Recollé Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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recolle2019-01-05 05:32 pm
recollecters) wrote in recolle2019-01-05 05:32 pm
JANUARY EVENT - PART ONE
EVENT
PREMISE • RULES • FAQ • TAKEN • RESERVES • APPLICATIONS
REGAINS • HIATUS/DROPS • PLOT SUBMISSIONS • CALENDAR • MOD CONTACT • NAV
REGAINS • HIATUS/DROPS • PLOT SUBMISSIONS • CALENDAR • MOD CONTACT • NAV
Re:Format
I.
It starts in the morning. It starts on the morning of January 5th the moment you step outside and notice that something's not quite right here. It's warm enough to venture into the city without a jacket, and over the course of the day the temperature seems to rise to an almost intense degree. All around you the snow begins to melt, rivers of ice water flowing down the sidewalk and into the streets soaking through your shoes and leaving your socks pretty damp. Gross.
That's not all that seems to be dissolving though. For anyone who ventures over to Tisse near Wiffle-Waffle, you'll find that Santa's Workshop is being dismantled. You may recognize the faces of the construction workers as those of the elves you encountered last month, though they are now full-sized people and don't seem to wish to engage. Walls are torn down, set-pieces are moved away, James' dunktank is emptied and Wiffle-Waffle resumes to its original state. Linger too much, however, and you'll be put to work helping haul away materials and load it into the giant moving truck labeled Sleigh-ers.
Likewise, over in Tribunal Square the members of Re:Va and other volunteer associations are working over the weekend to take down and de-decorate the large Christmas tree to haul away and store the ornaments until next year. You may wish to grab anything that's yours, including the baubles from last month. These volunteers could really use some extra hands, so pitch in and get to work! It's faster and easier with everyone tackling the same goal, after all. As the tree begins to droop under the heat and a shower of pine needles falls over you, the baubles containing your past home worlds will become frozen in place with a scene from the location you visited. Touching these baubles will give you a clear vision of the location and though you may not return yet, a pleasant, warm feeling will settle whenever these memories occur.
But that doesn't seem to solve what, precisely, is causing the insane heatwave taking over the city. The sun sets at its normal winter hours (around 5pm) and yet the temperature remains the same. It's to the point citizens can roam in tank tops and shorts if they wished to, and as the evening drags on the scent of something sweet albeit smoky fills the air. Huh. That's weird...but at 9pm on the fifth, a whoosh of air overtakes the city as bright red and orange colors appear in the distance. Looking around, these colors form a circle around the city and seem to be far off in the distance. If you're feeling rather adventurous, however, it's easy to track down the source of light. Approaching the edges of the city just beyond the districts citizens will come face to face with an earth-to-sky-high wall of flames, gently licking the sides of the buildings, encasing the air before you and slowly closing in.
What will you do?
It starts in the morning. It starts on the morning of January 5th the moment you step outside and notice that something's not quite right here. It's warm enough to venture into the city without a jacket, and over the course of the day the temperature seems to rise to an almost intense degree. All around you the snow begins to melt, rivers of ice water flowing down the sidewalk and into the streets soaking through your shoes and leaving your socks pretty damp. Gross.
That's not all that seems to be dissolving though. For anyone who ventures over to Tisse near Wiffle-Waffle, you'll find that Santa's Workshop is being dismantled. You may recognize the faces of the construction workers as those of the elves you encountered last month, though they are now full-sized people and don't seem to wish to engage. Walls are torn down, set-pieces are moved away, James' dunktank is emptied and Wiffle-Waffle resumes to its original state. Linger too much, however, and you'll be put to work helping haul away materials and load it into the giant moving truck labeled Sleigh-ers.
Likewise, over in Tribunal Square the members of Re:Va and other volunteer associations are working over the weekend to take down and de-decorate the large Christmas tree to haul away and store the ornaments until next year. You may wish to grab anything that's yours, including the baubles from last month. These volunteers could really use some extra hands, so pitch in and get to work! It's faster and easier with everyone tackling the same goal, after all. As the tree begins to droop under the heat and a shower of pine needles falls over you, the baubles containing your past home worlds will become frozen in place with a scene from the location you visited. Touching these baubles will give you a clear vision of the location and though you may not return yet, a pleasant, warm feeling will settle whenever these memories occur.
