Crankshaft Rafflesian: We're Past the Tutorial Thank God!

[A_Mi_Manera]

Dotty has made her way into the hallway by the time you step out, she's waiting for you. You tug lightly on her ponytail to get her attention.

Dotty: You ready to talk? 

Jam: Yep, got some important stuff I need to get by you if that's alrighty. 

Dotty: Ah, things didn't go according to plan?

Jam: Personally I'd say things went pretty good all considered but Geezer might need some convincing it's all alright.

Dotty: Yeah he went off about you not being you? What the fuck's that about? 

Jam: He's not wrong, your friend is alright by the way she'll be back shortly.

Dotty looks at you with suspicion. 

Jam: I know what you're thinking, demonic possession right? Nope! Lex messed with magic she shouldn't have touched in high school and now I'm here.

Dotty: That sounds demonic.

Jam: A little, promise you it's not though.

Dotty: So are you uh... the other person in her head she was talking about? Because I thought that was a metaphor.

Jam: Nope, entirely literal. Kind of, I'm her proxy! The manifestation of her inner confidence in this particular case. The part of her that has life a little more figured out.

Dotty: Oh... 

You play around with her hair. The ponytail maw makes a face at you.



Jam: I'm made of all the thoughts and ideas she isn't brave enough to say on her own. You know she always thought the whole ponytail from hell thing was cute. I mean I do too, it's big and fluffy and it's naturally super vibrant. She has to dye her hair every week to keep her color going.  

Dotty: She's... never actually said that.

Jam: She wants to! I'll say it for her until she does it herself. She's always worried things might be too much for you. Know how it is right?

Dotty: I mean I want to hear it! Just uh... from her mouth. I mean.. not that like... have you always been here or..?

You smirk at her.

Jam: You don't gotta be shy about admitting she's your favorite. You've known her for years and we meet like once a blue moon. Usually without either of you noticing. Sometimes she's so tired she doesn't realize she's not her. I try to keep her safe when I can... and now I need you to keep me safe a bit.

Dotty: I can talk to Geezer, I can hold the duel hostage if he doesn't play ball but... Lex is completely safe right? For sure?

Jam: If she goes I go, I'd never do anything to her and frankly I wanna help her out more than anything.

Dotty: Praying this doesn't become a screaming match, too late for that shit.

Jam: Doubt he wants to wake anyone up. He's got a standing to protect with that fancy knight's title behind him.

Dotty: You know, you got a good point there. You're smart... and I'm surprised Lex is shy enough about stuff to need someone like you around.

Jam: Everyone's got nerves and insecurities. Even rabbits with too much bravado. 

Dotty: Yeah but... she seems to brave sometimes you know? Too brave for her own good even. 

Jam: She likes you a lot, so the idea of screwing things up scares her. Scares me too, I know you don't know me much but I wanna spend time with you too.

Dotty: .....

Jam: You don't have to of course. I'd get it.

Dotty: No I mean, I'd like that... just a lot to take in. 

Jam: Don't take any offense. Just wanted you not to be out of the loop on what's up. Lex trusts you a ton, she really does.

She looks lost in thought for a moment.

Jam: You okay?

Dotty: Yeah. You got a name?

Jam: You can call me Jam. 

Dotty: Like... like her casual email?

Jam: NuggetsWithJam, yep. 

Dotty: That's goofy but I kinda like it. You're cool Jam. I wanna get to know you proper some time.

You can't help feel a little warm and fuzzy.

Jam: We're glad you're taking this well, all things. I'll give you Lex back shortly just uh... talk to Geezer for us please? We really don't want this to escalate. 

She nods at you.

Dotty: Just give me a few minutes, I'm gonna talk to him one on one about this and see how that goes.

Jam: Gotcha.

[A_Mi_Manera]

Geezer: You don't gotta explain anything, heard it all.

He's right behind you, no longer in his bath robe and all dressed to go out.

Jam: Geezer! You were right there? I thought you gonna give us private time!

Geezer: You want me not to hear it? Shut the door behind you. You're not Lex and now I gotta figure out what you are exactly because after that exposure to weird shit I don't wanna have a potential body snatcher around.

Dotty: They're not a body snatcher!

Geezer: Probably not, I don't take risks. I'm gonna get a good gauge, look me in the eye.

His gaze is scanning your face for any discrepancy. Whatever he's looking for, you're praying you're not it.



Geezer: Your soul split in two but neither of them are distressed. She safe?

Jam: Course', if she goes down I go down too. This is entirely mutual between us right now.

Geezer: You're not gonna just rip her out and dump her in the sewer right? Because I've dealt with that sort of thing before and I can't be seeing a repeat of it.

Dotty: Geezer!

Jam: It's fine! He's got a right to worry. I promise you I wouldn't. Don't think I can, that'd probably kill us both. 

Geezer: Huh... you mentioned uh... proxy work. 

Jam: Yeah.

Geezer: Never seen one do what you're doing before... separating into a different consciousness like that. Wild to me but I guess it happens. 

Jam: You're not mad right? Like-

Geezer: I'm still not gonna trust you right off the bat. Got a name?

Jam: Jam. 

Geezer: Seriously? 

Jam: It works right? You probably don't know like 5 other Jams.

Geezer: Fair enough. Dotty, I'm resting this on you. I want your judge of character.

Dotty: Gremlin... but I think they're a good person even if I don't know them super well. Doesn't give me any bad vibes.

