sixthiterationlogs | OTA - First Things First

Entry tags:

OTA - First Things First

WHO: Steve McGarrett and YOU
WHERE: Fountain, Forest, Village (behind and in between buildings)
WHEN: September 3rd
OPEN TO: All
SCRUB COLOR: Hunter Green
WARNINGS: None to start
STATUS: Open

[ Fountain ]

Coming to, Steve knows instantly that he’s underwater. Fighting the upwards momentum, he opens his eyes and tries to get some idea of what the hell is going on. All he sees is darkness with light shining down from above. He knows which way to go and after confirming he’s alone without any detectible threat in the water he kicks up.

Slowing just before surfacing, he eases his eyes and nose above the water with barely a splash. SEAL training coming in especially helpful at the moment. He scans his surroundings, only to find that nothing looks familiar.

The last he remembered was taking Wo Fat prisoner and flying a chopper from an island not far off Hawaii. They’d been over the pacific, he remembers that, but then nothing until coming to in the water. Had someone shot them down? The chances of him landing in the fountain he found himself in was extremely slim, but it is possible someone attempted to dispose of him there. The landscape doesn’t look familiar and he doesn’t think he’s on the islands anymore. Which makes him wonder how long he’s been out and where exactly he is.

But first things first. Easing up high enough to see over the edge of the fountain, he sees what looks to be... a park?

[ Forest ]

Out of the fountain, he makes quick work of getting some distance between him and it. It’s not till he has some cover in the trees does he notice what he’s wearing. It strikes him odd to find himself in scrubs and instantly he misses his cargo pants and everything he normally keeps in his pockets. What he misses most though is a weapon.

Taking inventory of what he has in the backpack, he decides against changing at the moment. Changing may help him fit into whatever mess he’s found himself in, but until he has more intel he’ll stay as he is. Instead he removes only one sock from the backpack and with a quick look around him he picks up a rock about the size of his fist and slips it into the sock. Not a great weapon, but it’s better than nothing until he has time to either acquire some or make something better.

With the backpack secured to his back, he carefully scouts out the forest staying as concealed as possible while also gathering as much information as he can. As he moves through he does some light tracking of any animal trails that he might find as well as notes any vegetation that could be useful for food, weapons, tools or anything else he may need. He may not need any of it, and doesn’t waste time lingering, but if he needs it later he’ll know where to find it.

[ Village ]

Once he ventures out far enough from the fountain, he sees the buildings. With the fountain he had figured there was a settlement of some sort not far off and now that he finds it, he’s curious to see what he’s up against. Attempting to keep as concealed as possible, he peaks into windows and around corners.

The town isn’t what he was expecting and he’s still confused about where he is and why. His leading theory is that Wo Fat somehow managed to get the upper hand, knock him out and brought him here, but seeing the village and the people walking around without weapons he realizes that doesn’t seem likely either.

After watching for a bit he slips his ‘rock-in-a-sock’ into his backpack and ventures in closer. He can only find out so much information by remaining hidden and so far he’s not detected a specific threat. Still, he came to by almost drowning in the fountain and as far as he knows, any one of these people could have tossed him there... Along with a backpack with three days worth of clothing. Whoever put him in the fountain hadn't expected him to die there. So, he’s ready for anything.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Steve is aware that there is someone in the forest with him, although he has no idea who it might be or why they are there. From the situation he came from just before here, he's in SEAL mode. The Yakuza could be all over this forest and as far as Steve's knows, the person hiding could be one of them. Or Wo Fat, just waiting to get the upper hand. He still doesn't know how he got here, or why he was in the fountain. With the information he has being inconclusive, he's prepared for the worst.

'Rock-in-the-sock' ready just in case, he continues to move forward. It's not the best weapon but it can still do some damage in the right hands.

It's the slow movement of the person getting to his feet that has Steve holding off from attacking. If someone was set to attack him, he expects them to do it suddenly and with speed in order to utilize the element of surprise. When he sees raised hands, Steve eases off his attack mode and takes a step back. Eyes sweeping over the man, he notes that he's not armed.

