The Enigma Complex Pt 2 - The Termites - RPLOG

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.1, Part 3.2, Part 3.3, Part 3.4, Part 3.5

Participants

• Syntax (Judge)
• Arthur
• Junes
• Narwen
• Pteryx
• Umeko
• Ysadora

Date

25/3/2023

Log

(Syntax) The request for help from those helping at the bunker was simple: Syntax is going to speak to one of the Termite leaders and wanted some back-up. This venture was likely going to be quite diplomatic and might have some medical implications as well. She's waiting at the entrance to the massive termite hill holding a rolled piece of paper secured with spider silk. As always, she's looking generally a little anxious.

(Junes) Junes heard the message and soon enough you could see the chimeric hissah trotting to syntax in the small sweater and tights combo while their backpack hopped with the motions "hey! good to see you again" they came close enough and hugged the arachne

(Ysadora) Ysadora arrives on the road from the forest on foot. Or on feet which float a few centimeters above the ground. She's in her most common form, that being mostly a ghost with a bit of chill mist in the air around her and wild black hair over her face. Rather than the usual white shroud, however, she's wearing an elaborate getup that looks like something one would see at the Convention Center. It's got puffy sleeves, a bright pink jewel as a centerpiece, and an armored skirt with a star pattern across it. Overall, it looks quite out of place both in the environment and on Ysadora herself. "Hey Syntax," she waves as she approaches. "I heard this was going to be a diplomatic venture, so I wore my best outfit! Hey Junes! Good choice with the sweater, too."

(Arthur) Arthur has several contacts and, thanks to that, not only was aware of what was going on, but also managed to secure a spot in helping out! Not that he understands the situation entirely, that kind of info didn't reach him. The large manly incubus is hopeful that he'll make good use of the opportunity to widen his own network of contacts. Well dressed and bathed, he arrives at the entrance of the termite hill, professionaly greeting and presenting himself to everyone else already there, taking a moment to gaze at the size of the mound. Hell, that's almost a hill. "So, what are we expected to offer and to ask?"

(Pteryx) Pteryx fumbles towards the mound dizzied. Can't figure out that whole mushroom situation without any help, and without Zephyr this was the next best thing... but the forest! Crawling with spiders! One spider already there, who knows how many more!? Is that another spider!? Oh wait that spider's familiar. They fumble towards the group forming around the spider. "This... this here the right mound... how'd we miss this thang?"

(Narwen) A large skunk beast lumbers towards the group on all fours, tail up. Is it a threat? A menace? The start of a raid? Also, why is it wearing brightly coloured shorts? Wait, false alarm, it's just Narwen. He is not presenting himself professionally, he is not well dressed -- except on the skunk beast scale, in that he is wearing any clothes at all -- though at least he is probably technically bathed.

"Hello. Hello?" he calls. "Someone put out a call for backup? For a very urgent crisis of, um, diplomacy?" he continues, glancing down at the heavy comm unit attached to a leather cuff on one foreleg. "And I was sort of near, so I thought I'd, uh." He gradually trails off and lifts his head, staring up at the brown stone structure. "I may not have brought enough diplomacy."

(Umeko) Umeko made her way to the meeting spot as well, wearing her usual camo jacket and pants with a bit of extra lightweight armor underneath, just in case. She waved to the others, though paused as she noticed Ysadora's outfit. "Oh? That's pretty different, looks nice though!" she said with a smile. She looked over to Arthur, "Honestly, I'm not sure of all the details or if there was more recent information... Basically we're here to see if the termites know anything about getting rid of some nasty mold or fungus called 'cumrot', as well trying to get some proper contact with them in general if we can..." She was also a bit surprised as the skunk beast came over, but quickly relaxed as she heard him speak, giving another wave, "We could use all the help we can get, hopefully the termites can communicate normally, otherwise this will be a real challenge."

(Syntax) Syn smiles to all assembled and also returns that hug from Junes. "Bloody wonderful to see ye lot. Even got some new faces. Well, bit of an introduction is in order, I suppose. I'm Syntax, or just Syn fer short. I wouldn' worry too much about looking too formal..." She trails off as she looks to Ysadora with a light giggle. "Though, I suppose it does help. Ah, glad ye asked, though!" She nods to Arthur and crosses her lower arms as she gestures to the skyscraper sized termite mound with one of her upper arms. "Apparently there's more to the termites than most people know. Not just the mindless drones folk see skulkin' about. What's more, I heard rumors that they know how to deal with somethin' called cumrot." She pauses, realizing the newcomers might not even know what that is. "Basically, it's a mind altering fungus that kind of zombifies ye into a sex obsessed fungal spore factory. Not a good time and it's a bit of a problem for some local projects've ours. On the part've the Enigma Complex-which is a little outpost I'm representing here-we're looking to establish some stable relations considering how close we are to one another. The ultimate goal, however, is to learn what they know of the Cumrot."

She waggles the rolled up, silk secured paper with a smile saying, "And this will get us past th' front door at least."

(Junes) Junes waved and greeted the people coming as well and nodded looking to ysadora's outfit but seeing the skunk beast they looked curiously but then the comm unit sparked a memory and pulling out an odd looking leaf they waved with the other arm before realizing the use of it rather than the memento itself and put it away "narwen! its been so long i hope you've been doing well these days" before shaking their head "oh right, the cumrot" before looking curiously at the paper "hey syntax would they trust us more if one of us were a termite? because i could help out there"

(Ysadora) Ysadora beams at Umeko's compliment. "Thanks! It's my Sunday Best." She turns her attention back to Syntax. "I'm all for figuring out anything we can about the cumrot! The sooner we get rid of that, the sooner we can move on to the real cool stuff, like that supposed haunting on the lower floor. So...we're going to try to charm some termites?" She takes one of her many hands, now wrapped in a dainty white glove, and taps her chin. "I really got some bad intel from RSX and a certain Anole, if it's possible to work with ferals like that. But I'm coming here with an open mind! So...what's the paper say?"

(Arthur) Arthur pays plenty of attention to everyone around. Whether because of nanite infused instincts, his own arrogant character or both, he feels entirely superior in preparation and diplomatic skills compared to the others. Of course, as a so-called professional, he wasn't going to express or expose that in any way, no need to make enemies! He knows that everyone has their use, he just needed to figure those out for each agent.

