The blue bus is calling us

[QuinnTheEskimo 6]

This is an account of something humorous that happened to my friends and I as we were searching for vehicle parts in the NW region of Chernarus.

My longest survival streak of 34 days had just been ended, rather abruptly, by my house mate; we had logged in at similar positions, he saw a rifle barrel standing proud and erect on the ground just outside the barracks and, despite my earlier declaration (prior to login), "I'll be outside the barracks, near the trees", he saw my .50 cal periscoping from the brush, sans nameplate and thus decided to deliver a single 5.56x45mm round to my skull - quite possibly the single most valuable part of my skeletal structure. Considering I'd managed to retain vital brain tissue and complete cognitive function on an island overrun by blood-thirsty incarnations of Jamie Hyneman for a relatively long time, I was understandably unamused when informed that I had, in fact been killed (unbeknown to me, by my friend).

Me: "Well, looks like I'm dead"

Pause.

Friend: "Anthony..."

Me: "Yes?"

Friend: "... I just killed you"

Me: "....."

With my trigger happy colleague guarding my corpse, so began a series of misadventures in an attempt to retrieve my items. After spawning somewhere on the coast, I briefly browsed an online map, decided on an almost exact NW direction and for 20 minutes of non-stop running assumed that I must be on track. My assumption was proved fallible when I found myself emerging from a set of trees only to lay eyes on the ocean. The ocean. Now, considering I use maps in a semi-professional context in 'real-life', I like to think that, even without a compass, I'm moderately adept at using a map to get me from A to B. Obviously not. Career change? Possibly. By now I was heavily dehydrated and severely lacking in electrolytes, I needed a Powerade. In lieu of such a luxury, I decided that I was feeling charitable enough to donate my organs to Mr. Hyneman, perhaps he could use them to bust another myth in the most unenthusiastic manner possible. Jamie, save the love muscle for Kari. And with that, I died.

After respawning and finding my bearings, I began to head towards the NW Airfield once again.

L: "I'm getting the red chain link.."

Me: "That's not good"

Me: "Oh, me too"

*server reset*

*log back in*

L: "...Your body has disappeared"

I would like to say a series of creative expletives ensued, but all I could manage was:

Me: ".......uhhhhhhhhh"

Anyway, after spawning on the coast AGAIN, we managed to meet up and I procured some fairly decent gear. Despite discovering a new set of items, I was plagued by a persistent ennui, an affliction shared by my friend. We decided that a remedy could be found in the form of a vehicle. Neither of us had ever repaired a single vehicle component, let alone restored one to a fully operative status. A few days passed before we decided to make this our primary objective. After happening upon a pick-up in a state of almost complete disrepair, we decided to beeline towards the nearest town in order to loot the industrial structures. As most of you probably know, vehicle parts are obscenely greedy when placed into one's inventory, forcing the mechanic to deposit cans/mags/whatever into the vehicle when searching for parts. Our solution: find a mule. We managed to enlist another friend (known as R) to aid us in our venture and, after a couple hours of scavenging, managed to get within 2 wheel's worth of a complete pick-up truck.

*Cue generic Discovery channel auto-repair show guitar riff*

Considering we were so close to completing our first vehicle repair, we decided to split up and search different towns for some wheels. R and I headed NE while L headed East. For entertainment purposes I decided to play 'The End' by The Doors, a song that we all happen to enjoy. It's night, R and I are running through the woods, Jim Morrison is mellifluously informing us that the snake is indeed long, old and has cold skin. The following conversation took place whilst running through the woods.

Me: "The blue bus is calling us... perhaps we'll find a bus?"

R: "Hmm"

Me: "Where are you, R?"

R: "Well, I've just found a bus"

Me: ".......seriously?"

R: "Yep"

L: "What condition is it in?"

R: "Everything is green... no fuel"

At this point we essentially just start laughing and expressing our disbelief at finding a blue bus in perfect condition, just as the Lizard King is about to croon the relevant lyrics, in the middle of nowhere. Prior to discovering the bus, I was debating whether to start-up dxtory, eventually deciding that nothing particularly interesting will happen. Regret? Yes.

We concluded by driving around in the bus (shenanigans ensued), fixing up the truck and generally having a most excellent adventure. Jim definitely had his compass pointed in the wrong direction when he said the West is the best, the North-East is where it's at.

To most of you it's probably just another vehicle story, which I don't mind, many players have experienced moments far more memorable than this; but to us it was one of the most immersive (11pm - 5am, where did the time go?) and genuinely enjoyable online gaming sessions we'd ever experienced. For L and I, affairs on Chernarus were generally becoming stale and monotonous, having a clear objective and purpose essentially refreshed our desire to continue playing. For how long this desire will last, who knows? Lingor Island awaits.

Edited October 8, 2012 by QuinnTheEskimo

[encounterq 0]

...on an island overrun by blood-thirsty incarnations of Jamie Hyneman...

I knew I wasn't the only one to notice this. ;)

[Dr.Blomquist 27]

i enjoyed reading your story, q. no other game (i know of) can deliver such an intensive gaming experience like DayZ does.

[klesh 2423]

Driver, where you takin' us?