The doe doesn't understand no more, first being thrown out and then get a slushie. Does that wizard know what he wants? Some well known friend of her would say "Undecided he is", but what has she to loose to try such whatever-it-is. Lizbeth has been told once, these slushies, everybody knows what's in it, but nobody ever tells.
On her way back into the shop, she smiles at Zion, "I didn't mean to be rude at you, if I seemed harsh, please excuse me. I don't know where we are, I don't know what force brought as all together here." And the moment before the rocket-girl makes her smashing entrance, with a grin she whispers, "it's not only a trilogy, but a complete saga with timeless backs and forth, with story not yet told but already lived. "
Lizbeth laughs, not only at the well-known to her forced landing of the rocket girl but at the supposed face Zion should have in her mind. She disappears to join the slushie machine, her little deer tail wagging frantically behind her.
While choosing that atomic green shining one, she sees the van disappear in hyperspace, she sends a mental goodbye before only stripes of light could be seen and the van vanish.
The green one seems to have taste of metallic green apples with a hint of diesel, not so bad after all.
Lizbeth comes out again slurping her slushie with a shrug and a stupid grin. The X-wing cabin globe opens again with that typical hydraulic sound, all lights go on again and the ship returns to life, that turbine now humming again, but with way less sound.
"This seems to be good quality gas, I'll surely reach destination with that."
She turns toward the Wizard, lifts her slushie as a wave and thanks him with her hand on her heart.
On her way back into the shop, she smiles at Zion, "I didn't mean to be rude at you, if I seemed harsh, please excuse me. I don't know where we are, I don't know what force brought as all together here." And the moment before the rocket-girl makes her smashing entrance, with a grin she whispers, "it's not only a trilogy, but a complete saga with timeless backs and forth, with story not yet told but already lived. "
Lizbeth laughs, not only at the well-known to her forced landing of the rocket girl but at the supposed face Zion should have in her mind. She disappears to join the slushie machine, her little deer tail wagging frantically behind her.
While choosing that atomic green shining one, she sees the van disappear in hyperspace, she sends a mental goodbye before only stripes of light could be seen and the van vanish.
The green one seems to have taste of metallic green apples with a hint of diesel, not so bad after all.
Lizbeth comes out again slurping her slushie with a shrug and a stupid grin. The X-wing cabin globe opens again with that typical hydraulic sound, all lights go on again and the ship returns to life, that turbine now humming again, but with way less sound.
"This seems to be good quality gas, I'll surely reach destination with that."
She turns toward the Wizard, lifts her slushie as a wave and thanks him with her hand on her heart.
She nodded at Zion's comment at being a "personified fighter aircraft". That was exactly why she had been built after all, a robot to outperform traditional human crewed fighter jets. She watched his drones with curiosity, doing her own scans of them. Interesting design, another AI system? "Exosuit? Who would design an exosuit to fill my role?" she absent mildly spoke as her self diagnostics ran, triple checking all of her systems.
"Ah, sorry. I haven't even introduced myself. I'm experimental aircraft C1-26710, part of the second generation of project Aurora, under the command of the UNSC. You can call me Chen.". Her voice trailed off as she watched the strange van spacecraft somehow lift off the ground, fly off, and somehow jump into hyperspace. An ATFLIR targeting pod mounted to one of her wings tracked it as it departed, gathering information.
Chen turned her attention to The Wizard next, walking over and taking a chocolate bar with a thanks. She had no need for it, being a machine and all, but her support crew would love to have it. She then spent the next few minutes scrambling about the place, reattaching the multitude of fuel pods that had been scattered about, and remounting her weapon to her side.
"Ah, sorry. I haven't even introduced myself. I'm experimental aircraft C1-26710, part of the second generation of project Aurora, under the command of the UNSC. You can call me Chen.". Her voice trailed off as she watched the strange van spacecraft somehow lift off the ground, fly off, and somehow jump into hyperspace. An ATFLIR targeting pod mounted to one of her wings tracked it as it departed, gathering information.
Chen turned her attention to The Wizard next, walking over and taking a chocolate bar with a thanks. She had no need for it, being a machine and all, but her support crew would love to have it. She then spent the next few minutes scrambling about the place, reattaching the multitude of fuel pods that had been scattered about, and remounting her weapon to her side.
