Transcript | [UNTITLED] SMP

[Joco and the Wizard stand in the upstairs apartment of the Sheriff’s office. They wait patiently for their soon arriving guest. The Wizard sighs, he had messaged Joco a little under and hour ago that Doc would be coming.]

[18:12:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc should be here soon, I believe

[18:12:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I sent a letter letting him know to come

[Joco brightens.]

[18:12:48] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, so it's good I emerged from my tubes today

[The Wizard furrows his eyebrows.]

[18:12:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Your...tubes?

[18:12:59] <✦[rp] Joco> Tubes! In my house

[18:13:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Tubes....

[Joco waves their hand.]

[18:13:10] <✦[rp] Joco> I'll show you some time, they're very fun

[18:13:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Fascinating

[18:13:16] <✦[rp] Joco> if you're good at not drowning.

[The Wizard pauses in confusion.]

[18:13:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well-

[He rolls with it.]

[18:13:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I try not to be

[18:13:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Anyway, if what Doc said in the letter is true...

[18:13:34] * ✦[rp]Doc there were footsteps on the ground floor. The door did not open.

[18:13:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm a bit afraid for what it means

[Downstairs, a pair of creaking footsteps could be heard on the ground floor.]

[18:13:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Did you hear that?

[18:13:53] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit deaf right now

[The Wizard snorts at Joco’s comment, before heading down the stairs into the main room of the Sheriff’s Office. Joco trots after him.]

[18:13:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hello?

[A figure stands in a leather shirt and iron pants. They are wearing a skull mask. Joco stifles a laugh.]

[18:14:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh that's fun

[The Wizard cocks his head, looking closer.]

[18:14:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Can I help you?

[18:14:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm not sure I've seen you around before but-

[The figure removes the skull, revealing an exhausted and haggard Doc underneath.]

[18:14:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc!

[Joco claps their hands.]

[18:14:30] <✦[rp] Joco> OH that's so fun

[18:14:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> My goodness what a fascinating costume!

[Doc’s voice is thin and weak, but he speaks.]

[18:14:29] <✦[rp]Doc> Is it just you two?

[18:14:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, it is

[18:14:52] <✦[rp]Doc> Okay, good. I didn't want anyone to know I was here

[18:15:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Right....I made a bit of a fuss post-wedding

[The Wizard narrows his eyes at Doc.]

[18:14:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Are you quite alright?

[Doc winces, his face is pale. His arm is hidden under a thick coat, but it hangs limply at his side. The bags under his eyes are dark, and his hair is messy and ungroomed.]

[18:14:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh....

[Plainly: ]

[18:15:02] <✦[rp] Joco> Buckaroo you look like Shit

[The Wizard sucks in air through his teeth.]

[18:15:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, I wouldn't quite use that...language, but uh

[18:15:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc you're looking...pale

[The Wizard steps forward towards Doc.]

[18:15:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> When was the last time you ate?

[18:15:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ....Or slept...?

[18:15:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Or....took care of yourself in general?

[Joco holds out an entire chicken.]

[18:15:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Would you like a whole rotisseree chicken?

[Doc’s eyes are far away.]

[18:15:37] <✦[rp]Doc> I know- I know. I- it can talk. My arm can talk and it's Prince and it sounds like Prince

[Joco slowly puts the chicken away.]

[18:15:46] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh that's fucked

[18:15:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh good Void

[Doc begins to ramble quickly.]

[18:16:17] <✦[rp]Doc> I can't sleep. I- I'm trying to starve the arm but I don't know what it eats. So I don't know what I can eat. The arm told me to put it into a shreiker, so presumably normal food should be okay

[Doc slows down.]

[18:16:21] <✦[rp]Doc> But I'm not sure

[Joco pulls out the chicken again.]

[18:16:23] <✦[rp] Joco> .... Chicken in these trying times?

[The Wizard looks on with deep concern.]

[18:16:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It told you to do that?

[18:16:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Put it in a shrieker?

[Doc nods, the pain weights on his face.]

[18:16:46] <✦[rp]Doc> To 'recharge' it

[18:16:54] <✦[rp]Doc> And I can't eat any of the food in my house anyway

[18:17:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You can't?

[18:16:50] <✦[rp] Joco> I don't think starving yourself will be a good idea. Can't fight off an infection on an empty stomach

[Doc continues.]

[18:17:03] <✦[rp]Doc> Ollie and Faulker both want to kill me

[The Wizard looks alarmed.]

[18:17:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Why??

[18:17:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Why would they want to kill you, dear Void?

[Joco shrugs.]

[18:17:20] <✦[rp] Joco> I mean, Finch does too

[The Wizard nods as he considers that.]

[18:17:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well that's self-explanatory, Finch wants to kill everyone

[Joco waves his hand.]

[18:17:33] <✦[rp] Joco> They're off at their train, though

[18:17:36] <✦[rp] Joco> won't be in town for a while

[Doc continues on about his arm.]

[18:18:02] <✦[rp]Doc> We met up in Larkspur and it started talking on its own. Something came out of it to talk. It made a horrible sound- like sucking a bone out of someone's body.

[The Wizard recoils back, but there’s a curious look in his eyes, despite the look of disgust curling on his lips.]

[18:18:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Dear Void....

[The Wizard looks to Joco]

[18:18:30] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I can't tell if I'm fascinated by that or disgusted

[18:18:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Or if it's a bit of both

[Joco nods.]

[18:18:41] <✦[rp] Joco> I want to see it, but also I don't want to hear Prince

[They grit their teeth in a mock frown.]

[18:18:47] <✦[rp] Joco> Or have you. experience it.

[18:18:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I can't imagine it's a good experience

[18:18:56] <✦[rp]Doc> Everyone who saw was disgusted. It's only happened once. At larkspur. I stabbed it.

[18:19:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Stabbed it?!

[18:19:05] <✦[rp]Doc> I stabbed it and it didn't do anything.

[Joco nods, as if they would’ve made the same decision.]

[18:19:15] <✦[rp] Joco> That makes sense, normal reaction right there

[18:19:43] <✦[rp]Doc> And then I kept stabbing it but it didn't do anything. Prince told me to stop or there would be consequences. That Prince would spread the sculk to Wisteria

[18:19:54] <✦[rp] Joco> That makes sense, very Prince thing to do

[18:19:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I wouldn't be surprised if he already has

[18:20:16] <✦[rp] Joco> Every time I visit, there's a sensor hanging around in a tree somewhere, it seems

[18:19:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Huh...

