January 16, 2019, 7:58pm. Time to work together.

"What do you mean, fight as a team?" I ask, looking over to the others. It's obvious in abstract, but I'd like details.

"I mean, we need to start understanding each other's capabilities. And our own. If you can get us the codexes for all our resources that would be a good start."

"Uhm. I think I can do it tonight. In a couple hours," I reply as I check my focus again. "I could do two right now actually."

"Good. You can do mine first, then we'll get to the others," Beth says as a notification appears.

"You have received a request to examine Forerunner Raven Queen's Umbra resource. Would you like to know more? Obtain the full codex for 34.0 focus and 18.6 facet. Note, the codex will be shared with Forerunner Raven Queen."

Before I accept a thought occurs to me, "I did Roberts resource already, so it's just you and both of Josh’s right?"

"We should do Rufka and Tipan too. They have resources we don't know yet, though I can kind of guess their uses," Beth says while looking over to the other table where Rufka and Tipan are debating with Josh and Roberts.

Beth's comment makes me realize I still haven't looked at their status in the party screen. Taking a moment, I bring up their stats.

Tipan

RESOURCE

CURRENT/MAX

[EDGE]

(REGEN)

Health

233/233

[13.3]

(147)/day

Stamina

244/244

[14.8]

(152)/day

Mana

561/561

[37.1]

(387)/day

Focus

492/492

[30.7]

(321)/day

Matrix

Aero

91/91

[5.4]

(56)/hour

Please tell me that her resources are so high because she has a class. From her resources, I’d say she's a controller or destroyer. Aero has got to be an Aeromancer resource, or maybe whatever the Wind destroyer is.

Rufka

RESOURCE

CURRENT/MAX

[EDGE]

(REGEN)

Health

430/430

[26.4]

(296)/day

Stamina

546/546

[49.2]

(437)/day

Mana

299/299

[17.5]

(185)/day

Focus

327/327

[20.4]

(209)/day

Matrix

Blitz

162/162

[13.8]

(119)/hour

And then there’s Rufka. Her lowest resource, mana, is nearly as high as my best. It looks like she's got a stamina focused build. From what I've experienced so far with my limited stamina, she could move at an all-out run while not getting fatigued with an edge that high. In fact, I’m sure her edge is higher than Smoulder’s. Speaking of whom, I’ll need to do her codex too.

Turning back to Beth, I can feel the heat in my cheeks as I apologize, “Sorry, I guess I forgot about them. I’ve only got enough focus to do three tonight.”

"That's fine. Do mine first, then we'll ask Josh if he wants to do his next," Beth says, looking over at the others who are moving to the billiards table. Smoulder decides now's a good time to join them, hopping across several tables, before stopping nearby to watch the game.

“On it,” I reply as I mentally confirm the download for Beth's umbra.

“Codex obtained: Resource - Umbra.

Astral grade higher concept resource.

Current known users: Forerunner Raven Queen.

Description: Drawing on extensive knowledge of the system’s understanding of that which exists between, Umbra is incredibly destructive to standard matter. It can also be wielded to counter any sense which relies upon standard matter.

That seems incredibly dangerous. Just like Beth.

Umbra’s primary contributing attributes are Perception and Resolve, with a lesser contribution from Intellect and Spirit and a minor contribution from all other attributes.

Like most higher concept resources, Umbra may be fashioned into armour.”

I knew Beth's resource could be used for armour, but it still stings that everyone else's resource point that out.

"Paradox will only last until the end of your Return to Earth quest, Alexis. At that time, it will deconstruct, leaving you without a class."

That is some critically important information right there.

"Thank you, Wyonna," I say after I read the last line.

"Who's Wyonna?" Beth asks. Then, before I can respond, "And why does it mention Paradox at the end of my Umbra codex?"

"Uhm. Wyonna is a special part of the System that creates the custom messages. And that's Wyonna giving advice," I reply. It's only as I'm speaking that it occurs to me that Wyonna might not speak to everyone. Another facet of my more robust interface.

Beth rubs her chin, looking at me as she thinks over my response.

