Twenty-fifth Theory [Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[After putting in an obligatory appearance at the baseball game, Donatello is up to some business of his own.

At a certain point during the afternoon, you may find him wheeling a motorcycle from C6 to House 55.

A bit later, you might catch him dragging forty-gallon garbage cans filled with a strange assortment of objects along the same route.

And sometime after that, you may come upon him near the bridge on this path, surrounded by those same garbage cans. Except that they are up-ended now, their contents strewn across the ground. In the center of the mess a bizarre contraption is taking shape.

Question this strange behavior? Watch in silent bafflement? Or maybe just back away slowly.]

((Please indicate at which point you encounter him!))

Comments

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

Well, to my knowledge, all the mutant turtles in my world are ninjas... so I guess in that sense they are common.

Re: [Action]

[consultmybooks]

Just ninjas?

[Then, because Don's reply was a bit specific, Giles adds] Let me rephrase that. Are mutant turtles common in your world?

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don laughs. Maybe he should answer the question the way a normal person would.]

No, not common. There's only four of us.

Re: [Action]

[consultmybooks]

Ah, I see. [Giles takes this news well enough in stride] So, I know you, Raphael...are the other two here, as well?

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don slumps visibly.] No. They were, but they've been sent back.

Re: [Action]

[consultmybooks]

[Giles looks guilty] I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

It's all right.

This way. [He indicates that they should turn here.]

Re: [Action]

[consultmybooks]

[Giles turns where indicated. It's getting a bit hard to move the trash cans now, and so he can't quite stop himself from asking]

Are we almost there?

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

Yes, it's right at the end. [Sideways glance.] I'll take that, if you want.

Re: [Action]

[consultmybooks]

No, no. I'm fine. [He started this trip with the garbage can, and Giles is damn well going to finish it with the garbage can]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

I appreciate it.

Right here. [He veers again, and drags his own can up to the front of the house.]

Re: [Action]

[consultmybooks]

[Success! Giles drags his can beside Don's and sighs with relief] There we are.

Is this where you live?

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

For now. [He opens the door.] Coming in?

Re: [Action]

[consultmybooks]

Oh. Um...a-all right.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

Raph is here, but everyone else is still at the baseball game. [Just in case you're interested in an up-to-the-minute census of house inhabitants.]

[Don drags the can right in and heads down the back hallway.]

Re: [Action]

[consultmybooks]

[Giles follows, dragging his can along] Baseball game?

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

There's a baseball game going on behind the barracks. [He abandons the can in the middle of a bedroom.] Your version of Earth has baseball, doesn't it?

Re: [Action]

[consultmybooks]

Oh, yes. Just not something I ever really paid attention to.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

Me neither. But our friend is a big fan. I think he's organizing a hockey game too, for the winter.

Re: [Action]

[consultmybooks]

Nice that he's keeping busy. I'm sure people appreciate it.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

There was a good turnout. [He moves the second can next to the first. There's another chore done.]

Re: [Action]

[consultmybooks]

Yes. One thing my friends from home haven't really told me is what people do here, normally.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

Normally? [He looks at the bizarre collection of stuff in the garbage cans.] Just try to stay occupied, I guess.