With a knowing smile, The Wizard watched Lizbeth enjoy the slushie, and Chen take one of the chocolate bars. They did not suppose Chen would be able to eat the chocolate herself, but they were sure whoever did eat it would enjoy it. As for a slushie, it would likely melt before Chen could deliver it to anybody else, so they figured there was no point in trying to convince her to take one. Of course, Lizbeth would enjoy hers. People always enjoyed them, if they had any sense of whimsy at all in their hearts... and if they picked the right colour.
"It really is wonderful that you showed up." They said, maybe to everyone and maybe to no-one in particular. They watched the space van depart, and the deer begin to take her leave as well. To each, they wave lightly, the flowing sleeves of their robe rustling with the motion. It looked like Chen might be preparing to leave as well, and, they supposed, Zion would likely depart soon, too. ...Oh, that reminded them.
They moved swiftly back into the building, selecting a beautifully wrapped chocolate bar from the shelves. The pastel blue label, decorated with white and indigo dots, indicated that this bar contained sprinkles and popping candy. They reemerged and held it out to Zion.
"Here. For the friend you mentioned. ...Or for yourself, or anyone, I suppose. The rule is one per person, as you know, but... You were kind enough to help that Operator person with her... Ah, whatever was wrong with her van... And the cosmos rewards kindness."
((Of course nobody has to leave just because The Wizard assumes they're planning to; feel free to stick around as long as any of you want, or leave whenever you want. In retrospect I probably should have planned some sort of spooky activity or something to include.))
"It really is wonderful that you showed up." They said, maybe to everyone and maybe to no-one in particular. They watched the space van depart, and the deer begin to take her leave as well. To each, they wave lightly, the flowing sleeves of their robe rustling with the motion. It looked like Chen might be preparing to leave as well, and, they supposed, Zion would likely depart soon, too. ...Oh, that reminded them.
They moved swiftly back into the building, selecting a beautifully wrapped chocolate bar from the shelves. The pastel blue label, decorated with white and indigo dots, indicated that this bar contained sprinkles and popping candy. They reemerged and held it out to Zion.
"Here. For the friend you mentioned. ...Or for yourself, or anyone, I suppose. The rule is one per person, as you know, but... You were kind enough to help that Operator person with her... Ah, whatever was wrong with her van... And the cosmos rewards kindness."
((Of course nobody has to leave just because The Wizard assumes they're planning to; feel free to stick around as long as any of you want, or leave whenever you want. In retrospect I probably should have planned some sort of spooky activity or something to include.))
Zion glanced up when The Wizard emerged again, the faint hum of his armor dimming as his systems powered down to standby. The impossible glow around the building flickered in his visorās periphery, and for the first time since heād landed, the data stream across his HUD stabilized. All systems are normal. Somehow, everything justā¦ worked again. āGuess even the universe appreciates efficiency.ā
When The Wizard handed him the pastel-wrapped chocolate bar, he accepted it carefully, turning it once between his gloved fingers. The metallic foil reflected the orange glow of the station lights, briefly catching on the etched lines of his gauntlet. āFor my friend yes,ā he said with a nod. āHeāll appreciate it. And thanks. For the reminder that not every anomaly ends in disaster.ā
He looked toward Lizbeth, the X-wing now idling quietly in the background, and then to Chen, whose thrusters hummed faintly as she reattached her pods. āSafe travels, both of you. Whatever patch of the cosmos this isā¦ itās a strange one, but not the worst place to crash-land.ā
A soft chirp from Bit signaled his suitās readiness for departure. Byte hovered close, scanning the perimeter one last time. Zion gave the building a lingering glanceā¦ the pumpkins still glowing, the sign for Free Chocolate Bars fluttering gently in an artificial breeze and felt something almost nostalgic about it all. āAlright then.ā He stepped back toward where his own craft waited, its faint blue thrusters warming to life. āIf anyone asks how this place worksā¦ā he gestured vaguely toward The Wizard with a dry grin, āā¦tell them not to overthink it.ā
With that, he secured the bar into a small compartment on his forearm, sealed his visor, and engaged lift-off. The ground rippled faintly beneath his boots as the suitās propulsion field activated, carrying him upward through the thin artificial atmosphere. The last thing visible before he disappeared into the dark was the faint blue streak of his thrusters and the glint of a wrapper catching the light, tucked neatly away for whoever back on Earth still believed in strange stories from space.
