Yellowstone Wanderer

Drake
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Yellowstone Wanderer Nov 25, 2021 1:54:22 GMT

Post by Drake on Nov 25, 2021 1:54:22 GMT

It was... A lot to take in, especially given the little time he had been granted for it to sink. The buildings were intact, the curious eyes of people sparkling with intrigue and hope rather than fear of a lurking shadow. No matter how many times he asked about invaders, about otherwordly bio-weapons dropping across the globe, they all calmly explained there was nothing to fear, their eyes kindly looking at an insane man rather than the hardened shell in front of them. True, the sheer amount of scars his body carried certainly indicated this was no asylum runaway, and while the prospect of a veteran experiencing the effects of long-term PTSD were plausible, that didn't quite explain the humongous human-shaped crater nor how his identity didn't seem to exist. They had ordered some DNA tests, and although police blocked the site for bystanders, his cooperative nature didn't really call for the force to be deployed en masse.

Right now he sat on the back of an ambulance, a blanket wrapped around his torso, a pair of pants one officer Jared gave him, something he appreciated moreso than one could tell. Still, though, they ogled him with discomfort, not able to believe a word out of his lips. Dimension leaping was no uncommon theory in his world, neither was it in this from what he gathered, it just seemed extremely far-fetched to have it happen on a decaying scenario such that of his world. Part of him still believed it was an alternate timeline created from his actions, other part just accepted it as a very enjoyable purgatory. It felt so... Unreal. He hoped he didn't doom anyone back home, that he managed to show them a real hero for all that it was worth.

His hands clasped around a warm mug of coffee, he'd have asked for scotch but that might have ruled the whole thing as a drunktard rumbling around naked who fell into a hole. Alcohol would certainly calm the elephant parade on his chest, though. Why? What was he waiting for? What did this anxiety expect? His fight was over, no? Even prison would be paradise now, people alive and interacting without constant fear, how it used to be before he was ever devised.

A single officer approached, an amicable grin on his lips. "Mr. Octavius?" He leaned forward as one would do to a child or a sick man. "We have called some people more... Qualified for this. They'll want to ask a few questions, if you don't mind."

Otto nodded, the reticent pup before him sighed in relief, a mystery this big was way too much for new blood, way above their paygrade too. Otto didn't really think any money in the world could match the indescribable horrors he gad in mind, the sane would want distance, the insane wouldn't last long. Which of the two would these interrogators of his be? He mused the thought, sipping the strong, tar-hued contents of his cup. He had to muse, lest his mind focus on reality for a moment, and his composure be damned.

Last Edit: Nov 30, 2021 2:05:14 GMT by Drake

Scramjet
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Yellowstone Wanderer Nov 30, 2021 0:56:12 GMT

Post by Scramjet on Nov 30, 2021 0:56:12 GMT

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"You know-- always wanted to go to Yellowstone, as a kid. Never thought it'd be like this."

National parks were not often occupied with VTOLs and incident cleanup crews. To that same point, they were also not occupied with men who created meteor-sized craters without the proper permit. Not often, at least, which was why this was certainly a first for Scramjet. Not everyday you got flown in because a naked guy was found at an impact site the size of a faculty building. By the time they'd arrived, headlines were already popping up and reporters had already gathered at the fringes of the perimeter MIRA had established. The VTOL carrying both him and Basilica had touched down not too far from this crowd, which meant they'd be walking directly through them to get to the incident site. He and Sidar had already prepared their act in today's early-morning media circus-- the flight time provided ample time for rehearsal-- so when the cameras turned on them and the questions started rolling, the Jurors were all smiles (his wife, at least) and platitudes (him, at least).

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"I'm sure you all have lots of questions-- so do I. Excuse me. I can tell you right now-- yes, Yellowstone is safe. No, it's not the caldera-- for crying out loud-- we're gonna get to the bottom of this. No-- Day Man, really?-- please move aside--"

By the time they made it past the perimeter, he could swear he saw spots in his right eye from the bulbs. His wife was probably faring worse with all the noise-- she could handle herself, surely, but a bit of support didn't hurt. A gloved hand, the best he could do, crept around hers and squeezed. His helmet gave a glance that told her he was smirking.

