[Jaunt] Apologies for the comm-spamming

[youandyoualone]

This is Anafiel Delaunay, lately of the Walkabout. I was told of the plague of Trojans here by Naoki and so I have come to lend my aid in whatever way I might. I have also brought Sakuya Tachibana, a healer of no mean skill, in hopes that he might be able to treat the computer disease.

If anyone can tell us how we might help, please do. I am not a healer myself, but I have spent some time as a soldier in my youth. I am willing to follow instruction.

Comments

[butthemiracleneverhappen]

Greetings, Program. I am going by the alias MIR-CL here.

I would normally directly upload the information you'd require to blend in, but we have just received word that is terribly imprudent.

Instead, I will give you and yours a dossier at your convenience. Do you know what, precisely, a Trojan is, ser de Montreve?

[youandyoualone]

Yes, of course. I have been to university and know well my Helene. They were the inhabitants of the city of Troy, in Ancient Ilium, and for ten years they waged war with the Helenes over the matter of Paris' kidnapping of Helen. The war was won by Odysseus' gambit with the wooden horse.

Naoki also tells me that it is a kind of 'virus.' Hence, my bringing Tachibana.

[butthemiracleneverhappen]

"Virus" is unfortunately metaphorical, but Tachibana also has literally divine powers from assuming the mantle of Apollo when we Jaunted to a world, Achaea, much like the legends of your Illium. The chances that his abilities will help are far from zero, given Apollo's domain.

It is possible for us to directly share memories over the Network, a trick I think it would be useful to teach you if you do not already know. Would you care for me to send you what I have gathered of the Program's social mores and society, and of the situation?

[youandyoualone]

I do know how. I was taught shortly after we went to Yensid. And I would be very grateful if you would. Thank you.

Hooray for comm-spamming, I say

[photonicfighter]

Delaunay! And you've brought Tachibana? [Oh! It's two of her favorite people, all of a sudden!]

You've both come at an interesting time! Where are you right now?

Re: Hooray for comm-spamming, I say

[youandyoualone]

Dakki! We have just arrived at liminal space. It is in the form of horse-headed wooden boats on a sea of that stuff that appears on the televisions when you accidentally press the wrong button on the 'remote controls.' [Static. He means static.] I think the Arcana may be trying to hint to us with the prows of those boats.

[photonicfighter]

...is it? That's what it is? I haven't been able to go and take a look...

[Wait, wait, stay on topic.] That's a very big hint! Literally. Are you planning on staying in liminal space for a while yet? That might be a good idea for the moment. It's... chaotic here.

[triggerhappytraitor]

In Liminal, as he says. [[There's a warmth in his mental voice, as often is for his little sister figure.]]

Have time to give me a briefing of the situation?

[photonicfighter]

Tachibana! Is it as strange as he says it is?

We're investigating a system that seemed to be abandoned. Everything was shut down. We've gotten some things up and running, including the communication towers... that's where I'm at right now... but there's a problem with these grey Programs. You see... er...

...oh, everyone here? The 'people' are Programs. It's a world that operates like it was inside of a computer system! How much do you know about it? I can explain more, if you'd like.

[triggerhappytraitor]

It's Liminal. [[Because really. When isn't Liminal strange?

Oh hey, abandoned places, his favorite brooding spots]]

I know the basics of computer operations, but not how that translates when it's living entities instead of electrons. There was mention of a virus that was affecting them?

[tookashirototheknee]

Avoid touching people. That's how it spreads, through communications interface.

[Matt's mental voice is a bit snarky, very tired, and appearing on the network for the first time in a long while.]

It's a reference to an ancient war, where a brilliant asshole built a big wooden horse and stuck his entire army inside. The opposing side brought it into their walled city without thinking. When it got to be night... the people in the horse got out and took over the city.

So, yeah. It's a reference to that.

Private, no protection

[verdeleonessa]

Matt, I need to talk to you.

Private: Protection II

[tookashirototheknee]

What's up?

[Please don't ask to meet up, Pidge. He won't put you in danger too.]

Private: Protection II

[verdeleonessa]

[She wants to. She wants to meet him so badly. But in the current situation she knows it's not wise.]

I'm going to be very blunt with you and tell you straight, okay? I - we - think you might have been infected by the virus already.

[youandyoualone]

[Dryly.] I am familiar with both the story of Troy and that of wily Odysseus. I have had the benefit of very good tutors and a university education. But I am to understand that these Trojans are not, in fact, ancient Helenes and instead a kind of 'virus.' And a 'virus,' as I understand it, is a small creature that brings disease. [Thank you, Alcuin, for explaining what you learned from being a space doctor to him.]

Hence, my bringing a man with healing abilities to you.

[tookashirototheknee]

Oh, whoops! Sorry. I'm never sure what universes have what. Didn't mean to insult you or anything.

[He's just an awkward space turtle at the best of times.]

Huh. Well, a computer virus is somewhat different than an actual virus, but here, where programs are people, that's not a bad thought, actually.

[youandyoualone]

'Tis fine. I just find it oddly amusing that people keep expecting me not to know Homer.

And yes. That was my thought too. To live among the circuits and make the computers work, it is likely that the Programs are not made of flesh as you or I, but the energy that powers computers and lightbulbs. [A slight pause.] At least, I assume you are made of flesh.

Private, level 2

[triggerhappytraitor]

Can you meet me somewhere? I may be able to clear up at least some of the infection with Apollo's powers.

[tookashirototheknee]

That would be great... if I knew where I was. I just went walking without really paying attention to where I'm going. Mostly I'm avoiding anything that looks like it moves or is solid. Um. I figure if I keep walking away from people, then I can't infect anyone.

[triggerhappytraitor]

Self imposed inverted quarantine, huh? [[There is just a touch of amusement there]] Not a bad plan, really. I could meet you back in Liminal, or portal to where you are, if you can show me your location.

/belatedly

[vrepit_no]

[GASP!!]

Matt! Matt, Matt, oh thank the stars, it's Matt. Hi starshine. Are you 'kay? You're not hurt, right? Don' feel hurt. But!! But I wanna know! You're 'kay? You're not trapped or nothin?

[tookashirototheknee]

[Oh dear stars. It's like the Garrison again when Shiro would come and lie on his floor and ramble all night.]

I'm fine, 'Kashi. Just walking away from everyone so my stupid ass doesn't get anyone sick. How are you, though?

[verdeleonessa]

You can't heal a computer virus with normal healing. It's data, a code, that is invading the system. That kind of thing can only be dealt by those who know how to code against it.

[youandyoualone]

Tachibana does have the lingering powers of a god. I thought it might help.

Also, I misliked the idea of skiing when people I care about are in danger.

[verdeleonessa]

Well, I suppose he can try, but I'll continue working with codes in case it doesn't work at all.

Claudia should be in Liminal. You should talk to her if you need more information before proceeding to the Jaunt itself.