Keeping his regal pose, he rubs his bearded chin with one hand after Umeko's short explanation, then from Syntax's more complete one, "Cumrot mold... That sounds like bad times just around the corner..." Whenever both hands were idle, he kept them behind, giving his chest a slight puff forward and helping him keep his chin just a bit upwards. Coupled with his large height of 8ft, he looked very imposing with little effort.

After some thought, he remarks, "I see. So, this is more in behalf of your complex. I suppose the very least we could try to offer in exchange for their knowledge is some sort of safety. We offer to get rid of this cumrot outside their colony, they won't have to worry about a future where that thing grows too dangerous even for them. We should definitely think more about other things we could offer. And, more importantly, a limit to what we're willing to give. What would you suggest?" Although he directed his inquiry at Syntax, he fully expected the others to suggest something as well.

(Pteryx) Pteryx defensively hisses "Well huey, this here be the right spot then? Don't get much out of them sample without Zephyr stuff... Ya sure them termites got the right stuff on them there mush? "

(Narwen) Narwen gives a distinct wince at the mention of 'cumrot', and then another wince at its description. He looks around in mild alarm, presumably for large mushrooms, and then squints at a couple of the group, presumably for smaller mushrooms. "But, uh, they've got it dealt with, right? So, logically, where the termites are is the safest place, right? And you've got an invitation?" His gaze follows the paper as Syntax waggles it.

The skunk sneezes abruptly, twitches his nose, and looks down towards the small kobold. "Junes? Ah, good to see you again! Yeah, been a long while. Ack, where're my manners? Hello everyone, I'm Narwen," he continues, jangling the ID badge on his lanyard with a claw. "Narwen, everyone, everyone, Narwen. See? Diplomacy. As to what we offer?" He shrugs one shoulder. "Hafta see what they need, what they want. Zephyr's got technology out the wazoo, but if all they need is food, water, space, and freedom from predators, well, that's what they need."

(Umeko) Umeko looked over to Junes and rubbed her chin, "I'm honestly not sure what they'll think of it. If they're anything like real termites, I think familiar pheromones might be useful for at least dealing with the workers or soldiers, but if they're more intelligent, it might be awkward to explain why we're imitating them if it came down to that... I haven't really interacted with the termites much while I've been out in these parts, mostly kept my distance... Still, if you think you can play it off if they ask questions, might be worthwhile." She then looked back to Arthur, "Well, the termites *seem* to have managing the fungus down through some unknown technique, otherwise it would have theoretically taken over their hive by now. The arachne we spoke to also seemed to confirm this, and that the cumrot is a problem throughout the forest, seemingly being carried by the creek water if I recall correctly, so probably in the groundwater and leaking into the bunker somewhere..." She then looked to Narwen and nodded, "If the information's right, the termite mound should be free of it. Even if you do breathe it in, it's treatable although it appears to cause rapid and severe lust in whoever inhales the spores it seems... Also I'm Umeko, pleasure to meet the new people here!"

(Syntax) Syntax winces at the mention of Zephyr and exhales. "So, as for what we have to offer...that's where things get complicated. We're looking to avoid using any of the big three out here where we can help it. Mostly because any one of them would use a direct request for help as a way of getting their bloody foots in the door to make some sort've outpost out here. That means that what we have to offer is kind of dependent on what they need and what we might be able to get access to in the lower levels of the bunker. Also considering we're not feral and the like, we'd also have an easier time getting them resources they might be scarce on that would require trade with places like Eureka. Basically what I'm saying is that we're going to have to wing it. As for what we can do going in...I got reason to believe that *looking* like a termite might not help much, but *smelling* like one could. Pheromones and all that. If anyone here could give us the scent of...'safe'? That'd go a long way."

(Junes) Junes thought for a moment and soon enough their scent was that of the royal termite but to those who wouldn't know it was similar to almost a milky or creamy wood, not quite smoky though "hopefully this helps out but I've also got plenty of fish and other supplies if we need to sweeten the deal right away! although we should also have a plan in case they maybe something goes horribly wrong, like a phrase of emergency? how about guttentaggen!" as they look around and think "although if they have a resistance to the rot would they be fine with small amounts in the air?"

(Ysadora) Ysadora nods a few times. "Right, no Big Three. That's why I'm here not as RSX Agent Ysadora or Mystic Squares patrol op Ysadora, but just as me." She pauses, then turns to the assembled others, face lighting up with a smile under her messy hair. Her gaze lingers for a slightly longer moment on Arthur before she speaks. "Oh! I haven't met all of you yet, have I? I'm Ysadora...uh...you probably gathered that already. I'll skip listing my allegiances too. My hobbies are ghost hunting, necromancy, and teasing Booker. I've been sort of involved in this whole bunker thing, so I'm happy to see so many new hands or paws being put in." With a click of her shiny black shoes, she turns back to Syntax. "I've been told I smell like rain," Ysadora says confidently, oblivious or uncaring to how unhelpful this is.

(Arthur) The large incubus snorted at the plan and repeated it to himself, "We're going to wing it. Got it." With the clear (for lack of a better word) plan laid out, Arthur was ready. Getting a "safe" sort of scent before diving into the mound was a solid idea, but he lacked any means to achieve anything like that. He immediately looked over the others, wondering if any of them could and making sure to stick close to them. "I fully forgot that these types communicate a lot through scent. Let's hope they don't mind having to talk to us."

He wasn't exactly happy that his clean smell would serve no purpose there, or that there was the chance that his sherwani might end up with a weird smell for some time. Still, better not risk offending the termites from smell alone. Plus, he was already getting a good idea of who could be useful for what. Umeko definitely seemed to be great at getting and sharing information, while Ysadora might work for spooking or scaring others. He still didn't have a clear idea for the others, although he couldn't see the skunk beast as anything other than a diversion or distraction if things get heated.

(Pteryx) Pteryx nabs about with their backpack. "Still a hard no on Zephyr ey? Well still this ain't gonna be to bad innit?" They take out a sample of the cumrot from a massive first aid kit. "Just in case them folks up... or down? in them hills got a different name for em, got this sample right here ta show em. And if things get hairy there's some stuff for that to... all Zephyr stuff but they don't track their kits now don't they? Some bandages, do them mites got acid spray.... ain't sure if I got stuff for that..." They continue to drone on around dangers and possible solutions in case of injury.