Geezer gives you a look for a long time. You can't help but feel nervous.

Geezer: I'm making a call.



He places his hand on your head. 

Geezer: Your friend is a knight with a good head on her shoulders. If she says you're fine, I'll operate under that assumption for now. If you step out of line I'll strike you down but... I don't think I'll have to do that. 

You sigh in relief.

Jam: So I'm good?

Geezer: For now. I'm gonna go and head off to talk to the offices about our escalating situation with the pest you managed to stop. Someone is gonna be here quickly to pick it up. I got a walkie on me and anyone in room service can dial me because I got the frequency set to be the same as theirs. Something happens, call me. I'm gonna head out. 

Jam: So that's it? Gave us that scare for something so easy?

Geezer: For now. I'm gonna ask you both to get some sleep, and I wanna see Lex at some point tomorrow. I may not be the one who calls you over so... keep note that one of the staff may be joining you on this job. 

Dotty: Don't do anything stupid while you're out there.

Geezer: Got no plans to. You'll hear from me soon enough. Feel free to raid my fridge or contact me if anything is up. Don't leave the park unless it gets bad. Oh and uh.. Jam right?

Jam: Yeah? 

Geezer: Sorry for giving you all that trouble earlier. Just make sure you behave and we're good. Now for real, I'm out but I'll be back quick.

You both give him a little wave as he walks off. 

Dotty: We should get some rest, it's been a long day.

Jam: I know right? Lasted forever.

[A_Mi_Manera]

The two of you, technically three, head off to bed pretty quickly. You're glad you came running to the bus in your PJs because you don't have to worry about borrowing a set off someone. You're both having rather vivid dreams tonight...... 




You're Dotty. You're dreaming... but your vintage construct brain doesn't really make up dreams. It just rewinds old memories to help you get your full sleep cycle. You don't mind this one. You're nice and settled into the leather seated booth of a local food joint filled with wrinkled uniforms and tired faces trying to end the day on a high note. You're among the ranks, a public duelist grabbing a bite after your shift with a newly found friend. You're pleasantly surprised this has gone as far as it has, getting the invite and even seeing her show up before you. 

Lex: Yo, really glad you made it.

Dotty: Yeah, same here. Didn't keep you waiting too long right? I mean I had paperwork to wrap up, didn't get to change out of my uniform before rushing over-

Lex: Don't sweat it, you're fine.

Dotty: You sure? I mean I should've asked for a number or something to tell you but-

Lex: You're fine, for real.

Dotty: Gotcha.

Lex: You're not like, nervous right?

You try to play it off.

Dotty: Nah, I'm all good. You?

Lex: All things considered? Yeah. A bit sore but yeah.

Dotty: You come out of work?

Lex: Nah, I duel. Went sparring today with some of the local circuit scrappies.

Dotty: Didn't you like... hurt yourself earlier?

Lex: Yep. I walk it off.

Dotty: You're crazy, for real?

Lex: I mean yeah, I'm not wasting the rest of my day because someone wanted to pick some beef.

Dotty: Strong.

Lex: Yeah what can I say.. 

Dotty:  If I got roughed up by some punk I'd go straight home and nap for the rest of the day. You just got scuffed on campus, patched back together, and then put on your game face right after. 

Lex: Practically indestructible you know? Can't keep me down?

Dotty: Really think that?

Lex: I'm here, means nobody's managed to do me in.  So uh.... you've barely eaten anything.

She narrows her eyes toward your food.

Dotty: Ah! Yeah I mean... I'll get to it.

Lex: Get to it soon, shit'll get cold.

Dotty: If it gets cold I'll ask for a takeout box and eat it at home.

Lex: It's burgers and fries, doesn't reheat well.

Dotty: Yeah well... I'm taking my time.

Lex: What a waste, poor fries didn't deserve to go out that way.

Eventually you do get to it.  Lex wrap up with her own plate. She takes sips from a cup that's got nothing but fragments of droplets left. She looks over like she's trying to prompt something but struggling right now. You make your move.



Dotty: Sooooo... what's the deal with the lens?

Lex: These? 

Dotty: Mmhmm! Cosmetic?

Lex: Corrective. I'm just a little near-sighted.

Dotty: Wee bit?

Lex: Hella more than wee bit, been fussing with insurance to get some repairs work.

Dotty: Didn't know they did custom jobs like that for prescription glasses. Kinda reminds me of some of the stuff... what were they called, the folks who talk to ghosts?

Lex: Ah... well.. I mean I'm a bit of a coat on the side.

Dotty: Coat?

Lex: Like... you know witches?

Dotty: I know of them?

Lex: Kind of a sub-branch really. Little bit paladin-core, little bit on the supernatural enthusiast side. Pushing the good energies in and cleaning out the bad vibes. 

Dotty: So like... you see auras or dead people? Something like that.

Lex: I mean no, I want that but uh... nah.. I can do a pretty good reading though if you want, find the card that's most you.

Dotty: Oh?

Lex: Yeah, don't have my deck on me but next time if you're up to do this some more I can set you up. Once you got your main arcana you got a anchor to keep you safe.

Dotty: What's yours? 

Lex: XX, The Aeon. 

Dotty: What the fuck is a Aeon?

Lex: It's like...a measure of time. I think. 

Dotty: Weird. 

Lex: I'm sure you'll get a cooler one than that.

Dotty: Why's that?