(( Thatās totally fine! I appreciate the chance to throw Zion into the mix. Thanks again for having me. Maybe our characters will cross paths again next Halloween. Thatāll give you plenty of time to plan whatever spooky activity you come up with next! It is wonderful to write with you all as well. ))
When The Wizard handed him the pastel-wrapped chocolate bar, he accepted it carefully, turning it once between his gloved fingers. The metallic foil reflected the orange glow of the station lights, briefly catching on the etched lines of his gauntlet. āFor my friend yes,ā he said with a nod. āHeāll appreciate it. And thanks. For the reminder that not every anomaly ends in disaster.ā
He looked toward Lizbeth, the X-wing now idling quietly in the background, and then to Chen, whose thrusters hummed faintly as she reattached her pods. āSafe travels, both of you. Whatever patch of the cosmos this isā¦ itās a strange one, but not the worst place to crash-land.ā
A soft chirp from Bit signaled his suitās readiness for departure. Byte hovered close, scanning the perimeter one last time. Zion gave the building a lingering glanceā¦ the pumpkins still glowing, the sign for Free Chocolate Bars fluttering gently in an artificial breeze and felt something almost nostalgic about it all. āAlright then.ā He stepped back toward where his own craft waited, its faint blue thrusters warming to life. āIf anyone asks how this place worksā¦ā he gestured vaguely toward The Wizard with a dry grin, āā¦tell them not to overthink it.ā
With that, he secured the bar into a small compartment on his forearm, sealed his visor, and engaged lift-off. The ground rippled faintly beneath his boots as the suitās propulsion field activated, carrying him upward through the thin artificial atmosphere. The last thing visible before he disappeared into the dark was the faint blue streak of his thrusters and the glint of a wrapper catching the light, tucked neatly away for whoever back on Earth still believed in strange stories from space.
Zion exits here.
(( Thatās totally fine! I appreciate the chance to throw Zion into the mix. Thanks again for having me. Maybe our characters will cross paths again next Halloween. Thatāll give you plenty of time to plan whatever spooky activity you come up with next! It is wonderful to write with you all as well. ))
Noticing everyone else starting to leave, she figured she should probably depart as well. Tucking the chocolate bar she held into an unseen compartment on her leg, thanking The Wizard again. Partially for the chocolate, mostly for dealing with the small mess she had made upon arrival. She once again stopped what she was doing to watch Zion depart, waving goodbye.
The quiet whine of her APU was quickly by the sound of a jet engine as she ran over to the edge of the concrete, pointing herself at the opposite side of the station. This should be enough to take off from, she quickly calculated. Control surfaces moved, a quick test that all of them could move properly before rockets ignited, orange and red flames scorching the surface behind her. With that, she launched herself forward, sprinting down the concrete surface of the station as she lifted off, quickly waved goodbye to those remaining, and vanished into the night sky.
(( Thanks for writing with me! I really should bring Chen out more, hopefully the space gas station appears next Halloween!))
The quiet whine of her APU was quickly by the sound of a jet engine as she ran over to the edge of the concrete, pointing herself at the opposite side of the station. This should be enough to take off from, she quickly calculated. Control surfaces moved, a quick test that all of them could move properly before rockets ignited, orange and red flames scorching the surface behind her. With that, she launched herself forward, sprinting down the concrete surface of the station as she lifted off, quickly waved goodbye to those remaining, and vanished into the night sky.
(( Thanks for writing with me! I really should bring Chen out more, hopefully the space gas station appears next Halloween!))
The Wizard lingered outside the shabby little building, watching until every visitor had disappeared into the vastness of space. Only when all was still and silent again did they turn, galaxy-patterned robe swishing as they reentered the Space Gas Station. The door shut softly behind them and they resumed their position behind the counter. Nothing to do now but await the next visitor; the sign was still up and the jack-o-lanterns were still grinning, so it was possible that more trick-or-treaters would arrive. And if not, they could still consider this night a success. And then, there was always the next day, and the next, and every one after that, to spread the wonder of space slushies to interstellar travelers. After all, this was the Space Gas Station... Where if we're not closed, we're open.
