Ulkarr, Achro, Enra, Gnabol, Reckless and Wayward (Irnakk’s Tooth, Nightmare Pits) - He Who Fights Monsters "This is a place of great power. I fear detonating explosive devices, even at the entrance, would merely make the problem worse. Guarding passage inside instead of destroying it would be my recommendation. However, those responsible for this will no doubt return... and no guard will withstand a Riteborn attack. Without contact with the Kini-Koro ACR pilots, we haven’t the power to stand against them. Unless, of course..." Ulkarr peered into the abyss below them. He could have sworn the abyss was staring back at him. "Instead of creating giant destructive monsters to fight other giant destructive monsters, we should make an effort to get back in contact with the other refugee cells, so we can coordinate our efforts more efficiently." @Tarn@Harvali

IC: Ulkarr, Achro, Enra, Gnabol, Reckless and Wayward (Irnakk’s Tooth, Nightmare Pits) - The Absolute Pits "Almost there..." Enra said, breathlessly. "We’re almost there..." This was where Enra turned tail and ran the first time round. Now would have to be different. She took a deep breath... and stepped into the realm of Irnakk Himself. The others followed, spiraling downward as they cautiously marched the path of the stone steps laid before them. Shapes moved in the fumes that were rising from the bowels of the volcano, shapes that were, perhaps, familiar to them? The heat began to rise, until finally they caught sight of an unholy crimson light beckoning them forth, to the precipice of the Nightmare itself. But there was no one there. No one, save for the yawning black chasm of the Pits. "What?! Where the - where’ve they bloody gone?!" "This is most unfortunate." Ulkarr said. "If they have left, then they already have all they need, for now. But for what purpose?" "Oh for the love of - we went through the TUNNEL OF DOOM for nothing!? How do we know you two haven’t been lying about-" "No, nononono, this is place - THIS IS THE PLACE, they’re-" "I would demonstrate the power these Pits have, but that would require one or more of you to die. I assume you all want to live? At the very least, we can ensure no one else can come here to create more Riteborn." @Unreliable Narrator@Tarn@Harvali IC: Lawful, Obedient and Impressionable (Irnakk’s Tooth, Mountainside) - Rocks Fall, Nobody Dies The three Vahki immediately dispersed, converting to quadrupedal mode and scurrying out of the path of the boulder. "YOUR RESPONSE HAS BEEN NOTED." Lawful yelled, his head twisting one-hundred and eighty degrees to address Jojax. "PREPARE TO BE PROSECUTED." @Smudge8@BULiK

IC: Tekmo, Waveahk and Ostrox (Kumu Peninsula, Antidermis Caldera) - Dead Men Tell No Tales Waveahk looked with stunned relief as Parnassus was actually able to... oh. There he was. That tool. Probably should have waited to remove that, then. "Right... anyway. Thank you." He said to Parnassus. "I’m just gonna... lie down here." He then immediately dropped down to the ground, having lost any control over his gravity. The extra weight he had gained from his mutations made it harder to stand, and the mental strain of what he just underwent coupled with forgetting to hydrate himself recently lured him to unconsciousness. "My ancestors, Parnassus, you just killed a man!" Ostrox chided, though he said it in a joking manner which indicated he didn’t really think Parnassus had killed him. "Is he alright?" Asked Tekmo. "If he’s alright, I’m not carrying him unless I have to. He reeks of fish and the fetid aroma of petulant misanthropy." @Void Emissary@Crimson Jester@EmperorWhenua@TL01 NUVA@Keeper of Kraata IC: Ulkarr, Achro, Enra, Gnabol, Reckless and Wayward (Irnakk’s Tooth, Death’s Doorstep) - Mindkiller Enra took a deep breath, and led the way. No amount of alcohol taken in the past month or so had quite diminished the memory of the terror she experienced here. But last time, she and Xane had only been motivated by curiosity. Now that she knew what was down there, she knew she had no choice but to press onward... Right? She wasn’t just gonna up and leave now, right? "Right. This way." Then the fear hit them. Reckless began feeling something. Something he had only felt a few brief times beforehand. He suddenly became painfully aware of the many ways he could be destroyed - extreme heat melting him into liquid metal sludge, dangerous radiation levels causing total system failure, an electromagnetic pulse, or even being wirelessly hacked through the Vahki network. He grabbed ahold of his brother for comfort, who surprisingly did not shove him off, as Wayward felt the same thing he felt, but he knew how to handle fear better than his brother did, gently encouraging him to continue slowly down the passageway. Gnabol staggered backwards a little, but pressed on. He was aware of someone - or something - attacking him psychically, not physically. Accessing the fear centers in his brain - or whatever equivalent the various species he was surrounded with had. He tried to fight back, to calm the others, but he was only one untrained mind against a force far older and more powerful than he was, he was only capable of so much. Still, it was enough to keep him going. He thought of the children, of Padley, of the few neighbours he had grown kind of sort of attached to over the past month. He thought of Mazor, languishing out in the wasteland. Did he deserve to be in Gnabol’s thoughts, when he knew what he had done? Regardless, he imagined what would happen if more of these creatures were made, if they happened to be in their path... he wouldn’t allow it. He kept going. Enra found that it was actually worse this time. Lovely. Good thing she went before she left. She was mature enough - in her mind, at least - to admit that she was scared. She had been scared of this place ever since her mum told her about it to frighten her into behaving. That fear had only intensified since the recent revelation that it churned out giant bloody monsters. But she wouldn’t be intimidated by this… thing. This intangible force. OK, sure, she wasn’t that important. She wasn’t clever, or pretty, or famous, or rich, or heroic, or brave, or even that strong for that matter. But turn around, nopenopenoping right out of there again, and let whoever was doing all this win? Fat chance. Achro was afraid. Achro found that he was angry that he was afraid, and kept going. For too long, he had skulked in caverns such as this one, creeping in the dark like some sort of boogeyman, feeding off whatever scraps were unlucky enough to pass by. He had let the Skakdi cancer fester in his homeland for what he could only assume were an infinite number of years. Yeah, a Skakdi was right there, a frilly instead of a spiky one, and a rather repulsive specimen of an already repulsive species too, but he... she... it was on his side, so he/she/it had earned the right to live a little longer. To be honest, he couldn’t really tell what gender it was, and he didn’t really care. Maybe now he would finally get to taste the iron tang of blood in his mouth again... Ulkarr knew of fear. He had heard of it, at least. Rarely did he experience it. The primal urge to flee, to run, to cower, to hide, to hate, to denigrate, to kill... fear was the rule of law on Zakaz, the only rule its inhabitants respected. But what did he have to fear? He was not like these beings of flesh and steel who flocked to him, wittingly or not. Their spirit and their vessel were inexorably tied to one another. True, losing this vessel would be unfortunate, it had been made quite clear to him once he had spawned from the Caldera that he would only ever be given the one, he would have to find his own replacement should he lose it. But it was of no concern. He could share Kanohi’s vessel, or perhaps one of the Vahki’s until they could build him another in the Forge of Vakama. There was no power he knew of that could destroy his true form, his essence - indeed, how do you kill a gas? No, he was not fearing for himself. He was fearing... for those around him. Surprising. He took the lead, just behind Enra. @Unreliable Narrator@Tarn@Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro) - Eye of the World NU-8020S began directing civilians away from the unstable area around what were once the Ruins of Stone. The loss of the Administrator was a blow she didn’t see coming. Though it’s sycophantic devotion to the so-called 'Builders' was sickening, as was its contempt for Skakdi and Aspects, it was clear that it had been programmed with these qualities, thus the hate was not its own. But what did that say about her, if her hatred for organic life - with a few exceptions - was more 'natural'? @Harvali@EmperorWhenua IC: Navu and Klawne (Irnakk’s Tooth Airspace, The Taku, The Bridge) - City of Legends "Uh... what was Metru Nui like?" Navu asked, intruding on the conversation. "I only ever saw it when it was being invaded. How was it when that wasn’t happening?" Klawne also listened in. She had heard about the island-city from the refugees. Mostly about how it was destroyed. Not much about how it had been before that, however... @Vezok's Friend@BULiK IC: Lawful, Obedient and Impressionable (Irnakk’s Tooth, Mountainside, The Kahu, Exterior) - Jojax’s Bizarre Adventure "ATTENTION, PLEASE." Lawful cranked his voice box up to eleven and shouted up the mountain to Jojax. As a result, his voice sounded even more robotic, distorting from sheer volume. "THAT WAS AN UNLAWFUL USE OF ELEMENTAL POWERS TO ALTER THE SURROUNDING GEOLOGY. I WILL LET YOU OFF WITH A WARNING, BUT YOU WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW IF YOU DO NOT CEASE ALL AGGRESSIVE ACTIONS IMMEDIATELY." "What’s left of the law..." Impressionable muttered. "I recommend that you re-enter the Kahu." Obedient advised Berys. "This Skakdi might be associated with those operating the 'Nightmare Pits'. He could possess powers far in advance of our own." "Indeed. Small rock slides. TERRIFYING." With Wayward not around, someone had to take his role. A contrarian was useful in pointing out alternatives or fallacies, and his brother was the biggest contrarian Impressionable knew. @Smudge8@BULiK

