BZPRPG - Onu-Wahi

[Relapse]

IC(Houren - Onu Streets)

 

The soldier took the blow, his eyes watering a bit in pain, but he was able to stand his ground. With his free arm he hooked the Phantom's bent elbow to keep his enemy in place and drove his knee up towards his opponent's groin.

Edited January 26, 2014 by Douglas

[ARROW404]

IC: Phantom

The Toa grunted as Pain lanced through his groin. "Low move," he groaned. This was not a position he enjoyed being in, so it was time he got going. He'd wasted enough of his time already. He didn't want to kill this one. At least not yet. To do so would be a mercy, as always, but people never saw it that way, and to show this Matoran the phantom's mercy would bring the rest after him. Not that they would ever find him, but it would make his work much more difficult, and this was already difficult as it was.

 

Not waiting another second, he snapped his finger, concentrating and magnifying the sound directly at his opponent's ears. Loud enough to stun and hurt, definitely.

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Tarian from Ta Koro

Onu Koro. The glorious metropolis shone like an ancient gem beneath the earth. Sprawling underneath the land like no other Koro.

 

"The Greatest City"

Tarian thought to himself.

 

Rohen, his Ussal was packed with all his belongings as he trekked the wonderful world below.

It was no secret preferred Onu Koro to his home in Ta. Most Matoran rarely travel from their home Koro. Tarian (on the other hand) would take any excuse to come back to the land beneath. After all, this was his true home.

OOC Tarian is open for interaction

[ARROW404]

IC: Aar

"Hello... Tarian, is it?" The Ussalmatoran said as he noted the Ta-Matoran's entrance. "Welcome back." He didn't know him personally, but being in the Ussalry, he had seen him around.

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Tarian from Ta Koro

After dismounting his Ussal, Tarian turned to greet the guard, "I don't believe we've met. My name is Tarian, as you know." He said extending his crimson red hand to the Ussalryman "and yours?"

Edited January 26, 2014 by Veneras

[ARROW404]

IC: Aar

"Aar. What brings you back to Onu-Koro? Business or pleasure?"

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Tarian

"Aar, it's a pleasure." As he bowed his head in earnest respect for the Ussalryman, one might see that he wore his disk strapped to his back in the traditional Onu-Koronan fashion."A little of both, I'm afraid. I'm traveling to Po Koro for the technology expo." petting his Ussal as he spoke, I just love this city. It feels like home to me."

[Shadowhawk]

IC: [ Rhea ] - Onu-Koro / Ferron's Forge

 

By now, it would have been 'night' up topside; hundreds of feet down under in the Village of Earth, it was simply 'off time'. Time to rest, eat, do whatever it was Onu-Matoran liked to do when they weren't mining, tinkering, or conducting high-speed testosterone-fueled Ussalry crab 'tactical combat simulation maneuvers' through deserted tunnel networks.

 

In practical terms, that meant the streets were quiet, calm, almost entirely deserted. With nothing to slow her down, Rhea made it to the forge of Toa Ferron in only a few minutes.

 

She didn't bother knocking; simply opened the door and slipped quietly in, greeting the female Ta-Matoran with a brief nod. The smithy himself was nowhere to be seen, but he was definitely present. Judging by the hard, industrial scents of hot steel and fresh machine oil, most likely working on something in the adjoining forge room itself.

 

It was a good smell. Rhea drew a slow breath, savoring it. It was a smell of strength, of the future, of gears and pistons and sleek keen blades.

 

It was the scent of power. Very attractive, very masculine. She had a feeling she wasn't going to mind working with Toa Ferron.

Edited January 27, 2014 by Shadowhawk

[Geardirector]

OOC: And Here. We. Go.

 

IC: Ferron (Ferron’s Forge)

 

Ferron’s sight cleared again as the Toa of Iron’s ability to detect his own element let him know Rhea had arrived. Good.

 

Ferron sighed with heavy breath, wiping his face clean of the sweat pearls that’d been piling up over the course of his intense work session. His visibly large frame was soon to be seen stepping out of the door leading to the forge’s inner sanctum, a glint of polished metal visible in the lightstone’s glow.

 

His body was framed by the lightstone cluster in the roof highlighting his massive and imposing frame, the shadow of the low roof still keeping him shrouded in darkness.

