10/10 Catharsis Doors 2020/10/30(Fri)20:29 No. 980089 ID: d63ea8
File 160411495261.jpg - (290.41KB , 800x1067 , But He is Also Direct.jpg )

>Ask Errant where he's going to stay, where can he recover best? How can you help him? He almost died fighting that spook.
>...what are you going to do next?
Ald. I guess I have a one-room roommate now.
“So where are you going to be staying? Do I need to pile up some clothes..?”

Even now it still feels bizarre.

>Twine up your phone, then ask Errant to look for any remaining reflective surfaces other than the television. Tie that up as well when you're ready.
“And should I twine up my phone and T.V., just in case?”

>Before you collapse be sure to clarify with Errant if you can sleep first before we need to figure all that out.
>Sleep.
“Also, can I please have a nap first?”

…

Less lucky with that I guess…

>Wait, I need to...
>Ask something.
>Call Natasha.
>Call my parents.
>Change into something cleaner.
>Tape up any sharp edges.
>Do SOMETHING.

>...what happens next?
>((Move towards a conclusion.))

>Please Continue.

What part am I to play here, and can my phone still do phone things? The top bar is gone.
Are bruises still lethal? (If so lets get taping)
She could still be OK, URC could have just taken her phone away for some fucking reason.

You could try asking him if it's still dangerous to know things, or if you're well past that point by now.
You could ask what the fuck that thing was out there. Is it even possible to make phone calls and texts now; will those go through the ward?
You can ask if it's possible to fight back against the URC.

This situation is going to Hell in a progressively anti-social way, specifically because your current enemy has already broken too many laws of physics to worry about a code of honor, especially when it comes to revenge by proxy.

Do not call your parents, your friends, or anyone that she could target. Even if they've been deemed made-people by the URC, she can easily 'convince' them with her supernatural assets (yep) to fudge the database.

The worst part is, while the URC is playing "Police State Simulator", she's busy playing "Hunt the Boi" within the same map and she happens to have PSS cheat codes. If they collaborate, even through a cut-out, you're screwed. But there might be a way to get through this: You need to pit them against each other.

Start by reviewing some information on the URC's mid-level lieutenants, then set some bait by asking for help. Keep acting like you've chosen the URC as the lesser evil, and you could very well become the toxoplasma that turns them into silver-bellied fish for her to gobble up. If you can convince the government that this supernatural entity is planning to kill-and-replace their heads of government, they'll overreact.

Get them to fight a war they cannot win.

>>980120
That's definitely something we'd want to consult ES about, and not while we're sleep-deprived. Let's take some time to sleep and mentally recover - the concept of time is an illusion, apparently, so we can take all the "time" we want as long as we're careful not to keep track of it.

However, before we sleep, we need to address the ground rules from here on, like ES said. Let's start with: "Okay, so, regarding your recovery and the roles I can play in it; what are our options?"

((>>980120
Fun idea, but she is doing this at the behest of the URC, she has her own desires for how she wants to deal with Errant. See >>/questdis/134024 and context))

1/8 Ruminating Doors 2020/11/03(Tue)20:33 No. 980331 ID: d63ea8
File 160446441869.jpg - (291.71KB , 800x1067 , The Phone is a Phone.jpg )

>Are bruises still lethal?
“Will I still get killed by bruises or scrapes?”

>Can my phone still do phone things? The top bar is gone.
“And can I still use my phone?”

The screen blinks quickly, and my phone returns to normal.
New morse code.
Shame that my laptop is still in the kitchen.
>((A pathway has been unlocked.))

2/8 Ruminating Doors 2020/11/03(Tue)20:33 No. 980332 ID: d63ea8
File 160446442568.jpg - (356.96KB , 800x1067 , Not Too Far Gone.jpg )

>You could try asking him if it's still dangerous to know things, or if you're well past that point by now.
>You could ask what the fuck that thing was out there.
“Is there any point to hiding anything now?”

“I mean- what was that thing?

The T.V. blinks again.
Errant’s still being cagey.

But they can’t be serious, the URC would just leave me alone?
Part of me really doubts that.

3/8 Ruminating Doors 2020/11/03(Tue)20:33 No. 980333 ID: d63ea8
File 160446442855.jpg - (209.71KB , 800x1067 , She is Bound.jpg )

>This situation is going to Hell in a progressively anti-social way, specifically because your current enemy has already broken too many laws of physics to worry about a code of honor, especially when it comes to revenge by proxy.
Yeah, I don’t fucking buy it. The URC are just dictatorial assholes, they’ve blackbagged people way more important than me. They’d just turn me into another ‘missing persons’ report. Or just disappear me in a more literal sense -since they have fucking magic apparantely.
>That's definitely something we'd want to consult ES about.
>((A pathway has been unlocked.))

>You can ask if it's possible to fight back against the URC.
“Is there a way we can fight back?”

The text changes.

The pressure starts to slowly return.

4/8 Ruminating Doors 2020/11/03(Tue)20:33 No. 980334 ID: d63ea8
File 160446443307.jpg - (244.75KB , 800x1067 , Questions on Life-Fluids.jpg )

>And not while we're sleep-deprived.
I’m not going to get the chance to sleep until I ask Errant ‘what happens next’ first.
They feel insistent.

>However, before we sleep, we need to address the ground rules from here on, like ES said.
I need to know what’s going on- what I’m getting into.

>What part am I to play here.
>Let's start with: "Okay, so, regarding your recovery and the roles I can play in it; what are our options?"
I talk a few slow breaths to center myself again.
This dread isn’t mine.

“So what do I contribute?

“Do I have any choices to pick from?”

The screen blinks.

That isn’t a real answer.
So I can either go to sleep and pretend nothing is going to happen, or ask and probably get nightmares about it.
Great.

5/8 Ruminating Doors 2020/11/03(Tue)20:34 No. 980335 ID: d63ea8
File 160446444464.jpg - (294.96KB , 800x1067 , Phone a Friend.jpg )

>Is it even possible to make phone calls and texts now; will those go through the ward?
“Can I even get in touch with my family or friends. or does the ward block that too?”

Errant seems to sense my growing hostility and backs off.
Good.

>Natahsa could still be OK, URC could have just taken her phone away for some fucking reason.
It could be a media black-out, though… my phone registered the text as sent.
No- don’t focus on it.
She’s okay.
She has to be.

6/8 Ruminating Doors 2020/11/03(Tue)20:34 No. 980336 ID: d63ea8
File 160446444861.jpg - (185.63KB , 800x1067 , Time to Ruminate.jpg )

>(If so lets get taping)
I need a chance to think.

“I’m just going to tape up any corners in here.”

7/8 Ruminating Doors 2020/11/03(Tue)20:34 No. 980337 ID: d63ea8
File 160446445231.jpg - (74.32KB , 800x1067 , Menace and Anger.jpg )

>Let's take some time to sleep and mentally recover - the concept of time is an illusion, apparently, so we can take all the "time" we want as long as we're careful not to keep track of it.
Yeah, and I think I have a lot to go over.

So Errant eats people, or used to, and might need to… do the same to me…
Though they ‘say’ that it won’t hurt. Still don’t like the idea.

And of course that’s missing the bigger point that monsters/demons/whatever are apparently real and are maybe being used by the interim government, the URC and the PSS?

And that me of all people got personally selected for all this?

Am I missing anything?

I finish taping the dresser’s corners.

>Do not call your parents, your friends, or anyone that she could target. Even if they've been deemed made-people by the URC, she can easily 'convince' them with her supernatural assets (yep) to fudge the database.
Honestly it might be better for me to cut contact.
Ald what if Natasha tries to pop by tomorrow?
Won’t she see the door broken in?
Or the barricade?
What if she get disappeared because of me-
…

I finish taping up the edges around the closet.

>The worst part is, while the URC is playing "Police State Simulator", she's busy playing "Hunt the Boi" within the same map and she happens to have PSS cheat codes. If they collaborate, even through a cut-out, you're screwed. But there might be a way to get through this: You need to pit them against each other.
What can I even do? I’m just an electrician. I can’t fight this.
Friggin demon-magic-bullshit.
But they can’t all know right? The URC is way too massive to have kept the secret of literal monsters hidden from public knowledge.
Maybe I could use that.