((If nobody else shows up, this will serve as the wrap-up post. But I'm keeping the thread open in case anyone else wants to participate; there is still time, after all. ^.^ Either way, thank you to everyone who joined in
))
((If nobody else shows up, this will serve as the wrap-up post. But I'm keeping the thread open in case anyone else wants to participate; there is still time, after all. ^.^ Either way, thank you to everyone who joined in
))
Lizbeth sighs slightly, she hasnāt yet finished her slushie and it might be difficult to slurp the last while wearing the air maskā¦
One by one everyone leaves the gas station, āTech Jacketā alias Zion, āCable-guyā woman also known as The Operator, and the Flying Girl, to be known as Chen. The Wizard after a āgentleā goodbye returns behind his counter.
The doe, a few moments more lingers on the scorched taxi drive of the station, admires the unknown stars and walks serene and happy back to her ship. A last wave to the owner of the station and that deer disappears on the cockpit, the container of the slushie finds its way to the dustbin in a high bow over the empty gas pumps.
The engines roar and the X-wing lifts of, points itās nose in a given direction. Acceleration to the limit as the hind turbines give full throttle, quickly only a little shiny point can be seen as the ship enters hyperspace.
((OOC, thanks everyone, maybe till next time))
One by one everyone leaves the gas station, āTech Jacketā alias Zion, āCable-guyā woman also known as The Operator, and the Flying Girl, to be known as Chen. The Wizard after a āgentleā goodbye returns behind his counter.
The doe, a few moments more lingers on the scorched taxi drive of the station, admires the unknown stars and walks serene and happy back to her ship. A last wave to the owner of the station and that deer disappears on the cockpit, the container of the slushie finds its way to the dustbin in a high bow over the empty gas pumps.
The engines roar and the X-wing lifts of, points itās nose in a given direction. Acceleration to the limit as the hind turbines give full throttle, quickly only a little shiny point can be seen as the ship enters hyperspace.
((OOC, thanks everyone, maybe till next time))
Ah, the vastness of S P A C E !
Something, maybe a shooting star, rockets through the inky darkness toward destinations unknown.
Suddenly, this bright ball slams into the sign of the solitary gas station and drops to the pavement with a soft *clink*. The cooling object appears to be a vessel. It looks more like a spherical glass terrarium than a space ship and is about the size of a gallon jug. What is visible of the Terrariumās layout seems relatively undisturbed despite this unexpected landing.
After several moments of silence there is movement within! A small ambulatory fungus being toddles about the mossy interior. They must be trying to get their bearings! This small cream-colored Myconid has a long body with similarly lengthy arms and legs; like a single enoki mushroom. They are dressed like a very small astronautā¦
When they can stand without swaying their first stop is the navigation panel. Next, the mushroom being spends a bit of time analyzing data pulled in from the shipās surroundings before they march to the gear load-out and corked doorway.
With a bit of effort, muffled huffing and puffing might be heard, the Myconid successfully releases the Terrarium Craftās cork doorway and hops out to look around.
Gravity? Check!
Oxygen? Check!
Predators? TBD
Flora? Negative? One?
Fauna? Negative?
Resources? TBD
Adventure? Check!?
They spend a considerable amount of time examining the decor; specifically the horrifying gourds. It appears they are entering lengthy notes about the environment into a data pad.
The fungus being stops several feet out from the foot of the Goliath skeleton and leans back while looking up. What can best be described as a look of awe has formed on their little mushroom face.
FREE?! Chocolate!?! Whatever that means!
Briefly puzzled over the door mechanics, the Myconid lingers front and center while sussing out possible routes inside.
Something, maybe a shooting star, rockets through the inky darkness toward destinations unknown.
Suddenly, this bright ball slams into the sign of the solitary gas station and drops to the pavement with a soft *clink*. The cooling object appears to be a vessel. It looks more like a spherical glass terrarium than a space ship and is about the size of a gallon jug. What is visible of the Terrariumās layout seems relatively undisturbed despite this unexpected landing.
