aefenglom | 002

Name: Rich Goranski
Date: Backdated to Oct 14
Format: Video for initial post; various in comments

[Without so much as an introduction, a video plays. It's a little shaky with the recorder's nerves, and occasionally, a long talon partly covers the view of the scene, but it still shows what it needs to quite clearly.

Eventually, even with the struggle still continuing, the camera is turned away from the action, towards Rich. He has to hope what he just got will be enough to get the Coven to actually believe him this time, but right now, he doesn't have time to wait around. Direct action is needed, so he pings the friends he trusted: Michael Mell, Myr, and Niles. The message is still sent to everyone, however, so everyone can view the video and the panic in Rich's eyes when the camera is turned back to him.]

The SQUIP has lost it. It's going full villain again and I need back up. Meet me near the inn, I think it's trying to take Heere there.

[Without an explanation of what entails the SQUIP going full villain or who 'Heere' may be, he continues.]

Everyone else, please stay safe and-[He's cut off by something happening off screen, which makes him swear and stuff his watch into his pocket. There's about a minute more of muffled yelling and darkness before the recording eventually ends.]

~*~

[Hours later, there's another video tacked on to the earlier one, once the mist has finally started to fade away. Rich is back inside, his changes from before calming down enough that he isn't at risk of burning down Justine's whole cottage. He looks tired and worn, a few nasty scrapes on his face, but... there is a sort of relief in his expression, some sort of certainty that, no matter what happens next, he did what was right.]

Hey everyone. Sorry about that... I know I promised to be less of a downer the next time I posted on here, but... shit happens.

I'm just letting everyone know the SQUIP is knocked out. It had been using magic to charm and mind control several people, including someone I was bonded to, Justine, and a friend from home, Jeremy Heere.

Two of the people it was Bonded with, Linden Tailor and Connor, are also unconscious... guess some sort of trauma went through the connection when we stopped it. Since it was actively using mind control magic, I used Mountain Dew Red to deactivate... the part of it that was still a supercomputer, I guess. It should recover fine, and while it's passed out, I'm going to bring the recording to the Coven so they can see I wasn't lying when I told them what it did in my world.

If any of you were being controlled by it, let me know. It got to quite a few people when I saw it, but its powers should have worn off by now. It can be... a little traumatic, though, so my door's open if you wanna talk. Hopefully now that the SQUIP was... de-SQUIPped, somehow, this shouldn't happen again.

[With another tired wave, Rich signs off. He'd love to stay and chat but... he's pretty sure his roommates are still going to need a little more help in the fallout.]

((Everyone is free to respond! Rich will respond when he's done dealing with his roomies, who are likely either a) dealing with mind control withdrawal or b) having panic attacks over the SQUIP. Other players on Team Anti-Bastard Computer Man will also be responding a few hours after the events of the battle, providing information on what went down and vouching that yes, Shit Was Bad.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Jesus, uh, take care of yourself first, okay? I don't know what's going on, but if you need any help cooling down...

[Rich doesn't know her, but he can take a minute to go over breathing exercises if she needs it. He knows what it's like to feel like anger is ramping up to an out of control point.]

Oh, wow, you play organ? That sounds badass. I've been focusing on guitar more, it's easier than trying to build myself a drum set out of what they sell here.

[Music! They can definitely talk about music, instead of the mess Rich and everyone else that knew the SQUIP went through.]

It's the mist, I think. I'm not sure why I'd suddenly have fits of rage otherwise.

[She sounds pretty calm so...maybe she's okay? She's pretty chill usually. Even too chill.]

You flatter me. I don't know how to play guitar or drums but-you could make it from flexible wood and properly tanned animal skins, yes?

[Yes music please. She's a chimera, so while she's not as strong as a dragon at their full strength, she can be...rather terrifying given a chance.]

It fucked with a lot of us, but at least it's nearly over now.

[Chill is highly overrated, Rich thinks.]

I mean, I could, if I was good with carpentry, but all I took was a freshman shop class. I'm fine with my guitar here, though. I'd like to play with you, if you're ever not busy.

At least this moment, yes.

[Rich...that's what someone who has no chill would say.]

I'm a little busy, but I see no reason not to have a little fun. I believe there's a place with an organ in town-Elliot knows where it is.

We can go when I have a day off, and you too, if you're working. When things calm down at least.

[Chill is what the SQUIP wanted him to have! Why the hell would he want it now that he's free?]

I think all of us are just trying to keep busy! I'll have to ask Elliot about the spot. Where do you work? Hopefully our schedules will match up enough.

[Because less burnout...?]

Elliot is reliable. As for me, I work at the Knit Wit as well as from home.

I'm sure we can work something out. Especially since I often do work via commissions.

[Better burned out than burned up...]

Oh, that explains it. I was wondering how you knew Justine. We've been bonded for a little while now.

Oh, we met when I first arrived. I didn't really have any real clothing so I walked into the shop and there she was.

[Who's burning up again?]

We've helped each other since but-we fell out of touch when Dresden left.

...wondering if we were dating?

Well, I'm glad she helped you out! She's a sweetheart, so I mean...

[He trails off with a bit of a choked noise when she implies that, heat rising up into his scarred (yes, he is the one who's burning up) face.]

What? No! I mean, well, of course if you were, that would be fine! I don't mind an open relationship but, well, she never mentioned you...

She's very kind, for certain.

[She made a soft noise, amused. Oh Rich.]

It's fine. We're not, and it's likely not going to happen. So I'll just say congratulations.

[He is... not the best at hiding his emotions, so he looks quite sheepish to be called out.]

It's not exactly... I mean, it's complicated. I just know she's special to me. So there's nothing to congratulate me for.

[They kissed, but they're not exactly... official, are they?]

[It's cute. She also enjoys these things.]

What, you two haven't gone on a date or anything? That seems rather particular.

But we can discuss that later-over music perhaps. When it isn't so public.

Woah, hey! That seems a little personal. I wasn't looking for a matchmaker here! I don't want to have a music lesson turn into an interrogation!

[He's barely out of high school! Obviously it's complicated!]

I'm not trying to match you with anyone. Besides, if it was an interrogation, there wouldn't be music.

[A beat, and:]

Not good music.

I guess that's true. It'd probably end up being weird torture sounds instead.

[He breaths out a soft laugh, shaking his head.]

Thank you though. I'd prefer to deal with things on my own.

Caterwauling I think it's called? Yes. There would be caterwauling instead.

[She made a soft amused noise.]

I understand. This really would be more about the music. I haven't had much of a chance to play. Too busy.

Yeah, you definitely don't want to hear me caterwauling. Let's focus on playing together. I guess I'll hit you up when things have settled down a little?

All right. I'm going to wait to hear from Myr-and we can enjoy some music together once we're done...whatever this mess is.

Take care Rich.

Yeah, you too. It was nice to meet you, Caren.

[And it was! It was actually a pleasant conversation in the midst of something horrifying, so it's very appreciated.]

A pleasure Rich.

[It was rather nice...you know, once you got the death threats and injury talk out of the way.]

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