The Meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
Join Date:
6/27/2011
Posts:
5,711
Minecraft:
KaBling
Member Details
"Rule one of Aramen: NEVER talk about the Below. Or the Above."
Gentlemates. Welcome to Skies of Journey.
It's been 300 years since the Disasters - March, 29th, 2023. The US and several other countries joined together to make spacecities to escape the Earth's many disasters, caused by Global Warming. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough fuel, stranding seven cities in the sky as two were destroyed. One is still unaccounted for.
After just several years when the disasters struck, the thrusters ceased to work, having been designed for space and not for the Earth's gravity, not to mention androids not maintaining them after developing sentience. As a result, the cities' emergency parachutes were used to make giant envelopes to keep them floating.
Eventually, advanced technology such as rockets were lost. Airships dominated the skies as aircities kept trade routes for their hydroponic food, artificial metals, home-made guns, and other commodities. Helicopters and planes ceased to exist, only to become steel skeletons in the graves of hangers.
After around a century, a mysterious organization popped up from the ground - the Organization of Airmen took over many of the aircities. 5 years of fighting later and they took over 5 of the 7 cities, becoming a major force in the skies. The 2 remaining cities cut off all communications, leaving only static in their tracks and going missing for 2 centuries.
200 years later and the OOA is crumbling - 2 of the 7 cities were destroyed by bombings, smashing the reputation of the OOA. Corruption has caused the OOA to control only 2 of the 5 remaining aircities, having hardly any power left. Relations between the cities are tearing, corruption is reaching colossal levels, the OOA is crumbling... and the Below and Above still hasn't been mentioned yet. Everything's gonna change pretty soon...
Your journey begins here - you are going to be an airman, a person trained to pilot airships. What you do is up to you - either take to the skies and take down air pirates and monsters, become the world's richest person as you establish new trade routes, get chased by multiple organizations for your devious and brutal crimes, communicate with the mysterious airnoids, or explore the Below...
...and maybe the Above.
- - - - -
Mythology of Skies of Journey:
Organization of Airmen:
Referred to as 'Organization of Aramen' or 'OOA' for short, the OOA is a government that controls most of the skies. It was founded in 2136 by William King, and is currently ruled by Newton Shepard, a formerly influential bountry hunter, but now corrupt dictator.
Language:
English is the only language known to be spoken, as only a few countries made aircities.
English has changed over 300 years, for example, air is now known as 'ara', so airships are called 'araships' and vice versa. It has also merged with Indian and Chinese.
Radiation Clouds:
When the disasters occured, they ended up detonating almost every nuclear bomb in the world, creating 'flyout.' It is however commonly referred to as Radiation Clouds.
The clouds themselves are extremely dangerous, with their radiation and monsters lurking in them. Only experienced airmen with radiation suits, and mutants should explore in them.
Mutants:
These can be anything, ranging from simple bacteria to mutated humans. Clouds of amoeba are dangerous as they absorb you and your airship, growing bigger. Mutated humans on the other hand are... unusual. They can be dangerous or friendly.
Airnoids:
Created by the US to maintain the aircities, these robots somehow developed sentience shortly after the radiation-lightning storm of 2024, shortly after an accidental detonation of several nuclear bombs by the disasters.
Airnoids typically have in-built tools such as saws and welders, but may also contain the occasional gun. They are all equiped with thrusters to keep them up.
They are rare and often dismissed as fake. Sightings of these machines have gone up however, to the point where even the OOA set up search parties to control these androids - nothing has come up yet.
The Below and Above:
[REDACTED] Airships can't actually go and explore the Below or Above - atmospheric changes have made airships not go any higher or lower (not considerably at least).
Important/distinctive locations:
New Washington Aracity:
Biggest out of the 5 aircities, but also the most unfair in terms of economy, and most dangerous - a capitalist city, all the rich people get to live in the center while the poor have to live near the edge. It's not uncommon to see people falling off the crowded cities, especially as 3 families have to live in one small house. Crime is extremely high, with mass shootings common, and the occasional puncturing of the envelope. About 0.6% of the population is mutated as racism is common, and they've never been near a Radiation Cloud for over a century. Guns are illegal, so illegal that you can be executed for possessing one. This also applies to black market items.
The aircity was built by the US. It was orignally ruled by three people - Newton Shepard, James Bishop, and Anderson Mann. Newton managed to kill the other two without drawing attention, declaring himself the dictator of New Washington and the OOA. There have been many, many attempts to assassinate Newton Shepard, but all of them have failed - possibly due to the cameras he has installed all over the aircity.
Organization of Airmen HQ:
The headquarters of the OOA, and in the very center of New Washington. Built on top of the ruins of the new Capitol Building, it towers above many of the other skyscrapers, while just managing to stay below the envelope. The top floor is the cleanest, home to the dictator Newton Shepard. The lower floors are heavily guarded; 10 inches of solid steel walls, surrounded by barbed wire and heavily-armed guards, with .50 caliber machine guns and flood lights screening the area. It's not surprising to see violent riots surrounding the OOA HQ everyday, despite the hundreds of deaths that happen.
Black Market:
Whilst it's not actually a location (it's more of a general term, describing shady stores around the aircity, as there's so many of them), it's still an important 'location'. Here is where illegal commodities such as drugs and guns are available to buy and sell from. Everyday, one is closed down by the OOA but two more are opened.
Zeppelin Construction Co.:
They don't actually make airships - rather, they sell parts. They're however fully armed, so robbing them is not a good idea... both for criminals and you. The state of the store on the outside is as terrible as the rest of the aircity, but inside is another story - it's somehow cleaner than Newton Shepard's floor. Obviously he's tried to steal their secrets on how, but all attempts have been unsuccessful. Daniel Amith owns this place, but he's been missing for several days now. There have been rumors this hanger communicates with Araway and Mechincal Ara, but nobody has ever confirmed them...
Araway Aracity:
Whilst it's big, it's not very densely populated. Only 4 in 7 houses are occupied. Despite this, Araway is the most technological city, even just managing to grasp rocket technology. Their economy is unstable however, due to the technology sector taking up more than 90% of all profits. The OOA's control over the city is extremely weak, although it still technically controls Araway. As a result, crime is rather high, but it's been dropping sharply over the last 10 years - nobody knows why, but the city has been flying near the Radiation Clouds, and leakages have been reported near the labs... which would also explain why 60% of the population is mutated. Guns are illegal, but the law is relatively lax - you generally get a fine for not possessing a gun license of Araway Aracity. Black market items are discouraged but allowed.
Built by the UK, there's a bit of a British accent mixed with the usual English spoken. The city is currently owned by Jefferson Thompson, a young but capable mayor of Araway. The mayor seeks technology and balance in Araway. 3 attempts of assassinations by the OOA have earned him the nickname of 'Rasputin' (despite losing a leg in the process).
