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The Mark of the Atlas
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OOC
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a: initial wariness
[The truth that lies at the heart of their situation (as far as Lexa is concerned) is this: it's one thing to take risks with food resources in order to survive. It's another to touch things out of place. Lexa has been cautious with where she's put her hands for some time now. She's observed the touch of the gashes up above numerous times, all to see how rigid or jagged they might be, but in approaching this deeper level with the others, she's clearly uncertain.
Once they enter this newly lit area, Lexa goes rigid. As a woman who's grown up in a spiritual society, she believes in the significance of symbols and monoliths. Part of her recognizes now that her people's spirituality lied in the very same science that had kept Clarke and her people in the sky—it's prudent that she sees this now—but some part of her will always be superstitious and uneasy. That comes to the forefront here, especially at first.]
Someone with great power built this place, [she says decisively.] We should all be cautious.
b: visions
[Experiencing the memories of a people lost is actually not new for Lexa. When she touches these specific monoliths and finds herself given the silhouettes of what she assumes are the people who once lived here, she finds herself shaken. Remember: that spiritual part of her is still at hand, and she can't help but wonder if she is experiencing her past or future. Are they viewing the lives of those who have gone, or what will happen to them in the future? There are so many holes in the knowledge of what they know here that she can't help but feel disturbed.
And that much is clear: she is unsettled by what she experiences. Deeply so. It's not the visions themselves (even the most haunting of them) that disturbs her, so much as the uncertainty.
Brows knit and facial expression far from the neutrality she typically exhibits, she looks to the person closest to her and asks:] Touch these so that we can discuss them. It's imperative to what we do from here.
[The truth that lies at the heart of their situation (as far as Lexa is concerned) is this: it's one thing to take risks with food resources in order to survive. It's another to touch things out of place. Lexa has been cautious with where she's put her hands for some time now. She's observed the touch of the gashes up above numerous times, all to see how rigid or jagged they might be, but in approaching this deeper level with the others, she's clearly uncertain.
Once they enter this newly lit area, Lexa goes rigid. As a woman who's grown up in a spiritual society, she believes in the significance of symbols and monoliths. Part of her recognizes now that her people's spirituality lied in the very same science that had kept Clarke and her people in the sky—it's prudent that she sees this now—but some part of her will always be superstitious and uneasy. That comes to the forefront here, especially at first.]
Someone with great power built this place, [she says decisively.] We should all be cautious.
b: visions
[Experiencing the memories of a people lost is actually not new for Lexa. When she touches these specific monoliths and finds herself given the silhouettes of what she assumes are the people who once lived here, she finds herself shaken. Remember: that spiritual part of her is still at hand, and she can't help but wonder if she is experiencing her past or future. Are they viewing the lives of those who have gone, or what will happen to them in the future? There are so many holes in the knowledge of what they know here that she can't help but feel disturbed.
And that much is clear: she is unsettled by what she experiences. Deeply so. It's not the visions themselves (even the most haunting of them) that disturbs her, so much as the uncertainty.
Brows knit and facial expression far from the neutrality she typically exhibits, she looks to the person closest to her and asks:] Touch these so that we can discuss them. It's imperative to what we do from here.
[ Eerie is one way to put it. Jim feels like the statue (if it even is a statue) could chill him to the bone with how creepy it is. Then again, he can't really tell if it's the statue itself or just the overall feel of the buried city, with its large chambers and echoes and dim lighting. The whole thing just makes him feel a little too on edge.
Not that he lets that stop him. He never has, after all, and he's made it this far so why stop now?
Which is why he starts looking around the room, studying the area closer to the figure, then stepping up close to it. Close enough to try and get a glimpse into its suit, reaching up to prod carefully and curiously at the mask. ]
Not that he lets that stop him. He never has, after all, and he's made it this far so why stop now?
Which is why he starts looking around the room, studying the area closer to the figure, then stepping up close to it. Close enough to try and get a glimpse into its suit, reaching up to prod carefully and curiously at the mask. ]
[ Touching the monoliths has been something of a gamble so far, but all in all Jim isn't complaining. He's had gulps of fresh water for what feels like the first time in days now, and he's taken to filling up any container he can get his hands on with more. He fully intends on saving it now, just in case the monoliths might stop providing them with water.
