safety first

[maskormods]

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 as if they have been refurbished in the past few months -- something happened in here some time ago. Something big.

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 and a pamphlet. 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. The city of Heropa is what one might expect from a small, bright and cheery place. The locals are friendly enough and local shop owners might offer a free drink to help cool you down in this awfully nauseating heat. Some of the locals might thank you for always lending your service to the nation and others might not say anything. In fact, some people might back away from any imPort who quite obviously looks like they aren't from around the neighborhood. Once in a while there's a look of disdain on someone's face and hushed voices. Something about "the outbreak" and "the government's gotta crack down on their medical files". "Some of them can't be right in the head" says another.

03. De Chima, Virginia, is a large city with a healthy economy, and though it's quieter, there are just as many citizens awed at your presence. Heavy winds have people grasping at their newspapers and constantly brushing hair out of their faces, but that doesn't distract them from crowding you in excitement if you're obviously from a different time or world, or just let it slip that you're a newcomer. Children and young teenagers are especially likely to ask for an autograph and a photo.

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, is normally known for being a little more on the apathetic side, but there's been tension in the atmosphere lately. Nobody will outright state what it is that's rustled their jimmies, though you might find a newsstand with articles on recent and aggressive vigilante behavior within the city. "ImPorts: loyal to the cause of their own?" reads one newspaper article.

People are not as friendly in this city and go out of their way to avoid walking down the same sidewalk as the more obvious looking imPorts pass through. Local cops say nothing, but they scowl at those imPorts and utter something about "no badges" and "acting like authority figures".

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?

Comments

Baymax - Marvel 616

[dadroid]

03. or 04.
With a sweep of his sensors, Baymax could pick up signals from all kinds of wireless devices -- more than he was used to. He could also pick up on that network that was talked about, but it would take some time to properly calibrate his systems to communicate directly with it. For now, he could just use the hand-held communicator.

For all the signals he could sense, though, there wasn't a blip of activity from Hiro's cyberglasses.

Expression stoic as always, Baymax made his way down the street in human guise -- a giant of a man, well over six feet. Whether the locals could tell he was an ImPort or not was inconsequential -- he was a frightening, imposing figure, and parted the crowds with his sheer presence.

Hopefully, if Hiro was nearby, the boy would spot him easily.

( orrrr come up with your own :D )

[microbrobotics]

[ Hiro is here - and does spot him, though not with the recognition he might hope. Certainly there are minor differences between the two. No glasses, Different scars, slight variations in height and figure... But there's something irrevocably similar too, isn't there? They could be fraternal twins. ]

Hello? ... Are you lost?

[dadroid]

[ Baymax's face isn't designed for much expression -- Hiro had designed him to be frightening, even when trying to blend in. But his face softens at the sight of Hiro unharmed, cancelling his massive search attempt. His systems cooled with relief at the sudden chunk of freed RAM, and something else inside him -- something coded into the very core of his programming -- settled down as well. ]

Hiro.

[ He kneels down, managing to come face to face with the young boy as he looks him over. There's something off -- small details aren't matching up. Hiro's expression doesn't match his expected mood. His voice is the same, but there's something odd about the tone and inflection. He's not wearing his glasses.

At this level, it might be clear that there's something off about the man, too. His voice when he speaks sounds human, but there's a slight tinny feel to it, as if it were coming from a speaker. He's got what looks like the tips of tusks jutting through his closed lips. His eyes are... green, and glowing. But for whatever limited expressions Baymax can make, right now, all he's projecting is concern for Hiro's well being. ]

I've been trying to hail you for hours. Are you all right? Where are your glasses?

[microbrobotics]

[ Hiro immediately realizes that something is off. His technopathy immediately lights up when he senses Baymax's complex systems, and he looks the android up and down in nothing short of fascination. That's some amazing work right there. Whoever built it? Must have an impressive intellect.

But the question throw him off. Fascinating android or not, Hiro seriously doesn't recognize this Baymax. And he's never worn glasses in his life. (But a quick scan would reveal that he is, in fact, nearsighted. ]

Dude, you're impressive, but I've never seen you before in my life.

[dadroid]

[ There's a pause as Baymax processes that last statement, before his eyes narrow just a bit. His sensors lack the hyperspectral cameras that would allow his counterpart to properly diagnose an ailment, and would have to be done in a more... traditional manner.

He looks Hiro over once more, the inconsistencies only more overt. It's possible that this child may have been pulled from a parallel reality, but that's only one possibility. He's from Earth-616, after all, and it wouldn't be the first time Hiro and himself had encountered someone with power over someone's mental and/or physical state. Further questioning would be required. ]

I see.

As far as you're aware, do you have any missing or otherwise inconsistent memories? Or is it only me you don't remember?

[microbrobotics]

My memory is fine, okay?