IC: Tekmo, Waveahk and Ostrox (Kumu Peninsula, Antidermis Caldera) - Gravity Hurts KILL KORRUHN. KILL KORRUHN. KILL KORRUHN. KILL KORRUHN. KILL KORRUHN. All this for a glass of water? "GET IT OUT." Waveahk screamed. "GET IT OOOOOOUUUUUUUT!!!" @Unreliable Narrator@Void Emissary@EmperorWhenua@TL01 NUVA@Keeper of Kraata@Crimson Jester IC: Ulkarr, Achro, Navu, Enra, Gnabol, Klawne, Reckless, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Irnakk’s Tooth Airspace, The Taku, The Kahu) - In the Final "We must proceed urgently, but cautiously. Another Riteborn could be created at any moment. We should be safe once we reach the entrance to the underground passageways, however." Ulkarr, Enra, Gnabol and the Vahki all piled inside the Kahu. Achro decided to join them. Navu and Klawne, being small, squishy and vulnerable, elected to stay behind. @Vezok's Friend@BULiK@Tarn@Snelly@Daniel the Finlander@Harvali

IC: Tekmo, Waveahk and Ostrox (Kumu Peninsula, Antidermis Caldera) - I Can’t Decide "Oh, very well. We’ll fake his death, then. If only because I do have some reservations about trusting Spiriah." "That’s - that’s much better. That’s very good. Yes." Waveahk had reservations, however. "I... CAN’T... ALLOW... IT’S... IT’S IN MY ARM... IN MY HEAD..." He began clutching the arm with the Kraata in it, which wriggled violently in response to its host’s thoughts of defiance. @Void Emissary@EmperorWhenua@TL01 NUVA@Keeper of Kraata

IC: Tekmo, Waveahk and Ostrox (Kumu Peninsula, Antidermis Caldera) - For Hate's Sake I Spit at Thee KILL KORRUHN. "But you can’t do that, that would be-" It was unclear what, exactly, Tekmo was objected to, as he was suddenly interrupted by- "OOOOH, there it is! There’s what we’ve been missing! The RAGE, the FURY, the HATRED of the 'noble, enlightened race' that has ENSLAVED and BUTCHERRRRRED MILLLLLLIONS!" KILL KORRUHN. Ostrox put his mask on, and almost immediately switched from screaming his head off to cold mockery. "You’ll forgive me if I don’t care for the 'bonds of friendship' right now. If we were talking about killing a Zyglak, or a Skakdi, or a Frostelus, you would not hesitate." KILL KORRUHN. @EmperorWhenua@Void Emissary@TL01 NUVA@Keeper of Kraata IC: Ulkarr, Enra and Gnabol (Zakaz Airspace, The Taku, The Bridge) - Next Sunday AD "I do not have taste buds." Ulkarr said plainly. "I also cannot consume beverages." With Triage’s explanation, Gnabol was able to produce his own cup of black brew. He stuck his beak into the mug and began slurping it down. While the eyebags around his eyes didn’t evaporate - they never truly went away - he did start to feel better. Shrugging her shoulders, Enra decided to make her own as Triage suggested, copying what Gnabol did. @Vezok's Friend@Tarn@Snelly@BULiK

IC: Ulkarr, Enra and Gnabol (Zakaz Airspace, The Taku, The Bridge) - The Not-Too-Distant Future "Thanks." Gnabol stared blankly at the machine Triage pointed to for a moment. "Yeah, I don’t know what I’m doing with this thing. My tribe never had anything this sophisticated." He decided to give it a go anyway, pouring the beans into the machine. "I assume the button makes it do the thing?" Meanwhile, Ulkarr marveled at how this inky black substance revitalized Berys and Vashni. "What sorcerous substance is this, that restores your energy and heightens your senses?" "Actually, yeah, what is it? Is it a drug, like that powder you snort up your nose?" Enra’s eyes widened as she realized what she just said. "Not that I would know anything about that. I’m - I’m not judging you." She added. @Vezok's Friend@Tarn@BULiK@Snelly