But that doesn't seem to solve what, precisely, is causing the insane heatwave taking over the city. The sun sets at its normal winter hours (around 5pm) and yet the temperature remains the same. It's to the point citizens can roam in tank tops and shorts if they wished to, and as the evening drags on the scent of something sweet albeit smoky fills the air. Huh. That's weird...but at 9pm on the fifth, a whoosh of air overtakes the city as bright red and orange colors appear in the distance. Looking around, these colors form a circle around the city and seem to be far off in the distance. If you're feeling rather adventurous, however, it's easy to track down the source of light. Approaching the edges of the city just beyond the districts citizens will come face to face with an earth-to-sky-high wall of flames, gently licking the sides of the buildings, encasing the air before you and slowly closing in.
What will you do?
II.
Well. That's unfortunate. The ring of fire appears endless and spins around you, engulfing the city at a glacial pace. Strangely, however, it seems as though the flames are passing straight over buildings, flora and fauna without actively burning them. The firewall leaves little damage in its path and it's near impossible to notice that the wall begins to inch forward at its crawling pace.
Your first instinct may very well be to call the fire department. It's hard for them not to notice this, isn't it? The fire department's on the case and will rush to the scene of the crime, but...it's everywhere. How can they fight a fire that's everywhere? The flames aren't destroying the city, and firefighters find themselves puzzled as to how the fire can be active without putting anyone at risk. Smoke inhalation is only a risk for those directly up against the fire, and while they'll encourage citizens to step back the flames are too massive for them to combat on their own.
Good thing a mass text is sent to your phone on the morning of the sixth.
Funny, when they called it a firewall I didn't think they meant literally. It's okay! You should be safe as long as you don't stick too close too long. Beyond the wall is the next security measure that needs to be opened; do your best! We're counting on you! - Jo.
An electrical jolt shocks your hand once the message is read and your whole body grows warm. The heat is a little more bearable now, and as you get closer to the flames you'll come to realize you're just a little more heat-resistant than usual. How convenient.
A voice inside your head seems to speak up, whispering suggestions of how to put out the flames and guiding you to new locations in the city. Following these directions can lead you to the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, a tower of baking soda boxes, the longest hose available in any particular distance or even a stack of blankets. Work together to guide each other and combat the flames, dear citizens. It seems there's something beyond that's worth investigating.
Well. That's unfortunate. The ring of fire appears endless and spins around you, engulfing the city at a glacial pace. Strangely, however, it seems as though the flames are passing straight over buildings, flora and fauna without actively burning them. The firewall leaves little damage in its path and it's near impossible to notice that the wall begins to inch forward at its crawling pace.
Your first instinct may very well be to call the fire department. It's hard for them not to notice this, isn't it? The fire department's on the case and will rush to the scene of the crime, but...it's everywhere. How can they fight a fire that's everywhere? The flames aren't destroying the city, and firefighters find themselves puzzled as to how the fire can be active without putting anyone at risk. Smoke inhalation is only a risk for those directly up against the fire, and while they'll encourage citizens to step back the flames are too massive for them to combat on their own.
Good thing a mass text is sent to your phone on the morning of the sixth.
Funny, when they called it a firewall I didn't think they meant literally. It's okay! You should be safe as long as you don't stick too close too long. Beyond the wall is the next security measure that needs to be opened; do your best! We're counting on you! - Jo.
An electrical jolt shocks your hand once the message is read and your whole body grows warm. The heat is a little more bearable now, and as you get closer to the flames you'll come to realize you're just a little more heat-resistant than usual. How convenient.
