Mask or Menace | MODERATORS (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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etcelsior2015-03-28 02:02 pm
maskormods) wrote in etcelsior2015-03-28 02:02 pm
Entry tags:
#squadgoals
TEST DRIVE MEME
Considering apping into MASK OR MENACE? Want to dip your toes into the setting and get a feel of whether your character will fit into it? Or maybe you're just cruising and want to play around? Then you've come to the right place!
Pick any of the following scenarios below or feel free to make up your own, but don't be afraid to throw yourself at someone else's thread, either!
And remember to have fun!01. Your memory might be a haze still and you might even feel frustrated or anxious by the sudden news that you are no longer in your own world and that the Porter scientists and military cannot send you back. You don't get a chance to linger long in the underground Porter lab, but something is clearly amiss; light patches on the floor indicate something else used to sit in that spot in the room. Parts of the wall, floor and the tables look recently refurbished -- something happened in here not too long ago.
You're ushered out quickly and then suddenly, you're enveloped in a faint blue blue light before you find yourself under the bright Floridian sun. Another soldier steps toward you with a smile, directing your attention to a car near a large gate. She mentions she'll be debriefing you soon, handing out a brown folder. You don't see the digital tattoo on your wrist, but it's quickly explained on your way over to the car as you realize there are other confused faces nearby, all holding files of their own.
02. According to the soldiers, a domestic terrorist attack is the reason why the cheery and small city of Heropa is still under some major reconstruction. For a small city, the amount of outside help called in for reconstruction and repairs has made it livelier than it normally is. Construction workers on coffee breaks wave to the most obvious looking imPorts, some will even salute you. "We couldn'a done away with those bastards if it weren't for good folk like you," they say.
Wherever you go, locals are pleasant and courteous enough, sometimes stepping forward to ask for a quick photo or autograph. Every now and then, however, anyone who is so obviously an imPort will find a local backing away from them nervously, pulling their child back with them before closing a door.
03. De Chima, Virginia, while it suffered some damage to its downtown area, never slowed down for a second. For a large city with a bustling population and booming economy, it's quieter than one would expect for it to be, too. If you're trying to avoid the awestruck crowds, you might be able to thanks to everyone ducking under umbrellas and buildings due to heavy rainfall today, provided you aren't letting it slip you're a newcomer to this world. If you're not exactly human-looking or wearing clothes that very much scream medieval ages (or distant future), sorry. There's a high chance the kids are going to crowd you in excitement.
Some locals seem less enthused to see you. They never make an approach, but they can be overheard scoffing and muttering something about cameras. "Who do they think they are?" or "I don't like it... it reminds me of the government corruption back in the eighties." What could they be talking about?
04. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania, has, as always, avoided any major or minor damages. Ask about the Hornets or the recent fights between imPorts and the locals will shrug. Don't get them wrong; they're glad those damn Hornets have been dealt with, but they don't want to discuss politics. Try asking the local imPort Ambassador. What's his name? Ryan? Revan? They don't offer any more information. Naturally for a big city, the people are somewhat aloof in nature. You might even notice the police are just the same, turning their heads the other way when two shady figures exchange fat wads of cash at the street corner. Did the police just drive away in their hovervehicle without bothering to observe what those two were up to? They sure did.
05. Nonah, North Carolina, is the liveliest of all cities. It's loud, busy and there's some kind of energy in the air that gets everyone buzzing with excitement. Anyone who they come to determine an imPort is bombarded with all sorts of offers; job offers, advertising gigs, spokesperson for advocating children stay in school, etc. Anything and everything! You name it. Shops offer discounts for food and clothing, whatever they need. People flock in droves with questions, but they all say the same thing. Thank you for your service to this country, Hero. You saved a lot of lives. Wow, feels great to be a hero, doesn't it?
Bela Talbot | Supernatural
[ Being told that she couldn't return home was something Bela wouldn't take lightly. Nor was being kidnapped. The soldier was the first person that she directed her anger at, but the other woman carried on with her explanation as if Bela was invisible and unimportant. That only made Bela more frustrated, especially when all the soldier did was hand her a folder of all things. She had no desire to get into the car, believing that she was going to be led to imprisonment or death.]
If you brought me here, you can surely send me back! [Anyone close by would be able to hear her.] Name your price, I can meet it. Just return me to my home in one piece and we'll be even, yeah?