It's far from ideal but at least it's a start. Now if only one of these dispensed food for them, that would be pretty great. But beggars can't be choosers, so.
He's walking up to the next set of monoliths when he spots Lexa, and he's about to offer her some water when she speaks up. His eyes go from her to the nearest monolith, eyeing it somewhat suspiciously before he finally reaches out to touch it. ] What does it do?
It's far from ideal but at least it's a start. Now if only one of these dispensed food for them, that would be pretty great. But beggars can't be choosers, so.
He's walking up to the next set of monoliths when he spots Lexa, and he's about to offer her some water when she speaks up. His eyes go from her to the nearest monolith, eyeing it somewhat suspiciously before he finally reaches out to touch it. ] What does it do?
[ A robot. Larger than . . . what had Kara called it, Kelex? Stood in the room. Clark wondered if it was guarding this forgotten place. He's not afraid of it, but his heart goes out to what it must have been. What it used to be.
Unafraid, he steps closer. ]
Unafraid, he steps closer. ]
[ a: and then there was . . . light. And water. ]
[ Once the water starts pouring out, Clark immediately looks around. Once he finds a suitable large rock, he digs his fingers into it, hollowing it out until it looks like a bowl. Then he brings it back to the water and fires up his heat vision, boiling it.
If anyone needs a drink, he'll be at the monolith, boiling water and making sure it's safe to drink. ]
[ b: the end of the world as they know it. ]
[ Clark's breath catches. It reminded him too closely of the World Engine and the horror it wreaked among the people. Except this one was successful. Swiping his eyes, he swallows, trying to look back at it closely. Any clue they could find could prevent further tragedy. After it dims, he steps away, not wanting to meet anyone's gaze.
It was too much to bear. ]
[ c: wildcard! if you have an idea, it's fine to tag Clark with it. ]
[ Once the water starts pouring out, Clark immediately looks around. Once he finds a suitable large rock, he digs his fingers into it, hollowing it out until it looks like a bowl. Then he brings it back to the water and fires up his heat vision, boiling it.
If anyone needs a drink, he'll be at the monolith, boiling water and making sure it's safe to drink. ]
[ b: the end of the world as they know it. ]
[ Clark's breath catches. It reminded him too closely of the World Engine and the horror it wreaked among the people. Except this one was successful. Swiping his eyes, he swallows, trying to look back at it closely. Any clue they could find could prevent further tragedy. After it dims, he steps away, not wanting to meet anyone's gaze.
It was too much to bear. ]
[ c: wildcard! if you have an idea, it's fine to tag Clark with it. ]
Uh...
[ Okay. Creepy. Having entered the room, Hunk gives the statue a wide berth. Instead, he heads on over to the robot frame, crouching down to wipe away some of the sand. ]
Huh. Have I mentioned how much I wish we had some real tools yet? [ Probably not to Jim, so there's that. ]
[ Okay. Creepy. Having entered the room, Hunk gives the statue a wide berth. Instead, he heads on over to the robot frame, crouching down to wipe away some of the sand. ]
Huh. Have I mentioned how much I wish we had some real tools yet? [ Probably not to Jim, so there's that. ]
LIGHT
AHHHHHHH!
[ A shout can be heard ringing in the cavern, the source appears to be Hunk in mid-flight, standing meters away from a lit monolith. The whites of his eyes flash wildly. ] Did you - did you see that?
[ Whatever he's so upset about isn't readily apparent, but the faint scent of ozone lingers in the air. ]
I don't think we should be messing around with these...
DARK
Okay - let's see what we got here... [ Speaking to whomever else is in the area, Hunk can be found crouched in front of one of those unlit monoliths (seems safer, so far). His brow pinches in concentration as he tries to make heads or tails of the symbols in front of him, his gloved hand carefully tracing over a long crack in the stone. Not touching this time. Nope.
He turns, glancing over his shoulder. ]
Any of this look familiar to you?
WILDCARD
( hit me up with whatever you want! )
AHHHHHHH!