Ara's Best Friend:
Due to the technological advances in Araway Aracity, they've managed to reinvent heavier-than-air flight, starting with airships equiped with cutting-edge turbines and smaller envelopes, to fully armed airships filled with machine guns and drones. Unfortunately, it also means that this is the most expensive place to buy airships. Only the very richest can afford those, and even fewer can actually pilot them. It is owned by Johan Labs.
Johan Labs:
A secret laboratory. It's not as armed as the stores in New Washington, but it hardly needs guards due to secret nature of Johan Labs. Not even the OOA knows about these labs, despite the labs taking up more than 20% of all the space in Araway. They have a secret partnership with Zeppelin Construction Co. and Mechanical Ara. They usually offer discounts and prototype devices for exchange of secrecy...
Jefferson's Hydroponics:
The best fruits, vegetables, and meat are found here. Formerly owned by Jefferson Thompson (now the mayor of Araway), Johan Labs have been upgrading the old hydroponics with better fertilizers and lights. Unfortunately, the reputation of Jefferson's Hydroponics have been sagging recently due to a recent outbreak of Salmonella, which killed 6% of the population of Mechanical Ara.
Serenity's Star:
This is an unusual aircity - for one, it's not actually an aircity, but a ship, The OOA never took control of Serenity's Star due to the power of Serenity's Star - they have a lot of weapons, but most of them require maintenance. This may also explain why many ships come here to buy their weapons, then travel to Mechanical Ara to repair their weapons. The population is based around the center, as many people have gone missing visiting the deck, armory, bridge and wings. Those locations are where the better weapons that cannot be bought are found however. Guns are legal, but only because most are damaged and old. Black market items are allowed with no questions asked - this place is lawless, explaining the high crime rate.
Serenity's Star was hastily constructed - as a result, the ship is missing an engine, and there are multiple structural failures, most notably the collapse of the deck which killed roughly 300 people. An American ship, it is owned between Tom Houston and John Freeman. Both are civil lords, usually supplying weapons for free to many cities. Unfortunately, due to activities with the OOA, they also have a bad reputation. Tom is calm and strict while John is hasty and relaxed, fitting them perfectly together. Nobody has tried to kill the duo yet.
Starboard Wing section:
The easiest place to scavenge guns from, but at the same time most looted location with weakest guns. Feral mutants rarely roam here, but still present a danger. This is a good place to find your first weapon. Easy grid-layout corridors with security systems, and other people who explore here can back you up.
Portside Wing section:
This is where things get harder - in this damaged wing, more feral mutants roam the area, security systems are mostly offline, and corridors have been fused, buried, or destroyed. Only experienced airmen come here, mainly because of the better guns available to find here.
Bow section:
You are instantly killed here. Many mutants live here, the security systems will want to kill you, and the whole place is like a labyrinth. Hardly anybody explores here, but there are many good weapons to be found here... if you can get through all the hazards of course. There has been rumours of an EXTREMELY powerful weapon, capable of creating radiation clouds and destroying aircities...
Mechanical Ara:
2nd biggest (it combined with another aircity that never was under control of the OOA), this aircity is the least technologically advanced, but it's the best when it comes to maintenance and repairs of anything, ranging from guns to airships. This aircity was never under rule of the OOA, so most of the population is uncivilized. The economy is in surpisingly good shape for such a rural city. The population is what you'd expect to see in a regular city, although crime has been rising steadily over the last few years. About 12% of the population are mutants, but racism is slightly common. Guns are illegal, but there's a city-wide petition to remove the law. Black market items require permits from Chang Zhao, otherwise a prison sentence is given.
Built by India/China, Chinese and Indian accents are common - both languages have merged with English, explaining why the population speaks 'weirdly'. A mysterious man named Chang Zhao is president, but he is rarely seen. So rarely that nobody even knows if he's human. He is often called the 'Shadow' for his often elusive attempts to get away from publicity, ranging from wearing a cloak to even shooting a journalist - thankfully nobody died and the ammunition were blanks. One person tried to kill him, but the assassin wound up poisoned according to an autopsy.
Farnsworth's Smithery:
The best blacksmith available in Mechanical Ara, but also one of the least known. This is where you sell normal metal and buy refined metal for trade. The blacksmith team there can also upgrade your airship, repair your weapons, and reinforce your armour in less than a day. You just need to provide the metal and money...
Hanger 21:
One of the most oldest buildings in Mechanical Ara, this is where normal airships are made. A man named Donald Garrison frequently shouts at his workers for not working fast enough - oddly, it works, making an airship in less than a day. Unfortunately, that usually leaves defects. Not only that, but bits of the hanger go missing from increasing thievery, so you either pack more than two engines, or you defend your belongings...
Helium Collector's Bay:
Mechanical Ara hardly moves - it's stuck in-between two opposing winds. However, the winds contain an unusually dense amount of helium. As a result, Mechanical Ara and Araway have both worked on a tower, capable of sucking the helium in and being able to refuel airships properly. The problem is that it often breaks down, thievery is common due to rising problems, and battles have broken out over power for the tower. It is run by a man called Mr. High, who is addicted to helium. Despite this, he proves a capable guard for both Araway and Mechanical Ara. The gas is relatively cheap and fills up quickly.
Flyington Aracity
An average aircity, it provides normal weapons and trade. There's nothing really special about it, but they do have a universal radio system. It would explain why the OOA have assaulted the aircity about 10 times now. It's not very populated (1 in 3 houses are occupied) and the city itself is rather small. About 40% of the population is mutated from a Radiation Cloud that passed, killing 10% of the population as well. Racism is not tolerated, and you are generally fined for doing so. Crime is relatively low, but only because of the size of the population. Black market items are not allowed and may be confiscated.
An Australian aircity, accents are surprisingly rare. Most speak the English that merged with Chinese and Indian. The prime minister is Neil McDonald, just recently replacing an assassinated Scott Baker. However, he has been seen at times working with the OOA... which would explain the civil unrest currently going on. Ironically, this is the most cultural aircity of the aircities.
White Market:
Like the black market, it generally means all white markets in Flyington. The occasional store is robbed as a result of little guards available in Flyington.
Tower of Power:
A name coined by the population of Flyington, this radio tower picks up and broadcosts all signals. The television and radio shows are usually good, but are sometimes ejected by emergency messages and propoganda. It is currently run by Joseph Baker, Scott's only son.
New Sydney Opera House:
A replica of the Sydney Opera House, it is one of the reasons why the city is so cultural. It is often used as a hanger and bounty center. This is the oldest building still standing in Flyington, still operating its performances by Hugh Lee. Not much is known about him, other than him being widower.