A voice inside your head seems to speak up, whispering suggestions of how to put out the flames and guiding you to new locations in the city. Following these directions can lead you to the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, a tower of baking soda boxes, the longest hose available in any particular distance or even a stack of blankets. Work together to guide each other and combat the flames, dear citizens. It seems there's something beyond that's worth investigating.
III.
Despite having the appropriate tools, clearing the flames doesn't appear to be an easy task, now does it? The fire seems to respond best to magic, but the flames can be doused with water, smothered with blankets or even just finding a way to separate the flames will cause the fire to extinguish. Utilizing any methods you have will help though and the further you cut into the firewall, the further back you'll venture in. Creating a tunnel for yourself, the wall expands as it stretches further and further and an inferno expands to give you space to explore. Though the journey is rough and the smoke begins to make your eyes water, inside each man-made tunnel will be a large silver door.
The extra boost in heat-resistance will help you here as the doors would normally be too hot to touch. You can place your hands safely upon them and even take the time to review the carvings engraved on each panel of the door. The scenery reflects locations you may recognize as the locations of the founders' estates you received access to in November and this close you can hear the sound of the wind howling and voices behind the door. Was this what Joanne meant about security measures? There's only one way to find out.
Granted, you may find that your door doesn't open. No matter how hard you push or shove or even try to punch it down, the door will remain locked and a small keyhole glows just enough to grab your attention. Without a key these doors will not budge, but another path of flames opens up for you to follow. Several doors that you come across will provide the same results, though you will find yourself rerouted until you hit a door that's already been opened. Will these doors contain what it is you seek?
The unsealed doors will remain open until two or more people step through the threshold at which time they'll swing closed and glow a golden color instead, indicative of being occupied. The world beyond each door appears different than the last in spite of how many doors you seem to find. Beautiful landscapes, desolate wastelands, and looming planets lurk in these spaces. The path is much less clear now as the space before you stretches for miles past your line of vision. The door behind you closes again, sealing you into this space and immersing you in this pocket dimension for the time being. While each space is different, you'll find that no matter which door you slip through the space around you shimmers and warps, reaching directly to your presence. Sinkholes appear beneath your feet. Clouds of dust loom over you. The pull of gravity gives out and in some cases these pockets send you somewhere with its own set of rules. You may find yourself wandering for some time, unsure of a clear path, but don't fret. It's only a matter of time before the sound of barking fills the air, and you come across one of ten creatures, all wearing collars.
Don't linger for too long though. They're impatient little things, and they will immediately grab whoever's nearby to begin dragging them along. Good luck getting them to release your pants from their jaws.
Despite having the appropriate tools, clearing the flames doesn't appear to be an easy task, now does it? The fire seems to respond best to magic, but the flames can be doused with water, smothered with blankets or even just finding a way to separate the flames will cause the fire to extinguish. Utilizing any methods you have will help though and the further you cut into the firewall, the further back you'll venture in. Creating a tunnel for yourself, the wall expands as it stretches further and further and an inferno expands to give you space to explore. Though the journey is rough and the smoke begins to make your eyes water, inside each man-made tunnel will be a large silver door.
The extra boost in heat-resistance will help you here as the doors would normally be too hot to touch. You can place your hands safely upon them and even take the time to review the carvings engraved on each panel of the door. The scenery reflects locations you may recognize as the locations of the founders' estates you received access to in November and this close you can hear the sound of the wind howling and voices behind the door. Was this what Joanne meant about security measures? There's only one way to find out.
Granted, you may find that your door doesn't open. No matter how hard you push or shove or even try to punch it down, the door will remain locked and a small keyhole glows just enough to grab your attention. Without a key these doors will not budge, but another path of flames opens up for you to follow. Several doors that you come across will provide the same results, though you will find yourself rerouted until you hit a door that's already been opened. Will these doors contain what it is you seek?
