TheStarsAreRight:CarlNote3

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On the Boat

REDLAND

Redland approaches Carl looking pale and frail.

"Hey, Carl, while hurling my breakfast into the endless expanse of water, I got to thinking about our problem with the 'many gods' plan. Namely, what are we going to do about the oceans? I understand how they would have been taken care of under the 'one god' plan, but I'm a little hazy as to how we're going to put together a large group of likeminded people to protect the seas... and if we can't protect the oceans, the rest of the plan will crumble, right? If we get some blasted octopus-monster sitting out in the Atlantic, it will spread it's corruption onto the land from there. Even if it doesn't, we need the oceans to survive."

CARL

Carl blinks once, then grins. “Well, that’ll give everyone something to do, won’t it?

“No, seriously. I’ve been thinking about the oceans for quite a while. It is a problem, under any plan, including Pentheus’, and was one of the reasons I was so interested in the one-god notion in the first place.

“There are a couple of issues. First, as you say, the plan we’ve talked about deals first with *us*. Humans, mostly, on land. It’s what we know, and frankly, it’s what I am most concerned to protect. The King of Life’s duties do not stop there, of course, but that’s another thing, as hopefully you will see.

“The Outsiders are coming to feed, or to breed, or to live, yes? The Earth is a succulent fruit. But the juiciest most attractive bits are those with the most Power – ponics – and Life – vitalics together. On land, that’s us. Humans. Places where there are a lot of people are the places the monsters want to be, even while abandoned lifeless places are the ones that are easiest for them to reach.

“The oceans aren’t lifeless, really. So I’m told. Even the dark depths have a lot of things living there. In fact your tentacled monsters are already there, I hear. I also understand that there are groups of things in the seas already, here and there, that have just as much Power and life force and intellect as people do. There simply aren’t as many of them. Some of them even have societies, and have active contact already with the Outsiders. Consider them enemies. They’ll work against us all the way.

“So – yes – they’re out there now. As things get worse, Outsiders *will* come to the oceans. If, as you say, we cannot protect the oceans, the plan doesn’t crumble. It merely lengthens the running battle. We, and our allies, and the various defender groups, must be prepared to fight them however we can. They will be a common enemy.

“Which is not a bad thing, really. … even if we do not have an easy ‘win’.”

REDLAND

"While I certainly don't want to rehash the Pentheus side of things again, it's my understanding that the oceans wouldn't be a problem under this sort of strategy. That is, the 'one god' and 'many god' plans are, for lack of a better term, war strategies. With this type of strategy. we'll need to defend every scrap of our planet. A Pentheus-styled plan is a trade based strategy. We don't need to worry about the oceans under this type of strategy, since we've agreed with the Outsiders (or one or more groups of Outsiders) to only deal with each other in certain land-based zones. The ones we're dealing with, presumably, have an incentive (either negotiated or just in general) to keep other Outsiders out of our world... hmmm, maybe we could look at the former strategies as 'total war' and the latter as 'limited war'?

"What worries me about any total war strategy is, I assume, that (at least some) Outsiders are cunning. If their presence inevitably taints the world (as you and Auda indicated in my Lake Disappointment example), all that a patient Outsider would need to do is set up residence in a convenient body of water and wait. Eventually, whatever world-warping properties they possess will spread and spread and they can, essentially, smoke us out. (Sort of similar to what happened to the Fae/Nightsiders, I guess... though I suppose we could adapt in some fashion, just as they did, though that might end 'humanity' as we know it).

"As to these ocean-dwelling creatures... well, you know what I'm going to say next. Can I talk to them? Perhaps they don't need to be our enemies. Perhaps we can come to some under...."Redland laughs, "blah, blah, blah, right? You know how the rest of this spiel goes."

CARL

“Of course you can talk to them,” Carl says mildly. ”Assuming they’d be willing to talk to *you*. Historically that’s rarely the case. Though there’s at least one group off the coast of New England that has done more than talk – they’ve even been interbreeding with the locals.”

Carl makes a sour face.

