Bermuda Holiday Session 14

Princess Guard - The New Era 2017/23/03 	 Charm Titan Pulsar Wolf 37

Landfall
The Captain of the liner makes an announcement to the passengers and crew explaining to the best of his ability the situation. The liner has been shifted to another reality. And everyone should stay calm while the heroes, who are fortunately on board, sort the problem out.

The liner makes for the only land that registers on the radar. It's going to take a couple of hours to reach it, although flyers could get there faster. Assuming they aren't eaten en route.

With the giant squid handled, the pterosaurs fled and the passengers warned, Pulsar flies ahead of the ship to make sure he's there if anything decides to go for the ship again. A first line of defense as it were.

He communicates over comms. .oO(Well, since it's going to be a few hours we've got time to strategize right? Would my time be better spent scouting the island before we get to it? I'm probably the fastest aboard. I can be there and back in no time.)

.oO(Well, there are two thoughts that come to mind with that, Pulsar. First, that is a good idea so we have some idea of what we might be facing. Second, that you could get eaten by a skycraper-sized spider or Kong and we would miss you terribly as a result.) remarks Harlequin over the comm link.

Titan lands back on the ship's deck. .oO(Go ahead and scout. Just avoid actually engaging anything.)

The radar operator reports to the Captain, "Another aerial contact, Sir. Coming from the direction of the land. Slightly brighter radar return than the previous contacts. Speed eighty-seven miles an hour. Distance thirty miles."

Wolf pads around the deck to make sure no one was hurt when the quid played "rock the boat" and heals them if anyone -was- in fact injured...

Pulsar's chuckle comes over the comms after Harlequin's statement. After Titan gives him the go ahead he nods - though there is no one currently around to see that motion, so he transmits:

.oO(You got it - I'll be holographic the whole way. So I don't think we have to worry too much about me getting eaten... I hope.)

The panel pans out to show Pulsar and the ship behind him and the endless sea all around them.

Then the next panel shows just the ship and sea sans Pulsar. He streaks towards the island as fast as he can - which is darn close to lightspeed.

Charm keeps a lookout with Second Sight, and wishes she'd studied worldwalking harder, so she could be of more help.

The fog is being burnt off by an increasingly hot sun. The sun is low on the horizon which suggests early dawn local time, and further suggests days here are going to be unpleasantly hot.

Harlequin drags a deck chair out to near the bow where the grey elves bodies are. He takes a moment to carefully arrange their bodies in rows then casts a necromantic spell of preservation. Wouldn't want them to go off in this hot weather after all. The mage then sits down to let his body get to the business of healing while he waits for whatever is flying out this time. As the last wisps of fog are burnt off by the rising sun; from the elevation of the bridge the heroes can see the dormant top of a huge volcano in the distance ahead of the bow. Any other signs of land are still beneath the horizon.

.oO(Do we take a wait and see attitude towards whatever is flying out this time, Titan? Or ask Pulsar to intercept with a fly by?) Harlequin queries the team leader.

Palanir points forward. "There. That's almost certainly where the way-trap device is. They'll be using the heat of the volcano to power it."

Titan says over the link, .oO(Pulsar, we have another incoming flier. Can you intercept and check it out?)

.oO(With a brighter radar signature, it's likely a larger creature. Maybe even a dragon. Be careful, Pulsar, they are as intelligent or more so than humans.) advises Harlequin over the comm link.

Titan does the same as he had done with the flying dinosaurs. He heads up to the bow, and takes off into the air in front of the ship to make himself a target for whatever it is.

Harlequin murmurs to Palanir. "So, the way-trap would be sustained and powered by converting the geothermal energy of the volcano into the, hmm, mana, magick needed to power the continuing enchantment?" He sounds curious in an academic way.

The approaching flier first resolves itself as a dark dot in the distance. With the flier and liner heading straight at each other the dot fairly quickly gains detail. Until, with it still several miles distant, Titan can make it out as a ancient helicopter. As a film viewer he will even recognise the type. A Bell AH-1 SuperCobra. 1960's era.

Palanir nods, "Yes. Exactly. If it was entirely mana powered the continual drain would eventually exhaust the local mana, in the same way, although on a far smaller scale, as dragons exhausted mana from the Lost Realms."

Titan says over the link, .oO(Uh...looks like an American helicopter? From like...75 years ago or more? Probably more.)

Titan continues, .oO(One of those thin gunship ones. The Cobra, I think? It begs the question...how did it get here? And if it's from then, how does it have fuel?)

.oO(Hmm, well, unless time travel is involved here, I would surmise the Bermuda Triangle way-trap has grabbed others over the years. There is hope for pirates riding sea serpents yet.) replies harlequin.

Pulsar replies over comms, .oO(On my way back now - I'll provide an update once I have a visual.) he says as he floats above the volcano.

He turns and darts off back towards the ship to see if he can spot the incoming flyer - though his trip back is a slower one so he can be sure not to miss anything.

Wolf twitches his whiskers and flickers his ears, thinking that Sasha hopes for strange things, sometimes.