She doesn't keep me waiting long, "This is great. I was afraid we were going to be completely cut off now that we're integrated."

I look at Beth, trying to understand what she's saying. I think she's implying that she knew more about us coming here than she was letting on. But, then why didn't she tell us more in the beginning?

Before I've figured out what to ask her first, she continues, "How often do you get messages from Wyonna? Do you know if Wyonna is a Forerunner?"

Thinking before I respond, I ask a question of my own, "What do you mean cut off? Cut off from who?"

"Forerunner Command," Beth replies instantly, reaching over to tap the metal pin she gave me the day we arrived.

Her answer calls up so many questions. Questions I've put off, since they seemed unlikely. With all those questions, I'm surprised by the one I ask, my voice low, "Did you know? Did you know what we were really signing up for?"

"Yes, but-" she doesn't get to finish as I feel myself standing up, pushing away from the table. I walk away my head spinning. It shouldn't be a shock. But I feel like I've been betrayed.

I close my eyes. I try to tell myself that I never asked. That we've been separated for days.

It doesn't help.

As I’m leaning against the bar, Raz approaches. But I can’t talk, so I pause again. Once I’m paused, I feel myself calming down. Note to self, pausing is good for giving myself time to deal.

Looking up, I start scanning behind the bar. I haven’t been paying it any attention. There’s been so many other things going on. But now I’m looking for a distraction. Something to break my thoughts. My eyes play over everything laid out behind the bar. There’s an assortment of devices along the wall, which I thought were decor, but as my eyes focus on each, I wonder if maybe they’re something more.

He did mention he sold other items, right?

I wonder if he has clothes. I could really use a proper bra. My current combination of knots and torn cloth is barely sufficient, never mind ideal. Not that most bras are ideal either.

None of the items behind the bar look like clothing though, there isn’t even any armour. There’s a mini pipe organ set atop a pyramid. Beside it rests a wind mobile made of brass and multicoloured crystals.

The one that draws my eye the most is a snow globe. It has a village inside, full of small moving figures. As I look closer, I see the figures are all mechanical clockwork people. Viewing the snow globe feels reminiscent of when I’d been looking at the map to Akilo, the details getting easier to discern, the longer I look.

Not wanting to risk another world jump, I tear my eyes away, my pause ending moments later. I’ve had several minutes to calm down, allowing me to recenter myself. Glancing back at our table I see Beth sitting, gazing down while rubbing her forehead with one hand.

I should go back and talk to her. I overreacted. It felt like I was dealing with my mother. It felt like I was my mother. With that thought sending a shiver down my spine, I rise from my stool, making my way back to the table.

Beth looks up at me, surprise writ across her face.

"Sorry," I say, sitting down across from her once more.

"It's okay, Alexis," Beth says, meeting my eyes.

"No. It's not," I reply firmly, shaking my head, "You told me the first time it came up."

"Okay. Apology accepted then," Beth says with a smile, which quickly disappears, "But really I should be the one apologizing. Too used to keeping things to myself, kid. Should've brought you up to speed earlier, like I did with the guys."

"Yeah, well, I do have - the guys? You already told them?"

"Yeah, I told them back in the village when you were cleaning the church."

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?"

"It didn't seem important to me. Who cares why we're suddenly stranded on a strange planet when there are five-storey tall monsters potentially lurking about. Deal with the crazy shit, try to get secure, then worry about the why."

"Okay, fine. But I'd say we're secure now. So, I think it's time for some questions."

"Sure, kid. I've got some myself. But you go first," Beth says, gesturing to me while leaning back in her chair.

"Okay, I guess the thing I want to know the most is, what happened? I was sitting in my living room looking at a map, then I'm suddenly stranded in the middle of Stonehenge, Akilo style."

"I don't understand most of how we were brought here. Hell, I didn't even know why. What, I do know is the mission window was narrow, the bastards had to spend most of their resources just getting us here, and they told me extraction would be difficult. They kind of undersold that last point."

"How much did they tell you about, well, any of it?"