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"We should rent a movie when we're back, I think."

It was a quiet suggestion, almost conspiratorial, and he said little else. She was the one that usually picked, anyways.

Hopefully something that wasn't superhero themed-- he already got enough of that from Scramjet. Judging from the state of the guy in the ambulance, though, Rasmus doubted he'd have to pull any action-movie malarkey out of thin air for the day. It helped that John Doe-- well, now Mister Octavius-- didn't quite seem the villainous type. Whole thing was looking like some sort of super-screwup.

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"So... Octavius, right? That a first name or a last name?"

Scramjet called out on his approach, crossing his arms and standing a couple of feet away from the ambulance to give the guy his space.

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"Good evening to you. I am Special Agent Scramjet, this is Special Agent Basilica. We're with the Metahuman Incident Response Agency. Do you know where you are? Can you tell me what day it is, what year?"

Drake
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Yellowstone Wanderer Dec 15, 2021 8:11:06 GMT

Post by Drake on Dec 15, 2021 8:11:06 GMT

The coffee in wherever or, better, whenever he was didn't taste like the bleak tasteless dirt they tended to use to pretend they still had some semblance of civilization back on his future. It could very well be dirty water from the tap, nobody would be able to tell the difference. This, though? Delicious. That strong taste burning down your throat to give you some energy for a white collar job until lunch time. Luxury of a modern day life. Hell, if he had coffee half as good as this every day, he really couldn't ask for anything else. That and the nice, almost natural breeze caressing his balding head, the scent of flowers actually somewhat carried over by it rather than the all too common stench of decay he grew accustomed to. Otto could stare at the contrasting city skyline and verdant trees through the rest of his days and still be satisfied when time eventually came, it looked so bright, so lively. He sighed in relief, letting that air fill his nostrils, taking it in as much as he could, as if it was a timed event, a special sale.

Octavius's trance got interrupted halfway, yet another odd voice calling out his name abruptly, something quite weird to hear multiple times a day, especially surrounded by the authorities. Two new figures emerged past the insulated zone, younger than the previous officers no less, special unit, maybe? Or just some psych ward people, he wouldn't be surprised if that's what they called instead of hearing him out a bit. Still, an introduction was a rather pleasant way to start things off, hell, when every breathing thing not on your group usually resorts to attacking you first, it's a very welcome change. Especially coming from special agents, now that felt like straight from the old Blu-Rays. Although instead of some 007 shenanigan, they were dealing with some poor old guy that showed up naked in a national park. Kinda ironic how life went sometimes. "An only name." Otto shrugged, his tone rather calm and serious for someone so rugged, not carrying a single hint of negative emotions. "Call me Otto. Pleasure to meet y'all, Scramjet, Basilica." He nodded as he mentioned their names, offering a half-hearted smile, he couldn't really muster the energy to make it anything more.

"Well, from what I gather, this is Yellowstone. The good fellas already let me know it's 2021, now the right date beats me. Seems like nothing I can remember from 2021 didn't actually happen, now ain't that some crazy talk, kid?" Otto chuckled. "I can tell you what I told them, last thing I remember I was on the 31st century and now I'm here. They don't know how, I don't know how, so it's basically the cycle of who's crazy to who, y'know?"

Scramjet
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Yellowstone Wanderer Jan 1, 2022 16:31:18 GMT

Post by Scramjet on Jan 1, 2022 16:31:18 GMT

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Naked Guy was surprisingly amicable for a naked guy. It was nice to have a change of pace from the raving supervillains in metropolitan crisis centers, that was for sure. Rasmus had to give the guy credit-- Otto was certainly making strides in shattering the illusion that every person who showed up naked in a crater was some sort of villainous psychopath. Whether or not the guy was some other type of crazy, however, had yet to be proven-- especially given the straight-faced claim that he was from over a thousand years into the future. Scramjet gave a look back to his wife, who had been her usual amount of quiet for things like this.

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"Well-- I can assure you, it's not some sort of elaborate joke, sir. Believe me, the United States government isn't coordinated enough for something like that."

Rasmus nudged Sidar, at that, and gave a small glance her way before quickly glancing back to Otto. Guy could appreciate a little humor, hopefully.