Lex: I dunno. You got a very VIII vibe. 

Dotty: What.

Lex: Like... I dunno. You're tall, you got a long ponytail, you're you don't mind me rambling so much.

Dotty: Gonna take a page from you and say don't sweat. Wouldn't be here if it bugged me.

Lex: You know what? You're right. You got stuff to say too though right? Like, I don't wanna hog all the talk.

You shrug at her.

Dotty: Don't have all that much going on outside of work.

Lex: Nothing? No hobbies? Friends? Troubles to yell about?

Dotty: Ehh.... I'm boring. I just go to work, go home, curl up with a book, and spend weekends 

Lex: You're not.... seeing anyone are you?

Dotty: Nooooooo..?



She smirks at you.

Lex: I'm gonna drop you a proposition. One I think you're gonna like.

Dotty: Bring it. 

Lex: I'm gonna take you out on a date.

Dotty: Oh shit what? Like now?

Lex: Now.

You have work tomorrow morning... but this sort of thing doesn't seem to come up often. You can risk it. Coffee will carry you. You're gonna play along with it, escalate it a little even.

Dotty: Alright, what's the catch?

Lex: No catch.

Dotty: I'm gonna have to put a pin in this for now because I'm gonna counter your little proposition with a few little adjustments.

Lex: Go on.

Dotty: I'm taking you on a date. You pick the spot, we get dessert after.

Lex: I need a sweetener here to really get it going. 

Dotty: Yeah?

Lex: I want a second date.

Dotty: We... we haven't even finished the first?

Lex: As a act of goodwill, I'm counting this right now as our first date. You can buffer it to another day, and that'd be a second date. You could keep this date going. Your call there. But I demand.... you walk me home.

Dotty: Hand holding included?

Lex: Optional. But... I think you've made up your mind on that.

She's giving you the smuggest grin possible. You're trying to turn this around but it's starting to crash down. 

Dotty: I want compliments-

Lex: You're cute. 

Dotty: Your face is cute.

Lex: I know, we got something in common.

Fuck. You fumble around mentally to think of a comeback.

Dotty: Yeah well.. 

Lex: You're making out of this pretty good yeah? You got anything else you gotta drop in? 

Dotty: We're supposed to take turns on this aren't we?

Lex: I got to know that a few nice word melt you. You've given me the biggest thing of all, power. 

You wheezed in a horrible frankenstein cocktail of a laugh and a played up gasp filtered through the most old tin quality windpipe ever heard.

Lex: Did that noise come out of you just now? Oh my god!

Dotty: Look-

Lex: That's cute! 

Dotty: No! You're horrible! We're going on that date now, fuck you!

Lex: You're not getting a take out box?

Dotty: We're asking at the front! God! You're a nasty chaos worm in a costume!

She laughs a little before the confidence she just had flushes down. 

Lex: Are you actually okay? Like.. just to make sure we're all good here? Didn't push any buttons too hard right?

Dotty: Yeah, no, I'm goofing with you too! For real, like.. I'm up for this! 

You ask for a takeout box at the front register. They provide you with a paper bag, close enough. Your date refills her drink before catching up. 

You've nabbed yourself a hell of a challenge here, one you don't think you could have prepared for going into today.

 You got plans to fulfill the whole deal, second date, walking home, down to the word and every interpretation of it.... and if it goes well... maybe renew things for the longer term. You absolutely milked the hand holding clause that day for all it's worth. 




You're glad this one loops a ton, and you're glad that wasn't just a one off. You couldn't imagine having to handle something like today entirely alone.... You're still incredibly anxious about the duel however. Lex coming with you eases some stress but... Geezer is allowed to bring a second of his own. At least you won't have to disappoint his grandma by not remembering why you owe her this fight in the first place. 

You think a little bit about earlier when that odd lizard, that horrible little "pardner" as Geezer insisted it's called changed things around a bit. You were a very different creature, almost organic. You can't help but wish you got a little more time like that if only to know proper. 

You wonder what Lex and Jam are dreaming about, if they're dreaming at all right now.

[A_Mi_Manera]

You're flopped in bed. You are.... Lex you think?

With this sort of thing you're not entirely sure.

That's okay, I forgive you for being new to this.

That's.... my thought right?

Nope, it's mine.

Jam?

Yep. And you're Lex. Now that you got it figured out talk to me.

That went smoother than I thought.

He still doesn't trust us entirely. Well... me specifically. 

He'll warm up. Geezer is uh... something though.

He's a dork. You know, you're new to this too.Surprised you were ready to accept this so easy.

I'm open to making new friends.... even if they're in my head I think. 

Yeah. 

You doing okay?

Course I am. You?

Yeah. Nervous about tomorrow, not gonna lie to you.

You'll be fine, you got a couple of experienced fighters with you and you're not too shabby yourself. As long as you don't get swarmed by numbers he said right? And in daytime at a theme park that's pretty hard.

I'm sure they'll be bundled in the back of some dark ride during the day. 

Maybe they'll suck you into a world where animatronics are sentient.

Don't say that...

I mean they could be chill right?

I guess. Animatronics are kind of weird and uncanny though. They're like corpses rigged to repeat the same animation loop.

You're just saying that from a construct perspective.

No shit! They're probably made reusing parts from people on the island now that I'm thinking about it...

Wouldn't a sentient animatronic just be a person then anyway?

You know.... you're right on that? Funny actually, live actors for a dark ride.

