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 Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:21 am
The lone passenger ship glided softly through the fog-ridden air as it approached the docking station. The fog that was permeating the cool cavern air at this early time of the day and will soon thicken as the day progresses. Awash with throngs of cargo ships, the caverns of Nundinae was buzzing with activity - Lights flashing, horns blaring, and machinery whirring away. Despite the sheer volume of the noise, Haeme had shown no inkling to acknowledging the cacophony. Instead, his blood-red eyes were pealed wide open, observing and soaking in all the sights of this marvelous city.
Still marveling in the sheer scale of everything the city offered, the passenger ship carrying a light load of Darumas, including Haeme, docked alongside many other cargo ships. A dismembered voice announced over the speakers "Nundinae. Please watch your step.", finally jolting Haeme from his reverie. Trundling along with the other passengers, Haeme stepped out onto the soot stained docks and took a deep breath in. Coughing a little due to the amount of smoke in the air, Haeme chuckled to himself and went on his way, leaving the docks and heading towards his destination - the Old Shipyard.
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Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 8:53 am
Zero had left home early today. He had to work to make a living as always by working himself off, however he had to stop by the old shipyard and search for an engine for his handmade hovercraft. His old one had broke down one two many times the past week and he couldn't bear doing a late delivery for yet another time. Trailling between the dead corpses of ships that had lost their glory he shivered. He had the eerie feeling of being watched. Climbing into a half-broken ship which's most parts were already stripped bare of anything useful he made a grimacche at the sound of the rusted metal as he pushed it aside. The sounds of the city faded out at the shipyard creating an eerie atmosphere along with the cavern's mist and the scenery.
Ripping a couple tubes apart he finally found what he was looking for, a spare part. Going over at his small craft he removed the old engine and started fixing the new one in. The good thing with his own craft was that it was nothing more than a single board of metal using engines and its design in order to stay on the air so it was pretty much compact.
Looking over his back again -the feeling that something was there still hanging over him- he heaved a sigh noting that he was becoming paranoid as there was nothing there for a second time.
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Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:43 pm
Haeme trundled along his way to the Old Shipyard, soaking in the sights and the sounds of this underground city. The natural rock formation was really a marvel to behold, It seems there used to be an underground river here of sorts. though Haeme as he run his hand along one of the stone pillars that regularly dotted the cavern. Burly looking Darumas were scampering all around, most were carrying huge crates or boxes and some were just shouting at others. The atmosphere was one of rush and haste, affecting Haeme in the process, causing him to walk briskly.
Reaching the Old Shipyard, Haeme began to stare in awe at the once majestic ships. Now remnants of a glorious past, the skeletons of these ships were cluttered together to form strange structures. Carefully weaving in and out through the path with steel rods jutting out, Haeme began his search for his target - a merchant selling blackmarket goods.
The occasional tramp was picking through the debris and steel structures, hoping to find something of worth to sell in the markets. Haeme had already lost count to how many of them had asked him for some spare change and was getting a little irritated. Spotting a small table with some wares displayed in the shadows of a wrecked ship, Haeme hopped over to take a look. Nothing I need here. though Haeme as he left. The shopkeeper, in a desperate attempt to get a customer, said in a loud whisper "I have other wares if you want, engine parts and other rare fuel cells." Shrugging him off, Haeme waved goodbye and continued on his search, oblivious to the fact that someone had been watching him.
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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 1:47 am
Turning on the board’s engine, Zero climbed on top with a swift jump and rushing ahead at top speed he went back towards the city, his body glowed faintly in the shadows, it was almost funny, though it did not bother him. Being in a hurry wasn’t very wise though, seeing how if you rushed with one thing you would probably mess up… which thing he did by almost bumping on a passerby Canis, making a risky maneuver to avoid him and crashing on a nearby cluster of metal. ”Ow.” he moaned, pulling his board up, his head still ringing from the impact. He wasn’t used into falling and everything, seeing how he was used into flying his way around everywhere in order to do his deliveries, he was used in both open ground and even city traffic.
Looking over at the individual he almost hit he sighed. The dull-coloured Canis seemed to be unharmed –thank goodness because he wasn’t in the mood to get in that sort of trouble. ”Excuse me mister, are you okay?” he questioned looking down from where he was hovering.
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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:51 am
Haeme's train of thought was rudely interrupted by a sudden knock to his side. Falling down onto his side, Haeme quickly stood up on his feet and snarled angrily at the person who knocked into him saying, "Watch where you're going!" Dusting off the dirt from his body, Haeme continued to berate the Daruma saying, "I hope you're glad you hit me because now I just lost my train of thought."
Taking a good look at the Daruma who knocked him, Haeme realised that he technically didn't bump into him. His vehicle did. The cogs in his mind whirred as he thought about his predicament and observed what seems to be someone who knew his way around the city. Offering a peaceful settlement, Haeme voiced out "Do you know your way around the city much? If you do I would like some help and I'll accept it as an apology."
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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:58 am
Sorry… sorry…” Zero mumbled, kind of embarrassed for having knocked the other over. Hearing the other’s suggestion he nodded his head.