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"It's 2021, as far as I know. Now, you said that this isn't the 2021 you remember, either-- so, I want to ask. What is the last thing you remember before waking up here? Guessing you just accidentally slip in the tub and end up a thousand years in the past."

He looked back at the crater, helmet tilting.

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"Hell of a fall, if you did."

Last Edit: Jan 1, 2022 16:31:23 GMT by Scramjet

Drake
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Yellowstone Wanderer Jan 1, 2022 17:32:23 GMT

Post by Drake on Jan 1, 2022 17:32:23 GMT

Having someone that didn't chat with him as if they were speaking to some snotty toddler was a nice change of pace for the last few hours, Otto could appreciate a proper talk between grown-ups, hell, he had to remind himself constantly there was no need to even lower his tone, there were no creatures possibly picking up their voices to track them down, an astonishing change of scenario if he could say so. Octavius opened a smile, chuckling a bit at Scramjet's well-humored remarks. It was reassuring to see young people not constantly devaastated by the lack of future... He wished they could have smiled often too."When has it ever been, huh?" Otto added humurously. "Still, this is organized enough for me. Working law enforcement, people on the streets, hell, even a proper government system. That's a first in all my years!"

Otto took another sip, finishing his second coffee of the day, before carefully placing the cup down and getting up to stretch his legs a bit. The transforming giant sighed deeply. "Yeah, that was probably a fall and a half, not gonna lie. Record-worthy crater, maybe a top 5 in my whole damn life. Don't even remember making the ground, though, and from what I gather ain't nobody seen any impact either." He affirmed, twirling his moustach thoughtfully, eyes wandering as far as they could, scanning the mark he had left, yet at the same time recording none information whatsoever. "Last thing I remember..." He mused, falling into silence.

He remembered them. His group, the ones he had lost to unspeakable monstrosities and the ones he had left behind, their faces always somber and serious, and yet he would never had though twice over sacrificing it all for their lives, if they could live for a single day more it was completely worth it. It was in his genes, after all, in those antique memories of his brethren that came before him, the concept of a hero. That was Gamma Mask, no? A hero.

He didn't feel like one now, though.

"I remember blowing up." He paused, eyes meeting the verdant grass beneath his feet. "Not me. A space station. Y'all have those, right? Where the top of the crop stays, watching over the humans they oughta protect. I hit ours pretty bad to finish up a monster. It blew. Here I am." He shrugged. "Here I am...."

Basilica
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Yellowstone Wanderer Jan 2, 2022 2:04:48 GMT

Post by Basilica on Jan 2, 2022 2:04:48 GMT

"Have you ever - done something like this before?" Basilica asked him, all business in contrast to her husband's jovial tone. Still, she smiled, slightly, at his joke, if only for a brief moment. She passed by the comment about satellites - there was no reason to tell this odd man that the majority of satellites in orbit were only for informational purposes, and that the only one she knew of that served the purpose he'd mentioned - a station for big-name heroes to watch the world below - had been decommissioned for the greater part of a year.

"The time travelling, I mean. You seem well-versed in the art of making craters, by your comments. Is this normal, for you? It isn't everyday someone shows up claiming to be from another millennium, and if this is going to become the new standard, we'd appreciate a bit of a warning to better prepare."

Drake
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Yellowstone Wanderer Jan 2, 2022 8:45:52 GMT

Post by Drake on Jan 2, 2022 8:45:52 GMT

"God, no. Never heard of any stragglers that up and left the world. Wouldn't say that's a thing for them invaders either." He paused, they clearly didn't know what invaders were, did they? Some government agency with enough influence to be called over for displacement events would have definitely heard of, well, basically end of the world scenarios, that's what his gut told him at least. "See, where I'm from - or when - there ain't no big unified human front. We became like them roaches scuttling about our own planet, try and not get killed by god knows what threat. So time travel? Trust me, if there's one thing you ain't gotta worry is about that. I guess I just..." He folded his arms, shaky hands tighly gripping the skin, eyes in a moist gleam. "I just lucked out..."

