Toru Nui

IC: Ulkarr and Klawne (Po-Koro) Ulkarr liked these newcomers. True, the Skakdi were more decisive, but at least no argument or brawl had erupted from them yet. Klawne also liked them. She had missed this. And yet, it still felt so far away. It was hard to explain. "Well then. Shall we get going?" @Tarn@Harvali@Biological Chronicler IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) "It is not power we require. We are searching for the fugitive known as Takadox." Another Vahki held up an iStone with the warlord's photograph displayed, much like how it had been shown to Mahryo and company earlier. "Have you seen this entity?" @Nato the Traveler@Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl@xccj IC: Enra (Irnakk's Tooth, Mountainside) "Welcome, warning, basically the same thing 'round here. Well, personally, I feel like I've come too far to turn back now, so..." Enra shrugged, and stepped forth into the place of nightmares. As you do. @Unreliable Narrator@Nato the Traveler

IC: Achro (Onu-Metru, The Archives) The Red Smoke continued to seep deeper into the Archives, its coming heralded by a particularly noxious scent. @Onaku@Azibo IC: Enra (Irnakk's Tooth, Mountainside) "Well. Ain't that a lovely welcome. Still not too late to go back, you know." @Nato the Traveler IC: Gnabol (Wilderness, Aqua Sphere Trail) "So, either it destroys the plants it passes under and creates new plants to replace them, or it somehow... reverses them. Both of which are ridiculous. True, maybe, but still ridiculous." @Smudge8

IC: Waveahk (Metru-Koro, Outside Sans's Hut, Cargo Hauler) Waveahk finished gulping down the last drop of water in his canteen before answering. "Back there." He pointed to the various seats behind them in the Hauler's front section. @TL01 NUVA@Tarn@Snelly IC: Gnabol (Wilderness, Aqua Sphere Trail) "...The implication here being?" @Smudge8

IC: Tekmo and Waveahk (Metru-Koro, Outside Sans's Hut, Cargo Hauler) "No. No 'donuts'. Certainly not in a populated area." Waveahk began drinking out of a canteen he tucked away near the pedals. Tekmo pressed his hand on the hauler and leaned on it while he waited for Skorm, Irna, and Keitara. @Snelly@Keeper of Kraata@Conway@TL01 NUVA@Tarn IC: Enra (Irnakk's Tooth, Lava River) Enra and Xane, now on the right side of the river, proceeded to follow it up to the mountain. @Unreliable Narrator@Nato the Traveler

IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) "We do not possess hearts." @Nato the Traveler@Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl@xccj IC: Enra (Irnakk's Tooth, Lava River) "Y-your... your medals do-oh whatever. Let's get out of here before convection causes me jeans to catch fire." @Nato the Traveler

IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) The machine paused as she calculated the odds of a creature unaware of basic economics being useful. "...What is the price of your services?" @Nato the Traveler@Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl@xccj IC: Enra (Irnakk's Tooth) "Really?" Enra looked Xane up and down. "I don't see it, where do you keep it?" @Nato the Traveler

IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) "Do you accept cash or check?" The robot's tone makes it difficult to determine if this is a joke or a genuine question. @Nato the Traveler@Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl@xccj IC: Enra (Irnakk's Tooth, Lava River) "Whoa. You can do that? You got something that can help you use it on your own like these?" Enra held up her hands, wiggling her fingers to draw attention to her Shock Gauntlets. @Nato the Traveler

IC: Tekmo and Waveahk (Metru-Koro, Outside Sans's Hut, Cargo Hauler) "You figured we'd walk all the way across this massive island? Besides, this is mostly just to transport the boat we'll take to the Islets." "Shouldn't we wait for Irna and Keitara?" Tekmo asked. "We will. For a while." Waveahk started drumming his fingers on the wheel. @Tarn@Snelly@Keeper of Kraata