Index of jobs, items, and enemies:
Important/distinctive jobs of airmen:
Military:
Fighter - bonus to small melee weapons
Militant - bonus to big melee weapons
Soldier - bonus to small ranged weapons
Gunner - bonus to big ranged weapons
Guard - bonus to armour
Demolitions Expert - bonus to explosive weapons
Pilot:
Airship Gunner - bonus to airship offenses
Airship Tactician - bonus to airship defenses
Airship Pilot - bonus to airship speed
Airship Watcher - bonus to airship fuel use
Construction:
Builder - bonus to construction of buildings
Mechanic - bonus to repairs
Engineer - bonus to construction of airships
Gunsmith - bonus to construction of guns
Hired gun:
Bounty Hunter - bonus to missions available
Mercenary - bonus to reward money
Business:
Trader - bonus to profit gained from white market commodities
Smuggler - bonus to profit gained from black market commodities
Entrepreneur - bonus to discount of white market commodities
Arms Dealer - bonus to discount of black market commodities
Research:
Scientist - bonus to research speed
Inventor - bonus to constructive resources available
Medical:
Medic - bonus to heal speed
Doctor - bonus to medical resources available
Exploration:
Explorer - bonus to profit gained from locations discovered
Map Maker - bonus to profit gained from maps made
Items:
Starter items:
Extra supplies (generally food and water)
Portable fuel reserve
Reserve ammunition
Map and compass
Secret stash of money
Secret stash of commodities (black or white market)
Laptop with PDA
Portable helium reserve
<Any weapon>
Weapons:
Small club - small melee
Short blade - small melee
Large club - big melee
Long blade - big melee
9mm Pistol - small ranged
.45 ACP Pistol - small ranged
.357 Magnum Revolver - small ranged
5.56mm Rifle - big ranged
5.56x45mm NATO Assault rifle - big ranged
9mm Submachine gun - small ranged
.45 ACP Submachine gun - small ranged
5.56x45mm Light machine gun - small ranged
.50 caliber Heavy machine gun - big ranged
7.62x39mm Sniper rifle - big ranged
M67 Fragmentation grenade - explosive
MK3 Concussion grenade - explosive
Flare gun - small ranged
Handcannon - big ranged
Grenade launcher - explosive
Light bow - small ranged
Heavy bow - big ranged
Compound bow - big ranged
Light crossbow - small ranged
Heavy crossbow - big ranged
Compound crossbow - big ranged
Small harpoon - small ranged
Big harpoon - big ranged
You can make up the names for the weapons - these are just what you base the guns.
If you want to make a new weapon that doesn't fit this list, please ask the mods and me (KaBling).
Commodities:
Supplies (generally food and water) - white market
Luxury supplies (generally milk and diamonds) - white/black market
Fuel - white market
Helium - white market
Oil (not fuel) - white market
Sheet of metal - white market
Beam of metal - white market
Engine - white market
Building construction supplies (generally wood and glass) - white market
Artifact - white market
Guns (any) - black market
Ammunition (any) - black market
Drugs (any) - black market
Airnoids:
Welder drone Mark I
Construction drone Mark II
Explorer drone Mark III
Battle drone Mark IIII
War drone Mark V
Rules:
1. Usual forum RP rules (no powergaming, metagaming, or godmodding).
2. No techwanking (using technology to get your character out of difficult situations).
3. ((If you must post OOC, post like this.))
4. Be realistic and serious. Don't be a character with no limbs, get a rocket launcher (rockets are unavailable in the RP for now), or find gold in the middle of a cloud.
5. Try to keep track of your items and money.
6. "If I (KaBling) go mad with power (such as intentional powergaming and such), it's either a joke or that I'm actually mad - strip me of my powers if that's the case."
7. You won't be banned from the RP when you break rules. Rather, you get suspended for a fitting number of days, and your character will have a harder time doing things in the RP. If you manage to keep up the good behaviour during that time however, a discussion will be held whether to discourage the hard time or not.
8. If you need an event, just ask.
9. There is no secret word. Don't bother looking. Just leave it blank.
10. If you want to make a new location, please inform the mods and me (KaBling).
11. Please post apps and long discussions in the OOC thread.
My newest mission finally complete, I was flying back to base, when I heard a screech off in the distance. Great... seems like we've got another wyvern problem... I think, recognizing the screech as the blue-scaled, black crested wyvern, usually created when a bluejay enters a radiation cloud. I turn around, and head towards the screeching noise. Sure enough, it was exactly as I've described it... the thing was making its nest right on top of someone's home... at least, someone may live there. My suspicions were proven true when the door opens and an old lady exits her house. This, of course, irritates the wyvern, and before he could hurt the old lady, I fly in, taking the attack, and jabbing the wyvern with my tail barb... normally, this wouldn't work all too well, but this type didn't have the same kind of venom as I did... mine was a slow-acting neurotoxin, and his was bound to be of the sort that causes mass destruction to the stomach. The other wyvern had her teeth latched on to my legs, thinking that was my main way of attacking, apparently. I retaliate by taking my sword from its sheath, and cutting into the other wyvern's eye. This caused it to screech in pain, once more, and this gave me time to attack it, once more, this time slashing across the neck, hoping to kill it with that, however, its scales proved too tough for my sword, and I simply put it away, and bit at its neck. As I was doing this, I was gaining altitude for a later attack where I'd slam it into the concrete from about 500 feet in the ara. Obviously, this would be the killing blow if it didn't die from this attack. Struggle as the other wyvern might, it couldn't escape my grasp, and, soon enough, I let go with my jaw, and positioned myself above it, quickly retracting my wings so that I would drop on it... it worked, the other wyvern didn't see that coming, and plummeted straight to the ground with me, once we hit, I used my weight to crush as many bones as possible in the wyvern's body... if it wasn't dead from that, it wouldn't be terrorizing anyone anytime soon.
"Oh my..." The old lady says as she sees what just happened. She then screams, thinking that I'm another of those feral beasts... well, I was on the outside, but not the inside. "Ma'am... there's nothing to worry about. I'm not feral." I say to her, prompting her to calm down. I then fly up to the nest that the other wyvern had made, and look for any sort of eggs... there were three of them in the nest, and I knew what I had to do... it was to ensure that this would never happen again. I sighed, this was my least favorite part of killing wyverns... it seemed somewhat wrong to have to destroy their eggs... but, safety precautions had to be taken. I then, somewhat reluctantly, take the eggs in my talons, and crush them, letting the yolk spill out into the mostly metal wire nest. The deed is done... ugh... why does this part always feel so... wrong? I think as I start to fly back to the base, somewhat slower, and in less of a cheerful mood than I was before the incident.