[ A shout can be heard ringing in the cavern, the source appears to be Hunk in mid-flight, standing meters away from a lit monolith. The whites of his eyes flash wildly. ] Did you - did you see that?
[ Whatever he's so upset about isn't readily apparent, but the faint scent of ozone lingers in the air. ]
I don't think we should be messing around with these...
DARK
Okay - let's see what we got here... [ Speaking to whomever else is in the area, Hunk can be found crouched in front of one of those unlit monoliths (seems safer, so far). His brow pinches in concentration as he tries to make heads or tails of the symbols in front of him, his gloved hand carefully tracing over a long crack in the stone. Not touching this time. Nope.
He turns, glancing over his shoulder. ]
Any of this look familiar to you?
WILDCARD
( hit me up with whatever you want! )
Edited 2016-11-22 01:34 (UTC)
Not gonna hear any arguments from me.
[There's something fucked up going on around here, that much he thinks is obvious. (Or, maybe, whatever it was already happened and they're just seeing the remains; that's just as fucked up, in his estimation.) It'd be stupid to dive-in headfirst without at least thinking about it a little. As antsy as he is for some actually useful information, he keeps reminding himself of that. He's thinking less about the room itself and more about the people he's sure must be behind it; there's a whole culture of context here that's impossible for them to know. So far, anyway.
That said, one of them is going to have to cross the line eventually if they want to get anywhere. It's just better to have more information when that happens than less.
He picks his way towards the closest of the lit monoliths, and stops short about thirty feet back. It's— he's gotta admit, it's creepy, the way it glows dimly in the darkness.]
What d'you think the odds are that this place is full of traps?
[There's something fucked up going on around here, that much he thinks is obvious. (Or, maybe, whatever it was already happened and they're just seeing the remains; that's just as fucked up, in his estimation.) It'd be stupid to dive-in headfirst without at least thinking about it a little. As antsy as he is for some actually useful information, he keeps reminding himself of that. He's thinking less about the room itself and more about the people he's sure must be behind it; there's a whole culture of context here that's impossible for them to know. So far, anyway.
That said, one of them is going to have to cross the line eventually if they want to get anywhere. It's just better to have more information when that happens than less.
He picks his way towards the closest of the lit monoliths, and stops short about thirty feet back. It's— he's gotta admit, it's creepy, the way it glows dimly in the darkness.]
What d'you think the odds are that this place is full of traps?
[He tries very hard not to scoff at the question, and he is not successful.]
No.
[He does try, though, at least. He scans the whole monolith for anything that looks remotely familiar, then focuses on a smaller section, his good eye narrowed like staring harder at it will somehow yield anything useful. He doesn't even know if he's trying to read it in the correct orientation.
He steps back with a little huff of frustration.]
It looks like fuckin' gibberish. What are we supposed to do with this? It's an alien planet, it's not like there's going to be a "Learn Alien Bullshit in Thirty Days" book lying around somewhere.
No.
[He does try, though, at least. He scans the whole monolith for anything that looks remotely familiar, then focuses on a smaller section, his good eye narrowed like staring harder at it will somehow yield anything useful. He doesn't even know if he's trying to read it in the correct orientation.
He steps back with a little huff of frustration.]
It looks like fuckin' gibberish. What are we supposed to do with this? It's an alien planet, it's not like there's going to be a "Learn Alien Bullshit in Thirty Days" book lying around somewhere.
No, sorry.
[ She's been poring over the one next to him, memorising the shape of the runes, scanning for common one, which ones look like they might be sentences. ]
There might be one of these meant for translation.
[ She's been poring over the one next to him, memorising the shape of the runes, scanning for common one, which ones look like they might be sentences. ]
There might be one of these meant for translation.
[ There is something certainly disquieting about the large chamber. The entire cave system is disquieting, really, with the lighting and the monoliths towering over them, and adding in a large statue, or whatever it is, only adds to the effect.