>Start by reviewing some information on the URC's mid-level lieutenants, then set some bait by asking for help. Keep acting like you've chosen the URC as the lesser evil, and you could very well become the toxoplasma that turns them into silver-bellied fish for her to gobble up. If you can convince the government that this supernatural entity is planning to kill-and-replace their heads of government, they'll overreact.
…
I could try and call my uncle. Dad said to delete his number from my contacts, but I memorised it just in case. He’s not URC, but I know that he was into a lot of the conspiracy junk, even before the war.

Maybe he wasn’t crazy after all.

>Get them to fight a war they cannot win.
I mean if people knew what was going on, they’d do something about it, right?

I finish taping up my nightstand.

8/8 Ruminating Doors 2020/11/03(Tue)20:34 No. 980338 ID: d63ea8
File 160446445594.jpg - (183.69KB , 800x1067 , At the Crossroads Again.jpg )

I turn back to the T.V. stand and tape up its corners too.
Maybe I can do something about this.

>Wait, I need to…
>Ask something.
>Call Natasha.
>Call my parents.
>Call Uncle Tom.
>Change into something cleaner.
>Tape up any sharp edges.
>Do something else.

>Or ask: ‘What happens next?”
>((Move towards a conclusion.))

>>980338
Call Uncle Tom. Find out of his conspiracy theories say anything about forces NOT aligned with the URC. At the very least you can tell him monsters are real, you've seen them, and got attacked by one.

>Battery
If Errant Knight is dying, you'll consider it. But you're not letting yourself get eaten alive by anyone.

... Still, it might not be so bad in the right context. Ask Errant Knight if you can... romp in the meadows while he does his thing with the thing.

>Call Uncle Tom
No? Don't risk compromising the ward or your jamming signal, don't risk Tom's life by giving her a trace, and don't let the URC realize something's up.

Your uncle might be crazy-prepared against the URC, but that means he'll be blind to everything else, especially the supernatural. Pitting him against a monster made of lies he has trained himself to ignore will likely end in his death.

If Errant Signal says that survival is our priority right now, then survival is our priority. Don't call anyone - again, we shouldn't make any moves while sleep-deprived, and the outside world won't necessarily keep turning without us - but maybe ask him in passing if it's possible to end what binds her to the URC, as like a long-term goal.

For now... ask him if knowing what he's going to do to us will open up options - if there's any pros to it which we can compare the cons with. If it does open up a better way for us to contribute, then learn the hard truths.

>>980356
>Battery
Eat is the wrong word, this would be a much more symbiotic relationship. More the consumption of byproducts of terror, which are of no value to you, and can be produced while you are asleep.
>Call Uncle Tom
Errant Signal is saying they can do it without compromising the ward.
Probably less 'call' and more 'Errant slips them a message' also the URC and monsters are one and the same, they just also employ people.
If Tom has lived this long, he will probably continue to do so.

Message to Tom: So the URC is made of monsters with people under them. Now they want me, who or what can I turn to?

1/10 The Strange Uncle Doors 2020/11/06(Fri)19:37 No. 980472 ID: d63ea8
File 160472022699.jpg - (179.91KB , 800x1067 , He Can Wait a Bit Longer.jpg )

>Call Uncle Tom.
>No? Don't risk compromising the ward or your jamming signal, don't risk Tom's life by giving her a trace, and don't let the URC realize something's up.
>Errant Signal is saying they can do it without compromising the ward.
Errant seems confident…
But part of me is unsure.

>Probably less 'call' and more 'Errant slips them a message.'
Maybe a text would be better.

“I’m going to be messaging a relative.”

The screen blinks.

2/10 The Strange Uncle Doors 2020/11/06(Fri)19:37 No. 980473 ID: d63ea8
File 160472024744.gif - (1.98MB , 800x1067 , Burden of Proof.gif )

Taking that as my cue, I slowly punch in the long-distance number.
>((A pathway has been unlocked.))

If it weren’t for this exhausted detachment I felt, I might’ve worried about the charges.

As soon as my message is sent the ‘Unknown Contact’ ID starts glitching out like crazy.

Someone with a blank profile responds in all caps.

…

Callsign?

Wait…

3/10 The Strange Uncle Doors 2020/11/06(Fri)19:37 No. 980474 ID: d63ea8
File 160472027703.gif - (2.13MB , 800x1067 , Correct Answers.gif )

I Remember...

When I was still in grade school Uncle Tom would come over once a month to help Dad with the car, on breaks he’d take out this old shortwave radio and let me play with it.

He even showed me how to take it apart and put it back together.

It’s why I got into electronics…

I chuckle.

I was First Private AP, after punching Uncle Tom so hard he fell over.
I’m pretty sure he faked it but… the name stuck.

Ald... It’s been so long since I’ve talked with him.

4/10 The Strange Uncle Doors 2020/11/06(Fri)19:38 No. 980475 ID: d63ea8
File 160472030366.gif - (2.22MB , 800x1067 , Fearful Plea.gif )

>Message to Tom:
Focus.
Now’s not the time to get caught up in old memories.

That thing is still out there with the URC.

…

What the woman-?
No, he’s right.

5/10 The Strange Uncle Doors 2020/11/06(Fri)19:39 No. 980476 ID: d63ea8
File 160472036326.gif - (2.20MB , 800x1067 , Somewhat Correct.gif )

There was this smell of rot and decay, like being in a butcher shop that hadn’t been cleaned in weeks.

But Uncle Tom knows! That’s fantastic.
Maybe he can help me do something about it-
though…

Was that really an… alien?

Wait- they have more?!

6/10 The Strange Uncle Doors 2020/11/06(Fri)19:39 No. 980477 ID: d63ea8
File 160472038183.gif - (1.65MB , 800x1067 , The Connection is Stable.gif )

>Find out of his conspiracy theories say anything about forces NOT aligned with the URC. At the very least you can tell him monsters are real, you've seen them, and got attacked by one.
I mean there’s Errant, maybe there’s more out there.
Would they be willing to help?

…

Mesmer…

Oh no.
Natasha!

7/10 The Strange Uncle Doors 2020/11/06(Fri)19:40 No. 980478 ID: d63ea8
File 160472043920.jpg - (241.22KB , 800x1067 , Another Exit.jpg )

Maybe he can send someone or-

>Your uncle might be crazy-prepared against the URC, but that means he'll be blind to everything else, especially the supernatural. Pitting him against a monster made of lies he has trained himself to ignore will likely end in his death.
...what if I get him killed.

There is a flash from my phone and the Contact ID stops glitching.
Westwatch..? Like the old campground?

8/10 The Strange Uncle Doors 2020/11/06(Fri)19:40 No. 980479 ID: d63ea8
File 160472045066.jpg - (262.56KB , 800x1067 , Little Hope.jpg )

I lower the phone for now.

We used to go on camping trips every other summer up until highschool.
Camp Westwatch is about an eight hour drive from here.
But it got closed down due to some security concerns.

…

Errant doesn’t seem to have much hope either.

I don’t want to get Uncle Tom arrested… or worse.

>If Tom has lived this long, he will probably continue to do so.
Maybe. He does seem to know a lot about these ‘aliens.’

9/10 The Strange Uncle Doors 2020/11/06(Fri)19:40 No. 980480 ID: d63ea8
File 160472045929.jpg - (264.96KB , 800x1067 , Never Safe.jpg )

>We shouldn't make any moves while sleep-deprived, and the outside world won't necessarily keep turning without us.
Yeah. Maybe I can take the time to find out ‘what happens next’ and make a plan from there after sleeping on it.

>If Errant Signal says that survival is our priority right now, then survival is our priority.
Yes.
Just Focus on the here and now.

>If Errant Knight is dying, you'll consider it. But you're not letting yourself get eaten alive by anyone.
>For now... ask him if knowing what he's going to do to us will open up options - if there's any pros to it which we can compare the cons with. If it does open up a better way for us to contribute, then learn the hard truths.