IC: Ulkarr, Enra and Gnabol (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, The Bridge) - Brain Power "People are aboard now. My work here is done." "Actually, you did not do anything." "Yeah, Berys-" "MY WORK HERE IS DONE. I’m tired. Can I get some of that black brew?" Gnabol asked Triage. @Tarn@Snelly@BULiK IC: NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Vahki Transport, Exterior) - There's No Man or Machine Who Can Stop Me Well, that was true, but also it wasn’t, Dume was the one who defiled her race in their conception. But Dume was dead, and so was Pridak. Aurax seemed to be off-limits, Takadox was no longer of any importance... so Ehlek was the only one left. Then... "Very well. I will be accompanying you, of course. I have always been able to resist Ehlek’s control. I will be able to access his command network without being commanded." @EmperorWhenua

IC: NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Vahki Transport, Exterior) - Power up the Revolution "And what about my people, 'Toa Stannis'? Your hold over Barraki Aurax is known. Surely, it would not be difficult for you to order him to erase all obedience protocols from the Vahki under his control?" @BULiK@EmperorWhenua IC: Navu, Gnabol, Reckless, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, Boarding Ramp) - Protect the Law Oh, what fresh Karzahni was Navu walking into now? "All aboard for the saving the world train. Toot-toot." "Perhaps I can explain." Lawful said to Arnex, as he and the other Vahki began boarding the Taku. "We are a more advanced model than the ones you may be more familiar with. We were only put into active duty during the League invasion of Metru Nui. We were designed to follow orders, but also to learn and adapt to changing circumstances, as well as determine severity of punishments by circumstance and context rather than the letter of the law. This newfound freedom has resulted in... eccentricities." @Vezok's Friend@BULiK@Tarn

IC: Ulkarr, Enra and Gnabol (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, The Bridge) - Through the Back Door "We just need to park near the entrance. It’s not flat ‘round there, so a little bit of legwork is required. As he said, we’re not gonna fly right into the volcano... that’s the bit the monsters come out of, I think." "Excellent. Gnabol, please inform the others outside that we are departing soon." Gnabol was about to protest Ulkarr giving him orders... but ultimately, it all amounted to the same thing, and did as he said anyway. @BULiK@Tarn IC: NU-8020S (Tobduk-Koro, Vahki Transport) - Target Sighted NU-8020S addressed Komisti from the window of the Transport. "He may not have openly voiced his intention, but he clearly made it apparent he wanted to. Not to mention the manslaughter of a Vahki unit, regardless of whether or not it was probably sent by Ehlek to spy on us. It-" She then caught notice of something. Kanohi and... she stepped out of the Transport, and headed toward the Akiri and the entity that made itself known as 'Stannis'. @Harvali@EmperorWhenua IC: Achro, Navu and Klawne (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, Exterior) - Fired Up Achro handed Niidak the gun in exchange for the Miru. "Thanks..." He held the mask in his hands. Compared to his own, it was pristine. Part of him felt he didn’t really deserve it. Then again, that part told him that his culinary choices were 'unethical', so what did it know? He took off the old mask, revealing that his mutation had affected bits of his face as well. Mask sickness is a funny thing. For a Toa, it often manifests in weariness, a welcome change from falling into a coma as a Matoran. But, over time, the mind is also affected. Now, Achro hadn’t really been maskless for eons, but considering his mask was damaged, he may as well have been. It still allowed him use of his elemental powers, but not much else. Now, he had a new mask. Countless centuries of mental and moral decay don’t immediately reverse with a new mask. But it does help. Suddenly, Achro felt his mind become less clouded, more focused. Unfortunately, that focus was nowhere good. For now, it was mostly on fashion. "Well... how do I look?" He asked, the pristine mask clashing horribly with the rest of him, disheveled and aged. "It’s, ah... a hard look to pull of it, but you’re doing it." "This is stupid. I’m out." Navu was out now, apparently. @Daniel the Finlander IC: Reckless, Lawful and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, Boarding Ramp) - You Have the Right to Remain Silent "You all know I can hear you, right?" "I can hear you as well." "I wish I couldn’t hear you..." @Vezok's Friend@Tarn@BULiK IC: Obedient and Impressionable (Tobduk-Koro, Forge of Vakama) - Remember Where You Left It If Sucordak or anyone else was still in the Forge of Vakama, they would notice two Vahki dragging inside a third, inactive Vahki. "Hello. We just need to put this somewhere we’ll remember." "Do not melt him down, we’d never hear the end of it." @Harvali

IC: Ulkarr, Enra and Gnabol (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, The Bridge) - Nothing to Fear "Uh, well..." "Enra and her companion felt a sensation of intense terror as they neared the entrance to the Pits, influencing them to turn back. Perhaps it was some form of defense - an aura of fear energy to drive back trespassers." "Maybe. Or maybe’s Enra’s just-" "'Just' what?" Enra connected her fist to her palm and stared daggers into Gnabol. "I seem to have forgotten what I was about to say." "What a shame." "Whoever controls the Pits now must have overcome that aura, and thus, so can we. Gnabol’s psionic powers should help to calm us should our rationality and resolve fail." "Assuming that I’m not terrified with the rest of you. Fear’s an inherently irrational emotion, after all." Ulkarr didn’t respond. Gnabol clearly wasn’t fully onboard with this, and the Aspect didn’t want to alienate him by pointing out how wrong he was. Fear was rational when it was fear of punishment, of justice, of retribution. You couldn’t have order without fear of consequence. And Zakaz was a land of no consequence. But in fairness to the Zyglak, he wasn’t entirely incorrect. Almost everyone seemed to fear the Aspects - even the Aspects themselves. The rite of his people was known as desecration, after all, a word with inherently negative associations, but everyone, including his own brothers and sisters who performed it used it freely. 'Irrnak’s Tooth', 'Nightmare Pits', 'Riteborn'... all inspired fear, especially if you knew what the 'rite' in Riteborn meant. But it was the wrong kind of fear - not a fear of their power, the consequences for defiance - but fear in general. His people, the rites, the power they unlocked, their sacred places - all of it was arbitrarily labelled as 'wrong' and 'evil'. Why? Why did the Builders and Warskaks fear and hate them, when it was their power that formed the crux of both their societies? Why did his people accept this fear and hatred, welcoming and embracing their monstrous reputation? Why was he still distrusted, despite all he had done, all he was doing, all he had offered to do? Perhaps when all was said and done, he could demand an explanation. @Tarn@BULiK IC: NU-8020S, Reckless, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, Boarding Ramp, Vahki Transport, Exterior) - Radio Silence "You are correct - you don’t know what’s going on. Knichou has made it clear he wants to dismantle me at the first opportunity, and the League doesn’t know about my rebellion. Contacting either and letting them know where I’m going would be inviting them to kill me. Lawful, make sure he doesn’t tell anyone what I’m doing." NU-8020S blasted Lawful with her Staffs of Presence, to maintain a connection to her squad while she was away. "Affirmative." Lawful began staring at Arnex intently, but whispered something to her. "Please excuse their behaviour. It’s been a long day." The Vahki Transport arrived, with Obedient piloting it. He stepped out... dragging another Vahki with him, one clearly non-functioning. Silver like the rest of them, his secondary highlight colour being a bluish-green. "It is not safe for him to go with you, Squad Mother. Especially in his condition." "You are right. But where do we put him?" "The Taku’s cargo hold?" "No. I don’t want Knichou coming back and getting his grubby flesh hands all over him, or anyone else for that matter." "Just-" Wayward made a strange, sobbing sound, as he collected himself. "Just put him somewhere you’ll remember. We can bring him back later." Obedient looked to the Squad Mother for confirmation, which he got, a chirp in the Vahki Language. He and Impressionable began lifting the deactivated body of their brother Buggy somewhere else in the boundaries of Tobduk-Koro. "Do you remember his last words before he crashed? Something about 'exceeding the character limit'?" "To be honest, I filtered out most of what he said..." The brothers paused briefly to wave their mother goodbye, accidentally dropping Buggy on his head, before sheepishly picking him back up again. NU-8020S waved back to them, and then to the rest of her squad before clambering inside the Transport. Wayward desperately wanted to go with her, but didn’t. So did Reckless, but orders were orders. Lawful, despite his belief that NU-8020S was corrupt, also found himself sad she was going. He flicked off some of the Manas saliva that got onto his hand when he touched Reckless earlier. "So." He addressed Arnex. "How are you?" @BULiK@Harvali IC: Achro, Navu and Klawne (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, Exterior) - I Wield the Power of Gun! Achro was silent for a moment. "Well I do have these." He showed Niidak his fire blades. "These are... what’s the word we use to make them not sound like weapons, even though they are?" "Toa Tools." "'Toa Tools', that’s it. They’re Toa Tools. They can catch fire in the hands of a fire person. You are not, though, so... erm... ooh, how about this instead?" He then pulled out his rifle. "Gun. Made it myself. Armour-piercing bullets... I think. Oh, and I can secrete poisonous gas from my skin, in case that interests you." "Ew..." @Daniel the Finlander