 

“This is it” he said to himself, and took one step forward, finally coming into view of Rhea and Tuli from the lightstone.

 

There, in the yellow gloom, stood a titan clad in burnt orange armor, firmly grafted to a charcoal black frame, a cold, steel gray light emanating from eyes and heartlight like a manifestation of the element of Iron itself; a noble titan that radiated strength, reliability… and rejuvenation. One could almost imagine that sprawled on the floor in the room behind the Fe-Toa was the black carcass that Ferron had shed, leaving the old him behind. The instantly recognizable vague trapezoid shape of the Great Pakari adorned his face again, colored in the same burnt orange as his armor now was, the familiar tank-like design once again fitting firmly on his face. But looks could be deceiving: the soft grip of the Mask of Healing didn’t change with its shape, but it felt good to have his face back.

 

Most eye-catching of all was the place where once there’d been a crude prosthetic in place of real biomechanics. Connected to his wrist socket was a mold of shiny metal, almost like molten silver frozen in mid-air in the slender shape of a metal hand, replicating his left hand down to the tiniest, most flawless details. The new metal hand reflected the light playfully, casting iridescent shapes across the walls of the forge.

 

Ferron cracked the most honest smile he’d mustered in ages, letting the rejuvenating appearance of his new self flow into him and drown out the scars of a life of misfortune except for two, one which he would soon vanquish, and another he’d already learned to live with. He regarded the Toa before him, he looked around the forge, and he spared a glance at Tuli. His final trial was at his doorstep, waiting for him, the last step was about to be taken.

 

His gaze flicked to the small statue of Krell that stood on the mantle, his smile warming as he reminisced his time with the strange, tortured soul.

 

“Krell, this one’s for you”

 

His hard gaze turned back to Rhea, sparing just a second to consider her delicate figure before their eyes met. In her emerald eyes he could see the ever so faint spark of a fire similar to the one he’d been nurturing for so long. That fire had now dulled, and the metallic glow emanating from them was unyielding, reliable, but strained, as if something was slowly eroding away at it.

 

“Nice of you to come, Rhea. Please, have a seat” he said, gesturing to a nearby chair with a muscled arm, his voice humming with newfound resolve.

[ARROW404]

IC: Aar

"Well, you made a good choice of home," said the Ussalman, offering a rare glimpse at his sense of humor. "I wish you a pleasant journey. I could never stand the brightness of Po-Koro myself."

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Tarian

"Well, it's no Onu Koro." he replied remounting his Ussal "Mata Nui, how I've missed these halls" he said said, admiring the great tunnels before him. A quizzical look came upon his face for a moment, uncertain if he should ask he looked at the guard once more"there wouldn't happen to be any openings in the Ussalry, would there?"

[ARROW404]

IC: Aar

"As far as I know, we're always ready for more. Your past work with us will certainly help you get back in."

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Tarian

"I might just look into that.". Tarian pondered the idea a little. His eyes couldn't help but admire the glorious archways and caverns that were trademark to the Onu Koro enterprise. "Wait a minute" he said said, remember ping where he'd recognized that purple komau from "you fought in the Makuta wars, didn't you?"

[ARROW404]

IC: Aar

"I helped dig an escape tunnel during the Rahkshi threat at the end, but that was my only contribution, I'm afraid," Aar said, neither ashamed or proud of the fact. "I only formally joined the Ussalry after."

 

IC: Shadd

The Archaeologist followed the way he thought Teede had taken. "Teede?" he called. "Are you up here?"

Edited January 27, 2014 by Mj. Spoilers

[Toatapio Nuva]

IC Tuli

(Ferron's Forge):

 

Though disgusted by having to deal with Rhea in a polite manner, Tuli did so anyway. This was no time to betray the trust Ferron had placed on her. She merely sat quietly while her boss dealt business with the mercenary.

 

 

IC Teede

(Onu-Koro, Great Mine, Secret lab):

 

"Over here", Teede said, still keeping his gaze fixed on the Vortixx in front of him.

[ARROW404]

IC: Shadd

The Ko-Matoran followed Teede's voice. "Oh, uh, hello," he said when the Vortixx came into his sight.