“Would knowing give me any options on what might happen?”

“Both for the battery part and the world in general.”

The text changes.

The answer seems to be a definite ‘no.’

>... Still, it might not be so bad in the right context. Ask Errant Knight if you can... romp in the meadows while he does his thing with the thing.
PASS.
>Eat is the wrong word, this would be a much more symbiotic relationship. More the consumption of byproducts of terror, which are of no value to you, and can be produced while you are asleep.
AAGH! SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP!!!
Don’t think about that stupid brain!

Wait, no. Maybe the ‘terror something’ might’ve been closer.
I mean-
Maybe consuming fear is what Errant does?

10/10 The Strange Uncle Doors 2020/11/06(Fri)19:41 No. 980481 ID: d63ea8
File 160472046510.jpg - (222.63KB , 800x1067 , Something for Someone Else.jpg )

>Maybe ask him in passing if it's possible to end what binds her to the URC, as like a long-term goal.
“Could we do anything to unbind that thing?”

…

Looks like another no.

But…
>What should I do..?
>Ask something?
>Give Uncle Tom my address?
>Is there a way to check on Natasha?
>Ask about what Errant ‘eats’?
>Do something else?

>Or ask: ‘What happens next?”
>((Move towards one of the possible conclusions.))

You were able to locate Tom, can you do the same for Natasha?
Probably need to be clear with Tom that you have one of the aliens with you,(who seemed to be the actual target) helping you, and another (different one) might have sealed your bedroom, in any case you made a shape in string on the door added a lock and the assailant stopped. (These would not be ideal things to learn if/when a possible extraction team arrives.)
Then lets see how Tom responds to that.

((This nano-swarm thing is interesting, as it would require fine measurement, but as >>/questdis/134113 tells us such measurements should defeat or weaken the effect))
((Would have been interesting to have started the quest as Tom and have these scientific explanations to what is happening, and (probably) learn the reality, or are both true))

((heh, funny how "extra-terrestrials" is close to the truth of things. They are not from this world.))
>>980480
If he plans to feed on fear, why would that work while you're asleep? Unless he can give you nightmares? Even if that's the case, knowing wouldn't make it more awkward. It's probably something a bit more personal.
Regardless, don't ask. It won't help you or him any to know, and whatever he's going to do won't hurt you so who cares what it is.

>>980481
You should tell him more about your situation before agreeing to a rescue attempt. First, he needs to know you were attacked because you're sheltering a wounded monster who saved your life twice now, maybe three times depending on how you count it. Would he be willing to protect him, too?
>Is there a way to check on Natasha?
Hmm, maybe... I'd suggest trying to get Errant to retrieve your laptop so you can check the news, but it has a clock on it doesn't it? One you can't turn off. Maybe Errant can hack into something in Natasha's room to get a visual on her status? Or maybe he'll need to recover some strength first. Heck, maybe once he's recovered a bit he can disable the laptop's clock so you can use it safely.
Oh wait, maybe you can ask Uncle Tom to check the news. Just tell him not to tell you anything regarding the time or maybe even the date.

Tell your uncle that you're not comfortable being 'rescued' at this moment; the ET Type-A is roaming right outside your room and barely kept away with 'cyber'-wards. Your new cracker friend is really good at his job, but he's been forced to work alone for a long time and the URC is fixated on him. Maybe tomorrow morning the alien &!+(# will leave. Maybe.

In the meantime, give him Natasha's address. Tell him to send a disposable drone first, see if she's still alive.

Most importantly, make sure he stays away unless he can save someone; this whole situation is a nightmare.

Ask Errant Knight what he thinks about the ET Type-A classification.

>>980483
>Just tell him not to tell you anything regarding the time or maybe even the date.
I think dates that are for sure the past are ok, Time is probably something of a superposition till something collapses it or reduces it's possibility space. 'Now' could currently be anywhere from when we got off work onward, so any times and dates before that should not narrow the possibility space.
>I mean if people knew what was going on, they’d do something about it, right?
People who know are treated like Tom.
Speaking of, it seems like if you are to remain unknowing it is going to have to be increasingly willful ignorance. Is it even going to be worth it anymore?
>>980485
>In the meantime, give him Natasha's address. Tell him to send a disposable drone first, see if she's still alive.
Yea lets hold on that, this is someone with whom we have mutual trust, immediately going against that trust seems like a bad idea.

Again, we should sleep before we make any life-changing decisions. We have all the time in the world to make these decisions, so long as we don't keep track of it.

The only question that is at all pressing is whether we should learn before we let ES do what they're gonna do. And to that, I say...

"... I don't think I'll be safe at this point even if I stay ignorant. I dunno if I can stand by even if I would... Fuck it; I want to know the true face of our enemy, and if I'm going to give you anything, I want it to be because I gave my permission knowing full-well what it was. I'm willing to permiss quite a bit right now if it means we both make it out of this, by the way. If I were fine with retreating to my 'safe' life, I would've given you up to that hag."

>>980685
How does it feel to be so wrong?

1/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:02 No. 980794 ID: d63ea8
File 160507097323.jpg - (223.02KB , 800x1067 , He Will Reach Out.jpg )

>You were able to locate Tom, can you do the same for Natasha?
>Maybe Errant can hack into something in Natasha's room to get a visual on her status?
“Can you please find Natasha -hack her phone or something- she needs to be safe.”

Errant responds, but it doesn’t put me at ease.

2/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:03 No. 980795 ID: d63ea8
File 160507099385.gif - (2.22MB , 800x1067 , Overwhelming Dialogue.gif )

Suddenly the screen erupts with a wash of blurring colour.

I think I see letters and patterns, but they change too quickly for me to fully process.

3/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:03 No. 980796 ID: d63ea8
File 160507100373.jpg - (217.18KB , 800x1067 , He is Called Away.jpg )

Wait- what?

4/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:03 No. 980797 ID: d63ea8
File 160507101393.jpg - (240.65KB , 800x1067 , Please Stand By.jpg )

As the screen flickers I feel a shiver run through me

I can’t tell if it’s because of a change in the air, or perhaps something less specific…

But I now know I’m alone.

Transmission Start: >>/questdis/134297

5/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:03 No. 980798 ID: d63ea8
File 160507102208.jpg - (245.34KB , 800x1067 , But Will it be Believed.jpg )

>Probably need to be clear with Tom that you have one of the aliens with you,(who seemed to be the actual target) helping you, and another (different one) might have sealed your bedroom, in any case you made a shape in string on the door, added a lock and the assailant stopped. >(These would not be ideal things to learn if/when a possible extraction team arrives.)
>You should tell him more about your situation before agreeing to a rescue attempt. First, he needs to know you were attacked because you're sheltering a wounded monster who saved your life twice now, maybe three times depending on how you count it.
I should probably fill Uncle Tom in on the situation. Errant might give him or the extraction team a scare.

>Tell your uncle that you're not comfortable being 'rescued' at this moment; the ET Type-A is roaming right outside your room and barely kept away with 'cyber'-wards. Your new cracker friend is really good at his job, but he's been forced to work alone for a long time and the URC is fixated on him. Maybe tomorrow morning the alien &!+(# will leave. Maybe.
And I owe him the truth.

>Then let's see how Tom responds to that.
Part of me feels a pang of worry as I hit send.

6/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:03 No. 980799 ID: d63ea8
File 160507103835.jpg - (242.72KB , 800x1067 , Doubt.jpg )

What if he doesn’t believe me?

7/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:04 No. 980800 ID: d63ea8
File 160507104447.jpg - (245.08KB , 800x1067 , Persistence.jpg )

>Oh wait, maybe you can ask Uncle Tom to check the news.
Yes! The URC should be fronting the same cover story!

His response is a lot quicker this time.

I mean if people knew what was going on, they’d do something about it, right?

>People who know are treated like Tom.
No. People wouldn’t...
I always thought it was weird that I saw less and less of Uncle Tom as I got older.
Now it’s starting to make more sense why…

Uncle Tom responds again, asking a question.
I…

8/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:04 No. 980801 ID: d63ea8
File 160507105573.jpg - (259.28KB , 800x1067 , Still Absent.jpg )

Errant still seems to be gone.