After making it to the base, I find John, my original 'owner', and one whom I've seen as a father figure since the tests. "What's wrong, Feather?" He asked me. I simply replied "N-nothing... just another wyvern attack on the city... female... you know how that goes." John nodded in understanding, and asked "So... did you get the data?" I replied "Yeah, seems like the OOA is starting to become suspicious of us... here, check the data, yourself." I then hand him my laptop, onto which I had saved all necessary documents and reports. John read through what was on the screen, and asked me to open another one... I complied, after all, he couldn't very effectively use my laptop, as it was designed with my form in mind. I operate the laptop, easily getting the cursor to another folder, and another document... I repeated this process until he's read all the new information I have gathered. "I see... it seems like we're going to need some security... perhaps... hm... John then stands up, and walks out of the room, leaving me alone for a while.
I land/crash the araship in one of the aracity's back alleys. I get out and lean on the side of it, breathing deeply. I try to sort out in my head what happened back there. "What the..." I trail off, looking at myself. "Just great." I look up at the building beside me. It looked like some sort of labratory. I walk towards it, stumbling a bit over my new tail.
I hear a deafening crash from outside, but, decide to stay indoors, for now... whoever, or whatever it was the crashed could wait. John eventually came back with another wyvern. I was instantly suspicious of... her... and started squawking, though, it came out as a hiss, thanks to my current form. "Feather, cut it out. She's one of ours." John says to me. The wyvern in question was a raven wyvern... from the name, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out what kind of bird mutated into that wyvern. I say nothing for a while, and hear her speak "I am your new partner... yes, I think that's what John said I was." I still say nothing. I secretly hated ravens even before any experiments were done to me. "Can't you speak?" She asks, I don't respond, and hear her let out a sigh. "He... can speak, can't he, John..." She then says to John, who nods, and adds "I have no idea why he isn't... normally, it takes more effort to shut him up." I continue my silence, and hear the raven wyvern say "I... must have done something to offend him... but, I suppose you'd be interested in knowing that Johan Labs has made many more of you-our kind... we're going to be using the rest as a form of security, but you and I... well, we'll continue to gather information." at this, I simply walk out of the lab, not saying another word.
Once outside, I look around for the source of the crashing sound I heard, earlier, and spot an odd, semi-human creature, and a wrecked ship not too far off from Johan Labs. Well, this isn't the most difficult problem... obviously, scales, here crashed his ship riiight next to the labs... great... now I gotta make sure he's not with the OOA... I think as I swoop down to where he could hear me, but not to where I would become vulnerable to attacks. "You there... who are you, and who are you working for?" I ask the humanoid. He was probably going to freak out about there being a talking wyvern, though... of course, I've got my false backstory to help me in case he asks... I'm almost surprised nobody's asked about that, yet...
I jump, surprised at the voice. "What!? Who's there!?" I say, alert. I then look up and see the Wyvern. It asks me who I work for. "I-I don't work for anyone!" I say to it, afraid that it might attack me. I begin to slowly back away in case it decided that it didn't like me. "Where are you from?" I ask, trying to keep it's mind off of attacking me.
Where am I from? What kind of question is that? I think as I recall that part of my 'backstory'. I then say "I'm from around here... you know, this city. Araway Aracity, to be precise." I then add "Not working for anyone, huh? Strange... are you, perhaps, a criminal?" At this, I think I've figured this strange creature out... though, he seems to be less a creature, and more a mutated man. This was an odd situation... of course, pretty soon, this place will be swarming with more wyverns... and every one of them will be my ally. I could simply wait if he turned out to be hostile to me, or to Johan Labs, by extension.
And, just as I knew would happen, the skies filled with various breeds of wyvern, all of them generally friendly to humans... but, like me wouldn't hesitate to destroy one if they turned out to be an enemy, or if they tried attacking us. At least, that's how I saw it. I grinned at the sight, no doubt he'd choose his words more carefully when the sky was filled with my allies... with Johan Labs' allies. "So... you never answered, you're a criminal, right?" I say to the man. I then add "You might want to start running if that's the case... we don't take too kindly to thieves around here."
I just stand there looking at the Wyverns in the sky. "No! I'm not a thief!" I yell, angry that he called me that. "Well... I am... But it's not like I had a choice!" I made sure that I was ready to run in case he attacked me. I was breathing fast right now, scared of all the Wyverns in the sky right now. "Just..." I trailed off, not sure what to say.
"As I've said... you should run. Get away from this place, and forget you ever set foot, here." I put it simply to the panicking humanoid. The other wyverns start flying down to get a better view of this conversation, and I hear one of them ask "Who is he? Why is he here?" I simply say "He's nobody, and he should be leaving." The wyvern that spoke, a cardinal wyvern, flies off after that. "Now, we don't want to kill anyone yet, that would prove us no better than the OOA... we will allow you to go without a fight, provided you don't steal anything." I then explain. Once that's over, I make it seem as though I've flown off, though I was actually keeping an eye on this stranger. This mutant was an odd one... it takes a whole lot of bad luck to simply crash land your ship near Johan Labs... the very second we decide to have some form of security... but, that's what I'll call it for now.
I was probably never going to hear the end of it from John and the others, though, I'm fairly certain he didn't have any ill intentions towards the labs, or towards Araway... however, just to make sure, I tried to keep an eye on him at least until he got out of the general area. As I hide myself, I notice Ben doing the same... it's odd that they never let Ben know my 'real' name, as he was a valued customer, and supplier at the same time... he'd buy some of our inventions, and even create inventions for us, sometimes... I wonder when they'll consider him one of us? I mean, he really isn't that far off... of course, if I let him know my 'real' name among other top security things, they'd have my head. I think as I wonder why he's hiding... he's in no danger... that is, unless he thinks these wyverns were out to kill him.
The Meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
Join Date:
6/27/2011
Posts:
5,711
Minecraft:
KaBling
Member Details
((Ah, screw the bio. I'll do it later when I figure a way not to spoil the story.))
A settling wind was disrupted by the flow of the Stargazer's Light. A stream of radiation was blown away as the roving engines plowed through a cloud. Milloon, a mysterious man was relaxing in the gondola, laying back on the black seat. Settling a cup in his hand, he gulped it all down. He yawned as he got up from the seat, checking the controls. Noticing a red light, he flicked at it several times before face-palming.
"Damn." He muttered. There's gotta be fuel somewhere... Milloon dropped a lever, climbing up a dropped ladder into the room inside the envelope. Walking past a laptop on a brown table and entering the next room, he groaned - the gas tank was running low on fuel.
"Huaz! Get over here!" The same door opened. A scruffy man was standing in the doorway. Huaz Bishop, a once highly-regarded mechanic of the Organization of Airmen. He had a long scar running from his palm to neck from a propeller accident, just several days before they were banned by the OOA. He left shortly afterwards, still heavily drinking as stress relief. He walked over, his old uniform almost getting snagged on a crate of wood.
"Y-y-yaaah?" He struggled to speak, from both the accident cutting into his larynx and being drunk.