[To her disappointment, the soldier turns away and carries on with her stupid spiel to another victim, leaving Bela on her own. After a moment or two she glances down at the folder in her hands, opening it to see what was inside, quickly scanning the contents. The folder is abruptly closed and then Bela heaves out a frustrated sigh, moving away from the direction of the car and from any of people who may want to force her into it.
From where she was standing Bela was able to observe the rest of the people who were brought here like her against their will; it didn't look like they had volunteered to do it, judging by their confused expressions. The others might be in the same predicament as Bela, but that didn't mean that she could or indeed would trust them.
Although, if she wanted to make it through, she might have to fake it.]
[4]
[Honestly, she wasn't really the kind of person to discuss politics either. The only thing that Bela was interested in was information because it could be used to her advantage, maybe even used against someone. Perhaps she should track down this Ambassador and see what she could find out from him - it's an idea that Bela tucks away in her mind for the future.
While she may not like being stuck away from home, she understood the necessity of having to do things in order to survive. It was a practice that Bela had held onto for a long, long time and one that had served her well. For the most part at least. There were still plans in place back home that had to go the way Bela wanted them to before she would be free.
Like most cities, there seemed to be a dark underbelly, filled with suspicious characters and dodgy dealings. And apparently corrupt police officers who allow such dealings to be carried out without even a stern look. Bela smirks to herself as she passes the two criminals, not minding it a little. She wasn't exactly innocent herself and a highly skilled thief such as herself could probably make a nice sum in this place. If she made the right connections and proved herself to be valuable, there was no telling the kind of influence that Bela could have.
Only time would tell.]
# Throw a random prompt!
lmao I'm so sorry
She double-takes when she sees Bela. She doesn't know it's Bela, because she's the spitting image of-- ) Maggie!
( Quiet, under her breath, and pushing through the crowd to try and catch up the person she spotted while grabbing a bottle of coke in a convenience store. The coke is going to be a mess if she ever dares open it, with the way it's gotten shaken around, but who cares? It's Maggie. )
Hey! Wait up!
( Oh, excuse her, she just... tripped and pretty much faceplanted at Bela's feet. Ah. She makes a sound of pain, trying to push herself up. ) Maggie, hey. Thank God you're here.
( Oh, Tara. You sweet summer child. Also, when did Maggie's hair get so long? )
don't be sorry! Tara is precious and I adore her <3
Who the hell is Maggie?]
Hey. [ She eases into a generic American accent, disguising her British one for the time being. Whomever this woman is, Bela needed to find out more. Tara wasn't someone she recognised but maybe whatever she knew could be useful.
Playing along will have to do for the time being.]
Yeah, I-uh, just arrived and I'm a little confused. You okay?
this will be beautiful/hideous
Dusting herself off, Tara offers "Maggie" a happy smile. ) Carl is going to be so glad you're here.
( Finally, someone they both know, who recognises her. That means she's recognise Carl, and that means that their starting to get the family back together.
But-- Tara's head tilts, confused-puppy style. The accent isn't right. The hair is too long. It just seems off. The adrenaline buzz from seeing Maggie is overwhelming that. )
I'm fine. This place is different from home, right? ( A beat. ) You're talkin' kinda different. Are you-- I mean, are you from the future, too? Carl is from before me, so...
( Maybe that could explain the shift in accent, it could just be from being in a different area for a long while? The longer hair? The... not looking like she's been dragged out of the apocalypse. )
oh, yes. i am looking forward to it~
Sure is different. [ The confused look Tara has leads Bela to think that she's not convincing her. ] I think I'm coming down with something, you know? The only way I can find out I'm from the future is if you tell me the last thing you remember.
It'll be good to see Carl too. [ She adds, trying to incorporate Tara's accent into her own now. As for Bela's appearance? She pretty much looks like a well to do career woman who shops at designer stores. ]
even if she figured it out, she'd totally still want to protect Bela on principle B(!!!
Oh, yeah. ( Tara's expression immediately slips to one of concern. ) Do you wanna crash at my place? I've got food and-- stuff. You can rest up, this is kinda a lot to take in.