.oO(Can either Pulsar or you tell if they are hostile, Titan? Guns pointed our way, missiles shooting towards us, hmm, bows and arrows lcoked and loaded?) asks Harlequin.

Titan shakes his head, .oO(These things always look dangerous, from what I remember. Whatever the direction the helicopter is pointing, the missiles will be facing us. I think the gun in the nose is in a turret. Of course, I'm basing what I remember on like...an old GI Joe movie.)

Harlequin looks up from his chair at Palanir and Charm. "A helicopter of old human design in coming towards the ship. You may wish to be ready with defensive actions. As it approaches, if necessary, I will raise a spell of protection to cover the front of us."

Charm says, "Why would humans be firing on us?"

The mage adds, "It will protect against physical damage but not impede energy in any way." He then looks over at Charm. "There is no guarantee they will attack. I simply believe in being prepared for all eventualities. Well, those I /can/ anticipate in any case."

Charm gets ready in the usual way: she has her harp to hand but is prepared to dodge as necessary.

When Pulsar gets above the volcano he sees there is some kind of stasis field about 500 meters across around the top. All kinds of flying creatures appear to be trapped in mid air by the field, including a for-real dragon. Coming back towards the liner at a speed that allows for perception Pulsar sees a natural bay with a sizable wooden stockcaded settlement abutting the beach, and a veritable ships' graveyard in the bay. Dozens of ships of varying sizes from personal yachts to warships, and of multiple eras including galleons from the days of pirates to ships of a fairly recent design.

,.oO(Well, I think the greetings should be up to you, Titan. Should I get out a white flag or whatever the maritime equivalent of a flag of truce is?) asks Harlequin.

Titan shrugs, .oO(We'll see what they do when they get closer. I'll just make sure I'm the first potential target.)

Harlequin murmurs to Palanir and Charm. "Well, a stasis spell, how...irritating. Do either of you have any ideas off the top of your heads of how to get through it?"

When the helo gets close enough for the crew to make out the figure of Titan fairly clearly it comes to a halt and hovers... the pilot being busy keeping the helo flying while the gunner lifts a signal lamp and starts flashing short and long bursts of light towards Titan.

Titan sighs, .oO(Looks like morse code? Can the Captain translate?)

Charm says, "Not a clue."

Palanir says, "There will be a way. I will need to examine the spell close up before making any progress though."

One of the bridge officers grabs a powerful set of binoculars. "I can see it.... Uh, Captain, they're asking permission to land on board, and also warning of underwater reefs near the shore."

Cecila listens to the others because she really doesn't have too much to go on .oO(When I think of breaking something I usually just punch it like it owes me money or something.) she jokes, of course that usually is her go-to when it comes to problems... Brute Force.

Titan puts up a hand to indicate to the helicopter to wait. He puts a finger to his ear, like he's listening to a communication. Hopefully the pilot gets the hint.

The helo continues to hover.

Wolf's ears perk up and point off away toward the faint sounds of the distant approaching helo. ..

Harlequin lets his gaze grow distant as he extends his senses into the astral and out towards the helicopter. Always good to know who is coming before they arrive.

Harlequin sees a well used US navy helicopter of 1960's vintage. The pilot and gunner are dressed in faded navy aviation uniforms heavily patched with home-spun fabrics.

Titan continues to wait for some kind of response from the ship or one of his team, since he still has no idea what the message is.

The captain turns to the heroes on the bridge, "Well, do we give them permission? I'd say yes but you're more familar with this kind of situation than me. I hope."

.oO(The pilot and gunner are dressed in patched but recognizable US Navy aviator uniforms, Titan. I think they should land but it is your call.) murmurs Harlequin over the link.

Titan says over the link, .oO(Is that what they wanted? What was the message? Anyone?)

Charm stays quiet, having probably least idea what's going on.

Harlequin looks up athe brdige from his position on the bow, opens Gate to the bridge from his seated position, then asks through the opening in Reality. "So, what was the message?"

The Captain says, "My First Officer said they were asking permission to land on board and also warning of underwater reefs near the shoreline." to Harlequin.

Harlequin nods in thanks then says, "Could you toss me a walky talkie or some means to communicate with you or your First mate, Captain?" While saying this out loud, he relays the message to Tiatn over the comm link.

Titan nods, .oO(Thanks.) He motions to the helicopter, and leads it in toward a location on the ship where it might be able to land. A bridge officer gets a walkie-talkie and passes it through the gate to Harlequin. He is careful not to extend his hand or arm through the gate though.

The helo follows Titan towards the liner, circles the ship once and then comes in from upwind to land on the marked helipad. The pilot cuts the engine and the rotors slowly wind down to a halt.

Harlequin nods to the officer. "Thank you. Cecila, Wolf? Would you all care to join us? Or stay on the bridge?"

Titan lands on the deck and walks out toward the helicopter after it lands.

Wolf looks to Ceci, wagging his tail and pointing his ears toward her, to see what she wants to do. Wolf is fine either way!

Charm too walks toward the helicopter.