[ And he still doesn't know who the hell this guy is. ]

How am I even supposed to know if I know about you if I don't know your name?

[dadroid]

My apologies -- I simply wanted to make sure.

[ He gets back to his feet, looking Hiro over once more before he speaks again, his voice loaded with politness and formality as he bows in greeting. ]

I'm pleased to meet you. My name is Baymax, personal bodyguard to Hiro Takachiho of the Tesuka Advanced Science Institute.

[There's a pause as he's straightens up, before he adds -- with a far more casual, almost teasing tone of voice -- ]

...to whom you bear a striking resemblance.

[microbrobotics]

[ Meanwhile, Hiro's eyes widen considerably. Baymax? But - how? That exterior is awfully convincing. He's not sure it's even possible with their level of tech, even with Hiro's genius brain at the heart of it. More importantly, it doesn't really seem like something he'd design, despite how impressive he is. ]

No way you're Baymax. And - that is NOT my last name.

okay not the marshmallow nurse but close enough.

[keybearing]

[Sora can't help but stare a bit at the giant figure walking around. He's guessing the guy is new around here, since he doesn't seem familiar, but then he doesn't live locally around here to be entirely sure. Regardless, an offer to help can't hurt, right?

So he approaches, a short, unruly haired boy who doesn't actually seem nervous about the imposing height or appearance at all.]

Hey. You okay? If you're new, I might be able to help? Not that I've really been around much longer, but....

dadmax would adore the marshmallow nurse ftr

[dadroid]

[ Baymax looks down at the young boy. Awfully forward, but this is America, or some version of it; That's to be expected. He stops in his path, expression unchanging as he looks the boy over. There's no shift in his demeanor and he seems unperturbed at the sight and size of him. Interesting.

He's young. Not much older than Hiro. Fashion doesn't line up with anything Baymax has seen before. And the talk about also being 'new' implies he's also an imPort -- a teammate, the government would have him believe, but Baymax wasn't certain his loyalties lied with them just yet. ]

Thank you for your concern, but right now I'm just trying to get the lay of the land.

[ And -- considering that, for the moment at least, the child was an ally -- ]

Do you need any assistance?

I have a mighty NEED for this in KH. He would be the best Cure summon okay.

[keybearing]

[Not that Sora himself is from America. He's just always running around trying to help, though Donald tends to get frustrated with the habit, telling him off for 'meddling', the duck isn't actually with him for the time being to do so. And possibly try physically drag the curious teen away from the imposing figure. If Sora's clothes themselves didn't stand out, the keyblade would make him stick out as an imPort if he had that summoned. He's about the same age as Hiro, perhaps even slightly younger since the Porter pulled him in so early into his adventures.]

Oh. I get it. I was exploring for a bit when I initially got here myself. Where's your housing? I can at least help you get there, right? That way you know where you're staying at least. But I don't need any help, I'm fine.

[Bringing his hands up behind his head as he looks up to the robot, head tilting slightly.]

He gets hit in battle and spews health that Sora can pick up.

[dadroid]

[ There's a human personality woven into Baymax's programming, and thanks to that, he's got quite the soft spot for children.

There were several priorities at the moment -- find Hiro, learn the layout of the city, make allies, discern a plan of action. While Hiro's safety was tantamount, Baymax could prioritize in order of practicality -- it would be easier to find his charge if he knew the city better. And if this young boy was as amiable as he seemed, it would do Hiro good to have a friend and ally his own age. Baymax gave a small smile. ]

I'm in no need of immediate assistance, but if you'd like, we can explore the city together. I wouldn't mind the company.

and dismissed with 'I am satisfied with my care'.

[keybearing]

Ah, sure!

[Ever the optimist, ever eager to roll with it. 'Sure, why not? I'll go with you guys.' Sora isn't about to turn down the offer to explore together with a potential new friend. There's an easy smile as he agrees, before apparently remembering the concept of manners. And introductions.]

There's a cafe just down the road if you were hungry or something. I'm Sora, by the way.

the summon quote is just "OW"

[dadroid]

Pleased to meet you. I'm Baymax.

I won't be needing anything, but if you're hungry, perhaps you could get something to go and eat while we walk.

Accurate. Yes. Perfect summon material. Don't fail me Squeenix.

[keybearing]

Ah, I might get a little something myself. I wasn't sure if you might be hungry though. I mean if people can get pulled from whenever back home to here you could have been just about to eat for all I know. But sure, I can show you around, that works!

[Leading Baymax down the street a bit, finding a hotdog stand and getting one, taking an appreciative bite as he pauses for a moment and considers.]

Anything in particular you want to know, anywhere particularly important you need to know where it is? I mean, there's the map they give us but that doesn't have absolutely all the shops and stuff marked.