( It looks like Maggie has already taken care of clothes, though it's not what she'd expect her to wear. Then again, she's only ever seen Maggie during the apocalypse. It doesn't seem right, but... )
Anyway, I'm from when we have the firetruck, and we were getting it back to the church. Y'know after-- after we found out Eugene lied about having a way to save the world from the dead ones and, uh. Abraham went kinda crazy.
i know. Tara is just that kind of girl and I should feel horrible but...
That would be great, yeah. Just until I get my bearings and having someone familiar around will help as well. Thanks. [ And if Tara tried anything, Bela would make a run for it. Or reach for her gun. ] Food would be nice.
[ She's not hungry but accepting her hospitality was the way forward apparently. The only difficult part was getting Tara's name without directly asking her. ]
Oh, I remember that well. Just not anything beyond it, but I think my memories might be still a little hazy. Guess Abraham didn't like the fact that Eugene lied, huh. Are they here as well?
... but yeah, no. Too entertaining.
When "Maggie" keeps talking, though, she's chewing her lip a bit with concern. )
Maybe the nanites are screwin' with you. We could-- My apartment's like, five minutes away, but there's actual medicine here. We don't need to go scavenging, anymore, so-- I mean, you could've hit your head or something back home, so we could hit up a doctor if you want?
( Protector mode, activated. And, with that in mind, she has to add: ) It's just me, Carl and Carol. Glenn's not here, Maggie, I'm really sorry. ( The gentleness in her voice, the way she's trying to break it gently, that might give away who Glenn is to Maggie. It hasn't clicked for Tara that she's not wearing a wedding ring. ) He could still turn up. All the others, too. And in the meantime, I've got your back. Okay?
my thoughts exactly
No, it's fine. I don't think I need a doctor, just some rest. [ Completely unwilling to be examined or tested on, no matter how much Tara would reassure her.] I'm sure I'll be back to my old self soon.
[ If Bela were anyone else, she would feel bad about duping Tara and taking advantage of her kindness and compassion. But Bela wasn't. ]
He's not? [She feigns disappointment, picking it up that Glenn was important to Maggie in a different way to the others. ] Well, there's always the hope that he'll end up here. Like you said. Everyone else as well.
[ The ruse might be broken whenever Bela encounters the other two people that Tara mentioned so she had a few things to think about. ]
I got your back too. Should we go?
no subject
( Tara tilts her head towards her apartment block - when she said it was nearby, she wasn't exaggerating. ) It's that place over there. C'mon.
( She knows losing Glenn when they pretty much just went through so much to find each other, that's gonna be a hard blow. Probably good to get "Maggie" someplace where she can rest and take all of this in. As she walks her brain is running overtime, trying to work out solutions and things that'll help - is there really a solution to the kind of problems they have? She probably needs to try and break the news to her that, sometimes, people who are dead can come back, too. People the group might've lost before she met them, people who they both saw die. It would be kinda amazing if Hershel turned up, for Maggie's own sake. )
It's weird having... power and all this stuff back, right? ( That's another reason Maggie could be behaving a little off, aside from potential injury. ) Word of caution: no matter how much you wanna eat everything in sight, don't do it.
( She totally did that and felt sick for a while after. Worth it, though, for that burger. )
no subject
Hm? [ Tara's question draws Bela out of her thoughts. ] Oh, yeah, yeah. Really weird to see all of...this around after everything we've been through. [ Yep, absolutely winging it at the moment. ]
Gotcha. I won't eat too much. Not really in the mood for getting sick.
Do we have to pay for things?
[ She asks, even though she would absolutely steal if necessary. ]
no subject
Yeah. Seriously, though, how over-priced food is almost makes me miss scavenging. I mean, easily, best thing about the end of the world? Nobody could judge you for being a shitty cook. Now living off instant ramen suddenly means I'm kinda failing hard at being an adult.
( Self mockery is always her way of trying to raise a smile, to get some moment of amusement. She's aware that might be a little unrealistic, all things considered. With how confusing a day Maggie must be having, though, she figures trying to make her laugh maybe isn't such a bad thing. )
Your file has info on a job they've assigned you, and stuff. You can get different work, just makes getting yourself set up a little easier, I guess.