"They left out a lot. Like the part about a system that modifies who you are. They made integration sound more like a computer being put in my head, an experiment. They did mention that we'd be given 'unusual abilities' to complete our mission which was another understatement. They implied it would be one way, but kind of forgot to tell me we'd be on another planet. Hostiles were expected. In fact, I was told we might be in danger from the second we arrived. I was also given a heads up that I'd be transported with what I was wearing, but little else," Beth says, causing me to tug on the hood of my onesie. That warning about clothing would've been great.

"Did they mention the apocalypse?" I ask while thinking over Beth's answers.

"No. Not once. Not until I received my class at least. And let me tell you, that was quite the experience," Beth responds, shifting her arms while she answers.

"Oh?" I reply, curious.

"Basically put the world on pause while it took me through the class induction. Then I received Theglia's message. She's the one who set all this up. Us coming here, getting our special matrices, everything," Beth explains, tapping a single finger against the table for emphasis.

"Everything?" I say while thinking. Is she responsible for my magic? Is that where my power came from back on earth?

"Well, not everything after we arrived. But she gave Command their mission and designated which type of people to assign each core to. Apparently she was part of a group called The Forerunners. I've never heard of this Wyonna though. My contact went by Mr. Universe," Beth says seriously.

"Wow, that's a crazy handle. Professional bodybuilder? And what is a matrix anyway?" I ask as the familiar weight of Smoulder lands in my lap, pushing up against my hand. I guess she got bored.

"No clue. She didn't exactly explain them. Just took credit. The cores are the source of our special resources though. Normally we'd only get resources from our classes. As for my contact, we never met in person. Always through emails or texts. Paid well though."

"Wait. Did you get paid to come here?"

"In theory, yes. I won't get most of it until we get back though. Kind of seems less important now, what with the world ending and everything. I thought this was going to be more of a reconnaissance mission. Just a dangerous one," Beth admits with a shrug.

"Damn. I wish I was getting paid," I grumble, crossing my arms.

"Kid, you have real fucking magic and can stop time, but you're upset you're not going to be paid? Seriously?" Beth asks, her exasperation somehow coming through loud and clear.

"Yeah, I guess it is kind of silly, isn't it?" I reply sheepishly over the gentle rumbling of Smoulder's purring.

"Nah kid, it's not silly. I'm just jealous. I've been trying to figure your magic out since you first started casting spells back in the circle but had zero luck until you came along. Then you show us spell structures, and it's easy as pie. I still can't do the elemental thing. But the structures are easy."

"Wait, you're jealous of me?" I ask, my brain not quite able to process that fact.

"A little. So, mind if I ask a few questions now?" Beth inquires with a slight grin.

"Sure, just let me order more wings first," I reply, gesturing at the empty plate in front of us with my free hand.

"I still think that's weird. I had no idea I was delaying my attribute growth because I wasn't eating enough. There's no notice or anything," Beth says, shaking her head in disbelief while I order another plate of teriyaki wings. They're not chicken, but they're close enough.

Apparently, none of the food on Raz's menu comes from Earth or Akilo. He says it's all locally sourced, just not this particular locale.

He wasn't inclined to say any more than that, though it did lead into a short conversation about being able to link his place to any rest area. It only takes using an iron grade mana essence for a fuel source. You use it in a special grooved tube 'of his own design' which resembles a flute, except it's only ten centimetres long. Once a rest area is linked, we could use the tube to open a door to his establishment from wherever we are.

As Raz comes out with our wings, seconds after I've ordered them, Beth asks her first question.

"So, as I was asking earlier, how often does this Wyonna contact you?"

"Every time I unlock a codex, guaranteed. She also seems to be able to influence most of my system notifications," I answer before grabbing one of the wings.

"Hmm. And is she a Forerunner like Theglia?"

"No clue," I respond between bites. It's not exactly teriyaki, but it's close enough to be incredibly satisfying.

"Can you ask her?" Beth requests as she takes a wing herself.

"Sure. Hey Wyonna, next time you send me a message, can you let me know if you're a Forerunner?" I ask, looking up as if Wyonna exists above me somehow.

