# groovygamers.com

## secretoracle's Games => Back Issues => Topic started by: secretoracle on December 06, 2006, 01:25:28 PM

Title: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 06, 2006, 01:25:28 PM After school Chris picks Colin up and takes him into the city to the Metro center for the police department, where the PCD office is. They go upstairs and Colin is reintroduced to Blaire Kellog, the PCds magic cop. "I thought you'd want to know what we found out about the card you gave us." She says , offering Colin a seat. "It's certainly the source of the enchantment that caused the Burns boy, Rory, to transform. They tracked the sale of the card through eBay, where this kid Logan Darklighter bought it. The seller's account was bogus, but it tracks back to the mysterious Mr. Vandross through some bank accounts." She puts her hand on Colin's shoulder, "It's a good thing you found it. Eventually it would have corupted someone else." Colin hears what she said, but his attention is also drawn to the hundreds of little silver threads that run from her aura into the universe around them. It's almost a halo of light surrounding her aura, and a ghostly figure that floats behind her, one hand on her shoulder as if to reassure her. The ghost sees Colin and smiles, waving at him. When Blaire takes her hand off his shoulder the images fade back into astral space. "We had to destroy the card. It was eating the box we put it in. Whoever made the enchantment didn't really have any subtlety in magic, they were using it like a hammer to crack eggs." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 06, 2006, 06:18:33 PM Colin hangs from Blaire's every word. He's somewhat fascinated by her. He even tries to wave back to the spirit that accompanies her, not to be unpolite. He thinks about everything she said for a while, putting everything together. "You have to excuse me, because while I'm able to sense... things, I know very little about magic. So stop me if I say something that makes no sense. Vandross, let's call him this way for lack of a better name, enchanted the card. And while the enchantment was very powerful, it lacked subtlety, so could it be it was... an experiment? A test case? He puts the card for sale on eBay, but he's also able to somehow track its movements, because Darklighter gives it to another guy, who eventually gives it to Rory Burns. Rory keeps the card for too long, and the corruption spread by it triggers the transformation that kills him. The card remains in Rory's collection for a while, then Vandross is ready to retrieve it to cover his tracks, or eventually to experiment on someone else. He approaches Shelia Burns someway, and plants a command in her mind. She is to send him back the card, and then forget about it. But here we make an entrance. I find the card before he can get it back, and you study upon it and destroy it. His plan clearly failed, and he knows it. Now some questions come to mind. What does this tells us about Vandross? What kind of person is he? Will he do it again? If he does, will it be on another student at our school? And if it's so, can I do anything to prevent it? Are there any telltale signs of this kind of corruption?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 06, 2006, 07:15:56 PM Quote from: Doc on December 06, 2006, 06:18:33 PM "What does this tells us about Vandross? What kind of person is he? Will he do it again? If he does, will it be on another student at our school? And if it's so, can I do anything to prevent it? Are there any telltale signs of this kind of corruption?[/color]" "Well, I can safely say he's intelligent but not skilled in magical theory. He knows enough to read and understand the spell book. His choice of a collector card suggests he was targetting someone younger. If you're right about how he managed to convince Shelia to get rid of the card, then he has to have some other super power or some way to influence minds because that's a subtlety in magic." she leans back and begins to tap her pencil to her lip. "HEY." She says loudly, "I need a cop over here." Chris comes over. "What's up?" She explains what you've said and where she was able to take it. "Now I'm stuck, what are the chances that he could ensure the buyer would be local and he'd be able to keep tabs on the card once it was sold?" "That's a good point." chris takes out his notebook and begins to write, "I'll check out everyone that bid on the card. See if any of the other accounts are local. Maybe he had targetted this kid that bought the card, not realizing he was buying it to give to Rory." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 06, 2006, 08:35:19 PM "Oh. I hadn't thought of that. This would move Darklighter from the list of suspects to that of potential victims. If Darklighter was his target all along, he didn't even need to keep track of the card but only to know what happened at our school. A boy turning into a hulking beast and dying could have made him realize that the card missed his target. From there tracking down Shelia wouldn't have been difficult. Maybe I could try to see if there's someone who have reasons not to like Logan, while everyone else seems to like him." "Chris, I know you are busy with lots of important stuff, but could I ask Ms. Kellogg about the business card I gave you? A friend of mine kind of needs an answer." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 06, 2006, 08:47:16 PM Quote from: Doc on December 06, 2006, 08:35:19 PM "Chris, I know you are busy with lots of important stuff, but could I ask Ms. Kellogg about the business card I gave you? A friend of mine kind of needs an answer." Chris smiles, "Hey, I hooked you up. Blaire already did her thing with it." He nods to Blaire, "Tell him what you've got." Blaire takes the card from her desk and holds it up. "This is sort of a modern version of an old messaging spell. Sending an email to this address actually sends a message to the person that cast the spell. According to some checking this guy represents what many believe to be dark powers. He bargins with people, offering them something they desire in exchange for some gift or talent they have. There are mixed opinions on the motives of the group he represents." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 06, 2006, 09:10:40 PM Colin's eyes widen. "That's exactly what he has done. He has offered... well something my friends really desires, and something he really need, in exchange for a... gift no one was supposed to know about. And you say they're dark powers? I need to know about it so I can tell him and he could take an informed decision. But... should he refuse, would they be dangerous?