[Semi Open Log | Turning on the machinery in the mines ]

[silenziobruno]

WHO: Simba, Alberto, Moonshine, Omega and possible others
WHERE: Moonshade's Factory and later The mines.
WHAT: Troublemakers Engineers hard at work. Going into the Mines to turn on the discovered machinery
WHEN: Morning...? | Mid August
WARNINGS: Children's mischief, mostly, but who knows what activating the machines will do. I Will update with more warnings if needed.



[ Closed to Jonathan Sims | A day before going into the mines, the library ]

Alberto had been playing around the plaza from time to time, and often late afternoon and even at night. It was a big place with plenty of space for him to run around or test some make-shift vehicles he made with the scrap found all around the city. They didn't move very long or fell apart after hitting some debris, but Alberto didn't seem too bothered by it nor deterred.

Sometimes, he has spotted some young mothcats around in the nearby buildings, and it was what prompted him to actually check out the surroundings of the plaza. He had never seen cats with wings before waking up in Temba but before Agra 10 he hadn't known that lions could talk either, or even what a lion was. Cats were cats and they all seemed to like fish, so the next time Alberto visited the area he brought some with him in a bag, and headed inside the nearest building, the library, looking for the furry cute creatures. Maybe he could bribe them to get close and pet them a little as they ate.



[ A | Closed to Moonshade /Simba ]

Anybody who talked to Alberto for five minutes could tell that he was a curious kid who liked adventures. Anybody who spent time with him would eventually discover that his interest in adventure was only matched by his stubbornness. And because of said curiosity and stubbornness, the sea monster wanted to come back to the mines and figure out what the machinery room was for.

He had been working for a while to get the necessary crystal rods to power it up, and some other people had generously handed him a few. Now, he finally had the 16 crystals necessary and a friend to visit the mines with. Rules were for rule people and this was, technically, not breaking his promise to Cobb about not going into the mines alone. The man had never specified that he should visit the mines with an adult...or even a human.

"Do you need me to carry that for you?" Alberto looked at Simba and pointed at the lion's communicator with his chin as they headed towards Moonshade's factory. He had his hands full - more than a dozen crystals were far too many to carry in his messenger bag, and he had put them in a wooden box - but at this point, one more thing wouldn't matter.

"I've heard that the lady of the factory is very skilled, maybe she can give you something to carry that thing more easily." Alberto was hoping that Moonshade could help them with the crystals, the wooden box was too heavy and probably too big to easily fit through the mine's passage. they needed something smaller and more practical to carry them.


[B | Open to any char who is near the mines and/or small enough to fit through the passage leading to the machinery in the room. ]

Once they finally made it into the right room of the mine, Alberto was glad that this time they were thoughtful enough to bring a light source with them. The place was as badly lit as he remembered. He could see just fine in the dark as a sea monster but in human form, everything was always harder.

The oil lamp was carefully placed on the floor as he stared at the displays on the nearby wall, connected to all the other machinery in the room. He ran a hand over the panels, brushing some dust off of them.

"I think these would activate once we manage to power up the machines. Let's get started!"

Comments

A

[holtfinder]

The lady of the factory is currently sitting right outside the factory, humming to herself as she works on spinning a hank of spidersilk fiber into thread with a very plain wooden drop-spindle. The spindle is simple, but after replicatoring it, Moonshade did take the time to dye it red, contrasting beautifully with the pale shiny thread it makes.

Beside the tiny woman, there’s an animal that’s larger than Simba with gray fur, dozing off in the shade. He’s definitely not a lion, but he has clawed feet and a long snout, and probably could be dangerous, if it wasn’t naptime.

[pantheraleo]

“Mphmafrelmmghm.”

That is the response to Alberto’s question about the communicator that Simba is carrying in his mouth. Following along with his friend in eager anticipation to visit the mines again. He and Grogu had so much fun last time! So of course he readily agreed to go again.

The cub’s ears flatten back though as he realizes his friend won’t be able to understand him like this. So he stops and puts the device down. “Yeah, maybe,” he then admits. Having to walk on all fours was a bit inconvenient like that.