Must be expensive upkeep. 

Absolutely. Okay so um..... I think I forgot who I am again uh...

You're Lex! Here, let me clear things up for you.



You're in a colorful concrete plain. Jam holds out her hand to you. You take it.

Lex: What's this?

Jam: Offering to dance with you. We never got to play games like I promised we would.

Lex: Oh, you mean like....

Jam: The arcade? Yeah... I mean if we got time to shed. Dreams go by fast, this is like our fourth fifth REM cycle or something I think.

Lex: I don't know what that means.

Jam: You took a psychology course or two in college right? REM?

Lex: Kinda rings a bell.

Jam: Either way, you're dreaming alright? No worries. 

Lex: Guess so..... maybe I'll hold off on it for now. Do need my rest, got a busy day tomorrow.

Jam: Maybe. You know we've had this conversation a few times before tonight.

Lex: Really?

Jam: Yep. Hopefully you'll remember before the next dream cycle kicks in.

Lex: That's existential.

Jam: Sure is! You go to sleep and wake up a different you just a little than the one that dreamed 6 times.

Lex: Ugh... you're gonna give me anxiety. 

Jam: Good.

Lex: Fuck you.

Jam: You said it! You said fuck!

Lex: Nobody will know.  Where are we anyway?

Jam: Your mind palace! Where everything you think about intensively kind of just compiled into a pretty little castle in the sky. You've been here plenty of times.

Lex: Yeah... Guess I have. I think? Feels familiar enough anyway. Remember it vaguely.

Jam: It's just the two of us, everyone else is kind of just made out of your thoughts and memories. I don't wanna go to deep because then Dotty is gonna have to shake you awake but...

Lex: I got time. Show me around.

[A_Mi_Manera]

You feel yourself being lifted off your feet.

Jam: We're gonna just dive straight in, hope you don't mind much. It's faster than walking around at a crawl.

Lex: Yeah I getcha... wow this is weird.

Jam: It'll be fine.

Jam leads you down the corridors and alleyways of a dense city made of structures both abstract and familiar.

Jam: Soo.... everything important you think about has to go somewhere right? And here's where it all piles together. Your mind palace as some would say.

Lex: I don't think you're using that term right.

Jam: It's in your mind and kind of a palace right? Close enough.

Lex: I mean I guess.... so why are we here?

Jam: I mostly wanna introduce you to this place since tomorrow we might be tagging out a good amount. Those pardners got some nasty powers and you might need me to step in. This is gonna be your rest area whenever that happens. 

Lex: You uh.... got abilities yeah?

Jam: A few! For example, I can convince people a prop is the real deal.

Lex: That seems kind of weak.

Jam: Not if you're in costume. They might have you go tomorrow in character and they'll absolutely give you some props to work with.

Lex: Okay so uh... what else in case that doesn't work out?

Jam: I can pick up things where you left off if you were to go into shock. Like one of those spare guys you get in a video game. 

Lex: That's kinda nice I guess but uh... unless you can heal me that's no good.

Jam: I can control your adrenaline, that's more than enough I think to save you. 

Lex: That's actually kinda cool I guess.

Jam: It's more than cool, it's a lifesaver in the right situation. I don't really have something absurdly strong like shooting lasers or making cool weapons show up but I think that's plenty enough to work with for now. 

Lex: Compared to everyone else though? Dotty used to be a pretty famous lots of things and Geezer is some kind of magic man. Feel like I'm contributing the least here.

Jam: Don't underestimate how strong you can be with a little fire under you, I can mess with your functions to help you keep in fighting shape and you're not too shabby at scrapping in general so... it works out. Plus Dotty wouldn't have invited you for this if she thought you'd be a bad partner for a duel right? You're fine.  You managed to pin a partner in a pinch no problem, you got the potential.


Lex: When you put it like that, I guess you're right. You're gonna be with me the entire way though, right?

Jam: Absolutely... just no more self doubt stuff. You weren't like that when you came running over to the bus yesterday afternoon.

Lex: Yeah... I don't know what happened.

Jam: Too much in one day, it does it to anyone.... I think it's time for you to wake up now though. I hear something.

You do too, it's knocking on the door.

Lex: I guess uh... I'll see you soon then?

Jam: I'll always be here, see you whenever you need me.




Your eyes open up. You look over toward the doorway. Dotty is there talking to one of the staff, another dopple with a bit of a ratty look to her. You can't make out the conversation particularly well, you're still half asleep. The staff member hands Dotty a pile of clothes. I guess they can't have you using the same outfit however long they need you to. Dotty wraps things up with the crew member and flops onto the bed next to you.

Dotty: Lex, you awake yet.

Lex: Kinda.....

Dotty: We're gonna need to be ready soon. Shower and get dressed.

Lex: What time is it?

Dotty: 6am. Why?

You grumble.

Dotty: Gotta be up early. They promised to cover meals while we're here including breakfast but we have to be at the park by 8.

Oh god you don't think you had a proper meal at all yesterday. 

Lex: That'd be nice.

Dotty grabs your hand and pulls up upright.

Dotty: It'll be fun, we'll make it fun.

Lex: Yeah... give me a few minutes to get ready.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You make for a quick shower and change into fresh clothes. You step out of the bathroom. Dotty is sitting on the bed waiting for you as you dry your hair.

Lex: So uh.... you were talking to someone right? We getting put to work right away?