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC: Tarian

 

Tarian nodded, contemplating the response of the other. "I thought I recognized you, if only in passing" he finally replied. "I was part of the 7th Battalion back then" his voice heavy with nostalgia. "Well I suppose I should be off" he complied. "I hope to see you in these tunnels again soon."

[ARROW404]

IC: Aar

"Likewise. May your Ussal be quick, and your tunnels well lit." An old parting anecdote. Didn't see much use these days, but Aar had a fondness for it.

[Rorschach the Absolute]

 

IC Tarian

Nostalgia overwhelmed Tarian, drawing a faint smile to his hardened face "and to you as well, my friend.". He remembered his father giving that benediction many times in his youth, and so Tarian rode on. His Ussal quick; the tunnels before him bright

[Mr. House]

IC: (Aryll Vudigg/Onu-Koro Streets)

 

The screams of bystanders had not gone unnoticed, nor had the dead Matoran in the streets. Aryll Vudigg looked over in disdain of the whole scene. He wasn't technically on the job at the moment, but he loved the chance to actually do something. Hunting down thieves had gotten boring. He had been in a Cafe when it happened, enjoying a coffee and reading the Daily. Then he heard the screaming, and jumped into action.

 

An Ussalmatoran seemed to be struggling with a ghost. He couldn't see the criminal, or hear him. Aryll managed to deduce rather quickly it was a Huna or Volitak user. He wasn't intimidated by Phantoms, not in the least. He was an Ex-ILF man, a former General, one of the few who claimed the title Rahkslayer. He could kill a mad savage. Turning on his Arthron, he glanced at the Sonar, and through it and eyesight, deduced the being's general location.

 

He wouldn't be able to target the being directly, however. Flaring up his gauntlets with electricity, he stormed foward. Within three feet of the invisible being, he pointed his metallic fist toward the direction, and cried. "Show yourself!"

Edited January 28, 2014 by Rhaegar Targaryen

[Toatapio Nuva]

OOC: Time to try out my newest character, replacing Kavala as the evil guy with actual powers.

 

IC Onoraz

(Onu-Koro):

 

The underground of Mata Nui holds many beautiful secrets of nature's course. It's also a deceptive place with dangers not encountered anywhere on the surface. There is darkness everywhere and no place to hide. Those who hide first benefit from the element of surprise against others.

 

Onoraz watched silently as the Ta-Matoran rode along with his Ussal crab. There was no one else in sight. Onoraz hungered for revenge and this poor Matoran would help him fulfill the need.

 

Silently, he launched a Zamor sphere from his launcher. It flew towards the Matoran, carrying within it the power to bind the target in vines not breakable by Matoran strength.

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Tarian

Taken completely by surprise, Tarian was engulfed by the net. In a matter of seconds, he was completely and totally incapacitated.

[Toatapio Nuva]

IC Onoraz

(Onu-Koro):

 

Onoraz smiled wickedly. Once again she had a catch... though this time the purpose of her victim would be very different than usual.

 

With a few long strides, Onoraz was upon the struggling Matoran. Though shorter than Skakdi usually were, Onoraz was still an intimidating sight with her heavy armor and nasty face. The Ussal Tarian had ridden scuttled away in fright.

 

"Be glad you have been chosen, Matoran", Onoraz said. Her voice was deeper and gruffier than one would have expected from a female. "You shall serve as an example to others of your kind."

 

With that she grabbed the Matoran and carried him into a dark tunnel, where complete darkness surrounded them both.

[ARROW404]

OOC: Phantom's attack was concentrated. As in localized. It didn't go past Houren's head, so nobody could have heard it. It's a necessary precaution, otherwise Phantom would have busted his own eardrums. Or whatever the Toa equivalent is. Since he's a Toa of Sonics and all that.

 

IC: Aar

With that, the Ussalmatoran carried on making his rounds.

Edited January 28, 2014 by Mj. Spoilers

[Shadowhawk]

IC: [ Rhea ] - Onu-Koro / Ferron's Forge

Rhea's quick eyes caught the first visible movements of the forgemaster as he stepped out into the hazy yellow glow of the hallway, flicked and settled on his face as he took one deliberate stride forward and loomed like a steeldust titan from the inner sanctum. She caught her breath, her face paling slightly beneath the sleek, slicked-back ridges of her Kanohi.

