STORY

STORY

A WARM MEAL
2024-12-17 19:51:15
Profile
Posted by ID #64
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:04:10

Two friends wander the festival, unsure of what to do. The festival had too much "hustle and bustle." Anomaly peddlers tried to sell them strange books, and birds tried to convince them onto stages.

They tried to find something calmer to do.

They spotted an AI with a sign that said free food and hints.

They spotted a library through one of the book gates.

A finally they spotted a path to the god ray.

"I still can't believe it's actually you. =)"
"It... It feels like its been forever =)"
G-8471
2024-12-17 19:55:18
G-8471 Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:04:39
"Its good to see you again, Chitter. =)" Gunner slightly laughs at Chitter's use of his sign off. He assumed they had long abandoned their own.
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:07:58
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:05:17
"It's good to see you, too! =)"
It's true that they had, but... well. They can make an exception for their dear friend.
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:08:08
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:05:06
"You want to get something to eat? =)"
"Sure, I'd love to catch up over a meal. You can tell me where those grey streaks came from, and I can tell you the story behind my own. =)" Gunner's shoulders slightly bounce as he huffs a laugh to himself. The whole thing felt unbelievable, but it was in his nature to follow along.
"Oi, you're one to talk, mister white streaks. =)"
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:09:30
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:05:32
They head to the food and hints.
The two head over to the AI. While only a day ago the AI had people walk into his ship, now he has set up an array of cheap tables and chairs. A sign recommends moving a chair out of the way if it is impossible to sit in.
"There's a bit of a mess inside."
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:10:03
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:05:58
"I wasn't aware you were letting people inside your ship."
"I think I'd rather stay out, anyways. Weather's lovely today. =)"
Gunner heads to sit down at one of the provided chairs, and pulls one out a bit for Chitter.
"The food I made today got a bit ruined. Anything you folks would like for me to cook for you. Might as well take your orders if I'm starting from scratch."
"Ruined?? Geez, what happened?"
"Nothing to worry about. A friend freaked out over nothing, a few items got tossed again. Don't worry, it's nothing."
that doesn't sound like nothing....
"If you say so. Though, if you need some help cleaning up, I wouldn't mind lending a hand. We have all the time in the world to enjoy today, and it would be nice to do something. =)"
"Oh, yeah! I wouldn't mind helping, either. Especially since you're doing this whole thing for everyone."
"It's no problem. I'm in my element. Now what can I get you folks?"
"Feel free to ask for whatever you want. You'll be surprised what supplies we have in the back."
"Hm. Call it homesickness, but do you have any of those default rations like they hand out at basic centers? The ones that only cost one meal ration card, and maybe..." He takes some time to think on it.
"Something like carnival food. Wearing this hat always reminds me of clown expertise =)"
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:13:03
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:07:30
Chitter lets out an audible snort.
"Not the clowns!!!!"
G-8471
2024-12-17 20:13:15
G-8471 Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:07:57
"Hey, listen, just because you didn't know how to scream right to not get clown mauled didn't mean I couldn't come out of the whole mess laughing my ass off =)"
"I remember screaming pretty hard when that pig stuck my whole head in its mouth."
Chitter laughs and rolls their eyes. Not that it can be seen.
"But anyways. I'm not... particularly hungry, actually. Do you have anything for mallons?"
"Old guy could go for a snack."
Cheater
2024-12-17 20:14:55
Cheater Profile
Posted by ID #64
Last edit: 2024-12-17 20:15:18
"Trust me when I say this. I can get you anything."
"We're....carrying a lot of supplies."
"Are you like... a traveling food truck- wait, food trucks already travel."
"Alright then. If you're sure you'll have it, one generic ration and, lets say, a funnel cake. Do animal crackers sound good for taffy, Chit-chat? =)"
"We're more of a-"
[GLitch]
G?#?$23:
2024-12-17 20:17:20
G?#?$23: Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:08:36
"What is it? Seriously."
G?#?$23:
2024-12-17 20:17:32
G?#?$23: Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:08:48
"I don't think it's any modifications we've made."
G?#?$23:
2024-12-17 20:18:04
G?#?$23: Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:08:57
"It's totally coming from somewhere near the ship, what the hell....."

Cheater is hit by a flying eyegret chick plushie.