[The Wizard regards Doc’s arm with curiosity.]

[18:19:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> So it's...progressed significantly since the last time we spoke

[Doc nods. He doesn’t seem to move the arm at all, as if he can no longer move it.]

[18:19:59] <✦[rp]Doc> I- yes. I've wrapped a tourniquet around it.

[18:21:02] <✦[rp] Joco> And, Wiz, you said I'm not allowed to ask to poke the arm.

[The Wizard continues to try to get a better look at it.]

[18:21:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well, you aren't allowed to try to get sculked on purpose

[He pulls back.]

[18:21:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I was about to ask myself if I could examine it

[18:21:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I saw it's previous progression, and I know burning it usually destroys it

[18:21:40] <✦[rp]Doc> It hasn't spread from my arm to anywhere else. I've removed all sculk from everywhere I could.

[18:21:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Have you tried a lava bath?

[18:22:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Those help me when I'm under the weather

[18:22:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco I can't say I've personally ever heard of...that particular treatment

[18:22:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But with this...I'm sure anything would be good to try

[18:22:32] <✦[rp]Doc> He said if anyone tried to remove it, there would be more consequences. Ion offered to chop it off and that's how it responded

[18:22:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hmmm

[18:22:40] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah. Yes, that'd be an issue

[18:23:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I feel like it'd be a bad idea to try and mess with - whatever Prince is now

[18:22:56] <✦[rp] Joco> You're a hostage, just one that's free to wander around.

[The Wizard turns to look fully at Doc.]

[18:23:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Right, you mentioned something in your letter about him having you under his control

[He looks on with concern.]

[18:22:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How has your head been, more headaches, I'd imagine?

[Doc nods, his good hand going to rub his forehead.]

[18:23:47] <✦[rp]Doc> The headaches are almost constant, and I can hear- it talks to me through my head and I have these books he wants me to give to people.

[18:24:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Good Void, I can't imagine

[18:24:17] <✦[rp] Joco> .... that's interesting?

[18:24:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Have the poppies had any positive effect?

[18:24:24] <✦[rp]Doc> Whenever I try to rest I get nightmares and then wake up somewhere different.

[Joco makes a face.]

[18:24:39] <✦[rp] Joco> OH possession. Yes, that's not ideal.

[The Wizard grits his teeth, looking up at the ceiling distastefully.]

[18:24:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Prince....

[18:24:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That cat…

[Joco puts their hands together.]

[18:24:23] <✦[rp] Joco> Do we think the books might be seeds.

[They raise their eyebrows at the Wizard.]

[18:24:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Sculk seeds.

[Doc shakes his head. He pulls open his coat and removes several books from the interior pockets.]

[18:24:50] <✦[rp]Doc> No, it's just full of weird words

[18:24:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Did he send some for us at all...?

[18:25:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I was curious

[Doc shakes his head.]

[18:25:13] <✦[rp]Doc> No, I just woke up with them after the wedding.

[He hands them the books.]

[18:24:55] <✦[rp]Doc> Here, I have some

[Joco and the Wizard both read the books. They’re only a single page long, more of a pamphlet than anything.]

[They read:

“Preach Weed, Smoke Alcohol, Kiss a Warden (again), Drink Cocaine, Praise Ceph (my dad)”]

[18:25:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Gospel...

[18:25:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How...presumptuous

[The Wizard looks up from the page.]

[18:25:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He does believe he's a god, though…

[Joco looks up from the page.]

[18:25:14] <✦[rp] Joco> I physically can't do two of these

[The Wizard wrinkles his nose.]

[18:25:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Does this drivel make any sense to the two of you

[Doc shakes his head.]

[18:25:40] <✦[rp]Doc> No, not at all.

[18:26:00] <✦[rp] Joco> A bit, but that's just because I'm used to reading stuff I wrote with no sleep. This feels like that.

[18:26:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It does feel like that

[The Wizard pulls the pamphlet closer to his face.]

[18:25:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Seems like juvenile concepts in here

[18:25:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> "Smoke alcohol"

[18:26:16] <✦[rp] Joco> Smoked whiskey is quite good, I've heard. That could be. A thing.

[The Wizard nods.]

[18:26:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Mmm

[18:26:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And preach weed, I feel like we already do that here

[18:26:57] <✦[rp] Joco> We have a single weed store, Wiz

[The Wizard flicks his eyes up towards Joco.]

[18:27:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, but it's fantastic

[He nods.]

[18:27:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Should be preached about

[The Wizard pulls the pamphlet away from his face.]

[18:27:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Anyway

[18:27:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We should probably burn these.

[18:27:25] <✦[rp]Doc> Yes, probably

[Joco takes out a flint and steel and lights a fire in one of the Wizard’s furnaces. They toss their books inside, and watch them crumbles to ash.]

[18:27:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Very good

[Joco sticks both of their hands inside the furnace, letting the flames flick over them before pulling them out. The Wizard presses his lips together.]

[18:28:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'll uh...just wash my hands with hot water…

[Joco opens one of the Wizard’s cabinets and pulls out a potion of healing. They slather it on their hands and the burns disappear.]

[18:28:26] <✦[rp] Joco> That makes more sense to do.

[The Wizard turns to Doc.]

[18:28:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc would you mind if I examined your arm?

[18:28:30] <✦[rp]Doc> If you want to see the arm- I suggest putting on gloves or something

[18:28:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Mmm, probably for the best, I'll grab something from upstairs

[The Wizard heads upstairs to grab a pair of gloves. Joco pauses for a moment before looking at Doc in the random assortment of clothing he wore as a disguise.]

[18:29:06] <✦[rp] Joco> So uh

[18:29:11] <✦[rp] Joco> Why the getup?

[The Wizard returns a pair of gloves on his remaining hand, and Doc begins pulling his infected arm out of the sleeve of his coat.]

[18:29:28] <✦[rp]Doc> I didn't want to be killed on my way here.

[18:29:50] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah! Yes, that'd make sense

[18:30:25] <✦[rp] Joco> I'd offer to make a sort of secret tunnel here, but I'm not sure if that'd be a good idea, if they found it it'd be easy to corner you.

[The Wizard examines the arm. It looks much more infected than the previous time the Wizard had seen it. The skin has turned a pale shade of blue, and it glows ever so slightly with a gentle luminescence. Spiderwebbed patterns of sculk crawl like veins across Doc’s skin.]