During all these years, Otto never truly had the time to stop, never had an interval where he could ponder what-ifs, there was always some trouble brewing in the distance, something to keep his damn mind busy. He might had been created as a weapon to enhance survival odds, but that did not mean he didn't develop far beyond a mindless city-sized brawler. The kindness of sharing rations, the struggle of losing one of your own, the rare good moments in a chaotic storm. It flashed through his mind now, not as a realization of some long-lost mystery, yet as fond memories. Memories of those who were... gone. Their dreams, their hopes, their lives, would they ever reach any of those? Would they ever be safe? Would they ever smile again?

He wouldn't know. He escaped that hellish nightmare. He left them behind. He came over to this one place, this single fraction of an endlessly woven thread of space-time continuum, where nothing of that mattered... Where her dreams of being a pianist could be true, if only for a moment. He arrived at the destination his friends and acquaintances had always been bewildered about, but when he crossed the line, he looked back and there was nobody.

Only him.

Octavius snuffled, wiping his eyes a bit. "Fuck..." He muttered, fighting his own mind to regain some semblance of composure. "Sorry, it's just..." Words didn't really come, the knot on his throat squeezed tighter by the second. "And... And it started back in 2014, too... This place just... It's what they dreamed of, y'know? What we dreamed off. And I am the only... The only one here. Why?" Otto glanced back at the two agents, tears rolling down his cheeks. "Out of everyone. Me. Why?!"

Scramjet
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Yellowstone Wanderer Jan 2, 2022 18:29:44 GMT

Post by Scramjet on Jan 2, 2022 18:29:44 GMT

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Scramjet listened to Otto describe the fascinatingly morbid details of his own alleged reality with a degree of skepticism. He was no stranger to outlandish happenings-- especially since joining MIRA-- but even this was too big a pill to swallow. People not only showing up from the future, but from a different reality? There were the incidents with the Society of Superheroes, sure, but those had to be embellishments. Right?

By the way Octavius was sniffling, Rasmus wasn't so sure. The guy was genuinely choked up, and it made him uncomfortable. Scramjet gave a glance over to his partner, eyebrow raised beneath the helmet-- his hidden concern communicated with a tilt of his head-- and shrugged.

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"Ah-- Octavius,"

Scramjet began, tone turning softer.

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"I wish I could tell you why, but until we better understand the situation and what caused this, I don't know. Nobody here knows. How much we learn is predicated on how much you tell us."

There wasn't much else he could say, really. Hard to comfort a man who got ripped from his own world and shoved into theirs. He couldn't even imagine what that would feel like, but even trying made him want to hold Sidar's hand. Rasmus gave a look off to the first responders and signaled for them to get the ambulance ready. It gave him another opportunity to idly observe the crater Otto had created.

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"You said you were on a space station? You might've fallen from orbit-- got ripped at the explosion, fell all the way to here."

Scramjet posited, looking back to the man.

[attr="style","display:inline;text-shadow:0px 0px 3px #b671c2;"]"What were you fighting up there?"

Last Edit: Jan 2, 2022 18:29:50 GMT by Scramjet

Drake
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Yellowstone Wanderer Jan 2, 2022 21:09:46 GMT

Post by Drake on Jan 2, 2022 21:09:46 GMT

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Sorry, it's just... A lot to take in. Way too much, in fact." He wiped his eyes, taking deep, paused breaths to recover himself, letting his mind focus on the now rather than on the past, lest he was to be dragged to an endless abyss of grievance and sorrow. Instead, he'd rather learn what he could, help them as he could, perhaps someday he could potentially rescue his own, no? Certainly every single realist would deem it impossible, but those were the words of people that worked with logic, heroes, however, worked with hope. And as long as a sliver of hope burnt inside his chest, it didn't matter how much carrying on pained him, he'd see it through to the very end, when they are all reunited.

"Sorry... You were asking about the space station, yeah?" Otto inhaled, still struggling with his own words. "I was carried up there by this large monstrosity, perhaps the word kaiju might be better at describing than I ever could. Some big, nasty freaks, carried me all the way up there, so I put all my strength in one last blow and hit the station. It had been abandoned for god knows how long and I just wanted to get it over with. After that, my ears go deaf, some blinding lights melt both me and that thing, and then it feels like I'm floating." Otto sighed. "Then I'm here. In the middle of a huge crater I don't even remember doing, in a place far from where and when I lived my life. That's... everything I can help you with, sorry."