DATE: September 28, 2001 CAST: Basil, Mac and Walter Bug City Square Surrounded by quite an amazing site, with the towering stacks of boxes, cans and jars, even a phone book, this square gives you a closer look at the biggest of the bug buildings in the area. Traffic, of the bug variety, clutters the roads, almost like floods of beetles, roaches, and even a few grasshoppers rush down the streets and sidewalks. Looking down these large roads, you see a multitude of clutter that makes up even more buildings, apartments tower over small stores, a theatre flickers and shines with lights and fanfare. There's many choices, some fun, some dangerous... all connected by a network of cardboard sidewalks. Taking a short break from their 'sightseeing tour' of Bug City, Basil has decided to take a few moments break. "My feet are getting rather sore. Do you mind if we stop for a sec Walter?" is inquired as he takes it upon himself to lean up against the wall of the local library and with one foot planted on the pavement, the other is elevated into his hands and begins to rub gingerly from all of the rapid walking to keep up with the foot traffic. Okay kinda presumptuous to simply stop without an answer from Walter, but with sore feet, it's not really up to the thin beige ant in the first place. Walter likewise comes to a halt, as way of reply, and rapidly moves toward the side of the library and thus avoid the incoming traffic of pedestrians. "I don't," he says at length, whilst stifling a yawn - not from boredom, but from a real weariness. Probably not been getting much sleep, despite the fact that Terry's apartment has proven fairly secure thus far. "I'd be more worried about them minding. They never stop for anyone--least of all ants." He rubs at one closed eye momentarily, sighing. Coming down the walkway at a fairly good clip is some unknown arthropod, enshrouded in a dark colored cloak. The individual has little trouble making their way as most of the bugs avoid, or keep their distance, whether it be from fear, concern or perhaps due to familiarity. A good deal of Bug City's residents have seen or at least heard about this mysterious figure, but rarely has anyone known more than hearsay. It would seem that his attention has been focused on the two ants before him, a serious source of interest, as their pace increases steadily. CLOAKED FIGURE The figure is quite a bit smaller than most of the city's inhabitants, but the mysterious appearance keeps most bugs at bay. Face is hidden deep within the shrouding hood, except two dark colored antennae, however the species is undeterminable from beneath his dark covering. There is a rumor about this one, but most of them are conflicting. A simple nod is given in response to Walter's statement. "Yeah, best to keep out of 'their' way." Is sarcastically interjected, with emphasis on 'their' like they have a higher status in life, and these two lowly ants had better stay out of their way. "We won't be here long, I just need to work the knots out of my feet." As the first foot is placed back the second one is lofted like the first, a look is made up toward Walter as the cloaked bug approaching out of view is behind him. A few rubs are made then the other foot is then placed to the ground once more, left foot being favored over the right one. At least ever since the incident in the trailer tripping over a long thin object, a pen, if he were aware of what it was. Arms are folded as Walter leans against the library's outer wall, contemplating the sidewalk's existence--stained and rough from many a foot trodding upon it. No reply is forthcoming, verbal or otherwise. The ant doesn't pay the cloaked figure any note, as he is not looking in that direction. It would seem that the two ants by the library are *clearly* his view of attention as a much swifter approach toward them is made. A few bugs look down upon the smaller sized bug, some simply stepping out of the way, others standing and watching him pass, while a few actually stand back and move away from him. Whoever or whatever this hidden figure is, most of the city's residence would just assume to stay out of the way. As they become within grasp of the unknown insect, an attempt is made to reach out and grab both of them by the arm, so as to keep a good hold, and pull them into the library. Perhaps so there are fewer witnesses. Who knows. Basil notices the lack of response from Walter, figuring it to be fatigue or scarcity of interest in the subject, he finishes the work of rubbing his feet and stands erect again with the intent to get moving again. Suddenly he feels his left arm taken into grasp by an unknown force and nearly loses his balance as he's hauled into the entrance of the building next to him. "Hey! What the heck are you doing?" is called out in alarm. Anyone would be alarmed or at least a little bewildered at unexpectedly being grabbed and pulled along against their will, not least of all Walter: "Wh--?" Although the natural