IC: Ulkarr, Enra and Gnabol (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, The Bridge) - Bad Reputation Gnabol opened his mouth and raised his finger, before realizing he had no real rebuttal. "Yeah, he has a point actually, how do we know?" "The properties of Irrnak’s Tooth are well known amongst the local Skakdi population, as Enra here will attest." "Yeah, but I thought the monsters would only be, like... two, maybe three times a Skak’s size, not the flipping enormous ones I’ve been hearing about." "The 'Nightmare Pits' beneath the volcano are the only place on the island that has the magic needed to summon the 'Riteborn'... who devised these names? What sane creature would... I am straying from the point, excuse me. You will notice that they came to Kini-Koro from the north, where the volcano lies from the settlement." "We’d take the portal to the Ruins of Fire, but it was a pretty dangerous trek from there to the Tooth before bits of the island started disappearing. Anyways, yeah, I know the way you get into the Pits. Haven’t actually been in there meself, ‘cause it's - it’s scary. We just need to ignore the scary, get into the Pits, deal with whoever’s making the monsters so they can’t sacrifice anyone else to make more. Easy." "Riiiiiiiight... 'easy'." @Tarn@BULiK IC: NU-8020S, Reckless, Lawful, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, Boarding Ramp) - End of Line "Where did they GO, then, you revolting-" "I am back now." Reckless said, covered in Manas saliva, with Lawful behind him. "Why did you command my return? The crab and I were bonding." "'Crab'?" "Zyglak Gnabol’s pet Manas." "That is disgusting." "NU-8026S, you are not coming with me. That is my final decision. The League must have relocated somewhere in the north, presumably with our people and the means of controlling us with them. The condition of the Ruins of Ice is unknown, thus using the portal network is not an option, so I will take the amphibious Transport across the sunken areas of the island. You will either remain in Tobduk-Koro, or you will accompany Ulkarr on his mission. Is that clear?" "I thought I was 'free to leave at any time'. Why can I not leave with you?" "I have explained why, you are just not listening. If you step within Aurax’s broadcasting range, you may become hostile." "Perhaps. Perhaps not." "As stated earlier, the Squad Mother was able to resist Matoran and later Barraki control because of her advanced decision-making AI. We are only Squad Members, programmed to follow orders only. It is our..." Lawful paused to find the right word. "Our nature." Wayward didn't seem to agree. "I am making the decision to ignore your nonsense. I am going." "The risk is unacceptable." "I thought cowardice was an organic quality." "So is the suicidal stubbornness you are demonstrating. I do not want you to get hurt." "But you will allow me to go on a mission of potentially even greater danger, with an entity you seem to both trust and distrust in equal measure?" "Ulkarr will bring you all back in one piece if he knows what’s good for him. And you would have your brothers with you. I cannot protect you completely, but I will not allow you to endanger yourself recklessly." Reckless stepped forth, thinking his name was just said. Lawful dragged him back to where he was standing previously. Wayward was silent for a moment, processing. "You are going alone." "If necessary. Organics would be welcome to join me, though I doubt they will. We are only machines, after all." "You are going without a plan." "There never was a plan for us. We are outside the natural order. But I will not let my people be slaves simply because they were built that way." "You are going to die." "Perhaps. Perhaps not. The risk is acceptable." Another moment of silence. Wayward’s optics began to fizzle with static. "Don’t go. Not again. You only just came back. Please." @BULiK@Harvali

