ARCADE SESSION: REBOOTED

[knux400]

You definitely don't think Hank should go by himself- but maybe with some backup?

You aren't entirely sure where Clemont's base is, not having seen it yourself, but you could ask the kobolds for some help. There's also the golem, currently sitting idle in the garden. You figure the golem would be a good backup option if the kobolds end up saying no.

With regards to fortifications, your base should be pretty heavily fortified already, what with the force field and coded gate around the perimeter. Theoretically nothing should be able to get through that, but nothing has ever tried to force their way in, either. You don't have much in the way of camouflage, but you did happen to spawn in the middle of a tunnel with two narrow entrances, so it's not the most obvious location. Plus the winding nature of these caves makes navigation difficult, as you experienced firsthand with Echo.

There is actually something you can do.
Oh?
Echo's pretty badly hurt and she could use someone to escort her back home again. The place you're going to be headed is pretty far away, and it might be dangerous. The TCP that hurt Echo could go after you.
...Okay.
If you do go, I'd have you stop at this other place first. It's in the opposite direction, but there are some people there who might be willing to help. You would also be bringing the golem with you.
The golem?
Yeah. You should be able to order it to do things by talking to it. It's pretty tough, so you could order it to fight for you if something comes up. I can't really do much else for you since Echo's away, which is part of the reason I need her back as quickly as possible. If you don't want to go, that's fine. I understand if this would be too much for you.
...No. I can do it.
You sure?
...Yeah.
 

Hank steps out into the garden again, turning hesitantly towards the golem.

How do I... Hey golem?

The golem turns abruptly towards Hank with a metallic grunt.

I... I need you to follow me. Stay close and don't attack anyone unless I tell you, or if they attack me first.

The golem grunts once and then shuffles towards Hank, stopping just next to him. Hank looks a little unsettled by its presence, but he seems to be adjusting quickly.

You direct Hank through the south gate, the forcefield still humming quietly. Hank and the golem begin heading south towards the kobolds. It's a pretty short walk, even if Hank's pace is a bit slower than Echo's.

 

Stay there.

The golem grunts and stops moving a short way back from the door. Hank hesitantly raises a puffy fist and taps on the door.

Hank?
Yeah?
Your hands are a bit... soft. They probably can't hear you.
Oh.

Hank brings his arm back and pounds on the door three times, each pound producing a quiet knock. After a moment or two, Hank is greeted by Orkahm.
 

Another visitor?
Hi... Orkahm, right?
You know me?
I'm a friend of Echo's. Trinket sent me?
Sorry. It's been a long day and I can't trust anyone who just shows up wi-
Oh!
Hm?
They are a friend of Echo's! I know that big metal thing!

Tamaru emerges from the living room, having been listening in on the conversation.

That's the scary metal thing I was telling you about. The one in the yard that guards Echo's base?
You mean the one that almost attacked you before Echo told it not to?
She apologized for it afterwards. But this is the same one. I don't know why it's out here, but I do recognize it.
...Okay.
It's to keep me safe. There's... dangerous things around.
Fair point. What did you need, uh...
Hank. I need your help.

The two kobolds give Hank a questioning glance, and the other two are poking their heads out of the next room, listening.

Echo's hurt, and she's very far away. I'm going to go and bring her back to our home, but Trinket thought it would be a good idea to bring someone with me. And, um, I guess you guys know Echo, so Trinket thought maybe we could ask you for help?
...Hang on a minute.

Orkahm closes the door. You can hear some hushed discussion going on, but you can't tell what anyone is saying. Even Taipu is being uncharacteristically quiet. After a minute or two, the door opens again, and Ihu steps out carrying a spear and a shield. They also have a pack strapped to their back.

I'll come with you.
Oh!
Hank, right? I'm Ihu.
Ihu. Nice to meet you.

The two shake hands, although there is some difficulty letting go due to Hank's sticky palm.

...Sorry. That's just the way my body is.
It's alright.
Stay safe, Ihu, and remember what we talked about.

Ihu gives Orkahm a look of disapproval.

Right.
 

Did you need anything else before you head out?