Ryslig IC Contact

[terribibble]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, FIDDLEFORD HADRON MCGUCKET. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 011.23.581.321 *** teslacoils has joined 011.23.581.321 >> teslacoils has posted an AUDIO MESSAGE. If you wish to listen, type LISTEN01. <teslacoils> Lab hours are 10 AM to 6 PM Mon-Wed, 7 PM to 3 AM Thur-Fri, special appointments available. <teslacoils> I am no longer associated with the Fourth God. <teslacoils> But I will answer any questions you might have about him with the honest truth.

<teslacoils> - main username
<novus> <ordo> <seclorum> <fulcrum> - anonymous usernames
<hadron> <thamnophis> <4eyes> - retired usernames
pixel image by CJ Pythonmelon
voice work by Penny knittinggiantbeanies

Comments

<marco> May 1st or something

[peccatore]

I don't suppose you have any tips/tricks on knowing when you have memories missing.










Hi.

<hadron>

[terribibble]

Hi, Marco.

[What a way to start a conversation. Not that he can blame Marco for coming to him for this when he's probably the most qualified to help, but... yeesh.]

I do, as it happens, and I won't ask about why you're asking unless you feel like telling me.

[fourthmade]

He doesn't believe.

[The words are preceded by a burst of static from all nearby electronic devices, a jolt in the silence to get Fiddleford's attention. As the god speaks, the static continues, subdued, with his words layered on top.]

You have done much to spread My word and free these poor souls from her influence. But he still turns from the truth. My truth.

You know what must be done. Bring him to Me, and he will never doubt again.

[terribibble]

[What was that Shulk was saying about the Fourth never talking to his followers personally? The faint voice he heard when the latest group of humans began to arrive was one thing. This is quite another. This is focused, intent, personal.

There are plenty of electronic devices in his workshop, but the one he focuses on is the little robot he's been tooling around with since he first had that argument with Ford and needed a way to let off steam. Perhaps it's because it's the only one with a face. It feels the most natural.]

Him -- ?

[For a moment he thinks of Shulk, still, but he knows who the Fourth means. Anyone who read that post and the spectacular shitshow it turned into would know.]

Do you mean Stanford? That's... I'll do my level best, but you might be waitin' a while.

[He knows he's right about this, but changing Ford Pines' mind is like writing out all the digits of Pi by hand: theoretically doable but also difficult, exhausting, and something that takes almost more time than it's worth.]

<marco>

[peccatore]

I have something to show you.
:)

<hadron>

[terribibble]

O8:

What is it?

<crowed>

[crowedthedead]

so i see you ditched the hardon thing
but you know i gotta ask man

what are your intentions with my roommate?

<teslacoils>

[terribibble]

Hadron.

And well honestly I don't know yet. They're good, I can tell you that much.

[He knows it's a cop-out of an answer but, look. Look. It's not a lie.]

<shulk> pops this in here too while im on a roll

[engage_the_enemy]

[Sometimes he's too busy arguing on the network to realize he can use this thing to keep up with people. Time to use his long distance communication device to its fullest!]

hey Fiddleford. hope youre doing alright

you should let us know when you get your banjo back. maybe you could play a segment at the Triple T

[SHULK DON'T INVITE SNAKE DAD TO BOOTY MONSTER CLUB.]

<teslacoils>

[terribibble]

[NO DO HIS BOOTY IS NEARLY 40 FEET LONG THATS WHERE HE BELONGS]

Funny you should say that. You know that big storm over Vandare? That's the last thing I needed.

And you know you're not the first person to ask if I would play there?

[Betty came home!]

doing an Action in this here inbox no one can stop us

[peccatore]

[There's something to be said in favour of working at the McGucket Labs. It's a nice and cozy place and, most importantly, he gets to work with Fiddleford, which does wonders for his mood. Unfortunately, the change of airs doesn't seem to have restored Marco's old and familiar enthusiasm for work, but...

It's fine. He's still doing fine. Just because it doesn't feel as invigorating as it used to, that doesn't mean he doesn't like it now. He'll be fine. Like, he just finished a thing, even. When did he start it? Whatever, who cares, it is DONE.]

Hey, this one's done. I'm sending it over now.

[Thank god .txt files are simple enough for the network to handle.]

we break ALL the rules yolo

[terribibble]

Excellent. I'll give it a look-over.

[Sure, these computers don't really have very good options for coding, and he can't exactly run it to test for bugs until he actually transfers it over into Gregory's hard drive, but between him and Marco he's confident they can find most of the bugs long before they get to that step. What he's reading looks stellar to start out with, but the more he scrolls the more his mouth thins.

This is... concerning. It isn't the first time he's seen this particular quirk in Marco's work, either. Should he say something? He resolves to wait, at least until he's done reading. If he sees anything truly concerning, then he'll speak up this time.]

time for romantic halloween hangouts

[peccatore]

[Truth be told, even if Fiddleford hadn't invited him, Marco would have rushed to his side as soon as the man gave signs of life again. And indeed, instead of replying to the invitation in text, Marco runs straight to Fiddleford's basement instead.