>If he plans to feed on fear, why would that work while you're asleep? Unless he can give you nightmares? Even if that's the case, knowing wouldn't make it more awkward. It's probably something a bit more personal.
And that just makes me worried. Feeding off of fear almost seems normal in this circumstance.
So what would Errant want to keep hidden?

>Regardless, don't ask. It won't help you or him any to know, and whatever he's going to do won't hurt you so who cares what it is.
They have been going out of their way to comfort me, even if it isn’t the most effective…

I hope I can trust him.

…

It feels like I should trust him.

9/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:04 No. 980802 ID: d63ea8
File 160507105954.jpg - (136.77KB , 800x1067 , He is Setting Up Shelter.jpg )

I turn around, looking back into the rest of my room.

Either way, I’m going to be stuck here for a while…

>Again, we should sleep before we make any life-changing decisions. We have all the time in the world to make these decisions, so long as we don't keep track of it.
Heh, ‘all the time in the world.’
Guess I won’t have to worry about work anymore…

…

Part of me wonders how long I’ll be stuck here.
But I don’t think speculating will help much at all…

I think I’ve already made too many life-changing decisions, and some of those decisions were made for me…

10/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:04 No. 980803 ID: d63ea8
File 160507106411.jpg - (251.28KB , 800x1067 , Diet.jpg )

The answer seems easy.

Yes, Errant’s dangerous.
But I’d be in a lot more danger if they weren’t here.

>Would he be willing to protect him, too?
I think it would be more of a question of whether Errant would protect Uncle Tom and me.

…

Uncle Tom was quick to respond, but the statement doesn’t shock me.
Errant did try to tell me in his own way.

11/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:04 No. 980804 ID: d63ea8
File 160507108815.jpg - (241.11KB , 800x1067 , Vouching for Him.jpg )

And Errant has been honest with me.
Even if it would take him forever to get to the point.

I vouch for them.

12/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:04 No. 980805 ID: d63ea8
File 160507109726.jpg - (240.35KB , 800x1067 , Isolated.jpg )

Uncle Tom starts typing again.

…

No way… the URC have locked down the entire city?

>Most importantly, make sure he stays away unless he can save someone; this whole situation is a nightmare.
It looks like Uncle Tom doesn’t have a choice, but yeah. The situation is just getting shittier and shittier.

A shiver runs down my spine and a message appears at the bottom of the screen.

13/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:05 No. 980806 ID: d63ea8
File 160507110724.jpg - (249.81KB , 800x1067 , Mesmerized.jpg )

I look up and see-
The inside of Natasha’s bedroom.

I can see a shadow in the adjoining living room, but the back wall is lit up like a dance club.

The pattern swirls in the most dazzling display before the image freezes.

Text appears.

What does Errant mean by ‘placated?’

14/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:05 No. 980807 ID: d63ea8
File 160507112250.jpg - (242.77KB , 800x1067 , Charting the Unknown.jpg )

>Ask Errant Knight what he thinks about the ET Type-A classification.
“What’s a Type-A ET?”

Errant dodges the question.

15/15 Pressing On Doors 2020/11/10(Tue)21:05 No. 980808 ID: d63ea8
File 160507113407.jpg - (310.02KB , 800x1067 , What Happens Next.jpg )

>Hmm, maybe... I'd suggest trying to get Errant to retrieve your laptop so you can check the news, but it has a clock on it doesn't it? One you can't turn off. Or maybe he'll need to recover some strength first. Heck, maybe once he's recovered a bit he can disable the laptop's clock so you can use it safely.
Getting my laptop in here would be really useful, but we’d have to wait until that thing outside was gone. I’ll be sure to ask them once we’re both in better shape.

>Speaking of, it seems like if you are to remain unknowing it is going to have to be increasingly willful ignorance. Is it even going to be worth it anymore?
>The only question that is at all pressing is whether we should learn before we let ES do what they're gonna do. And to that, I say...
Enough is enough. I’m in too deep.
>((A pathway has been removed.))
"... I don't think I'll be safe at this point even if I stay ignorant. I dunno if I can stand by even if I would... Fuck it; I want to know the true face of our enemy, and if I'm going to give you anything, I want it to be because I gave my permission knowing full-well what it was. I'm willing to permit quite a bit right now if it means we both make it out of this, by the way. If I were fine with retreating to my 'safe' life, I would've given you up to that hag."

The screen blinks.

Alright, so maybe ‘what happens next’ isn’t as ominous as I first thought, it’s just…
Figuring out what happens next.

Ald-damnit Errant. Why couldn’t have you made that clear from the beginning.

>Finally get some answers from Errant?
>Talk more with Uncle Tom?
>Contact someone else?
>Do something else?

>Discuss what happens next.
>((Explore the available ‘conclusions.’))

>>980808
>((A pathway has been removed.))
((GOD DAMN IT CAILLOU... well, I just hope that "pathway" was the "sleep then wake up and it was all a dream" thing ES mentioned earlier. I didn't want to do that either.))
>pacified
That's the mesmer Tom was talking about... I wonder how Tom didn't immediately get knocked out by it and had a chance to filter it?

Ask Tom if he thinks he has much of a chance of getting to you with the whole city on lockdown.
Ask ES if he thinks Tom has any chance of getting to you.

Natasha will (probably) be fine, I think this is basically just mass hypnosis.
Lets get some answers and discuss what happens next.

It's time to finally get some answers from Errant. Errant Signal can start with what he is (though he can talk more about the broader spectrum of beings if he doesn't want to be specific about himself) and what we're going to consent to while we're sleeping. If we're not too tired, we can talk about the bigger picture, too - the URC, the hag, what we're dealing with here.

As for how to proceed: "We've secured our immediate survival, I'm pretty sure. Next is stability- I mean, I already threw the most stable option out, but you know what I mean; sustainable sustenance for both of us and enough metaphorical breathing room that we don't have to worry for our lives at every waking moment. I'm... pretty sure you'll have a better idea of how we might go about this than I would at this point."

1/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:14 No. 980964 ID: d63ea8
File 160533088064.jpg - (269.00KB , 800x1067 , The Odds are Unlikely.jpg )

>Ask ES if he thinks Tom has any chance of getting to you.
“Do you think Uncle Tom could make it to me?”

The screen changes, and my heart sinks a little…

2/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:14 No. 980965 ID: d63ea8
File 160533088505.jpg - (245.33KB , 800x1067 , But Tom is Willing to Gamble.jpg )

>That's the mesmer Tom was talking about... I wonder how Tom didn't immediately get knocked out by it and had a chance to filter it?
That's the first question I send, because if he can find a way to fight back against these monsters, then maybe I can too.

…

Hmm, it looks like we can equip ourselves to fight it.
Maybe I can show him the ward.

>Natasha will (probably) be fine, I think this is basically just mass hypnosis.
It would explain why no one has come to check out the noises.
Have I been hit with this and not known?

>Ask Tom if he thinks he has much of a chance of getting to you with the whole city on lockdown.
Uncle Tom would know his capabilities more than I would.

…

I think Uncle Tom used to have some friends in the army, it’s why he became such a gearhead.
But how did he get his hands onto bulletproof glass?

3/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:14 No. 980966 ID: d63ea8
File 160533089046.jpg - (258.43KB , 800x1067 , A Needless Question.jpg )

>Lets get some answers and discuss what happens next.
“Can I get some answers now?”

The screen blinks.

“YES”

We’ve already been through so much, why would they even ask that at this point?

4/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:14 No. 980967 ID: d63ea8
File 160533089515.jpg - (202.38KB , 800x1067 , He Needs to Reshape.jpg )

Part of me wonders if Errant’s stalling.

5/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:15 No. 980968 ID: d63ea8
File 160533090010.jpg - (159.48KB , 800x1067 , And He Doesn't Trust Himself.jpg )

But I do so, being careful as I step back, as to not trip or bump into anything.

