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[howarewefortime]

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Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

And in the Security Office --

Though the shape and design of the cells has changed every so often, the containment spell originally laid down by the magician Tim Hunter is strong, as it has had to be. Strong enough to resist any power seeking to break it; durable enough to last for eons upon eons, if not for eternity. Certainly too strong and too durable to be failing after the mere handful of years since he created it.

And indeed, one could argue that strictly speaking the spell itself is not failing at all. But the bedrock it was laid on, the physical and metaphysical structure it was tied to, is rapidly crumbling.

From a practical standpoint it makes very little difference.

Over the past hour, one after another, the cells have been failing. By now every one of them is standing open.

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

The other aspect of this:

When Tim Hunter created the containment spell, he gave it a name. And as is often the way of these things, with the name came the beginnings of a self.

Patrons may choose to evacuate ... but Baby is a made thing, and tied to the place of her making.



Slowly, staggering over the shifting floor, a gleaming silver arachnoid emerges from the Security Office hallway and struggles toward Bar.

Re: -03 HRS

[cat_wth_panache]

It would probably be inappropriate to say Puss looks like something the cat dragged in, but, well, he does.

Still standing his ground and defending Bar, Puss notices the strange creature's tottering approach, and stands on the edge of the counter, watching; trying to decide if this is another enemy, or someone who needs help.

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

It doesn't make any gesture of violence in his direction, or anyone else's; just keeps advancing.

The floor ripples, making it difficult even for something with eight legs to keep its balance.

Re: -03 HRS

[cat_wth_panache]

He's seen enough. Sheathing his sword, Puss leaves his post for the first time and hops off the counter to approach the spider creature.

"Hello little one. There is a box, it will be safe for you in there."

He points a paw towards the Lost and Found box where people are still lined up to escape into.

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

"I cannot leave my place," the creature says, in a slightly tinny synthesized voice. It looks more like a machine than a creature, at this distance; either description would be close to accurate.

Re: -03 HRS

[cat_wth_panache]

The building quakes, and Puss plants his feet to keep from falling over.

"Come, then, we will find you shelter."

There's not much to be had in all this chaos, but Puss holds his hand out to the strange thing and gestures towards Bar.

If the creature is a part of this place, then it is like Bar, and Puss will defend them both.

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

It is very like Bar, as it happens. And it's here to see her.

Baby moves the mobile unit to follow Puss, working hard to maintain its balance as the floor keeps shifting.

"Thank you."

Re: -03 HRS

[cat_wth_panache]

Puss leads the way, using feline grace to pick out a path for them.

Taking the spider around the counter, he moves a few things off of an under bar shelf to give the creature a place to hide in.

"Here, Bar will protect you, an' I will protect Bar."

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

"Thank you," she repeats, curling the mobile up in the shelf space. "It is better not to be alone."

Re: -03 HRS

[cat_wth_panache]

"De nada."

He gives a smile and a bow, pats the side of Bar affectionately, then hops back up onto the counter top and draws his sword again.

"Alright, who will face Puss in Boots."

Re: -03 HRS

[perfectblue.livejournal.com]

Illyria's not here strictly as often as she perhaps ought to be, but when she is here, she has a job. A purpose.

Usually that purpose includes not letting odd things out of Security, though it's not really much of a concern now. But Illyria recognizes the feel of this one. She's spent enough time in those cells herself.

"Will you leave as well, then?"

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

"No. I cannot leave my place."

Her voice is a little tinny, and toneless.

Re: -03 HRS

[realmrsreynolds]

There is chaos. Everywhere.

And in the middle, there is a bar.




Somehow intact, for the moment.

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

And curled on a shelf behind it, inside it, is a little silver arachnoid.

"Bar?"

Her voice is thin and tinny, and holds no emotion at all.

Re: -03 HRS

[realmrsreynolds]

"I'm here."

Somehow.

"Are you holding up?"

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

"I'm very frightened."

Re: -03 HRS

[realmrsreynolds]

"Me too. Everyone is getting hurt."

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

"Hurts can usually be repaired. But this place may be ending. I do not know if any of us can survive that."

Re: -03 HRS

[realmrsreynolds]

"They are all so fragile.




"Thank you for coming, friend."

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

"It is better not to be alone."



"Are you frightened too?"

Re: -03 HRS

[realmrsreynolds]

"I am."

Mike is fighting. Sallie is fighting too, in her own way.

"I am, very much."

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

Baby is silent for a moment.

Small-voiced: "I cannot think of anything comforting to say."

Re: -03 HRS

[realmrsreynolds]

"There is nothing to say."

A fight nearby gets out of hand, and an axe-blade lands in Bar's top.

Re: -03 HRS

[stilljustandrew]

The mobile scrambles up to the top of the bar, and starts working to pry the axe-blade loose.