(Narwen) "Holy bejeesus, put that away," Narwen shouts at Pteryx, louder than he intended, and with a touch of growl. "I mean, please. Please put that away. Um. Y'know, safely and carefully." He grins a sickly grin. "Yeah, of course, no Zephyr, sorry, forget I mentioned it! No help needed here. Did anyone bring any sterilised water? Never mind, I'm sure it'll be fine." He nods to the ghostly woman, acknowledging her greeting with a raised paw, then raises his head and sniffs curiously.

"Huh, that's interesting. That's the termite scent, is it?" he asks, getting his nose all up against Junes's face and snuffling. "Hang on, hang on, I might be able to do something with this. You're sure? No, of course you're sure. Okay, okay, right. I have the best terrible idea." His tail flips straight up and he... flexes somehow, and a velcro flap pops open around the back of his shorts. "I think -- I think -- I can replicate that. I mean, how hard can it be? It's just chemicals. And I've got a built-in dispersal mechanism! How handy is that? So if you stand behind me, I am fairly sure I can make you smell safe. Or like a termite. Not like a skunk. Except this skunk, who'll smell like a termite. Until this stuff wears off. So no baths!"

(Umeko) Umeko looked over at Pteryx with concern, "Yeah, please don't be waving the sample around... Even if they have means against it, I doubt they'll enjoy us bringing spores into their hive, nor would it be good if you let them loose..." She then focused her own nanites and shifted her own scent around, having encountered the termite nanites before. She gave a look of mild disgust as she did, "Termite smell... Going to have to wash these clothes extra well later... I can handle it on my own though, but others might need it. Pheromones will probably go a long way so don't be shy about it, even if it might not be the most pleasant thing to smell like."

(Syntax) Syntax winces as she's sprayed, then sniffs herself curiously. "Never thought I'd be so happy to get sprayed by a bloody skunk. Agh...alright. Everyone ready to go in?"

(Junes) Junes nods, bringing out a cooler and smelling at the air to double check their own scent "good thinking!" they said to narwen and stood nearby waiting for everyone to be ready

(Ysadora) Ysadora spreads her arms and thrusts her face to the sky dramatically. "There's no other way! Very well, spray me! I am prepared!" When the dousing is over, Ysadora is drenched, or maybe she always looks like that. "Okay, not nearly as bad as I thought. I'm ready!"

(Arthur) Arthur froze for a moment once Pteryx showed off the sample. It didn't matter that it was sealed, the danger of that thing falling, breaking and possibly infecting him and the others was enough to get him worried. Thankfully, the skunk beast had the decency to shout at the tarragon. The way Narwen kept talking to himself was annoying to the incubus, but he managed to keep his cool, at least until the manner of getting sprayed with termite scent was presented. "You can't be fucking serious." After a long grunt and several curses muttered under his breath while seemingly flailing his hands around, Arthur did the sensible thing, removed the jacket of his sherwani and put it in the line of skunk fire. No way in hell he would risk himself there! If all went well, he'd have the jacket smelling ok for the termites. If things went wrong, he'd have to buy new clothes, which is better than smelling terrible for weeks on end.

(Pteryx) Pteryx flinches back. "Whoa there, I ain't waving this around too wrecklessly!" They cover the whole sample up in webbing, sealing the whole thing tight and place it back into their kit. "There, snug as a bug in a rug." The termites could be aggressive... dangerous even, Pteryx sure didn't know and would take any precaution... even voluntarily get sprayed... "Ain't that an odd thing to get... gotta be better then nothin, hit me!"

(Narwen) Narwen braces himself, carefully faces downwind, sprays, and then looks immensely relieved that this has not, in fact, caused people to pull out torches and pitchforks for once. "Science! It works, occasionally," he remarks, as the remnants of the mist wash back over him. He shifts his pack, slaps the velcro straps under his belly that hold it in place, then nods to himself. "All rightie, all set. Congratulations on losing your skunk spray virginity. Someone, er, mind closing me back up back there?"

(Umeko) Umeko chuckled a bit as she watched the others get sprayed, though went over to help Narwen get his shorts and other gear all set again while giving him a bit of friendly petting as well. "Good job there. Also better to smell like a termite than to be the only odd one out and carried off somewhere or something. I think we're all good to go now though, right?"

(Syntax) With everyone prepared and set to go, Syntax leads the group along up and through the tunnels. The stone and metal lined walls of the hill seem to go on endlessly in a confusing maze. Thankfully, Syntax was apparently given instructions and, after some time, the group finds themselves moving through a well obscured passage and, in short order, looking at what appears to be a well fortified encampment. Unlike all of the other termites that those here might have seen, these are wearing cobbled together military uniforms complete with makeshift patches and rank signifiers. Also of interest is that these termites aren't neuters like the warriors and drones. They are all some degree of feminine with some sporting a lithe, compact build while others are thick, sturdy creatures with four arms and powerful muscles. As the group approaches, they are spotted immediately. While the guards prepare their old guns, it appears the pheromones are doing the trick as they aren't being actively pointed at you! Of the guards, one steps forward and waits by the entrance to see if you approach or not. Going by their patches, this lithe woman is likely the most senior of the guards stationed there.

Syntax looks to the others, then approaches with a sheepish smile. "Ah, uh...hello. Don't mean any harm. I have a letter of introduction if--" The moment it's offered, the officer takes it, snaps the silk securing the letter, and begins to read it.

(Junes) Junes was glancing occasionally at the new forms of termites around and taking in the interesting tunnel work before seeing the guards and then syntax approaching and decided to as well "hi, also friendly and i have some fish or information i could share" as they slowly open the cooler to reveal fish and then carefully walked forward checking to see if it was alright before moving more and potentially to the entrance

(Ysadora) Ysadora bounces on the heels of her shoes, floating a few centimeters above the ground. She looks over the assembled termites with unconcealed interest, but doesn't speak up while the fine officer inspects their credentials.

(Arthur) Arthur keeps close to Syntax, since she's leading the party, so that hopefully makes him look like he's the second in command to the eyes of the termites there. Keeping both hands behind his back, soon enough he feels lost within those corridors, amazed at what's been built, but easily distracted by the more curvy looking ones, even throwing a smile, nod or wink once in a while. Once they stop by the senior guard, the incubus at first stands in silence beside Syn, shaking his head at Junes.