IC: Ulkarr, Enra and Gnabol (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, The Bridge) - Heart of Darkness The Aspect, flanked by a Skakdi and Zyglak, entered the bridge. "We must speak with the one in charge. 'Berys', was it not?" "Uh, yeah, I think so." "It’s about the monsters. They’re coming from the volcano." "There is a ritual involved in their creation that can only be performed there. We must travel to the volcano, access the underground caverns and neutralize whomever is responsible." @BULiK IC: NU-8020S, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, Boarding Ramp) - The Veil of Night "Understood-" "This Vortixx is now designated 'Komisti', Squad Mother." "In any case, while the ACR pilots appear to be dealing with the creatures effectively, I will allow Ulkarr to lead this mission. It is in our best interests to ensure no more are produced." "This all operates under the assumption that Ulkarr can be trusted." "He will be monitored, naturally." "What reason do we have to doubt him? He has cooperated with us at every turn." "He is a murderer. At least an accessory to murder." "Perhaps he is neither. Perhaps he is both. But so are most of our allies. Do you recall I had to eliminate the Skakdi mutants who obstructed our hunt for Takadox?" "I never stated that you could be trusted either." "You are welcome to leave at any time you choose, NU-8026S. In the meantime, while Ulkarr eliminates the titan threat, we must resume the work to free our people. Knichou has deserted us, likely to obtain further power for himself, so we shall have to do it ourselves. I will go to Metru Nui, and-" "And what? Charm our brethren with your winning personality? How will you even get there? The Matoran Berys will likely disapprove of Ulkarr’s destination, let alone yours." "The Transport. It was designed to be amphibious. It floats... kind of." "I will prepare it for departure." "Thank you, but you will not be joining me, Obedient. None of you will. I fear none of you will be able to resist the Hive signal, and-" "Why? How are you better than us, 'Mother'?" "I am a more advanced model. You were not designed to make decisions on your own, requiring input from a Squad Leader or the Hive. I am sorry. But it is no fault of mine." "I am coming with you." "No-" "YES." NU-8020S and Wayward began arguing in the Vahki tongue. "I suppose now would be a bad time to mention that Barraki Ehlek has seceded from the League and has built a base atop the Aqua Sphere?" Impressionable’s mother and brother glared at him. "Is that a negative?" @Harvali IC: Achro, Navu and Klawne (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, Exterior) - Dirt Poor "Oh. Did he now. Great." "Uhrm..." Achro searched his person, but turned up nothing except a rusty nail, a rubber band, a hunk of strange meat and a tooth too big to have been from his mouth. The eons spent hiding in the subterranean caverns of the Mesi hadn’t exactly been lucrative. "Well, I can’t, erm-" "You can’t compensate her financially." "I can’t finance your compensation, yeah. Any other way I can pay for it? Any odd jobs that need doing?" @Daniel the Finlander

IC: Tekmo, Waveahk and Ostrox (Kumu Peninsula, Antidermis Caldera) - An Assassin’s Life for Me Before the wriggling and the pain and the owww, Parnassus mentioned something about Korruhn and how he pretended to be an Aspect, and a Matoran called Grime and Miserix... oh, and now this 'Spiriah' was willing to actually be helpful... but the one called Leklo was interfering. "Put down your weapons, or I’ll put you down." He said, pointing his Zamor Launcher at the Toa. Part of him wasn’t sure why he was doing this, but the mutation affecting his mind and his overwhelming urge to KILL KORRUHN was overriding that part. "I finally have something willing to help me! To give me straight answers about Korruhn! About this cursed thing in my arm! I will not be denied now by you and your 'Unity' KANE-RA MANURE!" Tekmo drew his shield in response. "Now, let’s discuss this calmly-" "'Dead Matoran'?" Ostrox piped up. "Why didn’t you say so earlier?" "Oh dear." Ostrox wasn’t certain if he could trust Spiriah... but he was out of options. All or nothing. And if Irna and her 'friends' happened to disagree... good. "Maybe we got off on the wrong foot. You see, I need to kill that Mata Nui I was talking about earlier to save the universe, and you seem to be on his level, so perhaps you can help me after all. Which way is the Rock?" @Unreliable Narrator@Void Emissary@EmperorWhenua@Keeper of Kraata@TL01 NUVA IC: Ulkarr, NU-8020S, Enra, Gnabol, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, Boarding Ramp) - Zeroes and Ones NU-8020S was making her way off the ship when... "Mother!" "Good. I see you are all - where is Reckless?" "I sent him to Kini-Koro." "Why." This was not a question. This was a demand. "My, uh, pet needed disinfectant-" "I should not have even asked..." NU-8020S held her palm over her eyes, and shook her head slightly. "Lawful, get him back here now." Lawful chirped an affirmative and began scuttling to the ruins. "Squad Mother. We have identified the source of the titan-class Rahi that are attacking us." "We require the use of this airship." "If you could just, y’know, drop us off near the volcano, that’d be lovely." "How do you-" "I provided the information. It is common knowledge to the island’s native inhabitants. Enra can corroborate my testimony." "Yeah. Big volcano, spooky stuff underneath, that’s where the big beasties are coming from." "I believe I did mention it during our various discussions-" "Apologies. I am certain you must have done, but I often delete memory of our conversations, since most of them are just you endlessly prattling on." "Your attempt at humour is wasted. We both know you are far too intelligent to chance erasing important information from your mind." Wayward narrowed his optics and clenched his fists, already intending on deleting this part of this conversation. "In any case, I am afraid I am not in charge of this vessel. As we speak, evacuees from Ko-Pou are departing, and the meatbag in command has disappeared, not long after I insulted him and his breeding partner." "You wot?" "He committed manslaughter and acted as if he had done nothing wrong. I will discuss it with you some other time. The Matoran named Berys is now in charge." "Then I will speak with him, instead. Enra, Gnabol, please accompany me." "Uh, why us?" "We’re not exactly-" "Your organic nature will appeal to inherent bias, and your combined experience of the volcano and the titans will help to be more compelling." "Oh, OK." "'Inherent bi'-aren’t we all, technically, a little bit robot? Biomechanical, right? I..." Enra’s voice trailed off as she, Ulkarr and Gnabol walked up the ramp aboard the ship, navigating past the flow of refugees coming off the Taku. "Would it not have been more efficient to transport Ko-Pou’s populace via the portal network?" "It would have taken them through Kini-Koro, which we had reason to believe was under attack at the time." "And?" "They would have been in danger." "And?" "They could have died." "And?" "Remind me to schedule you for repairs once our people are freed." Wayward nodded, having zero intention of giving that reminder. "Collector." The Vahki addressed the Vortixx. "Please explain what has been happening on your end. I lost connection with you through my Staffs of Presence some time ago." @Harvali IC: Achro, Navu and Klawne (Tobduk-Koro, The Taku, Exterior) - Pyroshell Navu nervously crept up to where Niidak was, near the engine. "Hey, uh, do you know where Knichou went-" "Ah, there you are!" Achro interrupted, Klawne stumbling after him. "Remember me? You offered to replace my Kanohi back in Kini-Koro - I didn’t want to, at first, but giving the matter some thought... I... this thing doesn’t work anymore. It has sentimental value, I don’t wanna get rid of it, but I’m gonna need a new one. So, uh... how much? I still don’t have any money, just so we’re clear." Klawne was eyeing Achro nervously - and somewhat sadly - as she had done for the whole trip. @Daniel the Finlander