The unsealed doors will remain open until two or more people step through the threshold at which time they'll swing closed and glow a golden color instead, indicative of being occupied. The world beyond each door appears different than the last in spite of how many doors you seem to find. Beautiful landscapes, desolate wastelands, and looming planets lurk in these spaces. The path is much less clear now as the space before you stretches for miles past your line of vision. The door behind you closes again, sealing you into this space and immersing you in this pocket dimension for the time being. While each space is different, you'll find that no matter which door you slip through the space around you shimmers and warps, reaching directly to your presence. Sinkholes appear beneath your feet. Clouds of dust loom over you. The pull of gravity gives out and in some cases these pockets send you somewhere with its own set of rules. You may find yourself wandering for some time, unsure of a clear path, but don't fret. It's only a matter of time before the sound of barking fills the air, and you come across one of ten creatures, all wearing collars.
Don't linger for too long though. They're impatient little things, and they will immediately grab whoever's nearby to begin dragging them along. Good luck getting them to release your pants from their jaws.
IV.
The dogs (and cheetah) are very excited to see you and will immediately begin leading you onward on a mission. These creatures aren't what they seem at first sight, and as you delve deeper into the closed off areas, they will use their specific skillsets to help you.
The cheetah is quick and she will be a good battle ally, charging in to destroy all foes. The chihuahua sports a tiny bowler hat but when pet in the right fashion, he will grow to be about 50 times its size. The german shepherd's eyes will glow like headlights and he can light up even the most darkened caverns. While the husky is only good for puzzle-solving, she's a clever girl and may help locate hidden items or crack codes. The bloodhound will pinpoint items buried in the dirt and he'll dig as far as the eye can see. The great dane is protective and if she senses danger she will bark and bark until she spits out fireballs. If told to speak, the dalmatian will open his mouth and spit out a hydrojet of water. The golden retriever will be able to knock out walls and he can deliver physical blows, the pomeranian (with a tophat) is small enough he can slip through small crevices and cracks, and the shiba inu has the ability to teleport ten feet ahead and search for hidden objects, and he has the ability to sense out wrong paths.
These creatures are used to search and rescue missions by now and will help all Retrospec users navigate the areas around them searching for hidden keys. These keys will be used to unlock the doors you've previously encountered, but for every door that becomes unlocked more keys appear inside.
Even with the animals helping out with these missions, combating monsters and helping you find the right paths, the keys themselves will not be easy to obtain. Sprouting silver wings or little feet, the keys will send users on a wild goosechase through the area. It will take some clever thinking (or brute force) to catch the keys and take them back, but upon holding them in your hands a thin, silver-esque substance will begin to spread over any expanse of exposed skin. The longer you take to get back and find the exit to unlock another door, the harder it will become to move the parts of your body coated in metal. For the truly unlucky, this may even mean becoming a living statue, stuck in these portals until someone can figure out a way to either pick you up and bring you back or break the key curse itself.
How does one break the curse though? Your four-legged friends seem to have the answer as they will disappear and return with a note tied to their collars, elegant handwriting bearing instructions.
The key to unlocking is unlocking the key.
Very specific, isn't it. If users appear stumped, the creatures will begin to bark (or meow, in the cheetah's case), waiting for users to understand the clue. It seems that something in particular must be said to the silver-bearing user to shed their second skin, and with some trial and error users will discover any use of the word "understand" does the trick. "I understand where you're coming from." "I don't understand you." "I wish you understood more." A conversation of enlightenment provides an answer, but it will only work with the right questions.
Good luck, Retrospecters. There are lots of tunnels to explore and doors to find, keys to obtain and paths to unlock. The task may seem endless, but as more doors are opened the flames around the city will begin to lessen.
The dogs (and cheetah) are very excited to see you and will immediately begin leading you onward on a mission. These creatures aren't what they seem at first sight, and as you delve deeper into the closed off areas, they will use their specific skillsets to help you.