His ears then perk up. “You think so?” Because anything that might make carrying the device around would be really great in his opinion! Simba didn’t like it much and often left the device in different places until he decided he needed or wanted it.

B

[small_compromise]

It was a maze just getting to this point, and Omega was still unsure about what all they were meant to do here, or if they should even be here at all. At least she'd brought along a flashlight, her first experiment with the replicator. She just hadn't thought she'd be making use of it so soon. It was a very strange thing, having such a small hole lead to a broken door and all this within.

"So what do these machines do?" she asked as she traced her light across the wall of mechanisms.

[silenziobruno]

Ah, yes, very eloquent Simba, Alberto should have expected that sort of answer, really. He chuckles and waits for Simba to drop the communicator before crouching down and grabbing it. He places it into the wooden box, noticing the slight scratches and occasional teeth marks, but not making a comment about it. Not having hands sure seems inconvenient at times.

"I hope so. It would be more practical if these things could be strapped somewhere, or worn as a necklace, so we don't lose them."

Now that they can walk and talk at the same times, things are more comfortable, and Alberto glances ahead, spotting the petite woman and her companion. He has never seen a cat that big before. In fact, he isn't even sure it's actually a cat. The claws are just too big, there's so much fur, and the snout is longer than expected. That can't be normal. Maybe it's friendly like Simba, but Alberto is well aware of how temperamental some animals can be thanks to Machiavelli clawing Luca and him to hell and back, and he doesn't try to get close to it.

He looks at his friend and gives the lion a smile before walking closer to Moonshade. Normally he would stride up to her and offer a hand to shake as a greeting, but the box is heavy and Alberto can only handle so much. His voice is cheerful and friendly, he keeps it purposely even as to not startle her or wake up her furry, big friend.

"Buon giorno, signorina. We've been told that there's a lady in one of the factories here that can make clothes and, uh...stuff to carry other stuff. I this the right one?" There are other factory-like buildings around and Alberto rarely comes to this side of the city, it never hurts to double-check.

[holtfinder]

"As long as you're alright with leather clothes and bags, yes, you've found the right factory." She sets the drop spindle aside, looking in mild confusion at Simba as she sets her spindle aside. "For actual cloth, you'd want Lark. But I've been working on leather bags and pouches for a while now. Is that the sort of thing you're looking for?"

Even though Alberto's taller than her, she can tell he's young--it's mostly the voice and his chipper demeanor that gives it away. She's reminded vaguely of her son when he was younger.

[pantheraleo]

Simba meanwhile is looking warily at that grey creature over there in the shade. It resembles a hyena far too much for his comfort and his ears pin back as a result, looking very uncomfortable as he moves to the other side of Alberto.

He's distracted, but glances at Moonshade, listening to the other two talk. "What's leather?" Clothes and bags are not a thing where he's from. He's told it will be helpful, but he really knows nothing about such things.

[silenziobruno]

The kid gives an enthusiastic nod, his brown curls bouncing a little as he does so and his green eyes widening.

"Oh, then it's nice to meet you! I'm Alberto Scorfano and he's Simba. That's what we need, something to carry the crystals rods and my friend's communicator. This box is too big and too heavy, and he doesn't have hands." Right after he says that, it occurs to Alberto that he can put it down while they talk, and he leans over to carefully placed it on the floor. He doesn't want to damage the crystals by accident, each one took hours to make.

Simba's reaction doesn't go unnoticed, and Alberto glances at him from the corner of his eyes, while still trying to pay attention to what Moonshade is saying. Being protective by nature, it only takes him a second to move and angle his body, so he's standing between his feline friend and the other creature.

"Leather is what shoes and belts are made of. Like cloth, but thicker? It smells funny too, but it's very sturdy." That's the extent of his knowledge. He's seen plenty of leather in Portorosso, people wearing it and using it combined with others tools, but he has no idea where it comes from or what it is made of.