"Please forgive the lack of manners, officer... Barr. Someone from higher up insisted on bringing the less experienced." He -almost- trailed off after checking the name badge, those insectoid curves were begging for some hands-on feeling, but this wasn't the time. Not yet.

(Pteryx) Pteryx taps their foot... feet, all of them were on the ground as a tarragon, no point being picky. Them termites just might have already cracked the case on them shroom problem if they're doing good 'round these parts. Their tapping turns into swinging, their tail waving around. "Yap dap dee yap dap doo" they start humming to themselves aloud, doing a ridiculous impromptu dance with their quadrapedal form while waiting around.

(Narwen) "Sweet, thanks," Narwen rumbles to Umeko, his tail swishing at the petting. Once they set off and get into the tunnels proper, the skunk seems fascinated by their construction, staring at the walls and occasionally stopping for a moment to tap or sniff at them, once even scratching hard with his claws. When they get to the guard post he actually manages to keep his snout shut -- this seems to cause him some discomfort -- and attempts to look small and innocent. Eventually he gets distracted and just watches Pteryx instead.

(Umeko) Umeko followed along for now, letting Syntax lead the way and she decided to wait and see how the termites would react to the information. However she had a look of concern as she looked over the termites with guns and makeshift uniforms, finding that there was far more going on down here than she originally thought, even if the termite mound was a massive skyscraper sized construct...

(Syntax) Upon finishing reading the letter, Barr looks over those assembled for a second time, then pauses on Junes. Perhaps to everyone's surprise, she salutes. "Ma'am. I wasn't aware we were receiving a superior office of another colony! Forgive me for not realizing sooner, I haven't seen a Major like you before." Barr looks to Arthur and says, "Not to worry...I presume you are her lieutenant." She looks to Syntax and says, "I am a believer in hands on experience. I am certainly not...keen on who you sought out for assurances you are not a threat, but Weaver, as great of an annoyance as she is to our operations, is not known to deceive." She looks over those assembled again. "Weaver neglected to mention the purpose of your presence. As I was not alerted to your visit, I presume you weren't expected." She looks between Arthur and Junes, clearly not believing Syntax to be a person of authority. "What is your purpose here?"

(Syntax) Syntax just wilts a little at being ignored. It seems, of all of the things she was prepared for, she wasn't prepared to be sidelined in her own operation.

(Junes) Junes had a single tail of the many visibly moved a bit in surprise before looking to barr "thats right, and she is my organizer" looking and nodding to syntax before the hissah held the cooler in front with poise and with a quick breath they raised up their stance to seem more confident and those normally lax tails were raised higher hopefully to show an air or elegance "we are here to discuss a rather pressing issue of importance and have plans to discussion on the matter and everybody here is of importance in their own ways" a hand waving to the group to speak and show

(Ysadora) Ysadora steps primly up to the Kobold's side. She puts her hands behind her back and an obsequious smile on her face. "I am Assistant Secretary Ysadora, Major June's attendant, a pleasure to meet you. I'll be handling their accommodations and logistics during our stay. I trust you have suitable quarters prepared? Lieutenant Arthur will handle all military matters, including Major Junes' meeting with the other Majors. Right, Lieutenant Arthur?" Ysadora mugs it up in Arthur's direction, clearly enjoying herself.

(Arthur) Arthur nods once Barr calls him lieutenant, "Correct." He later rolls his eyes at Junes' inability, but Ysadora's shameful attempt at deception nearly prompted him to slap the back of her head. However, he maintains his posture and tries to salvage what the small hissah attempted to say, his tone serious and deep, "Please ignore the floating dress. What Major Junes means is that we seek guidance on a matter of public health and safety of our colony. We seek an audience with the chief medical officer or, if she is not available, someone with knowledge of health and hygiene maintenance to talk to us."

With the message given, the incubus shoots a frowned, steely cold gaze at the others, hoping to intimidate them into keeping their damn mouths shut and not make matters any worse. He does lean in to whisper to Syntax, "Who is this Weaver?"

(Pteryx) Pteryx stops their little dance and looks dumbfounded at the new situation, then quickly spooked by what seems to be an intimidating glare. Stiffing their posture and trying... but failing with their quadrupedal form... to due the hand gesture stuff everyone else has been doing.

(Narwen) "That's right!" Narwen chimes in, apparently unable to stop himself. "We're here to ask for your help stopping an infestation of cumrot, which I think you can agree is in everyone's best interests. I'm Doctor Narwen, and I'm one of the science guys! Also I just learned about cumrot today, so you can see why we need help. Though in fairness I'm more on the physical sciences end, which are more dangerous but less terrifying. Er, and that's why we seek an audience with the chief medical officer," he resumes, glancing over at Arthur.

(Umeko) Umeko continued to exude termite warrior pheromones, and between her clothing that could almost pass for a military uniform and strong muscles, passed pretty well for a bodyguard aside from the fact that she was blue and lacked any physical insect features. "Major Junes does have rather eccentric tastes in clothing... But yes, this so called 'cumrot' isn't exactly native to our region unlike it is here, and we could certainly use the wisdom of your own colony."

(Syntax) Barr nods at Arthur, seeming to relate to his frustration...especially at the sight of Pteryx dancing. She likely thinks that this colony is dysfunctional as all hell. However, Narwen's words seem to strike at something and, combined with Arthur's comments on the colony's health, seems to pale and stiffen. "Cumrot...I understand. As none of you have tried to drag us back to your colony, I think we can skip decontamination protocols. Time is of the essence, after all." She turns and takes a few steps to the side to speak to another termite.

With a moment to themselves, Syn whispers back to Arthur. "She's an Arachnea from the forest who's had dealings with the colony in the past. They have a really...tense relationship, but it got our foot in the door. I'd suggest ye not closely associate us with her going forward if ye can help it."

It's only a beat after Syn finishes relaying that information to Arthur that Barr returns. She is about to speak when Junes ushers her closer and shares a brief whispered conversation. Something that Junes says seems to resolve her concerns and even earns a slight smirk. "Right..."

"All of you, please follow Private Williams to the visitor meeting room. I am relaying a request for someone to meet with you urgently. I suspect you will only be waiting a few minutes."