“In any case, I disagree with you about the Pentheus plan. Pentheus hasn’t accommodated the oceans or their inhabitants either, insofar as I’m aware. The inhabitants probably have their own agendas that don’t dovetail well with Pentheus. However --

“The Circles of interaction within the oceans and on land connect so sparsely that there is a significant amount of, ah, insulation between the two. Much more than in a river or lake. Which makes us less affected by them, and vice versa. But less doesn’t mean none. Even if a crafty Outsider sought to lurk unseen somewhere, land or water, the very creep of corruption you speak of would give it away long before it could smoke *us* out .. and then we would be alerted, and hopefully be able to attack. That sort of stratagem works best if we’re not paying attention – which I hope we will be – or have no resources to attack with – which I hope we will. In fact, the current version of the Many Gods plan is intended not only to create new active fighters in the Fight, but to free up existing fighters so they can respond more readily where they are needed. Places like Africa, or South America, where we haven’t yet established defenses. Or the deep seas.”

REDLAND

Jack looks like he's about to say something, when he halts for a moment. He then abruptly states, "Ah. Sorry. I have to go. I have an urgent appointment at the side of the boat."

CARL

Carl looks contrite. “Go,” he waves. “Poor fellow!”

He’ll wait around, in case Jack comes back; but knowing how he’d feel if it were him, won’t go along to witness poor Jack’s misery.

More Boat Stuff

REDLAND

Redland comes back, looking like $10.

"Sorry about that."

He pauses a moment.

"Well, it sounds like you have the ocean situation under control. I'll probably add talking to the 'sea folk' onto my agenda."

Maybe it's the boat (or maybe something else), but Jack seems a little more scattered in his focus than normal.

"I was thinking about our itinerary once we get back on land. I assume our first step is to try to talk to Mr. Becker. I believe your plan is then to return to Wisphers and then push on to talk to Ms. Hamilton in Switzerland. Although I wouldn't mind looking in on Laura to see how she's doing, I could probably push straight through from London to Vienna after (if?) we've talked to Mr. Becker. Given circumstances, I'd probably rather not see Ms. Hamilton, and I would like to get this bond-breaking show on the road. Perhaps I'll have more success than Henrik and Rebecca. Er... does that sound reasonable?"

CARL/REDLAND

Carl hesitates, watching Jack for a moment.

“Maybe you should be ill more often,” he says dryly, “it seems to have done you a world of good! I don’t suppose you’d like some tea?”

Redland interjects.

"You'd think tea would do me some good, but it seems that whatever I put down just comes right back up. I'm thinking about going on a bread and water diet for the duration of the voyage... hold the bread."

Jack blinks a couple of times and cracks his neck and generally looks a bit beleaguered as Carl continues on.

Carl scrutinizes Jack a bit more closely. Is Jack just ill, he wonders, or has he been messing with the Pharaoh out here? Or something else? Lord knows there’s enough opportunity for confusion in this business…. But Jack’s hurried speech sounds like a bum’s rush – like he’s trying to push something through.

Hmm.

Carl continues, “Cecil Becker. Yes. We should talk about that some more. And I must see Cedra Foundry while I’m here, and speak to some people about English Faerie sites. I could be in England for a few days. Of course, you can go on ahead if you like, though I must say, sometimes it feels as though you don’t care much for my company,” he smiles.

“What I would recommend, however, is that you go to Wisphers and do some reading. There is a lot of information there, about the various ‘sea folk’, underground dwellers, Powers, remnants, all that sort of thing. All those folk you wish to speak to.

“For me, after England, Wisphers, yes. Then Emma. Then Vienna, perhaps, or Egypt. Or any of three or four other places. It depends on what Theo’s doing, and Auda, and several other things.

“You like working by yourself, don’t you?” Placid stare.

Jack lets the conversation lag for a few moments, as Carl finishes speaking. Then he begins abruptly.

"Hmmm. Cedra Foundry doesn't sound familiar to me. Heck, I'm not even sure if that's a person or a place.

"I do like working by myself. Perhaps I'm just more comfortable that way, since over the years, that's how it's been.

"I'd like to avoid the Fae, if possible, but I have no objection to going out to Faerie sites.

"Oh, before I left earlier, I was going to ask your opinion about something. I was considering looking up one of my colleagues, with who I am (or I guess) was still friendly, while we're in England. I was thinking about the 'many gods' plan and intellectuals, you know?"

