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

[flammatory]

[Zuko's come a long, long way in the past year. Even a few months ago, he'd be guilty of exactly what Kakashi's suggesting-- threatening those involved, stalking around and taking out his anger (panic) on anyone he thought was guilty. And probably some who weren't. It's not that he's mellowed, it's that he's gained an appreciation for picking the right target. Most people aren't the right target and it shames him to attack or take advantage of them. Zuko has learned a new definition for honor and he holds to it as rigidly as he'd held to the old one. He's not going to repeat something like Kyoshi Island ever again.

So although he's glowering with displeasure, he's not disagreeing. It's possibly evident how hard-won his maturity is by how he still shifts in place, impatience wanting to out, hands flying down to clench into fists at his sides.]

I know we can't just go around harassing people; most of them aren't even involved, [he counters, voice tight.] But this is-- this is crazy! [Zuko waves a distraught arm.] I can't stay here! If I'm gone for too long--

[It'll be war again. He cuts himself off.] Standing around isn't going to cut it, that's all.

[grab_my_bells]

[Kakashi sees a restraint there, one he wishes Sasuke had learned properly once upon a time and wonders if it's still possible for him to learn now. Not that it matters here or now. Maybe he'll see them again and be able to try again to right what he failed at so many times before.

Despite himself, he's proud of the kid, of Zuko, for his maturity. He really did have him pegged as a hot-head, and sure, he is, but he's young. The point is, he's willing to think and reason and not rush off. Dammit, Kakashi's getting a little fond of the kid already

He raises a hand, leaning back to avoid the flailing.] I know. I can't stay either. Which is why we need to find out everything we can, quickly and efficiently.

[A sigh.] I was hoping observation would prove more fruitful than it has.

[flammatory]

[Some day Zuko's going to hang around someone without incredible reflexes and spatial awareness and whack them with his arm, all unintentionally.

Right now, he heaves a matching sigh.] Why do I get the feeling that means digging through archives and not sneaking around? [It's obvious from his plaintive tone which one he'd prefer.

Zuko can't be the Blue Spirit here, but at least sneaking would be an active role. He hasn't been Fire Lord long but it's been long enough for him to sorely miss the days when acquiring information meant, say, breaking into the navy communications tower and reading one scroll. This is way more complicated than that. Ugh, paperwork. But he really doesn't have the first clue where he'd go looking, here-- not until he knows what he'll be up against, as Kakashi had pointed out.]

[grab_my_bells]

[Someday. Dream big, Zuko.

Kakashi raises a brow, then smiles behind his mask. Was the kid a ninja, or just a ninja at heart? Either way, Zuko showed definite spunk and drive to do this; Kakashi would keep an eye on him. His voice got a little quieter.]

Oh, sometimes there's a bit of sneaking involved... Once we know where to sneak. You just don't want to do that too soon, or they'll figure out what you're after before you can.

[He opened his book again, flipping through until he found the page he left off on.] So, yes. The archives, and every other information source you can think of. Just be careful where you take notes and how, and don't underestimate the value of eavesdropping.

[flammatory]

[Take notes? Eavesdrop? Blech. Zuko can do that, of course, but it's tedious in the extreme. At one time he'd have loudly protested that tedium like that was someone else's job-- he was the crown prince and he doesn't have to take care of it. Now, he knows the value of pushing through any obstacle. If he can spend two years on a ship sailing around the world chasing rumors of the Avatar, he can read local records and take notes.

An expression of fierce resolve crosses his face. His duty is obvious: whatever he has to do to get back sooner, he'll do it. Since he'd burned up his brochure before finishing reading it, he has no idea that time has stopped at home.]

Alright, fine. I don't want to make a stupid mistake, so you're right. I'll have to gather information. [Zuko straightens up and offers a brief bow, one open palm above a closed fist, with a surprising amount of composure.] I'm Zuko, of the Fire Nation. Thank you for your advice.

[Iroh would be so proud.]