3. could be worse could be raining

[rickitikitarr]

[Audio]

These things, they're coming through holes in the fabric of... well, space itself. Is there any way to close them?

[Is the technical explanation that Ricki stumbles for. It's only a seventies scifi explanation of a phenomenon he barely understands, but it's what he's got right now.]

It means that until they stop opening, any of the normal tactics- a perimeter, a systematic sweep- are totally useless. They can crawl right in behind us. Normally I'd suggest gathering everyone in the mess and working our way out, but if a tear opens up in the back, it has the potential to turn into a slaughter. We actually may be best keeping the vulnerable on their own, in their rooms, while everyone who can tries to clear down the halls.

[Then, silence, and finally two quick gun shots. The feed remains dead a little bit, as he gets his adrenaline down. His voice is still low, very level, when he can continue.]

But that means people may be trapped without food. It might be worthwhile to get volunteers to make runs for their neighbours. It'd be better to work in pairs to accomplish that.

Anyone game? [And, belatedly.] Anyone trapped?

[He'd do a better job of organizing this if it weren't on the fly. But as it is, he can hear something approaching. Heavy footsteps that may only just be captured by the feed. Then there is the sound that some residents will recognize as a gun being reloaded, before the feed cuts off.]

[Spam]

[Ammunition is scarce, but Ricki makes the most of what he has, hoarding it closely as he makes his perilous way through the halls of the ship, sometimes hunting, occasionally being hunted. The gun helps against the felhunters, and he isn't shy of shooting the succubi either, but on more than one memorable occasion he gets into it with a golem and ends up having to run for it, god damn it.

He'll help and need help, both in reasonably equal measure.]

Comments

[absentconstellation]

Naturally. It is also necessary that every creature which came out of any hole be destroyed or returned before the hole can be sealed.

[rickitikitarr]

How do you know that?

[Wanting to make sure, before they waste ammunition on an out and out offensive.]

[absentconstellation]

[ He has the annoyed tone of someone who has had to explain a thing too many times. ]

I am a constellation. It is as plain to me as the nose on your face.

[rickitikitarr]

I'm Ricki, what's your name?

[Softening it with the introduction first, so it doesn't come across as out and out interrogation.]

[absentconstellation]

[ He's probably not going to get many answers however he asks the questions. ]

I have had many names. You may call me Pounce, if you wish.

[rickitikitarr]

Right. And that will make sense to people, if I'm spreading the news that these things can be closed? 'Pounce, the constellation, knows it's so.' Anything else I should add?

[absentconstellation]

If you want to spread the knowledge that the portals can be closed, you need only to say as much.

[rickitikitarr]

[It's more complicated than that, he wants to say, but things are too fucked up right now to get into it. He'll just have to go with that; 'they can be closed, a constellation told me so.']

Well, I'll keep working.

[absentconstellation]

I will be working as well. Do send anyone who requires protection my way.

[rickitikitarr]

Check in on the infirmary periodically, we're trying to get the vulnerable there, and possibly to the laundromat if there's overflow.

[absentconstellation]

I shall. Good luck.