It doesn't matter that they both contributed to the obelisk's destruction. It doesn't matter that it never could have come to fruition if it weren't for Fiddleford's engineering genius. The truth of the matter is that Fiddleford was killed in retaliation, and it's all Marco's fault.

Never mind the voices rising into a crescendo as he runs, his father still haunting him despite his ghost being gone and despite having been there since the ghost appeared and despite everything. As soon as Fiddleford opens the door for him, Marco throws himself into a tight, heartfelt hug.

And everything else seems more quiet already.]

[terribibble]

[Looks like they're both desperately in need of a hug right now. He squeezes Marco tight and his lights, which have been flickering fitfully since he came back to himself, begin to steady.]

M'sorry. You must've been worried sick.

<vincetsemper> backdated to right after the blob monster resolution

[ueteribus]

Are you well? I went to the lake but I have yet to see all of my friends I know were abducted in person.

I understand that you might not be feeling up to it but, for my own peace of mind, please get back to me as soon as you are able. Thank you.

<teslacoils>

[terribibble]

i'm not well no

but thank you for askin after me. i'm alive and my hair's growin back so that's somethin

[andthetombstones]

Congrats Fiddleford, you've been delivered a poorly wrapped Christmas present from Robbie. Mostly its a joke, but the rock polish and hair gel inside actually might be useful.

Santa drop x3

[idunnosurfing]

[On Christmas Eve, Fiddleford will find a package! Inside, carefully wrapped in plaid paper: a pair of wool socks, an ugly Christmas tie, and in its own box a very nice wristwatch.

There is a letter on top:

"I know you usually don't have feet and I don't want to imply you have bad time management but this is only my third holiday season that I have a dad to give presents to. I know dads like tools but I wasn't sure what you'd use, so I went with the socks. Maybe you can make them into handwarmers?

Thanks for everything.

Percy"]

<deadbabyjoke>

[thefuckingbeam]

hey so

ive been jerking off thinking about dudes for like a month




help

<teslacoils>

[terribibble]

oh good god

how do you expect me to help

<lamen>

[goldcuffed]

do you have a moment? i could use some help with the network. i know you are much more knowledgeable than i am.

<teslacoils>

[terribibble]

sure i do. what's your trouble?

[thefuckingbeam]

i feel like mana is getting a little personal

maybe im just being paranoid but seeing as how i asked her for a dog and she gave me a dildo i dont think so

[terribibble]

yknow i always like to give her the benefit of the doubt when it seems like she's made a mistake but there's no possible way that wasn't on purpose

unless she is incredibly hard of hearin which might explain a few things

>>SEAWEEDBRAIN has posted an audio message

[idunnosurfing]

[At least Percy doesn't have to worry about whether or not Fiddleford will care about his bisexuality--not that he'd really thought Korra would, either, but he hadn't been 100% sure, and that little sliver of doubt had been enough to make his hands shake when he asked her to make cookies with him. This, though, is easier, even if he's still not quite at the point where he can sit within six feet of his computer without his skin crawling.

So he sits on his bed with the computer on the other side of the room, and records with his voice. For now, it's working fine, and he finds himself appreciating the fact that he's gotten some practice in using it since he's been here. When he speaks, his voice comes out light and easy-going, more than he can remember it sounding in months.]

Hey, Dad! I have a question slash favor to ask you. It's about the whole, you know, not-straight thing. Basically, I'm thinking of starting up a support group, kind of like the one I had at my high school back home, and--[He suddenly finds himself feeling a little shy, although he manages to push past it.] Well. I was wondering if you'd maybe consider being our advisor.

Anyway, let me know. Hope you're doing okay.

[audio forever]

[terribibble]

[It's still a little weird to hear Percy call him 'Dad'. Not weird in a bad way, mind you, but weird in that way where it's still very real and very personal and it catches his ear more than, say, being called by his name would. Especially given what he saw in Percy's virtual world. Especially given that.]

Well that's -- that's not a bad idea. But wouldn't you want someone a little more experienced with this sort of thing?

[Not that he's not flattered, mind, but he's barely comfortable being Not Straight himself.]

< hello >

[ufufufufu]

What a pleasant message.
I like it.
I also like your name.
It's wonderful.
I have a proposition for you.
Are you interested?
I am Tenkai.
A humble monk with a big dream~

<teslacoils>

[terribibble]

well seems to me i need to know what your proposition is
before i can tell you whether i'm interested or not, i mean.

<deadbabyjoke>

[thefuckingbeam]

ok i came here to say something nice but i just have to derail that for a second and say what the FUCK man

i cant believe you would personally call me out and attack me like that in your voicemail

<teslacoils>

[terribibble]

well

bein very fair you weren't anywhere near the only person to make fun of my old username

you were just the first.

< snakepunhere > [ PRIVATE ] fuck it

[manuscripture]

Not that I want to help you or anything but it sounds like you weren't aware of a few things shitting up your cult.