Dotty: Yeah, that's Tackle. She wanted to prep us on some policy.

Lex: Okay.

Dotty: So we're temporary staff. We don't have to wear uniforms but we gotta abide to a few polices. No firearms on park so we're being handed stun batons in case of pardner. 

Lex: Sure, keep talking.

Dotty: Shoes and shirt are required at all times, no facial piercings allowed, tattoos that don't comply with marking code need to be covered up. No wearing religious artifacts of any kind. Guys can't have hair that goes past shoulders and must tie or style appropriately.

This sure is a place.

Lex: Gotcha. Kinda uh... old fashioned huh?

Dotty: They're so called "family friendly" so yeah. It's a mess of a company. Big one next, no cursing or swearing.

Lex: Is there a difference?

Dotty: Maybe? I'll be fine, you should probably be fine but I'll remind you if something goes down. 

Lex: Easy then.

It might not be that easy for you.

Dotty: We're allowed to eat on the park as long as we're not in any uniform... uh.... no interacting with the costumed characters more than required is a big one. No photos, no hugs.

You absoultely were planning to take a photo with a certain silly old bear who's usually in rotation but looks like it's not happening this time. Nobody would notice if you got a hug in though right?

Dotty: I mean it by the way, no.

Lex: Gotcha.

Dotty: We're not allowed to get on any of the rides while we're looking for pardners. Off the clock only.

Lex: Guess that one's fair enough. Not like we'll find any on a rollercoaster.

Dotty: We wouldn't be able to deal with them if we did. Too unsafe to jump out of. 

Lex: Yeah I don't wanna do that today.

Dotty: They need us downstairs in twenty minutes. We'll be treated to breakfast before we work and then from there we'll enter the park. Geezer apparently pinpointed a area where Pardner activity is really big last night while we were asleep. 

Lex: Oh god Geezer's hair is long right?

Dotty: Yeah?

Lex: Do you think he has it all tied up? Like in a silly bun.

Dotty: You're a silly bun... but yeah he probably does. 

Lex: I'm gonna bully him.

Dotty: That's also banned actually... you wanna start going actually?

Lex: Yeah, let's hurry on out of here.

You make one last quick look at yourself in the mirror before heading toward the elevators. 

You hit the lobby floor, the construct from earlier waits for you in a chair with a crank newspaper in hand. 

Dotty: Tackle!

She waves back at you and puts the paper down before approaching.



Tackle: Morning Dotty, and uh... this is Lex I think?

Lex: Yep. Morning. 

Tackle: Mm. We're going to eat in the shopping center in just a sec. Did Dotty brief you?

Lex: Sure did.

Dotty: I covered most of it, I'll bring up anything missed if the situation comes up but a lot of the important stuff is down.

Lex: So uh.... what's breakfast?

Tackle: Well.. there's a pancake place on location if you're interested. We'll talk more over there on game plan. Geezer will hopefully meet up with us. 

Lex: Yeah, that sounds good.

Dotty: He doing okay?

Tackle: Mm. He's very efficient at his process it seems, expected from a knight I suppose. You're a knight too aren't you Dotty?

Dotty: It's a bit of an artifact title. Never really comes up and I don't practice anymore.

Tackle: Well wear it while you're here, it impresses the suits and it'll get them to listen to your input. Lex, as far as people are concerned you're her squire. You assist her while you look for a guild to register you and learn under her wing. The folks on top will look at you nicer than if you uh.... what's your occupation?

Lex: Minor Circuit Duelist.... with a side job handling online store inventory.

Tackle: Yeah no, Squire works better here. Trust me, it'll find you opportunities down the line if they like your work over the next couple of days. 

Lex: I could get a job out of this?

Tackle: Maybe! Management here likes to talk so... make sure they got good things to say about you. You got any questions?

Dotty: Yeah. Can we scoot this over? We're kind of standing in the middle of a lobby and people are trying to get around us soo....

Tackle: No problem! We'll head down and meet up with Mr. Geezer.

The three of you start shuffling out the lobby door. You feel a nice mild breeze as you exit, the morning sun just barely giving a hue to the sky. You're usually not up this early so this is a nice change of pace....

There's admittedly not much in the way of conversation, though you can't help but look over at Dotty a ton as you do.  

Tackle: Just as a note, this area of the resort is open 24/7. Not every shop of course but if you ever feel up for a late night bite there's options. 

Dotty: Is the upkeep hard?

Tackle: Absolutely, night shift is pretty calm after 12 though so most of it is spent handling maintinence. We need more technically sound crew for that time of day since we don't have as many folks to take care of things like spills and lightning errors. 

Lex: You ever work the night shift?

Tackle: A few times, a lot of us have dorm near park or under it because it's pretty difficult to drive in and out during the work week for full timers. 

Lex: Under the park?

Dotty: You never heard about the underground city?

Tackle: It's not really much of a city but.. there's living areas and fast traveling tunnels to help crew get around or take quick rests. I could show you later if you'd like...

Lex: Yes please, sounds spooky. 

Dotty: I want in on that too if you don't mind much. 

Tackle: I'll put in a good word for you after you're done investigating today, tell you what. For now well.... I think we're here!



You arrive in front of a cabin-esque pancake house with a inflatable cartoon character dressed as a lumberjack standing on top of it. His big ax seemingly casts judgment on you, a reminder that you are not in charge. 

Geezer stands in front waiting, his hair tied back in a ponytail. He looks like a marketing image for shampoo that makes you fit.