reaction would be along the lines of resisting or protesting loudly, he does neither; he simply stumbles along, blinking in utter shock. Successful in getting the two ants off of the street and into the library, the objective has been made. The hidden form stops, lets go of the two unsuspecting ants and as the figure takes a look around, a muffled, yet boisterous voice is emitted from inside the hood. "Are you two nuts?!? Standing out there like that, do you want to get yourselves killed!" A chorus of shushing is made from a few of the patrons and the white moth working at the checkout counter. "Oh, we need to be quiet, this is a library. But if the two of you want to survive, you'll come with me and do as I say." The cloaked bug then turns and leads over toward the other end of the main room. Basil's dumbfounded expression is made evident as he's released and then a glance is passed to the figure before him. A glance is passed from the figure, to Walter then back again. The requests from the other patrons in the library cause him to look past the shoulder of the cloaked bug, and a wince is made. Basil is familiar with libraries, both Ant Island and West River Colony containing their own. "Yeah, we need to keep it down." Is offered, followed by a nod in response to the council to follow. For some reason, bolting from the premesis hasn't passed through his mind. Maybe the strangeness of the whole situation is why. Well, this is new. Walter stares at the strange cloaked figure dumbly, silently putting his wits back in working order--although he's already starting to question if he's seeing what he thinks he does. Bugs wearing clothes, like this enigmatic specimen, is almost unheard of. The commentary coming from this whatever-it-is is taken in with a blank expression. Of course that has to make him wonder: If he and Basil are nuts, how come /they/ aren't the ones dressed up in funny cloaks and pouncing on unsuspecting passersby? He glances back at Basil, shrugs, and follows the cloaked one--perhaps out of morbid curiosity. Motionless, Basil stands as he watches the cloaked figure walk away from them and toward the back of the room. But curiosity has obtained his mind, and he follows in an intrepid action. A few of the bugs in the library pass a glance to the both he and Walter, but seem more focused on the shrouded figure. "I wonder what he wants?" Is asked of Walter, as Basil glances back for some kind of response, a twisted expression of concern mixed with wonder are made. Walter just shakes his head in bewilderment. No idea. "We should probably be running away instead," he mutters back. And yet, he makes no move to follow his own advice. Either he's being too curious for his own good, or he figures the alternative wouldn't do any good--they don't know who or what this bug is, if it even is a bug, or what it will do if it pursues them. But at least, in a library, a commotion will be less tolerated. The cloaked figure stops at the end table farthest from the entrance. He stands motionless as the many readers suddenly turn their heads away and back to their books and periodicals. One chair is pulled out, and a sleeve covered hand makes a motion to indicate a sign to have the two ants to join them. Quickly a back is turned and no motion is made for several moments. A sudden leap follows and a quick dash made to a shelve lined with books. Many covered with leaves, others with scraps of paper. One is pulled out, taken to the table and placed gently down. A nod, followed by the strange actions of the figure is observed. Basil takes a few steps forward, unable to withstand the temptation of wondering who this is and perhaps discover the cause his behavior. It's true, there *is* no way of knowing who or what resides inside of that nearly black as night cloak. Okay, midnight blue, to be exact. But the desire to know more is overpowering. "If he does anything suspicious, we'll signal each other, and make a run for it. But don't head to Terry's place, we don't need for him to know where we live, if we can help it. "He *is* suspicious--" Walter tosses a significant look at the strange figure, "--but... eh. Okay." Yeah... sure, it's a strange bug of an unknown species with unknown intentions, but this is all just a little too strange to pass up without learning just what the heck this guy is all about. He regards the insect in question oddly, before finally deciding to approach. The shrouded figure stands at the table, with arms akimbo. Again motionless, then a shake of the head. "Are you going to join me, or haven't you seen an ant in a cloak before?" Quickly the shroud makes it's way off of the owner and soon becomes the source of intense attention as the fabric is folded meticulously, then tossed carelessly to the chair at his right. "Okay, guys. Are you going to stand there all day? Time's a'wasting, and I've got nothing going on right now. The reddish purple ant gives a big smile as he sits down and turns his attention