The cheetah is quick and she will be a good battle ally, charging in to destroy all foes. The chihuahua sports a tiny bowler hat but when pet in the right fashion, he will grow to be about 50 times its size. The german shepherd's eyes will glow like headlights and he can light up even the most darkened caverns. While the husky is only good for puzzle-solving, she's a clever girl and may help locate hidden items or crack codes. The bloodhound will pinpoint items buried in the dirt and he'll dig as far as the eye can see. The great dane is protective and if she senses danger she will bark and bark until she spits out fireballs. If told to speak, the dalmatian will open his mouth and spit out a hydrojet of water. The golden retriever will be able to knock out walls and he can deliver physical blows, the pomeranian (with a tophat) is small enough he can slip through small crevices and cracks, and the shiba inu has the ability to teleport ten feet ahead and search for hidden objects, and he has the ability to sense out wrong paths.
These creatures are used to search and rescue missions by now and will help all Retrospec users navigate the areas around them searching for hidden keys. These keys will be used to unlock the doors you've previously encountered, but for every door that becomes unlocked more keys appear inside.
Even with the animals helping out with these missions, combating monsters and helping you find the right paths, the keys themselves will not be easy to obtain. Sprouting silver wings or little feet, the keys will send users on a wild goosechase through the area. It will take some clever thinking (or brute force) to catch the keys and take them back, but upon holding them in your hands a thin, silver-esque substance will begin to spread over any expanse of exposed skin. The longer you take to get back and find the exit to unlock another door, the harder it will become to move the parts of your body coated in metal. For the truly unlucky, this may even mean becoming a living statue, stuck in these portals until someone can figure out a way to either pick you up and bring you back or break the key curse itself.
How does one break the curse though? Your four-legged friends seem to have the answer as they will disappear and return with a note tied to their collars, elegant handwriting bearing instructions.
The key to unlocking is unlocking the key.
Very specific, isn't it. If users appear stumped, the creatures will begin to bark (or meow, in the cheetah's case), waiting for users to understand the clue. It seems that something in particular must be said to the silver-bearing user to shed their second skin, and with some trial and error users will discover any use of the word "understand" does the trick. "I understand where you're coming from." "I don't understand you." "I wish you understood more." A conversation of enlightenment provides an answer, but it will only work with the right questions.
Good luck, Retrospecters. There are lots of tunnels to explore and doors to find, keys to obtain and paths to unlock. The task may seem endless, but as more doors are opened the flames around the city will begin to lessen.
BONUS.
Back in the city the fires continue to circulate and as doors are opened wider holes appear in the firewall. Citizens still cannot leave, but upon noticing that the flames won't destroy their homes residents continue to carry on and let the fire department handle it as best as they can. The temperatures continue to be sweltering over the course of the month and you're still expected to carry on with your every day life. Go to school and work during the day, fight the fires and explore the security walls at night. It's a full-time job, but one that can work with your schedule.
This carries on for days, but on January 13th, a new text arrives to your phone from delta#02018329.
Man...it's about time the wall broke down. Do me a favor and fill each other in on what's going on? I still can't receive messages, but I can read them.
Without warning, you'll find yourself put in contact with another Retrospec user via text or video call, prompting you to begin a conversation. Well? What has happened since last August? Inquiring minds wish to know.
Back in the city the fires continue to circulate and as doors are opened wider holes appear in the firewall. Citizens still cannot leave, but upon noticing that the flames won't destroy their homes residents continue to carry on and let the fire department handle it as best as they can. The temperatures continue to be sweltering over the course of the month and you're still expected to carry on with your every day life. Go to school and work during the day, fight the fires and explore the security walls at night. It's a full-time job, but one that can work with your schedule.
This carries on for days, but on January 13th, a new text arrives to your phone from delta#02018329.
Man...it's about time the wall broke down. Do me a favor and fill each other in on what's going on? I still can't receive messages, but I can read them.
Without warning, you'll find yourself put in contact with another Retrospec user via text or video call, prompting you to begin a conversation. Well? What has happened since last August? Inquiring minds wish to know.
NOTES.
Welcome torecolle's January event part one!
You can claim two freebies on this log!
-Players may claim one freebie for attempting to put out part of the firewall. This thread must be at least five comments from you.
-Players may claim one freebie by entering one of the doors and exploring the area. This thread must be at least five comments from you.