( As they reach the top of the stairs to the apartment building, Tara pulls the door open and holds it for "Maggie." The potential chivalry is maybe just a little marred by how she's slouching against the door. )
no subject
[ Upon realising that Tara was being self-deprecating, Bela does laugh a little and shakes her head. She doesn't know if it was something that Maggie would do but she could tell that her and Tara had a good relationship. ]
Least I have some kinda job- means I can help you all out as well. Combine our income and get something else other than ramen to live on. [ Bela tries for some humour, hoping that it doesn't fail in its delivery. ]
So this is the apartment, huh? [ She comments as she walks up the stairs, nodding in thanks to Tara for holding the door open for her. Bela doesn't venture too far inside, looking over her shoulder at Tara. ] Been a while since I've seen something in a decent condition.
Can't wait to see the rest of it.
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apologies for the delay and the shorter response. i feel bad because your tag is epic!
pshaawwww nonsense, your tags are delightful ;u;
1/
He was quite enjoying reveling in the sunshine, sitting on top of a medium sized decorative cannon, legs crossed, tipping his own folder back and forth. He watched the other arrivals with absolute eagerness--look at their little faces, absolutely no idea who they were so dozily wandering past on this lovely spring day.
Bela drew attention to herself with her little outburst. Lucifer slid down from his perch, a spring in his step as he joined her. If anyone was going to Hell--
But before that, how about a little fun? ]
Are you sure you can meet my price?
yesssssss
The soldiers didn't seem to want to tell her much beyond what they already said and the people around her were as useful as a chocolate teapot. Bela was going to have to take matters into her own hands and do some investigation of her own. She just needed a good starting point.
Lucifer seemed to have come out of nowhere but perhaps Bela was just too distracted to realise that. For someone who was away from their home, he looked fairly happy. ]
Excuse me? [The statement is accompanied with an arch of a brow and a quick glance over him.]
Did I hear that correctly?
no subject
Which was why Bela was so very interesting. Hello perspective. ]
You might. Of course that really depends on whether or not you think going home is in your best interests. [ He buffed his hands against the lapels of his shirt, studied his fingertips lazily, just for a moment, then dropped his hand again, though not to meet her gaze. ] You see, I happen to know that what you sow in the world--well, it has a way of coming right round to bite you. But this is America, the land of opportunity.
Think about it.
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It is in my best interests. [She replies evenly, raising her chin in defiance. Who was he to tell her how she should think about her situation?]
Ah, that old chestnut. I'm more than aware of the opportunities that America presents, having lived there for several years now. [Which he probably didn't really care about.]
Is it a regular habit of yours to come up to a stranger and offer them the answers to what they seek? Spout whatever world-wise knowledge that you have.
[Completely deadpan.]
Or am I just a special case?
no subject
[ That was really not an answer to any of her questions. But then Lucifer was unreasonably smug. He tilted his head down toward the ground, studying a spot six inches away from her left foot, keeping his attention off her as very gradually, a step became another, until there was a distinct circling going on. The soldiers were harrying people into the cars ahead of them, turning to look for stragglers. ]
You're a special case [ he admitted, at last, still not looking up. A beat. Two. He was pushing his luck now. Up came his eyes, a flicker of a mocking smile. ] The road to Hell is paved with your best interests, isn't it? [ It's 'good intentions', Lucifer. ] So why don't we just cut right to the chase--
[ He offered his hand. ]
Lucifer. And you've been a very naughty girl.
no subject
For a brief moment her gaze flickered to the left and then the right, searching for any possible exits. She could hear the rabble of people in the background, the slam of car doors being shut. All normal sounds which were of very little interest to Bela. Her attention was firmly on Lucifer and nothing else. ]
I don't know-is it? [ Said smoothly, and without any expectation of him to answer. Bela just about managed to not react to the word 'Hell', keeping her expression passive. ]
Right. Lucifer. [ He's off his meds. ] You shouldn't really presume anything about me, you know. Considering that we've only just met.
[ Looking down at his offered hand, then back up at his face again. ]
Sorry, not much of a handshake person.
no subject
No. Kisses are more your style, aren't they?
[ He could feel her attention, and her disbelief. And really-- ]
You have every right not to believe that I am who I say I am. After all, if I'm an angel then there must be a God--and how could there be? You grew up in a Godless world where only demons heard your prayers, didn't you Bela? Angels have no place in it.