"Huh........"
"Uh-"
"Anyway let me.......go find your food."
Cheater places the plush on the table and enters the ship.
"That. Doesn't seem good. =)"
Gunner idly picks up the plushie off the table, and feels it in his hand. What propelled this damn thing? it seems normal...
"That's uh- interesting. Cute plushie, though!"
"y'think they're strapping bottle rockets to these things or what, chit? =)" Gunner tries to lighten the mood as he inspects the item.
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:22:03
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:09:49
"I mean, that sounds like a good way to kill time."
They're joking. Careless bottle rocketing leads to serious injury.

Helen appears.

"Hey-a folks!"
G-8471
2024-12-17 20:22:47
G-8471 Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:10:11
"Oh! Hello there, i suppose you're here for the free food and hints as well? =)"
"Hiya!"
"Oh nope! I mean, I guess! This is my ship!"
"Or at least one that I'm borrowing from a friend."
"I just thought something odd might have happened......"
"I know that sounds weird, but you know when you feel like something really bad is happening and you have to make sure you didn't leave the oven on?"
"....like a flying plushie?"
"Flying plushies?"
"One came and just smacked the fella serving us food out of nowhere. But i do get what you mean, I suppose that sense of foreboding comes with... premonition and an eventful history =)"
"...yeah, I know just what you mean. Still not all that fond of dark places, honestly."
"Hmmm can I see the plushie?"
G-8471
2024-12-17 20:25:20
G-8471 Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:11:48
Gunner holds up the item, spreading its little wings for maximum display.
"Why does it look like that? :U"
"I've only seen the white ones at this festival!"
"They must have special ones in stock......"
"................................................Can I have that................plushie......"
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:26:19
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:21:49
Chitter, a beta class, is immediately uncomfortable with the presence of Classless-7.
Classless-7 pays no mind to the other notail.
"I- uh- are you alright..?"
"Yeah it's just so adorable!"
"Sorry I just can't believe how pretty it is."
"Helen, I believe this is theirs."
"I think I'm inclined to keep it. Me and my good friend here have just began our reunion, and it seems like a wonderful memento of an odd occasion. =)"
"I'm sure we can find another one at the item shop, yes? =V"
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:30:10
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:22:24
Chitter gives Gunner a quick look. Something feels off here.
"Are. Are you sure you're alright...?"
Gunner returns the glance, twitching his antennae ever so slightly. Something definitely felt off.
"The item shop?"
"Oh that's right! And it's close by....."
"Oh........"
Helen
2024-12-17 20:31:02
Helen Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:17:55
"Seven works there...."
"She sure does seem to have quite a lot of friends named Seven. :V"
"...yeah i don't think she's okay."
Cheater is waiting at the entrance to the ship, plates of food in hand. He's been there for awhile, and while there's no way he could have made the meals he holds in such a short amount of time, one can only guess that he "had it in the back."
"Good number to befriend, a lucky one. And yeah, she seems... a bit scatter-minded in the moment. I do hope she can collect herself eventually, but I haven't enough of an idea to begin to offer to help. =)"
"Whoah! I suppose you really just... did have a lot of supplies. =)"
"Wow, yeah-"
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:32:57
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:23:15
better make sure I tip for speedy service.
"Like I said, we got everything back here." Cheater places the dishes on the table before passing some mallon crackers to Taffy.
Taffy
2024-12-17 20:33:36
Taffy Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:23:45
Happy chitters
"Are you bored? :U"
G-8471
2024-12-17 20:33:46
G-8471 Profile
Posted by ID #64
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:17:20
Gunner looks from the food to CL-7.
"Are... you asking us? =)"
Why Is He Still Here
"I am speaking to my AI, this is my ship. :U"
("Or Helen's ship, I suppose now. :U")
"Your monotoned voice makes it hard to tell who you're talking to."
"Don't mind me. I'm never bored."
"You've been doing nothing but serving food to people for the past few days. :V"
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:35:50
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:24:07
While Gunner isn't looking, Chitter steals a tiny piece of his funnel cake.
"Like I said, never bored."
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:36:35
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:27:15
...wait. for the past two days? Where'd he get all the supplies from, then?
"Do- do you not do this all the time???"
G-8471
2024-12-17 20:36:57
G-8471 Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:24:53
Gunner slips a piece of generic ration A underneath his face to eat with his mask. He's going to let chitter ask the questions, this is their time they chose to meet with him.
"We are not a charity. =U"
"Our AI just enjoys handing out supply to others with no cost. :V"
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:37:56
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:25:18
"...Why do you have a ton of cooking supplies, then? Especially for. Like. Funnel cakes???"
"I do not manage the supplies. :V"
Cheater
2024-12-17 20:38:40
Cheater Profile
Posted by ID #64
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:16:23
"......................................................"
"Funnel cake is amazing."
G-8471
2024-12-17 20:40:14
G-8471 Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:26:23
"You cannot fault this AI for good taste =)"
"I mean. Fair enough."
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:40:43
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:27:31
Chitter quietly claps their hands together.
"Hey, what would you say to some creature catching after this? For old time's sake."
G-8471
2024-12-17 20:41:04
G-8471 Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:28:08
"Hm. It's been quite a while, but I wouldn't mind. The advert said there would be hints here as well, can you tell us where to go to find some rare creatures? =)"
"You're handing people hints as well? =U"
"Yeah, not like it's a big deal."
"I see...................................." Classless-7 says no more as he takes a seat and allows the AI to continue.
"I've been using this sezing bird as a stove for awhile, but if you want it, and he wants to follow you, I'm good for you capturing it."