But there are many things in the universe that are unnerving, and if Allura let any of them stop her, she'd have never left the castle. So rather than giving the statue thing a wide berth, she steps closer, angling for the side opposite Jim, pressing her hand against the suit and closing her eyes. She had been able to connect to the Balmera - if this statue was once living, and there was any life-force left inside, perhaps she could reach... something. ]
But there are many things in the universe that are unnerving, and if Allura let any of them stop her, she'd have never left the castle. So rather than giving the statue thing a wide berth, she steps closer, angling for the side opposite Jim, pressing her hand against the suit and closing her eyes. She had been able to connect to the Balmera - if this statue was once living, and there was any life-force left inside, perhaps she could reach... something. ]
[ It looks like a statue, but it stands more like a guard, or perhaps, a guide, or a warning left behind to anyone who comes looking. Kara circles around it warily, watching and listening for its movement, hanging back as Kal goes for it first. ]
[Bruce isn't one to just watch, even when he's flanked by Kryptonians who outclass him tenfold. His curiosity, his need for answers, outweigh his need to remain in any sort of safety.
So as Clark approaches, so too does Bruce. The analytical part of him assesses first and foremost. A guard is likely, a hulking intimidating figure, as well as a clue to the reverence of this place.
Hands on his hips, he stares straight up at the robot.]
So as Clark approaches, so too does Bruce. The analytical part of him assesses first and foremost. A guard is likely, a hulking intimidating figure, as well as a clue to the reverence of this place.
Hands on his hips, he stares straight up at the robot.]
[ Clark glances around him. ]
I wonder if they simply left in a hurry or left this behind for a reason.
[ This is the second robot he's encountered. The other one was rusted and mangled beyond repair. Perhaps he should have given part of it to Bruce but it was Max who had initiated their help. He peers at Bruce. ]
We can take a deeper look, but maybe you've noticed something we haven't.
I wonder if they simply left in a hurry or left this behind for a reason.
[ This is the second robot he's encountered. The other one was rusted and mangled beyond repair. Perhaps he should have given part of it to Bruce but it was Max who had initiated their help. He peers at Bruce. ]
We can take a deeper look, but maybe you've noticed something we haven't.
It offers us a vision, perhaps of those who came before us, or who failed to open the pods of those left behind. [If they thought them dead, they may not have bothered. Lexa doubts this for some reason: even if the bodies themselves were dead and rancid, the food supplies would have (and should have) been enough to inspire others to dig them up.]
It may even show what's likely to happen to us if we aren't careful. [Vague, but really, Jim has to experience it himself.]
It may even show what's likely to happen to us if we aren't careful. [Vague, but really, Jim has to experience it himself.]
[If it were a place that her people had built, there would be warnings, signs of the strength of the people that had been left behind. There would be clarity, and if someone went against it, they would have to deal with what would come with that. There could be traps. There could be weapons set up ready in preparation. There could even be poisons waiting to trick the person coming closest.
But so far, she's encountered none of that here. It's unusual: it's as if whoever built the surface of this civilization had nothing to fear. Lexa knows that can't be true, or else that civilization would still be here.]
Have you encountered traps elsewhere? [As simple of a question as it is, it really is telling: she hasn't, so she doubts others have. Plus, she'd prefer to provoke someone else into trying things. Her question, indirect as it is in its approach, will hopefully do exactly that.]
But so far, she's encountered none of that here. It's unusual: it's as if whoever built the surface of this civilization had nothing to fear. Lexa knows that can't be true, or else that civilization would still be here.]
Have you encountered traps elsewhere? [As simple of a question as it is, it really is telling: she hasn't, so she doubts others have. Plus, she'd prefer to provoke someone else into trying things. Her question, indirect as it is in its approach, will hopefully do exactly that.]
[ He can tell the guy's not talking to him but Jim answers anyway, only briefly glancing over his shoulder. ]
There's gotta be some tools on that ship. If only we could be in there for longer than five minutes.
[ That frustrates him more than anything. Knowing he could probably find a lot of useful things in there, along with information, but being impossible for him to survive long enough to succeed.
As the woman steps up to the statue, Jim drops his hand, watching her for a few seconds before asking curiously. ] What are you doing?
There's gotta be some tools on that ship. If only we could be in there for longer than five minutes.