"You have to cut down on the drinking. I mean, look at this!" Milloon grabbed his head and pointed it at the fuel tank. "We barely have enough for another mile!" He yelled. Huaz fell asleep mid-way Milloon's sentence.
"Oh forget it." He dropped Huaz dead on a slab of wood before walking back into the corridor, and sliding down the ladder to the gondola. His mouth was wide open, because the airship was now heading towards a radiation cloud.
Should've stayed at the controls and growled at Huaz from here. Milloon thought, disappointed. He tried to steer the Stargazer away from the cloud, but the wind was just too strong - they were now heading towards the radiation cloud. "Well... there's one solution." He grabbed a wine bottle, popping the lid as he drank it down. "Ooohm... no wonder Huaz was an old drunk." He slammed into chair, drinking as the Stargazer flew closer and closer to the cloud...
I let out a deep sigh, seeing that all the Wyverns left. Although I wasn't too happy that they didn't let me in. I needed some help from them with my ship, and mt current form. "Just great..." I mutter, walking back to the ship. *Thinking* Well... I guess I need to find a way to fix it myself. *Thinking* Walking back to my ship, I that a person was watching the entire thing from behind a building. I get back into my Araship and try to fix it; I was never really good with mechanics. "It would've been nice if they gave me a chance to explain that I'm not here to steal anything..." I mutter, before turning and knocking some things over with my wings. "Ugh... I'll have to get used to that..."
"Oh, that... yeah, we had to beef up security because, apparently, the OOA is starting to figure us out... they're getting suspicious." I respond to Ben. I then notice the other wyverns, all of them ready to attack, and add "Hey, he's one of us. Don't attack him unless you feel like going without our main source of inventions and money, got it?" At that, the other wyverns start flying off in varying directions, using phones to keep in contact with one another. I'm beginning to wonder if they were actually successful in their later tests... if so, then these wyverns are way too paranoid... I think as I see them fly off. I decide to land on the roof near Ben, and make sure I don't make any sort lof crashing noise, or anything... that was something I was working on... well, something that my secondary job required me to work on non-stop.
I land successfully, as usual, and notice that raven wyvern walk out of the lab and land next to me. She made more noise than I had, though that was to be expected, given that she didn't have the same practice that I had. "Oh... you, again." I say in a deadpan voice. She looks at me, confused, and asks "What have I done to you? Why do you hate me?" I don't respond, after all, was I really going to tell her that I hated ravens... those stupid birds that took the only title us parrots had... that, of course, being the title of 'talking bird'. I wasn't about to tell her a single thing... though, Ben probably knows that I hate ravens, given that he's seen me out and about away from the labs more than anyone else has.
I eventually realize that I can't fix the ship by myself, especially not in this form. I see my fez sitting on the table, and decide that now wouldn't be the best time to put it on. "I'll need their help to fix this thing..." I mutter. "Either that or I need them to move it to a araship repair yard." I take a deep breath and walk out of my araship. "I'm gonna get myself killed..." I say to myself, walking over to them. I put my hands up to show them that I didn't want to fight. "I need some help." I say to them, rather blandly. "My ship is obviously badly damaged, and I can't fix it myself... Especially not in this form." I add, gesturing at myself.
Gentlemates. Welcome to Skies of Journey.
It's been 300 years since the Disasters - March, 29th, 2023. The US and several other countries joined together to make spacecities to escape the Earth's many disasters, caused by Global Warming. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough fuel, stranding seven cities in the sky as two were destroyed. One is still unaccounted for.
After just several years when the disasters struck, the thrusters ceased to work, having been designed for space and not for the Earth's gravity, not to mention androids not maintaining them after developing sentience. As a result, the cities' emergency parachutes were used to make giant envelopes to keep them floating.
Eventually, advanced technology such as rockets were lost. Airships dominated the skies as aircities kept trade routes for their hydroponic food, artificial metals, home-made guns, and other commodities. Helicopters and planes ceased to exist, only to become steel skeletons in the graves of hangers.
After around a century, a mysterious organization popped up from the ground - the Organization of Airmen took over many of the aircities. 5 years of fighting later and they took over 5 of the 7 cities, becoming a major force in the skies. The 2 remaining cities cut off all communications, leaving only static in their tracks and going missing for 2 centuries.
200 years later and the OOA is crumbling - 2 of the 7 cities were destroyed by bombings, smashing the reputation of the OOA. Corruption has caused the OOA to control only 2 of the 5 remaining aircities, having hardly any power left. Relations between the cities are tearing, corruption is reaching colossal levels, the OOA is crumbling... and the Below and Above still hasn't been mentioned yet. Everything's gonna change pretty soon...
Your journey begins here - you are going to be an airman, a person trained to pilot airships. What you do is up to you - either take to the skies and take down air pirates and monsters, become the world's richest person as you establish new trade routes, get chased by multiple organizations for your devious and brutal crimes, communicate with the mysterious airnoids, or explore the Below...
...and maybe the Above.
Mythology of Skies of Journey:
Organization of Airmen:
Referred to as 'Organization of Aramen' or 'OOA' for short, the OOA is a government that controls most of the skies. It was founded in 2136 by William King, and is currently ruled by Newton Shepard, a formerly influential bountry hunter, but now corrupt dictator.
Language:
English is the only language known to be spoken, as only a few countries made aircities.
English has changed over 300 years, for example, air is now known as 'ara', so airships are called 'araships' and vice versa. It has also merged with Indian and Chinese.
Radiation Clouds:
When the disasters occured, they ended up detonating almost every nuclear bomb in the world, creating 'flyout.' It is however commonly referred to as Radiation Clouds.
The clouds themselves are extremely dangerous, with their radiation and monsters lurking in them. Only experienced airmen with radiation suits, and mutants should explore in them.
Mutants:
These can be anything, ranging from simple bacteria to mutated humans. Clouds of amoeba are dangerous as they absorb you and your airship, growing bigger. Mutated humans on the other hand are... unusual. They can be dangerous or friendly.
Airnoids:
Created by the US to maintain the aircities, these robots somehow developed sentience shortly after the radiation-lightning storm of 2024, shortly after an accidental detonation of several nuclear bombs by the disasters.
Airnoids typically have in-built tools such as saws and welders, but may also contain the occasional gun. They are all equiped with thrusters to keep them up.
They are rare and often dismissed as fake. Sightings of these machines have gone up however, to the point where even the OOA set up search parties to control these androids - nothing has come up yet.
The Below and Above:
[REDACTED] Airships can't actually go and explore the Below or Above - atmospheric changes have made airships not go any higher or lower (not considerably at least).