[18:29:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc how much of this can you feel? Do you have much sensation left?

[18:30:17] <✦[rp]Doc> Not with the tourniquet on. You're free to remove it, if you like.

[18:30:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Nah, I'll leave it on, probably for the best

[18:31:14] <✦[rp]Doc> It tends to hurt without the tourniquet. At first, it only made the pain worse. But then I stopped feeling it altogether.

[18:31:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Makes sense, cutting off the blood flow...or whatever this stuff uses to communicate throughout your body

[18:31:39] <✦[rp] Joco> That's probably not a good sign for arm health, but at this point I don't think anything you could do would be good for arm health

[18:31:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yeah, seems right Joco

[18:32:19] <✦[rp] Joco> It could be in the blood, or the lymphatic system, or the nervous system, or.

[18:32:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Mmm, we're pretty sure it's already in Doc's brain

[18:32:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's somewhere in there alright

[18:32:52] <✦[rp] Joco> I don't think that cuts out any of those options of highway! Fun.

[18:33:19] <✦[rp]Doc> Probably the nervous system- I can- feel that just a bit.

[The Wizard looks up at Doc.]

[18:31:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Do you mind if I do a small biopsy?

[18:32:29] <✦[rp]Doc> You can, if you'd like

[The Wizard removes a small knife from his belt, and begins to remove a piece of Doc’s skin. He grits his teeth as the flesh comes back marbled with sculk.]

[18:33:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's in there alright

[18:33:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Not just on the surface, it's underneath as well

[The Wizard pulls back. He holds the piece of flesh in his hands.]

[18:33:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I suppose that makes sense it likes to burrow and spread

[18:34:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Like how mushrooms work, the mycelium network

[18:34:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Exactly, it isn't far off from a mushroom, really

[Doc’s voice is fraught with emotion, but trying to hide it.]

[18:33:56] <✦[rp]Doc> Prince can move my arm without me controlling it.

[18:34:18] <✦[rp] Joco> So, nervous system possibly, unless Prince is able to move sculk normally

[18:34:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Then it could me more of a puppeteer situation.

[Doc’s face is pained, not just from the arm and the sculk burrowing into him, but also: ]

[18:34:25] <✦[rp]Doc> And it's beginning to happen to the rest of my body as well

[His slow loss of autonomy.]

[18:34:34] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh??

[The Wizard puts a hand up to his face, keeping it held away slightly in order to not put the spores in contact with his skin.]

[18:34:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Void, you're kidding me

[Joco puts their palms together.]

[18:34:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Please expand on that

[The Wizard steps back from Doc. The look on his face is pained.]

[18:35:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc, I don't mean to offend you here, but Joco perhaps we should be careful as to what we say

[18:35:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Just in case he's listening

[Joco pauses.]

[18:35:22] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah.

[They look to the Wizard with confusion.]

[18:35:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Do we have... any state secrets???

[The Wizard flicks his eyes from Joco to Doc.]

[18:35:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well, your project with Finch and Cinder for one

[Joco draws in a long breath as they remember, yes, indeed, that project.]

[18:35:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Ahhhh, yes

[18:35:46] <✦[rp] Joco> Alrighty

[The Wizard holds the piece of flesh in his gloved hand. He looks to Doc.]

[18:35:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Anyway

[18:36:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc I don't think I need to be the one to tell you that this doesn't look good

[Doc furrows his eyebrows.]

[18:36:09] <✦[rp]Doc> I think it can only hear when that thing comes out ot my hand

[Joco crosses their arms. Their tails flicks pensively from side to side.]

[18:36:20] <✦[rp] Joco> Can we prove otherwise, though?

[Doc shakes his head, looking at the floor.]

[18:36:23] <✦[rp]Doc> I'm not certain though- no

[18:36:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> With Prince...that cat is always listening

[18:36:28] <✦[rp] Joco> That's an issue

[Doc’s head bobs up slightly, but his eyes remain fixed on the floor.]

[18:36:28] <✦[rp]Doc> I know it can't see.

[The Wizard’s eyes stay fixed on the piece of flesh.]

[18:36:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Mmm, that's interesting, good to know

[Joco snorts.]

[18:36:44] <✦[rp] Joco> That's kinda funny

[They raise a hand up, rotating it.]

[18:36:52] <✦[rp] Joco> Like a worm, if worms could speak

[The Wizard narrows his eyes at the specimen.]

[18:37:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc, I know you've been starving your arm but I'm wondering…

[He looks up at Doc.]

[18:37:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What if that's only making it worse?

[Joco nods sagely.]

[18:37:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Ahhh, like tapeworms

[The Wizard begins to gesture as if he’s giving a lecture.]

[18:37:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> By starving it for nutrients it could be spreading through your body searching for more

[18:37:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It might be best to feed it

[18:37:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Even as counterproductive as that seems

[He turns to the kitchen area of the office, and begins looking for somewhere to put his specimen.]

[18:38:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It might buy us some time, Void there's so much to think about these days

[The Wizard digs through his cabinets.]

[18:38:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Like feeding a bear so it won't eat you.

[The Wizard stops, looking back at Joco.]

[18:38:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Uh...sure that works I suppose

[He finds what he’s looking for, and sets a small cup on the table before dropping the specimen inside.]

[18:38:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Might make the headaches go away, if that helps

[18:38:46] <✦[rp]Doc> Okay, I'll eat some normal food and see if that helps it at all. If it doesn't- I'll let you both know and then we can put it into the- shrieker.

[Joco hands Doc the chicken they were holding onto.]

[18:38:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Here, have the chicken

[18:39:09] <✦[rp] Joco> I've killed. Many a chicken recently

[The Wizard uses a flint and steel to start a fire in one of his furnaces. He pauses as he starts to pull of his gloves.]

[18:39:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I've uh...I've got a shrieker upstairs

[18:39:11] <✦[rp] Joco> Wizard

[18:39:14] <✦[rp] Joco> Wiz.

[18:39:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Bud.

[The gloves explode into flame and sizzle, the Wizard stands.]

[18:39:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> One of Prince's left behind, I kept it to study

[18:39:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's tucked away in a shulker box!

[The Wizard moves to the sink to wash his hands with scorching hot water.]

[18:39:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Wiz why do you not own a lab.