"Is it that easy to tell?" He asks in return instead of answering the question. Then he looks around quickly without his eyes really leaving Major. "Why are you hiding in the bushes?"

Major knows when he's just dodged a bullet - literal or otherwise - and he's aware of the fact that he just did so. The shift in posture and tension in the stranger's body is proof enough of that, and Major can't help but let out a little sigh of relief. He can take down a thug or two, he's done it before, but this guy ... looks trained. Skilled. Like he'd maybe been in some branch of the military for an extended period of time. Major hadn't had the chance to go all that far in his mercenary training, so he'd be like a wet noodle against a katana if it came down to it.

Okay, maybe slightly better than a wet noodle.

Like ... an uncooked noodle.

Major gestures to the man's sopping wet scrubs as his answer before adding:

"Everyone wakes up in the fountain. Unless someone's figured out how to have a water balloon fight, being soaked from head-to-toe is usually a pretty good indicator that you've just gotten here." At the mention of the bushes, he glances down at them as though he might find an answer hidden in their branches before letting out a laugh. "Honestly?" he starts, looking back to the guy, "I was admiring a family of chipmunks. I'm supposed to be hunting or something, but I can't really bring myself to kill most of the wildlife here. I turn all like, Bob Ross with happy little trees and their friends when I'm out here."

"Everyone?" Right now, that's an undefined term for Steve and he's not sure if 'everyone' actually means 'everyone' or if it was more of an expression, not meant to be literal. "How many is everyone?"

At the mention of the chipmunks, Steve frowns at Major. The confusion grows a bit more at the name, it's not one Steve recognizes or knows, but then pop culture is not his strong suit. The overall meaning of what Major is trying to say though is clear and the frown changes to a slightly amused eyebrow raise. "I hope there is someone else doing the hunting then, or you're going to starve."

Major's casual demeanor appears to have a relaxing effect on Steve. He's still ready to go on the defensive, and then offensive, should anyone or anything suddenly attack, but his stance has become more relaxed and at ease. Not only does Major not come off as a threat, the other man likely wouldn't have been watching the chipmunks if there was a threat nearby.

"You mentioned that everyone arrives the same way... Any idea as to why we're here? Or how we got into the fountain?"

"Yeah, everyone .. Oh, uh .." Major glances off as he tries to quickly add up the people he either knows, has spoken to, or has seen around the village, but he can't quite give it a specific number. He glances back to the man with a slightly sheepish shrug and offers up, "I know it's more than ten, but probably less than 50? I haven't been here all that long, and I haven't met everyone in the village, but I'm almost always out and about, so I've at least seen most people, I think." He taps the tip of his tongue to the ridge of the roof of his mouth behind his teeth, debating whether to get into the whole 'people randomly disappear' thing, but given that the guy was ready to throat-chop him, he figures maybe it's best to leave that for a little later.

"Yeah, I'm .. I'm not the hunter of the group," he laughs, "Definitely more of the forager. Or the brute strength. I'm more inclined to help raise a barn or something than I am to go out and take down some critter, scurrying through the forest. Though I've gotten better at fishing and collecting stuff from traps. I just .. bring them to the Inn while they're still alive. I can't quite bring myself to do The Dirty Work yet." He glances around like he might catch a fleeting glimpse of aforementioned chipmunks, but they've all run away by now.

".. No, and .. no. I asked the same questions myself when I arrived, but no one really has an answer. There aren't enough similarities in people or events prior to arrival to come up with a solid answer. It all seems .. pretty at-random, though everyone's pretty much agreed on the fact that there are like, Unseen People who brought us here in the first place? They make weird crap happen from time to time, but we don't know anything more about them." He looks up to the sky overhead. "And they're probably listening to me talk about them now, so if I randomly get smote - smited? smoted? - you know why."