-As indicated in the above links for prompts 3 and 4, please use these forms if you would like to sign up and receive a small, randomized location or exploration scenario! You are also free to create your own fantastical, challenging locations for characters to explore based on anything you wish to create, alternate versions of memories your character has obtained or alternate versions of canons not represented in-game. You can also sign up for key missions in prompt 4.
Finally, any questions you have regarding this event may be directed to the mod comment here. Be sure to review the mods' question thread on the plotting post for additional information as well!
Welcome to
recolle's January event part one!You can claim two freebies on this log!
-Players may claim one freebie for attempting to put out part of the firewall. This thread must be at least five comments from you.
-Players may claim one freebie by entering one of the doors and exploring the area. This thread must be at least five comments from you.
-As indicated in the above links for prompts 3 and 4, please use these forms if you would like to sign up and receive a small, randomized location or exploration scenario! You are also free to create your own fantastical, challenging locations for characters to explore based on anything you wish to create, alternate versions of memories your character has obtained or alternate versions of canons not represented in-game. You can also sign up for key missions in prompt 4.
Finally, any questions you have regarding this event may be directed to the mod comment here. Be sure to review the mods' question thread on the plotting post for additional information as well!
no subject
Everything's on fire.
[her voice sounds more ragged than usual, and she coughs for another few seconds after answering before she can even lift her head to look at Freya.]
I'm. High. It's bad, it's really bad, Frey, I'm... [cough.]
no subject
[Freya approaches slowly, setting down the bucket once she's close, then each of the extinguishers.]
What on? [The fire can wait--which moments later, Freya considers to be the most backwards thought she's ever had.]
no subject
[hey, that could be an issue. because now Anna's thinking about how even though she's been high before, she's always known what she's on because it's always been on purpose, and right now she can't even think far enough ahead to get the part about how this wasn't even... how this was Retrospec, maybe, just fucking with her directly? if she looks as desperate as she feels then she must be a fucking wreck.]
Robot drugs? [helpful.] I don't have blood, I can't get high.
no subject
[She reaches out, pressings two fingers gently to Anna's neck where her pulse should be. Even knowing what to expect, it makes Freya's stomach twist coldly, given her line of work. Between the older woman's panic and coughing, there should be a rapid-fire beat, not deathly stillness.]
This is the part where I admit "EMT 101" didn't have a section about robots. [Freya couldn't rely on her experience to help. That just left--] This ever happen before?
no subject
Not like this.
[it's easier to speak with someone she knows taking care of her. someone she trusts. someone she's also seen in a sorry state of things.]
Just... had a big lunch and now I'm high and I don't... [it's Retrospec. it has to be. right? she didn't eat anything strange. she knows she didn't. it was fucking McDonald's.] It was fine until I saw the fire. Everything's... why do you care about me right now? [her eyes track up to Freya's, though it takes a second for them to come into focus and her pupils are dilated enough that the blue of her iris might not even be visible.] You're a firefighter.
no subject
[>McDonalds]
[They were dumpster fire buddies, or something; that made it a lot easier to talk about the low points, frighteningly similar as the two of them'd come to be. It was no use feeling a pulse that wasn't there, so Freya's hand slips forward to rest on the back of Anna's neck, hoping that it would be some kind of steadying gesture. And it doubled to keep her from bolting in a Mystery Drug-induced panic, that too.]
[Freya meets her gaze steadily. There's surprisingly a lot to unpack in that short little ramble, but first thing was first.]
Yeah, I am. A great big part of that's providin' medical assistance. Another part's dragging away dumbasses choking on smoke and too blitzed outta their own minds to be anywhere near a fire.
[Despite her words, there isn't anything harsh in her tone. If anything, it's actually a little warm.]
'sides, the whole department's out in force. So are the 'Specters. I've been working this damn thing since it started; it's gonna be here whether or not I shuffle my priorities.
no subject
I'm. So glad it's you.
