(IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]

[ericthered]

Mr. Wells: "I can explain most of it. There are -- more worlds than just the one you grew up on. Different places, with different histories. Some have different geographies, some have different creatures, and so on. Most of the ones I'm aware of are quite similar to earth. Right now you are recognizably in Virginia. The rivers and creeks around here correspond to rivers and creeks in your world. The date here is different though. Its currently March 14, 1689. And while history in europe looks normal, its completely different on this side of the Atlantic. You have ... woken up here of your own accord, or at least of your own ability -- I think. I'm from a different world than you, but by your accent I'm going to guess a similar one. I'm from Phoenix Arizona, but in my world we invented machines to travel between these worlds. A few people can do it on their own though. You are probably one of them."

"As for what's going on here, somehow a lot of the larger animals from the ice age didn't die off in the americas, and we have a proper civilization over here. Villages all over the place, kingdoms, iron working, and so forth. At least we had them. Plauge is sweeping through here. At least 50% of the population is already dead. We're trying to stop it. It's not as bad over in europe, but they're getting hit hard too, and its harder to stop, because we've never seen those germs before."

"While most of my world engages in trade and what not, We engage in charity. The merchants see this world as an opportunity to get domesticated ground sloths and unique art styles. The scientists and anthropologists are giddy with excitement at new cultures and species to study. I'm running around desperately trying to save millions of lives with limited manpower in a hostile land."

"As for getting you home -- what is the date back home?* who is president of the united states? And what's been happening in the news?"

* Its entirely possible that he just doesn't know through loosing track.

[the_matrix_walker]

Peter tells the man the date as well as he can approximate it, who the president is ((who knows if Perter is from Our earth :P )) and what was in the news lately before beginning his journeys...

"I was starting to fear Goliath and I would never get back! Thank you so much... I was starting to think I'd gone crazy."

[ericthered]

Wells: "Wait a second. I never said we'd be able to get you home for sure. I said we might be able to get you home. It sounds like you're from an echo -- that doesn't make any sense at all. But silly me. I honestly don't know much about the Beta echoes -- Our histories appear to have diverged in 1997 or earlier. Which makes you very up to date on everything, I suppose.... We'll do some work to see if we can get you home. We'll be out here for a while though."

Wells: "You ever given any injections? hows your wood craft? Is that so? Well, I know what job I want you doing. We'll put you out on the scouting parties. Your job is to find new villages and see if you can get them to open up and let us in. Dangerous work. If you prefer I can put you to work helping out at camp -- moving supplies, setting up tents, helping with the meals, digging latrines, and so forth.

OCC: Lets say it would be May 2014 -- and I can confirm the president is Obama.

[the_matrix_walker]

"Whatever I can do to help... I'm guessing they don't all jump to attack you when you come in as a group with a jeep and stuff. Every time I've seen the natives they've tried to attack me."

[ericthered]

Wells: "They're plenty hostile at first. but they're a bit more cautious around a sorcerous carriage and a number of strangely armed men than a dog and a boy with familiar weapons. After that we have to talk them into trusting us. Its no easy feat, but its a lot safer than what you were doing. We don't need you arguing. Just standing around looking impressive and keeping an eye on any tricks they might try to pull on us."

[the_matrix_walker]

Peter puffs up his chest "I'll do my best!" he says with more optimism than he's had in what feels like a long while.

And after his long trek, whatever prepared foods they give him access to will be shared with Goliath devoured with equal gusto...

[ericthered]

Goliath is given his own set of rations -- a bunch of table scraps, which he devours with gusto.

Peter has a small meal, and told where he's going to meet his team mates for his new job. He's given a cot in a large military-style tent with most of the other folks. Goliath lays down under it. He's also given some pyjamas and a uniform of sorts, neither of which fit well-- but they have the smooth feel of modern industry.

His dreams are of a ship of rough Europeans. They speak English, and can't wait to get off the boat. Peter is unsure from the snatches of conversation is they are coming to slaughter animals for their fur, or to slaughter the locals for their goods.

He hasn't finished breakfast (Cornbread and bacon -- he's had lots of corn and meat, but this is cooked properly and modernly, and this is so very good) when his new team mates locate him. Peter finds he actually bigger than both of them. Kale Rhodes is a good natured fellow with dark black skin, a frequent smile, and a constant stream of chatter. "Throop" is a quiet but confident man who seems to take in everything.

Kale sits down and starts asking questions about Peter -- where he was from, how he got the dog, if he speaks any languages, what he does for fun --

As the meal winds down, Throop interrupts: "Are you confident with a gun? I need to know if we should load the weapon we give you. And the dog -- what's he good for? is he worth toting around?"

[the_matrix_walker]

Peter is happy to talk about his home and interact with these folks. He's a little surprised that they are letting him and other kids perform such risky duties and carry guns... He is confident that he can perform such duties, but is still surprised that the grow ups will let him.

"I've never actually held a gun before... but I'm getting pretty good with a bow...

Goliath is my best friend, a great tracker, and he always has my back... I'd hate to leave him behind. The way these people seem to live with their animals... it might be reassuring for them to see that we do too."

[ericthered]

Throop: "We don't load the gun then. I don't need you to be an effective warrior half as much as I need you to look an effective warrior. If it makes you feel better you can bring the bow. I'll have to see the dog in action. If he's a trained tracker though, he might be up to snuff."

Kale: "Having a dog with us help the feel-goods? Perhaps. Yeah, I can see it helping. Least a little. I don't suppose you speak the local language. Well, you might pick up little while you're with us. At least as much as Throop. And target practice. We'll need you to get some practice with that gun."

Throop: "if not target practice then basic safety"

[the_matrix_walker]

"I trained him myself... I can usually get him to follow a scent I want him to... it helped me find you guys. I'd like to learn to shoot though!"

Peter laughs at himself a little, that his first thought is of a marksmanship scouts badge added to his uniform.

"Nah, I don't speak the language, I mostly ran away as fast as I could."