[holtfinder]

The fact that the lion talks startles Moonshade. And her startling causes Steadypaw to open his eyes and lift his head, sniffing in the direction of Simba curiously, trying to look past Alberto to see him.

"Leather's what you get when you tan animal skins. I've mostly been working with the piglet-squirrel skins from my own hunting. Let's see, I think I can find a pouch to fit the communicator and some other stuff, though I'll need to work out the best way to strap it to him." Now she's trying to look past Alberto too, to get a sense of Simba's size.

[the_child]

Grogu followed, ears up and alert as he looked around. He'd seen the space before, but he was still impressed by it. He was as curious about the machines as everyone else. Though he had some idea how they worked thanks to the data point.

Unfortunately, he could only say something that sounded like "Buh?" in response.

[pantheraleo]

"Animal skins?" Simba passes a horrified look to Moonshade. "Why would you do that?"

That makes him back up a little more and a wary look given to the wolf. He's not sure he's feeling good about this anymore. The hyena-like animal at least isn't attacking him. Yet anyway. But he's feeling even more uncomfortable now.

"Alberto..." he whispers a bit loudly. "Are you sure about this?"

[silenziobruno]

If the way Alberto's face blanched and his eyes widen is anything to go by, he's just as appalled as Simba about the revelation. This sure is not something he was expecting to hear. Sure, he eats fish, which are also animals, but he doesn't go around making bags out of their skin later. That just sounds wrong.

"T-that's normal here?" He mutters to the woman, still taken aback. Glancing at Simba next, Alberto gives him what he hopes is a comforting look and not a grimace. Is he sure about this? Hell no, not anymore. But he's also not sure if turning tail and running would be of any good. Moonshade could sic her furry partner on them, who knows. She doesn't seem like the type to do that, but they don't know her well enough to tell either.

"We could...maybe we should come back some other day. When you're not so busy, madam."

Or, maybe never.

[holtfinder]

"My people consider it respectful, using as much of any animal we hunt as possible. To leave the skins to rot is...it means you're only hunting for meat. It's bad use of the resources." She gestures at her outfit. "Leather is strong, it's good to protect someone when they live in the woods, as my people did. But if you're not interested, that's fine."

The wolf, meanwhile, hasn't lost any of his curiosity, stretching before standing. But Moonshade sees how nervous the kids are and lightly tweaks Steadypaw's ear. "Don't bother the children. Can't you see they're scared of you?"

The wolf droops, letting out a soft whine.

[pantheraleo]

Simba makes a face at that. "What's wrong with hunting just to eat?" It's what they do all the time after all! Part of the circle of life and all of that. All the animals understood it even if nobody wanted to get eaten.

"I don't think its respectful to wear someone else's skin," the lion cub says with a disapproving frown. "Would you like it if I ate you and wore your skin?" The thought alone makes him shudder. Because that's really gross if you ask him. Thanks but no thanks.

His attention then goes to the wolf when he's told to leave them alone and whines. After a moment of hesitation, the cub steps a bit closer to Steadypaw. Maybe he's not so bad? "What's your name?" The question directed to the animal rather than Moonshade. He's still not used to the other animals not talking back.

[silenziobruno]

"Ohhh, I see." Moonshade's arguments do make sense, if the animal is already dead it's better to exploit as much of it as you can. It's only that it had never occurred to him that the skin, of all things, could be of use. And Alberto would rather not think about how do you get the skin off of the creature you want to make a bag of in the first place.

It's not as if he's not interested in the leather, it will really help them. Yet it's clear it makes Simba uncomfortable and Alberto is still coming to terms with the realization of what is leather made off.

"I don't suppose you have anything available that isn't made of leather, signorina? Maybe some strong cloth...?" The mention of the woods catches his attention and now that he has a good look at her, Alberto noticed the pointed ears. "Woods are nice places to live in, but it's not always easy. Was your home like the other city? With huge trees?"