(Junes) Junes walked back to the group with closed eyes, a smile and tose tails raised and wrapped looking almost like a tulip and started their way alongside williams as they spoke to those from behind "relax relax, we're just here to discuss the rot" calmly finding a seat in the waiting room and sitting down while relaxing "oh and ptreryx i liked your dance!"

(Ysadora) Ysadora follows along with the group. "Well handled, Major Junes! Of course, as your Assistant Secretary, I'll be prepared to take notes for the upcoming meeting." Ysadora's smile is still fixed in place, but she's blushing a bit and appears to be sweating a little under Arthur's relentless gaze.

(Arthur) Arthur nods and gives a brief salute to Barr, with an extra flirty wink and smirk especially for the officer. Only after the act the incubus realized he might be seen as a female termite rather than any sort of male, due to the pheromones concealing the party. Well, that explains some things. Although he wasn't enthused with how Narwen behaved, he couldn't deny that the skunk's explanation, coupled with Umeko's addendum, helped their situation. For that, they earned a thumbs up from the manly incubus. Pteryx behaved, so that was good, but Ysadora got her ear pulled once the group began walking.

"Watch that damn mouth of yours! Even the dirt we're stepping on saw through that 'assistant' bullshit!" The large incubus whispered through his teeth, clearly angry. Afterward, he sighed and rubbed his forehead, "Be careful, we can't get out of here on our own."

(Pteryx) Pteryx beams at Junes' compliment. "Ya did!? Don't hear that that often back when I tried it proffessionally! It... it don't pay well, but its fun! I can teach cha if ya like!" Driven by the small show of praise they tap all 6 of their legs, throw that into a swing, and starts swerving around with their whole body. "Nuthin to it, just let yer feelin turn to movin."

(Narwen) Narwen ambles along, alternating between fascinated and concerned. "Oh geez, they're scared of it too? Did you see how spooked she looked? I was sort of hoping she'd be, oh, cumrot, just take two nanites and call me in the morning." He settles down on the floor in the waiting room, when they arrive, and looks around idly for informational leaflets. "Seemed to have an idea of what to do about it, at least.

(Syntax) The group is led into a decent sized meeting room with plenty of space for the group to set up. The private salutes before leaving everyone to their own devices. It seems that, at least for the moment, they have a moment to collect themselves or speak amongst one another.

(Ysadora) Ysadora is pulled along easily by her ear, weighing almost nothing. "Owowowow! Okay, okay, I'll quit it." She blushes harder and rubs her ear. "You're not wrong..."

(Umeko) Umeko let out a small sigh of relief when it was all clear, "That went better than I expected at least..." She nodded over to Narwen, "That's a bit concerning, I figured that they had it fully under control, but it still seems to be a threat to some degree... Dealing with this might be harder than we thought." She also gave Ysadora a reassuring headpat when Arthur was done with her ear.

(Ysadora) Ysadora accepts the headpats gratefully. "Maybe we should have brought gas masks after all. I didn't see any signs of the stuff on the way up here though."

(Arthur) Arthur takes a seat and lots of space, looking at the excavated tunnel... Or whatever that could be called. Amazing work, if lacking in decoration or architectural taste. "I wonder how they deal with cumrot, if they have decontamination procedures, then they know how to deal with it."

(Pteryx) Pteryx overhears Narwens concerns over the matter... and... what are they doing! "Cumrot! Right, that stuff! I've still got this here sample in ma kit. Tried cracking into it. A few samples from the bunker, but without equipment I can't get through that far."

(Ysadora) Ysadora waves two pairs of hands at Pteryx. "Keep that stuff on the down low! Even if you've got countermeasures for a disease, you don't want strangers bringing a live sample of it right into your home base!"

(Umeko) Umeko rubbed her chin a bit, "I'm not sure, but it's important that we ask how they get rid of it from their walls and tunnels as well, not just dealing with treatment. Ideally we want to find a way to cleanse places without resorting to torching literally everything to ashes. Not exactly an ideal solution if we can avoid it."

(Junes) Junes was simply smiling and the raised bulb of tails slightly wiggle at the tip as they watched pteryx happily dancing "they wouldn't be haphazardly walking where it has a risk of exposure dont worry, and certainly not anywhere that serious meetings are held, and dont worry about the sample for now just keep is safe ill have somebody help you along with those matters but for now we can just have a good time and discuss other matters, in any case i love the design here!"

(Narwen) Narwen gives Arthur a look. "Do they, though? She said that because we're not obviously infected, there's no need for decontamination. That doesn't make any sense, unless decontamination is code for 'shooting you and setting you on fire'. What if we're covered in spores right now?" He glances under a paw surreptitiously.

(Arthur) Arthur sensually calls "Please, do NOT try to "crack it open" right here!"

(Pteryx) Pteryx tries to remember their finding so far. " Without the right gear I don't get much off these, but like any mind messin shrooms, burning is gonna be worst before it gets better. Them vapors ain't spreading spores, but they will spread them lust chemicals these be makin.

(Ysadora) Ysadora nods in agreement with Junes. "It's a lot more...organized than I expected. Are these really ferals?"

(Arthur) Arthur shrugs at Narwen, "Could as well be setting us on fire, I expect any sort of fungus to be as vulnerable to being burned as we are. I do doubt that's how they'd code decontamination, anyway."

(Arthur) Arthur leans back on the seat, arms crossed, "I did find it weird how military-like they are. Even using uniforms, or what's left of 'em... Any of you had previous contact with this colony?"

(Umeko) Umeko looked over to Ysadora with concern, "I noticed that too, they are honestly organized to a highly concerning degree, beyond what one would expect from just 'natural' nanite urges reprogramming them to be termites... I haven't really seen what would be considered ferals organizing themselves to such a degree, which implies a good degree of intelligence and self-control, but I am rather concerned as to what their motives are and what this could mean for Eureka and other such places around here..."

(Narwen) Narwen glances over at the dragon, once they've been dissuaded from pulling out the sample. "Dang, also a good point. I dunno, this place is dangerous and complicated. I miss hating Fairhaven's paperwork."

(Ysadora) Ysadora shakes her head to Arthur's question. "I never spent much time in or around Eureka before we started with all this bunker business, so I'm not familiar with the mutations here."