Important/distinctive locations:
New Washington Aracity:
Biggest out of the 5 aircities, but also the most unfair in terms of economy, and most dangerous - a capitalist city, all the rich people get to live in the center while the poor have to live near the edge. It's not uncommon to see people falling off the crowded cities, especially as 3 families have to live in one small house. Crime is extremely high, with mass shootings common, and the occasional puncturing of the envelope. About 0.6% of the population is mutated as racism is common, and they've never been near a Radiation Cloud for over a century. Guns are illegal, so illegal that you can be executed for possessing one. This also applies to black market items.
The aircity was built by the US. It was orignally ruled by three people - Newton Shepard, James Bishop, and Anderson Mann. Newton managed to kill the other two without drawing attention, declaring himself the dictator of New Washington and the OOA. There have been many, many attempts to assassinate Newton Shepard, but all of them have failed - possibly due to the cameras he has installed all over the aircity.
Organization of Airmen HQ:
The headquarters of the OOA, and in the very center of New Washington. Built on top of the ruins of the new Capitol Building, it towers above many of the other skyscrapers, while just managing to stay below the envelope. The top floor is the cleanest, home to the dictator Newton Shepard. The lower floors are heavily guarded; 10 inches of solid steel walls, surrounded by barbed wire and heavily-armed guards, with .50 caliber machine guns and flood lights screening the area. It's not surprising to see violent riots surrounding the OOA HQ everyday, despite the hundreds of deaths that happen.
Black Market:
Whilst it's not actually a location (it's more of a general term, describing shady stores around the aircity, as there's so many of them), it's still an important 'location'. Here is where illegal commodities such as drugs and guns are available to buy and sell from. Everyday, one is closed down by the OOA but two more are opened.
Zeppelin Construction Co.:
They don't actually make airships - rather, they sell parts. They're however fully armed, so robbing them is not a good idea... both for criminals and you. The state of the store on the outside is as terrible as the rest of the aircity, but inside is another story - it's somehow cleaner than Newton Shepard's floor. Obviously he's tried to steal their secrets on how, but all attempts have been unsuccessful. Daniel Amith owns this place, but he's been missing for several days now. There have been rumors this hanger communicates with Araway and Mechincal Ara, but nobody has ever confirmed them...
Araway Aracity:
Whilst it's big, it's not very densely populated. Only 4 in 7 houses are occupied. Despite this, Araway is the most technological city, even just managing to grasp rocket technology. Their economy is unstable however, due to the technology sector taking up more than 90% of all profits. The OOA's control over the city is extremely weak, although it still technically controls Araway. As a result, crime is rather high, but it's been dropping sharply over the last 10 years - nobody knows why, but the city has been flying near the Radiation Clouds, and leakages have been reported near the labs... which would also explain why 60% of the population is mutated. Guns are illegal, but the law is relatively lax - you generally get a fine for not possessing a gun license of Araway Aracity. Black market items are discouraged but allowed.
Built by the UK, there's a bit of a British accent mixed with the usual English spoken. The city is currently owned by Jefferson Thompson, a young but capable mayor of Araway. The mayor seeks technology and balance in Araway. 3 attempts of assassinations by the OOA have earned him the nickname of 'Rasputin' (despite losing a leg in the process).
Ara's Best Friend:
Due to the technological advances in Araway Aracity, they've managed to reinvent heavier-than-air flight, starting with airships equiped with cutting-edge turbines and smaller envelopes, to fully armed airships filled with machine guns and drones. Unfortunately, it also means that this is the most expensive place to buy airships. Only the very richest can afford those, and even fewer can actually pilot them. It is owned by Johan Labs.
Johan Labs:
A secret laboratory. It's not as armed as the stores in New Washington, but it hardly needs guards due to secret nature of Johan Labs. Not even the OOA knows about these labs, despite the labs taking up more than 20% of all the space in Araway. They have a secret partnership with Zeppelin Construction Co. and Mechanical Ara. They usually offer discounts and prototype devices for exchange of secrecy...
Jefferson's Hydroponics:
The best fruits, vegetables, and meat are found here. Formerly owned by Jefferson Thompson (now the mayor of Araway), Johan Labs have been upgrading the old hydroponics with better fertilizers and lights. Unfortunately, the reputation of Jefferson's Hydroponics have been sagging recently due to a recent outbreak of Salmonella, which killed 6% of the population of Mechanical Ara.
Serenity's Star:
This is an unusual aircity - for one, it's not actually an aircity, but a ship, The OOA never took control of Serenity's Star due to the power of Serenity's Star - they have a lot of weapons, but most of them require maintenance. This may also explain why many ships come here to buy their weapons, then travel to Mechanical Ara to repair their weapons. The population is based around the center, as many people have gone missing visiting the deck, armory, bridge and wings. Those locations are where the better weapons that cannot be bought are found however. Guns are legal, but only because most are damaged and old. Black market items are allowed with no questions asked - this place is lawless, explaining the high crime rate.
Serenity's Star was hastily constructed - as a result, the ship is missing an engine, and there are multiple structural failures, most notably the collapse of the deck which killed roughly 300 people. An American ship, it is owned between Tom Houston and John Freeman. Both are civil lords, usually supplying weapons for free to many cities. Unfortunately, due to activities with the OOA, they also have a bad reputation. Tom is calm and strict while John is hasty and relaxed, fitting them perfectly together. Nobody has tried to kill the duo yet.
Starboard Wing section:
The easiest place to scavenge guns from, but at the same time most looted location with weakest guns. Feral mutants rarely roam here, but still present a danger. This is a good place to find your first weapon. Easy grid-layout corridors with security systems, and other people who explore here can back you up.
Portside Wing section:
This is where things get harder - in this damaged wing, more feral mutants roam the area, security systems are mostly offline, and corridors have been fused, buried, or destroyed. Only experienced airmen come here, mainly because of the better guns available to find here.
Bow section:
You are instantly killed here. Many mutants live here, the security systems will want to kill you, and the whole place is like a labyrinth. Hardly anybody explores here, but there are many good weapons to be found here... if you can get through all the hazards of course. There has been rumours of an EXTREMELY powerful weapon, capable of creating radiation clouds and destroying aircities...
Mechanical Ara:
2nd biggest (it combined with another aircity that never was under control of the OOA), this aircity is the least technologically advanced, but it's the best when it comes to maintenance and repairs of anything, ranging from guns to airships. This aircity was never under rule of the OOA, so most of the population is uncivilized. The economy is in surpisingly good shape for such a rural city. The population is what you'd expect to see in a regular city, although crime has been rising steadily over the last few years. About 12% of the population are mutants, but racism is slightly common. Guns are illegal, but there's a city-wide petition to remove the law. Black market items require permits from Chang Zhao, otherwise a prison sentence is given.