Over ten and less than fifty... Not large enough to be noticed in any large population area and from the way it sounds, people aren't taken from the same locations or profiles, making it even more difficult to spot a pattern. Making the chances of his team being able to track what happened to him and help facilitate any escape from the outside remote at best. At the same time, what purpose is there to kidnap between ten to fifty random people? With the set-up he's so seen so far, this seems rather elaborate for such a small number.

"Is there a reason that you have to get better at doing that kind of thing?" Steve asks with a curious tilt of his head. "Are there that few who are comfortable with hunting for their food...?" With the numbers given he would have suspected there'd be enough willing to hunt and slaughter the animals that those uncomfortable with doing so wouldn't need to be concerned with such tasks. "Those who have brought us here I take it then don't provide all that much then?"

Steve follows Major's look up to the sky. "Does that kind of thing happen here? Being individually targeted?" Head still facing up, his eyes move to look back at Major first before his head follows and he frowns. "What kind of 'weird crap'?"

"Uh, I mean, there aren't any supermarkets or Whole Foods or whatever that you can just go get your food from. So it's all a matter of getting your own food. Don't get me wrong, people share - the other villagers give surplus to be shared and there's always something cooking at the Inn, which is located in the center of the town, by the fountain you arrived in. But it's kind of a group effort thing, you know? Where someone like me might not be great at hunting but is good at building, someone else might be bad at building but better at hunting. There's a certain .. camaraderie in the village amongst all the folks. That's my impression, at least." Major kind of squints as though debating whether to share the next bit of information before he decides to reveal it. "Everyone here is from .. like .. different time periods. I met the daughter of some Pope when I arrived, from like .. I don't know, the 1500s? People are from all over and all different times. So I'd venture to say that a lot of the more modern folks, like this idiot," he points to himself, "didn't really grow up in a time where we had to go out and get our own food beyond the aisles of a supermarket." He shakes his head. "Not really. Sometimes you get random gift boxes that show up on your porch, but otherwise .. not really."

Major scratches at the spot behind his ear before glancing down at the dirt and kicking around a pebble with the toe of his shoe.

"I haven't been here for all that long, but I've heard stories of people who have been. Earthquakes, lightning storms, fireflies that sting and cause fever and hallucinations. You name it, it's probably happened in some capacity."

It's almost a relief to hear that is how the village works, that people trade off and work together. Things would be much easier if everyone worked together as more of a community. He nods in approval at Major's perception of how things are.

"The 1500's? That's..." The features on his face pinch as he tries to comprehend that. "How does that work? Was she able to speak English?" Wouldn't the daughter of a Pope speak Italian... Steve's knowledge of religion wasn't extensive, and religion of that era even less so, but did Popes even have daughters? The last was irrelevant so he doesn't bother to voice that question, at least for now. There was too many other, more pressing, conversations to have at the moment.

"When are you from? I'm from 2012. Hawaii." He offers Major a smile. "Supermarket or stopping by the local fast food is much easier than living off the land, I agree, but as long as there is something to hunt and vegetation we can eat at least we won't starve." Although it was disappointing to hear that they weren't getting much assistance. That being said, Steve didn't mind living off the land, he was more than capable of doing so for extended periods of time. He even enjoyed heading off into the forest to go camping with nothing more than a knife and the clothes on his back. This would be much the same as that, but with others to interact with and help out for an indefinite period of time... Assuming he didn't find a way to escape first.

Steve mulled over what Major said about what was known to happen here. "Any stories on people finding a way to escape?"

"You'd .. figure, right? I'm not really sure how it works, but the positive thing is that no one gets how it works. So if you aren't quite able to wrap your head around it, don't feel bad; you aren't the only one. I think that everyone sorta reaches this point eventually, where you stop questioning everything because there aren't any answers, and it takes up so much energy trying to find those non-existent answers, you know?" In truth, Major knows probably less than Steve about religions and whatnot, so his non-answer is about as good as it's going to get on that topic.