[terribibble]

I assure you I was not. If I'd known I would have tried to stop him joining in the first place.

It is not a cult.

<deadbabyjoke>

[thefuckingbeam]

fiddleford you are not gonna fucking believe what happened yesterday
my wife showed up
my WIFE
my wife and our friend roland

i can't fuckin believe it
you gotta meet her youre gonna love her

[terribibble]

really? that's just great

not that they're here i mean and are goin to have to deal with this place but that you get to be with them again

[Not that Eddie couldn't infer that, probably, but he feels the need to clarify all the same. It's never really good to see someone you know in Ryslig.]

i'm sure i'll like her

<whichdoctor>

[getmeoutofthedraft]

I was going to ask you about bacon, but honestly I'm not sure where I stand on accepting bacon from someone whose default greeting is the text equivalent of standing on the doorstep asking if I've accepted Jesus as my personal lord and saviour.

So. New question.

Can I talk to this Fourth God guy?

[terribibble]

sure you can. i've found it's easiest if you're near a radio or a television because he most often speaks through those but if you address somethin to him it's likely he'll hear it no matter where you are.

why were you goin to ask me about bacon though

<SpunkyDragon>

[lowsteaks]

You owe me, McGucket.

[terribibble]

[It takes him a moment, but he's seen her username around. He can make a guess at who this is.]

i dont know about that. i'd say we're even now that it's all put right.

<WRENCH>

[wrenchinald]

SOME

BODY ONCE TOLD ME

you have some tools and shit and I have a mask with some shitty corroded circuits and it won't DISPLAY SHIT like it's SUPPOSED TO and it's kinda PISSING ME OFF.

I don't need help with the actual repairs or anything, just some SHIT I can use to FIX MY SHIT. I can totally pay you for it.

[terribibble]

[Oh god don't meme at this dad he is like two decades too early to know All Star be gentle]

uh

well now that my workshop's all cleared up i don't see the harm i suppose

<Dr.Strangeglove> April 13ish??

[sixfingerednerd]

[Hahaha so this is definitely not a message Ford has been agonizing over for literal days or anything.]

Fiddleford, I swear I'm not going to make a habit of contacting you out of the blue, but something's come up recently and I'd appreciate it if you could clear the air for me.

A young woman on the network claims you attacked and killed her for seemingly no reason. Now, I don't know the girl so I have no reason to take her at her word, but an accusation like that doesn't just come from out of nowhere.

Did something happen between you two? I can't imagine anyone would want to slander your name just for kicks.

[terribibble]

it wasn't for no reason. she corrupted my place of business. or at least i'm about 98% sure she did considerin it cleared up after she died.

anyway she ripped my head off so i'd say we're square

this comes in at like 5 fucking AM or something

[peccatore]

Im so tired

[terribibble]

lord i know

i know we dont need to sleep anymore but im startin to wish i could

A CARD delivered at some point on 4/23 probably by Marco??

[maskinglayer]

[So this card is an apology card. Simple card stock folded in half, with a really lovely illustration of a snake on the front of it. Curled up, sitting on a log, done in water colors and amazingly detailed. It could be a professionally done card if it wasn't obvious that it wasn't printed but done by hand.

Inside the card there are similar illustrations, though these are only colored and shaded with pencil. Snakes doing various cute snake things that they probably do (at least he assumes they sun bathe and curl up around branches and hang upside down), again all very well drawn. So it's probably weird that the writing in it is very very childish.

I want to say I'm sorry for killing you Snake-san. Mitsuhide-san said that you were a conduit, and I really wanted to kill you so that everything could get better. But you aren't one, so I'm sorry. I'm sorry I took your card too. Marco-san said his was really important, so yours is probably really important too right? So I'm giving it back! Thank you for giving me your skin and rattle though, I used those for some really cool stuff. Your scales are really cool to look at! Oh, and your rattle still made noise when you shake it, even after it was cut off, so you were right!

-Kemuri Jataro

Though before any of this, after opening the card, he may notice his keycard first. It's taped to the inside, in no worse condition than when he took it from the man.]

[terribibble]

[what the fuck that's cute

that shouldn't be cute]

shortly after changes waVES HANDS

[peccatore]

[It's time for a scenario that has probably gone down a few times before in the McGucket-Evangelisti household.

Marco comes home and closes the door behind him. Marco contemplates the events of the day. Marco heads into the living room, mumbles -]

I'm so... I'm so tired.

[- and then he falls face first onto Fiddleford's tail. And okay, then he turns himself around a little just so his nose isn't jabbed right into his boyfriend's flesh.]

[terribibble]

[Ah. Fiddleford takes a moment to turn the sitcom on the television down -- it's just a rerun anyway -- before casually sliding a loop of his tail over Marco's middle. He could get out from under it if he wanted, but it's only meant in much the same way as someone might put a reassuring hand on another's shoulder.]

Anythin' I can do or do you need to just stay there for a bit?

[Marco can't sleep, exactly, but if he wants to take a little doze on Fiddleford's coils that'd be just fine.]