Built by India/China, Chinese and Indian accents are common - both languages have merged with English, explaining why the population speaks 'weirdly'. A mysterious man named Chang Zhao is president, but he is rarely seen. So rarely that nobody even knows if he's human. He is often called the 'Shadow' for his often elusive attempts to get away from publicity, ranging from wearing a cloak to even shooting a journalist - thankfully nobody died and the ammunition were blanks. One person tried to kill him, but the assassin wound up poisoned according to an autopsy.
Farnsworth's Smithery:
The best blacksmith available in Mechanical Ara, but also one of the least known. This is where you sell normal metal and buy refined metal for trade. The blacksmith team there can also upgrade your airship, repair your weapons, and reinforce your armour in less than a day. You just need to provide the metal and money...
Hanger 21:
One of the most oldest buildings in Mechanical Ara, this is where normal airships are made. A man named Donald Garrison frequently shouts at his workers for not working fast enough - oddly, it works, making an airship in less than a day. Unfortunately, that usually leaves defects. Not only that, but bits of the hanger go missing from increasing thievery, so you either pack more than two engines, or you defend your belongings...
Helium Collector's Bay:
Mechanical Ara hardly moves - it's stuck in-between two opposing winds. However, the winds contain an unusually dense amount of helium. As a result, Mechanical Ara and Araway have both worked on a tower, capable of sucking the helium in and being able to refuel airships properly. The problem is that it often breaks down, thievery is common due to rising problems, and battles have broken out over power for the tower. It is run by a man called Mr. High, who is addicted to helium. Despite this, he proves a capable guard for both Araway and Mechanical Ara. The gas is relatively cheap and fills up quickly.
Flyington Aracity
An average aircity, it provides normal weapons and trade. There's nothing really special about it, but they do have a universal radio system. It would explain why the OOA have assaulted the aircity about 10 times now. It's not very populated (1 in 3 houses are occupied) and the city itself is rather small. About 40% of the population is mutated from a Radiation Cloud that passed, killing 10% of the population as well. Racism is not tolerated, and you are generally fined for doing so. Crime is relatively low, but only because of the size of the population. Black market items are not allowed and may be confiscated.
An Australian aircity, accents are surprisingly rare. Most speak the English that merged with Chinese and Indian. The prime minister is Neil McDonald, just recently replacing an assassinated Scott Baker. However, he has been seen at times working with the OOA... which would explain the civil unrest currently going on. Ironically, this is the most cultural aircity of the aircities.
White Market:
Like the black market, it generally means all white markets in Flyington. The occasional store is robbed as a result of little guards available in Flyington.
Tower of Power:
A name coined by the population of Flyington, this radio tower picks up and broadcosts all signals. The television and radio shows are usually good, but are sometimes ejected by emergency messages and propoganda. It is currently run by Joseph Baker, Scott's only son.
New Sydney Opera House:
A replica of the Sydney Opera House, it is one of the reasons why the city is so cultural. It is often used as a hanger and bounty center. This is the oldest building still standing in Flyington, still operating its performances by Hugh Lee. Not much is known about him, other than him being widower.
Index of jobs, items, and enemies:
Important/distinctive jobs of airmen:
Military:
Fighter - bonus to small melee weapons
Militant - bonus to big melee weapons
Soldier - bonus to small ranged weapons
Gunner - bonus to big ranged weapons
Guard - bonus to armour
Demolitions Expert - bonus to explosive weapons
Pilot:
Airship Gunner - bonus to airship offenses
Airship Tactician - bonus to airship defenses
Airship Pilot - bonus to airship speed
Airship Watcher - bonus to airship fuel use
Construction:
Builder - bonus to construction of buildings
Mechanic - bonus to repairs
Engineer - bonus to construction of airships
Gunsmith - bonus to construction of guns
Hired gun:
Bounty Hunter - bonus to missions available
Mercenary - bonus to reward money
Business:
Trader - bonus to profit gained from white market commodities
Smuggler - bonus to profit gained from black market commodities
Entrepreneur - bonus to discount of white market commodities
Arms Dealer - bonus to discount of black market commodities
Research:
Scientist - bonus to research speed
Inventor - bonus to constructive resources available
Medical:
Medic - bonus to heal speed
Doctor - bonus to medical resources available
Exploration:
Explorer - bonus to profit gained from locations discovered
Map Maker - bonus to profit gained from maps made
Items:
Starter items:
Extra supplies (generally food and water)
Portable fuel reserve
Reserve ammunition
Map and compass
Secret stash of money
Secret stash of commodities (black or white market)
Laptop with PDA
Portable helium reserve
<Any weapon>
Weapons:
Small club - small melee
Short blade - small melee
Large club - big melee
Long blade - big melee
9mm Pistol - small ranged
.45 ACP Pistol - small ranged
.357 Magnum Revolver - small ranged
5.56mm Rifle - big ranged
5.56x45mm NATO Assault rifle - big ranged
9mm Submachine gun - small ranged
.45 ACP Submachine gun - small ranged
5.56x45mm Light machine gun - small ranged
.50 caliber Heavy machine gun - big ranged
7.62x39mm Sniper rifle - big ranged
M67 Fragmentation grenade - explosive
MK3 Concussion grenade - explosive
Flare gun - small ranged
Handcannon - big ranged
Grenade launcher - explosive
Light bow - small ranged
Heavy bow - big ranged
Compound bow - big ranged
Light crossbow - small ranged
Heavy crossbow - big ranged
Compound crossbow - big ranged
Small harpoon - small ranged
Big harpoon - big ranged
You can make up the names for the weapons - these are just what you base the guns.
If you want to make a new weapon that doesn't fit this list, please ask the mods and me (KaBling).
Commodities:
Supplies (generally food and water) - white market
Luxury supplies (generally milk and diamonds) - white/black market
Fuel - white market
Helium - white market
Oil (not fuel) - white market
Sheet of metal - white market
Beam of metal - white market
Engine - white market
Building construction supplies (generally wood and glass) - white market
Artifact - white market
Guns (any) - black market
Ammunition (any) - black market
Drugs (any) - black market
Enemies:
Organization of Airmen:
OOA militant
OOA scientist
OOA soldier
OOA mercenary
OOA bounty hunter
OOA elite soldier
OOA officer
OOA general
Humans:
Robber
Bandit
Psychopath
Air pirate
Air mercenary
Air bounty hunter
Rogue soldier
Mutants:
Amoeba cloud
Feral mutant
Smart mutant
Big mutant
Giant mutant
Airnoids:
Welder drone Mark I
Construction drone Mark II
Explorer drone Mark III
Battle drone Mark IIII
War drone Mark V
Rules:
1. Usual forum RP rules (no powergaming, metagaming, or godmodding).
2. No techwanking (using technology to get your character out of difficult situations).
3. ((If you must post OOC, post like this.))
4. Be realistic and serious. Don't be a character with no limbs, get a rocket launcher (rockets are unavailable in the RP for now), or find gold in the middle of a cloud.