He continues on discursively.

"I think when I'm by myself I am often... bolder. When I'm with others, I tend to defer. I mean, when I defer to you in situations, that makes sense, since I'm a neophyte in many of these matters, but I'll even let Henrik take the lead in situations when we're together, and what in Hades does he know?

"Can I even get in to Wisphers? Will I not be ... 'zapped'?

"I wasn't sure if it would make sense to show my old colleague one of these sigils. Would that be a bad idea?

"Yes, I agree that we should discuss our plans concerning Cecil Becker. A lot has happened since we last tried to speak with him. I'd also like to discuss how to deal with this young lady in Venice. I should really figure out her name.

"I'm really very timid, you know. It's just that ..."

He trails off and then looks at Carl intently.

CARL

“Yes, Jack?” Mildly, watching.

REDLAND

Jack seems to be sweating more than one might anticipate on a crisp, autumn day. He focuses on Carl.

"Er, so, right. As I was saying, we need to go to Vienna... er, Venice... to get that, uh, bond broken so that Rebecca can get away from Auda. I don't know if you noticed, but she had bruises on her arm, caused, I think by him. She's too young, I think, and we need to intercede to protect her. I'm not sure how freq..."

Redland staggers back and collapses on the deck.

CARL

Okay, that’s it. I’m not sure where we are exactly (I assumed on deck somewhere, but it could be anywhere really – let’s say for now it isn’t in one of our cabins.)

Carl springs forward, trying to catch Jack or cushion his fall, with a quick pulse of alarm to Julian (**Jack collapsing, sickly; no one nearby**) and even if I can’t, straighten him on the deck, make him comfortable, and give him a quick once-over, kneeling by his side. Is he feverish? Cold? Clammy? How’s his pulse? His Power level? Anything weird, from taint to scars or wounds? Scenarios flash through Carl’s mind like a Rolodex – ‘flu? Malaria? Drugs? Blood loss? Ponic overdraft? Exhaustion? Stroke? Most importantly, is he getting worse?

Jack's Collapse

REDLAND

As Redland crumples to the ground, Carl manages to grab him and keep his head from smashing into the deck. As he lowers him carefully to the ground, Jack continues to ramble.

"Where's John? Where's Rebecca? Where are they when I need them? Carl... Carl, it's no use. Everyone lets you down in the end."

As he checks Jack's pulse, it quickly becomes apparent to Carl that Jack is running a high fever and his heart is racing. It's unclear whether he is getting worse, though he is shaking and he continues to rave.

"It's important that you know. When we first met, it wasn't fate or destiny. I ... I mean, with General Henrik and ... and maybe ... maybe John the Paladin, yes. Perhaps they were fated to be there. But I am ... I was just visiting my sister. It was a coincidence. Do you see? ... I'm glad you're here Carl. I think I mis..."

Redland spits out a little blood. Carl is worried for a second, but it appears that Jack just bit himself when he fell. Carl continues his other scans.

CARL

Hmm, not good. **Julian, can you bring some water and some aspirin? And a damp cloth? I’m on Deck Three, aft of the smokers’ lounge..**

“It’s all right, Jack.  I’ll help you.  What do you need?”

Hand him a kerchief, if he can take it; and open up to Sofia, to draw in some of the world’s energy, ready to strengthen and give him comfort if it is needed.

REDLAND

Jack takes the handkerchief, shakily, and wipes at his face. Carl notices that his other hand slips into his pocket. He seems to look a little more lucid for a moment.

"Carl, where are we? And why is it so frickin' cold?"

He tries to sit up but slumps back down.

"Ughh. I don't feel too good. I'm just gonna..."

He lies down and closes his eyes, one hand in his pocket and the other clutching the handkerchief. He's still shivering and he appears to be trying to say something, though it could just be aimless mumbling.

CARL

[ Well, I need Jan’s input if there’s anything odd happening on the magical front, or if Carl’s antennae twitch for any other reason. Failing word from her, I assume there isn’t, and continue…. ]

“We’re on the ship, Jack. The Berengaria. What’s happened? Are you ill? Lie still, don’t try to get up.”

It’s that damned watch – I’m sure of it – it’s involved somehow. We’ll look into that later. For now, though … keep him comfortable, and talking, and wait for Julian. If someone else comes by, and wants to help, send them for water.