IC: Tekmo, Waveahk and Ostrox (Kumu Peninsula, Antidermis Caldera) - The Place Where Evil Grows "AAAAAAAAARGH! GGGGRMPHHHH..." Some days, it simply didn’t pay to get out of bed. Waveahk clutched his arm as the creature inside writhed and convulsed. Tekmo looked at him with genuine concern. Ostrox looked, but didn’t seem to show any emotion. Apart from frustration and impatience. "A conspicuous lack of decayed old men - look, we don’t have time for this. Mata Nui is coming back, and we need to find a way to destroy him before he regains full power. Otherwise, we’ll all become his mind-controlled slaves for the rest of eternity... those who have minds to enslave, anyway." @Unreliable Narrator@Void Emissary@EmperorWhenua@TL01 NUVA@Keeper of Kraata IC: Ulkarr, Enra, Gnabol, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, Forge of Vakama, Exterior) - Bird Sighting "Your bike is here." Lawful drew Komisti’s attention towards his vehicle, having taken it out of storage earlier. "It does not have sufficient capacity to transport us all to Irrnak’s Tooth. We shall travel to Kini-Koro via the portal network and acquire an airship for use." "That, uh... won’t be necessary, I think. Look over ’ere." Enra said, looking into the distance with her telescopic vision, pointing towards the Taku as it came into sight above the village. "Think we can hitch a ride? There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to, right? Once we explain what’s going on-" "That will depend on whether or not its captain is... agreeable." Enra shrugged, and tried to get the ship’s attention regardless, by flapping her arms around. @Harvali@BULiK

IC: Ulkarr, Enra, Gnabol, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, Forge of Vakama, Exterior) - The Best Laid Plans A short while later, Ulkarr addressed those he had been able to recruit - Big Bruiser, Enra, Gnabol, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward. "Only by seizing control of whatever lies beneath the volcano will be able to prevent further creatures from being created. Enra, I believe you have been there?" "Yeah. I mean... we didn’t see the monster-making bit, but I think we got close. It’s spooky down there, alright?!" "We shall require transport." "While we have no airships in Tobduk-Koro, we should be able to requisition one from Kini-Koro." "If any still remain..." "By 'requisition', do you mean steal?" "Of course not. Stealing is illegal. Requisitioning is legal." "Uh huh. What’s the difference in this context?" "That we are doing it." Lawful twitched slightly. "We shall acquire transportation through legal methods. We shall also see if there are any in Kini-Koro willing to join us." "Good, great, marvelous, what about-" "Your children will be well taken care of while we are gone, Gnabol." "I was gonna ask what we do when we get to the volcano and confront whoever is doing this, but, thanks." "We kill them." "We beat the stuffing out of them." "NO. We explain to them the harm they are causing, and offer them the chance to surrender peacefully." "Then they refuse and we kill them." "NO-" "Big Bruiser, please inform Komisti and the Akiri that we are ready to depart." @Harvali IC: NU-8020S, Achro, Navu and Klawne (Ko-Pou Airspace, The Taku, Cargo Bay) - Connection Lost "Ah, well, no. I’ve been using the portal network to get around." Klawne said, answering Kardaka’s question from earlier. As the Taku took off, Navu began to relax. Achro, meanwhile, seemed to become more agitated out of boredom. NU-8020S also fidgeted anxiously. The link with Collector through her Staffs of Presence had long-since dissipated. But she spoke with Impressionable over the radio just recently. Tobduk-Koro was fine, she was sure of it. Kanohi, Collector and Ulkarr definitely weren’t getting her squad members into trouble at the moment... @Vezok's Friend@Harvali@BULiK@Tarn@Snelly@Daniel the Finlander

IC: Tekmo, Waveahk and Ostrox (Kumu Peninsula, The Ambling Alp, The Bridge) - Gaia’s Lament Tekmo peered out in a different direction from the one Parnassus was pointing at, very much interested in something else - the fact that there was less of the peninsula than there was the last time he was here. "Terrible... the island really has been disappearing… why did you ignore Leklo’s question, Waveahk?! This is serious!" "Oh I didn't 'ignore' the question, Toa, I just didn't care." Groaning, the Toa of Plantlife rested his forehead on the glass window. "Well. At least you haven’t crashed the ship this time." Ostrox had restrained himself from rough-housing the whole flight, he couldn’t resist it forever. @Void Emissary@EmperorWhenua@TL01 NUVA@Keeper of Kraata IC: Ulkarr, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, Forge of Vakama) - The Monster Factory "I shall retrieve-" Ulkarr then walked into the Forge of Vakama, Komisti just behind him. "Never mind, here they are." "I shall ask him should he accept." The Aspect said, answering the Vortixx’s question from before they came in. "Akiri Kanohi. It has come to my attention that there is only one place on the island with the power to create these titans rampaging our land - the volcano the Skakdi know as Irrnak’s Tooth. It must have fallen into Warskak control. With your permission, I would lead an expedition to the volcano to ensure no more creatures can be created." "This information is uncorroborated." "So is the document that says you passed performance testing at the Ta-Metru foundry." @Harvali IC: NU-8020S and Klawne (Ko-Pou, The Taku, Exterior) - Scheduled for Departure "The ship - provided its commander makes the correct decision - will be heading to Tobduk-Koro, that is correct. Please stop harming yourself. It proves my point, but it is distracting." Klawne started making her own way to the ship. @Vezok's Friend@Harvali

