[for losthunter]

[poetwarrior]

It has been nearly six hours.

Faris can feel it. The weakness is unmistakable. He's never experienced it before, but all K'da know what it means. He's been separated from his host for too long, long enough that he needs to join or he will die, and fade away into nothing.

He still isn't sure where this Nexus place is, but there are no Shontine that he's seen. No species he recognizes as one able to serve as hosts. There have only been two compatible races that the K'da know of, and he's seen neither. Robots, aliens, all manner of creatures, but nothing he recognizes.

This cannot be the end.

Movement, from the corner of his eye. The sight of painted skin, full of life and possibility. A human, perhaps. Faris has never met one before. But if this one has willingly inked his skin, perhaps it is possible... perhaps he would allow it. At least long enough to buy him some time.

The K'da gathers his remaining strength, ready to leap as soon as the human is in range. It may be the last thing he ever does, so he intends to make it count.

Comments

[losthunter]

"No. The person picks their shape."

[poetwarrior]

Faris makes a sound in his throat, similar to a human going "hmm," as he turns his head this way and that, looking at the various devices. He reaches in with one forepaw, a little more dexterous than might be expected, and picks up one to look at it. "What shape does yours take?"

[losthunter]

"Mine looks like a phone." Hunter brings out his PINpoint, so he can show it off. "And I was able to get a little artistic cover for it too."

[poetwarrior]

Faris looks at it, studying its shape, in case he ever needs to use it for some reason. But there is one thing that concerns him, something that is embarrassing to admit. "I am not familiar with your writing system," he admits, after several long moments of hesitation.

[losthunter]

"I can teach you my language."

"The nice thing about PINpoints is that they are made for different cultures, for different races, different species, and different languages."

"I am sure we can incorporate a translating system."

[poetwarrior]

The K'da's tail twitches from side to side, almost catlike. "I would prefer to learn how to read your script, if that is required. Machines are helpful, but to become reliant on them is to leave oneself lacking."

[losthunter]

"Like I said, I have no problems teaching you. And I would like to learn more about your language."

[poetwarrior]

Faris nods and looks back down into the box, setting down the PINpoint he'd been looking at. Without being able to read any of the available text on the devices, it's hard for him to choose. "What shape would be most convenient for you to keep in your pockets?"

[losthunter]

"Perhaps something with a clip, so I can attach it to a belt loop."

[poetwarrior]

"I suppose that would be practical. Something small, as well." He finds a likely candidate, something that looks somewhat like a Bluetooth headset, something that can clip to the K'da's horselike ear.

[losthunter]

"That looks great. Here, let's get it set up for you." Hunter knows how important it is for PINpoints to be coordinated to their owner.

[poetwarrior]

Faris hands it over, and as he touches Hunter's outstretched arm, he easily slides onto Hunter's skin, spiraling up his arm and wrapping around his torso so he can get a better look at what Hunter does. "Instruct me in its use as you do, please."

[losthunter]

"Sure thing." Hunter smiles softly at the abilities that Faris' demonstrates.

He starts with the information screen. "This area shows you the PINpoint address that is specific to this device."

"And here, you can input other addresses'. Here, I will enter mine."

[poetwarrior]

Faris can't quite tell the difference between the different screens, as only the text really sets them apart, but he listens attentively, looking out from Hunter's chest as he watches Hunter program his address into the device. "And that is what allows communication?"

[losthunter]

"Right. You can send messages to other people's PINpoint addresses. Or call them." Hunter rings his own PINpoint from Faris's device.

[poetwarrior]

"The Shontine use similar devices when away from the ship, but it does not require knowledge of each individual receiver." In two-dimensional form, Faris's voice probably tickles a little against Hunter's chest. "This would be far more secure against those listening in."

[losthunter]

"Definitely a lot more secure. It is also useful, since you can send messages to someone... even if they are not in the same dimension as you."

[poetwarrior]

Faris tilts his head, the dragon tattoo shifting on Hunter's chest. "As I am now?"

[losthunter]

"I don't know if these PINpoints can shift, like you can... but we could look into it. I have some knowledgeable friends."

[poetwarrior]

Now Faris is just puzzled. "You just said they could send messages from different dimensions. I am in a different dimension now than I was minutes ago."

[losthunter]

"Oh, I misunderstood." Hunter blushes softly. "You are in a different dimension now. And yes, you could send messages to others in another dimension as long as you know their PINpoint coordinates."

[poetwarrior]

Faris agrees that there is a misunderstanding, but he's not sure which side it's on, because that still wasn't clear to him. "I meant this," he says, leaping off Hunter's skin again. "My nature."

[losthunter]

"Then I guess I was on the right track the first time around." Hunter goes back a step. "Right now, PINpoints wouldn't be able to shift with you, when you bind into another person."

"But I have some friends, whom I could ask if there is a way to make the PINpoing shift like you do."

[poetwarrior]

The misunderstanding was Faris's, then, and he inclines his head slightly in apology for the mistake. "I see. This is all very new to me. We have never needed any technology that changes with us, as we are always with our hosts."

[losthunter]

"This will be something to adapt to, until we can find your door, and your host." Hunter smiles a little apologetically.