The screen changes, the font getting bigger.

6/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:15 No. 980969 ID: d63ea8
File 160533091902.gif - (1.93MB , 800x1067 , Filling in the Wires.gif )

And then…

I feel the dread return with a vengeance.
As dozens-
Maybe hundreds of worms slither past me and…

...behind the cabinets that are flush with the wall.

The screen glows brighter and brighter until suddenly it flashes-
and then goes dim.

7/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:15 No. 980970 ID: d63ea8
File 160533095173.jpg - (138.45KB , 800x1067 , Errant's Name.jpg )

Then there is static, as something starts to emerge.

It hunches low, slowly pressing itself up from the ground…

8/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:15 No. 980971 ID: d63ea8
File 160533095982.jpg - (121.69KB , 800x1067 , Partially Formed.jpg )

Until it fully sits up.

T.V. screen flickering with sporadic waves.

Errant: “Alright then Ashley, what do you want to know?”

The voice is garbled and electronic, like a microphone with the gain way too high.
But I can understand it.
I breathe in...

9/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:16 No. 980972 ID: d63ea8
File 160533097108.gif - (720.60KB , 800x1067 , What He is.gif )

>It's time to finally get some answers from Errant. Errant Signal can start with what he is (though he can talk more about the broader spectrum of beings if he doesn't want to be specific about himself).
Finally.

“What are you?”

Errant: “I am many things. But to put it broadly, I am an Outer Being.”

Errant: “Your uncle is half-right in his understanding of us, we are aliens of sorts.”

Errant: “But rather than another planet, we are from a different dimension.”

Errant: “A place called The Beyond.”

Errant: “Before it fell under specific rule, The Beyond was a primordial nothingness.”

Errant: “Everchanging and unbound.”

Errant: “We Outer Beings are the same way.”

Errant: “While I have not always been Errant Signal it is the Name I am using now.”

Errant: “And while I could go on about my other Names or my Title, I would rather not.”

I don’t press him on it, for now.

10/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:16 No. 980973 ID: d63ea8
File 160533097633.jpg - (113.23KB , 800x1067 , What He needs.jpg )

>And what we're going to consent to while we're sleeping.

“What are you going to do to me when I sleep?”

I see Errant’s (two dimensional?) hands twitch slightly at that question.

They pause before answering.

Errant: “Outer Beings primarily feed upon Life-fluids, something that they can get from other Outer Beings…”

Errant: “Or humans like you…”

Errant: “...”

Errant: “The most common being blood.”

Errant: “But I don’t want to hurt humans...”

Errant: “I can feed off of perspiration, or the moisture of one’s breath.”

Errant: “The process is time consuming and… slightly invasive.”

Errant: “If you really want to know, I can tell you what I will do, but… it is…”

They hesitate again.

Errant: “awkward.”

DON’T KNOW HOW TO REACT TO THAT.

11/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:16 No. 980974 ID: d63ea8
File 160533098129.jpg - (121.69KB , 800x1067 , What Those Forces Are.jpg )

>If we're not too tired, we can talk about the bigger picture, too - the URC, the hag, what we're dealing with here.
“What are the URC really?”

Errant: “This URC of yours is the newest face of a longstanding alliance between a few Outer Beings whose objective is to dominate your world and craft it into their ideal domains.”

Errant: “While I cannot show you their Titles or symbols, as doing so might draw their attention here, I can tell you their Names.”

Errant: “There is ‘True Light,’ the figure that embodies the watchtower.”

Errant: “‘Lovely,’ the ‘woman’ that broke into your home.”

Errant: “And ‘Beholden,’ the one who is mesmerizing the entire apartment and surrounding blocks.”

Errant: “They have amassed servants, Outer Being and human, to aid in the take over of your world.”

Errant: “In both overt and subversive means.”

12/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:16 No. 980975 ID: d63ea8
File 160533098649.jpg - (132.60KB , 800x1067 , What She is.jpg )

“And what is ‘Lovely’ exactly?”

Errant: “‘Lovely’ is their attack dog. Capable of killing any human She touches in a matter of moments.”

Errant: “Like me, She is very old and very clever.”

Errant: “The fact that She wasn’t nearly as aggressive as usual did surprise me…”

Errant: “If you would have touched that paper back in the hall, the ensuing cut would have split all the way up your arm, carving open the bone as it did, until you died of shock a few seconds later.”

“Yikes…”

Errant: “Yeah. She is by far the most dangerous in a direct confrontation.”

13/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:16 No. 980976 ID: d63ea8
File 160533099411.jpg - (132.17KB , 800x1067 , Eyes Cannot be Closed.jpg )

>As for how to proceed:
“We've secured our immediate survival, I'm pretty sure. Next is stability- I mean, I already threw the most stable option out, but you know what I mean; sustainable sustenance for both of us and enough metaphorical breathing room that we don't have to worry for our lives at every waking moment. I'm... pretty sure you'll have a better idea of how we might go about this than I would at this point.”

Errant: “Yes, of course…”

Errant: “The first idea I had was to help you ‘lose’ your memories-”

“Pass.”

Errant: “And that’s a fair choice, as... there wasn’t a guarantee that it would work, or keep you safe.”

>Remain Asleep:
>((Removed because Ashley is ‘in too deep.’))

14/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:16 No. 980977 ID: d63ea8
File 160533099930.jpg - (110.52KB , 800x1067 , Is as is.jpg )

Errant: “Then of course, we play it as is.”

Errant: “I stick around for a little while, until I have regained my strength, and then we part ways.”

“Fuck that, you owe me.”

Errant: “Of course, which is why I would try and ensure that I see you off safely. That could be with your uncle, or until the heat has died down a bit.”

Errant: “Those forces were after me because I was extremely vulnerable, but if I am at half strength -let alone full strength- they would have no hope of catching me.”

“But would they come after me?”

Errant: “I… don’t know. You would still know more than the average human, maybe not enough to be an active threat…”

Errant: “...”

Errant: “It would be a large risk.”

>Remain Awake:
>Ashley will remain in play, for now, but she will not be safe.

15/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:17 No. 980978 ID: d63ea8
File 160533104534.jpg - (112.31KB , 800x1067 , An Exit.jpg )

Errant: “Another idea I had, since you reached out to your uncle is that I could smuggle you out of the city.”

Errant: “I would need to recover a bit first, but it’s certainly doable.”

Errant: “You would have to leave behind anything that could track you, but I could take us to an undisclosed part of the countryside, and then I would lead you to the highway.”

Errant: “Then we would part ways.”

Errant: “And I could certainly wait until your uncle picks you up.”

That seems safer…

>Hidden Away from Sight:
>((Unlocked by contacting Uncle Tom.))
>Ashley will be out of the URC’s clutches, and might receive additional training, but will be difficult to access.

16/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:17 No. 980979 ID: d63ea8
File 160533105195.jpg - (116.74KB , 800x1067 , Something More.jpg )

Errant: “Then there is… another option.”

Errant: “I could… take you on as an acolyte.”

Errant: “As your patron I would ensure your safety and teach you in the ways of Beings.”

Errant: “Depending on how far it goes, you could learn something akin to ‘magic’ from me.”

Errant: “But I would need you as a ‘battery’ as well.”

Errant: “If you would like this to be temporary, you can make that choice.”

Errant: “...”

Errant: “But in order to gain some things…”

Errant: “A more permanent commitment would be required.”

>Path of the Student:
>((Unlocked because Ashley trusts Errant Signal.))
>Ashley will learn much more about the supernatural and will have supernatural protection, but Errant will be occupied for a while.

>Path of the Acolyte:
>((Unlocked because Errant is stealing Your idea.))
>Ashley will become an agent for Errant Signal, she will be capable and maybe with enough training, Potent. But Errant will become occupied for a while, and will have an obligation to protect his ward.

17/17 Finally Some Answers Doors 2020/11/13(Fri)21:17 No. 980980 ID: d63ea8
File 160533105559.jpg - (110.16KB , 800x1067 , Or something else.jpg )

Errant: “Or we could devise a combination of these ideas.”

