[PCA] UNIVERSAL CONSTANTS

[skinstealer]

MAES: What? 
MAES: What is it?
CHARON: Another marker, we're absolutely intruders in the eyes of this being.
JESTER: But- it doesn't- seem hostile-!
MAES: Jester, be careful.

 

Synna groans.

SYNNA: What's the marker?
CHARON:  Humanoid model, made of debris. 
CHARON:  Wearing a uniform of sorts... a coat.
ROSETTA: ....coat?

 

Rosetta hisses, immediately on edge.

ROSETTA: What kind?
CHARON:  Not a scientist.

 

Rosetta's rumbles deepen, Maes whispering into her comms.

MAES: How padded is it?

 

He examines it closer, squinting as he tries to get a good look in the dark.

CHARON:  Similar style to the ones rangers on the surface use to avoid bites from local animals. 
CHARON:  Could save you from most forms of biting and clawing, at least for a while.... shock stick in pocket.
MAES: ...not a Storage coat.
SYNNA: Or lab, from the sound of it. 
SYNNA: Sounds...local.
SYNNA: Outside local.
MAES: But there's no way that anyone could bring that in, that's contraband. 
MAES: Anya didn't let any outside material get in.
CHARON:  Shock stick is a message, though.

 

Synna cusses under her breath.

SYNNA: The five of you should regroup and keep moving. 
SYNNA: Look for more markers.
CHARON:  Mm... we'll see if there's a trail, scouting bird hasn't returned..
JESTER: ...bad sign.
SYNNA: Jester, can you see Judgment's light?
JESTER: ...y-yes. 
JESTER: Vaguely-

 

He does a sharp intake of breath.

JESTER: Bit better than he can, probably....
CHARON:  What's out there?
JESTER: I see the figure he mentioned. 
JESTER: ...more structures in between us and them, c-can't make em out-
SYNNA: Tread carefully.
CHARON: If I could determine your location I could locate them...

 

The dog turns, spotting an off-looking shine in the dark.

 

[alt: a pair of scarily bright cat eyes in the dark on one side and the other, charon's signature no-entry pupils.]


Two mirror-like eyes stare right back at him, jumping back.

CHARON:  Jesus christ... that you?
JESTER: You scared me!
CHARON:  ...How?
JESTER: You've got spooky eyes!!!
CHARON:  Have you looked at yourself?
JESTER: My eyes are normal!
CHARON: They glow.
JESTER: That's normal! 
JESTER: If Maes and Rosetta had eyes, they'd glow too!
SYNNA: Sheesh, have you really not been around cats, Judgment?
CHARON:  I've been around many cats and at least two of them were myself so...
MAES: ...you're a cat?
SYNNA: Flirt later, Maes. 
SYNNA: Regroup and go from there- Jester, you and Charon should get a sense of the area. 
SYNNA: The space between medium and titan floors is supposed to be completely open, but...sounds like you'll have some shit in the way.
JESTER: ...got it. 
JESTER: I'll lead Maes over.
CHARON:  Meet me in the middle, we'll check those structures.