5. Try to keep track of your items and money.
6. "If I (KaBling) go mad with power (such as intentional powergaming and such), it's either a joke or that I'm actually mad - strip me of my powers if that's the case."
7. You won't be banned from the RP when you break rules. Rather, you get suspended for a fitting number of days, and your character will have a harder time doing things in the RP. If you manage to keep up the good behaviour during that time however, a discussion will be held whether to discourage the hard time or not.
8. If you need an event, just ask.
9. There is no secret word. Don't bother looking. Just leave it blank.
10. If you want to make a new location, please inform the mods and me (KaBling).
11. Please post apps and long discussions in the OOC thread.
Link to OOC thread.
OP is now complete at a minimal stage - please suggest what else to add!
"Oh my..." The old lady says as she sees what just happened. She then screams, thinking that I'm another of those feral beasts... well, I was on the outside, but not the inside. "Ma'am... there's nothing to worry about. I'm not feral." I say to her, prompting her to calm down. I then fly up to the nest that the other wyvern had made, and look for any sort of eggs... there were three of them in the nest, and I knew what I had to do... it was to ensure that this would never happen again. I sighed, this was my least favorite part of killing wyverns... it seemed somewhat wrong to have to destroy their eggs... but, safety precautions had to be taken. I then, somewhat reluctantly, take the eggs in my talons, and crush them, letting the yolk spill out into the mostly metal wire nest. The deed is done... ugh... why does this part always feel so... wrong? I think as I start to fly back to the base, somewhat slower, and in less of a cheerful mood than I was before the incident.
After making it to the base, I find John, my original 'owner', and one whom I've seen as a father figure since the tests. "What's wrong, Feather?" He asked me. I simply replied "N-nothing... just another wyvern attack on the city... female... you know how that goes." John nodded in understanding, and asked "So... did you get the data?" I replied "Yeah, seems like the OOA is starting to become suspicious of us... here, check the data, yourself." I then hand him my laptop, onto which I had saved all necessary documents and reports. John read through what was on the screen, and asked me to open another one... I complied, after all, he couldn't very effectively use my laptop, as it was designed with my form in mind. I operate the laptop, easily getting the cursor to another folder, and another document... I repeated this process until he's read all the new information I have gathered. "I see... it seems like we're going to need some security... perhaps... hm... John then stands up, and walks out of the room, leaving me alone for a while.
((Lugia, that would be the building you're in.))
Once outside, I look around for the source of the crashing sound I heard, earlier, and spot an odd, semi-human creature, and a wrecked ship not too far off from Johan Labs. Well, this isn't the most difficult problem... obviously, scales, here crashed his ship riiight next to the labs... great... now I gotta make sure he's not with the OOA... I think as I swoop down to where he could hear me, but not to where I would become vulnerable to attacks. "You there... who are you, and who are you working for?" I ask the humanoid. He was probably going to freak out about there being a talking wyvern, though... of course, I've got my false backstory to help me in case he asks... I'm almost surprised nobody's asked about that, yet...
And, just as I knew would happen, the skies filled with various breeds of wyvern, all of them generally friendly to humans... but, like me wouldn't hesitate to destroy one if they turned out to be an enemy, or if they tried attacking us. At least, that's how I saw it. I grinned at the sight, no doubt he'd choose his words more carefully when the sky was filled with my allies... with Johan Labs' allies. "So... you never answered, you're a criminal, right?" I say to the man. I then add "You might want to start running if that's the case... we don't take too kindly to thieves around here."
((Feel free to take him prisioner, lol.))
I was probably never going to hear the end of it from John and the others, though, I'm fairly certain he didn't have any ill intentions towards the labs, or towards Araway... however, just to make sure, I tried to keep an eye on him at least until he got out of the general area. As I hide myself, I notice Ben doing the same... it's odd that they never let Ben know my 'real' name, as he was a valued customer, and supplier at the same time... he'd buy some of our inventions, and even create inventions for us, sometimes... I wonder when they'll consider him one of us? I mean, he really isn't that far off... of course, if I let him know my 'real' name among other top security things, they'd have my head. I think as I wonder why he's hiding... he's in no danger... that is, unless he thinks these wyverns were out to kill him.
A settling wind was disrupted by the flow of the Stargazer's Light. A stream of radiation was blown away as the roving engines plowed through a cloud. Milloon, a mysterious man was relaxing in the gondola, laying back on the black seat. Settling a cup in his hand, he gulped it all down. He yawned as he got up from the seat, checking the controls. Noticing a red light, he flicked at it several times before face-palming.
"Damn." He muttered. There's gotta be fuel somewhere... Milloon dropped a lever, climbing up a dropped ladder into the room inside the envelope. Walking past a laptop on a brown table and entering the next room, he groaned - the gas tank was running low on fuel.
"Huaz! Get over here!" The same door opened. A scruffy man was standing in the doorway. Huaz Bishop, a once highly-regarded mechanic of the Organization of Airmen. He had a long scar running from his palm to neck from a propeller accident, just several days before they were banned by the OOA. He left shortly afterwards, still heavily drinking as stress relief. He walked over, his old uniform almost getting snagged on a crate of wood.
"Y-y-yaaah?" He struggled to speak, from both the accident cutting into his larynx and being drunk.
"You have to cut down on the drinking. I mean, look at this!" Milloon grabbed his head and pointed it at the fuel tank. "We barely have enough for another mile!" He yelled. Huaz fell asleep mid-way Milloon's sentence.
"Oh forget it." He dropped Huaz dead on a slab of wood before walking back into the corridor, and sliding down the ladder to the gondola. His mouth was wide open, because the airship was now heading towards a radiation cloud.
Should've stayed at the controls and growled at Huaz from here. Milloon thought, disappointed. He tried to steer the Stargazer away from the cloud, but the wind was just too strong - they were now heading towards the radiation cloud. "Well... there's one solution." He grabbed a wine bottle, popping the lid as he drank it down. "Ooohm... no wonder Huaz was an old drunk." He slammed into chair, drinking as the Stargazer flew closer and closer to the cloud...
I land successfully, as usual, and notice that raven wyvern walk out of the lab and land next to me. She made more noise than I had, though that was to be expected, given that she didn't have the same practice that I had. "Oh... you, again." I say in a deadpan voice. She looks at me, confused, and asks "What have I done to you? Why do you hate me?" I don't respond, after all, was I really going to tell her that I hated ravens... those stupid birds that took the only title us parrots had... that, of course, being the title of 'talking bird'. I wasn't about to tell her a single thing... though, Ben probably knows that I hate ravens, given that he's seen me out and about away from the labs more than anyone else has.
((Fezzes are cool. ;)))
((*Summons Catlover by making a wreath out of cats and hanging them on his computer.*))
Better luck next time Lugia summoner.))
*Cries secretly*))