revivalproject | [ Temba (Action + Network)

Entry tags:

[ Temba (Action + Network) | Not!Tembla (Action) ]

WHO: Alberto and you~ OTA
WHERE: Both in Temba and Not!Temba
WHAT: Exploring around: finding food, shelter, and getting into places he shouldn't probably be.
WHEN: Late July & Early August
WARNINGS: None so far. Will upload if needed.

TEMBLA

I. Around the City - Say aloe to my little friend.

[ Being new here, the first thing Alberto does is try to memorize what places in the city are the best ones best to find food and shelter. He's using one of the cup leaves to carry what he can find and ends with a mixed assortment of goods: bavonroom, cakesponge, crunchy persimmon, cyananas...

It's only when he walks by one of the Holdfast Vines and brushes the vines that he gets into trouble. He's not expecting the tree to move, much less to have a vine suddenly wrap around his wrist and grab him. ]

Wha--? Ey! Let me go! [ He lets out a startled yelp and tugs back trying to free himself but with no luck. He would welcome any help, really. ]

II. Beach - Fancy places call this Sushi

[ The view of the beach is a comforting one, even if the sand is the wrong color and the creatures in the water are not what Alberto is used to seeing. As he had promised Cayde, he's been finding and collecting alive fish for the Exo to add to his tank at the Deep End.

Anybody walking by the beach by the early afternoon might find him sitting by on a rock, straight up munching on raw a fish like it's no big deal, because to him, it isn't. Next to Alberto, there's a big metal helmet filled with ocean water, the fishes he's got for Cayde swimming in it. Alberto underestimated how much the helmet was going to weigh once filled up, and he's trying to come up with a way to carry it to Cayde's place. He's still thinking about that when he hears someone approaching and looks over them, gesturing to the helmet with a; ]

Ciao! If you are hungry, suit yourself. I think I fished too many.

III. Mines / Network

[ Some other explorers, before adventuring into the caves, might come up with a plan to check the air quality, make sure the walls are safe enough, perhaps they even bother to bring in some weapons...not this kid, though. Alberto can see well in the dark unless it's total pitch black, he's small enough to get through any tunnel, and he likes exploring, so that's exactly what he does.

Fortune favors the brave, as they say.

He gets further into the caves, and the more he sees, the more curious he gets. The rusted metal door only makes him pause briefly before he continues, and in no time, Alberto finds himself staring at the powered-off display and the possible places where energy crystals could go. The equipment is broken, and he knows how to fix it, even if he's never seen it before.

This has been happening since Alberto touched the engineering data point a few days ago,. He can now look at all that strange alien tech and remember what it is supposed to do, what it needs to be done to make it functional. It's weird, but weird it's also his usual, so he just assumes that's how life is goign to be from now own. He starts pushing all the buttons he can reach, paws at the powered screens, and basically touches everything that is touchable before giving up.

Tsk, he's going to need to make some crystals to make any of this work, but maybe other people already have some. With that idea in mind, he opens the communicator and chooses the video function, typing is still difficult for him. The connection is spotty at best, being deep into the mines, and there are dark shadows over his face, but his green eyes are still clearly visible. ]

Hello? Can anybody hear me? I'm in one of the caves and there's all this stuff...[ Alberto swings the communicator around, so it shows the different machinery and screens. ] They need crystals to work, I know how to make them but I haven't got any yet. Does anybody have a few to spare?

NOT! TEMBLA

Alien Target 2

[ Unlike the clothes in the Department Store of Tembla, the ones here have the right number of sleeves, and Alberto is looking around to see if he can find anything useful to wear. Most clothes are too big for him or he has no idea how to wear them, but he eventually finds a soft cream-colored sweater that is close to the right size to fit him.

It prompts him to bury his face in the sweater and laugh, the sound reverberating around the (supposedly) empty building. He's never had clothes this soft before, everything he's worn until now had been scavenged and threadbare, and it's just SO.SOFT. ]

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[ After that explanation, Alberto's expression could only be described as "???????". How does one pull water out of the air? It's air. But only a few days ago, a guy named Drake insisted that air also had weight, so Alberto just nods. Some land dwellers are stranger than he imagined. ]

That's incredible. [ He has to look up to meet the Marshal's eyes, he's taller than Alberto imagined. The day Cobb, or anybody, swears in front of him will be the day Alberto latches onto the word and memorizes it for life. The man has a point, though, because Luca would worry himself sick, and then come join him in the caves to make sure he didn't get hurt. Alberto has the decency to look slightly ashamed. ]

Caves are bad, got it. [ As for the other question, Alberto doesn't really have a place to stay yet, but he doesn't think it's wise to tell that to humans. He's been looking for a new hideout not too far away from water, but also not close enough that it could become a problem. After a slightly awkward pause, he just gives a; ] Sure? [ And then starts following Cobb, lying through his teeth. ] My place is just not close to the caves.

