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Sylanwood, Tarrabria: Science Field BOE, Time: 11:00 AM
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Meanwhile, in Tarrabria, everyone was setting up stalls and tents to sell their products to any tourists visiting the festival. In the science department, a large white tent was being arranged.
"Okay, lower..." Harry instructed as the drones lowered down the giant mech he was working on.
"Lower..." Harry closed his eyes; he was afraid that his finest creation would crumble to dust if it landed incorrectly before being safely placed down on the platform.
"Oh, phew! That was close..." Harry then put his hand on his wrist to admire his masterpiece.
"Looking stunning, dear!" Kristen yelled out, checking on everyone to ensure their stalls and equipment were working properly.
Dorothy said, "I feel like this is just a science fair for tourists..." She carried boxes for her stall.
"Oh, live a little, dear! We aren't just typical science; we are advanced science," Kristen stated, her star glasses sparkling.
"I am not even gonna question this...god, this is heavy." Dorothy moved sluggishly to her stall, looking like she might collapse at any moment.
Kristen enjoyed how the place was looking. Barbara contained the radioactive matter inside a glass cube since they couldn't bring the small nuclear reactor into the tent.
"Trevor! Make sure not to spill the water everywhere, alright?" Kristen told the bald man, and he turned back to her with an okay hand.
Kristen decided to check up on her most promising employee, Lucy. Lucy was overseeing the eldritch she decided to bring – a massive radioactive chicken and a siren.
"It seems you are doing well, dear!" Kristen commented, getting Lucy's attention.
Lucy sighed before deciding to play along, "Of course, Director. They seem to be cooperating with me."
Lucy puts on a polite smile as Director Kristen approaches to check on her Eldritch specimens, but inside Lucy is feeling frazzled trying to wrangle these unruly creatures alone.
The massive radioactive chicken clucks and pecks irritably at the energy cage Lucy had to force it into for safe transport. Meanwhile, the siren blinks her inky eyes and starts softly crooning an eerie yet strangely compelling melody.
Lucy resists the allure of that hypnotic song with effort. These two may yield fascinating arcane data, but handling a powerful Eldritch solo is draining work.
"I don't suppose I could convince you to lend me an intern or two?" Lucy asks Kristen hopefully. "Just to help monitor energy levels and take notes while I focus on engaging full specimens."
She knows many of the facility's junior researchers would leap at the opportunity to directly work under Lucy's guidance. And an extra pair of hands would make managing these volatile beings far less exhausting.
Kristen purses her lips thoughtfully then smiles. "I think that's an excellent notion! We want our most acclaimed lead researcher at peak performance."
She taps the gemstone clasp on her coat, sending a summoning glow. Moments later two young researchers - a nervous lizardfolk and an eager tiefling - appear, awaiting instructions.
"Juniper, Elora - you are assigned to assist Dr Pyrite for the festival duration," Kristen decrees. "Do take thorough notes on her specimen interactions. Dismissed!"
As Kristen sweeps away, Lucy greets her new helpers. "Excellent, let's get you oriented. Elora, kindly tells our melody-maker to tone it down..." The next few days may prove enjoyable with such fresh young minds to mold.
Lucy was bored a little but she needed to keep this up for a while, "Wonder where's Sugar?" She pondered to herself.
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Sylanwood, The Train, Time: 11:25 AM
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On the train, James and company were spending their time relaxing in their room. They had a cozy space, allowing a maximum of four people, which was quite convenient.
"It's kinda cozy in here," Mianne stated, sipping on some tea they had ordered on the train.
"Well, this is our first train ride," Ace smiled as he watched James gaze at the scenery outside the moving train.
"It's truly tranquil in these moments," Ezra commented, digging into the chicken steak he had just ordered.
"Wait, you already ordered lunch?" James caught a whiff of the scent of Ezra's food, looking surprised.
"You mean you didn't know we could get food on this train?" Ezra asked, understanding James's surprise.
"Yeah! I need to go get something right now! Mianne, come with me!" James enthusiastically dragged Mianne along with him.
"Well, here I go again, bye!" Mianne waved as she was pulled away, leaving Ace to realize that he needed a meal too.
"Hey! Wait, grab me some garlic bread while you're at it!" Ace yelled out into the hallway, but his words fell on deaf ears as James and Mianne had already disappeared.
"Ah, dammit," Ace muttered before settling back into his seat, grumbling.
"You know, you could just follow them, right?" Ezra suggested, slicing the chicken steak into smaller pieces for easier eating.
"Eh, don't feel like it," Ace stated before deciding to look out the window.
"Suit yourself, I guess..." Ezra decided that eating was his priority.
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Sylanwood, The Train: Dining Car, Time: 11:50 AM
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James eagerly led Mianne down the corridor of the train, weaving around other passengers as he sniffed the air for the dining car. The savory scents of roasted meats, baked goods, and simmering soups mingled in the air, making his stomach growl.