[The Wizard pauses as he scrubs his hands.]

[18:39:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Y'know Joco, I really should build a lab, shouldn't I?

[Joco nods like this should be obvious.]

[18:39:50] <✦[rp] Joco> Yes

[Doc’s eyes are flicking up at Joco and the Wizard every once and a while, but his posture is still slumped.]

[18:39:38] <✦[rp]Doc> I think we should wait. To recharge it. Just eating might be good enough

[Joco passes more chicken to Doc. Doc eats it politely, but with a starving ferocity.]

[18:40:04] <✦[rp] Joco> I've killed a lot of birds recently.

[18:40:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Some chicken project?

[18:40:47] <✦[rp] Joco> You remember all the chickens that I hatched around town

[18:40:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ah, of course of course

[18:41:01] <✦[rp] Joco> There's less of them now

[The Wizard flicks his hands off in the sink and wipes them on a towel, which he promptly throws in the furnace and burns.]

[18:40:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How about we head upstairs? I can fix us some tea and we can wait about an hour, see how you're feeling?

[Doc nods, and the Wizard smiles.]

[18:40:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Alright, follow me up

[Joco and Doc follow the Wizard upstairs, where he gestures to his table in the center.]

[18:41:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You can take a seat at the table

[He stops before heading into the kitchen as he remembers what he left on the table.]

[18:41:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ah, sorry about the cactus, I've been moving stuff around

[Joco drops down in front of it.]

[18:41:23] <✦[rp] Joco> It's a good cactus

[They reach forward to poke it, but the Wizard picks it up and moves it to the kitchen.]

[18:41:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Very. Spiky lookin'

[As Doc goes to sit, he notices where Null has been sat on the table.]

[18:41:43] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh- maybe you could use your little machine friend to scan the arm. Maybe it would give you something new

[In the kitchen, the Wizard goes through the process of making tea.]

[18:41:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Null!

[18:41:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I could absolutely

[Joco wags their finger at it.]

[18:42:00] <✦[rp] Joco> Null beloved. Silly little robot

[18:42:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No harm in a scan

[Doc bends forward to get a better look at it.]

[18:42:24] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't know what a robot is really, but I think it looks nifty

[Joco scratches their chin.]

[18:42:34] <✦[rp] Joco> It's.

[18:42:36] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm.

[The Wizard brings over the cups of tea, and sets them down in front of Doc and Joco.]

[18:42:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes! A whole amalgamation of wires and redstone and beautiful ingenuity!

[Joco begins gesturing with their hands.]

[18:42:45] <✦[rp] Joco> It's a machine. But with more information stored.

[18:42:55] <✦[rp] Joco> Than, say, a gun?

[18:42:58] <✦[rp] Joco> More info than a gun.

[The Wizard stops before he can take a seat.]

[18:43:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco I would say robots and guns are very different

[Doc nods darkly.]

[18:43:18] <✦[rp]Doc> I know what a gun is

[18:43:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> A gun is more similar to a crossbow in my opinion

[Joco narrows their eyes and taps their fingers together.]

[18:43:26] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm trying to think of machines.

[18:43:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Other guns.

[18:43:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Like a library's information in a little mechanical box

[The Wizard nods, finally, a good analogy!]

[18:43:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ahh, yes, like a whole library stored in a box, but the box is wires and data!

[Joco narrows their eyes further.]

[18:43:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm.

[Their eyes widen.]

[18:43:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Tank?

[Their point their steepled fingers at Doc.]

[18:43:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Do you know tanks

[Solemnly: ]

[18:43:53] <✦[rp]Doc> Yes, they were both used in the war

[18:44:00] <✦[rp]Doc> Guns and tanks

[Incredulously: ]

[18:43:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> A tank?!

[18:43:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Like the weapon of a tank?!

[Joco nods.]

[18:44:04] <✦[rp] Joco> Tanks have more technological stuffs.

[The Wizard shakes his head.]

[18:44:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> A linter is not a tank at all

[Joco turns back to Doc.]

[18:44:10] <✦[rp] Joco> Imagine if a tank wasn't a big gun.

[They splay their fingers.]

[18:44:40] <✦[rp] Joco> But instead. a magnifying glass. All the technology in making a tank work, put into a box to look at and sort information.

[The Wizard rolls his eyes.]

[18:44:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Anyway-

[He stands and crosses to Doc.]

[18:44:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Let me get a quick updated scan, I can compare it to your old one

[The Wizard does a quick scan of Doc with Null.]

[18:45:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Alright, all done

[18:45:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm gonna take a few just to compare these quickly

[The Wizard returns to his seat, eyes glued on the screen.]

[18:45:23] <✦[rp]Doc> Alright

[18:45:30] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't have anywhere to be

[Joco’s eyes brighten.]

[18:45:31] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh! While we're here.

[18:45:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc. You know things about the body, you're a doctor, right?

[Doc nods.]

[18:45:47] <✦[rp]Doc> I am, yes

[18:46:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright, would you say that drinking milk might normally cause one to have drowsiness, a lack of balance, and bad judgment?

[Joco temples their fingers again.]

[18:46:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Do we think that's normal.

[Doc shakes his head.]

[18:46:59] <✦[rp]Doc> No, that is not normal.

[18:47:08] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah.

[The Wizard looks up from reading Code.]

[18:47:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry what?

[18:47:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco I could've told you that wasn't normal

[18:47:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Well you recall how I've been using milk as a sleep aid, yes?

[18:47:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, I thought it was like, warm milk before bed

[18:47:39] <✦[rp]Doc> Usually milk does not give any of those effects, in fact the only drink I can think of that has those effects, or any effects is alcohol

[18:47:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, I'd agree with Doc there

[Joco taps their fingers on their chin.]

[18:47:49] <✦[rp] Joco> Alcohol. Hm.

[Their eyes narrow.]

[18:48:01] <✦[rp] Joco> I cannot remember what it's like being drunk, I've just realized.

[The bob their head.]

[18:48:17] <✦[rp] Joco> yeah, yeah that'd make sense.

[18:48:21] <✦[rp] Joco> Cats and milk.

[18:48:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well, exactly like when you drink milk I think

[The Wizard leans back.]

[18:48:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco I don't know if we've ever talked about that, when did they cat thing start?

[18:48:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> As far as I can remember in the last world. you were...human?

[The Wizard pulls his lips down into a confused frown.]

