The Roaming Storm

S3E5: Birth by Trial & Error ...No. 179

ACT I [EXT. / OUADDAÏ PLATEAU / LATE MORNING]

29 years ago...

The scene looms across the eastern highlands of Chad, Africa. Best known for their rolling hills and rugged terrain stretched for miles. And it seems its namesake plateau has been paid a visitor -- gazing atop the tableland in all its splendor.

Doc: [or more accurately, flying while surveying the area via optic sensors]...

While doing so, the mechanical turtle utilizes his internet database to catch up on current events. Such as a news article pertaining to the "8th Wonder of the World".

One-year anniversary of completion, yadda yadda scrolling.

Talented musician as prominent contributor, yadda scrolling.

Proposal for tourist attraction approved by all 11-

Doc: [POV]...!

Finally, his sensors lock-on to something of interest from below. After a quick landing onto the plateau's flatten floor, Doc makes his way over to what appears to be a grove of trees. Miracle trees to be exact; fast-growing, drought-resistant members of the Moringaceae family -- and just the family he's been meaning to visit. Extending his arm towards one of the branches, Doc snaps it clean off and reels it over for a more thorough "greeting".

Less than a few minutes later, the branch has been completely stripped down and separated into its base components. Bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds -- to which the roboturtle keeps contained in a small, sealable glass jar. He then opens up his stomach compartment to put it in, briefly revealing multiple other jars tucked inside. Some of them are already filled, each with resources of a different plant species. Boswellia, hibiscus, commiphora, aloe -- just to name a few. And judging by the remaining empties, he still has quite a list to go through.

After closing up his mini-inventory, Doc prepares to fly off for some more foraging. But just then, something causes him to pause for a moment. It was a sound, a continuous one coming from not too far away. It almost sounds like... music.

Doc: ...

His auditory receptors pick up on faint yet resonant echoes, led astray to the air like a spectre's whisper. No doubt about it, that's definitely music being played. And in regards to what instruments are responsible, it's simply the strumming of an electric guitar. Which, jarringly, is mimicking the notes of a classical piece of all things. "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Edvard Grieg -- or at least, that's what it's trying to sound like. And although it's none of Doc's business -- that doesn't, however, make him any less curious. So soon enough, the bot sets his list aside for now to go check it out.

The melody's ill-alluring lure leads him straight to the edge of the plateau, though its direct source is oddly nowhere to be seen. In spite of that, Doc homes in on the music a lil' more -- and finally detects it coming from that neighboring butte. (Basically an isolated hill; tall as a teau, but not nearly as wide). A rather outlandish spot to be playing music, and yet it just piques his curiosity even further. So with his jet thrusters once again activated, Doc makes a quick trip over to the butte. And right before he's ready to land, that's when the music lulls still.

The automaton's rockety arrival went about as unnoticed as a falling tree. Although, our mystery musician remains comfortably seated down just a few meters away from him. Accompanied by a black n' golden oak axe. Dressed in a beige long-sleeve top with dark denim trouser jeans. And glossened head to toe with minty green skin.

Terra: Hello there.

Doc: ...

Terra: Hm... You're one of those CLBR bots from GLOCK, right? (pronounces it as "Caliber", by the way) Wouldn't be the first time I've come across-