IC: Tekmo and Waveahk (Metru-Koro, Outside Sans's Hut) Waveahk soon arrived outside the Turaga's residence, driving a cargo hauler vehicle with really big tires that was used back in Metru Nui, before being brought here during the exodus. He poked his head out the window to address the married couple. "Eager, aren't we?" Tekmo and Skorm showed up at that moment. "Excellent! Our chariot awaits!" @Tarn@Snelly@Keeper of Kraata IC: Enra (Irnakk's Tooth, Lava River) "Well, unless we wanna climb a new path up the mountain - which is a bad idea - we'll have to cross this river... you think that if we work our powers together, you can make us float to the other side?" @Nato the Traveler

IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) "I am Vahki. We are purely mechanical beings designed to uphold law and order." @Nato the Traveler@Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl@xccj

IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) "...What are your questions?" @Nato the Traveler@Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl@xccj IC: Waveahk (Metru-Koro, Love Shack) "We'll meet outside the Turaga's residence next morning. I need you well-rested, you understand." Waveahk left the two's house, and began to make the walk to his own hut. @Tarn@Snelly IC: Enra (Irnakk's Tooth) Enra and Xane made their way, following the lava stream at a safe distance, to find the access point to Irnakk's Molar. @Unreliable Narrator@Nato the Traveler

IC: Ulkarr and Klawne (Po-Koro) Ulkarr moved his head slightly to face Pardehi. "If there's enough room, certainly." Klawne still wasn't entirely sure about what Ulkarr was. He thought at first these new Matoran, Toa and Turaga just had strange new masks, but Kanohi and Pardehi both had ones she recognized. And he seemed to be confused by Kanohi asking what his was. Still, he was offering to help someone he didn't know just like her, so who was she to pry? "Alright then. I don't have money, so, uh, you'll be able to afford this, right?" @Biological Chronicler@Harvali IC: Ostrox (Metru Nui Airspace, The Ripple) Ostrox looked somberly over the ruined landscape of skyscrapers they passed over. Not for the immense loss of life, of course. The Matoran had to pay the price for their arrogance. But this place - this place birthed from decadence and zealotry was now his new home. His old home was floating around in space somewhere, at best. All because of him - that worthless, rotting carcass. What had Pridak been thinking when he assigned that obviously treacherous creature the most important device in the universe?! Of course, he couldn't exactly ask Pridak. Not only would he likely be killed for it, Pridak didn't remember Mazor. Nobody did. Except him. Why? Was it his resistance to psionic attacks? Or was he spared on purpose, as a means to torment him? He couldn't exactly seek vengeance on Mazor without permission from his masters. Mantax might have been willing to listen, but they had centuries of rapport with each other, whereas he had only been serving under Pridak for seven days. It wasn't as if he had any physical proof of Mazor's existence to begin with. All the paperwork on him was in the old Fortress - which, again, was adrift in space, where he couldn't get to it. And if Mazor ever showed up, Ostrox couldn't just kill him as soon as he saw him - nobody knew of his crime. Nobody knew he was a traitor, not even Irna, who had witnessed him sell out the universe to the false god. Who, by the way, was also missing. How convenient. And now, he was going to make peace with their eternal enemy. He wasn't sure if Arkius and Nale - the killers of Mantax - were part of the 'Metru-Koro' settlement. But if they were, he would be denied vengeance on them, as well. His lord was dead. He was not loyal to the League. He was loyal to his lord. His lord was part of the League. Without his lord, the League... Thoughts for later. For now, he would at least have the opportunity to enjoy the inevitable train wreck that would be negotiating with insane, self-righteous xenophobes. @Biological Chronicler@Nato the Traveler IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) So. It was intelligent. That meant it could be reasoned with. Maybe. "We apologize. The reconstitution of the window was-" She glared at Triki. "-unauthorized." She shifted focus back to the creature. "What is it you require from us?" @Nato the Traveler@xccj@Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl IC: Waveahk (Metru-Koro, Love Shack) "Waveahk." He came inside the house, and laid Skyra calmly on the sofa. "She was loitering around the Turaga's hut, if you were worried. Speaking of which, he has invited you two to help me on a mission, to perform reconnaissance on a potential threat to this settlement. Interested? @Tarn@Snelly IC: Enra (Irnakk's Tooth) "I'm not gonna leave you to go in that place alone. You seem like a nice bloke. Plus, I, uh..." Enra stroked her frills with her hands. "...don't have much going on, right now." @Nato the Traveler

