Rhodes Island Cafeteria

...My word, a ship that sails on land.

Can we really find a way home there?

I think we've got another problem to deal with first.

How are we going to get on board?

I can't see any entrances, even from here.

Look! I think there's some people approaching the ship.

Looks like a caravan to me.

A caravan, huh...

Why don't we go talk to them and see if they can bring us aboard?

We're back.

Good work out there.

No problem. Oh, right. We just ran into a party of four looking for help. They're dressed real funny, said they know Ceobe, and were hoping Rhodes Island could help them go home.

Hm? Go home?

More or less, from what I understand. Would you mind leading the way for them? I'll go talk with Field Operations.

......

Hello!

If you came to us for aid, you must be looking for the Doctor or Amiya, right?

Err... Kay did mention a 'Doctor,' so they're probably who we're looking for?

Could you set up a meeting for us?

I have to check your identities first. If you could just follow me—

Whoa! Really sorry, dropped my things...

'Bob's Gourmet Guide'?

You know Big Bob?

Sure do. He cooked us the first meal we had here.

Aye, anyone who can make such a delicious meal out of such hard bugs is admirable in my eyes.

I see. So you're the 'friends' he mentioned.

Oh?

I'm Mudrock. Big Bob told me about you. At the time, he had just decided to leave the mercenary life behind, but had no idea whether starting a farm would be viable.

Farms in the wilderness are often targeted by bandits and looters. He didn't have many business connections, and he wasn't sure if the beer he brewed was any good.

But the joy on your faces as you ate his cooking gave him confidence.

I never realized he was in such dire straits.

Is... Is he alright nowadays?

Don't know. We haven't met in a long while.

All I've heard is that his Originium slug beer factory's doing well and making a profit. Seems he's got it made.

Good, good.

But I also heard that he broke some local laws in the process. Some kind of tax issue. He was sent to jail.

...Eh?

Jail? Are you sure he's still alright?

The most recent news I heard was that he either broke out or made bail. Either way, he's fine.

I guess that's... good?

A jailbreak, huh...

I've also heard that he set up a grocery store in Sami. Business is good there, apparently.

Oh...

He... knows how to persevere, at least.

Anyway, come with me. We'll head up in the elevator.

'Elevator'? You mean this iron box? How do you use it?

Looks like another magic item to me...

Go on inside. We're heading to the first floor. Wait a moment though, I need to get a—

Hmm?

...Where did they go?

Why's everything all different now?!

Where are we? What just happened?

This place is looking more and more like a dungeon by the second.

...As I have foreseen.

Hey, aren't you the Cyclops from Sami?

A Cyclops?! How do you know—

Wait. If you're here, that means you saw something, right?

Indeed.

Then, what did you see?

On your road ahead, there will be flames, a great shock... and a fearsome beast.

Do you know where Ceobe or the Doctor are?

Ceobe has just returned. She should be at the training room now, which is that way.

As for the Doctor... Please forgive me for not being able to tell you anything at the moment.

Thanks.

So... where should we go first?

I don't think Mudrock will find us any time soon.

This is the training room the lady from earlier told us about.

Doesn't seem like there's anyone here. There's some great big strange thing over there...

What are you lot doing here with that gormless look on your faces?!

Eh? High Priest?!

Have you seen Ceobe, High Priest?

She was here a moment ago, but ran off somewhere.

You guys looking for her?

Yeah!

Don't just stand there then, get your butts over here and sit in this machine!

Huh? Uh... Sure, okay.

High Priest, did you happen to see some lost visitors? We heard they were spotted around here.

What? No, I haven't. We're about to run an impact safety test on this new model of Big Ugly.

I suggest you stand back a bit.

Uh... Sure.

Alright, Zumama, everything's ready to go!

Are you sure?

Of course I'm sure.

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH—!

Was it just me or were there people inside that thing when it got blasted?

Are you sure about that? Did you see anyone get blasted?

Oh, huh... Guess not?

Just my imagination, then.

Yeah, yeah, go look somewhere else. The ones you're looking for aren't here.

Sure. Thanks.

I think this is what they call an 'abuse of power.'

They put me in a stew one time, I blew them up one time. Fair's fair.

Where'd you send them?

They wanted to find Ceobe, so I sent them to her.

That part's no lie.

AHHHHHHH!!! HELP US—

...A tad crude, but I guess that's how she will send them on their way.

May we meet again someday.

Did Kay run into the kitchen again?

That she has.

But she's been acting oddly this time around.

How so?

She's been unusually silent since her return.

I'll go have a chat with her, then.

Kay.

Hmm?

Are you alright? Do you feel unwell?

Uhh... Dunno know how to describe it...

I've been feeling weird ever since I got back to the ship...

If that's the case, why don't we go to Medical together and let the doctors have a look?

...Don't wanna.

Why not?

I dunno why, but I feel like... I should wait here by myself.

Oh. Alright then. Go get some rest, okay?

Yeah.

Huh?!

Oww... My butt...

We're in... a kitchen?

Who are you?!

Get behind me, Amiya!

Be careful, everyone!

Looks like High Priest sent us somewhere where they're not too friendly.

High Priest? Who are you—

What was that?

It came from the room Kay's resting in!

Let's go take a look, quick!

What's going on?

They mentioned Kay, we should follow them!

What... What in the world?

Is that you, Kay?

My tummy...

What is going on here? Is this really the Kay we know?

Grr...

I can tell from her emotions that she's still Kay, the one we all know and love.

She's still holding on, but she's about to lose control!

Is... Is this really Kay?

(Howls)

What a handsome hound! I didn't know you could do this kind of thing, Kay!

Is this really the time for that?!

We need to get her to her senses!

Guests.

Based on what you just said, I suppose you came out of concern for Kay's condition, correct?

Well, we came because we wanted to find a way back to our world... but we're still really worried for her!

Then let's save the questions for later and get her under control together!

If we can't, then I'm afraid things will get far, far out of hand.

Laios?

Sure. We'll work together, for now.