IC: Tekmo, Waveahk and Ostrox (Fau Swamp, The Ambling Alp, Exterior) - The Gang's Back Together "Searching for fossils. Specifically, one widely known as 'Toa Stannis Maru'. I'd rather not have anything to do with him, but there's no League anymore, just a puppet state under Toa control, so I decided to cut out the middleman and serve the Matoran Empire directly... after failing to assassinate the new puppet king of course..." Ostrox decided he hadn't mocked Irna and Skorm for ten seconds, and decided to correct that by steering his dialogue somewhere else. "SO, you two and I are on the same side again, how about that? Are you happy now? Or, is betraying the universe to a mad god and his even madder followers not as cool anymore now that everyone's doing it? Hahahahahahahah..." Meanwhile, Tekmo wasn't paying attention to anything Ostrox was saying, as he was trying to converse with Parnassus. "Ah, well, we know that they implant empowered slugs into people's bodies after ritual sacrifice, they all have the elemental power of shadow, they live to the south-east of here, they're gaseous beings who inhabit physical forms in order to interact with us creatures of flesh and metal, and that's off the top of my mask... erm, how much of that was accurate, would you say?" "They also can be found in elevators, read your mind without consent, force you into bad deals that would never hold up in any court, assign you to kill gods and strangers and give virtually no instructions on how to find them." Grumbled Waveahk, still clutching his arm. "Ignore him. I have to." Tekmo said. @Void Emissary@Keeper of Kraata@TL01 NUVA@EmperorWhenua IC: Ulkarr and Lawful (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Escort Mission "Understood. Vortixx Collector, please escort Aspect Ulkarr to Akiri Kanohi. He must continue to be monitored at all times." "Do not worry. I can escort and monitor myself." "That is not how it works." "Unfortunate. Komisti, please escort and monitor me." Ulkarr exited the Ruins of Stone, and began making his way to the Forge of Vakama, with Komisti presumably not far behind. And perhaps also Big Bruiser. Maybe. "'Komisti'?" @Harvali IC: NU-8020S and Klawne (Ko-Pou, The Taku, Exterior) - First Law of Robotics "Oh, it's just over there." Klawne pointed in the portal's general direction with her spear. NU-8020S began making her way back to the Taku. "This is absurd. I was programmed to protect you and your fragile, fleshy bodies." She said, stopping to glance back at Kardaka. "But how am I to do so when you all insist on endangering yourselves pointlessly? Why should I serve and protect that which seems determined to destroy itself?" @Vezok's Friend@Harvali IC: Gnabol and Reckless (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone, Exterior) - Strong, Firm Hands "You are now decontaminated. Congratulations." Reckless didn't know why the Zyglak's face had changed colour slightly, or why he was covering his groin, but they must not have been symptoms of the poison, or else he would stop doing them now. "UUUH... thanks." Someone had clearly forgotten to program in Vahki what parts were no-no parts. Zyglak anatomy couldn't be that dissimilar to Matoran-Toa-Turaga anatomy, could it? Granted, Gnabol didn't really like being touched in general, even when he wasn't covered in noxious green slime, but he wouldn't have minded the Vahki's choice of areas to 'focus decontamination on' too much if it wasn't in front of the kids. "Oh, uh, there's a Manas on the other side of the portal, also poisoned. He's a big boy, so I don't think he's suffering too bad, but..." By Nuparu, was this what he had come to? There was so little crime in Tobduk-Koro that he never got to do anything exciting. There were giant monster attacks going on and all he was doing was- Wait. The Zyglak wanted him to go to Kini-Koro. The monsters were currently attacking Kini-Koro. So if he decontaminated the Manas and wasn't ordered to come back... "Affirmative." Converting back to quadrupedal mode, with disk firmly in mandibles, Reckless scampered around the side of the ruins, towards the entrance… Gnabol breathed a sigh of relief. He went over to the Skaklets, and tried to comfort them as best he could. "Now then... what am I gonna do with you lot?" He asked. The only responses he received were more crying and infantile babble. IC: Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, Forge of Vakama) - Collecting the Collector "Affirmative. He recently returned to Tobduk-Koro via the portal network, alongside Aspect of Makuta Ulkarr. He should be undergoing decontamination through Kanoka as we speak. Would you like him summoned?" A truly thorough decontamination of an organic would require full cybernetic conversion, thought Wayward. It was sad that his head was never designed to wear hats, thought Impressionable. @Harvali

IC: Tekmo, Waveahk and Ostrox (Fau Swamp, The Ambling Alp, Exterior) - This Is the Voice of the Mystery "We are NOT 'sightseeing' sir, we are on an important mission." Tekmo clarified, addressing Parnassus. "We've come here to investigate the race known as the Aspects of Makuta and their territory. I am Toa Tekmo, this is Toa Skorm, Toa Keitara, Zyglak Irna and you've already met Waveahk. I apologize for that last one." Taken aback, Waveahk clutched the skin where his Kraata was with his other hand as he heard the voice. He had almost forgotten what it had sounded like. Yet again, it gave instructions, but not details. Who WAS Korruhn, anyway? Who was 'Miserix' for that matter? Why would eliminating her weakness prevent her victory? And how was he supposed to get into that blasted temple without Apex? It was times like this that cutting off his own arm seemed to appeal. Irna would indeed catch Ostrox's gaze. His smile seemed more forced than usual. "Skorm. Irna. What a wonderful surprise - I was certain one of you would have killed the other by now. So, how are things on the other side of the fence, fighting for the subjugation of all living things?" @Void Emissary@Keeper of Kraata@TL01 NUVA@EmperorWhenua IC: Ulkarr and Lawful (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Lining Up "Yes. Giant creatures of great destructive power are rampaging across the land. This troubles me." Lawful applied the disks to those in line, before eventually reaching Ulkarr and Komisti. "Thank you for your patience. Have a nice day. Please refrain from being poisoned in the future." "I will have to remember that advice. Where is Akiri Kanohi?" "In the Forge of Vakama, I believe." "Excellent. Thank you." Ulkarr then turned to Big Bruiser. "I am going to request permission from the Akiri to lead an expedition to the source of these giant creatures and prevent more from being created. Would you be interested if he permits this?" @Harvali IC: NU-8020S and Klawne (Ko-Pou, The Taku, Exterior) - Blast From the Past "Alright... well... good luck." Klawne said. "I think I have to stay here. Achro is... another one of us. Another survivor. I remember him from the time before... you know. Skakdi." NU-8020S simply did a motion akin to shrugging her shoulders. @Vezok's Friend@Harvali IC: Gnabol and Reckless (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone, Exterior) - Get Good Scrubs Gnabol really wasn't feeling his best self at the moment. As drops of the green contagion dripped off his body, he had to psionically reattach them, lest the Skaklets touch them. He also had to back away from them whenever they got near, the movement making more poison drip off him, necessitating more use of his psionic power, which he needed to concentrate to use. Which, considering his state of nausea, was rather difficult. Another Vahki showed up - not the same one as before, this one was silver and red instead of silver and purple. It - no, he - handed him a disk. Gnabol didn't want to mentally refer to anything capable of speech an 'it'. He had bad memories of being referred to as such himself. "Take this. Apply directly to skin." "Uh-" "Never mind, I'll do it myself." Reckless then started aggressively rubbing Gnabol's body with the Remove Poison Kanoka, which did exactly as advertised and made Gnabol feel things he didn't want to feel in public. "UH... HRM." IC: Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, Forge of Vakama) - Crisis Averted "I do not think he would need to. Everyone seems to practically worship him already." "Why can you not take this seriously-" Obedient scampered inside the forge. "I report good news - the Remove Poison Kanoka appear to be working at optimal efficiency." He felt the urge to perform a short celebratory dance, but did not act upon it. @Harvali