"Close. 2016, Portland. I'd insert something about Hawaii always seemed gorgeous, and I'd always wanted to visit - which is all true - but it feels kinda trite, given the circumstances. We'll just pretend we had that sorta small talk," Major laughs. "Then you're the guy I'm gonna have to stalk on a daily basis, because I will definitely be the guy who eats the wrong plant or mushroom or whatever and get poisoned and/or die. So whenever you're settled, if you feel like teaching me stuff, that'd be awesome; I'd really appreciate it. But no worries if you'd rather not." Major's tone and expression are one of complete amiability; he means everything he's saying.

"Yeah, a few. But .. all unsuccessful. I heard that - and I know how this is gonna sound, but I'm gonna say it anyway - I heard that the geography of the place changes. Like, you could go out to the northern wall and map out bushes and rock formations and whatever, and I could go myself a few minutes later and find the layout completely changed. It .. makes finding an escape pretty impossible."

Steve's never really been the type to let go of things he doesn't understand easily. It's his belief that the best defense is a knowledgeable one, along with being able to adapt quickly and keeping your skills sharp. At the same time, he realizes that answers aren't going to be found by questioning those who don't know. It's possible answers can't be known at all from this vantage point and he's not about to become blinded by that either. Which is basically the same thing Major has said but came at from a slightly different angle. In the end, Steve can nod in acceptance and understanding.

Chuckling with Major, Steve nods again in agreement, thankful that type of small talk can be foregone. He's not the greatest at it to begin with. "That's not a problem at all. I'm happy to teach you what I know." There's no indication that this would be a hardship or inconvenience for him in any way, he truly is happy to share his knowledge. "I'm willing to take care of your hunting and preparation of the animal as well for you, should you need it." Although he expects Major may already have that set up, but it's a casual offer to be taken or passed on, Steve's not really concerned either way. "How are you for cooking?" It's not asked in a way of looking for a trade but out of actual interest, because while Steve can hunt and can cook the meat over a fire, his cooking skills are fairly rudimentary.

He frowns at hearing the geography changes. That is not normal and his initial facial reaction is disbelief even if he doesn't voice it. "Yet, I'm guessing at the same time, certain things stay the same? Like the fountain I'm assuming stays in the same general area, along with any traps and the location of town..." That could certainly complicate matters. Still being so very new, he has to wonder if the inhabitants are being drugged or toyed with somehow more than landscape actually changing. The problem though is if they are, it's likely in the water supply or the air - a necessity that they can't live without or easily change.

"Oh, that'd .. that'd be great, too. I mean, there are some folks around the village who offer up those services because they've either learned them or brought them with them from wherever they came from before, and the Inn usually has at least one person who can assist, but it's also good to have a couple of people on the roster for that ability. Especially for a guy like me who feels terrible at the idea of having to hook a worm in order to fish," Major says, making a slight face at the thought of it. Damn Major's big, over-empathetic heart! "You're in luck, because I happen to be great at cooking - meat, at least. Of course, it's been a .. learning process, with what we have and don't have here, but I think I've gained enough XP to be considered at least a Level 10 at the art of cooking. I'm really good at stews and roasts, so I'd be happy to return the favor of the butchering for some feeding."

Major's still perfecting what he knows in terms of cooking and how to adapt to what's available (or not available, like a Crock Pot), but he's done a decent job of it. He'd probably be even better at it if he could hunt with some regularity, but of course .. the over-empathetic heart gets in the way of that.

"Yes, exactly. The fountain, as far as I know, has never moved. The Inn stays in the same spot. As do the houses and general structures that are around. But the foliage and rocks and stuff, those things seem to move." He shrugs sheepishly. "I know, man. I know how it sounds, and I normally wouldn't have admitted any of this once upon a time, but .. there's no point in holding stuff back from you."

