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goneawayworld2021-06-28 07:23 pm
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FROM DUST TO DUST - Plot Post 1

FROM DUST TO DUST

LINKS
WORLD INFO/WORKSHOPPING
BRIEFING
They're briefed on the situation. It's a full-scale incursion, where it's not a section overlapping the Gone-Away worl, the incursion zone allows access to an entire alternate universe. Full-scale incursions like this need to be resolved before reality breaks down entirely due to the two worlds overlapping.
They're told that Jorgmund has determined the objective is to gain something useful from this world, and that a simple diplomatic mission will procure it. They must make contact with the upper crust and some members of the clergy, who are fascinated by the prospect of their world folding into another. These aristocrats have a relationship with the Church, who has a powerful artifact in their possession. The New Hires will receive a special knife in exchange for some mingling, one that might be able to close up some of the holes in the reality of the Gone-Away World.
Their sponsors in this world are going to give them a few nights in a very classy hotel, and take them on a shopping trip to treat them to glamorous clothes and finery for the gala they're expected to go to.
That's it, that's the mission. Or so they've been tol.
The New Hires are also told about daemons. That everyone in this world has one. That there are different interpretations of what they are: the human soul externalized, or maybe something else, something alien and bad. Jorgmund tells them that they'll likely stick out, due to not having daemons.
This is a lie, of course. They suspect that the mechanics of this universe will rectify the lack of daemons the second they enter.
EQUIPMENT
- The New Hires will be sent over wearing clothing appropriate to the world they're entering, though for now it's plain and casual. (They'll be taken shopping later by their guides for their formal evening wear.)
- They'll only be allowed weapons and gear appropriate to the world, so most of their technology will be gone. The only guns they'll be allowed are revolvers and bolt-action rifles. They'll all have been given substitute weapons, for those that carry them.
- They'll be allowed a more stealthy version of their comms, that look like bracelets or leather cuffs. These have all the functions of normal comms. They project small holographic screens and holographic keyboards, instead of having physical ones.
- They will still have their powers, but will be warned to keep them under wraps, as no one in this world has any.
- Non-humans or people with other-than-baseline physical traits will get holographic image inducers styled as discreet world-appropriate jewelry. Or other accessories to hide what makes them look different.
CROSSING THE BARRIER

They cross over the shimmering barrier between worlds, and walk into a small park that's been cleared of people by their sponsors. All the buildings nearby are in an Edwardian style, with light brick, slightly baroque masonry, and arched openings. In the distance, they can see a college that seems to have even older architecture.
For a half second after they walk through the shimmering barrier they seem fine.
And then there is pain, like an iron hand gripping their insides and pulling something out between their ribs. For a moment, it feels like something vital is spilling out of them, like a big enough hole as been made for their heart and lungs and organs to spill onto the ground. It feels like something secret and private is being dragged into the open, where it doesn't want to be.
And yet, there is a sense of relief, like they've all suddenly had a splinter deep in their bodies that's worked itself out. There is no sense of emptiness left behind. It's not that they've lost something, it's that it's separated out - but remained connected. By some kind of invisible umbilical cord.
It's been externalized, not ripped away.
They're suddenly all there beside them, forming out of the ether. Daemons. Each New Hire can immediately sense which is their own. When they start talking, the daemons are sure in their knowledge that they were always there all along, just hidden away, and are delighted to interact with their other halves more directly.
Re: Cammie MacCloud
The feminine voice of concern comes from a white dog that might weigh almost as much as Cammie. She's waiting at a polite distance so as not to alarm girl or rabbit. A quick glance around reveals that Brand isn't too much farther away, doesn't seem to be interacting with any daemon in particular, and looks grumpier than usual. The dog, meanwhile, appears perfectly placid.
"I'm Fi, by the way," she says.
no subject
Cammie's head shoots up, but it's Fergie who speaks up first, "Wow, you are like a cloud."
"Oh, aye, everythin's fine, I've had worse," Cammie says, in that tone where it's not entirely obvious if she's just saying it like you do, or she's means it literally. But she very much means it literally. "And gettin' to meet ma soul's not a bad trade for a bit of mindblowing pain."
"She's Cammie. I'm Fergie. Your person looks really grumpy."
Cammie gives Fergie a bit of a 'really?' look, but honestly, she'd probably have said something herself if he didn't anyway. Is it more or less rude sounding coming from a daemon?
no subject
"That's just his face," Fi says dryly, earning a grumble of protest from the man who is clearly within earshot and disagrees with her assessment. "I wouldn't say he's a nice man, but he will bend some fingers back if someone starts impinging on your personal space, so he doesn't have to be."
She winks at them, tail swishing slowly back and forth. "So don't hesitate to let us know if someone's making either of you uncomfortable, yeah?"
no subject
Fergie starts snickering like a mischievous child at 'that's just his face' and only snickers more at Brand's reaction to it. Cammie covers his whole fluffy little face with one hand, it does nothing to stop him.
"I'm pretty good at takin' care of myself," she says, and hey, it's not a real lie, she's just better at it in a multi-storey tall mecha than her fleshy body.
Fergie pipes up with, "I'm not. I'm very small. And easily stepped on."
Cammie rolls her eyes lightly. "...but aye, sure, I'll keep that in mind if we need someone's fingers bendin' back. In case Fergie here gets stepped on."
"It's a legitimate concern."
no subject
"I'm sure you can," Fi says to Cammie, in a tone than could be described as more "patient" than "honest", but at least doesn't cross the line into "patronizing". Cammie can probably take care of herself all right, but protecting is what Brand (and Fi) do. "And," she continues, "if you'd prefer to do your own finger-bending, Brand won't even grumble about giving you tips."
Meanwhile, Brand covers his face with a hand. Which frankly doesn't do much given that the back of his neck is the part of him that flushes first when he's embarrassed.
no subject
Cammie glances over at Brand again and just about bites back an amused smirk. Who knew your own daemon could embarrass you so easily? Maybe she should be preparing a warning speech for Fergie.
"Y'know, I'd ask if yer sure about that, but I'm guessin' that's the reaction of a man who's annoyed yer at least mostly telling the truth, not total bullshite."
Honestly, maybe she could use the tips. It's not like she's great at fighting someone her own size (or, well, bigger than her, generally, given her height), but what she's also not great at is asking for help. Even when it's offered.
Still, she doesn't say no; she doesn't say yes either, mind, but it's not a 'no, fuck off, I don't need tips'.