to his book. "I can help you two live more safely in the city." A look is glanced to the book, and a look of frustration is made. "Oh, by the way, my name is Mac." Then back to the book. MAC Mac is a rather deep purple-red color becoming more stated and solid at his hands, feet and tips of his antennae. His dark green eyes reflect his isolated lifestyle as they are frequently seeming to glance at a distance. But can become quite probing as his attention becomes focused, not a too readily common occurrence. Isolation has been his life, and he's not always clued into the way people act and function in society, but he manages. He is eccentric at times, but a harmless old hermit. A sigh of relief is made as the individual *finally* declares his identity, which is farther corrugated by his appearance. "No, as a matter of fact I haven't," mumbles Basil to Walter then progresses his way to the same table Mac is sitting at.. "It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Basil." A hand is presented, in a showing of trust and friendship, quite warmly, he would add, since any fear of confrontation seems to be abated. "You're the only other ant we've seen in the city since our arrival, and it's a pleasure to see a friendly face." The confusing statement made by Mac seems to go unnoticed for the moment. Astonishment flickers across Walter's visage as the insect's identity is finally revealed. No... he evidently hasn't seen any ants running around in cloaks either, until now. Surprising as it is, it's also a source of relief. The tension drops from his shoulders as he halts nearby, and even a small smile forms. He as well offers his up name, though not necessarily his hand in greeting. "Other than Sienna," he corrects Basil's statement; they do indeed know of at least one, even if it is a kid. And a fire ant. Mac only gives slight attention to the offered names and hand as he continues to read in the book before him. "Oh, it's nice to meet you two." A page or two is read, then a response is replied to Sienna's name. "Yes, it *is* very nice of Sienna to take you in. She's a very generous 'hopper'. Quite a rarity in the city I should say. But if you'll please excuse me, I have some reading to do. Thanks for stopping in to say hi." Some mumbling is rambled, but nothing coherent, most likely. "Yes, Sienna... actually it's Terry, who's letting us stay at her place. But it *is* very kind of her to do that." A courteous smile is offered, assuming the switching of names of Terry and Sienna was an honest mistake. But a cause of confusion is increased substantially as Mac proclaims his desire to read the book and seemingly end the conversation. "Um I'm sorry if there was some misunderstanding, but I thought you were going to give us some pointers on how to survive in the city?" Basil's weight shifts, and he scratches the area behind his right antennae, in an attempt to clarify the confusion tracing through his mind. Walter stares at the peculiar older ant as if the latter had two heads. Um. Okay. Great. The first adult ant they meet in the city is some kind of weirdo. If this is an example of what happens to an ant's mental faculties after staying in the city for too long... "Yeah," he puts in, supporting Basil's correction of names. "How'd you know about that?" he wonders aloud. "And are those pointers you wanted to give us in that book or something?" First a glance is given to Basil, a long unreadable expression. "No Walter, *Sienna* is the 'Hopper, and *Terry* is the ant. Please don't confuse me." Then as his attention is diverted, a hidden expression of frustration is felt. 'Why won't these two let me read my book?' A genuine smile is offered to Walter. "Basil, the reason I know is I've been keeping an eye on you two. I always know when ants are in the city. Like that one character, Mazin." A turn of the head is made and a glance at the wall given. "I've had more trouble with that little..." Mac becomes lost in thought momentarily, then he hears 'Basil's' inquiry into the book. "What, in this book? No. This is a cook book. I'm trying to add variety to my meals." Suddenly he leaps to his feet, and in coming in close contact, he asks sincerely. "But can you tell me something? That," He points to the book on the table. "...Is a lot to remember. Do you two think they'd let me borrow it for a few days?" "Actually, I'm Basil." Is kindly corrected, but a feeling of concern laced with humor fills Basil's mind and form to follow. This guy seems to have trouble keeping his information straight. Then more anxiety is added as he states he knows about them and where they are living. 