(Pteryx) Pteryx taps their kit panicked. "Can't solve a problem we don't get. If them chief medical termite got their hands down on them shrooms, we hit the jackpot on the massive infestation in the bunker.." Hearing Narwen's concerns spark even more fear into the tarragon. "But them termites live purdy close... we be doin this whole shindig now, but what we gonna do with them there after?"

(Ysadora) Ysadora shyly wails "That's a good point. I wonder what arrangements, if any, Eureka has with them, since they live so close to the city's outskirts."

(Arthur) Arthur is quirked up by the mention of the bunker, "Say, I haven't been around Eureka much lately, what's this bunker? Looks like something none of the big three powers is behind, so that sounds like a good thing already."

(Umeko) Umeko looked over to Arthur, "To make things short, some abandoned military project from the Cold War. We've been trying to crack deeper into the thing, but before we can safely search the place further or even possibly repurpose it, we're trying to solve this fungus issue. Preferably in a way that leaves the bunker mostly intact... If you're interested we have some recordings and even a video of the exploration saved.

(Ysadora) Ysadora chuckles, a wicked smile stealing briefly over her features. "The video even has some 'bonus content,' if you're into that kind of thing."

(Arthur) Arthur whistles and chuckles, "A bunker from the cold war? Damn! That video does look interesting, do you it there with you?" Putting his hands behind his head, the large incubus started to wonder out loud, "So, who's in charge of this bunker restoration? It doesn't look like it's Syntax, though I'd wager she's still high up in the team."

(Syntax) Syntax chortles and rubs the back of her neck. "Uh...well, it's kind of a group effort, but I'm technically the one who started the thing."

(Junes) Junes joined in and added "either case just relax and be yourselves since we'll be neighbors with this colony soon after dealing with our own infestation, oh and are you alright ysadora?" before remembering "and ill explain about ferals later on but things work much like a spectrum honestly"

(Umeko) Umeko also remembers to activate her recording software with her data nanomagic, deciding that it would be a good idea to record the potential solution to the cumrot that they might receive. "If you want the video, let me know after all this. Even better if you have a flash drive or something I can put it on, but I have stuff to watch it in my RV too."

(Ysadora) Ysadora offers Junes a more genuine smile. "I'm fine!" She then lowers her voice, conspiratorially, "Arthur seems strict but I bet he's just a big softy."

(Syntax) There is a loud knock at the door and a voice from outside calling out. "Entering!" The door opens and five people enter. Three are extremely heavily armored with two holding shotguns and the larger of them holding a full on LMG. As they stay at the door, it appears that they are more so bodyguards than anything else.

The other two that enter are clearly of more import. The first is another lithe termite woman who is wearing a doctor's uniform and scrubs beneath; though, perhaps somewhat comically, she still wears various badges and medals which, based on their shape, would likely make her a Lieutenant much like Barr. The other authority figure, however, is much different. She's about six and a half feet tall, and carries herself with a good deal of authority. Her medals aren't just more impressive looking, but her uniform also rings of a position even higher than a lieutenant. Underneath the bold uniform, she has chitinous coverings with an extremely regal appearance and a rather delicate build which is grossly at odds with the massive abdomen she carries behind her which gently pulses with every heartbeat. Her visage beneath the changes, perhaps interestingly, is Chinese and, as she speaks on her way to a chair seemingly specifically made for her body, her accent would support as much. "I was told that we were dealing with an odd collection of outsiders. I am certainly not disappointed."

The smaller of the two sits nearby with her naturally armored hands brushing her coat off. "My apologies for the wait. Major McCoy is busy with a patient. I am Lieutenant Katz." "And I Major Zhao. The Lieutenant's purpose here should be obvious, but I desire to make my own presence understood. I oversee foreign communications with outsiders. Be they spider, human, termites, or...the wide collection of what all of you are." She offers a toothy grin, eyes narrowing as the Katz looks to her superior in slight confusion. "I can understand your desire for deception. My stance on communicating with the outside world is not the most popular within the colony...but it serves me well for the role I play within. However, I must ask, going forward, we be honest with one another. Your trickery with pheromones has gone a long way, but my station affords me to see just as well with my ears as my instincts."

Lieutenant Katz coughs slightly, adjusting her position in her seat. "They did look rather odd for termites..."

(Junes) Junes nodded their head and then the bulb shaped tail released as you could see the fox tails spread into the relaxed usually demeanor with a wave "sorry about that, ill admit i wws hoping it would just make things easier and when the opportunity arose i rolled with it but im sorry about the deception, so going forward ill be honest but its good to meet you all and my name is junes, im an angler and freelancer by trade and honestly we're hoping to clear out a cumrot infestation thats in an area we're working on, oh!" bringing up the cooler they added "and i brought fish for you all but of course we're going to compensate with more whether its currency or more potentiality, work and knowledge"

(Ysadora) Ysadora inclines her head respectfully and makes a token effort to get the messy hair out of her face. "Pleased to meet you, Major Zhao. I'm Ysadora, Junes' uh..." She casts a look at Arthur before soldiering on. "Junes' friend. Although, if we're being blunt, Syntax is the one who gathered us here." She indicated the widow convert with two gloved hands. "You know why we're here already, so I'll go ahead and shut up now." This last statement is paired with Ysadora's most winning smile.

(Arthur) Arthur makes sure to stand up and salute once the hosts arrive. As much as he tries, he fails to avoid staring with clear sexual intent at the taller termite. He blames the nanites, but those things are only partially responsible. Once Major Zhao makes it clear that their ruse is up, he humbly bows forward.

Still standing up, the incubus adds to Junes and Ysadora's remarks, "A drastic measure we undertook, knowing full well the dangers of failure. I believe it speaks of how dire our situation is, for us to resort to this sort of trick to ensure an audience with you, Major Zhao and Lieutenant Katz. The others are better prepared to explain the situation."

(Pteryx) Pteryx still set of from the paranoia in there kit just rushed to the point. "Cumrot! Sorry did I yell, yeah them shrooms. We've got em, you don't, we want to thing you have, no cumrot. Was hopin we could get some info from your med tech bout em, removal of the fungus, curing them off people. Preventative measures and cures, yeah them apples."