This was not the Ferron she had seen in the bookstore, although the size and build and coloration and the smoldering heat in the steel-grey eyes was much the same. Something from his soul had been reborn, had changed him... some inner current, the touch of which went deep and sure, melded and set in the hard, unyielding strength of the Toa before her. She looked at him, looked with the level, calculating gaze that was her wont, and she knew simply that this was one who would never surrender. He would go on and on and there was nothing that would stand before him, nothing save death that would halt his chosen course. And even then, he would die undefeated, for the only things in all of life that could break him were the things that would break him from within.

He spoke. His voice was deep, ruggedly masculine, and there was mingled in it both the brutal honesty of cold black iron and the chivalrous glimmer of tempered quicksilver. "Nice of you to come, Rhea. Please, have a seat."

And she obliged with grace, feeling suddenly, inexplicably rather shy.

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Tarian

Tarian struggled against the bonds, trying to reach for his spear, but the nets were too tight to get any flexibility. He had no choice but to go wherever this monster took him.

 

"Be glad you are chosen Matoran. You shall serve as an example to others of your kind."

 

Tarian wondered what the gruff sounding Skkakdi intended for him.

Edited January 28, 2014 by Veneras

[Toatapio Nuva]

IC Onoraz

(Onu-Wahi, Onorax's cavern):

 

It took a long time for Onoraz to carry Tarian all the way to her cavern. It was located in a secluded part of the tunnel network beneath Onu-Wahi, making it hard to find without clear knowledge of its whereabouts. The cavern was large enough to accommodate several beings.

 

Onoraz proceeded to tie Tarian to a chair. It was one of the few pieces of furniture in the cavern, besides another chair, table, bed and large wooden box. Illumination was provided by standard lightstones hanging on the walls.

 

"I know you are frightened Matoran, but I assure you that you will be safe... at least for some time", Onoraz spoke, knotting the rope carefully. She sat on the other chair, facing Tarian. The Skakdi was now completely visible in the light of the lightstones. She was really unattractive, even by Skakdi standards. "Before I tell you why I brought you here, I want to ask you a simple question. Are you or are you not a citizen of Ta-Koro, the village of fire?"

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Tarian

Strapped to a chair, Tarian got a good look at the hideous monster before him. Military training kicked in as the interrogation began "I am Tarian, member of the Ta Koro guard".

[ARROW404]

IC: Aar and Onepu

The Ussalmatoran spotted a loose Ussal crab running through the street. This wasn't uncommon, as they were the Koro's most common beast of burden. He broke into a brisk jog and intercepted it as it passed by. It wasn't until he'd managed to get a good hold on it that he recognized it. Tarian, the Ta-Matoran he'd just spoken with, had been riding it. If the Ussal had gotten away, he must be lost in the caves, or at least without a mode of transportation.

 

Accustomed to assuming the worst, he quickly made his way to the Ussalry HQ and reported the Matoran missing. Onepu was fortunately just on his way out as Aar finished up. "Commander!"

 

"Private Aar, what is the matter?"

 

"Tarian, a former member of--"

 

"I remember him. Did something happen to him?"

 

"I found his Ussal wandering Onu-Koro. I fear something may have happened to him in the tunnels to Po-Wahi, where he was headed."

 

Onepu nodded. "I see. Go and look for him. Bring another if you think it is necessary."

 

Aar bowed and cast a look around to see who could go, as Onepu stepped outside.

 

OOC: Anyone in the Ussalry who wants to join in, let me know.

 

As for the Phantom, I'll wait to read Houren's reaction before I do anything.

Edited January 28, 2014 by Mj. Spoilers

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Tharros

"Alright," the Toa of fire said to the one named Kol "when do we leave?"

Edited January 29, 2014 by Veneras

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IC(Houren - Onu Streets)

 

Houren groaned as his eardrums flared, but held on to his target. The millisecond of sound was like looking at the sun for a bit: it left a mark for a few seconds but was largely ineffective. The Phantom was weak where Houren was strong. Even as a Matoran, he was powerful enough to keep his target down. He grabbed his saperka and stabbed at the invisible Toa's chest.