'Oh swell' is muttered silently. Then as Mac mentions Mazin's name, a nod is given. Rather not go into details on that episode. The information seemingly become more jumbled and weakens any trust of help from Mac. Then as the inquiry about the library offering to loan the book is asked, A soft chuckle is emitted. "If it's like the library back home, I'm sure they will." "I think they'd let you borrow as many as you wanted, so long as you remembered to turn them in on time," Walter also says, placing emphasis on certain key words--such as 'remember'. If this guy can't get names straight or know that the purpose of a library is to let you take out books, who's to say he'd have any less trouble with his calendar? But still, his curiosity lingers on what Mac knows of this individual, Mazin. "So... if you know Mazin, then you must have known about the other ants who were with him?" he asks, not really hoping for an affirmative (or at least accurate) response from this seemingly scatterbrained insect... or if he could even enlighten them as to *how* Shine, Tilly and Willow found a means to leave this place. "Oh, yes? Well, that is awfully generous of them to do that. And thanks Basil, I appreciate the suggestion." The eccentric ant then goes back to his book some more. Then mutters the name of 'Mazin' again. "What do you know of him? That little pest, making life in the city more difficult than it needs to be. Especially for those three other pretty, young ants." Mac goes into a bit of a lost thought, if you can imagine that. "Uh, what were their names. Silly... Uh. No, that's not right. Who would name their child 'Silly.' Um. Oh, I know. Tilly, Willow and Shine. Poor gals. I wish I could have helped them." A sorrowful glance is made. "I actually don't know what happened to them. They just seemed to disappear." His voice softens in sympathy. "Sorry." Figures, the only thing he seems to know clearly the first time. "Uh, I'm..." 'Oh, never mind.' Thinks Basil as he's pretty much resigned to become 'Walter' for the purposes of this and all future discussions. He then listens to the rambling of Mac, and for a moment his hopes are lifted at the prospect that he *might* be able to tell them how the three gals were able to escape, but to no avail. "Well, if it's any consolation, they were able to escape and come to live at Ant Island." A soft smile is given. At least *they* were able to escape life in the city. It's about this point that Basil is considering thanking Mac for is dubious assistance, and invite Walter to leave with him. He begins to back away a little. Walter raises his eyeridges as Mac still insists on mixing their names up. He gives Basil an almost exasperated look, and discreetly makes a circular motion next to his head with one index finger when the purple ant looks down at his book, indicating that this particular individual is a few grains short of a harvest (at best). He as well begins to back up slightly. "Now, the best way to add flavor to your many meals is with spices, such as, pepper, tyme..." mumbles Mac in a rather droneful state then looks up to see that both ants have made somewhat of a retreat. Quickly he lunges forward, attempts to grab Walter by the wrist, and with an unwavering eye, states "Never look them eye to eye!" A moment is allowed to let that sink in, then is added. "Most will only be annoyed, but some will see it as a challenge. One you might not come out of too well. I should know, I had to learn that the hard way." Then a glances is made to the real Basil and is added. "Stay out of their way. Let them have room, but don't act too submissive, it's a showing of weakness." Basil's eyes go wider than seemingly possibly as Mac appears to be attacking Walter. He makes a sudden motion forward, but as he discovers that Mac has no intention of harming Walt, he stays his ground. A nod is given, quite in shock to say the least that some information of prevalence is given. Finally. Then the eccentric Mac change his attention to Basil, and a slight backing up is made. The counsel given to him is driven clearly home, and the beige ant simply nods to the affirmative, feeling his heart's rate slow progressively to it's normal rate, over the next few minutes. A glance is passed to Walter, to possibly obtain some kind of response. Eep. Walter stares at Mac in wide-eyed disbelief as he lunges straight for him, and holds up an arm defensively -- the wrist of which is grabbed. He makes an attempt to wrench himself free, which is cut short as he realizes the other ant isn't attacking him, but giving, well, advice. Actually, a lot of that sounds like something Walter learned during his months spent as a slave... except for the 'don't act too submissive' part. Usually any scrap of dignity would be identified and quickly beaten down without provocation. On the other hand, it was often the ones who cowered the most who received the most attention. "Uh... right. So as the voice of experience, I take it you've been here a long time?" "Oh.... yes. It's been quite some time." A reminiscing state of mind crosses Mac as he goes back into his past. "I was fifteen when I first came to Bug City. It was a bit smaller then, and being as young and naive as I was, I was lucky to survive." He finally lets go of Walter's wrist and settles himself back into the chair. "I got