Geezer: Hey ya'll. Got here before all of you. Got to do a lot of briefing but I'm sure you're all hungry huh

Dotty: Yep.

Lex: Starved, I forgot to eat yesterday.... 

Tackle looks at you with genuine concern. 

Geezer: Yeah we should fix that. Park is covering our meal so feel free to go hard, you need that right now.

Tackle: Mmhmm. Courtesy for how sudden and unexpected this situation is, plus you're going to be dueling in a couple of days anyway once the Pardner issue is cleared right? We gotta treat our performers well. 

Lex: If you're sure, I can't complain about free breakfast.

Dotty: Mm. Lets get our table.

Tackle: Absolutely.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You've all situated yourselves at a table in the corner of the diner. You're early so the only folks there are early birds who got their tickets to the park online and staff here for breakfast. 

There's very little small talk until the food comes in, and you count down the minutes until it's ready.

Of course you do, you didn't eat yesterday at all.

You forget, it happens.

And that's bad! Eat up good today! 

You will. 

Mean it. 

Of course....

And needless to say, you fulfill your promise to yourself by being the first to bite into your sweet delicious breakfast meal. 

Dotty watches you with a bit of concern. You notice and slow down to keep from worrying her. Everyone is too tired to muster up a conversation. Everyone except Tackle who seems to be waiting for the right moment to prompt.

You should beat her to the punch. It looks good, shows initiative. 



Lex: So Tackle right?

Tackle: Mmhmm! 

Lex: You fed me so uh... you wanna get this started? Like, I wanna know what we're up against. 

Tackle: Geezer? Got your report?

Geezer: Yeah, nothing too serious. Just a cluster of pardners somewhere on the park. A bit of a hazard actually. They're nesting under one of the dark rides. 

Tackles: Awful. Which one?

Geezer: Uh... one of the festive decor ones, you know the rotating boats? 

Tackle: We have two rides that fit that category during our festive rotation, could you clarify a bit more Mr. Geezer?

Geezer: The pirate themed one. Lot of activity can be detected down there, sighting records are especially high in that zone of the park. We gotta clear them out, at least the bigger ones. 

Dotty: I don't understand how they're so big in the first place, aren't Pardners supposed to be tiny?



Geezer: Normally yeah but uh.... something is up.

Tackle: Overfeeding. Visitors drop food or decide to give some to the feral possums on the park all the time.  The pardners look harmless enough that people might do that too. 

Dotty: We should close off part of the park if we're going to be doing this.

Tackle: I brought that up actually! The heads don't want to lose a day of business. 

Dotty: Then just close off the area where they're lingering. 

Tackle: It's a high traffic zone, one that's also a crossing between 3 major sections of the entire park. Guests will notice it and it'll lead to issues with crowding in other parts.

Lex: Can we at least get the ride shut down? Like, why are we putting so many folks at risk?

Tackle: That's plenty viable. Truth be told, management up top doesn't want the world to think there's an infestation. 

Lex: I mean... there is-

Tackle: A technical issue of yet unconfirmed magnitude that may lead to some delays in opening a ride or two.  On the record. 

Dotty: And off the record?

Tackle: A plague of otherworldly lizards in hats. But you never heard that from me! 

Lex: What if I did?

Tackle: Mmm, I don't know but I do know that snitches will have to pay for their own meals on the park sooooo....

Lex: Noted. 

Geezer coughs.

Geezer: Hate to cut you off but we gotta talk strategy. I'm gonna search around for other nests. Dotty, you and Lex are going to check out the ride's basement. If there's a especially big pardner I don't want you to confront it on your own. They get smarter the bigger they are.

Dotty: How much smarter are we talking?

Geezer: Enough to give orders to the underlings. In the field we got a name for them. 

Dotty: Oh?

Geezer: Buckaroos. Nasty things. 

Lex: That sounds so cute....

Dotty: That's silly, who named these things?

Geezer: My grandma.

Dotty: Was she a cowboy or something?

Geezer: Yes...

Dotty: I am so fucking sorry.

Geezer: You should be. Dotty, you're pretty well equipped right?

Dottty: Yeah, I should be safe. Why?

Geezer: I don't wanna leave people unarmed for this. Lex you probably didn't pack anything for this sort of thing I'm guessing huh?

Lex: Uh... no. 

Geezer: I'm gonna supply you with a multi-saw. You're a duelist so you know how to use one of these things I'm sure.




He pulls a large pen-like tool out from his pocket and holds it out to you.

Lex: Yeah... wow this one's a real fancy model. 

Geezer: Little roughed up but it'll keep you safe and fit in your pocket just fine. Uses a fluid based system so dip it in water after each good use to keep the blade fresh. 

Lex: You sure you really want me using it? Looks like a custom model.

Geezer: Yeah, I trust you with it. Just don't break it if you can help, it's got a bit of a legacy to it. 

Lex: Promise I'll take good care of it. 

Dotty: What do you want us to do if we run into a especially big one?

Geezer: Stall it. Tackle is gonna set you up with some radios, call in for help and keep it from bailing but uh... if it gets tense back down. If you try to fight to win you're gonna get seriously hurt.... or worse. I don't wanna have anyone get hurt on my watch. 

Lex: Can't guarantee that.

Geezer: I'm serious, don't. Tackle and I will be ready for you to chime in on us at any point.