After several moments of silence there is movement within! A small ambulatory fungus being toddles about the mossy interior. They must be trying to get their bearings! This small cream-colored Myconid has a long body with similarly lengthy arms and legs; like a single enoki mushroom. They are dressed like a very small astronautā¦
When they can stand without swaying their first stop is the navigation panel. Next, the mushroom being spends a bit of time analyzing data pulled in from the shipās surroundings before they march to the gear load-out and corked doorway.
With a bit of effort, muffled huffing and puffing might be heard, the Myconid successfully releases the Terrarium Craftās cork doorway and hops out to look around.
Gravity? Check!
Oxygen? Check!
Predators? TBD
Flora? Negative? One?
Fauna? Negative?
Resources? TBD
Adventure? Check!?
They spend a considerable amount of time examining the decor; specifically the horrifying gourds. It appears they are entering lengthy notes about the environment into a data pad.
The fungus being stops several feet out from the foot of the Goliath skeleton and leans back while looking up. What can best be described as a look of awe has formed on their little mushroom face.
FREE?! Chocolate!?! Whatever that means!
Briefly puzzled over the door mechanics, the Myconid lingers front and center while sussing out possible routes inside.
The captain looked to and fro as she entered the Space Gas Station, smiling at the chance of ending up here again. What a coincidence! Her bootsteps rang as softly as they did on the permacrete back home in the city, and she clicked her wrist device to make sure it was accepting the correct incoming signals, and not being intercepted by any nasty ones.
"Hello?" Hanley called, "Happy Halloween!"
"Hello?" Hanley called, "Happy Halloween!"
As they waited, The Wizard became pretty certain that they had just seen something through the window... What was that? They could swear they sensed something outside... They were just about to head out to investigate when a new human entered the building. They were sure this human was not what they had sensed, but they greeted her all the same. Practiced line, customer service smile.
"Ah, yes. Happy Halloween. Welcome to the temporarily Spooky Gas Station, where Halloween is... Certainly happening." They leaned forward over the counter, peering behind the human, towards the door which was closing itself slowly. Could they actually see the little fungal figure from here? It seemed unlikely, and yet...
"It seems there is somebody very small behind you. Would you mind helping them inside, if that is where they would like to be?" They inquired of the human.
"Ah, yes. Happy Halloween. Welcome to the temporarily Spooky Gas Station, where Halloween is... Certainly happening." They leaned forward over the counter, peering behind the human, towards the door which was closing itself slowly. Could they actually see the little fungal figure from here? It seemed unlikely, and yet...
"It seems there is somebody very small behind you. Would you mind helping them inside, if that is where they would like to be?" They inquired of the human.
"Oh!" Hanley blinked, turning toward the doors again. With a few efficient movements on her part, they whooshed back open. "Pardon me," she said, "Happy Halloween!"
The captain gave a small polite nod, and then shortly moved to the candy on display, where she picked a large marshmallow bar with chocolate rocky road coating. Hopefully it was nuts and chocolate, and not an *actual* rocky road.
After bidding a greeting and a good year to the proprietor, she would leave and be on her way with a final stop out back, to get some specialty fuel before flying off to a new spacerock.
((Thanks for the fun! It was nice to see your thread again!))
The captain gave a small polite nod, and then shortly moved to the candy on display, where she picked a large marshmallow bar with chocolate rocky road coating. Hopefully it was nuts and chocolate, and not an *actual* rocky road.
After bidding a greeting and a good year to the proprietor, she would leave and be on her way with a final stop out back, to get some specialty fuel before flying off to a new spacerock.
((Thanks for the fun! It was nice to see your thread again!))
"Would you like to try a- Oh, nevermind..." The Wizard watched as the human quickly grabbed a chocolate bar... And left. She would, of course, find that there was no fuel available here, as previously established... But she had left so quickly, they supposed that wasn't going to become their problem again.
"...Enjoy the chocolate." They mumbled to nobody, before turning their attention towards the door. Fortunately, it had decided to stay propped open (something something magic), so the little mushroom person could now easily walk in if they chose to do so.
((Not gonna lie, you're not familiar to me, haha... Did you participate previously with a different character, or just look but not join?))
