Network Post

[heypartner]

Cobb Vanth here. I spent most of my early life in mines. If anyone else is around and hasn't gone off to the new city I want to explore what's opened up. You never do that alone so if I can get at least one person to watch my back I'd appreciate it.

I'd like to go in the morning. First go through to see what needs fixing up and mapping the area. Figure out from there how much work the mines will need and what happens next.

Comments

[dr_riley]

Charming. It also said the bugs were gone. Did you notice how many contradictions there were in that brief message?

[heypartner]

Can't say I did. Mostly saw mines were open and everyone else run off to the new town.

[dr_riley]

I don't think they were ever closed. The leader, Gary? Said they picked up a strange energy signature coming from within the mines, but that they couldn't see into the mines. Somehow, without knowing what's going on down there, they not only promised that the bugs were gone, but that we'd be safe.

[heypartner]

They were closed because big bugs were living in them. These aliens have transported us through time so I'm willing to trust them when they say the bugs are gone. If you're worried bring a weapon.

[dr_riley]

I've noticed people seem determined to equate random qualities with other random qualities, but I'm afraid technological advancement is not indicative of trustworthiness. Forgive me for side-eyeing my kidnapper when they say 'I've got no idea what's going on down there, but don't you worry, you'll be safe as houses.'

[Second text]

As for equipment, I plan on bringing a weapon, a torch, water, you know, the usual standard procedure stuff. Plus the remote analytic probe. I think it'll be helpful.

[heypartner]

Look, they're assholes for grabbing us but in my experience painfully earnest about trying to help us. They get it wrong sometimes but they don't want to see any of us dead.

[ Cobb's had worse masters. The Agrii are, at least, kind. ]

Your probe can't tell air quality, can it? Figured if it could you wouldn't be so worried about it.

[dr_riley]

They get it wrong sometimes.

And of course it can. It's a modified environmental analysis platform. Its sensors are designed to detect dust, radiation, energy signatures, temperature, humidity, and air pressure, airborne chemicals, even the composition of the ground in front of it, though I took that one off to make room for the radiation detector.

I never said I don't trust the mine, I said I don't trust the Agrii and the half dozen contradictory claims they made.

[heypartner]

Great, it can go first with the guy that doesn't breathe. We follow along behind while Reeve makes a map.

Everybody lies. Only way to find out what they're lying about is go looking.

[dr_riley]

[It takes a few puzzled seconds longer then it's been the last several texts.]

There's a guy who doesn't breathe?

Never mind. That's an excellent strategy. He can stay in contact with us through DREA.

[heypartner]

Apparently. All sorts of useful people around here.