"I can't believe we didn't know there was food on this thing," James said. "It smells incredible!"
Mianne smiled, allowing herself to be towed along by her enthusiastic friend. "I know, I'm getting pretty hungry too. I wonder what kinds of dishes they have here. Something smells kind of spicy and delicious."
As they reached the dining car, a smartly dressed attendant greeted them. "Welcome! Please have a seat anywhere you'd like and look at our menu. We have a nice selection of regional specialties available."
James and Mianne settled into a small table by the window. As the train click-clacked over the tracks, they peered at the menu full of tasty descriptions. Grilled vegetable paninis, hearty bean and sausage stew, and even chocolate lava cake were available.
"Wow, way more gourmet than I expected!" Mianne said. "I think I'll try that pepper chicken. What about you?"
James frowned in concentration at the menu. "Hmm...maybe the braised lamb shanks. And some garlic bread for Ace! But man, it all looks so good. We might have to order one of everything!"
Mianne laughed. "Well, the trip is long. Plenty of time to try it all!" She raised her hand to call the attendant back over. This dining car ride was going to be delicious.
While James and Mianne were waiting for their food, James spotted someone familiar placing an order.
"Is that..." James excused himself for a moment, leading Mianne to believe he needed to use the bathroom.
"What do you mean you ran out of alcohol? Did people on this train drink that much?" A man with familiar blue hair inquired, while the waiters apologized profusely.
"I'm so sorry, sir! It seems the wine cargo has faced delayed shipping for this trip. Apparently, someone blew up the entire base..." she explained, and the man appeared disappointed but understanding.
"Alright, fair enough. May I get some veggie drink then?" He requested, and the waiter nodded, proceeding to prepare the veggie drink.
"Mr. Goda?" James addressed as Goda turned around, a little spooked.
"Ah, hello James! Fancy seeing you here!" Goda waved his hand, not expecting James to show up here so early.
"Are you going to The Culture Festival as well?" James asked, his eyes starting to sparkle at the prospect of acquiring some unique wares.
"Of course. A merchant never stops his sell, as they always say," Goda stated, offering James a taste of the stacked veggie drink.
James noticed another person with Goda – it was November, muttering to herself, "Don't look in my direction, Don't look in my direction. Oh my god, he's staring at me."
"Who is she, Mr. Goda? Is she your friend?" James inquired, observing her apparent nervousness.
"Oh, this is uh..." Goda pondered for a second, "December! Right! She's December." November's nerves finally calmed down as she decided to play along.
"She's a teacher for a school, and I'm bringing her along for a school field trip!" Goda explained, with December nodding very fast in agreement.
"Oh! I see!" James finally understood before deciding to ask another question.
James rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he regarded Goda and the woman he had introduced as December. Something seemed a bit odd about their story, but James decided not to pry further.
"A school field trip to the Culture Festival, that sounds really fun!" James said. "I'm sure the students will see and experience many new things."
Goda laughed nervously. "Yes, exactly! Should be very educational." He put his arm around December in an overly familiar way.
December glared at him but quickly smoothed her features into a polite smile. "Yes, I'm taking my class to study different cultural customs. This festival is the perfect place."
"Well that's great," James said. He noticed Goda seemed fidgety and distracted as he kept looking around the train car. "Uh, is something wrong, Mr. Goda? You seem kind of anxious."
"What? No, no, I'm fine!" Goda plastered a grin on his face. He leaned in and lowered his voice. "Actually, between you and me, I'm running a bit low on wares to sell at the market. Spent too much restocking my wine selection. Bad business move with this shipping delay!"
Goda sighed. "So I might need to pick up some inventory when we arrive to replenish. Please keep this between us - I have my merchant reputation to maintain!" He gave a pleading smile.
James was slightly confused by the odd pair but gave a reassuring nod. "No problem, Mr. Goda. Your secret is safe with me! I should get back to my friend now. Enjoy the veggie drinks!"
As James returned to Mianne, he made a mental note to keep an eye out for any good wares for Goda at the market. It was only right to help a merchant in need.
"Alright, you should pocket me more money, Professor, since I saved your ass," November stated, watching Sugar slump onto the stool.
"No, no more money from me. Not extracting any more from my bank," Sugar declared, grabbing the tray of veggie drinks.
"You mean the magical bank that you totally have, and only you can see it?" November asked, and Sugar nodded.
"Honestly, I wish you could see the amount I have just from defeating my opponents." Sugar chuckled, and November rolled her eyes.
"Probably zero, Boss-man. Come on, let's get these back to the others before Chris tries to rip Rosco's head off." November took the tray and returned to their room first.
"Yeah, we should..." Sugar lingered for a moment, looking up at something others couldn't see—a panel labeled 'Bank'
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Balance: 999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
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