Alberto gives her a small smile and then an impressed look when Moonshade casually orders the furry creature to stay put and it obeys her. It looks a little less intimidating now that it's whining, and the boy almost feels bad for disturbing its sleep. Simba seems to be less afraid of it as well, and that does help to relax the atmosphere.

"That's a really big cat. I've never seen one that looked like that before."

[holtfinder]

Moonshade offers Simba a bit of a toothy smile. "If you killed me and ate me, I'd rather you use my skin than not. My body is a vessel that houses my spirit. When I die, I won't need to use it anymore. But I don't think a little thing like you could kill me alone."

Her attention shifts to Alberto next. "Cloth, we don't have a lot of to spare. Lark and I are working on being able to produce it, but we don't have a loom yet, so we can't weave it freely. She needs to use magic to make any of it, and it's very tiring. So there's no cloth bags yet. As for my companion, he's not a cat, he's a wolf. His name is Steadypaw."

The wolf's ears perk as he hears himself named. He tilts his head to one side slightly.

"He's not a danger to you two, but he hunts with me. I ride on his back, when traveling long distances."

[pantheraleo]

While Alberto seems to be okay with it now, Simba still doesn’t look impressed.

“Well I wouldn’t like it,” he mutters. If he died and went to live with the great kings of the past, he wouldn’t like looking down and seeing someone wearing his pelt. That would be weird and creepy and gross.

The cub sits and seems to sulk as the other two talk. Tilting an ear up only when the wolf’s name is mentioned. He huffs and leans over, lifting a paw shield his mouth as he whispers at Steadypaw.

“And you’re okay with that?”

[silenziobruno]

Alberto is having a really weird week. After meeting Tony while the Forge was on fire and the man dressed up like a demon straight-up from hell, he's more willing to accept strange things as he has to face them. That doesn't mean he enjoys knowing how leather is made, and he will be giving his messenger bag a few odd looks once he gets back home to it, though.

"Could we not talk about eating each other, please?" It's grossing him out a bit and upsetting him a whole lot. Scratching the back of his head, the kid gives Moonshade an understanding look when she explains that cloth is hard to produce, not at all surprised with the news. "Then I guess I'll have to carry the wooden box to the mines. Maybe we can still tie a rope to your communicator and put it around your neck like a necklace?"

The last question is directed at the sulking lion, making it clear that Alberto isn't ignoring Simba or his problems. Aftr that, he's trying to remember if he's heard about wolves before. They're like wild dogs? Something like that.

"He's very big and strong looking. It's nice to meet you, Steadypaw." He waits for the wolf to answer whatever Simba asked him but when no word is uttered, he tilts his head towards Moonshade, confusion written all over his face. "He can't talk, or he's mad at us?"

[holtfinder]

"He doesn't speak with words. I can communicate with him, though. I've known him since he was very little, younger than you." That last comes with a gesture toward Simba. "We live with and among the wolves, and have for ages, since the first elves arrived on the planet I come from."

She considers the boys thoughtfully. "You're certain you don't want a bag?"

library fun!

[beholding_archivist]

The library is dark upon entering it. Dark, quiet and most notably mostly devoid of books. There are shelves, however. Shelves and the occasional noise of faint movements somewhere between high up on them. Movements belonging to curious eyes watching the unfamiliar boy entering the building while carrying his unfamiliar offering.

It doesn't take long for one of the younger mothcats to come fluttering down to Alberto, keeping a cautious distance at first but not hiding while flying swiftly around him, wide eyes curious.

[pantheraleo]

Sorry Alberto! That went dark really fast and Simba gives him an apologetic look. But the conversation moves on and the lion cub frowns thoughtfully. All the people here live in a way that’s so different from everything he has ever known. It was a lot to wrap his mind around.

A human and a… wait what. “Elves? You’re not a human?”

Sorry Moonshade, ear shapes don’t really make a difference to him you guys all look the same as far as he’s concerned. But the idea of two different species hunting together is kind of strange. Lions always hunt among their own and in their own pride.

