RENC2-17

=Chapter 17=
==Random Events (Nebula California) - Take 2==
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Daniel's quarters, Stalingrad
Toreel, Nebula California
June 10th, 3153
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Daniel kept studying the ring. He wasn't sure for how long. To be honest he was kind of surprised that the volunteers that had taken up the exploration of Toreel before their new 'guests' started taking over had turned over the three rings. Indeed he considered it quite likely a fair few items were lining such pockets or stashed away.
"Rings?" Jenna walked up behind Daniel.
"Yes. These two seem to have something about them that just holding them gives off some sense of power." Daniel pointed at the two rings.
"An inscription." Jenna picked up the iron band.
"Yeah. One no one can read." Daniel grumbled.
Jenna slipped the iron ring onto her unoccupied ring finger. She held up her hands together.
"Looks remarkably similar to the rings Kevin gave us for our ceremony." Jenna's face scrunched up.
"Why did you put the ring on?" Daniel knew he asked an incomplete question.
"Rings are meant to be worn." Jenna answered.
"I meant more of we know some of this stuff is unusual and may not be safe." Daniel sighed.
"Without proper labs and specialists we're never going to find the answers we seek by playing it safe." Jenna scowled.
"You have a point." Daniel was forced to admit.
He picked up the obsidian ring and put it on his free ring finger.
At first he felt nothing. Then suddenly he felt the need to take off his wedding ring and put the gold ring with the ruby on.
Try not to freak out. A feminine voice said in his head.
Daniel looked around not certain of what was happening.
"Either I've been working too hard or something really weird is going on here." Daniel finally muttered.
*sigh* Do you know how to look at something without actually making it obvious? The feminine voice spoke in his mind again.
"What seems to be the matter?" Jenna looked at Daniel with a puzzled look on her face.
"Not sure. Either the ship board communication system is on the fritz or I'm starting to hear voices." Daniel answered.
"I have heard no such things." Jenna looked even more concerned.
Okay let's try this again before we get found out. You're not insane but you are an idiot. Look towards the top north eastern corner of the room. Do it casually. The feminine voice was obviously losing patience.
Daniel grabbed a mirror and used it to act like he was straightening out his hair while looking in the indicated direction with it.
He could barely make it out. A small translucent orb.
Good job. You finally noticed it. Now try and act like it isn't there. Daniel could actually feel the sarcasm.
Daniel rubbed his chin.
Jenna looked at Daniel with a confused expression.
Now what do we do about it? Daniel thought to himself.
There any place around here with lead walls? The feminine voice intruded into Daniel's mind again.
"Jenna, why don't you keep working with that ring. I'm going to go down to engineering to see about borrowing something." Daniel gathered himself.
Daniel made the short walk in silence.
A service room near the power core was the best bet.
He entered the small space.
Okay seems like this place will do the trick. I used to be the master conjurer, Melinda. Long story short I'm in the gem of the gold ring and the obsidian ring is the companion piece. I was starting to wonder what it would take to get someone to put both on at the same time. The feminine voice seemed much happier now.
"I am really starting to hate this place. So what was that orb?" Daniel rubbed his temples.
A sensory orb. It means someone has been spying on you remotely. Since time is limited before they get suspicious finding someplace lined with lead works wonders. That I'm able to talk with you means you've got the makings to be a wizard. I can't shortcut you like some of the really powerful wizards claim to be able to do and being trapped in this gem puts hard limits on what I can really do. Daniel could feel Melinda have the beginnings of a smile.
"Yeah you're going in a box." Daniel decided Melinda was more trouble than she was really worth.
Please no. I'm sorry about before. It's just been so long since I've had a body or someone to talk to. Melinda's emotions were a mix of anxiety and regret.
"So what? You going to teach me? How will that work when you're just a voice in my head?" Daniel scoffed.
I can. True it will be harder since I am just a voice in your head as you put it. Though speaking of that it might be possible to find someone who can fix that. Melinda seemed cautious.
"Yup. I'm officially insane. I have a Clanner wife. A voice in my head that claims to come from a ring I'm wearing. Oh and a land lord that seems on the verge of planetary domination, but seems to want to leave." Daniel muttered to himself.
Wait... Would that land lord be Kevin Wellman? He's the reason I'm in this gem! Keep me away from him and his Succubus wife! Melinda's terror was nearly overpowering.
"Damn. He must have really done a number on you." Daniel shook his head.
The presence in his mind was much reduced now.
"Better." Daniel walked back to the impromptu lab.
He set the rings in a box and labeled it 'UNSAFE'.
"Find what you need?" Jenna looked up from her notebook.
"No but think I made some progress. You?" Daniel shook his head.
"I never learned more than Star League English so what this ring says eludes me." Jenna answered.
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