IC: Tekmo (Black Spike Mountains) "...Right then. Perhaps we should have introductions. I am Ranger Tekmo. And you are?" IC: Waveahk (New Atero, The Aquarium) "OK. I don't believe you, not for a second, but OK." The Aquarium landed back in New Atero not shortly after. "Come. We should show everyone what we found."

IC: Ostrox (The Coliseum, Docking Bay) Ostrox inhaled a great deal of air through his nostrils, exhaling through his mouth, satisfied. "Ah, nostalgia. Nostalgia from only a week ago, but nostalgia, nonetheless." He followed Tugarak up the ramp, boarding The Ripple. @Biological Chronicler@Nato the Traveler IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) It took every last bit of self-restraint protocol for NU-8020S not to crush Triki's tiny meat-brain into paste. Especially after the moronic little pustule had the audacity to give her an order. She instead, decided to settle for tossing him aside and preparing to fire her Kanoka at the first sign of hostility from the creature. @xccj@Nato the Traveler@Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl IC: Gnabol (Wilderness) Gnabol didn't entirely trust this 'Mazor', but considering his... unusual skin condition, it was likely he was just another outcast, like him. He took the lead, walking across the Zakaz wilds towards the Aqua Sphere. @Smudge8@Unreliable Narrator

IC: Tekmo (Metru-Koro, Sans's Hut) "Precisely!" Tekmo led Skorm out of the Turaga's hut and back to his own. @Keeper of Kraata

IC: Ulkarr and Klawne (Po-Koro) "Oh, absolutely." "I've been ready for quite some time." Ulkarr still hadn't moved. @Harvali@Biological Chronicler

IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) NU-8020S's reaction time - as a machine, superior to organics in every way - was quick. But not quick enough to stop Triki. Even as she tried to grab hold of the hearing-impaired sack of organs and yank him away from the window, said window was changing before her optic sensors - into acid. @xccj@Nato the Traveler@Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl IC: Waveahk (Metru-Koro, Outside Love Shack) There was a knock at Rose's door. Grumbling and drunken murmurs came from the other side. @Tarn@Snelly IC: Enra (Irnakk's Tooth) Oh good. Because she did not want to have to deal with those guys. Again. "Alright. We just have to follow the river of lava, which will take us into the horrible volcano of ritualistic sacrifice." Her vision returned to normal, and she turned to Xane with a questioning look. "You really sure 'bout this?" @Nato the Traveler IC: Gnabol (Wilderness) "Don't worry, I don't." Gnabol started trekking towards the Aqua Sphere, not particularly caring if Mazor was with him or not. @Smudge8

IC: Ostrox (The Coliseum) That was precisely what Ostrox was afraid of. Those people were backwards savages who whined over every little 'atrocity' committed against them, while conveniently ignoring when they did the same thing. Still, if the mission went poorly, he could always place the fault on Zaliyah. Because it probably would be Zaliyah's fault. And to think, they were just starting to get along... Ostrox's only response was a chuckle and: "If you say so."