[it's hard to find the right words and her brain is shuffling things around so much that she can't figure out if this or silence would've been better but it's too late because the words are out there and Freya definitely won't read anything into it so what is she worried about?]
I don't want to be like this right now, I don't want to be high, I need to help people.
[it's not an option until she comes down, unfortunately, and she knows that. she just. doesn't know when that's going to be, and she needs help more than she needs to help others.]
no subject
Why don't you help me, then? [She makes sure to speak at a relaxed pace, and to keep her tone casual.] Take a nice deep breath. I don't know a damn about what you're on, or how your new body works. You hallucinating any? Feel like you're in danger of... [What's the robot equivalent of tachycardia or hypertension?] I dunno, overload?
no subject
I'm. Hot. [nope.] Warm, in my legs too. I can't think right. Feels like... I'm fast and slow at the same time? [she knows the feeling. she hasn't felt it in a while, which is how she knows she's freaking out, but. the fast feels faster.]
I keep thinking so much... stuff, but I can't. Focus on it enough to say anything. [her speech isn't labored so much as it is halting, very stop-start, like it really, really is a struggle to get coherent. maybe it's just because she has to describe the way her head feels in a way that's actually helpful.]
no subject
[Anna said she had lunch; that means she still drinks water, right? This is better, at least. It sounds like the panicked edge of her voice was receding a little.]
Why don't we get you somewhere quiet and dark, yeah? I know a spot a few blocks from here. It'll get you outta this smoke, too.
no subject
Please. There's... too much.
[she's more comfortable being taken care of and she knows enough to know that she's freaking out and if Freya is going to help then she's just... she's going to force her body to move. to walk where she's led. she did it for 20 years she can do it again haha that's a dark joke thanks brain if you would like to give her a break at any time then that would be extremely cool of you]
no subject
Sure. If you're feelin' unsteady, I can carry you. [The older woman looked kind of unsteady, in start contrast to when she was running down the street. Still, she's just lucid enough to make her own decisions, and Freya wouldn't step on her pride any more than necessary.]
no subject
[someone who does laugh and tell jokes. someone who's sarcastic and biting but cares more than she should about what people think of her. break through this, Amarande, you've got this, just. just keep walking, stay close to Freya, and try to say something.]
Don't have to carry me. I'm not a motorcycle.
[that's what's sticking out? that's what's sticking out. thanks, you useless fucking brain.]
no subject
Right. [Freya turns to make her way back down the alleyway, picking up that 10 gallon bucket on the way. The handle flexes, like it's threatening to snap. She'll come back for the fire extinguishers later, or some 'Specter was going to swoop in on them like trained pigeons.]
Don't gotta go far.
[She keeps her pace slow, to stay near Anna in case she wobbled or panicked. They really didn't have to go terribly far; the firewall's smoke didn't behave like it should, and hung around the ever closing circle instead of blanketing the whole city as it should have. Two blocks down was one of small those two-story business buildings; the bottom one's door swung ajar, and it looked like space was vacant. A couple of counters and desks still bolted into the floor, but no tables or chairs. And it's dark, like Freya promised.]
Figure this place used to be a salon or real estate office or something. Must've moved recently; they still had their fire extinguishers hanging. Borrowed 'em for the greater good.
[Greater good indeed. If Anna had been observant and in her right mind, she might have noticed the lock on the front door didn't look healthy.]
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[no. she laughs a little more quietly once they're safe inside and she can start trying to take things back. it's quiet. it's dark. there's no fire in here and she has Freya. she can do this.]
You stole them. [she knows what borrowing for the greater good means.] I'm friends with a punk-ass thief. No dignity. [she forces herself to walk a little bit away from Freya and lean on one of those counters that isn't going anywhere. her fingers dig into the edge as her arms stretch out, just to help literally keep her grounded, and her filthy bangs hang down, helping frame her face.]
Frey. You keep... saving me. You keep doing it. I know it's what you do but I need to repay you.
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Well, for one, yeah, that sorta thing's literally my job. Two: this is the first time, way I remember it. Don't you worry about it.