[tadeadshi]

[He's making his way downtown, walking fast because he needs to hang out with his aunt and check on her and that. That's a big dude.

That's a big dude. Holy crap.

And so painfully obviously new because who could miss a guy that big.]

Uh... Hey, did you need some help finding somewhere?

[dadroid]

[ When the stranger greets him, Baymax gives him a passing glance, ready to politely decline but thank him for the offer, but his freezes when he spots and processes Tadashi's face.

Baymax wouldn't normally express visible confusion during a processing error, but this is something that halts not just his programming but the humanity woven into it. He'd long anticipated Hiro growing an aging physically, and had quietly done multiple age simulations on his appearance to be properly prepared for his charge's transition into adulthood.

He stared, perhaps for an impolitely long time, but his systems were too focused on the riddle in front of him. For all intents and purposes -- give or take several years -- that was Hiro's face. But Hiro had been only thirteen when Baymax had last seen him, and that certainly wasn't long enough ago for him to have a growth spurt this extensive.

Finally he broke his silence -- there was no further visual data to gather. Instead he engaged the stranger, hoping to gather more information. But even then he was hesitant, head tilting just so as he addressed the stranger. ]

...Hiro?

[ He simultaneously hoped he was correct and incorrect -- an unusual contradiction within himself, but true nonetheless. He was distraught at the thought of leaving Hiro unattended so long. Yet the only other adult Baymax could think of that would bear such a striking resemblance to the young man had no business walking around alive. ]

[tadeadshi]

[He watches the stranger for as long as he stares, starting to notice subtle things. Like how he doesn't seem to need to blink. Or the utter stillness as he stands there.

Weird. And not very human.

But the name makes him blink a couple times.]

Uh- No, that's my little brother.

[...Okay so maybe they'd looked a little similar during the age scramble and this guy hadn't seen them since they were proper ages again? Maybe.]

I'm the older one, Tadashi.

[dadroid]

[ That certainly gives Baymax pause. He averts his gaze this time, looking to the ground scrolling through possibilities in his mind. He's not Tomeo, then -- thank goodness. The thought had spooked him, the human part of him, at least. He'd never considered the thought of what was technically his own dead body walking around alive and animated. It'd never come up.

Which left only one more puzzle at Baymax's mind. He looks curiously to Tadashi again. ]

I won't deny that you bear an uncanny resemblance to Hiro, but he has no siblings.

[tadeadshi]

I-- [That's? Rude? Wow. This guy must be from Hiro's future or something because everyone knows Tadashi's his brother.

His face scrunches up irritatedly at being forgotten back home after god knows how many years.]

He does and he's six years younger than me. How do you know him?

[dadroid]

[ Baymax doesn't have the hypersensitive sensors his counterpart has designed to monitor humans, but Tadashi shows no signs of lying thus far. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding that will come to light eventually, Baymax considers, but at the moment he has no reason to be as gentle with Tadashi as he would be with Hiro or a child. As it stands, he tells the facts as they are. ]

He created me.

hey stranger c:

[akito]

[ being well under five feet tall, Akito is used to most people being rather imposing to him in stature. it makes this man's height much less impressive, especially given that his friend Buccha is even bigger, meaning that the stranger doesn't get more than a passing glance at first.

it takes just a few seconds after dismissing the man for Akito to realize that he's just overlooked something very, very useful.

much like how Buccha always used his size to keep Akito from being squished or lost in crowds, this man could be used in the same way. Akito can just trail along in the path the stranger leaves behind, moving past before the area is filled by bustling people once again. it gives him a chance to absorb his surroundings with a bit more detail now that he doesn't have to worry about being trampled, or something equally annoying.

flawless. ]

o helo

[dadroid]

[ Baymax's sensors extend well beyond standard human senses, and he's aware of the child toddling behind him quite quickly.

Baymax stops and turns, regarding the child with the smallest hint of amusement in his face. ]

It seems I've gathered an extra shadow.

dadmax has acquired one (1) tiny duckling child

[akito]

[ Akito had been expecting to be noticed sooner rather than later, so while he isn't caught by surprise it's still startling to be the focus of such a large being's attention. Social ineptitude aside, Akito is fairly good at reading people, and as such he notes the tiny smidgen of amusement.

Good. That means he won't get pummeled into the pavement like a wad of chewed gum. ]

...A shadow that is much smaller and more colourful than your original one, ne?

[maglevflash]

[She doesn't look enough like his Gogo to be immediately recognizable just as herself, but that armor is certainly going to be familiar.

Armor that she is currently wearing.

There's a sharp, 'Watch out!' from behind him, and then Gogo is jumping up to skate along the wall of a building to avoid the crowd, one arm outstretched for the small disc flying in an arc above everyone's heads.

Well, almost everyone.]