Jack, Jack, what did you do?

Crummy Last Words

REDLAND

[I figure changing the subject heading makes it more of a 'page turner'. Also harder to track what's going on, but what're you going to do?! :) ]

"The Berengaria? That doesn't sound right. Oh. Is this the boat we sent to pick up the guardian stones? That's probably a good idea."

He rolls onto his side and throws up.

"Dang. I just can't believe I have anything left down there."

He chuckles weakly.

"I don't mean to sound melodramatic, but I don't think I'm going to make it. Blast, I can't believe I'm going to die on a fricking boat. If you don't mind, I'm just going to stay on my side here, so that I don't choke to death on vomit."

He chuckles again.

"Wait. Those are terrible last words. I'm glad you're here, Carl. You're a good man."

He closes his eyes and seems to slip into unconsciousness, shivering.

Carl is unable to detect anything 'mystical' that may be wrong with Jack. His power level seems a little low, perhaps. Other than the fever, vomiting, shivering, disorientation, racing pulse, and general dying-like behavior, everything seems alright.

Carl has alerted several people on the ship to the problem and they are moving in to help.

CARL

[ LOL! I trust you’ll keep things in order. BTW, why do you keep dropping Jan off the list? Did you hear back from her? ]

“You’ll be fine, Jack. Just hang on. You’re ill.” Carl is touched by Jack’s words – no one ever says nice things like that to him – but this is hardly the time. Clean him up a bit with the kerchief. “Why do you need Rebecca?”

Carl places his hand on the back of Jack’s neck, feeling the heat and the pulse there, and gently pushes life into him, strengthening and supporting him as others draw near.

[and if you’re talking to Jan about this stuff, I can give her details, rolls, etc. Otherwise we can play it out in drama form.]

REDLAND

It's unclear if Jack hears Carl's words, but if he does, his response is something of a non sequitur.

He mumbles, "The oracle was right."

Someone asks Carl, "Should we move him into a cabin?"

There is a general babble of conversation as people try to assess the situation and figure out what needs to be done.

Redland states, "What good is a macro model without micro foundations?"

After adding some life to Jack, Carl's assessment is that Jack's belief that he is dying is probably overstated... at least in the very short term. Whether he will continue to get worse is hard to say without knowing the underlying cause of his condition.

CARL

[ You’re back! I was wondering if we were waiting for something. ]

Carl spends a moment or two fending off well-meaning passengers, cleaning Jack up a bit, and hopefully getting him out of the walkway – to a deck chair perhaps. I’d like to get him to his cabin before the purser shows up, but I (chaz) am not sure how far that is – so I’ll accept the help of someone nearby to get Jack to his feet and move him to his stateroom (or mine, whichever is closer.) Variations on a theme of “He’s not well – he fainted”, “we’re travelling together”, and “I’ll take care of him, if we can just get him to the cabin” are used as necessary. If Jack can walk, I can manage on my own – otherwise, if we get help, I’ll be sure to get the helper’s name so I can properly thank them later.

Obviously, no more meaningful conversation between Jack and Carl takes place while this is going on … however if any of Jack’s ramblings are illuminating, I’m all ears.

REDLAND

[Howdy! I've had some late nights finishing up reports (Sept. 30 is the deadline for most clients' quarterly reports). How strong are Carl's healing abilities, in general? Do his powers have differing effects on 'mystical' issues as opposed to 'natural' illnesses?]

As Carl helps Redland to his feet and wards off passengers, Julian arrives in response to Carl's early communication and the two of them assist Jack back to his cabin. Along the way, Jack doesn't seem to say anything terribly enlightening, though he is adamant that 'the solution is monetary policy.' He mumbles out disparaging comments about those who 'insist on shackling the money supply' and 'the long disproven efficacy of fiscal stimulus'.

Jack's cabin is kept fairly tidy. At first glance, an open book and a closed satchel are all that catch Carl's eye. Jack clearly can't stay upright on his own, and Carl and Julian lower him as gently as possible onto whatever passes for a bed. Jack's speech has gone from strange ramblings to pure incoherence. He snatches at blankets and curls up into a ball.

CARL