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 06, 2006, 09:36:50 PM "Well, dark powers is hard to explain. It's not inherintly evil or anything. Maybe gray powers would have been a better term. From what my contacts tell me, they can't make you take the deal. If you don't take it they leave you alone, so it's not dangerous. It's just something that's fishy is all. The people that have taken the deal are apparently getting what they wanted and it all worked out, but there's always something more to things like this. Just tell your friend to be careful and make sure that if he takes the deal it's really what he wants, because there is no going back on it once you decide." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 06, 2006, 10:03:45 PM "I see. Thank you." Colin seems somewhat hesitant for a moment. He leans forward on his chair, looking down. "Ms. Kellogg, if, hypothetically, you had to stop a coven of witches, what would you do?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 06, 2006, 10:14:03 PM "Ah." She looks up at Chris, who shrugs. "I'm not sure I know what you mean by stop Colin." Her tone seems to convey concern. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 06, 2006, 10:20:21 PM "Well... I heard... there are... binding rituals that could be performed so that a witch couldn't use magic to hurt people anymore..." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 06, 2006, 10:26:09 PM "Yeah." Her tone sounds releived. "Yes, there are. It's usually how white witches take care of the occassionaly black witch. You having a problem with some witches?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 06, 2006, 10:39:28 PM Colin hesitates again. He really wants to trust her, but he doesn't know what Donnie would think about him telling her his plans. "It's all hypothetical. Let's say these witches did some rather nasty things at my school, like, i dunno, summoning and binding evil spirits, or doing rituals on unwilling people. Let's say that a friend of mine, who would be a sort of white witch, I guess, wanted to do something about it. If I were to find myself in such a situation, should I tell him to stop, or help him? And how?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 06, 2006, 10:48:24 PM "Well, the witch community is sort of outside the normal magical community. But, if there are witches doing those kinds of things, you should help him if you can. Just, please be careful. You're a Spirit Dancer, and that's a lot of power especially for someone young." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 06, 2006, 11:20:40 PM "I have also heard that witches can increase their powers drawing their strength from a spirit and if this spirit could be banished they'd be less dangerous. Do you know how it would work, how such a ritual would be devised, or where I could find some info about it?" What she says somewhat surprises Colin. "I have a lot of power? But it isn't mine... I'm just... a conduit for it. You're afraid I could hurt them?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 07, 2006, 12:47:28 AM "Well, depending on what traditions they use the witches might have lots of stuff they could do. Would you like me to look into this for you?" When Colin mentions her comment about his powers she looks back at Chris, then back at Colin. "Well, yes you're a conduit. But there will come a time when you can do almost anything. Spirit Dancers come along once in a blue moon. As to weather I think you could hurt these witches. That's up to who you are, weather you're the kind of person that could hurt someone." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 07, 2006, 07:31:55 AM "No! I'm not!!!" Colin nearly shouts. He reviews in his mind the times he used his power and never once he tried to use it to hurt someone. Not even with Randy, who was about to shoot them all. "I'm not." he says more calmly "It's just the way you said it, 'be careful, because you have all this power', I thought that was what you could be worried about." "You think I'll be able to do almost anything? Right now it feels nothing like it, I assure you." Colin thinks of how he can't help Seth, he has no idea what to do about Sarah, and can't find Vandross. Then he thinks of his dad. "I can do amazing things, but the really important stuff is always a bit out of my reach. What do you know about spirit dancers? You've done some research about it? The way it was described to me, it wasn't really about the power." "About the witches, I really don't want you to lose your time on it. You likely have plenty of more important stuff to do. I'd just appreciate if you could tell me where to look for some useful info. I... I was told that my talents wouldn't help, and to use the magic of man." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 07, 2006, 11:28:43 AM Quote from: Doc on December 07, 2006, 07:31:55 AM "No! I'm not!!!" Colin nearly shouts. He reviews in his mind the times he used his power and never once he tried to use it to hurt someone. Not even with Randy, who was about to shoot them all. "I'm not." he says more calmly "It's just the way you said it, 'be careful, because you have all this power', I thought that was what you could be worried about." "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Spirit magic is emotionally driven is all. You need to be careful is all, until you really understand it. That's all I meant." Quote from: Doc on December 07, 2006, 07:31:55 AM "You think I'll be able to do almost anything? Right now it feels nothing like it, I assure you." Colin thinks of how he can't help Seth, he has no idea what to do about Sarah, and can't find Vandross. Then he thinks of his dad. "I can do amazing things, but the really important stuff is always a bit out of my reach. What do you know about spirit dancers? You've done some research about it? The way it was described to me, it wasn't really about the power." "Well, I haven't really done much research. We covered them in school, part of my studies. Apparently they develop a relationship with the spirit world and can call on all kinds of powerful spirits. They're supposed to be able to draw power from the spirits to do just about anything. I'm not suprised whoever described it to you didn't mention the power, can you imagine what that might do to some people's ego?" Blaire smiles and puts her hand on Colin to reassure him. The shadowy half-light of magic that surrounds her returns and Colin can see the spirit again, she seems slightly sad and she reaches out her free hand to rest it on Colin's shoulder, a tear welling up from her eye. When the spirit touches him he feels some of the worry and fear leave him. Quote from: Doc on December 07, 2006, 07:31:55 AM "About the witches, I really don't want you to lose your time on it. You likely have plenty of more important stuff to do. I'd just appreciate if you could tell me where to look for some useful info. I... I was told that my talents wouldn't help, and to use the magic of man." "Well, you can't use regular magic. I mean, you're not supposed to. I don't know if there is a rule against it, I've just never heard of a shaman using regular magic before. They're sort of opposite in how they work so I don't know if learning hermetic magic will have a determental effect on your powers." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 07, 2006, 06:16:49 PM Quote from: secretoracle on December 07, 2006, 11:28:43 AM "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Spirit magic is emotionally driven is all. You need to be careful is all, until you really understand it. That's all I meant." "No, I'm sorry I overreacted. I just didn't want you to think of me as that kind of person. You have a point though. That's why I'd like for this to be over soon. Before they do something I can't forgive them. Now I don't hate them, and I think I can control myself." Quote "Well, I haven't really done much research. We covered them in school, part of my studies. Apparently they develop a relationship with the spirit world and can call on all kinds of powerful spirits. They're supposed to be able to draw power from the spirits to do just about anything. I'm not suprised whoever described it to you didn't mention the power, can you imagine what that might do to some people's ego?" Blaire smiles and puts her hand on Colin to reassure him. The shadowy half-light of magic that surrounds her returns and Colin can see the spirit again, she seems slightly sad and she reaches out her free hand to rest it on Colin's shoulder, a tear welling up from her eye. When the spirit touches him he feels some of the worry and fear leave him. Colin smiles at the spirit, and he mouths ' thank you' at her. "Iwouldn't say I draw power from them. I just ask them. And only when I really need it. I was also told there is a balance, I have to do something back for them. It's not too hard though." He feels his cellphone vibrate. He sneak a look at it and it's Donnie. Speaking of the devil... "Can you excuse me for just a moment? I have to take this call, it could be important." He goes to a corner and answers the phone. "Hey there. Problems? What?! Really? Wow. No there's no way I'm wait till tomorrow. I'm busy now, I'll tell you later, but I'm stopping by as I get home. Ok. That's about it. Bye." He comes back. "Sorry, it was kind of important indeed. You were saying?" Quote "Well, you can't use regular magic. I mean, you're not supposed to. I don't know if there is a rule against it, I've just never heard of a shaman using regular magic before. They're sort of opposite in how they work so I don't know if learning hermetic magic will have a determental effect on your powers." "Oh. Then maybe it was not what he meant. Not a different kind of magic, but someone with a different kind of magic. How do you think I could help my friend, then?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 07, 2006, 06:29:06 PM "Well, you can channel the power of the spirit world into others. Maybe that's what you mean." She smiles and shakes her head, "You're going to have access to the most amazing power. You must be a very special person Colin." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 07, 2006, 06:47:42 PM Colin looks down in embarassment again, but this time for a different reason. "Well, I don't know. I'm just trying my best. Speaking of it, is there anything you'd like me to take a look at, while I'm here? If you think I could be useful, that is." "Actually, I was wondering if there's any kind of summer job I could apply for around here? Or am I still too young for that?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 07, 2006, 06:55:58 PM Quote from: Doc on December 07, 2006, 06:47:42 PM "Well, I don't know. I'm just trying my best. Speaking of it, is there anything you'd like me to take a look at, while I'm here? If you think I could be useful, that is." "Nope. Except for the stuff you brought us, Chicago is not a very magically hopping town." Quote from: Doc on December 07, 2006, 06:47:42 PM "Actually, I was wondering if there's any kind of summer job I could apply for around here? Or am I still too young for that?" "Actually, I don't know." Blaire looks at Chris, who shrugs, "I'll ask around and see." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 07, 2006, 07:48:21 PM "Well, whenever you think I could lend a hand, you know where to find me. Especially if there's another child in trouble. And thank you for checking about the job too." "I'll let you know if I find out that there's someone really bitter about Darklighter. I have a friend that knows everybody at school. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 07, 2006, 07:50:58 PM "Before you go sport, there is someone here that wanted to have a chat with you. She's down in the break room getting a soda." Chris says, showing Colin the way down to the break room. OOC: There might be a slight delay on the next post, since Cassie will be playing the part of the person Colin is going to meet. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 07, 2006, 08:12:56 PM Getting a soda in the break room involves finding a couple of uncrumpled dollar bills to slide into the vending machine, and sometimes that's more of a challenge than even a superhero can manage. A dark-haired woman with skin so pale it looks like she's never seen sunlight sorts through her wallet, trying to come up with enough money for a sugar fix. She looks like she's in her late twenties, and she's dressed Matrix sleek in a conservative black pantsuit made of material a thousand times more expensive than spandex. Despite this, she looks frazzled. There are blood-stained pieces of gauze taped to her face and neck, and she's talking on her cell phone. "Okay," she says to whoever's on the other end. "Okay. Yes. Behind the grape jelly. Ask Daddy for help." There's a pause, and she chides the listener. "No. You use a butter knife for peanut butter. Okay? Good. I love you, baby. Put Vivian on." Another pause. "I love you. Be good." The conversation seems to be over, and she's picking through her wallet again, looking annoyed. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 07, 2006, 08:24:22 PM Quote from: secretoracle on December 07, 2006, 07:50:58 PM "Before you go sport, there is someone here that wanted to have a chat with you. She's down in the break room getting a soda." Chris says, showing Colin the way down to the break room. Colin raises his eyebrows at Chris interrogatively, and walks to the breakroom, taking a look around. Once there, he notices the woman in front of the vending machine, looking somewhat frustrated. "Ehm... Can I help? Do you need some change?