 

OOC: Just saying, it must be taking an insane amount of concentration to be keeping his mask on while using his powers and physically fighting.

[Geardirector]

OOC: Whoa, Rhea, don't you start getting any ideas. Ferron's not that type of guy.

 

Seriously, though; fantastic writing, as usual.

 

IC: Ferron (Ferron's Forge)

 

Ever movement Rhea made bore witness of two things, firstly an immediately noticeable feminine grace, secondly; experience. She was a woman used to the ways of the world, very much the kind of person he would need the help of for this to work.

 

He seated himself in his worn wicker armchair, nodding courtly to Rhea before turning to Tuli.

 

"That will be all, Tuli" he said, even as he reached towards her with an envelope.

 

"And take this to Khervos, will you?" he asked as he put the letter on the nearby table. He turned back to Rhea, taking a deep, rumbling breath.

 

"Alright then... your target" he said as he reached out with his hand and flicked a finger. Seconds later a small object flitted across the room, settling in his hand. The small statuette depicted a being in maroon-colored armor with horn-like shoulders, notably wearing a Pakari very similar in shape to Ferron's custom-forged Mask of Healing. Dashes of silver and lime green eyes completed the getup.

 

"This is Kuhrin" he said.

[Shadowhawk]

OOC:

Oh, don't worry about Rhea 'getting ideas', as you say. She's much too shrewd and realistic to let herself be more than superficially attracted to a definite 'good guy' like Ferron. I just thought it'd be interesting to throw an additional dynamic into the situation.

IC: [ Rhea ] - Onu-Koro / Ferron's Forge

Rhea drew breath carefully, letting a fresh tendril of steel-scented oxygen hiss into her lungs as she took advantage of Ferron's momentary occupation with Tuli to settle her own, ever-fiery emotions.

Cool it, girl. Focus. He's not your type and you well know it.

He was all male, this one. And, what was so much more, all gentleman. There was depth about him, a straight-talking honesty, a simple surety of character that was a thing rarely found in this wretched era of rot and intrigue. He was big, strong, and unyielding... and just a bit too kind, a bit too idealistic, a bit too good, to suit the tastes of a certain green-eyed bounty hunter.

Forget it. He's a fool. You're not. Just... forget it.

Her eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly; her back straightened a bit, tightening unconsciously into the proud militaristic posture characteristic among the Guardsmen of Ta-Koro. Steeling herself against her momentary weakness, chiding herself because her weakness remained and smoldered though she bid it begone, Rhea watched in cool silence as Toa Ferron exchanged a few 'farewell'-ish words with the Ta-Matoran, met his gaze squarely and calmly as he turned his full attention at last to her.

"Alright then... your target."

The statuette was small, but intricately-crafted. Rhea considered it carefully, noting the distinct resemblance of the Kanohi Pakari to Ferron's current mask.

"This is Kuhrin."

She considered a moment longer, gathering her nerve, and then she heard herself speak and was gratified to hear her voice ring cold and with precision. Casually professional, a voice that asked no questions save those that mattered.

"I'll need to know the species, element, mental traits, living habits, and general physiological condition of the subject when last seen. I'll need to know everything you can tell me regarding his weaponry, allies, financial status, and combat specialties. I'll need to know where he was last seen, where he may be likely to be going, and if you plan on joining me in the pursuit. I'll need to know if there is a time limit to the capture. I'll need to know if you need him alive, dead, or merely located."

She paused, smiled. The seductive charm of a brimstone princess... the ruthless challenge of a born entrepreneur.

"And, naturally, I'll need to know what it's in it for me. I deal in cash, equipment, and information."

[ARROW404]

OOC: Phantom's used his mask to the point where it takes hardly any concentration to use in tandem with his powers. Focusing on fighting is another story, though, yes.

 

IC: Phantom

The Phantom cursed aloud. He was not going to go down like this. Another swing of his other arm pushed the blow aside. It was true that the Matoran had the advantage in close quarters like this, and he was cursing himself for not having just left him. He could never resist the urge to taunt when it presented itself.

 

He made a note to cut the gab more often. If there was going to be a next time.

 

He twisted his locked arm to point the crossbow on it at the Matoran's jaw. "Step back and I won't fire!" Unlike the Matoran, he only had one shot. He had to make it count. "Try anything funny and I'll make sure your audio receptors won't make it through." He said it partially to the Toa of Lightning that had joined the scene, too. Why was it always a Toa of Lightning?