He sighed, lowering his board back to ground level and managed to put a smile on his face –dear god he was going to be yelled at for being late at work, however it would seem the person he had bumped onto wanted help and he liked to help, if nothing.
”Knowing my way around is a mandatory trait of my line of work.” he said with a small shrug. ”I work in a delivery agency, is there something I can help you with?” he questioned, tilting his head to one side.
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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:05 am
Smiling happily, glad that the other Daruma was in the line of knowing about locations and willing to help, Haeme replied "Introductions first. My name is Haeme, what is yours?" Haeme believed that this Daruma showed no malice or harboured any ill intentions and decided that he would divulge his requirements to him.
Haeme took a good look around him, ensuring that no one was visibly interested in what was occurring between them. Only then, he leaned in closer to the other Daruma and whispered quietly, not wanting anyone else to hear what he was about to mention. "I would like to gather some rare and banned herbs. Namely, the Dragon Feet flower and the Purple Lotus pollen."
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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:25 am
"I go by Zero.” he simply stated. However the other was talking about herbs, forbidden things… Oh dear… what was he supposed to do? Truth was he never meddled with the black market’s people, in fact he knew a couple of them however ne’er did he buy from them to promote them nor did he report their activity to anyone. Over all he didn’t want troubles raining upon him.
”Salamander has pollen…” he thought aloud ”Ηowever she never gives anything to anyone… except if you find something she likes to trade it with her…” he trailed off. ”I have no idea where you can find a dragon feet flower but there is someone I believe we can talk to… he might know. Even so information is not dealt for cheap either…” he sighed, giving up. ”I can show you to those places if you think you have something to pay them with. Alternatively I can house you for a small while and we can ask around the city for rumours to exchange and whatnot.”
innocent, yes... He might look innocent but sure he knew how to do business and keep safe in the same time -not that there weren't a couple of people trying to get his head, after all he always 'borrowed' parts from the wrecked ships, parts some people found quite valuable.
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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:38 am
This Zero was a gold mine, a treasure trove of information and a godsend to Haeme. This would go much faster than I thought. It beats walking around here aimlessly. thought Haeme to himself, his crimson eyes gleamed as he continued to listen to Zero talk. He had originally planned for a long trip and now that Zero had offered a housing means, it would mean he would have to spend less on the trip and more on himself. Rubbing his hands together, Haeme replied "That plan would be most ideal. I didn't expect to get these two items immediately when I arrived."
This Salamander character, I wonder if she would like something I have. pondered Haeme as he thought about his inventory of items, hoping that his employer had chosen the trading items wisely. Engaging was a popular sport and his employer had given Haeme a few engaging upgrades just in case the traders would only barter with goods instead of cash. I shall keep my hand to myself and not show all my cards. Play this by ear.
Adding to his reply, Haeme said "I guess the arrangement for a housing would be fine. Also, I think I would like to meet up with this Salamander character. And finally, I'm willing to pay for information, but it must lead to the flower or its a no deal." Given authority to use his funding and items as he sees fit, Haeme decided that he would try to minimise his costs while on Nundinae.
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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 4:15 am
Zero shrugged, Haeme seemed rather pleased by the fact that he knew how to navigate around and target the right places. Truth was that even though little people knew their way around Nundinae the way Zero did, even less didn’t use the information they had, so this was actually a first for Zero, to give directions of that sort. Even so, the Canis didn’t seem bad to him, in fact, he appeared to be quite friendly –well… not ‘friendly’-friendly but at least he was able to hold a civilized conversation unlike most of the people in the black market that he knew of.
”Salamander’s real location is unknown, for ages have people searched for her home in Nundinae and none found her. The only way to meet her is to go to the far end of the Old Shipyard at nightfall. She resides at the site where the Elephantodon ship is now laying and she stays until the early morning hours.” he spoke looking up at Haeme.
”As for the information I can’t guarantee anything myself, it depends on the kind of deal you make with the informant since I have no idea…” he explained. Looking around he sighed. He was already late but there was no telling what would happen if he showed up now, so he might as well call in sick.
”You might want to move up though.” he mentioned making a small nod of his head back in the direction of the city and upwards to indicate the bunkers where his home was located, much like most else’s. ”You don’t know who might overhear…” And he could maybe cook something to make the other feel more comfortable and ask him more about his trip to Nundinae and the reasons he needed those herbs and even though he knew that the other would most probably refuse to tell him he still was curious in regards to that fact.
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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:28 am
Taking in all the information that Zero had dumped on him in that short period of time was no sweat. Haeme quickly digested the information, sorted his thoughts and promptly replied Zero saying "First and foremost, I believe we should leave this shady part of town, no telling what the walls conceal and what ears might be listening in. We can discuss the details in your home, where I believe, is safer."
Glancing up towards the buildings hanging above the Old Shipyard, Haeme continued "Perhaps after a hearty meal I can further divulge my plans. I would require your assistance to meet this Salamander character, after all, I'm not used to this town." Gesturing towards the bunkers towering over the shipyard, Haeme spoke, almost instructing Zero, saying "Let's leave. Lead the way please."
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