[ That frustrates him more than anything. Knowing he could probably find a lot of useful things in there, along with information, but being impossible for him to survive long enough to succeed.
As the woman steps up to the statue, Jim drops his hand, watching her for a few seconds before asking curiously. ] What are you doing?
Tell me about it...
[ Pidge agrees with both Jim and Hunk on this one. She crosses her arms as she stands a few paces behind Hunk, staring up at the robot with an uncertain expression. ]
I wish I had my computer. I bet there has to be some kind of interface in that thing--too bad there's probably no power.
[ Pidge glances over at Kirk, shrugs. She steps up next to Hunk and starts trying to scramble up on top of the robot--maybe she can find some way of getting inside. ]
I think she's trying--oof--to see what she can find out about it.
[ She scrambles upwards, sending some dust and sand trickling down towards Hunk as she goes. ]
[ Pidge agrees with both Jim and Hunk on this one. She crosses her arms as she stands a few paces behind Hunk, staring up at the robot with an uncertain expression. ]
I wish I had my computer. I bet there has to be some kind of interface in that thing--too bad there's probably no power.
[ Pidge glances over at Kirk, shrugs. She steps up next to Hunk and starts trying to scramble up on top of the robot--maybe she can find some way of getting inside. ]
I think she's trying--oof--to see what she can find out about it.
[ She scrambles upwards, sending some dust and sand trickling down towards Hunk as she goes. ]
Edited 2016-11-22 11:21 (UTC)
[ Pidge sounds very small as she replies to Lexa. This place is a little overwhelming, and she isn't really a spiritual person as a rule. What are these monoliths? Who built them? What do they all mean? Though when Lexa tells her touch one set, she raises an eyebrow. ]
Touch them...?
[ She takes a step forward a touches a hand to one of the monoliths, brows knitting as a vision springs in to her mind. ]
Whoa. I see... People? It's hard to tell.
Touch them...?
[ She takes a step forward a touches a hand to one of the monoliths, brows knitting as a vision springs in to her mind. ]
Whoa. I see... People? It's hard to tell.
[ And then the statue moves.
Because it's not a statue at all, and that mask? Not one of those either. It's the creature's face and when Jim's hands fall away as Allura makes contact it suddenly shifts, turning its empty-eyed gaze downward at her. Whether or not it's staring it anyone's guess, but there is most definitely life inside it.
Oh and it talks, too. Slow and gravelly, in a deep tone. ]
Do not disturb the sleeping one.
Because it's not a statue at all, and that mask? Not one of those either. It's the creature's face and when Jim's hands fall away as Allura makes contact it suddenly shifts, turning its empty-eyed gaze downward at her. Whether or not it's staring it anyone's guess, but there is most definitely life inside it.
Oh and it talks, too. Slow and gravelly, in a deep tone. ]
Do not disturb the sleeping one.
[ Allura ignores everyone else in the chamber, mostly because her attention is focused on the statue.
That moves. Which is creepy enough, with those empty eyes peering at her, but adding in the voice is enough to make Allura's hand twitch and almost fall away. But here is a chance to talk to something, and even if it doesn't respond, she's not going to waste the opportunity. ]
No. [ She presses her hand flat against the suit, mentally willing herself to connect to it by whatever means possible, even if it is just this touch. ] Are you the sleeping one? Where are we? What are you?
That moves. Which is creepy enough, with those empty eyes peering at her, but adding in the voice is enough to make Allura's hand twitch and almost fall away. But here is a chance to talk to something, and even if it doesn't respond, she's not going to waste the opportunity. ]
No. [ She presses her hand flat against the suit, mentally willing herself to connect to it by whatever means possible, even if it is just this touch. ] Are you the sleeping one? Where are we? What are you?
MONOLITHS
[ Caution is a wise approach, but Allura's headstrong and stubborn, given to ignoring safety. It means, when she reaches the room with the monoliths, all she wants to do is touch them and try to figure out what they mean.
Her hand hesitates over the one with the warning sign, but a slight nudge and she touches it anyway. Luckily, she knows enough about space to skip back hastily and move onto something else. Like the dark ones, which pose less of a risk. ]
Any chance of understanding this writing?