Edited January 29, 2014 by Mj. Spoilers

[Relapse]

IC(Houren - Onu Streets)

 

Houren dropped his weapon, seemingly giving up. Of course, the Phantom didn't let his guard down, but the second he relaxed, just subtly, Houren dropped to his knees, leverage pulling his opponent to the same position. Before the Toa could shoot, Houren had picked up his own crossbow and leveling it at the Phantom's chest.

 

"I don't give a about my audio receptors. My trigger finger feels mutually about your vital organs."

[Mr. House]

IC: (Aryll Vudigg)

 

"I've slewn Rahkshi you half-rate thug!" Aryll said. He was not in a polite mood, to say the least.

 

He rushed. Coming near next to the two, he gave a quick nod to Houren. Standing within reach of The Phantom, he put his armored fist out. Hand open, he motioned it within inches of what he figured was the being's body. He flared it electricity, letting out a loud hum.

[Toatapio Nuva]

IC Onoraz

(Onu-Wahi, Onoraz's Cavern):

 

Onoraz smiled. She had been expecting her next catch to be an Onu-Koro Matoran, but a Ta-Matoran would do just fine - even better.

 

"I am pleased to hear that", Onoraz said with a nod. "For that means I finally have something, an ace up my sleeve, to use with Jaller."

 

Onoraz stood up. "What is your rank?"

 

 

IC Tuli

(Onu-Koro, Ferron's Forge):

 

Tuli took the envelope. The farewells were exchanged silently, but with no doubt about their meaning. This was it. It was a big moment for Ferron and no matter how reckless it seemed, Tuli would let him pursue his goals.

 

Tuli left the forge, praying for the Great Spirit to keep Ferron safe.

[Geardirector]

OOC: Well, I'm not going to complain, by all means.

 

IC: Ferron (Ferron's Forge)

 

Ferron spared a quick nod of approval at Rhea's response, hmming thoughtfully as he settled back into his armchair.

 

"Kuhrin's a Toa of Sonics. As regards his physical state, he's in more or less peak form, he was last seen escaping into the Ko-Wahi Drifts, and last I knew he's been living on scraps in the wilderness; small critters, edible roots and the like."

 

Ferron paused for only a short moment, before he moved on.

 

"Mentally, he's less sound. He's volatile, almost feral, and sadistic, he doesn't hesitate for even a second to use force, in which case he seems to indicate a slight dependence on his elemental powers"

 

"He's armed with just a sword and the mask you see here," Ferron continued, tapping the statue on its forehead, "and he's got more of a tendency for dexterity than brute force... with one exception, of course" he repeated the tap from earlier, the motion highlighting the Pakari.

 

"As for allies and where he might be going, the two are related in how little I actually know, but what I do know is this: He's one of Makuta's disciples, and so it stands to reason that he's gone to find some of his fellow Dark Toa, or whatever they might be."

 

Ferron's voice grew harder as he continued.

 

"I do intend on joining you, and there is no set time limit. All I need for you to do is find him..." he said, his eyes flashing with a deadly fire as he spoke the last sentence.

 

"I want to kill him myself"

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Tarian

Tarian stared stoically at the monster before him"I am nothing". A prideful smile pursed in his lips "You couldn't bargain more than two widgets from the great Captain!" Tarian watched the skakdi intently, waiting for it to make eye contact. As the moment drew he spit with all the disdain in his stout heart.

Edited January 29, 2014 by Veneras

[Toatapio Nuva]

IC Onoraza

(Onu-Wahi, Onoraza's cavern):

 

The female Skakdi growled furiously at this and drew her large Granite Sword. She pointed it at the Matoran, but made no other hostile move. "If you weren't a bargain tool, you'd have no head anymore", she said acidly. She paused for a moment before pulling back her sword, then began laughing. "But then again your life doesn't seem that important anyway. I knew the Akiri don't care about their citizens anymore than the Turaga did. They only care about the power they enjoy. And that's why I'm going to do something about it. I'm going to make your little society crumble, and that's just the first step."

 

Another pause.

 

"What's your name?"