[18:48:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Maybe

[18:48:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Around a month into this new world I woke up with cat ears.

[Slowly: ]

[18:49:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Huh, fascinating

[18:49:11] <✦[rp] Joco> It was after I'd been eating only raw fish

[More quickly: ]

[18:49:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Fascinating!

[18:49:23] <✦[rp] Joco> for. I don't know how long

[18:49:29] <✦[rp] Joco> It was a lot of fish

[Doc grips his tea cup tightly.]

[18:49:28] <✦[rp]Doc> Did you pick up a parasite maybe?

[18:49:41] <✦[rp] Joco> I've never heard of a parasite that gave you cat features

[18:49:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> A parasite that makes you a cat person...now that would be something

[18:50:00] <✦[rp] Joco> A couple months ago, I ate some more fish, cooked this time, and I woke up one day with a tail

[Doc nods, his face has more color in it than before. His face is less gaunt, and his voice filled with a strength it didn’t have before.]

[18:50:20] <✦[rp]Doc> Toxo-toxoplasmosis is the only one I can think of that has any inherent cat relationship

[18:50:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Makes cats smell good

[The Wizard blinks.]

[18:50:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Now that is something new I'm learning today!

[18:50:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Saw one world get destroyed by that, kept sniffing em till they suffocated.

[The Wizard makes a face at Joco.]

[18:50:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> This is also new information I'm learning today.

[18:50:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Is that toxoplasmosis? or another thing.

[18:51:03] <✦[rp] Joco> All the science words get a bit jumbled in my head

[18:51:10] <✦[rp]Doc> Yes that is toxoplasmosis

[The Wizard chuckles good-naturedly, and turns back to Null.]

[18:51:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco you are just a wealth of...the most insane things I have ever heard

[Cheerily: ]

[18:51:20] <✦[rp] Joco> I've seen a lot of ways to die!

[Deeply haunted: ]

[18:51:34] <✦[rp]Doc> Me too

[Joco shrugs.]

[18:51:34] <✦[rp] Joco> I just. Had a mild allergy to cats, so I never sniffed any of them.

[The Wizard snorts, and answers, not looking up from Null.]

[18:51:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And now you're...part cat

[18:51:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Fascinating indeed

[Joco picks at their nails.]

[18:51:47] <✦[rp] Joco> That one went away after a checkup with the Unknown

[18:51:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Huh…

[They chew off a hangnail.]

[18:52:03] <✦[rp] Joco> They don't like extra independent factors.

[18:52:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Seems not

[The Wizard furrows his eyebrows, and clears his throat.]

[18:52:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I've skimmed through your current code, Doc, and uh

[18:52:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Here's something weird

[18:52:31] <✦[rp]Doc> Hm?

[18:52:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm not uh, seeing much difference?

[18:52:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh?

[18:52:54] <✦[rp] Joco> "Much"?

[Doc straightens, there’s a look of hope in his eyes.]

[18:52:57] <✦[rp]Doc> That's- that sounds good

[18:53:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It should be in here, within the Code I'm sure of it but...it's not?

[The Wizard looks up, nodding at Doc with reassurance.]

[18:53:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's a good thing-

[18:53:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It means whatever this is, it's surface level, effecting you here but not deep enough into your Code

[18:53:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It also-

[The Wizard shakes his head.]

[18:53:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Nevermind, about that

[He waves his hand.]

[18:53:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Speculation-

[Doc nods vehemently, he folds his hand in the table. Even the skin of the back of his good hand seems to have regained some color.]

[18:53:47] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh, that's good. That's good.

[Joco leans on the table.]

[18:53:57] <✦[rp] Joco> We love speculating.

[They blink up at the Wizard expectently.]

[18:53:59] <✦[rp] Joco> Very fun activity

[Doc nods as well.]

[18:54:11] <✦[rp]Doc> You can share, I don't mind

[The Wizard speaks slowly, trying to think through what he’s saying as he’s saying it.]

[18:54:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> If I've got this correct, it's like a status effect, like invisibility, or regeneration

[Joco leaps up from their seat.]

[18:54:23] <✦[rp] Joco> MILK?

[He begins to rummage through his inventory.]

[18:54:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Could we pour milk on the arm

[18:54:33] <✦[rp]Doc> But it doesn't go away- when I 'die'

[The Wizard waves his hands.]

[18:54:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No, no, I don't think it's that easily removed

[18:54:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But it is removable

[His speaking slows again.]

[18:54:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's like it locked onto you in a way

[18:54:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Curious…

[Joco stops rummaging through their pack.]

[18:54:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Like a beacon effect?

[Softly: ]

[18:54:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Exactly

[The Wizard snaps his fingers at Joco.]

[18:55:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> EXACTLY

[He steps away from the table and looks down into Corroded out the window below.]

[18:55:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I bet its from all of this damn sculk Prince has got planted everywhere

[18:55:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Both in the world and on your body

[Joco speaks slowly.]

[18:55:22] <✦[rp] Joco> To get rid of those, leave the area or destroy the beacon.

[The Wizard responds softly.]

[18:55:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Exactly…

[He pauses: ]

[18:55:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Perhaps-

[The Wizard turns towards the two of them.]

[18:55:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Perhaps.

[18:55:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Prince is the beacon.

[18:55:48] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm

[18:55:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> While he breathes, the sculk grows

[18:55:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hmmm.

[Joco leans on the table again, there’s an excited energy in them, but they’re doing their best to stay serious.]

[18:56:04] <✦[rp] Joco> It's kind of hard to kill a player on a server like this,

[18:56:10] <✦[rp] Joco> Infinite respawns, and whatnot

[The Wizard nods. He sets Null down on the table.]

[18:56:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Indeed it is

[18:56:23] <✦[rp]Doc> I'll- I'll figure out a way. I have to.

[18:56:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You will

[18:56:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And I, and I hope Joco, will do our best to help you

[Joco puts up a hand.]

[18:56:35] <✦[rp] Joco> We could always run to a new world and leave this "beacon" behind

[The Wizard shakes his head.]

[Doc raises a hand.]

[18:56:35] <✦[rp]Doc> Ceph can't respawn. I remember them saying that.

[Joco snorts.]

[18:56:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Ceph's quirky

[18:56:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ceph is...interesting

[The Wizard sets Null down on the table, and starts to pace.]