The question of wanting a bag though makes Simba hesitate with a look on his face. Glancing at Alberto sidelong. They came here to get something to help them carry stuff. Were they just going to change their mind? But the thought of using animal skins to do it is still enough to make him shudder.

“Um… I dunno.”

What should they do???

[silenziobruno]

It's all right, buddy. Different worlds, different ways to do things. Alberto understands that and returns Simba's look with one that seems to say 'It's fine, It's fine'.

"I think we have wolves in my world, but I've never seen one. No one told me about elves before." That explains her petite size and her ears. Knowing she isn't really human, like him, also seems to make Alberto relax a little more.

Alberto taps his chin for a couple of seconds, lost in thought, pondering their options and considering Moonshade's generous offer and Simba's concerns. They both really want to see what the machines inside the lines do, and he's sure the adults will like to know about it as well. Bringing the crystals there is a priority, but so it's his friend's comfort.

"How about we borrow a bag just for today and then return it?" The question is both addressed to Moonshade and Simba, to test the waters and see if they're both comfortable with the idea. "I have, uhm....just a second." He crouches by the wooden box, moving some crystals around and looking for a small package. When he pulls out something wrapped with a large leaf and handles it to Moonshade."We don't have any money, but I can make more of these if you want. Or bring you fresh fish for you and your wolf."

If she unwraps the leaf, she will find a seashell necklace and an ankle bracelet, both handmade.

[pantheraleo]

Simba actually can see very well in the dark and has little trouble at all navigating the tunnels without a light source until it gets pitch black. But that doesn’t happen thanks to the lights the others bring.

He’s also not at all bothered about being here since he already went against what that old man told him and explored with Grogu.

“That’s what we’re gonna find out,” the cub tells Omega cheerfully. Having gotten the engineering datapoint himself recently, he’s excited to put his new knowledge to work.

[silenziobruno]

The more, the merrier, Omega, they were going on a little adventure and figuring out what the machines are fond. Alberto hums in agreement at Simba's answer and moves away from the metal panels to grab the crystal rods they had found.

"They Agrii must have built them for a reason, but the ones left in the planet don't know what they are for either. That's why they wanted us to investigate." He starts to handle crystal rods to their friends, because there are 16 of them, and it would be faster to insert them into the ports if they all do it at once. He crouches down to handle Grogu a couple of rods as well. There you go lil buddy. "Everyone's ready?"

Alberto should probably wait for an answer but being the kind of impatient kid he is, he beams at them and moves towards the machines. Some connectors between the place where the crystals rods need to go and the larger apparatus, were broken when the mines were first discovered. It took a bit to repair them and there's no guarantee they won't break again after a while, but when all the engineers you have are kids, beggars can't be choosers.

"There we go." Alright, time for the leap of faith. After checking the ports one last time to make sure they're clear of debris, Alberto starts inserting the crystal rods.

kittttty ♥

[silenziobruno]

Dark places don't bother Alberto, but when he's human, it annoys him not being able to see as well as when he is in his natural sea monster form. He hadn't seen many libraries before, books are Luca's thing, but he knows what they are and what they're supposed to look like. It's weird seeing one so empty.

He does jump a little at the noise, and when the fury creature flies down in front of him, his face breaks into a smile. OH NO, they're so cute. Like Machi's kittens, but with wings.

"Oh, hello." Alberto giggles as the mothcat flies around him, moving slowly as to not scare the little thing. After a moment, he looks into his bag and pulls out something wrapped with some large leaves. He unwraps the food and leaves it on the ground: a couple of fat, freshly caught fish lying on top of the leaves are now waiting for the mothkitty.

"Are you hungry?"

[small_compromise]

It was sound enough reasoning to her. Omega smiled at Simba and Alberto, nodding. "So we're just putting these in? I don't have engineering," she added, not wanting to accidentally mess something up.

She looked around at the machinery again, tucking her flashlight under an arm so she could take the crystal rods Alberto handed her, not wanting to drop them. As Alberto started to insert some in, she watched, making sure to know what she was looking for so she could do the same with the ones she carried.