[ He rocked back on his heel, blinking his eyes up at the bright Florida sunshine, squinting a little as he did. His eyelashes were pale, his face still stressed, stretched out to contain his power, but none the less healing. ]
I know you, because I know your sin. It's as clear to me as the nose on your face.
no subject
[Bela shakes her head at him, subtly taking a step back at the same time. The longer she stayed in his company, the more uncomfortable she was becoming. But not once did she allow her gaze to stray away from Lucifer, afraid of what he might do if she looked away.]
All this talk about angels and demons - you know how crazy that makes you sound? One of those doomsday speakers who stands in front of a large crowd and tells them that they must repent before they're punished for their transgressions. It's not the first time I've heard such bullshit.
[And then he touched on her name. That changed things. Her mask slips a little at the mention of of it. Not her real name but even so, he had said it and that only made Bela all the more suspicious and wary.]
No, you don't know me. Someone let you look at my file and that's how you found out my name. Someone, for whatever reason sent you here to rattle me.
[It was working.]
As for sin? Everyone is guilty of something, honey. Even you.
no subject
You mean like one of these? I hardly need to. [ He stepped forward, still waving it, then dropped his hand to his side. ]
My sin? It's not so different to yours. I betrayed my father.
[ His attention flickered toward the soldiers who were now approaching them looking harried, unhappy with having to go back to fetch them. He came closer to Bela still, raising his hand very slightly toward her.
And as he did so, she would see wings forming in the light behind him, glorious--resplendent. ]
Ask yourself: whose 'briefing' do you think will teach you the most? Theirs, or mine? Then take my hand.
no subject
That's how the story goes.
[She knows about Lucifer's fall from reading about it. Despite not being a religious person, Bela had delved into books as a child and continued on as an adult when she wanted to learn more about the supernatural world she lived in.
The soldiers had gone mostly unnoticed by Bela when Lucifer had engaged her in conversation, but she looks over briefly at them, then back at the man in front of her. She doesn't take a step back this time, watching as Lucifer moved his hand towards her.
For a moment she thought his wings were a trick of the light, and then Bela really looked; they were unlike anything she had ever seen or could even imagine. ]
They know how this place works. That counts for something in my book.
[But he had a point. The knowledge he had would be so much more. And yet, she still felt uneasy around him, afraid even.]
I can't just take your hand and trust that no harm will come to me.
no subject
God had never stepped in to stop him, and he wouldn't do so here. The light lensed behind him, and mellowed back to normal. Just sunlight passing between clouds, and by the time it has passed his smile was much more homely, almost placid. ]
Just because they know doesn't mean they'll tell you. Besides, I'm sure there's a pamphlet or something--maybe a website. Someone will take notes to share with the class.
[ His hand stayed out, but not excessively outstretched. Lucifer's posture was relaxed, his fingers very slightly curled in. His gaze was steady, but not pleading. ]
If you can't trust the devil to keep his word, then who can you trust? I think that we can help each other, and if you have any faith at all in your own inflated sense of self worth, then you'll believe yourself valuable enough to me to keep you in one piece.
If you can't trust me, then believe in yourself. After all, why else would I be wasting my time asking?
no subject
They have an obligation to tell me. Handing out folders with basic information before herding us like cattle doesn't exactly bring in the tourists. [She's covering her fear with sarcasm.] I need to find the person or people in charge of this bloody place.
[Frustrated, Bela glances towards the soldiers who have now seemed to be focusing on other stragglers instead of them. Her attention switches back to Lucifer as she takes him in once more, noting how at ease he looked. Apparently, the Prince of Lies had nothing to be afraid of and he still wanted to take Bela along with him, given how his hand wasn't by his side.]
Myself. I can trust myself.
[It's spoken with confidence.]
I just don't see why the devil would need any kind of help. You seem very self assured and comfortable with this situation. And I can't be sure that you won't cast me aside when I'm of no use to you anymore, if I were to agree to help. [Something that Bela herself has done.]
If you really know me, you'll know the line of work I'm in. Dealing with clients and negotiating. If I'm not compensated enough for doing something then it's simply not worth doing in the first place.
Maybe you shouldn't waste your time.
[Testing him to see what his response would be. If he could get Bela out of her contract, maybe she'd be willing to talk. But there's no guarantee that he wouldn't try to screw her over.]