"...Enjoy the chocolate." They mumbled to nobody, before turning their attention towards the door. Fortunately, it had decided to stay propped open (something something magic), so the little mushroom person could now easily walk in if they chose to do so.
((Not gonna lie, you're not familiar to me, haha... Did you participate previously with a different character, or just look but not join?))
The ground-shaking tremors of an enormous bipedal being took the awe-struck mushroom by surprise. They watched, tiny jagged mouth agape, as Hanley approached and walked by (above) and right into the building with no hesitation. It was just that easy, hmm? Then the door closed and the mushroom astronaut realized their wasted opportunity.
Shoot!
For the time-being they would sketch the grounds of this strange stone and metal prisonā¦ Heavy emphasis on the eviscerated and beheaded gourds that must be some kind of vegetal warning.
After, while busily typing conspiracy-worthy notes into their data padā¦ the tremors and whoosh of the door caught them off-guard a second time. The giant blonde humanoid escaped unscathed and with a treasure! Rocky road? This must be a truly hellish placeā¦
The mushroom watched while the giant stepped back over them and moved on toward their own craft. The large glass door lingered open with a gap certainly wide enough for them to fit through.
They made a run for it before this chance disappeared!
The rubbery little *tik-tak* of boots softened on the door mat inside and ceased as the mushroom explorer stopped and looked all around at this bountifully stocked place. Theyād clearly seen nothing of the sort before.
Shoot!
For the time-being they would sketch the grounds of this strange stone and metal prisonā¦ Heavy emphasis on the eviscerated and beheaded gourds that must be some kind of vegetal warning.
After, while busily typing conspiracy-worthy notes into their data padā¦ the tremors and whoosh of the door caught them off-guard a second time. The giant blonde humanoid escaped unscathed and with a treasure! Rocky road? This must be a truly hellish placeā¦
The mushroom watched while the giant stepped back over them and moved on toward their own craft. The large glass door lingered open with a gap certainly wide enough for them to fit through.
They made a run for it before this chance disappeared!
The rubbery little *tik-tak* of boots softened on the door mat inside and ceased as the mushroom explorer stopped and looked all around at this bountifully stocked place. Theyād clearly seen nothing of the sort before.
As the mushroom person entered the building, they were watched by The Wizard's curious gaze. This, they thought, was the most unusual trick-or-treater of the season. Not so unusual that their composure was broken, though. It was time for the usual greeting.
"Hello and welcome to the Spooky Gas Station! I am The Wizard, first name The, last name Wizard... I do apologize for any inconvenience... We will surely do better next time." They glanced towards the door, as if it were its fault that it hadn't been easily accessible to the miniature myconid explorer. "In any case, it's wonderful that you are here, tiny visitor. Can I interest you in a slushie or a chocolate bar? They are free today." They gestured grandly towards the array of treats before adding: "If you're going to have trouble getting what you want, I will do what I can to assist you."
They were not even sure if the mushroom person could consume chocolate or slushies, or if they could even understand or respond to the offer. But of course, they made the offer all the same.
"Hello and welcome to the Spooky Gas Station! I am The Wizard, first name The, last name Wizard... I do apologize for any inconvenience... We will surely do better next time." They glanced towards the door, as if it were its fault that it hadn't been easily accessible to the miniature myconid explorer. "In any case, it's wonderful that you are here, tiny visitor. Can I interest you in a slushie or a chocolate bar? They are free today." They gestured grandly towards the array of treats before adding: "If you're going to have trouble getting what you want, I will do what I can to assist you."
They were not even sure if the mushroom person could consume chocolate or slushies, or if they could even understand or respond to the offer. But of course, they made the offer all the same.
The small Myconid astronautās silent observation came to a sudden halt when the voice from high above caught their attention. It whips out the digital tablet and types an excited reply: COMMON GREETINGS, THE!
The font is nearly as large as the little tablet so the message text also scrollsā¦ They realize this is very slow and tap a button for text-to-universal speak (ācommonā).
As it plays, they prepare the rest.