(Narwen) Narwen gets up on all fours. "I'm Doctor Narwen. Science doctor, not medical doctor," the skunk adds. "Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us. And, uh, yeah, sorry about the pheromones. It just..." He waves a forepaw. "Seemed like the equivalent of putting on clothes and talking the right language when going to see humans. We just wanted you to treat us like people. I, uh, tend to get people shooting at me if I don't show them I'm a person? So, y'know, I try to fit in. Get a foot in the door." He waggles the forepaw again, and takes a breath.

"So, uh, since we got here, and since we got your very valuable time and attention: Like my colleague says, they've got have a problem with cumrot infestation, which scares the bejeesus out of me. I'm in from California, supposed to help out, but we're sort of reliant on nanites for medical science and they don't seem to help here. We really don't want this thing to spread. We heard you do know how to handle it? And your colony's still standing, so..."

(Umeko) Umeko gave a bow to the major as well, "Our deepest apologies again for the earlier deception. I am Umeko Hanazawa. While I have been through these forests numerous times and have given your people respect and space, we have been pressed to find a solution as mentioned to this cumrot problem... I am quite amazed as well at how organized and advanced your colony is now that I finally have a chance to see inside of it. I had assumed that your people had found a solution if your tunnels and workers and such have not been overrun by the fungus, and we seek a way to clear it from infested places, as well as any advice you may have in treating it. If it is not too much to ask, we would also like to open up the possibility of further communication and cooperation as well perhaps if this meeting goes over favorably. We might be able to help supply you with things that you might have a hard time getting otherwise perhaps if we end up eventually being neighbors."

(Syntax) The two termites listen closely, then Zhao looks to Syntax. "Well, if you are the primary organizer for this little operation of yours, why don't we start with this: where are you based out of exactly? Just how close of neighbors are we talking?"

"Ah! Well." Syn nods and gets settled into her chair, looking between the two termites. "We're working to reclaim a bunker just to the east've here. It's not far from the old ranger station."

The Major frowns slightly. "I don't know of any bunkers to our east--"

The Lieutenant suddenly straightens up, inspiration seeming to hit her. "So THAT'S what they found!!" When the doctor gets the inevitable questioning looks, she looks to the Major for permission to speak which, with a nod, she is granted. "I am not at liberty to say where they are located, but we have exploratory tunnels all over the place. You are correct we had an outbreak, but to say it's all behind us isn't entirely accurate."

After a moment to collect her thoughts, the lieutenant interlocks her fingers and continues. "One of the exploratory tunnels broke through a concrete wall into an underground facility we had no knowledge of. It wasn't entirely clear what it could have been among the former American Military in the colony. While some initial exploration was started into it, the digging team was allowed to continue the tunnel further east, but that proved to be a...very costly mistake. The short version is that we stumbled into an underground reservoir which we believe must have been fed by that disgusting creek. We were forced to retreat back through the tunnels we came from as the water rapidly rose. We...lost good soldiers that day. Not everyone was able to get out of that place before the water rose too high. We had plans to find a way through the tunnel, but that's when the outbreak happened. The water carried those spores which were further carried into the colony by the survivors. We've reclaimed what we could, but the water still brings those spores from further down which has left some of our tunnels simply saturated with the crud. We were forced to seal off those tunnels."

(Junes) Junes was surprised to hear and said "wow i guess we're going to be closer than i expected huh! so its good to hear that we'll both be helping each other then, and of course it means we all have more options for planning, researching and dealing with this together, oh and i have some experience with medical work and a firsthand account of the first signs of infection but thankfully it was low enough to isolate and treat with anti fungal medication but more information is always handy and i hope we can get along?" their hand extended into a handshake before their arm separated to slowly float and reach in arms length of the major but stopped to let them shake back or refuse "and of course specialized nanomagic would certainly help these ventures too"

(Ysadora) Ysadora looks crestfallen at the impression that they don't have an easy solution, but quickly recovers. "So...if you don't have any way to destroy the infestation, it seems like we've got a common goal, at least, like Junes said."

(Arthur) As Arthur only became aware of the bunker minutes ago, everything being said was completely new to him. Other than the cumrot's existence. With zero biological knowledge, the best he could think of was the logistics and geography around the tunnels and the creek. "So, it seems this creek is the source of the problem. That or, somewhere down the road from its source, the infestation shows up and gets carried downstream. Finding the source shouldn't be too hard. Dealing with it is a different thing altogether..." The incubus was about to ask about effects, symptoms and possible cure, but he knew that the others would ask it better than he could.

(Pteryx) Pteryx perks up at Arthur's observation, the creek! "Them shrooms came from the creek! That there bunker was flooded with them shrooms, but the lake... they ain't got as much of it!" After a whole week with the sample with no data, Pteryx starved for any solution comes up with an outlandish suggestion. "I don't get much bout them woods but when it comes to infections spreadin, I know a thing or two, and if that there shroom can't take over that whole creek like it can in the bunker, then something in there's got to be beatin it!" Absolutely manic they continue to spew their wild hypothesis. " If we can figure out what's keepin that there creek from being cumrot river then we might just get rid of it from our dear ol' bunker."

(Umeko) Umeko frowned at the information, "Well, that is indeed troubling news... I had already theorized that there might have been a breach from the start, but not having a solution to removing it on top of the lower levels being flooded with contaminated water means we're going to have a much more difficult problem on our hands than we thought..." She then looked at Pteryx, "It's possible, though the hard part is not only figuring out exactly what that is, but if it is something we can control and introduce to the bunker without further damaging the place significantly. If we can't figure out a solution though, not even fire is going to work properly if fresh contaminated water is constantly being introduced to the place and bringing in more spores. We might have to go in with protective suits and rebreathers or something just to seal it off and stop the flow."

(Syntax) Katz seems impressed by Pteryx even with him spazzing out. "You've actually gone right to how we handled it. There's another fungus that competes with cumrot. Treatment has still been difficult for us, but we've reclaimed many of our tunnels simply by planting..." She lets out a long exhale. "We don't know what its proper name is, but someone called it cockblock and it stuck. The problem is that, unlike cumrot, cockblock can't spread through the water and it doesn't completely block the spores. That's made the whole process fairly...slow. We believe some of the civilians who live by the river with fungal mutations could yield better results, but..." She looks to the Major since this is likely their department.

"But, to be frank, we have struggled to find any we can both communicate with and work with."