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 07, 2006, 08:53:50 PM Quote from: Doc on December 07, 2006, 08:24:22 PM "Ehm... Can I help? Do you need some change?" She turns and takes a second to look him up and down. "Colin Crow?" She flashes him a smile but doesn't abandon her quest. "You wouldn't happen to have a crisp one-dollar bill, would you? I'm jonesing for a Coke in the worst way." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 07, 2006, 08:55:23 PM As if in response to a thought the soda machine spits out a Coke. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 07, 2006, 09:00:22 PM "Yes, it's me. And I think I have the dollar too, but it looks like your way works all right." he smiles at her. "I don't think we've met, have we?" he offers her his hand. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 07, 2006, 09:20:43 PM Quote from: Doc on December 07, 2006, 09:00:22 PM "Yes, it's me. And I think I have the dollar too, but it looks like your way works all right." he smiles at her. The woman glances at the machine, as flummoxed as anyone by the whim of modern technology. Quote "I don't think we've met, have we?" he offers her his hand. She takes it and gives him her peculiar, piercing look. She's reading him like a column of newsprint. In a split second it's over, and then her expression is soft and friendly again. "I'm Sky Six-Killer. I think you've met my husband, Bobby." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 07, 2006, 09:45:54 PM Colin just waits for her to evaluate him, but when she tells her name his smile goes on full wattage. "You're Bobby's wife! I'm so glad to know you! How is everybody at home?" Then he thinks about it a bit. "You're actually quite far from home. Are you all right?" He takes a look, but tries politely not to stare, at her bandages. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 07, 2006, 10:17:20 PM Quote from: Doc on December 07, 2006, 09:45:54 PM "You're Bobby's wife! I'm so glad to know you! How is everybody at home?" Sky's smile warms up. "In one piece, which is all I can ask some days." Quote Then he thinks about it a bit. "You're actually quite far from home. Are you all right?" He takes a look, but tries politely not to stare, at her bandages. She nods and takes the windfall caffeine from the vending machine. "I'm fine." She picks off a bandage, and the skin under the gauze is whole, only a little bloodied as if she'd put on some stage make-up. "How are you doing? Bobby said you were having some problems up here." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 07, 2006, 10:45:33 PM "Yeah I was, but I got some very good help from a lot of friends, starting with Bobby. If everything goes right soon it won't be a problem anymore. Actually, I was a little worried about him. He said he was having some problems with scorpions, if I remember well. That and he needed a flamethrower." "Oh, and you can tell him I started getting visions from the future, and... I think I hate it. I'm trying not to think about it too much." "Ehm... are you... I mean... like us?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 07, 2006, 11:17:18 PM Quote from: Doc on December 07, 2006, 10:45:33 PM "Yeah I was, but I got some very good help from a lot of friends, starting with Bobby. If everything goes right soon it won't be a problem anymore. Actually, I was a little worried about him. He said he was having some problems with scorpions, if I remember well. That and he needed a flamethrower." For a moment Sky wears the expression of a woman whose husband has bought a chainsaw to carve turkey. But plausible deniability is an important asset in her line of work, and she's learned to apply it to her personal life as well. "Your advice was timely," she says, without confirming anything. "Timely in that special way." Quote "Oh, and you can tell him I started getting visions from the future, and... I think I hate it. I'm trying not to think about it too much." She winces. "I'm sorry about that. It's a big thing, isn't it? Hard to bear?" Quote "Ehm... are you... I mean... like us?" She tilts her head and gives him a sidelong look. "Like you and Bobby?" She looks amused. "No. But I'm along for the ride, like it or not." She pauses. "I was wondering if you'd like to take a walk, maybe tell me how it's been?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 07, 2006, 11:44:25 PM Quote from: cassbackward on December 07, 2006, 11:17:18 PM For a moment Sky wears the expression of a woman whose husband has bought a chainsaw to carve turkey. But plausible deniability is an important asset in her line of work, and she's learned to apply it to her personal life as well. "Your advice was timely," she says, without confirming anything. "Timely in that special way." "Oh." Colin doesn't like the thought of Bobby risking his life. He's glad he asked the blackbird about it, and glad he went to pray for him, but he's more worried about him. "I hope that problem is solved, now." Quote She winces. "I'm sorry about that. It's a big thing, isn't it? Hard to bear?" "Well... yes, it is." he grimaces. "I hope I'll learn how to use it too, and that someday I'll be able to think of it as a gift. Maybe, once I get used to it, I'll be able to do a lot of good with it. Right now, it's just a vision of a person I love probably dying, I don't know exactly what to do with it, and it's awful." Quote She tilts her head and gives him a sidelong look. "Like you and Bobby?" She looks amused. "No. But I'm along for the ride, like it or not." She pauses. "I was wondering if you'd like to take a walk, maybe tell me how it's been?" "Sure." he says. Then he thinks of Donnie and takes a look at his watch. If Chris gives me a hitch later, I should get there before the game anyway. He opens the door for her. "After you." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 07, 2006, 11:55:53 PM Quote from: Doc on December 07, 2006, 11:44:25 PM "Oh." Colin doesn't like the thought of Bobby risking his life. He's glad he asked the blackbird about it, and glad he went to pray for him, but he's more worried about him. "I hope that problem is solved, now." "It's finished," she says, and there's a hint of steel in her voice, not directed at Colin but at some hard-edged memory. Quote "Well... yes, it is." he grimaces. "I hope I'll learn how to use it too, and that someday I'll be able to think of it as a gift. Maybe, once I get used to it, I'll be able to do a lot of good with it. Right now, it's just a vision of a person I love probably dying, I don't know exactly what to do with it, and it's awful." She gives him a look of compassion, almost maternal compassion. That's when she asks him to take a walk with her. Quote "Sure." he says. Then he thinks of Donnie and takes a look at his watch. If Chris gives me a hitch later, I should get there before the game anyway. He opens the door for her. "After you." She leads them into the last warmth of this autumn day, seeming a little less frazzled than she was in the break room. Maybe it's the cola. "Is this where you were born?" she asks. "Chicago?