[18:56:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> This must have something to do with this ascension nonsense

[18:56:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How Prince can do this

[18:57:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But if he can do it to one, who's to say he can't do it to more

[Joco makes a heart with their hands.]

[18:57:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc I can and would lick your fucked up arm if it'd heal you

[The Wizard stops.]

[18:57:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Void, Joco

[Doc stares at Joco.]

[18:57:22] <✦[rp]Doc> What?

[18:57:30] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't- I don't recommend that

[Joco pounds their chest with a fist. They reach out to fistbump Doc.]

[18:57:34] <✦[rp] Joco> Whatever it takes, king

[18:57:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco, seriously-

[Joco takes a drink of their tea sheepishly.]

[The Wizard turns to Doc.]

[18:57:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc if Joco asks you to "sculk" them, say no, please

[Joco protests.]

[18:58:11] <✦[rp] Joco> It could be fun!

[They throw up their hands.]

[18:58:15] <✦[rp] Joco> I don't know!

[18:58:13] <✦[rp]Doc> I can't do that. I have no idea if I can do that

[18:58:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Good, then

[The Wizard looks away. He considers something for a moment.]

[18:58:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think I might try to have a conversation with Prince in the near future

[18:58:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> There are some...questions I have for him

[18:58:59] <✦[rp] Joco> Understandable

[Doc speaks up.]

[18:58:56] <✦[rp]Doc> I can- I can come back when it starts talking again. Out loud.

[18:59:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh, sure! Yes that'd be great

[The Wizard nods, speaking slowly.]

[18:59:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Seeing it in action

[18:59:19] <✦[rp] Joco> I'd love to poke the hand-mouth.

[18:59:30] <✦[rp]Doc> Stabbing it repeatedly didn't do much

[18:59:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Does it have a tongue? or just. Shrieker anatomy?

[18:59:41] <✦[rp]Doc> No tongue

[18:59:47] <✦[rp] Joco> Interesting!

[The Wizard manages to sit back down. He takes a sip of tea.]

[19:00:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well then, Doc how are you feeling?

[19:00:58] <✦[rp]Doc> Less tired

[19:02:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What are you thinking Doc, more food or do you want to try the shrieker?

[19:00:31] <✦[rp] Joco> Do you need more food?

[19:02:56] <✦[rp] Joco> If you'd like a different food other than chicken, I own quite a variety

[19:03:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, I also have pie!

[Joco nods sagely]

[19:03:23] <✦[rp] Joco> The nutritional benefits of pie are truly amazing

[Doc looks apprehensive.]

[19:03:33] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't want to try the shrieker yet. We should- we could do that when it starts talking again

[19:03:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Mm, sounds like a good idea

[19:04:01] <✦[rp] Joco> Wiz, when you said you owned a shrieker, do you mean that you ONLY own one shrieker?

[19:04:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> As far as I know I only have one

[19:04:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Huh

[19:04:18] <✦[rp] Joco> I've got like 20

[19:04:26] <✦[rp] Joco> From before Prince times!

[19:04:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ah, I was too frightened to try to seek out those dark places below

[19:04:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Best left up to you limber folk

[19:05:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm afraid I'd have a heart attack down there!

[19:05:08] <✦[rp] Joco> I sought them out. They're not fun unless you've got a night vision potion and memorize which buildings have chests and where

[19:05:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ah, I see

[19:05:20] <✦[rp] Joco> And even then. It's a bit terrifying when the wardens appear

[19:05:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh, those beasts terrify me

[19:05:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The dark is...

[19:05:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> A specific fear of mine

[The Wizard checks his chests.]

[19:04:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Two, actually

[19:04:30] <✦[rp] Joco> Two! Delightful

[Doc sits, tense, eyes focused on his good hand in front of him.]

[19:05:46] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't want to see anything sculk related ever again.

[The Wizard raises his eyebrows.]

[19:05:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'd think not!

[19:06:08] <✦[rp] Joco> That makes complete and utter sense, Doc

[Joco continues.]

[19:05:53] <✦[rp] Joco> I didn't go caving for centuries because I'm a bit afraid of the dark

[19:06:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, Joco, darkness is such a primal fear

[19:06:47] <✦[rp] Joco> Mmm primal.

[19:06:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Dark and empty rooms are...foreboding in their own way

[Repeated, almost, quietly.]

[19:07:14] <✦[rp] Joco> Empty rooms, empty tables, empty houses.

[Doc raises his eyebrows.]

[19:07:18] <✦[rp]Doc> I have the opposite issue. If it's dark, it means there's not an explosion.

[The Wizard laughs darkly.]

[19:07:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Emptiness, darkness, explosions

[19:07:40] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh. Yes, I suppose that's true. Was the wedding that terrible of an ending for you? Or.

[19:07:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think Doc was fully passed out, if I remember correctly

[19:08:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc you probably remember the building being there and then it being gone

[19:08:06] <✦[rp]Doc> It brought back some memories of mine, from when I was younger, before I got here

[19:08:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah. Yes, I'm sorry about that

[19:08:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Mmm, indeed

[19:08:36] <✦[rp] Joco> Explosion had to happen, but maybe could've been done with the Obviously Sick Man out of the building.

[The Wizard’s voice is tense.]

[19:08:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The explosions....

[19:08:47] <✦[rp] Joco> But! Time to get you out would’ve been time for anyone to get out. So.

[Doc shakes his head slightly.]

[19:08:59] <✦[rp]Doc> It wasn't the worst explosion

[19:09:34] <✦[rp] Joco> It helps when you can walk away from it afterwards

[19:09:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, indeed

[19:09:49] <✦[rp]Doc> It helps when people don't leave body parts behind.

[They all go quiet.]

[19:10:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's lucky here, isn't it

[19:10:08] <✦[rp] Joco> Yes.

[19:10:10] <✦[rp] Joco> It is.

[19:10:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Prince wasn't the first time I'd seen a corpse, but...it had been a while

[19:10:22] <✦[rp]Doc> It makes it a lot more bearable.

[19:10:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm certain it does

[Quietly, muses: ]

[19:10:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> People melt away, or fade, or explode into dust, but there is very rarely blood

[Even darker: ]

[19:11:06] <✦[rp]Doc> And there's no barbed wire.

[Almost on reflex.]

[19:11:16] <✦[rp] Joco> Barbed wire killed the cowboy.

[19:11:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Mmm, yes, mostly here for cows, and not much else

[19:12:09] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh.