Caves are bad on your own. If something happened and you got hurt when you're alone, it'll be real hard for you to get help. [ Cobb's past had too many people lost in cave-ins for him to be comfortable with anyone in this group exploring on their own. ] If you want to look around down there, ask someone to come with you.

[ Which, he figures, means he's just volunteered himself for that but if it kept the kid from getting killed or lost in the darkness down there fine. Fine. He'd do it. ]

Besides, that's not a cave. That's a mine. The Agrii dug that out themselves. The ceiling in there isn't the strongest in spots. [ Cobb was pretty sure the kid was making something up or just trying to avoid more trouble with that. ] You found your own place, huh? You wanna show me?

I guess so. [ He looks back at the entrance and purses his lips because it does look like a scary place when one thinks about it. The problem is that Alberto rarely concerns himself with consequences. He might, this time. ]

I won't go back there alone. [ It's a promise of sorts, he doesn't want to upset Cobb, but he also doesn't want to bother him every time he wants to go exploring somewhere. But ey, if the man's really offering... ]

A mine? Why would they make holes in the ground on purpose? Do you think they were hiding from something? Perhaps the storms? [ He can't think of a much better reason why one would like to be underground permanently, as opposed to enjoying the sun and fresh air. ]

There's not much to see. [ Alberto answers quickly after Cobb voices his interest and, well, at least technically isn't a lie. Not much to see when there's nothing to see at all. ] I'm still cleaning and...stuff. Everything is mostly still covered in debris and filth. It's not ready, so you're not missing anything, really not worth seeing. Where do you live?

There's useful stuff in the ground. Metals. Crystals. To get it out you've got to mine it. [ Maybe they didn't have mining in a fishing village but he would've thought that general knowledge of mining would've been around. ] I doubt they were hiding. You don't want to get caught underground with no power.

[ He is glad to see Alberto settled in without a problem. He didn't have a house to hand over right now. At least, not a fixed one. That project was slowing down too thanks to exploring the mines. ]

You need help fixing it up? [ And there he was taking on another project but no kid should have to live in ruins. ] I've got the know how and the experience cleaning up places around here.

What an impractical place to store all that stuff in the first place. [ Was the kid joking? Being serious? It's a bit hard to tell, given how casually he speaks of everything. Truth be told, until he talked to Giulia and she told him that money could be exchanged for a Vespa, Alberto thought that gold was totally useless. So no, his concept of what's valuable mostly narrows down to 'things you can eat and things you can have fun with'. ]

That doesn't sound good. What if there was something scarier than cav--mines out there, like a bigger predator, the Agrii might not have had many options. It's like...when you have to stay away from the ocean because the killer whales are migrating, and it's not safe to be in their path.

[ An oddly specific and strange example, but it is the best one he could think of to explain his point. Alberto doesn't really enjoy lying, he honestly doesn't, but Cobb just keeps asking things and finding excuses to rebuff what is clearly honest help being offered is difficult. So he goes for another half-truth, eyeing Cobb's sling before looking up and giving a small smile. ]

You're hurt, and I can do it on my own. It can wait. But thank you...[ He's about to say something else when he stops, confusion flashing in his eyes briefly at the realization that he doesn't know how to end that line. They never introduced each other. ] Oh. I don't know your name, signore.

Haven't found anything big in the mines. Haven't seen signs of it either. Most dangerous thing in there were these little bugs. [ Cobb put his fingers a few inches apart, about the size of the dangerous bugs. ] But the Agrii should have taken care of all that.

[ He should probably actually see someone about the arm but Cobb was a little too used to looking after himself. It was just a fracture and with the sling and time it would heal. ]

Cobb Vanth. [ He offered the kid a hand. ] And even like this I can still help with fixing things up.