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 08, 2006, 12:21:27 AM "No, I was born in Norfolk, Virginia, where there's the big naval base, you probably heard of it. My father was actually in the Navy. We, my mother and I, moved to Oak Park after he died in the course of duty. But it was nine years ago. It's home for me. Well not really the city. But Oak Park and wherever I can reach with my bike is home. And you? What takes you here?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 12:38:42 AM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 12:21:27 AM And you? What takes you here?[/color]" "Business." Then she realizes she's being coy and expands on her answer. "I help Eagle Force from time to time, when they need someone sneaky." She glances at him, a little smile on her face. "Since this started happening, have you given any thought to your future? I mean, have your plans changed?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 08, 2006, 12:59:32 AM Quote from: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 12:38:42 AM "Business." Then she realizes she's being coy and expands on her answer. "I help Eagle Force from time to time, when they need someone sneaky." "Oh." He sets his voice to a whisper. "So you're not like us, having to do with the spirits, but you have talents of your own, don't you?" Colin takes another look at her, still not long enough to be a stare, but this time with his ghost sight. Will I see her like Bobby sees her?, he wonders. Quote She glances at him, a little smile on her face. "Since this started happening, have you given any thought to your future? I mean, have your plans changed?" Colin sighs. "Before this started happening, I dreamed about becoming a photographer, a news photographer. Now, I don't know anymore. Mainly I don't know how much control I'll have on my life when my talents really start kicking in. What will I be asked to do? If I had a choice, I'm starting to think I could work for the PCD. I could be useful there." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 01:11:30 AM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 12:59:32 AM "Oh." He sets his voice to a whisper. "So you're not like us, having to do with the spirits, but you have talents of your own, don't you?" Sky looks nothing short of amused. "Yes," she whispers back. "I bake killer brownies, and I can tango even better than I line dance." She pauses. "But I know what you're asking. Yes, I'm a paranormal. More or less." Quote Colin sighs. "Before this started happening, I dreamed about becoming a photographer, a news photographer. Now, I don't know anymore. Mainly I don't know how much control I'll have on my life when my talents really start kicking in. What will I be asked to do? If I had a choice, I'm starting to think I could work for the PCD. I could be useful there." She nods, more somber than she was. "I understand you have a spirit that talks to you?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 08, 2006, 01:28:20 AM Quote from: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 01:11:30 AM Sky looks nothing short of amused. "Yes," she whispers back. "I bake killer brownies, and I can tango even better than I line dance." She pauses. "But I know what you're asking. Yes, I'm a paranormal. More or less." "Tango! Now that is a talent!" he smiles at her. "I'll have to learn that, sooner or later." Quote She nods, more somber than she was. "I understand you have a spirit that talks to you?" "Yes. It's a blackbird." Colin says, looking at her intensely for just a moment, wondering if she knows that telling means he trusts her. "I still have to figure him out completely, but he's a loyal companion. I'm often afraid I look like a big idiot to him though." "What could be really useful to them, is that touching things I often see glimpses of the past. It could lead to useful clues. Or at least I hope it." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 02:11:18 AM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 01:28:20 AM "Yes. It's a blackbird." Colin says, looking at her intensely for just a moment, wondering if she knows that telling means he trusts her. "I still have to figure him out completely, but he's a loyal companion. I'm often afraid I look like a big idiot to him though." She utters a rich laugh of understanding. "They go out of their way not to say things plainly, and if you're getting it secondhand, it's even worse. Does he talk in riddles?" Quote "What could be really useful to them, is that touching things I often see glimpses of the past. It could lead to useful clues. Or at least I hope it." "Psychometry?" She's fascinated by this. "That's something the blackbird gives you?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 08, 2006, 07:52:16 AM Quote from: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 02:11:18 AM She utters a rich laugh of understanding. "They go out of their way not to say things plainly, and if you're getting it secondhand, it's even worse. Does he talk in riddles?" "Well not really. He's kind enough to answer my questions (no matter how dumb they must seem to him), though, as he says, 'language is an imperfect form of communication'. Him answering doesn't actually mean I get what he means. Usually I think I understand, than stand corrected as things unfold. It happened again just ten minutes ago. He said we'll eventually have a better way of communicating, and frankly, I'm starting to look forward to it." Quote "Psychometry?" She's fascinated by this. "That's something the blackbird gives you?" "Well, now that you ask it, I don't really know. He said it he chose me for this (Bobby actually called it a cruel joke, but I hope it was just him being cynical). He sometimes let me see things through his eyes. But, I dunno, some other things I do he said I do that on my own, well, that my subconscious (who must be way smarter than I am) knows what to do. I could be totally wrong, but I think he's here to guide me and show me the ropes, but the powers come from... his bosses? The spirit community? See, now I'm probably saying stupid things again. Anyway, I have that. But as everything else, I'm only shown what according to them is necessary. Which means the big questions remain unaswered, and I have to work on them. Apparently knowing too much of anything is dangerous. I'm slowly beginning to accept that I'll never know enough to be comfortable. Sometimes I just wish I'd know less, instead. It's hard to really enjoy your present when you're shown how it could end. I try to push it to the back of my mind, but this nagging feeling remains. I was told that if I don't learn to live in the here and now, I'll always be sad. I'm trying to work on it, but it's not easy." He gets a little sad. "Is it hard for you? I mean for you to be with Bobby, to share... well this, with him? He keeps telling me to prepare for the worst. How old are your daughters?