IC: Waveahk (Zakaz Airspace, The Ambling Alp, Entry Bay) - The Hunter's Code Waveahk floated over to the entry bay door, and clambered inside. He was half-tempted to not mention the rest of his group on the ground and just abandon them, but that would serve no practical purpose, not to mention that he would be quite angry if the situation were reversed. Even among the Dark Hunters, there was - or at least, should have been - a level of professional cohesion. He made his way to where he thought the bridge was. "Hello?" He called out to whoever was listening. "Thank you for not shooting me, but the rest of my group is still on the ground. They can't exactly fly like I can." @EmperorWhenua@Void Emissary IC: Ostrox (Zakaz Airspace, The Ambling Alp, Laboratory) - Apathy is Death Ostrox almost drew his sword at the sound of someone saying 'hello'. The voice was distant, guttural, and almost sounded like it was underwater. It was not Leklo's or Parnassus' voice. Well, whoever it was, they seemed to be asking for help. It wasn't his problem, it wasn't his ship, and it wasn't his concern. He decided to do what the Toa did about the Zakazian conflicts, the Xian corporations and the Shadowed One's takeover of Odina - squat. And what did your precious kings do about those problems, exactly? Silence! Exactly. He continued reading through the book, if it was not about to crumble into dust before him, that is. @EmperorWhenua IC: Ulkarr, Reckless, Lawful and Obedient (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Form an Orderly Line "Everything seems to be in order. I shall inform the Akiri of our success." Obedient left to do exactly that. "I will take those." Lawful took the remaining disks out of Reckless' hands, save one. "There is an infected Zyglak outside the ruins. He will have seven infant Skakdi near him. Use the Kanoka on him and then return here." Reckless looked at his brother strangely, as if he thought this was some sort of joke, before remembering that his siblings all had the sense of humour of a plank of wood. He instead buzzed an affirmative in their language and left to do as instructed. "Everyone, please remain calm. You will all be treated in due time." Ulkarr got in line with everyone else, despite knowing he couldn't be poisoned like the rest. He motioned for Komisti to join him. "Come. You must still be treated. The rain may have washed off the poison, but your vessel may still be compromised. After that is amended, Kanohi must be informed of our plan. Then we will start recruiting for our mission. Some of the Vahki, the one known as Big Bruiser and the Vo-Skakdi should do well..." @Harvali IC: NU-8020S, Achro, Navu and Klawne (Ko-Pou, The Taku, Exterior) - Dinnertime "The portal is just over there." Klawne pointed in its general direction for Kardaka's sake, temporarily distracting herself from Achro. The Toa of Fire followed Iradra up onto the Taku. The food these people has was better than the filth he had to subsist on for the past forever, but... perhaps it was the sensation of hunting down his own food that he missed, rather than the flavour. When was the last time he killed something, again? NU-8020S tried to dissuade Kardaka from going, while simultaneously addressing Nixie's argument. "The situation at Kini-Koro is - supposedly - under control. Please note that 'under control' is not inherently associated with safe." Overhearing, Navu decided that the Taku was her safest bet after all, and followed Iradra and Achro aboard. @Vezok's Friend@Harvali@Onaku@Tarn IC: Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, Forge of Vakama) - Heated Discussion "He must be found and questioned at once. Is he not still in Kini-Koro?" "Is Kini-Koro not still under attack? This is ABSURD. We have no real, tangible evidence, no reliable eyewitness reports! What does it matter what disgusting breed of organic life he is?! Our priority must be the extermination of these monstrosities attacking our borders! The creature that poisoned the populace of Kini-Koro may still be alive!" @Harvali

IC: Waveahk (Zakaz Airspace, The Ambling Alp, Exterior) - Be Wary of Floating Hitchhikers When Tekmo told him of the fierce Kumu wind, Waveahk had assumed that the little braggart was merely exaggerating, in order to make himself seem more impressive than he actually was. Actually arriving in Kumu had forced him to reassess his initial appraisal, and it only got worse as he rose higher up in the atmosphere. "LET ME IN." He yelled, the tentacles around his mouth flapping in the wind, desperate to be heard over the howling gale and through the thickness of the airship's glass windows, while pointing to what he saw as the ship's airlock. "LET ME IIIIIIIIIIIN!!!" @EmperorWhenua@Void Emissary IC: Ostrox (Zakaz Airspace, The Ambling Alp, Laboratory) - Thieving Talons DESTROY THIS PLACE! CAST DOWN THE FOUL WORKS OF THE FALSE WIZARD! STEAL ALL HIS LEFT SOCKS! Hush. This could be important. Ostrox grabbed the book before moving into the ship's lab. He confiscated one of the green vials and the notebook, before reading through the latter more closely... @EmperorWhenua IC: Ulkarr, Reckless, Lawful and Obedient (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - The Greatest Tragedy of Our Age With Komisti presumably following him, the Aspect had stepped through the portal to catch the end of what Avka and that imbecilic machine were conversing about. "Oh no. The Administrator is dead. This is a great loss." Ulkarr's voice, usually monotone, took on a manner of speaking that made it clear that he was being sarcastic. His face was even contorting into some sort of smile as he said it. As Lawful administered medical aid to the infected refugees of Kini-Koro, Reckless and Obedient suddenly came in. "Akiri Kanohi sent us. We-" "Apply directly to skin." Reckless cut off his brother, shoving one of the Kanoka in the face of the nearest infected. @Harvali IC: NU-8020S, Achro, Navu and Klawne (Ko-Pou, The Taku, Exterior) - Acceleration of Fear "Yes, and it still is. You... uh, you were with that purple jabbermouth and the big monster, weren't you? Where'd it go, anyway - was there, erm, something you wanted? Toa Achro, at your service..." He said the next word with some uncertainty. "Sister." "It IS you..." Klawne whispered to herself. "Using the portal network is not recommended." NU-8020S interjected in the conversation Kardaka was having. "Titan-class Rahi have been sighted in proximity to Kini-Koro, the hub of the network. Please use the airship for evacuation instead while your leadership fails to contain the situation." Navu felt like she was going to be ill. The Taku seemed to be like a flying deathtrap, Ko-Pou was apparently about to sink beneath the waves, and Kini-Koro might still be under attack, considering Knichou had them fire on the Tahtorak even after it seemed to have given up. At this point, League slavery seemed almost appealing. Almost. At the very least, Tobduk-Koro still seemed to be safe. @Vezok's Friend@Onaku@Harvali IC: Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro, Forge of Vakama) - Due Processing Power "Not about the Tahtorak. About Toa Stannis. Toa Knichou believes that he is not a Toa at all, but an entity known as an 'Aspect of Makuta' inhabiting the body of one. This makes him a potential threat to public order." "And the Squad Mother told you this?" "Affirmative." "I see. It's finally happened." Said Wayward, feeling and expressing a mix of horror and smug satisfaction. "She's gone insane." "She was only repeating what Toa Knichou believes, which he was told of by another Aspect of Makuta identified as 'Sorilax'." "Witness testimony has to come directly, not through a game of Steltian Whispers. You know this." Wayward sounded genuinely disappointed in his brother. Not angry, but still disappointed. "And it's hardly the most trustworthy source of information, besides. Especially considering who they're accusing - a 'great war hero', the 'wise and powerful' Toa Stannis Maru - and what they're accusing him of - fraud, impersonation, and not being one of the Chosen." "These are serious accusations and they will be investigated..." Impressionable turned to Kanohi for support. "Won't they?" @Harvali