Errant: “And there could always be another idea that I’m not thinking of.”

Errant: “Even if I am an ‘alien’ I’m not omnipotent.”

…

Makes me think.

>Path of the Anarchist:
>((Unlocked because FUCK THE URC))
>Ashley will become a problem for the URC.

>Consult with Uncle Tom?
>Get more answers?
>Something else?

>Discuss and/or Commit to a plan?
>((The Interlude will end once a plan is reached.))

Regardless we will be here a while, so may as well start learning, not a lot else to do while waiting, could then join Tom and help him and his 'posse' while maintaining a connection to Errant

Hmm, if Uncle Tom's group is sufficiently isolated from the URC, maybe Errant Signal can teach some or all of them to be Acolytes? Then again they'd have to live without clocks, and possibly other things. Like, he implied he didn't want to be seen, but here he is right in front of you? Why is it okay for you to see him like this, but not in other situations?

>feed off of perspiration
>awkward
Sounds like he'd have to get very close to you while you're sleeping, but also last time you got within touching distance he had to force himself to hold back, so... close, but not too close? Yeah, that sounds pretty awkward. But it's a matter of life and death, so you can deal with it. Maybe even help. Do some exercises every day to work up a sweat. Even if it makes you think of Gamer Bathwater.
>blood
Oddly, the vampire angle would be less awkward, wouldn't it. That's just normal monster stuff. Except you can't do it that way, since you're both worried Lovely is still nearby and ready to amplify your wounds.
Wait, is Dracula an Outer Being?

((it seems extremely easy for Icon to gain powerful Vessels as all we need is a few weeks' time to spread throughout a host's body and adapt it to eliminate the drawbacks. There's likely a positive feedback loop too, since as the host gains potency we can feed off them to gain more potency... and Our blood may be ingested by the host to give them potency directly? Errant Signal on the other hand will have to teach people to gain Acolytes... though I wonder how long that takes.
Hmm, if we can get a Vessel in Uncle Tom's camp, communication will no longer be a problem, and we would have a backup host in a safe place, just in case. Though if Stauf is killed, we would probably go full aggro on the URC instead of hiding. I suppose if he's captured we could make a non-aggression treaty, like Aldemire...))

Ask if there are other Outer Beings not working with the URC you could get help from, if you wanted to fight the URC. Or do other Outer Beings not care about humans, in general?

>Errant Knight Cultist Acolyte
hahahahahahahahahahaha no.

>Student
Much better.

>Uncle
Yes, this seems like the long term priority. Screw this city, it's compromised beyond all comprehension.

>>980974
Why does 'True Light' sound so dark? Shouldn't it sound bright?

((bank 'action' for just before we leave Ashley:)) You were also helped by some-one/(small representative symbol)-(Impression of: an eye with three line segments radiating out from it in the first quadrant)/Icon->>/moo/5092. Good luck and farewell. ((feel free to vote against this if you think it a bad idea))

>>981008
((Icon is canonically not influencing Ashley's actions, so we can't do that. We are acting as her inner thoughts, and do not have access to Icon's knowledge. At best, we could get Ashley to ask more about the morse code, to lead her into finding out about Icon.))

Text Tom warning him not to come; you think you might be safe for now, and if you are going to rendevous, you might have a means of meeting him in the middle.

"For now, I'm a Student. Not much else to do while you recover, anyway, so we might as well get started with that. Fuck time, but whatever our mocking replacement for it is will tell whether I want to take things further or GTFO with Uncle Tom - though I'm pretty sure it'll be between those two."

((<-I am still going to do it before the link, but I don't think it matters right now =) >>981009
Then perhaps it does nothing, and that is fine. I would still like to try, and it doesn't sound like you are opposed to that.))

1/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:33 No. 981360 ID: d63ea8
File 160575683097.jpg - (248.04KB , 800x1067 , Setting Plans.jpg )

>Text Tom warning him not to come; you think you might be safe for now, and if you are going to rendezvous, you might have a means of meeting him in the middle.
I let Uncle Tom know about that option, the reply is quick.

I Remember Edgar’s Cove, we had a cookout there with the extended family when I was ten. My older cousins spent most of the day drinking there, and one nearly fell off the cliff.
Mom really gave the site manager an earful.

The only other time was for a vigil I think, but that was when I was much younger.

Additional text pops up in the corner of the screen.

Looks like I need to hammer out some details.

>Sounds like he'd have to get very close to you while you're sleeping, but also last time you got within touching distance he had to force himself to hold back, so... close, but not too close?
So I might be brought back into that darkness?
Or would it be ‘getting close’ in a literal sense…

…

>Yeah, that sounds pretty awkward. But it's a matter of life and death, so you can deal with it.
I’ll try my best not to dwell on it.

>Maybe even help. Do some exercises every day to work up a sweat. Even if it makes you think of Gamer Bathwater.
YEP EXERCISE DEFINITELY EXERCISE!
NOTHING ELSE NOTHING MORE!

2/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:33 No. 981361 ID: d63ea8
File 160575683302.jpg - (125.41KB , 800x1067 , He is Hesitant about Others.jpg )

I take a moment to compose myself.

>...
“For now, I'm a Student. Not much else to do while you recover, anyway, so we might as well get started with that. Fuck time, but whatever our mocking replacement for it is will tell whether I want to take things further or GTFO with Uncle Tom - though I'm pretty sure it'll be between those two.”

Errant: “Very well. I’ll try to go over more of the basics, but that can probably wait until we’re both rested.”

I… agree with that.
It feels like the adrenaline crash is catching up with me.

>Regardless we will be here a while, so may as well start learning, not a lot else to do while waiting, could then join Tom and help him and his 'posse' while maintaining a connection to Errant.
>Hmm, if Uncle Tom's group is sufficiently isolated from the URC, maybe Errant Signal can teach some or all of them to be Acolytes?
“Is this offer to teach open to Uncle Tom and his friends?”

Errant: “...”

Errant: “It… has been a while since I’ve dealt with a group.”

Etzil: “While I wouldn’t be… opposed to teaching the others… there would be some issues.”

>Then again they'd have to live without clocks, and possibly other things.
“No clocks right?”

Errant: “No clocks, calendars or rulers.”

Errant: “And that includes devices with those capabilities as well, unless those functions were be disabled.”

Errant: “I would also need a ‘Dark Room’ of sorts as well, and…”

Errant: “...”

Errant: “Without a sizable population centre nearby, our ‘current situation’ would become the norm for that time.”

The last statement hangs in the air for a while.

“Do you have an estimate for how long we’re going to be stuck here?”

Errant: “...”

Errant: “Probably a day, maybe a day and a half.”

Errant: “I should be able to contact your uncle again once we’re there.”

3/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:33 No. 981362 ID: d63ea8
File 160575683829.jpg - (242.39KB , 800x1067 , An Exit Strategy.jpg )

I text as much to Uncle Tom.

4/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:34 No. 981363 ID: d63ea8
File 160575684176.jpg - (183.16KB , 800x1067 , A Line to Connect With.jpg )

“...and what if…”

“What if I want to call you again?”

Errant: “I could create a… useful space for myself.”

My phone goes dark and the diamonds appear again.

Errant: “It would mean that this phone wouldn’t be ‘a phone’ anymore, but a place I could return to if needed.”

“Could I still use it as a phone?”

Errant: “Not really. I would have to carve out most features for both security and ‘space.’”

“I’ll consider it.”

5/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:34 No. 981364 ID: d63ea8
File 160575684531.jpg - (177.53KB , 800x1067 , Or a More Direct Line.jpg )

Errant: “If you’d rather keep your phone, I can teach you a ritual to try and contact me.”

Errant: “It’s not too difficult, as you would just need to draw this symbol-”

The wall is suddenly awash in yellowish-green light.

Errant: “-in a dark room and it should get my attention.”

The lines on the back wall not only look familiar, but feel familiar…

6/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:34 No. 981365 ID: d63ea8
File 160575684909.jpg - (114.42KB , 800x1067 , There is no Light.jpg )

>Like, he implied he didn't want to be seen, but here he is right in front of you? Why is it okay for you to see him like this, but not in other situations?
“Wait. I thought I wasn’t supposed to look at you.”