I've seen the green goo on the walls but not the bugs the Agrii mentioned, I guess that worked. [ If Cobb's gesture is anything to go by, the bugs are pretty small in comparison to them. ] Are the bugs yellow and black with tiny needles?

[ Bees and Wasps, Alberto means, but he doesn't know the right words. There's not exactly a variety of flying bugs underwater.

Cobb should definitely see someone about the arm, if anything, to make sure it heals right and hurts less. Alas, Alberto really can't help much with that, he can only offer sympathy. He never had to deal with a cave in, but he's fallen from places plenty of time and pain is never fun. ]

Alberto Scorfano, piacere. [ He shook the offered hand enthusiastically, an easy smile on his face. He looked down after that. Crap, this was harder than when Giulia keep asking where Luca and him came from.] I don't doubt it.

No, not like that. [ Cobb pulled out his communicator and showed the screen to Alberto as he picked the dictionary function. ] See this? It lists all the animals and bugs and plants we've discovered here. You can see pictures of some of 'em. The bugs are in here. Not yellow and black with tiny needles.

[ The bugs do have ways of stinging a person but they're not yellow and black. Cobb hadn't seen any of them on his trips into the mines. The goo seemed to be doing its job at keeping them away.

Yeah, he was a bundle of energy this one. Cobb figured they'd have to keep him busy or else he'd find trouble all on is own.]

And you don't have to do everything on your own here. We all try to lend a hand around here.

[ Alberto leans in to get a better look. He's still figuring out all the functions of the bracelet, and that's one he's missed. ]

That's going to be very useful! The one with the needles can be a real pain, so it's good that they're not around.

[ When it comes to animals that live on the surface of his home world, Alberto only knows a handful, so he can never tell if the animals of Tembla are weirder than they should be, or they're just the norm on all planets. The guide will help him not to get too close to one that could be dangerous.

And yup. The kid can't stop, won't stop. If he focuses on staying busy, then he doesn't get lonely. Flawless strategy. ]

Ah...because we're all underdogs?

Because we're all stuck here and we've only got each other.

[ Underdog doesn't make much sense to him but Cobb had an answer anyway. If they didn't help each other they would all end up dead. So, that was motivation. ]

Has anyone showed you what else that thing can do? [ It might be a really good distraction for Alberto and keep him from running back to the mines as soon as Cobb turned his back. ]

That's what underdogs are. Weird people who stick together and help each other. [ Alberto was confused by the expression at first as well, he thought Giulia had been talking about real dogs. ]

I know a bit, but no. We don't have anything like this where I come from. Or much technology at all. [ Alberto might be a bit scatterbrained, but he's not dishonest on purpose. He promised Cobb wouldn't go to the mines alone, and he won't. Nonetheless, the bracelet is a very effective distraction. ]

Can we draw things with this?

Then I guess we are underdogs.

[ It's not a bad phrase for what they are. He wouldn't say everyone's weird but they do stick together and help each other. So far. And a few of them are weird in general. ]

I don't think so. It's not one of those little programs there. [ He gestures to the little symbols on the screen. ] Just ways to talk to each other and information. Someone with Communication might know how to make somethin' that draws.

You an artist?

Now, all we need is a special handshake. We used to stake hands, Giulia, Luca, and I; but handshakes are even better.

[ He probably shouldn't have brought up the others, because now it reminds him how much Alberto misses them, oh. That's the hardest part of being in this strange city. So, of course, he tries not to show it. ]

Yeah! I haven't gone to any fancy schools or anything, but I like to draw and do things with my hands, like wood carving. I made a little Vespa for Luca, I was going to give it to him next summer. [ Which makes him remember the fact he's missing the present Massimo gave him for his b-day. ] Do you have a spare knife, by any chance?

Why a special one?

[ Cobb didn't quite understand why they needed anything special to celebrate being trapped on this planet together. ]

I don't have a spare knife on me but should be easy to get you one. [ Alberto's excitable but he's old enough to have a knife of his own. If anyone else gets upset by that they can say something to Cobb. ] And there's plenty of scrap wood around to carve with. Should be real easy for you.

Because it's fun? And, so you know who's also an underdog or an imposter.