[ She'd ask, of anyone nearby. It's certainly not familiar to her. ]
VISIONS
[ It wasn't too long ago for Allura that her ship was haunted. Well, not exactly haunted, the AI went corrupt, but there was still enough eeriness to the entire thing that the first vision she gets is deeply unsettling, not only because it's so familiar. But that doesn't keep her from touching another, and yet another.
The vision of space, the feeling of tension and desperation to find something is the one that does her, teaches her the better part of caution for the moment. She jerks away from the monolith, face troubled, and doesn't attempt to touch another after that. ]
What were you searching for?
WILDCARD
[ tag allura with anything, if you have an idea ]
[ Caution is a wise approach, but Allura's headstrong and stubborn, given to ignoring safety. It means, when she reaches the room with the monoliths, all she wants to do is touch them and try to figure out what they mean.
Her hand hesitates over the one with the warning sign, but a slight nudge and she touches it anyway. Luckily, she knows enough about space to skip back hastily and move onto something else. Like the dark ones, which pose less of a risk. ]
Any chance of understanding this writing?
[ She'd ask, of anyone nearby. It's certainly not familiar to her. ]
VISIONS
[ It wasn't too long ago for Allura that her ship was haunted. Well, not exactly haunted, the AI went corrupt, but there was still enough eeriness to the entire thing that the first vision she gets is deeply unsettling, not only because it's so familiar. But that doesn't keep her from touching another, and yet another.
The vision of space, the feeling of tension and desperation to find something is the one that does her, teaches her the better part of caution for the moment. She jerks away from the monolith, face troubled, and doesn't attempt to touch another after that. ]
What were you searching for?
WILDCARD
[ tag allura with anything, if you have an idea ]
[It probably won't take much to prod him into toeing the line. Prudence is still new to him, and he's not used to it yet. The timer really is just the limit of his patience— so, not long.]
No. But just 'cause they weren't up there doesn't mean they're not down here. This place is kinda... y'know....
[He shrugs a little, searching for the right word. It's hard to articulate, mostly because he doesn't know what this place is; it just seems important? valuable? sacred? He isn't sure.
He lets himself focus less on the monolith and more on the structure of the room, following the high walls up, up, up. If it had been his family putting up the defenses, none of them would have gotten through the door. Through that lens, he finds the best way to describe it he can think of:]
Seems like it'd be something worth protecting.
[It just doesn't make sense to him that it wouldn't be.]
No. But just 'cause they weren't up there doesn't mean they're not down here. This place is kinda... y'know....
[He shrugs a little, searching for the right word. It's hard to articulate, mostly because he doesn't know what this place is; it just seems important? valuable? sacred? He isn't sure.
He lets himself focus less on the monolith and more on the structure of the room, following the high walls up, up, up. If it had been his family putting up the defenses, none of them would have gotten through the door. Through that lens, he finds the best way to describe it he can think of:]
Seems like it'd be something worth protecting.
[It just doesn't make sense to him that it wouldn't be.]
[ Jim feels a chill run up his spine when the statue moves, but to anyone looking he seems almost too calm. There's a trace of tension as his shoulders square and he looks up to the statue, eyes wide when he sees the mask turning down as if staring right at the woman.
She doesn't look even slightly scared; if anything the voice only seems to encourage her further, which in turn only makes Jim worry more about what reaction she might end up triggering, even if accidentally. ]
Careful, [ He places a hand lightly on her forearm but doesn't actually grab it. He also lets himself stay where he is just in case the figure decides to do something other than talk next. Not that Jim's so great a fighter that he could take it head on, but at least he can make for a decent enough human shield. ] Doesn't look like he's very friendly.
She doesn't look even slightly scared; if anything the voice only seems to encourage her further, which in turn only makes Jim worry more about what reaction she might end up triggering, even if accidentally. ]
Careful, [ He places a hand lightly on her forearm but doesn't actually grab it. He also lets himself stay where he is just in case the figure decides to do something other than talk next. Not that Jim's so great a fighter that he could take it head on, but at least he can make for a decent enough human shield. ] Doesn't look like he's very friendly.
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