Audio: I am Explorer 78911292538! Your Kingdom of suffering is truly spooky! You defended yourself and slew an assault unit of battle gourds? I was sure this must be a place of despair. And yet, you have riches of victory to share?ā They pause a moment when the audio stops. The furious tip-tapping of stubby mushroom digits continues.
Oh, they are quite serious!
Scrolling text and Audio: Yes, please! I accept your generous offer of assistance to enjoy this slushee and chocolate with you on this day of your victory celebrations! Hip hip!
The font is nearly as large as the little tablet so the message text also scrollsā¦ They realize this is very slow and tap a button for text-to-universal speak (ācommonā).
As it plays, they prepare the rest.
Audio: I am Explorer 78911292538! Your Kingdom of suffering is truly spooky! You defended yourself and slew an assault unit of battle gourds? I was sure this must be a place of despair. And yet, you have riches of victory to share?ā They pause a moment when the audio stops. The furious tip-tapping of stubby mushroom digits continues.
Oh, they are quite serious!
Scrolling text and Audio: Yes, please! I accept your generous offer of assistance to enjoy this slushee and chocolate with you on this day of your victory celebrations! Hip hip!
The Wizard was momentarily perplexed... Kingdom of suffering? Slaying battle gourds? Victory celebration? None of that was right; they wondered if their guest had never heard of Halloween before. That would not actually be too odd; after all, many cultures throughout the universe were quite different. It was just that The Wizard was used to dealing with humans, or with those who also dealt with humans. Most of their customers were thus at least somewhat familiar with human traditions. This one did not seem to be, unless of course they were joking. The Wizard did not think they were joking, however. They were not sure if they should correct the misunderstanding, or just move on... Well, there was at least one thing they wanted to make clear...
"I actually did not slay anybody. In fact... I've never seen real pumpkins out here... The ones outside are merely convincing replicas."
They emerged from behind the counter as they spoke, their robe reaching right to the floor and swishing in its usual way as they moved. One as small and observant as the Explorer might notice that the ground did not shake, or even so much as shift, when The Wizard traveled across it. It would be fair to assume that, maybe, they were not walking at all.
"Well, Explorer, is there a particular type of chocolate you would like, and do you have a preference for the colour of your slushie?" They pointed to the large machine, with its assortment of colourfully glimmering icy drink options. "Each colour tastes how it looks, so I generally recommend picking one's favourite. ...Ah, and for those who cannot see colour... Well, they just taste like berries." They added this last part in a lower, conspiratorial tone, as if it were some great secret. It wasn't.
"I actually did not slay anybody. In fact... I've never seen real pumpkins out here... The ones outside are merely convincing replicas."
They emerged from behind the counter as they spoke, their robe reaching right to the floor and swishing in its usual way as they moved. One as small and observant as the Explorer might notice that the ground did not shake, or even so much as shift, when The Wizard traveled across it. It would be fair to assume that, maybe, they were not walking at all.
"Well, Explorer, is there a particular type of chocolate you would like, and do you have a preference for the colour of your slushie?" They pointed to the large machine, with its assortment of colourfully glimmering icy drink options. "Each colour tastes how it looks, so I generally recommend picking one's favourite. ...Ah, and for those who cannot see colour... Well, they just taste like berries." They added this last part in a lower, conspiratorial tone, as if it were some great secret. It wasn't.
Equally perplexed, the small Mushroom astronaut considered the claim and finally offered a polite nod of understanding. Convinced or not, they appeared to be satisfied. More tip tappingā¦ Then they noticed the full billowing shape of the wizard and admire their majestic attire. Perhaps this one could have something similar made in their size at home, for it is both beautiful and bold! Making a statement with attire can help garner outside interest and funding for more exploration.
Audio: Ah! May we investigate the chocolate offerings?
A little smile turned up the corners of the mushroomās mouth and they typed another message.
Audio: Ah ha! Clever Tricks!!!! I should like this green one! The glow reminds me of radiation and candy apple caramelsā¦
So, the mushroom has at least some experience with sugary confections.
Audio: Ah! May we investigate the chocolate offerings?
A little smile turned up the corners of the mushroomās mouth and they typed another message.
Audio: Ah ha! Clever Tricks!!!! I should like this green one! The glow reminds me of radiation and candy apple caramelsā¦
So, the mushroom has at least some experience with sugary confections.