[19:12:02] <✦[rp] Joco> I've not used barbed wire in near a century

[19:12:16] <✦[rp] Joco> It's not good to work with. In any way.

[19:12:59] <✦[rp]Doc> The war I was in had a lot of barbed wire

[The Wizard nods solemnly.]

[19:13:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> A terrible thing, war

[The Wizard waves his hands, as if trying to dismiss the topic.]

[19:13:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Anyway, enough with the downer talk

[19:13:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Too many things to be down about now a days

[The Wizard looks to both of them, eyes searching.]

[19:14:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Anything good at all happening?

[19:14:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Any new shops in Wisteria? I've not been to visit recently

[Doc shakes his head. His eyes seem cloudy, almost.]

[19:14:59] <✦[rp]Doc> No... not that I know of

[19:15:19] <✦[rp]Doc> Or that I can remember. I can remember more from my past now, but my other memories are having issues

[The Wizard brightens.]

[19:15:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You are?

[19:15:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's good news!

[19:15:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I mean, that you remember things from you past

[Joco bobs their head.]

[19:15:49] <✦[rp] Joco> You win some, you lose some

[The Wizard leans forward.]

[19:15:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Are you saying that your current memories are having issues?

[19:16:58] <✦[rp]Doc> Yes, though I think it's because of the current situation more than anything. The- the experiences are pulling up memories from my past though.

[19:17:22] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah

[19:17:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I see, then

[19:17:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You mentioned that Ion called a meeting, and that Ollie and Faulkner threatened you, what did that end up being about?

[19:17:58] <✦[rp]Doc> Ion- Ion wants revenge for blowing up the wedding.

[19:18:03] <✦[rp] Joco> That makes sense

[The Wizard looks down at the table, and fidgets with his mechanical arm.]

[19:18:14] <✦[rp]Doc> Prince offered to help. Through my arm.

[19:18:28] <✦[rp] Joco> That. also makes sense.

[The Wizard rolls his eyes.]

[19:18:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Void

[19:18:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Of course he did

[19:18:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Prince has a finger in every damn pie these days

[Joco closes their eyes at the thought of pie.]

[19:18:58] <✦[rp] Joco> mmm, pie

[The Wizard lets out a little snort.]

[Joco slaps the table with their hands.]

[19:19:32] <✦[rp] Joco> GODS Wiz have you ever had Blueberry Pie

[The Wizard leans back.]

[19:19:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I cannot say I have

[19:19:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc do you have. Blueberries back home.

[19:19:46] <✦[rp]Doc> Yes

[19:19:52] <✦[rp] Joco> Opinions on the pies.

[19:20:16] <✦[rp]Doc> I enjoyed them. I miss them

[19:20:25] <✦[rp]Doc> The last time I had one was when I was a child

[19:20:36] <✦[rp] Joco> I've seen a few worlds with blueberries and my goodness those pies are amazing

[The Wizard laughs.]

[19:20:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well, now you've got me hungry for something I've never had!

[19:20:57] <✦[rp] Joco> We have apple pies, but they're not quite as good here as what you can make when you have lemons

[19:21:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm beginning to think I've lived so little life compared to what's out there

[19:21:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Blueberries are these little berries, they're more of a dark purple, the insides are green, and when you squish them they're a reddish purple

[19:22:01] <✦[rp] Joco> Amazing little things

[19:22:12] <✦[rp] Joco> Some worlds just have. So many more plants and food options.

[19:22:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Fascinating!

[19:22:09] <✦[rp]Doc> They stain easy

[19:22:24] <✦[rp] Joco> They stain very easily

[19:22:28] <✦[rp] Joco> Them and cherries.

[Joco sighs wistfully.]

[19:22:37] <✦[rp] Joco> And cranberries. I miss cranberry sauce.

[19:23:06] <✦[rp]Doc> Cranberry sauce? I've never heard of that

[19:23:16] <✦[rp] Joco> Cranberries are a more dark red berry,

[19:23:41] <✦[rp] Joco> I believe it's made by boiling and smashing them and filtering out chunks? But it's been a WHILE

[19:24:28] <✦[rp] Joco> The stuff I liked most was canned, more of a gelatine consistency than a sauce

[The Wizard smiles, wrapped in nostalgia.]

[19:24:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You're reminding me of my time back when I was a child, I remember we used to have yewbean elixir and jewelberry sauce

[19:25:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'd give anything for a roasted herring bun right about now

[19:25:21] <✦[rp] Joco> Yewbean and Jewelberry? Not ones I've heard of, exciting!

[19:26:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> They were delicious! Yewbean is almost like chocolate, but more savory, and jewelberry is almost like a sweet candied berry

[19:24:54] <✦[rp]Doc> I’ve heard of cranberries a few times, but I never had one.

[19:25:00] <✦[rp]Doc> They didn't grow where I lived

[19:25:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Your home has location based farming?

[19:25:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Interesting!

[19:26:10] <✦[rp]Doc> The cranberry was grown in a different continent to me, but we had a berry they didn't

[19:26:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Such extreme farming issues. Do you not have a small farm or garden of your own back home?

[19:27:05] <✦[rp]Doc> I did, we grew a lot of things back when I was little

[19:27:51] <✦[rp] Joco> That's good. Being able to grow your own food is important

[The Wizard nods.]

[19:27:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Farming was the one thing I didn't partake in much as a child

[19:28:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm glad I've learned those skills now!

[19:28:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Farming's good. It's consistent in most worlds.

[19:28:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It truly is

[Doc looks down at the table, he appears slightly confused. He rubs his head.]

[19:29:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Are you feeling alright, Doc?

[Joco moves to stand.]

[19:30:17] <✦[rp] Joco> I can go grab some mushroom stew. An apple. Perhaps some gapples.

[19:30:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Garrots.

[19:30:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc?

[Doc’s voice is fraught.]

[19:30:53] <✦[rp]Doc> I- something's going on with my memories

[19:30:57] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, dear

[19:31:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh, no

[19:31:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> At this very moment?

[19:31:48] <✦[rp]Doc> It's like I have more than one set of memories. But that doesn't make any sense

[Joco raises his eyebrows.]

[19:31:58] <✦[rp] Joco> Odd!

[19:32:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's very strange indeed

[19:32:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What do these other memories seem like

[The Wizard speaks carefully.]

[19:32:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Can you make out anything in particular?

