0.07 gigawatts ⇒ voice/video ⇒

[what_the_flux]

[The post starts off as simple audio.]

Good afternoon! I was hoping that someone - or multiple someones, of course - might be able to provide me with some information. I've been made to understand by the guides with which I have been provided that the Underground, particularly the area surrounding the clock, are reasonably dangerous. I would like to now exactly how hazardous a trip down there is. I believe that the information that could potentially be gleaned from such an expedition may outweigh any--

[And then Doc is interrupted by barking. As he deals with that development, the video function is activated and a very excited shaggy mutt can be seen jumping up on him excitedly, tail wagging.]

No, no, not now, boy -- down. There we are, yes, there-- that's a good boy, isn't it?

[And the dog is calmed, sitting contentedly as Doc scratches his head. After a moment, Doc's attention returns to the device, and notices the video feature is on.]

Ah -- well, as long as this is activated, I suppose I may as well make some introductions.

[Shifting the focus to the dog now.]

I found him the other day; he appears to be a stray, but if he does have a home and anyone happens to know where it may be and with whom, please don't hesitate speak up. Otherwise, I'll be more than happy to look after him. As a matter of fact, I've already taken to calling him Everett.

[And Everett barks, apparently happy with this moniker. Doc smiles as he shifts the camera back to a more general view of himself and the workshop. As he straightens himself back up to his full stature, you may catch a glimpse of the DeLorean behind him, its gull-wing doors up.]

But yes, as I was saying; the clock! Any information whatsoever that could be provided would be most appreciated. Thank you.

[And the transmission ends.]

Comments

[fatespoken]

Unsurprisingly, there's a barrier around the clock. And like proper cavemen, people have tried to use force to destroy the thing.

What it does, exactly - besides being annoying - no one is exactly sure.

[what_the_flux]

Yes, I would have assumed as much, given the City's apparent predilection for barriers. But perhaps there's a way, upon examination, to determine the source of a barrier - a way to jam it, or to obtain information with specialized equipment despite its presence... but of course there's no way of knowing whether any of that is possible without examining it firsthand.

Though, to be honest, I don't particularly mind the ticking. Not that it's a constant issue any longer, of course.

[Friends, dog... Doc's life is actually going okay here.]

in the lab;;

[fatespoken]

Tampering with the clock or its barriers sounds like [ a stupid ] a risky idea. Whatever is in that clock may be what's keeping this dimension together.

[ A pause. ]

You have a dog.

in the lab;;

[what_the_flux]

Well, tampering is a great deal different than observation and research. I certainly don't plan on interfering with it.

[And a grin.]

I do! Everett, say hello to Amory, boy.

[Shaggy, happy dog trotting over to you, Ams.]

[nohometown]

I'm afraid I can't help with information regarding the clock. I've made only brief forays into the Underground.

If you do decide to mount a scientific expedition, I would be willing to accompany you. It's a worthwhile idea, and I believe I could assure your safety.

[what_the_flux]

Oh, that's quite all right!

As a matter of fact, your willingness to accompany such an expedition may be far more valuable. Numbers are often the key to safety, and they come with the added advantage of additional perspectives. Such an advantage could do nothing but help us in developing a better understanding of the clock and, hopefully, the City itself.

[othersdie]

From what I know, the Underground is infested with monsters and there's an impenetrable barrier around the clock. Trying to pass through the barrier transports some people to a different part of the City.

The deities don't want anyone to learn about the clock. As long as that holds true, investigating it isn't worth the danger.

[what_the_flux]

I'd heard much of that; though the transportation aspect, that is a new detail, and perhaps one that could hint at the nature of the barrier.

Still! I must confess that I am deeply curious to see it for myself, and to investigate both the clock and the barrier. Depending on the nature of the barrier, there may even be a way to obtain some information despite the limited access.

[othersdie]

I don't think there's anything to it and I doubt that an investigation will reveal anything. There's less sense in this City than you could imagine.

Take a group of people who can fight with you, at least.

[what_the_flux]

True as that may be, I would hardly be able to accept the conclusion without confirming it for myself. Which, of course, I in no way intend as a slight to any previous attempts to gather data, but an admission of my own fervent curiosity.

But yes, of course, I certainly will! I am, after all, merely trying to ascertain the danger at this point.

video; private, because, lol, Charlie might not like this;

[oceantrauma]

If you're going to the Underground, I would like to go with you.

video; private

[what_the_flux]

Well. At this point, I am still investigating the dangers inherent in such a trip. I will certainly keep you informed, but I won't be proceeding with any expedition until we have a clearer idea of what we'll be dealing with.

[With all sincerity.]

I wouldn't want to do anything that would put you or anyone else at risk.

video; private

[oceantrauma]

I figured as much. You're the type to put a lot of consideration into what you do. But I wanted to make my desires clear from the beginning.

I'm learning what I can, as well, and will let you know what I learn, though nothing beyond what you've already been told. There are monsters, the subway's down there, etc.

video; private

[what_the_flux]

I'll certainly keep it in mind, and if I can ensure your safety, I wouldn't at all mind having you along. I'm sure that you can understand that I wouldn't want to be putting you in a dangerous situation.

[prosopopoeia]

What of zhe clock?

[what_the_flux]

I have an acute interest in investigating it; not that I'm certain I'll gain anything by doing so, but I do wish to see it for myself. Curiosity about the inner workings of the alternate dimension in which one finds oneself can hardly be sated by secondhand accounts.

[prosopopoeia]

No, eet cannot. However, I find zhe supernatural element of zhis place remains too large a variable to make many definitive statements about eet.

[She is certainly not trying to discourage anyone from investigating. She is simply sharing her woes.]

[what_the_flux]

Indeed, it certainly does complicate matters greatly - though, of course, it does little to dissuade me from investigating. Of course, I haven't yet decided how much I believe is truly supernatural and what may be explained by advanced technology these "dieties" possess.

video;

[candothat]

That is your time-traveling vehicle? [This is said with equal parts horror and that-is-so-cool-can-I-play-with-it enthusiasm.] How do you keep it from going to pieces when you travel?

video;

[what_the_flux]

[Chekov, don't pick on the DeLorean :( Doc is clearly a bit defensive, though he does try to mask it. He gestures back at the car, stepping aside to grant a better view.]

This is it. Appearances aside, I can assure you that it's quite sound.

video;

[candothat]

[It looks pretty flimsy compared to, say the Narada, okay.]

You must be a very good engineer. What is its primary power source?

video;

[what_the_flux]

Well. I do try.

[He tries to shrug it off but he's pleased. Visibly.]

Actually, it has two separate sources of power. The internal combustion engine still runs off of gasoline, the same as it ever has. The time circuits are operated--

[And he brings the device with him as he moves to the back of the car, so he can point out the white appliance in the center of it.]

--via this device, which takes any form of waste matter to create a reaction that will generate the 1.21 gigawatts of energy that the circuitry requires.

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

[Oh...

Merlin wouldn't mind having a look at the clock, himself.]

You're thinking of having a look at the clock?

[...well, obviously, really.]

[Video]

[what_the_flux]

[HI THERE. He certainly remembers you from the day the barriers seemed to be in flux, though he's already run into the phenomenon of memories being lost that he's not going to bring it up.

At least, not yet. It's still very likely that it will come up.]

I certainly am! Though, of course, I've been told there isn't much to gain through investigation, I can't say that a secondhand account does much to sate this sort of curiosity.

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

[All good, he knows he's been here before.]

Fancy some company?