Nodding agreeably, The Wizard began to fill a cup with the green slushie. As they did so, they looked toward the shelf of chocolate, stacked high with colourfully wrapped bars all precisely labeled with their contents.
"There are many types of chocolate: white, milk, dark, even ruby chocolate, which I hear is considered quite fancy in some galaxies." They explained. "There are plain bars, and those with fillings such as nuts, fruit, and a variety of other things. Perhaps you would like one with caramel, since you mentioned those apples."
Now that a clear plastic cup was full to the brim with frosty, glimmering green slush, The Wizard topped it with a domed lid, added a straw, and bent down to bring it closer to the explorer's level. Although it was a rather large cup, even for human standards, it would miraculously shrink itself to be the perfect size for the small mushroom person to take, the moment they might reach for it. The Wizard also selected a chocolate bar, with a sunset-hued wrapping proclaiming it to be milk chocolate with caramel. They set this gently on the ground, so that the explorer could have a closer look.
"Here, you might like this one. If not, I'll find you another." Like the slushie, the chocolate would become perfectly miniaturized if the explorer moved to take it. If not, it would sit on the floor at its full size.
"There are many types of chocolate: white, milk, dark, even ruby chocolate, which I hear is considered quite fancy in some galaxies." They explained. "There are plain bars, and those with fillings such as nuts, fruit, and a variety of other things. Perhaps you would like one with caramel, since you mentioned those apples."
Now that a clear plastic cup was full to the brim with frosty, glimmering green slush, The Wizard topped it with a domed lid, added a straw, and bent down to bring it closer to the explorer's level. Although it was a rather large cup, even for human standards, it would miraculously shrink itself to be the perfect size for the small mushroom person to take, the moment they might reach for it. The Wizard also selected a chocolate bar, with a sunset-hued wrapping proclaiming it to be milk chocolate with caramel. They set this gently on the ground, so that the explorer could have a closer look.
"Here, you might like this one. If not, I'll find you another." Like the slushie, the chocolate would become perfectly miniaturized if the explorer moved to take it. If not, it would sit on the floor at its full size.
They watched this process and listen to The Wizard with great interest until the enormous slushee cup and chocolate bar rest before them. With the astronautās excited approach the items shrink and they pause to watch with surprise and delight! There is a flurry of erratic screen tapping before they proceed to wiggle dance around in a circle when the audio plays for THE!
Audio: This is part of melding! I have gratitude! What a masterful display of your arcane ability, Great THE WIZARD! You have blessed me with a sugar treasure this day!
After a pause
Second audio: This ā¦ Night?
The Myconid glances around and shrugs, smiling up at The Wizard before bowing.
Only then do they proceed to pick up the green cup of slushee and the chocolate bar. With both hands full, they take a sip with the straw and a small shout of delight comes from them. It must be good!
Audio: This is part of melding! I have gratitude! What a masterful display of your arcane ability, Great THE WIZARD! You have blessed me with a sugar treasure this day!
After a pause
Second audio: This ā¦ Night?
The Myconid glances around and shrugs, smiling up at The Wizard before bowing.
Only then do they proceed to pick up the green cup of slushee and the chocolate bar. With both hands full, they take a sip with the straw and a small shout of delight comes from them. It must be good!
The Wizard's expression gradually shifted from that usual customer service smile to something more genuine. They watched with fond amusement as the explorer sampled the slushie, and seemed to enjoy it very much. This was exactly what they strived for, what they hoped to see every day.
"I'm glad you are pleased." They said earnestly. "What you call sugar treasures... Those are what I specialize in, so it's good to know I haven't lost my touch." They said this nonchalantly, but internally they were struggling to contain their glee. It was not often they had such a quaint and enthusiastic visitor. What a perfect way to end the spooky festivities.
"I'm glad you are pleased." They said earnestly. "What you call sugar treasures... Those are what I specialize in, so it's good to know I haven't lost my touch." They said this nonchalantly, but internally they were struggling to contain their glee. It was not often they had such a quaint and enthusiastic visitor. What a perfect way to end the spooky festivities.
You are on: Forums » Sci-Fi Roleplay » Trick or Treat: Space Gas Station šš