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 08, 2006, 10:37:44 AM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 12:59:32 AM Colin takes another look at her, still not long enough to be a stare, but this time with his ghost sight. Will I see her like Bobby sees her?, he wonders. Colin's ghost site shows her aura to be unlike any he's ever seen. Like she is wrapped in thousands of strips of gauze whose ends flutter out like angel wings in an unseen wind, it's color shifting constantly with the whole thing fading in and out of the range of his ghost site. He also sees threads, the threads he knows connect her to spirits, but some of the threads stretch up into the heavens, away from the Earth. The more he looks he realizes that the gauze-like aura shifts and moves with the impressions of faces. The vauge impressions are men and women, boys and girls. They are all different yet somewhow part of her. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 11:30:36 AM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 07:52:16 AM "Well not really. He's kind enough to answer my questions (no matter how dumb they must seem to him), though, as he says, 'language is an imperfect form of communication'. Him answering doesn't actually mean I get what he means. Usually I think I understand, than stand corrected as things unfold. It happened again just ten minutes ago. He said we'll eventually have a better way of communicating, and frankly, I'm starting to look forward to it." "They mean well. I think it's true, what your spirit says about the language being insufficient, and to add to that, Bobby's grandfather says that by knowing too much you can break things. I mean, if you felt assured that you were going to make it through the next life-or-death struggle, would you fight as hard?" Quote "Anyway, I have that. But as everything else, I'm only shown what according to them is necessary. Which means the big questions remain unaswered, and I have to work on them. Apparently knowing too much of anything is dangerous. I'm slowly beginning to accept that I'll never know enough to be comfortable. "I've developed a kind of faith over the years. I reason that they don't choose blindly. They choose someone with the strength to do what needs to be done. You might not be comfortable, Colin, but you're capable. He won't ask you to do the impossible." At least, she hopes not. Bobby, unkillable, is a far cry from Colin the fourteen-year-old with the baby face. Quote Sometimes I just wish I'd know less, instead. It's hard to really enjoy your present when you're shown how it could end. I try to push it to the back of my mind, but this nagging feeling remains. I was told that if I don't learn to live in the here and now, I'll always be sad. I'm trying to work on it, but it's not easy.[/color]" "You could waste a lot of time worrying about what might someday come to pass. It's almost never as bad as you think," she says, again with a compassion born of experience. Quote He gets a little sad. "Is it hard for you? I mean for you to be with Bobby, to share... well this, with him? He keeps telling me to prepare for the worst. How old are your daughters?" She laughs that rich laugh again, joyous and tinged with irony. "They're six. My baby girls are six years old now, and every time I look at them, I think about everything I feared and how, despite my worries, I found my happy ending and my peace. And it was hard, yes, but it's as much as part of him as the way he talks, the way he walks--everything I love about him." She sobers. "It's the girls I worry about, Colin. Bobby's one thing. He's comfortable with his duties and position, and I know almost nothing can hurt him. I worry about them . . . which is why I wanted to talk to you." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 08, 2006, 01:12:45 PM Quote from: secretoracle on December 08, 2006, 10:37:44 AM Colin's ghost site shows her aura to be unlike any he's ever seen. Like she is wrapped in thousands of strips of gauze whose ends flutter out like angel wings in an unseen wind, it's color shifting constantly with the whole thing fading in and out of the range of his ghost site. He also sees threads, the threads he knows connect her to spirits, but some of the threads stretch up into the heavens, away from the Earth. The more he looks he realizes that the gauze-like aura shifts and moves with the impressions of faces. The vauge impressions are men and women, boys and girls. They are all different yet somewhow part of her. Colin's mouth open for just a moment, then he closes it not to get caught. He keeps trying not to stare, but he can't really keep his eyes away from her for long. He just wishes he could make photos to auras too. She is incredibly beautiful. Quote from: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 11:30:36 AM "They mean well. I think it's true, what your spirit says about the language being insufficient, and to add to that, Bobby's grandfather says that by knowing too much you can break things. I mean, if you felt assured that you were going to make it through the next life-or-death struggle, would you fight as hard?" He thinks about it for moment in silence. She has a point. Quote "I've developed a kind of faith over the years. I reason that they don't choose blindly. They choose someone with the strength to do what needs to be done. You might not be comfortable, Colin, but you're capable. He won't ask you to do the impossible." "I hope so. It's a bit hard for me to... have faith. I'm... untested." Quote "You could waste a lot of time worrying about what might someday come to pass. It's almost never as bad as you think," she says, again with a compassion born of experience. "Almost?" he says with a bitter smile. "It's my first vision of the future, well not really about the future, about what might happen. And it's something I can't, I really can't allow to happen. I cannot lose her, not that way. Then I'm told that if I try to much to prevent, or if I obsess about it, there's a chance I actually *make* it happen. That's what I don't understand. How can I not worry, not obsess about it? It's my first time too. Is it some kind of test? I'm... I'm trying not to think about it at all, trying to pretend it never happened and it's never going to happen, hoping that when the time comes I'll see a sign or something, that my instincts will tell me what's the right thing to do." Quote She laughs that rich laugh again, joyous and tinged with irony. "They're six. My baby girls are six years old now, and every time I look at them, I think about everything I feared and how, despite my worries, I found my happy ending and my peace. And it was hard, yes, but it's as much as part of him as the way he talks, the way he walks--everything I love about him." She sobers. "It's the girls I worry about, Colin. Bobby's one thing. He's comfortable with his duties and position, and I know almost nothing can hurt him. I worry about them . . . which is why I wanted to talk to you." It always work as a charm. No matter how tired or worried he is, come to Colin with a problem, and he'll do his best to listen to you. His problems totally forgotten for the moment, Sky has Colin's complete attention. "Oh, so they're twins. What can I do for you?