IC: Ostrox (The Coliseum) "I'd ask what that's supposed to mean, but I don't care." Ostrox over-dramatically shakes his head and tuts. "This hostile attitude will most certainly not help in persuading the Turaga to accompany us." @Nato the Traveler@Biological Chronicler

IC: Ostrox (The Coliseum, Tugarak's Quarters) "Well, we can hardly turn down any offer of help." Ostrox followed Tugarak out of his quarters. @Biological Chronicler@Nato the Traveler IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) "Probability of life-form being intelligent is exceedingly low-do not open the window, you idiot." There's was a sudden tone of anger in the Vahki's voice. The voice so far, had been fairly monotone, but this was the first flash of real emotion any of the organics had heard. @Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl@xccj@Nato the Traveler IC: Tekmo and Waveahk (Metru-Koro, Sans's Hut) "Yes, Turaga." Waveahk tried to pick up Skyra and take her back to her's and Rose's house. "This is why only regular water will ever do..." "You can stay at my place." Tekmo offered to Skorm. "We'll ignore the rumours." @Azibo@Snelly@Keeper of Kraata@TL01 NUVA@Conway IC: Navu (Metru-Koro, Navu's Hut) "OK then. G'night." Navu entered the confines of her now pillow-less bed, and closed her eyes. @Tarn IC: Gnabol (Wilderness) "...Alright. But no cannibalizing one another for food." @Smudge8

IC: Ulkarr and Klawne (Po-Koro) Klawne visibly calmed down. "I'm sorry, that wasn't fair of me. You didn't know. I will help you find this Matoran, that hasn't changed." "Did you want to see if your ally's body has fully healed before we left?" Ulkarr asked. @Harvali IC: Tekmo and Waveahk (Metru-Koro, Sans's Hut) Waveahk decided it wouldn't be prudent to mention that a healer wanted to speak to Turaga Sans earlier, but his lack of understanding of how queues worked left him storming off. Tekmo knew the one Waveahk was thinking of - Pardehi, they had fought together in the Silver Sea Campaign - but not where he was. Or that Waveahk was thinking of him, for that matter. "I'm... certain there must be some nearby. If you'll let me, I'll look for one for you." @TL01 NUVA@Azibo@Keeper of Kraata@Conway@Snelly

IC: Ostrox (The Coliseum, Tugarak's Quarters) "Excellent! Oh, and we should probably see if anyone else wants to come along. We can't have just the three of us flying straight into the Muaka's den, now can we?" Ostrox takes his leave. It's hard to see his feet under his robes. @Biological Chronicler@Nato the Traveler

IC: Ulkarr and Klawne (Po-Koro) "Oh. I suppose I must be a Skakdi, then." Sarcasm. It was the first emotion inflected in Ulkarr's voice that Kanohi had heard. "They aren't locals." Klawne says through gritted teeth. "They stole this land from us. You just don't see us because they kill anything that isn't them." The barely-concealed anger makes a contrast with how she was just a moment ago. "Your information has been useful, however. It appears I will have much work to do in the future. For now, we should find the missing body and the associated device." @Harvali IC: Ostrox (The Coliseum, Tugarak's Quarters) "We're on a mission. We are to invite the Turaga of the Matoran settlement known as 'Metru-Koro', and invite him to discuss negotiations. Lord Pridak recommended the use of a non-military vessel, to appear less threatening. We'd like you to take command of The Ripple once more, and take us there, if it's not too much trouble." @Biological Chronicler@Nato the Traveler IC: Gnabol (Wilderness) "Wherever I feel like. At the moment, following that sphere, same as you. It brings life wherever it goes, and where there's life, there's food. Survival instinct, and all that." @Smudge8