I wait for a couple seconds in case Wyonna has a way to respond. Also, so I can finish another wing.

"No answer yet," I tell Beth, taking a sip of the blue fruit juice Raz brought with the wings.

"Okay. Next question. What's this Paradox she mentioned?"

"It's a temporary class. I guess I can take it to avoid mana poisoning without locking in my class."

"Ah. It's like my Penumbra class then. You should take it," Beth advises.

"Yeah. It sounds a lot better than Cataclysm Seed. That sounds like it's asking for trouble."

"Pardon me for interrupting, but I couldn't help overhearing. Did I hear you mention a temporary class?" Raz says stepping forward, looking up at me.

"Uhm, yes?" I reply, only now realizing maybe we shouldn't be talking about this stuff in the open.

"Extraordinary. She'd said you'd be special. But a temporary class? Unheard of," Raz says, shaking his head as he pulls up a chair.

"Who said?" Beth asks, looking at him suspiciously.

"Why Wyonna, of course," he answers, looking me in the eye as he winks.

"Of course," I reply, "so does that mean you've met her?"

"Not personally. She's a bit shy. Generous though. Paid quite a bit to ensure you had the place to yourselves when you arrived."

"Who did?" Rufka asks as the others all move over to join us.

"Wyonna. The kid's mysterious helper," Beth supplies.

"If she paid so much, why are you charging us for rooms?" Rufka asks, trademark grin in place.

"She paid for privacy. Besides one essence is hardly expensive," Raz replies, matching Rufka's grin.

"I agree, one essence is quite reasonable for a private room in a rest area," Tipan says, settling in across from Rufka before continuing, "You'd mentioned you have Nexus access?"

"Yes. We have full system access, provided by the mirrors located in the change rooms," Raz answers, waving to the room I was in earlier.

"Change rooms? Really?" Rufka asks as both she and Tipan chuckle.

"I'm afraid I don't get it," Roberts adds in, looking around the crowded table. I don't get it either.

"System access is required to make a lot of changes, such as class selection or advancement," Tipan replies.

"What's class advancement?" I ask as Josh joins us, dragging another table over to give everyone more room.

"It's how you increase your class' power. You need to spend class progression points at a system access point to level your class," Tipan answers.

"Luckily, mum says system access is a pretty common upgrade in most settlements," Rufka says.

"Yes, Josh?" Beth prompts, directing my attention to where Josh is lowering his hand.

"Should we be taking our temporary classes? Or wait for something better?" he asks, looking around the table.

While Rufka is choking on her drink and Tipan is trying to pick her chin up off the table, Raz replies, "I'd say you should take your temporary classes if time is no object. The ability to gain skills and accomplishments before choosing a final class, well, I'm certainly a little envious. If you're not able to unlock an epic class with such an advantage, I'd be surprised."

"We'll take that under advisement Raz. Thanks for the advice. I don't think anyone should make their choice tonight. Talk about it with our friends here, get a good night's rest and then we can consider it in the morning," Beth says, panning her gaze around the table, lingering on me for a moment. I don't know why. I've held off on choosing my class longer than everyone else.

"Indeed. If this choice is as important as it seems, the very least we should do is get a good-." Roberts starts, before being loudly interrupted.

"By Vaus' tits, you really don't have a class?! And you have access to a temporary class!" Rufka practically shouts at me, grabbing my onesie while shaking me back and forth.

"Yuh-yuh-yes," I stutter out as she shakes me. I see Smoulder eyeing Rufka from where she landed on Josh's lap, but peace is restored when Josh gives Smoulder ear scritches.

Once Rufka calms down, she casually brushes my clothes off for some reason, saying, "Some users have all the luck."

"As I was saying. We should all talk about our options. And Rufka? Don't do that again," Beth commands as she gets up before walking to the change room.

On that note, we break into separate conversations. There's some talk of classes, but I'm starting to lose focus. The last important point I catch Rufka mentioning before I head to bed for the evening is that a class' minor increase to attribute maximums allows five points and small allows ten. When I ask Raz, he confirms that moderate is fifteen.