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 02:44:40 PM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 01:12:45 PM "Almost?" he says with a bitter smile. "It's my first vision of the future, well not really about the future, about what might happen. And it's something I can't, I really can't allow to happen. I cannot lose her, not that way. Then I'm told that if I try to much to prevent, or if I obsess about it, there's a chance I actually *make* it happen. That's what I don't understand. How can I not worry, not obsess about it? It's my first time too. Is it some kind of test? I'm... I'm trying not to think about it at all, trying to pretend it never happened and it's never going to happen, hoping that when the time comes I'll see a sign or something, that my instincts will tell me what's the right thing to do." Sky looks concerned. "Who is it you might lose?" Quote "Oh, so they're twins. What can I do for you?" "It's not what you can do for me. It's that I've had hints that they'll be caught up in this--" She waves her hand, lacking the vocabulary to describe what Colin and Bobby are already a part of. "--Winds Of The World stuff, that they have destinies ahead of them. It's a big thing, and I can't protect them from it. All I can do is prepare them for the worst," she says, giving him a weighty look. "I was hoping you could tell me what you think might make it easier--not for them but for you. What is it you wish you had, to cope with what's going on in your life?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 08, 2006, 03:59:06 PM Quote from: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 02:44:40 PM Sky looks concerned. "Who is it you might lose?" Colin grimaces and looks down, a frowning. He has told nobody about it, because he was too afraid to interfere. Sky will probably just go back to Arizona, and never meet Sarah. Maybe telling her is safe. "It's my... the girl I think I'm in love with." Quote "It's not what you can do for me. It's that I've had hints that they'll be caught up in this--" She waves her hand, lacking the vocabulary to describe what Colin and Bobby are already a part of. "--Winds Of The World stuff, that they have destinies ahead of them. It's a big thing, and I can't protect them from it. All I can do is prepare them for the worst," she says, giving him a weighty look. "I was hoping you could tell me what you think might make it easier--not for them but for you. What is it you wish you had, to cope with what's going on in your life?" He thinks about it for a while as they walk, because he really wants to give her an answer that could help her and her daughters. "Well... when weird stuff start to happen, they'll probably need someone who can explain them why. I was going crazy about it before Bobby found me and showed me the ropes. I couldn't even shake hands with people. Then, it's surely fine to have someone to talk with, who can understand what you're going through. They are lucky, because they'll have each other, and you and Bobby too. I can talk with my mom, and I have wonderful friends, but... well, I'm not sure they understand, sometimes my life is a bit crazy. It's also fine to have someone reminding you to have faith, that you can do it. I think it would help them if you could teach them to be self-confident, that to be afraid is normal, and how to react to being afraid." He stops for a moment to think again. "Teach them patience too. Bobby will laugh when you tell him I said so. I'm not sure what else to tell you... it's a bit too new for me. If you ask me again in a year or two I'll probably be able to see things from a broader perspective, and be more help." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 04:19:55 PM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 03:59:06 PM "It's my... the girl I think I'm in love with." Sky's concerned, imagining a helpless teenage girl who could use a hero. "Do you know how it might happen?" Quote "Teach them patience too. Bobby will laugh when you tell him I said so. I'm not sure what else to tell you... it's a bit too new for me. If you ask me again in a year or two I'll probably be able to see things from a broader perspective, and be more help." She looks at him with tender concern. She sees a hint of the future in him, a time when her girls will need to contend with their destinies and when she'll need to contend with being the outsider, the one who can't understand. "You're not alone, Colin. Remember that. If you ever need to talk, or need somewhere to run, you're welcome to come to us." She gives him a wry smile. "We can't fight your battles for you, but when you feel overwhelmed, sometimes all it takes is to know you're not alone." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 08, 2006, 05:27:21 PM Quote from: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 04:19:55 PM Sky's concerned, imagining a helpless teenage girl who could use a hero. "Do you know how it might happen?" "I've seen the scene." he hesitates, unwilling to go into details "She falls from a roof." "I haven't told her. I don't know what would happen if I did, and I... I don't want her to have to deal with this, to be in fear of something that I hope will never happen. She is special, I mean she's a paranormal too. I think it's possible she goes to that roof to help someone, and maybe I shouldn't change that. I'm hoping I'll be able to see the right moment to... do something. Until then, I can only pray." Quote She looks at him with tender concern. She sees a hint of the future in him, a time when her girls will need to contend with their destinies and when she'll need to contend with being the outsider, the one who can't understand. "You're not alone, Colin. Remember that. If you ever need to talk, or need somewhere to run, you're welcome to come to us." She gives him a wry smile. "We can't fight your battles for you, but when you feel overwhelmed, sometimes all it takes is to know you're not alone." He smiles warmly at her. "Thank you, Sky... Can I call you Sky? It's such a beautiful name. I'll remember about it. The good thing, about this all, is that since it began I have met all sorts of wonderful persons, who have been really kind to me. I wish the same luck to your girls. What are their names, by the way?" "Bobby has my number. Please give me a call if you happen to be in the area again. And whenever you think I could be of help, I'm just here. I'ts only fair. You and Bobby... well, it's good to have friends like you, even if you're far away." Blackbird? Are you around? Have you got any message for Bobby and his family? Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: secretoracle on December 08, 2006, 05:38:54 PM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 05:27:21 PM Blackbird? Are you around? Have you got any message for Bobby and his family? The Crow is their guide. He will convey what he wants them to know. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 06:13:30 PM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 05:27:21 PM "I haven't told her. I don't know what would happen if I did, and I... I don't want her to have to deal with this, to be in fear of something that I hope will never happen. She is special, I mean she's a paranormal too. I think it's possible she goes to that roof to help someone, and maybe I shouldn't change that. I'm hoping I'll be able to see the right moment to... do something. Until then, I can only pray." "Bobby would tell me when he foresaw something concerning me. He still does. As much as I groused, if I hadn't known, I might not have been able to change the outcome." She levels a searching look at him. "Do you not want to tell her?" Quote He smiles warmly at her. "Thank you, Sky... Can I call you Sky? It's such a beautiful name. I'll remember about it. The good thing, about this all, is that since it began I have met all sorts of wonderful persons, who have been really kind to me. I wish the same luck to your girls. What are their names, by the way?" "Zoe and Vivian," she says with the lambent smile of any proud mother. Quote "Bobby has my number. Please give me a call if you happen to be in the area again. And whenever you think I could be of help, I'm just here. I'ts only fair. You and Bobby... well, it's good to have friends like you, even if you're far away." "We're here for you," she assures him, "and not nearly as far away as you think." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 08, 2006, 07:04:31 PM Quote from: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 06:13:30 PM "Bobby would tell me when he foresaw something concerning me. He still does. As much as I groused, if I hadn't known, I might not have been able to change the outcome." She levels a searching look at him. "Do you not want to tell her?" He looks at her in wonder. "It's not that. Basically I was given three pieces of advice. Learn to do what is best for her, be subtle, and don't obsess about it. Telling her seemed quite unsubtle, and I'm not sure it would be the best for her. That's why I was hoping for just one more clue. I like her a lot, but how can I tell if it would be good for her to know?" Quote "We're here for you," she assures him, "and not nearly as far away as you think." Colin raises an eyebrow at her, clearly wondering what she means with that. Arizona is quite far to him. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 07:12:26 PM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 07:04:31 PM He looks at her in wonder. "It's not that. Basically I was given three pieces of advice. Learn to do what is best for her, be subtle, and don't obsess about it. Telling her seemed quite unsubtle, and I'm not sure it would be the best for her. That's why I was hoping for just one more clue. I like her a lot, but how can I tell if it would be good for her to know?" She gives him a thoughtful look. "I don't know about the blackbird, but if you don't tell her, you're depending on the fact that you'll be there to help her when she's in danger. That may be the way it goes, but if she's alone and hasn't been warned, the vision will have been for nothing." She pauses. "That's my take on it as an uninformed stranger. If I were this girl, I'd want to know." Quote Colin raises an eyebrow at her, clearly wondering what she means with that. Arizona is quite far to him. "I can get here in a hurry when I need to," she tells him. "Fast plane," is the simple explanation. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 08, 2006, 08:20:29 PM Quote from: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 07:12:26 PM She gives him a thoughtful look. "I don't know about the blackbird, but if you don't tell her, you're depending on the fact that you'll be there to help her when she's in danger. That may be the way it goes, but if she's alone and hasn't been warned, the vision will have been for nothing." She pauses. "That's my take on it as an uninformed stranger. If I were this girl, I'd want to know." Colin thinks about it for a while. What if he had been wrong all along, and meeting Sky, and listen to her, was actually the sign, the little bit of guidance he was looking for? I have to find a way to ask Sarah her opinion about this... without actually telling her. Maybe when we get together for Donnie's game? He realizes he's been silent for a little too long, and Sky is looking at him. "Sorry. I have to think about this a bit. But thank you, really. I probably needed to see it from another point of view." Quote "I can get here in a hurry when I need to," she tells him. "Fast plane," is the simple explanation. Colin just smiles. He's not sure where she would get a fast plane, maybe from her Eagle Force friends? Anyway, that she'd be willing to run to his help is quite heartwarming. "So... you're back from a secret mission now, and getting home, or are you staying a few days?" Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 08:36:28 PM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 08:20:29 PM "So... you're back from a secret mission now, and getting home, or are you staying a few days?" "I'm going home tonight," she tells him. Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: Doc on December 08, 2006, 08:56:19 PM Colin seems disappointed. "Then I don't get to invite you to dinner. Next time. Have a nice trip, Sky. Fly back to warmer places." he jokes. "And give everyone a hug from me." Title: Re: Chapter 24-3, Colin and the PCD Post by: cassbackward on December 08, 2006, 09:02:07 PM Quote from: Doc on December 08, 2006, 08:56:19 PM "And give everyone a hug from me." Sky smiles, tickled. Bobby wasn't kidding when he said this kid was softer-hearted than most. Colin is the kind she wouldn't want hurt and the kind she wouldn't have wished the burden of his destiny upon, but that kind of selflessness is what the spirits look for, she thinks. "Take care of yourself," she says, and means it. Powered by SMF 1.1.4 | SMF © 2006-2007, Simple Machines LLC