The crew climb out and stare at Titan. The pilot takes a step forward, "Hi. I'm Lt. Dentom Cruz. This is my gunnery ops, Chuck Morris. This is one hell of a ship you have here. When are you guys from?"

Harlequin gives Cecila and Wolf about a minute then shuts the gate. He then slowly rises and makes his way over towards where the Cobra landed.

Cecila ponders for a moment .oO(Should we go? Actually where are they going?)

Wolf settles back down on the bridge, setting his nose down atop his forepaws and waits and listens to the radar guy, just in case any more dragons show up on-screen. He yawns a bit, toothily, as he waits and listens, his tail swishing back and forth idly.

Titan raises a brow when he hears 'when are you guys from'. He smiles, "2067. And I'm guessing you guys are from...the late 1960s? Early 70s?" He offers his hand to the pilot, "I'm Johnathan Vasilikos. I also go by 'Titan'." The arrival of Charm causes both aviators to stare in amazement. "What in the Sam Hill? Is she some kind of alien?" Chuck says to Titan as he points at Charm.

Titan nods to the two, "Umm...in a sense. We've made contacts with other worlds in our time. Charm is from...one of them. That's the simplest answer."

Dentom nods, "Yeah, we come from 1958 originally. Not that there's any pattern that anyone can figure. There's guys came after us from the 1700's. But 2067? That's like the future. Latest before you was 2012."

Charm says, "We walked these worlds when humans were still using stone tools. We are hardly alien!"

Titan raises a brow at Charm's outburst, "You're alien to him, though. Just as they are alien to you."

Harlequin wanders up slowly, dried blood on the front of his tunic.

Charm says, "In the sense of foreign, yes. But the humans and the fae are distant relatives."

Titan nods, "And that's the sense it was meant in." He looks back to Dentom, "We might have a way out of here. We have another of the fae with us...like Charm here, who can move between worlds. If we get rid of the machine or whatever it is that's trapping people here, he might be able to get people out."

Chuck says, "Anyways you all need to get this ship into the bay. There's some mightly fierce predators out here in the deep water. I can guide you through the reefs safely to New Start. That's what we call our settlement."

Harlequin murmurs, "Like kraken that eat fire-breathing pterosaurs like chicken nuggets? Aye, we've encountered them and a guide in would be wonderful. The 1600 passengers and 800 crew aboard could use that safety."

Titan nods. "We'll make sure the ship matches your radio frequency to make communication easier."

Dentom asks Titan, "Are you serious about getting us out of here and back home? Most gave up hope a long time back."

Titan nods. "I'm serious. I can't promise we'll be able to pull it off. And I can't promise you'll return to your own time. But we'll do what we can."

Chuck hurriedly says, "You're using radio and radar? Yeah, of course you are. Shut 'em down. The local predators home in on radio transmissions."

Harlequin picks up the walky talkie and relays that bit of information to the Captain then tells them he's shutting down the walky talkie.

Dentom nods to Titan, "It's the best hope we're had so far. I can't speak for the Council but I'd be astonished if you don't get full support from them."

Harlequin slips the walky talkie into the bag at his side. It disappears into it with a word and nary a wrinkle.

Titan nods. "Thanks for your help."

Charm says, "There are also roughly 1600 PDAs on board trying to get a signal..."

Dentom says, "It's the least we can do, you know. This ain't a friendly place, wherever this is. We gota stick together."

Titan says, "So...how long have you been here? I notice you still have fuel."

Harlequin sighs. "Well, I will send a message to the Captain telling him to ask the pasengers and crew to shut them down." He twists his hands into a complex pattern then a dot of light appears. The mage whispers to it, it bobs in the air twice, then shoots off towards the bridge to deliver the info to Wolf and Cecila to relay to the Captain.

Titan turns off his PDA as well, since his was still running.

Chucks answers, "Five years now. The settlement was already here when we arrived. And we ration the fuel. Only time we fly is when someone new turns up. Which we can tell happens because if they're modern enough to have radio or radar the prets fly out en mass seawards. If the arrivals aren't radio capable... well I guess most of those don't make it. Most of the folks in the settlement are from the 1930's onwards."

Harlequin murmurs, "And the oldest inhabitants have been here how long? If I may ask?"

An announcement over the ship's PA system instructs all crew and passengers to shut down and switch off PDA and any other smart devices.

"I guess that would be the WW2 Japs. But they aren't part of the settlement. They went into the jungle and fought against us for a few years. Had no trouble from them for a while so I guess they're all dead now."

Titan starts to say something, and catches himself. "Well...we should get moving. We're going to have panicked passengers shortly, I'm sure."

Harlequin nods. "Ah, wonderful, guerrila fighting bushido bound soldiers. Makes for wonderful treks through jungle to a volcano. And here all I thought we had to worry about were undead pirates riding sea serpents. Silly me."

Chuck finishes after a moments thought. "Longest here, about twenty years I reckon."

Dentom heads to the bridge to guide the cruise liner past the reefs and into the bay.

Titan chuckles. "Harlequin...you think we couldn't handle soldiers? Come on."