audio; un: Sabriel.Abhorsen

[bindsthedead]

Newton's not gone. Those... things- the Precursors- might be in control, but he's still in there.

[There's an almost frenetic energy beneath Sabriel's controlled tones.]

I think there's a way to get them out, and erase their memories of the orbs in the process- perhaps even smash their minds to bits, if everything goes well. But I don't think I can do it alone. If you have any means of reaching into people's minds, I'd like to speak with you and come up with a plan to combine our skills into something that can save Newt and deal with the Precursors.

[They'll figure it out- Sabriel knows Belgaer will work, they just need to make sure the first attempt is strong enough to succeed- otherwise, the precursors will try to destroy Newt's mind, and then flee with knowledge of the orbs, and the Ximilia.

So they'll just have to get it right the first time.]

Between then and the Highest One... how many groups are out, there, trying to destroy worlds? How many are we going to encounter during our time here?

Comments

audio | un: goodvibes

[aurable]

The best I can offer is "hold him down" or, in the non-zero chance the precursors somehow manage to make a cameo appearance because why not at this pont, put them down if it doesn't harm Newt.

I doubt Newt would be compatible with Shadowplay, even if we good get him hooked up to some sort of neural link.

audio, un: blue

[firstroar]

Those creatures will not leave willingly - nor easily.

My brush with them...tore at my own psyche. It could very well lash out at you or others just as violently.

They may even try to destroy him in the process.

audio; un: finn

[hatejakku]

I'm with you. My only idea so far is that we have at least one person on the defensive, ideally two. Someone to protect Newton and another to protect those on the offensive.

They might try to hop bodies, too, once we make a connection. We cannot allow that to happen.

audio; un: zewu.jun

[calmness]

As a cultivator, I have experience with exorcism. I can assist with this and soothing Newton's mind once the task is done.

[bindsthedead]

Would they be able to use the connection to physically manifest? They only seemed able to bring that monster onto the train because of the orb.

It's worth a try, but I should warn you- my magic may make you very sick.

[bindsthedead]

I know. That's why I'm asking for as much help as anyone's willing to give.

Our best hope is to get things right the first time, before they realize how much we can do against them.

audio

[bindsthedead]

Right- or turn the connection back on us. I know some defensive spells I can cast ahead of time, but... my main worry is Newt. If we fail the first time, they might try to tear his mind apart out of spite.

audio | un: rey

[garbagepilot]

What makes you think you can get them out? You're asking a lot of people to put themselves at risk when all you have is you think it can be done.

[bindsthedead]

Thank you. We'll need both of those- after everything Newt's been through, and what the Precursors might try to do in retaliation- thank you.

[firstroar]

[...]

I don't know... What I can even do at this stage. I was stronger by a fair margin then, mere months ago. [but.]

...But you will want a number of strong wills to deflect its attention from the key threat.

[this is demoralizing. but it's not about him!! it's about Newt.]

[firstroar]

Let me anchor you, then.

I won't go in with you, but...I'll be there to pull you out, just in case.

[calmness]

Of course, there is no need for thanks.

I would gladly do this for Newton, to rid him of this parasite. [ everything that happened, the actions were not his in the end. ] There is much we can try.

[bindsthedead]

Because I've encountered them, once before. They were not impervious to the power of the bells.

And besides, Newt is my friend, and leaving world-destroying monsters with knowledge of the orbs... seems unwise.

Audio | un: Star - Lord

[spacedisaster]

When I last visited, the precursors were talking through him but his fingers were tapping. He was using Morse code to say he's sorry. Over and over and over. Perhaps there's a way to send a message only Newton could understand, and not them?

I don't have any magical or supernatural abilities, so I can't help that way but if there's anything else I can do, let me know.

If you all get into Newton's mind, be extra careful. We don't know if the Precursor can hop from him to someone else's mind.

[aurable]

I'm not saying it's likely, just that enough impossible things have happened this week I'm not prepared to dismiss the possibility out of hand.

Wait, really?

[hatejakku]

Maybe we should set multiple goals then. If one can't work, we can fall back on another.

Our first priority is removing the Precursors, hopefully killing them in the process. If we fail, Newton must be protected. We can either erect barriers in his own mind or... maybe try to remove him instead... Temporarily, but it's a risky move either way.

[bindsthedead]

Blue, I don't want you to put yourself in danger, if you don't think you can handle it. But if you can, I will welcome your help. We all will.

That's a good idea though- keep it too occupied to fight back, or try to harm Newt in retaliation.

[bindsthedead]

Well. Killing something when their physical body is worlds away is easier said than done. Destroying their mind, hurting them- mentally, spiritually, that's much easier. And leaving them with knowledge of the orbs is just asking for trouble.

Raising barriers would be possible, but I know of no means of transferring a mind to another body that doesn't kill the original occupant.

[garbagepilot]

[Can you hear the eyeroll it is Large.]

Obviously it's unwise, but throwing people into the mind of something you don't understand isn't much better. You don't think you can do it alone so you need help, but to do what, exactly? Do you have a plan or are you still trying to make one?

[hatejakku]

That's a great idea. If they become too hostile, escaping might be our last resort.

[ Despite being a little concerned, he won't ask if Blue's sure he's up for it. ]

I'm sort of playing with the idea of... pulling Newton out. What do you think? Too crazy?

[bindsthedead]

Yes. We should compare notes ahead of time, and make sure our skills synchronize with each other, rather than working at cross purposes. But if enough of us combine our skills, we should be able to get it right on the first try.

[hatejakku]

Yeah, I was afraid of that. That's okay. We'll think of more options.

Maybe if we can just get in contact with Newton, he might know something vital about these things that could help.

[bindsthedead]

Free Newton, then smash their minds to bits. I know I'm not the only one with techniques to remove... unwanted mental residents, and to alter memories and minds.

( not here )

[fuchsiative]

[ clarice has no real horse in this race... but the ability to reach and even alter people's minds? you can bet she is paying very close attention to all those who respond. ]

[bindsthedead]

Can we try morse code? If they didn't spot what he was doing...

And when I was talking to him... Newton reached out to me via the earpieces. It was full of static, but it was definitely him.

And I think we should assume that. I'm going to take precautions.