“Why is this different?”

Errant: “Ah. That might take some explaining.”

Errant: “Without getting into personal details, I can’t ‘exist’ while being observed.”

Errant: “Darkness is an aspect that is close to my Title, and I am more powerful when it’s around.”

Errant: “Conversely, it’s absence weakens me.”

Errant: “And that is because I’m strongest when I am the unknown.”

Errant: “Despite all the developments humanity has made, they still fear The Dark.”

Errant waves a hand in front of their T.V. (face?).

Errant: “Right now you aren’t seeing me, but what I am projecting.”

Errant: “And rather than emanating light, I am instead removing darkness.”

7/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:34 No. 981366 ID: d63ea8
File 160575688905.jpg - (132.21KB , 800x1067 , It is Ridiculous.jpg )

There is a Resonance in the air when Errant says ‘The Dark.’

Almost as if the words themselves buzz with a certain energy.
And in the back of my mind I feel that ancient dread slowly rise and fall.

It… reminds me of old stories…

>Oddly, the vampire angle would be less awkward, wouldn't it. That's just normal monster stuff. Except you can't do it that way, since you're both worried Lovely is still nearby and ready to amplify your wounds.
It’s really bizzare honestly, but it does feel more ‘normal.’
I guess it has to do with said stories being told to us all the time. That even monsters would have behaviours you’d expect.

It makes me wonder...

>...
“Wait, is Dracula an Outer Being?”

Errant slumps a bit before straightening up.

Errant: “...yes, and no.”

Errant: “While ‘Dracula’ and vampires in general are not real, the stories that they are derived from are somewhat true.”

“You’re joking...”

Errant: “I wish I were. No, ‘Dracula’ is a character that has been stitched together from multiple encounters people have had in the far -and more recent- past.”

Errant: “It’s the main reason why ‘creatures’ like vampires appear in multiple cultures with entirely different abilities, even if they have similar themes.”

8/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:34 No. 981367 ID: d63ea8
File 160575689359.jpg - (125.30KB , 800x1067 , Past Lives.jpg )

Errant: “As you said, ‘stories, as made up as they are, can have truth to them.’”

Errant: “Most Outer Beings have persisted long enough to ‘live several lifetimes.’ Sometimes as the hero, sometimes as the villain.”

Errant: “I… haven’t had the best record with humanity…”

Errant: “So much so that my previous mistakes still leave ripples to this day.”

9/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:34 No. 981368 ID: d63ea8
File 160575689665.jpg - (118.93KB , 800x1067 , Light and True Light.jpg )

It makes me think more about this fear.
This dread.

Even if I’m calm, even if I’m Focused, it’s still there in the back of my mind.
Like I should be running and hiding.
It feels natural.

Perhaps even instinctual.

>...
“Why does 'True Light' sound so dark? Shouldn't it sound bright?”

Errant: “It’s because the Being known as True Light is a deeply jealous and tyrannical ruler.”

Errant: “It couldn’t stand the fact that others could find solace under the guidance of another.”

Errant: “It built Itself to be taller and brighter than It’s rival. So that It would be seen as the True Light of humanity.”

Errant: “Yet the old ways persisted.”

10/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:35 No. 981369 ID: d63ea8
File 160575689964.jpg - (117.12KB , 800x1067 , Eclipse.jpg )

Errant: “Though… as the eras wore on, and It drew together new allies and power…”

Errant: “The Light was diminished, until He was dwarfed by It’s brilliance.”

11/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:35 No. 981370 ID: d63ea8
File 160575690353.jpg - (108.82KB , 800x1067 , The World is Dark.jpg )

>Ask if there are other Outer Beings not working with the URC you could get help from, if you wanted to fight the URC. Or do other Outer Beings not care about humans, in general?
“I mean-”

“Is there no one we can turn to?”

“You can’t be the only ‘Outer Being’ who actually gives a shit about us, right?”

Errant: “...”

“Do they… all just see us as pawns?”

“...or food?”

Errant: “Sadly… nearly all Beings would see you as a source of Life-fluids before anything else…”

Errant: “...though there are a handful that might be seen as ‘sympathetic,’ and one that has tried to foster humanity, even if doing so weakened itself in the grand scheme of things.”

Errant: “...”

Errant: “Unfortunately, the URC made an ‘example’ out of Him, in order to keep the others in line.”

Errant: “Even if He was open to help an... old enemy. I doubt He’d be of much use. The URC know His weakness, and are waiting for the excuse to annihilate Him.”

Errant: “The only other ally I have… can’t always be there. Lest the URC get suspicious of Him as well.”

“So we’re fucked?”

Errant doesn’t reply.

12/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:35 No. 981371 ID: d63ea8
File 160575690733.jpg - (126.67KB , 800x1067 , In Agreement.jpg )

>Errant Knight Cultist Acolyte
>Hahahahahahahahahahaha no.
I’m no ‘wizard,’ I’m just an electrician.

>Student
>Much better.
All I need is the tools I have, and the proper knowledge to use them.

>Uncle
>Yes, this seems like the long term priority. Screw this city, it's compromised beyond all comprehension.
Staying isn’t an option.
Not if I want myself or… Natasha to be safe.

>((bank 'action' for just before we leave Ashley:)) You were also helped by some-one/(small representative symbol)-(Impression of: an eye with three line segments radiating out from it in the first quadrant)/Icon->>/moo/5092. Good luck and farewell. ((feel free to vote against this if you think it a bad idea))
((Action banked.))

“I’ll try to learn as best I can, but now I think I need some sleep.”

Errant: “Of course! I…”

Errant: “I hope you sleep well.”

Even I can notice the forced optimism.

13/13 Times Close and Far Doors 2020/11/18(Wed)19:35 No. 981372 ID: d63ea8
File 160575691017.jpg - (64.88KB , 800x1067 , Possible Sleep.jpg )

I look longingly over at the bed.
It feels like I could sleep for a week.

Is there anything else I should ask?

>Ask?

>Current Plan:
>1. Path of the Student & Hidden Away from Sight:
>Ashely will learn what she can from Errant before being smuggled to Uncle Tom. She will become more knowledgeable of the supernatural and the URC will have a hard time finding her if they tried to search for her. Errant will be occupied for a while and Ashley will be difficult to access.

>2. Ashley will do some physical exercises to occupy her mind and help speed along ‘the process.’
>This will help Errant recover his lost Life-fluids more quickly.

>3. Errant will teach Ashley His summoning ritual.
>Ashley may be able to contact Errant in certain situations.

>Possible Additions:
>4. Have Errant turn Ashley’s phone into a ‘useful space.’
>Errant will be able to communicate with Ashley easily and reach her quickly. But if the ‘phone’ were to fall into the wrong hands Errant might be vulnerable.

>5. Try to have Errant meet and/or teach Uncle Tom and his posse.
>Errant will be occupied for a longer amount of time, and if Uncle Tom’s group is open to the idea, Errant might gain additional allies.

>Other ideas?

>Commit to a plan and head to bed?
>((The Interlude will end once a plan is reached.))

>>981372
>Errant is literally stronger when he is unknown
Then bringing Him to Tom's camp would make Him weaker, wouldn't it. Also you can't know for sure that everyone there would tolerate His presence.
Maybe you can teach them what you were taught? Indirect teachings?

If there are those in Tom's camp that would be hostile towards Errant then the phone would be a risk when kept there. I like the idea of having a fast line of communication but the phone really needs to be secured somehow once it's a "convenient place". Like a password to open the line?

>>981377
I think it's not as simple as teaching what you're taught. If someone who isn't a true expert tries to teach this stuff, it could get dangerous.

Commit to the base plan, with no additions.