Tackle: Mmhmm! We're gonna set you up with a couple of technicians to help you navigate too. Good friends of mine, you'll like them I think. 

Dotty: I'm sure we will. 

You pocket the saw.

Can't help feel a little excited.

You're gonna put yourself into this job, impress Dotty and Geezer.

Not the manager? 

Absolutely not, they still need to fix your eye. 

Geezer: Wrap up breakfast soon, we gotta get to work.

I hope you don't mind if I take a bite.....

For a moment you probably weren't entirely Lex.

You might be Jam actually. Whoops.



Tackle watches you with intrigue. 

Jam:  Is everything okay?

Tackle: I just didn't expect a fifth person at the table.  

You nearly choke on your food. You've been out for less than a minute. 

I know, literally how?

Tackle: Doesn't mean all that much to me, just a observation that you seemingly confirmed. No need to share that info with management. Enjoy your breakfast. 

You feel a tad unsettled.

You feel especially unsettled.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

The meal wraps up with you inputting very little toward the rest of the conversation. 

Tackle handles the bill. You all plan to enter the park in advance to avoid dealing with crowds while handling the pardner situation.

Being spotted like that two nights of a row fills you with a heavy sense of tension.

You try not to make eye contact with anyone as you exit.

You tag in. The feeling is leaking over pretty hard right now.

Sorry about that. 

You okay?

Little rattled. Don't trust her much.

I don't blame you, she has a bit of a threatening aura.

Between her and Geezer I'm gonna have a field day.

Just sit back for now.

Your internal conversation is interrupted.



Dotty: Hey, you alright?

Lex: Mm?

Dotty: What was all that about? Everyone got weird at the table.

Lex: Something a little private. I wanna wait til we're clear.

Dotty: Nobody's around. Whisper.

Lex: So uh... the other person. Like, the one I mentioned?

Dotty: Yeah, what about them?

Lex: Feeling a little threatened right now. 

Dotty: By who? Geezer? I'll keep him in check if he starts something again.

Lex: Him and Tackle. I don't think either of them trust us more than they gotta.

Dotty: Course not, Tackle is corporate and Geezer's weird. Don't take anything so seriously. 

Lex: I'm feeling really bad Dotty. Like, I'm feeling two people's feelings right now and both suck and I'm not sure anymore who's are who's.

Dotty: We'll get some time to ourselves after we split into teams. 

Lex: You don't think they're going to monitor us?

Dotty: I mean.... probably. I'm more worried about the fact that we're going to do this and the duel back to back.

Lex: Shoot, that's right! You nervous?

Dotty: It's a real fight so... yeah. I have no data on what Geezer can do, and he has the option of a tag partner too though... he might not bother with one so that's good for us.

Lex: You don't got a issue fighting two against one?

Dotty: Nope, I want to live. Besides, I've been out of the dueling game and he's probably still active enough. I'll take any advantage I can get. You could probably kick his ass. 

Lex: I mean he's a knight, I'm still in the minor circuits.

Dotty: Yeah but like, you're scrappy. You've seen the movies, the scrappy underdog wins.

Lex: That's usually the sequels. I'm not expecting anything. You're still in the business.

Dotty: I'm just a glorified referee. I yell at people when they break the rules for a living.

Lex: Yeah but like....

You put your hand by the top of her forehead. 

Lex: You're big. Like really big. You could kill someone with a body slam. 

Dotty: I mean I could! Doesn't mean I want to! 

Lex: Like, you could just sit on someone and that's it, bones broken. I can't do that.

Dotty: Now you're just going to make me insecure. 

Lex: It's a good thing! Like, you're strong! 

You're interrupted by the sliding in of a very sneaky rabbit.



Tackle: You better be strong, today you are both going to work!

Lex: Uh.... Hi?

Oh god she has her arm around us.

Tackle: You talking game plan?

Dotty: Little bit, you need us now?

Tackle: Mmhmm! We're approaching the entrance in a sec. You ever been to Capital Park? Makes the most Capital in the Capital!

Dotty: I've probably been there, can't remember though.

Lex: I was there once as a kid but same boat really? 

Tackle: May as well be a fresh set of eyes then. We're going to hook you up with passes in a sec, I got good news.

Dotty: Oh? 

Tackle: I'm setting you both up with a few extra resources. Management gave the go to spare you a few crew members to help you out. We got Kurt on the radio ready to help if any tech related issues come up. He's one of our creative engineers who works on updating rides for the season. We also are offering you some options. 

Dotty: Show them.

Tackle: Mm. So.... Geezer insists on being there if there's a alpha Pardner. 

Lex: You mean Buckaroo.

She glares at you quietly before continuing. 

Tackle: He's called up a contact for help. Owes him a favor, another knight who happens to be in the area right now.

Dotty: Okay. 



Tackle: Very experienced, slayer of many giant creatures. We're compensating them of course for the their time. It shouldn't have to come to this but... we like the extra insurance. We also have two others who might be of interest for the searching process.




Tackle: The first is a necromancy unit and spiritualist who might be able to track down the supernatural aura around these lizards. As silly as it sounds, a witch is pretty handy on the investigation. Also supposedly she's very pleasant to work with. She might be of help if you've got a ghost in your head especially. The second one....



Tackle: Is a vintage unit who's been around for... well, one of you might have met him a long time ago. Hard to say, I could be making a assumption! Very powerful unit, one of the strongest duelists in the area. A little extra protection couldn't hurt.....