Syntax nods slowly, then raps her fingers on the table. "So, let's say for a moment, we found someone that could improve cockblock if not just eat cumrot up. That'd free your tunnels, clean up the bunker, and, theoretically,--"

The Major laughs softly and says, "Yes, it would certainly be a good step to establish a working relationship."

(Syntax) As all of this is going on, Katz is staring at the floating hand with confusion and shock. While initially she must have thought it was some kind of magic trick, the fact that is, indeed, Junes' hand is equal parts confusing and concerning.

(Junes) Junes nodded and asked "could we get a handful of those plants? our group and i could definitely take a look, although i could certainly help on quite a few of those ends but blocking the flood from continuing is definitely going to be the biggest hurdle besides clearing the whole thing but...fungal mutants eating it, im a bit embarrassed i didn't realize that sooner but playing it safe was the best option at the time but im glad we could come to an agreement!"

(Ysadora) Ysadora brightens up at this revelation. "We were uh, planning on taking a closer look at the cumrot anyway. Maybe we can run some tests on how they interact and share that information." She pauses, then looks around with a shy smile. "That's uh, an inclusive 'we,' I don't have the first idea about any of this stuff. I think Pteryx will be our expert there, or maybe Junes."

(Arthur) Arthur was frankly surprised that Pteryx managed to find such a good explanation for the situation. Fighting an infection with its natural enemy, however, did leave the incubus feeling like they'd just be inviting trouble further down the road. "I don't suppose it's possible to seal off the water, or dig a channel to redirect its flow? I think boiling it would kill the spores, though that would be very energy intensive, heating up a flowing body of water... No, unless it's possible to filter them out with rocks, sand and charcoal, or something else, I don't think this kind of plan would work... Lt Katz, what did you say you used to seal the tunnel? Sandbags? Are they fully containing the spores?"

(Pteryx) Pteryx has the look of complete and utter bliss on their face... orgasmic even. " We just gotta whole lot more options with them there shroooms. Mind if we get some of them there clockblock shrooms? Needta make sure these don't got side effects either." Taking note of Arthur's suggestions... with sparks of fear still remembering their terrifying glare, "Draining the bunker, yeah that's gotta go first. If them there cockblock shrooms can't handle water then they ain't fighting the cumrot. I... don't got nothin on that stuff though... but... I should be able to test them there stuff fightin in an enclosed environment..." Dread takes over the group as they take out their kit. "lLike in ma kit!" They take the webbed up sample out... somehow despite their quadrupedal stance, and unwraps the thing, a small terrarium holds a sample of the so far dreaded mushroom. "If we can get them sample of that cockblock and have em in with them cumroot, we can see how them shrooms interact, see their defense and attacks in action." While speaking they wave their paws around... somehow, to match their expressions and sayings... with the terrarium flailing around with it.

(Umeko) Umeko rubbed her head a bit, "C-Cockblock? What a name... Well, that's at least some good news though, but yeah I agree, we'll have to be careful that this stuff doesn't cause more unforeseen problems in the future when using it to try and clear the other stuff out, then we'll need to deal with getting rid of it too eventually... But yeah, we'll definitely need to find some way to safely stop the water too, and if we could get some help safely that'd be great."

(Syntax) Once the termites realize what is in Pteryx's terrarium, the room grows fairly silent. Major Zhao lets out a quiet sigh and Lieutenant Katz rubs the bridge of her nose. "As I am sure we *all* have a lot of planning to do, perhaps we should conclude here. We will send a messenger to the bunker for future correspondence. Until then, you must be tired." She glares at the terrarium, personal experience clearly weighing on her. "So, please, allow the guards to help see yourselves out. Before something *breaks*."

Syntax flinches as it dawns on them what has happened, but she nods and stands. "Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with your representative."

(Junes) Junes saw pteryx pulling the terrarium out and said as well "sounds good and im sure we could stop by as well under better conditions, sorry again about before oh and once we stop the flood and source i could purify the water slowly but we can discuss more of that later for now it was good meeting you all and hopefully we can trade together as well! oh and im certain we could help cultivate cockblock as well with those samples so thank you and I'll pay of needed" standing up, those tails bobbing with the motion and waving everybody over to the exit "oh and careful there alright pteryx?"

(Ysadora) Ysadora stands up and brushes off her starry skirt. "That went well! Mostly. It was an honor to meet all of you. I'm not actually a secretary, but I do actually work with Syntax on the bunker stuff, so I'm sure we'll meet again." She attempts to salute, but can't seem to figure out which hand should go where, and ends up with a tangle of floating fingers in front of her face before simply curtsying and preparing to leave with the group.

(Arthur) Arthur bows once Syntax stands up. He waits for the others to leave first, so he is the last of the group to depart. This is done so he has the opportunity to properly assess his chances with Major Zhao, because the incubus is opportunistic as all hell. Approaching for a courteous handshake with the Lieutenant first, then with the Major, in both situations, being up close and having a much better chance at knowing where he stands with them, he gives his best discreet yet inviting smile, his handshake firm and very lightly pulling it closer to him, little details that usually fly over human heads but that give small yet perceptible signals of desire.

"Thank you for the help. If there is anything you could need of me, if it's within my power and ability, I will do so." He said to both officers, but only really expected the Major to catch his sensual tone, especially with how his voice sounded deeper saying "anything". Anything other than a reprimand, scold, frown or any sort of negative reply would be a win in the mind of the horny man.

(Syntax) Both of the women shake his hand, but while Zhao doesn't seem to respond in any way, Katz is careful to give him a subtle wink before gesturing him off.

(Pteryx) Pteryx keeps spouting on their before hearing Junes' warnings, and stuffs the terrarium back in their kit. "Oh right, infectious spores, yeah no sample yet then? Good, all good, can get that stuff later then. Thanks for the samples you're sending, have fun, take care, don't be a stranger!" Wandering out with the group they mumble outloud. "They seemed nice."

(Umeko) Umeko sighed and facepalmed as she looked over to Pteryx, "Why on earth did you even bring that sample, yet alone start waving it around? I'd honestly be tempted to whack you in the head if it weren't for the fact that you might drop it..." She gave another bow to the Major before heading out, "Please excuse our associate... I'm hoping that we can work together and find some solutions to these problems though, and am looking forward to the future."

(Syntax) While things ended more than a little awkwardly, the dialogue was ultimately a success. The real question is where this partnership can go in the future...