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Sorry, I. [a sigh, heavier than she wants it to be, and she slumps forward to let her face (that feels like it's overheating but probably isn't) rest on the cool smooth surface of the counter.] I feel. So bad. I don't like this. I can't... be this high right now. I can't.
[she lets go of the counter with one hand, though it's very tentative, and reaches out for Freya instead. just blindly, just kind of opening and closing her hand like holding on to someone is going to help her. which it might. it helped earlier, right?]
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[Stream (stutter?) of consciousness Anna was certainly something. As far as bad times on mystery drugs go, though, it could've been a lot worse. Freya wanders closer at the gesture, just inside arm's reach, and lightly touches her forearm to let Anna know she was there. She wasn't sure if that was a "give me your hand" gesture or a "I need a hug" one. Freya reeks of smoke, given how long she's hung around the fire; briefly, she wonders if that would make Anna worse.]
You can be. Yeah, it sucks, and I'm sorry you've got stuck with this lot, but the fire's still gonna be there. There's still gonna be work to do. You're not missing a thing.
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Good. Not good, but. [sigh. breathe. come on, Anna. come on. you've got this. it's just a bad trip.] This is so... firewalls aren't... this isn't what a firewall is. [a dry laugh.] Can't believe we're gonna open some ports. Resolve some NAT errors. Oh my god, it's tech support.
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You're talkin' to the wrong person with the geek speak. I'm a brute, remember? [She chuckles.] You know, with all the 'gotta help people' hero talk, it sure seems like you found yourself something to live for.
[You've had character development, Anna! She's so proud of you.]
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Guess I did. [her chest would swell if there were any organs in there to pound at the idea of someone she admires being what sounds like proud of her, but instead there's just the thrumming of whatever robot shit she has in there buzzing under her skin.] This is what I'm here for. This is what I'm good at. We're losing people from the app but we need to... we need to be strong and fight and bring them back if we can or just make sure that they can keep safe. And... and I still need to protect the people I still have.
[her head turns so Freya can see her eyes, the whites gone red from crying or whatever's going on with her body, and she tries her best to smile.]
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[What a difference that little spark of determination makes.]
[...and it's times like this Freya remembers she's the junior of the two by something like four or five years, and she briefly considers feeling weird about it before wondering why the hell it matters and dismissing the idea.]
[It's more important to be glad her friend found something to strive for. Freya reaches out, clapping her on the shoulder.]
Damn right, and don't you forget it. Or that you've got to take care of you first before you get to savin' people's days, even if you're rarin' to go.
[She supports Anna in this endeavor. She also supports Anna sitting the fuck down and waiting out her high, despite her impatient heroic sentiments.]
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I've never taken care of myself a day in my life.
[that's obviously a joke. it's probably not a very funny one because it isn't even true and it's not what either of them needs to hear right now, but it's the first thing Anna can jump to and she should maybe be worried that her first inclination is to deflect and. no. okay. no. don't think too hard. let Frey help.]
Came a real long fuckin' way from when we first met. I'm... glad you're still here. Glad you were up front about being taken so I didn't try to hook up with you.
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You're a sweetheart.
[Freya removes her hand to lean her forearms against the counter. Anna's sounding more coherent; good.]
Who knows; if you had more of the action hero thing goin' on instead of the stoner ennui when we first met, I might've even considered it. [Her tone this time around is feigned exasperation; she's teasing, but not entirely untruthful. Maybe would've considered it for a few seconds before ultimately turning it down.]
[Freya sighs softly, but there's a gravitas to it, and her tone shifts appropriately.] Glad you've stuck around, too. Just about everyone I know's gone back to 'blissfully ignorant dreamland.'
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[but it's for the best, ultimately, that nothing came of it. which is a bad line of thought to start but she's gonna finish it verbally, so that's. better?]
Everyone I'm into is losing the app. Lost Kara, lost Astin, lost Lillian. Rose is probably better off without it but she's still got it. It ain't a good club to be in. Starting to think I'm cursed.
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