[ It's a community bonding activity, Cobb. Does it need a deeper reason than the fact it is a fun thing to do? Anyway, Cobb's quickly becoming one of Alberto's favorite people in this place. Mostly because he doesn't talk to him as if he's a kid who wouldn't understand anything, even though there are plenty of confusing things in Tembla he still doesn't get. ]

Really!? [ Alberto claps his hands together in excitement for a moment. ] Thanks! And that's true about the wood, I should start collecting some.

[ He's only going to use the knife for practical things, or to do some wood carving. It's not as if he's not used to handling sharp tools or as if he's going to run around stabbing people for the funsies. ]

But everyone here is an underdog. We're all stuck.

[ The handshake really didn't make much sense to Cobb. The only people who needed secrets were people trying to hide something. None of them should be hiding things.

Some of them probably were but hopefully, those things weren't important or dangerous. ]

Yeah, sure kid. Don't get too excited. We've got to find you a knife first. [ Cobb had one from Coruscant but he figured there had to be one or two around given how much stuff was lying around. The Agrii didn't like weapons but it shouldn't be too hard. ]

Hm...okay, true. [ Children don't need a good reason to do things like special handshakes, they just want to do them, but Alberto will accept Cobb's reluctance and not insist anymore. ]

Right, I know. [ He can't help but still look excited. Knives are just very practical and entertaining. It's like having a pirate sword, but smaller and easier to carry. ] Back home it was the fishermen who had a lot of knives and sharp things, were you one in your world too?

[ Alberto's enthusiasm would work better on someone like Cayde who would probably be very excited by the idea of a secret handshake. Cobb was an exceedingly practical man who simply didn't see the point. ]

No water on my world, remember? [ Cobb shook his head. ] No one's a fisherman. We have knives because they're useful.

[ They could stab people. They could cut things. They could sometimes work as a screwdriver. Cobb had a lot of uses for a knife that didn't involve fish. ]

Mostly use mine to cut things.

[ True that. Next time he sees the Exo, he has to suggest something like that. Serious people who knew what they were doing had their kind of charm and Alberto also liked to follow them and learn, so chances are that Cobb would still get to see him around plenty. ]

Right, sorry. I don't think I could live without the sea nearby, it would feel wrong to me. And yes, they are.

[ Not like Alberto is planning to use them to stab anybody. He's been on the other side of a sharp blade and it's not fun. He wouldn't do that to anyone. After Cobb's explanation, he can't help but stare at the scar on the man's temple. ] Makes sense. How long have you been in this city?

Never known anything else. [ Cobb shrugged but it was the same for Alberto just in the other direction. He had always lived where there was plentiful water. Cobb hadn't. ]

A few months. [ He was deliberately not trying to count the days. It would drive him insane if he did. ] Not as long as some others. Why? You got questions?

[ The kid probably did. He had been full of questions so far. Cobb knew kids like that never really ran out of questions. ]

It's strange, the things people grow with and find normal. And then you travel, or you meet new people, and you realize how much bigger is the universe.

[ That was especially true for Luca. Alberto might have gotten him out of the sea and into Protorosso, but Luca need to see more of the world. He deserved it too. ]

Oh, that's a lot. To a kid, at least, maybe for an adult it seemed more bearable. He nodded before answering. What's outside the city? The Data point said that the planet is mostly destroyed because of the storms but what if that's a lie?

This is the first time I've left my home planet. [ It's not exactly how Cobb wanted to explore the universe. He would've preferred it to be his choice. ] Meetin' a lot of interesting people.

[ He reaches out and ruffles Alberto's hair. The kid is very interesting. Weird but Cobb's never been bothered by weird. ]

No idea. We haven't explored outside the city very much as far as I know. I've kept to here fixin' things up and makin' it more livable. You're gonna have to ask around if you want to know what's around.

I don't think this is something people do all that often, leave your planet to go to another one. [ There's a pause as if Alberto is considering his own word, and then adds; ] Unless you are a Hunter or a Warlock, they even have houses in the moon. It's both wild and amazing to him.

[ Alberto makes a quiet, happy sound at that hair ruffle, almost like a very tiny giggle. He likes the unexpected show of affection, not that used to it, but very appreciative. ]

Oh, okay. This place is so big, no wonder you haven't finished exploring everything! It takes so long to walk anywhere too, it's hard to climb up stairs. The Agrii have really long legs. [ The boy looks over at Cobb and then smiles. ] You do too. Lucky.

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[ Temba (Action + Network) | Not!Tembla (Action) ]

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