"Sounds like we'll have a good combination then," Steve says with a smile. It's likely he'll learn to cook better with time and a bit of effort but at the same time he's more than happy to make such arrangements with others too. Although he hates to actually see it as an arrangement. He won't be taken advantage of, but he's not keeping score either. "I've not encountered the Inn yet, but once I get settled I'm happy to help out in any way that I can." If he had to, he'd work and survive just fine on his own, but he likes the idea of a community better.

"Wait, did you say there is a place to fish?" While he does enjoy fish, it's more that where there's enough fish for eating purposes it also means there is a body of water and the water is Steve's natural element. It's where he prefers to get his exercise and if the fish are edible, than there will be other things in and around the water that he will be able to make use of as well.

Steve smiles at Major with a small head shake. "Nah, I appreciate being told. Seriously. It's not what I'm used to and honestly I'm having a bit of hard time believing it, but... Then again, here I am and that doesn't make any sense either."

"Ah, the Inn. Yeah, it's a good spot to know. It's like, right near the fountain where you arrived. The big, wooden building. There are rooms there that people stay in, a kitchen, the pantry, a fireplace. It's a nice place to be, if you don't wanna hole yourself up in your cabin for too long. I'd love to be able to go for a drive down some long stretch of highway, preferably in a somewhat decent car," unlike the beat up Oldsmobile he drove back in Seattle, "but since I can't do that, going on a long hike around the village and spending some time at the Inn's kinda a nice substitute. Sorta." Not really, but it was the best he could get here.

"Uhh, yeah." Major fiddles with his earlobe as he thinks. "There's a river that runs through the town, from, uh. North to south, I think? Sorry, I'm not great at directions, but I'm pretty sure it's north to south." He points in a direction. "It's in the south .. uh. Eastish? of the village, I'm pretty sure. I can show you how to get there better than I can give random directions," he admits with a laugh. "There's also a hot spring that's that way," he points towards the south, "And a waterfall that's that way, where the river starts," he points north. A second later he snaps as he remembers: "There's a second village, too. It has a .. lake or an ocean or something, we aren't really sure. But it's saltwater. You have to go through the opening in the canyon wall to get to the other village." Major hasn't spent a whole lot of time over on the other side of the canyon, though he'd gone exploring on a few occasions.

"Yeah, that feeling doesn't really ever go away, I don't think. Or it hasn't for me. I still kinda feel like I'm in the Matrix."

"The Inn... Now that you describe it," he nods with confidence, "I know the building you mean. It does sound nice." Although right now it's not the type of place he wants to get too comfortable in. Steve's thoughts are still geared more to finding a way out than settling in and relaxing. Not that he doesn't want the information, as far as he's concerned all information is useful and while he's hoping to escape from this place soon, if that's not in the cards than the Inn might be exactly what Steve needs. Staying at a public place though does leave him with some concerns. It wasn't that long ago he was tortured and while he's managing just fine with that, there are times he finds himself a bit too jumpy to be around many strangers - usually after a bad night of nightmares. But then, Major may have just mentioned the solution to that. "And you mentioned cabins... How does that work getting assigned to one?"

Watching Major point and call out directions make Steve smile. Not in a teasing way, but he appreciates the man trying and the pointing gives him the details he needs to know. "With not having any idea where we are, directions might not mean anything anyway, but you've given me a good idea what to look for and where. Thank you." At the mention of a lake or ocean Steve visibly brightens. "Really? Any chance there are boats over there? It could be a possible way out of here." He's sure others have thought of that but it can't hurt to ask.

"The Matrix...?" Steve shakes his head not sure what Major is referencing. He is from a world that has the movie, but Steve is so far out of pop culture that he's never heard of it. Danny and Grace had started introducing him to movies over the past couple of years but most of those have either been Disney or more recent blockbuster adventure, not so much sci-fi from over a decade ago for him. Now if Major mentioned Die Hard or anything big prior to 1992, Steve would likely know those.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

OTA - First Things First

forest

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject