Ballow

Ho, miss! How’s all this then? Lotta dials to be trackin’, but at least the controls seem in good order.

From here, I can guide your bell down, best as any bug.

Hornet

Then you’ve no prior experience with this type of transport?

No one does, miss! Them’s who used to dive’re all long dead, or cursed ta half life. An’ there ain’t no bug left alive’s been brave or stupid enough to try... ‘til now, at least.

I’ll work it best’s I can. Can’t do much more, I’m afraid. At least the forgings of these docks were built to last. Now we’s only gotta pray they hold for you.

Here’s the key that’ll see you inside its metal belly. Pop in there once you’re feelin’ good and ready. In the meantime, I’ll get to seeing things set up here.

Grfff... So it’s gotten that bad, aye? I guess... If that’s how it is, I’ll be your bug.

Meet me below, at the diving bell. We’ll see if I can get you ready for the drop.

Ahhh... Can you feel it yet? All your troubles dripping away...

...iss...istake...erwhelm...retrie...a...ssible...

The diving bell’ll be ready again soon, miss. Once this new shield-shell is fitted, it’ll surely withstand the drop!.. Surely!

...tract...annot...ap...en...epair...orry..iss...

Hornet

Sir, I require a moment. Please unlock the bell for me.

Aye. Can do, miss. Hail me again when you’re ready to travel.

Here to sweat away your sorrows, miss? The steam does wonders for a mind set sullen, or a shell gone stiff.

Hornet

I’ve found these lowlands hot enough already, and mine is a shell more resilient than most.

Hornet

To challenge that further seems a unique sort of madness.

Aye, well, this is Pharloom, miss! Madness is catching. I’d say this here’s the smallest form of it.

Pop inside the diving bell once you’re feelin’ good and ready. In the meantime, I’ll get to seeing things set up here.

Oi! What’s with all these tremors? This smelt still need shovelling, and the shakes’re only making it harder.

Hornet

Sir, I need to return above. Please ready the bell for me.

Aye, miss. Sit on the bench, and let’s get you hauled up.

The new shell-shield’s all bolted on tight, miss. If you’re planning another descent, head down, holler, and I’ll get you where you’re goin’.

Miss! Errr... Ullo... I see you’ve survived... somehow... Thought that last plunge must’a been your end.

Hornet

It was not. I survived the fall, and managed a treacherous return.

Hornet

For the diving bell’s failure, the risks were clear to me. The fault lies not with you.

Aye! As you say! This bell’s old. And time has a way of breaking things even as fine forged as this.

And see below, for its failure I’ve been workin’ hard at improving the design! Your last journey ended up being a valuable test... ahem.

Hornet

Good. That return path is long closed to me, and your bell is now needed again.

Again? Well if you’re game enough to try a second time... A shell-shield’s been fitted, and the bell’s like new. Better’n new!

If you’re planning another descent, head down, holler, and I’ll get you goin’.

Hornet

Sir, I am ready. Please prepare the bell for departure.

S’time to take the plunge, aye, miss? Just sit on the bench, and I’ll see you strapped in tight.

It’s done, miss! I’ve fitted the shell-shield. Bell’s like new. Better’n new even!

If you’re planning another descent, head down, holler, and I’ll get you goin’.

Hornet

Your work is appreciated, sir. Know that, with luck, the threat from below might soon be quelled, and your lands shall rest calm.

Well... Good! I’m only really wishin’ to return to the forge, and my regular duties... A little purpose, routine...

Frankly, miss, all this action’s more’n a bit overwhelming for bugs like me. I’ll be glad when it’s all over... Providing we survive, of course.

Miss! Errr... Ullo... I see you’ve survived... somehow... Thought that drop must’a been your end.

Hornet

It was not. I survived the fall, and managed a treacherous return.

Hornet

For the diving bell’s failure, the risks were clear to me. The fault lies not with you.

Aye! As you say! This bell’s old. And time has a way of breaking things even as fine forged as this.

And you can see here, for its failure I’d already been workin’ at improving the design! Ended up being a useful test... ahem.

Hornet

Good. That return path is now closed to me, and your bell may still be needed if I choose to descend again.

Again? Well, if you’re game enough to try a second time...Once this new shield-shell is fitted, it’ll surely withstand the drop!.. Surely!

Hornet

Sir, I wish to depart. Please ready the bell for travel.

Sure thing, miss. Sit on the bench, and I’ll send you down.

If you need something, talk to the boss. I’m busy.

Hornet

Sir, I have need to head below the lakes of flame.

Hornet

There is a diving bell at the base of this structure that seemed fit for the task. I require it opened, and an operator to send it deep.

Hornet

As one of few upon these docks with mind still sound, that role must fall to you.

Can’t you see I’m busy, miss? Ain’t got time for naught else while the shovelling needs doing.

Hornet

Choose to aid me, or all your efforts will soon be wasted. This kingdom crumbles. Its collapse is inevitable. If you wish for your work and your life to continue, you must help me, now.

Hornet

Sir, I have need to head below the lakes of flame. Can you aid me in this task?

Hmmm... Well if you head down below to the very base of the docks, there’s an old diving bell built for just what you’re askin’.

Thing is, you can ride it, but it takes an operator stood dockside to send it. I might be capable, but I ain’t got time for naught else while the shovelling still needs doing.

Hornet

Choose to aid me, sir, or all your efforts will soon be wasted. This kingdom crumbles. If you wish for your work and your life to continue, you must help me, now.

Oi! Who’sat? Whoever’s down there, if you’re feelin’ mad enough to try and travel, best meet me up at the controls, and we can chat.

Hornet

I need a moment, sir. Please unlock the bell that I may exit.

Seein’ some sense? Can’t blame ya if you’re thinkin’ on backin’ out. It’s a mad hope that old bell’d even survive the trip.

Hornet

Sir, if you can hear me, there has been an accident during the descent.

Hornet

In this broken state, the bell is unfit for travel. Retrieve it if you may, but I shall not return within.

...iss...istake...erwhelm...retrie...a...ssible...