IC: Ulkarr and Klawne (Po-Koro) "...Mask?" Ulkarr seems genuinely confused by the question. Klawne sighs and straightens her posture. "Well, if someone's in trouble, I suppose I can't exactly refuse to help... what's a 'Barraki'?" "Also, yes. 'Barraki'?" @Harvali IC: Ostrox (The Coliseum, Tugarak's Quarters) Leading Zaliyah to their former Captain's quarters, Ostrox knocked 'shave-and-a-haircut' on his door. "Captain? It's Ostrox. We need to talk about The Ripple." @Biological Chronicler@Nato the Traveler IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) "Remain. Calm. Do not attempt to communicate with unregistered life-form. Questions will be answered later." The Transport did not attempt to slow down, or speed up. This mission might have been a farce, but she wasn't going to budge for a simple beast. And it didn't seem like it was going to budge either, heading right for the window. At least the idiot standing right in front of the glass would absorb most of the impact if it decided to force entry. NU-8020S primed the Freeze Kanoka Disk in her mouth and wirelessly commanded the squad to be ready for possible hostile contact. @Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl@xccj@Nato the Traveler IC: Tekmo and Waveahk (Metru-Koro, Sans's Hut) Waveahk was genuinely surprised by Irna's offer of help, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. "...Thank you, Irna." It was incredible. A Zyglak was willing to help, a species that despised the Matoran and the Matoran despised likewise, but not a Toa. Stannis had been quite vocal in his disapproval of this plan - without suggesting any alternatives - and didn't even deem it worthy of his time to speak to the Turaga personally. Perhaps, he thought the plan was bad because he heard it from him. He did seem to be under the delusion that it was Waveahk's 'quest', earlier. Tekmo thought it was a little odd, too. Not as odd as the woman glowing blue to his left, but still, odd. "And I too, would like to offer my services to this endeavour. Skorm?" Tekmo turned to his... friend? Acquaintance seemed more accurate. It was clear he fully expected Skorm to say yes, and that asking him was just a polite formality. @Azibo@Keeper of Kraata@TL01 NUVA@Conway@Snelly IC: Navu (Metru-Koro, Navu's Hut) Navu noticed Datrox's gaze turn to the window, and her's did in turn. "Oh Karzahni, is it dark out already? You wanna turn in now, or...?" @Tarn

IC: Ulkarr and Klawne (Po-Koro) 'Toa Ulkarr' as he was apparently known as, took the carving from Kanohi, and then, after looking at it for a few seconds, handed it back. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he answered Kanohi's question, "I told you that I would await you here, and I have." "Oh, excuse me." A Turaga said from behind Kanohi. "I'm new here. What exactly is happening? Is something wrong?" @Harvali IC: Ostrox (The Coliseum, Elevator) Ostrox had his command. A very foolish, outright impossible command, but it wasn't as if he could say that out loud. Maybe Pridak was genuinely considering Zaliyah's suggestion of diplomacy. He hadn't outright stated it was going to be a trap after all, and if it was, surely Pridak could see it was a rather obvious one? The League had gone to the hounds since Mantax died. Pridak's ego demanded that they waste resources adding more floors to the Coliseum, even though a hundred was more than anyone ever really needed, and that was just the ones above ground. Ehlek was without question a mechanical genius - but only that, his leadership skills lacking. And neither of them seemed to have any intention of filling in the blank spaces left by Mantax, Kalmah, Takadox and Carapar. They'd have to rename themselves to the League of Two Kingdoms, soon. What was happening right now? Oh yes, Zaliyah was asking him a question. The location of The Ripple. "I do not know. I'd like to assume Le-Metru, but can't say for certain. Tugarak should know. We should ask him to join us. It is his ship, after all. His quarters are few floors further down." @Nato the Traveler IC: NU-8020S (Northern Desert, Vahki Transport) "I am Squad Mother NU-8020S. I come from the city of Metru Nui. Takadox's crimes against the city are numerous. I have been commanded to bring him back to the city to answer for them." All of which was technically true, just missing a few miscellaneous details here and there. One of the Vahki saw something from out the window. Some sort of unidentified flying organism. It transmitted this information to it's Squad Mother. "Unclassified Rahi approaching." She warned the organic passengers. "Please, remain calm." Organics were easier to deal with when they weren't terrified. Unless it was an interrogation, in which case, terrified is what you're going for. @Edelgard@Jakura Nuva@ZippyWharrgarbl@xccj@Nato the Traveler IC: Navu (Metru-Koro, Navu's Hut) "I'm sure it won't have to come to that... so, uh, is there anything I can do to help you?" @Tarn