You feel targeted. You can tell Dotty does too. 


You all arrive in front of the park. It's massive.

Tackle: We can bring in one right now. Take your pickings.

Dotty:... I'm having a little trouble. Lex, you wanna help? What do you think?


Vote to progress 

https://www.strawpoll.me/20319187

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

Jam: Hey so…

Lex: Mm?

Jam: Your session go okay?

Lex: Me? Yeah, still getting used to this but I like our doc so far. Get why you recommended her.

Jam: Lupe’s great, she just fucking gets it.

Lex: Yeah, having her be so direct and like…. I dunno. I think I need that.

Lex: I got a lot I wanna go over and I know it’s going to take some time but like..

Jam: I mean I get it, we both went through that shit together.

Lex: Yeah, no and like… 100% our old doc was probably telling our folks everything.

Lex: Like, therapy does jack when you gotta lie through your teeth the whole time. If my folks knew the shit that went on during high school they would’ve crucified me.

Jam: Yeah no kidding.

Lex: Like… we got away with a lot. Enough shit that I don’t think they’d believe me.

Jam: Barely walked away with my life. God know they’d get rid of me if they could.

Lex: Never, I’d bite them.

Jam: Give them a little rabies?

Lex: For you? I’d start a whole outbreak.

Jam: You goof…. Don’t do that.

Lex: No promise.

Jam: Bitch. I love you.

Lex: Me too, we should date or something.

Jam: Yeah….

Lex: Yeah…

Jam: That’d be gay though, not allowed.

Lex: Nope, think of the poor grandmas.

Jam: Two rabbits holding hands? Dangerous.

Lex: Don’t think anyone’s got a plan for that.

Jam: You know though, I do want that.

Lex: Me biting people?

Jam: No just…

Lex: Ah! Yeah… like, me too. Feels so weird that like… we’re always together but we can’t really cuddle or anything.

Jam: Want that so bad..

Lex: Yeah like… man, I dunno.

Lex: I’ve heard there’s ways but they feel like they’re a bit too expensive. And like…

Lex: I feel selfish but…

Jam: You can say it.

Lex: A lot of it always seems so… permanent. Like..

Lex: I know Dotty would love it too but….

Jam: No, I feel the same way!

Jam: I’d want to be able to be able to do both. I wanna be able to cuddle with both of you at the same time but I want to still be with you?

Jam: Can’t imagine being alone agan, can’t do that.

Lex: Mm.

Jam: Plus… I get overstimmed being out too long. Gotten better with time but…

Lex: Proud of you for that by the way, you’ve been nailing it.

Jam: I try… Guess I just want both. I figure there’s gotta be answers.

Lex: I mean yeah like, we’re constructs and there’s weird magic people all around. Don’t even have to have a normal structure to function. Spice literally doesn’t need a head to live.

Jam: Honestly that’s pretty cute…

Lex: Not with this body…

Jam: If only…

Lex: No! I mean it would be but I like having a head? So like…

Jam: Yeah, fair.

Lex: Maybe there’s a way to make that work though…

Jam: Seen it a few times! It’s really neat actually, it’s some consciousness travel fanciness. Fucking dope stuff. Getting derailed but um…

Jam: Maybe we could get modded for that? We’d still need to figure out how to get our hands on a second body and that’d be expensive but… something to save for?

Lex: I can talk with Dotty about it. If we plan things out like…

Lex: It’d be such a major thing, you know? Worth it to me and like..

Lex: I mean I’ll be blunt like, I just wanna make out in drive-in theater or something. I don’t give a fuck, I’ll do it.

Jam: Yeah? What kind of movie?

Lex: Arthouse film, the kind that goes on for like 3 hours. Snuggle, gay it up, get to brag about seeing the movie where a dude turns himself into a cell phone or something.

Jam: I’m down, let’s do it.

Lex: I want some depressing ass song from 4 decades ago to play while we spoon during the big murder finale.

Jam: You get it, you’re not a coward.

Lex: And snacks… I want a big bucket of popcorn..

Jam: Might be the most expensive part of the setup but we can look into a loan.

Lex: Walk up to the bank and go “Please let me be gay, please let me kiss this spider rabbit.”

Jam: You’d have to be a criminal not to go through with it.

Lex: Please sir, we just need to borrow 50 to make our dreams come true….

Jam: Make them cry.

Lex: God just… I’m glad I have you... Can’t ever imagine what life would be like without you….

Jam: Same… canonized that first kiss for you.

Lex: I was so mad that you sniped me….

Jam: You were dating Dotty for two years and you never went for it!

Lex: I wanted to but thought it’d be weird!

Dotty: She’s our girlfriend!

Lex: We were both shy! And you kinda helped us break out of that shell and like…

Lex: Getting to know you again like…

Lex: It made all three of us better. Can’t imagine what life would be like without that moment, you know?

Lex: Thank you.

Jam: Yeah well… I mean…

Jam: Yeah, same. You’re really the best.

Lex: This is the part where we’d kiss right?

Jam: Yeah… just save it for the pile of them when the chance shows up for real.

Lex: I’m keeping count.

Jam: You’re going to be there with me when we go visit family and all, yeah?

Lex: The whole way, both me and Dotty.

Jam: And you’ll protect me?

Lex: Bite everyone til things go full scorched earth.

Jam: Even me?

Lex: Especially you.

Jam: Hehe… fucker.

Lex: The biggest.