If destroying the phone wouldn't hurt Errant, go for it, we can destroy it it before letting it fall into the wrong hands. Be sure to keep it on your person at all times though. (plus with the summoning, a new one could be made)
>Like a password to open the line?
Can Errant distinguish our fluids from other people's? If so, could that be used as authorization?
((>>/questdis/134298
>As for how they can discover Ashley knows; They can coerce any thought or feeling from any mortal They have in Their grasp.))
I don't think a password wouldn't actually do much as they can apparently read minds.(otherwise we could know and still be safe)
I think second hand teaching to Tom's group, then play it by ear on whether to bring Errant in more directly. If they ask too closely about the information source; your 'ET' usually prefers to be more indirect, but exceptional circumstances led to the creation of your current relationship with him.
>>981422 I think they are already so filled with miss-information it doesn't matter much. The trick, I think, is to stick to what you were taught and honestly reply with 'I don't know' when you don't, rather than guessing or passing speculation as truth.
Can Errant do phone things after making it a 'usable space' (like messaging Tom that we are ready) Otherwise it will probably need to wait till we do that.

1/6 Finally Some Rest Doors 2020/11/22(Sun)20:45 No. 981837 ID: d63ea8
File 160610671508.jpg - (44.03KB , 800x1067 , He's Gone.jpg )

>Then bringing Him to Tom's camp would make Him weaker, wouldn't it. Also you can't know for sure that everyone there would tolerate His presence.
I’m sure that Uncle Tom will trust me, but I don’t know any of his friends, and they might not react well to Errant.

>Maybe you can teach them what you were taught? Indirect teachings?
I could act as a go-between, it might be cleaner and safer for both of us.
“Hey w-”

Errant’s gone.

2/6 Finally Some Rest Doors 2020/11/22(Sun)20:45 No. 981838 ID: d63ea8
File 160610671962.jpg - (190.12KB , 800x1067 , A Bit to the Left.jpg )

Errant: “I’m here.”

My eyes drift further left and I see Errant looming in the corner.

They’re a lot taller (standing?) but I can hear my dresser groan under their weight.

I ask the question again.

“Could I teach Uncle Tom your lessons instead?”

“In case they’re not… open to your presence.”

Errant: “I’m afraid that would be very difficult for you to do.”

Errant: “And with this, not fully knowing what you’re doing can have bad outcomes.”

Errant: “With me here, I can prevent those mishaps while you’re learning.”

Errant: “That wouldn’t be the case if you were to teach them yourself, even if you did so perfectly.”

Errant: “Mistakes are part of the process.”

>I think it's not as simple as teaching what you're taught. If someone who isn't a true expert tries to teach this stuff, it could get dangerous.
>I think second hand teaching to Tom's group, then play it by ear on whether to bring Errant in more directly. If they ask too closely about the information source; your 'ET' usually prefers to be more indirect, but exceptional circumstances led to the creation of your current relationship with him.
I could go over the basic concepts without ‘teaching’ them anything, and that would double as a way to check on how willing people would be to work with Errant. It’s not something I can fully Commit to, but perhaps something I can try to do going forward.

“Alright. I’ll keep that in mind.”

>I think they are already so filled with miss-information it doesn't matter much. The trick, I think, is to stick to what you were taught and honestly reply with 'I don't know' when you don't, rather than guessing or passing speculation as truth.
Uncle Tom seemed to know about Outer Beings, kind of. If he or his friends ask about anything, I’ll try to share any solid information I have.

>Can Errant do phone things after making it a 'usable space' (like messaging Tom that we are ready) Otherwise it will probably need to wait till we do that.
“Can you use the phone after making it into a ‘useful space?’”

Errant: “No. But I can start laying the groundwork without impeding its main functions.”

Errant: “Here-”

3/6 Finally Some Rest Doors 2020/11/22(Sun)20:45 No. 981839 ID: d63ea8
File 160610672483.jpg - (205.64KB , 800x1067 , Hand Over Hand.jpg )

Errant extends one of their long arms and gently lifts my hand.

I feel the slightest pressure against my skin as Errant’s digits fold around mine like paper.

The dread in the back of my mind is suddenly dispelled, replaced with an almost imperceptible crackle.

Errant: “First thing I will need to do is ensure that no one but you can access the ‘phone’.”

>I like the idea of having a fast line of communication but the phone really needs to be secured somehow once it's a "convenient place". Like a password to open the line?
“Like a password?”

Errant: “In a way, but this one would be more… innate.”

>Can Errant distinguish our fluids from other people's? If so, could that be used as authorization?
“...would it be blood or something?”

Errant: “Good guess, but no.”

Errant: “All it would take is from someone to hurt you and they would have a way to lure me out.”

Errant: “...and I’d rather avoid blood specifically…”

I feel Errant’s hand tense slightly and the crackling grow slightly louder before dying down.

Errant: “No. We’ll have it tied to a memory, something inconsequential, but impossible to replicate.”

Errant: “What was the first thing you ever saw?”

Wh-

“I don’t know. How would I-”

And then it comes back…
I Remember.

4/6 Finally Some Rest Doors 2020/11/22(Sun)20:45 No. 981840 ID: d63ea8
File 160610672843.jpg - (212.64KB , 800x1067 , First Glimpse.jpg )

I don’t know how old I was, but I Remember opening my eyes.
There was a hallway, stark white and shining, as though the floors had just been waxed.
I was being carried by someone, they felt warm and soft, but they smelt weird…
Like an antibacterial wipe… of maybe bad aftershave…
There were also some sounds, hushed whispering and electronic beeping, but I didn’t really register what they were…

I think I Remember seeing a gurney too, but I couldn’t tell what it was at the time.
It just looked like a mass of shapes.

And then I closed my eyes.

5/6 Finally Some Rest Doors 2020/11/22(Sun)20:45 No. 981841 ID: d63ea8
File 160610673255.jpg - (124.08KB , 1111x1482 , Dark.jpg )

I blink as Errant withdraws their hand.
“How-”

Errant: “As I said, I have control over lost and forgotten things.”

>I don't think a password wouldn't actually do much as they can apparently read minds.(otherwise we could know and still be safe)
“Can’t they just read my mind?”

Errant: “They could.”

Errant: “Which is why my first lesson will be on how to Lose and Forget things on purpose.”

I… I don’t know what to say…
Part of my mind can’t fully piece together that all this is possible yet-

...

Yet another part of me is really intrigued.

>If there are those in Tom's camp that would be hostile towards Errant then the phone would be a risk when kept there.
>If destroying the phone wouldn't hurt Errant, go for it, we can destroy it before letting it fall into the wrong hands. Be sure to keep it on your person at all times though. (plus with the summoning, a new one could be made)
“What if I get captured, should I destroy the phone?”

“Would that hurt you?”

Errant: “You would have to break it in a very specific way to hurt me, and I would have to be there for it.”

Errant: “So long as you keep your ‘password’ safe, the phone will be a useless hunk of electronics to anyone else.”

Errant: “But if you really think there’s an issue, then smashing it should do just fine.”

That’s a bit of a relief.

6/6 Finally Some Rest Doors 2020/11/22(Sun)20:46 No. 981842 ID: d63ea8
File 160610679951.jpg - (20.68KB , 800x1067 , Bed.jpg )

“Thank you.”

I lie back onto my bed as a new wave of fatigue washes over me.

It really has been quite a day…

>Commit to the base plan, with no additions.
I know what I need to do.
But first, some well deserved rest.

IT IS NOT YET TIME Doors 2020/11/22(Sun)20:46 No. 981843 ID: d63ea8
File 160610680461.jpg - (43.83KB , 800x1067 , Leeching In.jpg )

>((Banked action.))
>You were also helped by some-one/(small representative symbol)-(Impression of: an eye with three line segments radiating out from it in the first quadrant)/Icon- Good luck and farewell.

MORE PIECES ARE NEEDED Doors 2020/11/22(Sun)20:46 No. 981844 ID: d63ea8
File 160610680830.jpg - (182.48KB , 800x1067 , Not Potent Enough.jpg )

More Potency is needed before the [REAWAKENING] can begin.

>Ashley Peterson has returned home.
For now she will live.

Interlude 1: End

((Stay tuned for next week, when ‘A Game of Words; Chapter 2’ will return!))
((The battle will begin soon.))