[Joco narrows their eyes, putting their hands together and bouncing them towards Doc.]

[19:32:28] <✦[rp] Joco> In these secondary memories. Do you recall, perhaps, being a blue cat.

[The Wizard’s eyes flick over to Joco.]

[19:32:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That was also my worry, Joco

[19:32:44] <✦[rp]Doc> No- no. No blue cat in any of them, actually.

[19:32:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ah, good, good

[Doc holds his head.]

[19:33:58] <✦[rp]Doc> Just- I'm having multiple different- lives? No, that doesn't make sense.

[19:34:13] <✦[rp]Doc> Maybe my memories are being messed with. Nothing matches up right

[19:34:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's very odd

[19:34:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Are there any repeating things you remember?

[19:34:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Anything that stands out?

[19:34:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Reincarnation is not too out of the ordinary

[The Wizard considers, but shakes his head.]

[19:35:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Reincarnation is uncommon but happens here, but where you're from....I'm unsure if it's the same as here

[19:35:20] <✦[rp]Doc> I am always working very closely with death. Or what I do relates to it.

[19:35:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Interesting...

[19:35:47] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm.

[19:36:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And you're sure these don't seem like Prince's memories?

[19:36:39] <✦[rp]Doc> No- they're all- mine somehow

[19:36:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Fascinating....

[19:37:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> This is definitely warranting some further exploration

[The Wizard stands.]

[19:37:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But perhaps not tonight

[19:37:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Maybe when arm's in speaker mode we could ask chat blau.

[The Wizard nods at Joco.]

[19:37:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc, you need rest, relaxation, and food

[There’s a look of sudden terror on Doc’s face.]

[19:37:48] <✦[rp]Doc> I can't rest, I don't know where I'll end up

[19:38:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What if you had one of us watch over you?

[Joco perks up.]

[19:38:00] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, if you'd like you could sleep in my vault!

[19:38:06] <✦[rp] Joco> It's. an obsidian box.

[19:38:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh, yes!

[Doc looks apprehensive, but he nods slightly.]

[19:38:22] <✦[rp]Doc> We can give it a try

[19:39:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, and Joco let me know if you'd like me to take a shift at all, I'd love to be of assistance

[19:39:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We can wait then until it starts talking

[19:39:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright! You should make a lab. Not for Doc storage, for other science things. Sterile field and whatnot.

[19:40:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Right, lab

[Joco turns to Doc.]

[19:39:00] <✦[rp] Joco> I've been working on stuff at my desk, which is near the door so if you tried eloping while asleep, I'd be able to stop or follow you.

[19:39:54] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't know how long I'll be asleep anyway, I keep having nightmares too

[19:40:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hmm, perhaps I can try to see if I can make something for a good dreamless sleep

[He wiggles his fingers.]

[19:40:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Dust off my old books on alchemy and potion making

[19:40:22] <✦[rp] Joco> We've got poppies, no?

[The Wizard points a finger at Joco.]

[19:40:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That always works

[19:40:43] <✦[rp] Joco> They're great for passing out for 10 hours

[Doc shakes his head.]

[19:40:48] <✦[rp]Doc> The poppy medicine is starting to lose its effect

[19:41:08] <✦[rp]Doc> It worked for a while, but it's not working as well anymore.

[19:41:11] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah, the goal here isn't to use them for painkillers, it's to use them to turn EVERYTHING off

[19:41:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh yes, heavy dose

[19:41:35] <✦[rp]Doc> It just might not be as effective due to the medicine I've been using

[19:41:35] <✦[rp] Joco> hm

[19:42:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc have you been taking other medicine as well?

[19:42:39] <✦[rp]Doc> Not really, no.

[19:42:48] <✦[rp]Doc> There's not a whole lot of other options

[19:42:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Mmm, I see

[19:43:02] <✦[rp] Joco> Mostly hollistic medicine, here

[19:41:23] <✦[rp] Joco> I used to do this when I was younger

[19:41:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Overly concentrated poppy oil can be gr-

[Joco’s lips press into a thin-lipped frown.]

[19:41:52] <✦[rp] Joco> the dose i used may not be safe for. use. might just respawn you.

[The Wizard sucks in air through his teeth.]

[19:42:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, let's please be careful with Doc

[19:42:13] <✦[rp] Joco> I'd offer milk. But.

[Joco tips their head to the side slightly.]

[19:43:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well, Joco if you think you have the right poppy balance, why not take Doc to the vault?

[19:43:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'll try to work on something in the meantime

[19:43:22] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright! Vault time.

[19:43:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Both a solution to the sculk problem, and hopefully a sleeping aid

[The Wizard nods his head at Doc as Joco helps him stand.]

[19:43:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc, be well.

[19:43:36] <✦[rp]Doc> Thank you both. For your help.

[19:43:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Always

[Joco turns to Doc.]

[19:43:43] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc are you a hugger

[19:43:58] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't recommend that with the arm, just in case.

[19:44:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Ok but what if I promise to take a lava bath afterwards.

[19:44:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Are you a hugger, regardless of arm state?

[Doc furrows his eyebrows.]

[19:44:38] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't know

[19:44:44] <✦[rp] Joco> That's alright

[19:44:57] <✦[rp] Joco> Would it be okay if I hugged you?

[Joco shakes their head.]

[19:45:06] <✦[rp] Joco> You can say no, with no repercussions

[Doc shrugs, his lips quiver into something resembling a small smile.]

[19:45:12] <✦[rp]Doc> Sure, I don't mind

[Joco walks around the table and wraps Doc in a massive hug. Doc just sort of exists through the hug, but he appreciates it nonetheless. Joco holds Doc by the shoulders as they let go.]

[19:45:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright!

[19:46:05] <✦[rp] Joco> Let's get you to a secured sleeping area!

[The Wizard nods to Doc.]

[19:46:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I wish you a dreamless sleep, Doc

[They nod to Joco.]

[19:46:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco, keep me updated

[19:46:18] <✦[rp]Doc> Thank you

[The Wizard waves.]

[19:46:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Farewell, you two!

[19:46:22] <✦[rp] Joco> Will do!

[19:46:26] <✦[rp] Joco> Bye Wiz!!

[19:46:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Love ya

[The Wizard’s laugh can be heard echoing down the stairs, as well as a soft: ]

[19:46:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Love to you as well Joco

Joco / Doc / Wizard - [9-10-23]