into a scuffle with a few bugs, thinking that 'they needed to get an attitude adjustment for ants' as foolish as that was. It seems rather strange that Mac should become so coherent about his past, but it's something he's known well, and oddly has little trouble telling about. "I had to learn all of this on my own, so I decided to give the two of you some advice." A forced smile makes its way across Basil's face, one of sympathy, as Mac answers Walter's question. He simply stands and listens intently to what he's being told, occasionally nodding. "Oh, yeah. We've dealt with the less than kind concern for us here. Well, accept for Terry, and Sienna. Of course there was the questionable assistance of that one odd colored grasshopper. Then from Gresham, our boss over at the scroungers warehouse. So we've had *some* good luck in finding help." A broader smile is made as the small amount of good luck is brought into Basil's mind, as he numbers off each advantage onto the four fingers on his left hand. Walter nods slowly as he listens to Mac talk about a portion of his past, as well as Basil's various comments. "Yeah," he murmurs, "The blue 'hopper. Never did give his name, come to think of it," he remarks. He frowns softly -- he could have sworn he heard the said grasshopper making fun of their plight, even though he can't necessarily prove it even in his own mind. "But overall..." "Well, then. I'd say you've done pretty well. But working over at the Scroungers, going into that man made structure isn't the best job in the city. But you find the kind of work you can. I had to scrounge for a good, no offense, for a couple of months before I was able to get support, and it wasn't the kind you want to get into. It could have cost me my life, come to think of it." Mac wanders back to the table and picks up the book. "Now, are you sure they won't mind me borrowing the book?" He then passes a glance toward the moth working at the checkout desk. "I'll go ask her and be right back." With that, Mac wanders up and speaks for a few minutes, and it shows too with the growing exasperated look on the female Moth's visage. While Mac is busy discussing the finer points of book lending with the unfortunate moth, Basil takes a few steps toward Walter, and in a half amused half beyond comprehension, asks: "So, what do you think of him?" The frustration so clearly, even from their point of view of the librarian at the desk, gives Basil the impression that this could be more trouble that it's worth. But if Mac *can* be of some assistance, than so much the better. But good help has been scarce, and with that eccentric personality, it might be best to just stay with Terry until their situations change. "I feel bad for him being stuck here by himself for so long, but by the same token, I'm concerned he could cause us more trouble. I'm not sure what to think right now." Walter's gaze remain riveted on Mac as the latter approaches the moth, his expression blank. At Basil's query, he simply looks at his companion with a dead serious expression and says, "Don't you dare let me turn into a goofball like that." A pause, while another glance is spared on the rattlepated ant. "If that's what happens to an ant who lives too long in the city, this place is more dangerous than I thought." It's about this point that Mac returns to Walter and Basil, depending on whom you ask, and gives them an exagerated smile. "That young moth was so kind as to let me borrow the book for three weeks, and to think I've been simply keeping them here all of this time. That should make my meals much better now." With that, he reaches down, and picks up his cloak. "Oh, one thing I wanted to tell the two of you. Be grateful you have each other. It can be very lonly in the city being the only one of your kind." Mac then put the cloak on, lifts the hood over his head, and quickly leaves them, and the library. "Yeah, I'll do what I can, as long as you do the same for me," Basil states as Walter voices his concerns about Mac's condition. Then as Mac returns, he can only imagine the conversation between the Moth and Mac. Then floating from smile, to snicker, to another stupor of thought watches Mac return, gather up his cloak and leave. "Well, we do have each other. At least there's that." Then Basil shakes his head out of shock at the sudden departure of Mac, cloak, quirks and all. "Uh, now did that really happen, or did I dream the whole thing?" Asks Basil whom then ads. "Uh, let's go back to Terry's place, okay?" Walter merely shakes his head as Mac leaves. Somehow the place seems different with the ant and his cloak absent, as if a figurative whirlwind of some kind zipped through the area--maybe because now it's more quiet, or calm, or something. He regards Basil with a raised eyeridge as he points out that they do at least have each other. "Uh huh. Let's go." [END LOG] Next Log: Parting Ways Return to: Muted Identity logs.

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