After paying Raz one mortal earth essence for my room, I walk up the stairs. When I grab the door handle of the second door on the left, as instructed, a new notification appears.

"Personal sleeping area accessed.

"Would you like to create a bonded personal sleeping area for one iron rank integration point?"

"I'm not technically a Forerunner, but I am closely associated with Theglia."

Looking at the notifications, I dismiss them while heading into my room. I don't need a custom room. I've got questions, and I'll let Beth know about Wyonna's answer later. But at the moment, I just want to unlock Josh's codexes then go to bed.

The room I step into looks like a typical hotel room from Earth, but without the ubiquitous television. The only sign of the room’s magical nature are the levitating lights over the bed. Smoulder immediately settles on one of the enormous pillows as I look around.

In the back, I find a modest restroom with familiar fixtures. Not pausing, I strip out of my onesie, before enjoying a nice, warm shower. As I'm scrubbing myself down, I consider how I might create my own portable shower. It wouldn't even be that hard. Create a stone stall with a water reservoir. Heat the water. Enjoy.

While I'm showering, I unlock Josh's Petal resource codex.

“Codex obtained: Resource - Petal.

Astral grade higher concept resource.

Current known users: Forerunner Rose.

Description: Drawing on extensive knowledge of the system’s understanding of the botanical, Petal embodies the growth and flexibility of the flower. Also allows for the creation of perfumes, pleasant and foul.

Petal’s primary contributing attributes are Strength and Constitution, with a lesser contribution from Agility and Endurance and a minor contribution from all other attributes.

Like most higher concept resources, Petal may be fashioned into armour.”

"There's a limit on how much I can tell you until you select a class. Sorry, Alexis."

"So, choosing my class will let you tell me more? I'll make sure to mention that to Beth in the morning. Thank you, Wyonna," I say while scrubbing my head with my fingers. Then I remember to use my magic instead.

Once I finish my shower, I don't wet the towel, drying myself directly. Clean and dry, I wrap myself in the towel instead of donning my onesie. Flopping down on the softer-than-it-looks bed, I gaze up at the ceiling, confirming the unlock for Josh's thorn resource.

“Codex obtained: Resource - Thorn.

Astral grade higher concept resource.

Current known users: Forerunner Rose.

Description: Drawing on extensive knowledge of the system’s understanding of the botanical, Thorn embodies the rigidity and perils of plant life.

Thorn has no primary contributing attributes, with a lesser contribution from Strength, Constitution, Agility and Endurance and a minor contribution from all other attributes.

Like most higher concept resources, Thorn may be fashioned into armour. Armour incorporating Thorn, is as much weapon as it is armour.”

"Yes. It's the least I could do. Sleep well, Alexis."

Even as I read the last line, my mind drifts away, my last thought, a vision of Josh's rose coloured robe, sprouting thorns.

********************************************************

When I wake, I realize I had a full night of rest without interruption. There were no nightmares, dreams of the past or visions of the future. I also realize Smoulder is slightly drool-smeared from snuggling against my face.

As I look at the ripped remnants of my onesie, lying on the floor, I decide I’d rather go out in a towel than try to make my onesie whole again. Fastening my towel in place with a few pieces of metal, I slip my backpack over my shoulder, then step out the door. Hopefully, I can do some shopping before the others wake.

It's only 6:05 am. I feel like everyone else should still be in bed. I was the first one to retire, after all. Making my way downstairs, Smoulder hopping along beside me, I go directly into the change room.

Once inside, I approach the mirror, while Smoulder hops up on the sink to watch. Looking at myself in the mirror, I access the system menu hidden within.

"Greetings Citizen Pandora. Welcome to system access node Raz's RR&R. Location added to Return library. Would you like to set this as your preferred return point?"

"No," I reply to the system. I might set it here later, but Raz gave the impression his place moves around. Which may be a way off-world, now that I think about it. I'll have to ask.

But that can wait because first I have something I've wanted to do for a long time.

Please let me be able to buy a change of clothes.