"Braaaaw!!"

"Talk about a roast chicken."
"Let's give it a try for old times sake! =)"
Gunner stands at the ready to assist
"Hey, Taffy. Can you... share some of those crackers????"
Taffy
2024-12-17 20:44:16
Taffy Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:29:51
Taffy holds out a treat for the seizing bird.
Taffy rolls a 20 sided die. A 16 is rolled.
The seizingbird nabs the crackers and eats it up!
"Despite his looks, he's a friendly guy."
Fortuna rolls a 20 sided die. A 16 is rolled.
Taffy
2024-12-17 20:45:56
Taffy Profile
Posted by ID #64
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:31:44
The seizing bird coos and tries to preen Taffy's fur.
Taffy
2024-12-17 20:49:43
Taffy Profile
Posted by ID #64
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:31:42
Happy rat noises
"I've had him for his whole life, but I'd prefer he'd go to anyone else."
"He deserves some adventure in his life."
G-8471
2024-12-17 20:50:37
G-8471 Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:32:09
...
"You seem like a great guy. I'm sure Chitter will take this fella to the ends of the galaxy, aint that right? =)"
Chitter
2024-12-17 20:51:19
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:32:21
"I- are you sure? This is your bird."
"I can get another like it anytime I want."
"Not to sound rude."
Chitter
2024-12-17 21:02:27
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:32:32
Chitter checks their bag for payment of some sort.
"Means a lot you're willing to let it go. I can assure you, it's in good hands. =)"
Gunner gives chitter a look and a nod.
They're the best trainer they know.
Cheater
2024-12-17 21:03:19
Cheater Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:33:44
Chitter finds some money, it's not a lot, but it's something.
"No need for money. Don't need it."
"You're giving people free food. I'd say food doesn't grow off trees, but well. The supplies to make it sure don't."
"I got no use for any of that. I'm living a good life with more supplies than you can believe."
"Just be nice to the H & H and that's all I could want."
"The fella has access to funnel cake supplies on demand. Living the good life. =)"
Chitter
2024-12-17 21:05:02
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:34:14
It's not as if Chitter is a stranger to charity, but they still feel a bit bad.
"Well... if. If you're sure."
G-8471
2024-12-17 21:05:12
G-8471 Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:34:27
"We'll be sure to be kind, its the least we could do. Not that someone here isn't already too caring for their own good. =)"
He looks to Chitter.
"Ready to go? =)"
Chitter
2024-12-17 21:05:24
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:34:40
[Chitter gives Gunner a gentle ribbing in the side
"Oi. Stop it. =)"
G-8471
2024-12-17 21:05:35
G-8471 Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:34:49
"Mmmmm nah =)"
Chitter
2024-12-17 21:05:49
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:35:36
"Thank you though. You've made this a great day."
Chitter offers a hand to shake Cheater's.
Cheater shake's Chitter's hand. "That's all I'm here for. To make your experience better, and your life easier."
"That's certainly a goal I can appreciate."
Chitter
2024-12-17 21:06:05
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:36:33
Chitter gives a wave goodbye, and walks over to Gunner.
"Hey.."
"Yeah? =)"
"I'm really glad I got to see you again. =)"
Chitter
2024-12-17 21:06:20
Chitter Profile
Posted by ID #99
Last edit: 2025-11-16 23:36:45
They wrap their arms around Gunner in a tight hug.
Gunner sinks into it and pats Chitter's back.
"The pleasure's all mine =)"
End of Expo.
No one is typing.