WAKE UP IN THE MORNING FEELING LIKE

[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 there's only one rule in Test Drive Meme Club: have fun!

01. The city of Heropa is what one might expect from a small, bright and cheery place, where locals are friendly enough and local shop owners might offer a free drink to welcome you to their fair city. Some of the locals might thank you for always lending your service to the nation, while others might not say anything -- but if you have something nasty to say, better not say anything at all, right? But on closer inspection of these Silent Stanleys and Stellas, you might notice that some people actually back away from any imPort who quite obviously looks like they aren't "from around the neighborhood". Once in a while, you may hear a voice raised:

"Did you see how visible their elections have become? They're just trying to grab power! Have you seen the homes they live in?

Of course, for every claim, there's a rebuttal; you may well hear a competing voice arguing, "They deserve to have a say in things too! You know it's different for them!"

ImPorts are a divisive issues, even in pretty Heropa.

02. 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 very presence. Look at you! Organic wonder! Science and technology are the lifeblood of this city, so you're likely to come across a good many locals taking your picture with the newest of devices. The imPort craze is at an all-time high, and considering the ambition of many of De Chima's residents, you may find yourself cornered by overzealous imPort fans, media wannabes and opportunists alike, shoving cameras in your face.

Their questions are less politically charged than they are mundane, however; get ready for an interview about your taste in romantic partners, personal underwear choices, favourite foods, and more!

03. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania, is having a rainy day. The streets seem to be running with water, the sky can't seem to stop crying. You might want to check out some consumerism-inclined shelter, be that a smoky and dart-eyed bar full of grumbling locals, or a grimy and industrial coffee shop (full of grumbling locals). Watch your step, newly minted imPort, because if you let on that you're fresh meat then you're bound to find a few people who decide that the only proper welcome for an imPort is a nice set of knuckles to the face.

One or two more cowardly locals may hesitate before giving you such a greeting, however, with a muttered, "Wonder if the new guy in office is gonna do more than the last one."

Ouch. Look at the political savvy on this guy!

04. Nonah, North Carolina, is the liveliest of all cities; loud, busy and there's some kind of energy in the air that gets everyone buzzing with excitement. You may find yourself in the midst of a few closed-off streets for some occasion or another - whether it be a food cart festival, no-car day, or something else! - and surrounded by the hum of people, the waft of food being served on the street, and plenty of attention

Look there -- someone's demoing a VR roller coaster! Won't you give it a shot?

Comments

[seawaves]

[It's a bit hard to believe coming from Luke, but he realizes it was probably the same way. The portal it was called, or something. Whatever it was, it brought them to a different place. And here Percy was starting to get the feeling it could do anything, as even Luke was here.

Alive even.

Wait, back up. He finally seemed to take notice of the alive part since it was mentioned. Everything else Luke said before that just swirled away.]

And what are you planning to do now? Last thing I need is trouble from you right now.

[timeshares]

[Luke shifts just a little, leaning his elbows on the railing. It looked casual enough, but if he had to move... He eyes Percy critically. Was he still under the Curse of Achilles? He remembered, under that oppressive storm of ambition and hatred little flashes of the last battle. Enough, if he had to.

He puts on a well schooled look, casual, tired.]

What makes you think I want anything to do with this? What we are, Percy? Is no big deal here. Kinda nice, actually. No monsters, cell phones wont bring down all of Hades on you, no parents throwing you out on a couple thousand swords for entertainment.

Right now, my plans include a few college credits and a nine to five.

[seawaves]

[There was no immediate answer he could think of to that, so Percy shifted his weight from one foot to the other, the corners of his mouth twisting. Honestly, though? There was probably some reason out there that could be thought of to why Luke would want to be here, he thought. It was nothing he could think of, though. And he kind of wished Annabeth were here to help.

The rest of what Luke said had some ring of truth though, so maybe he could give him the benefit of the doubt? Make nice. It was still hard to decide. So he kept his eyes close on him still.]

School? That's it? You're going to school? ...And working?

[What world was this again?]

I'm not even sure what's going on anymore.

[timeshares]

[The temptation to spook him, go all the way over the top was real and present. He was well aware that it was a good way to get a fight on his hands, at the very least. He couldn't afford that.]

Look at it this way... When have we ever been dragged out into some bizarre, dangerous and disruptive mess, where all of the rules get turned on their head for something's entertainment and there wasn't a reason for it?

Mostly stupid, self centered reasons, but there's a good chance there's a plot or an agenda going on.

[He leans forward, an old anger breaking that casual mask. He speaks precisely, biting off syllables.]

Whatever it is? I want nothing to do with it. I'm done.

[seawaves]

[It would be a very good way to get a fight on his hands. Percy is definitely not counting out that possibility just yet, even if it seems like the more they talked, the less it was necessary. As it was, Luke seemed mad at the gods, not at him. It ws the same old story. So maybe this there was something to be agreed on with that.

Percy couldn't say there wasn't a god or goddess or two that made him grumble. As weird as it was, he could relate a small bit more there.]

Sure.

[He nods, wishing he that didn't. It was weird agreeing with anything Luke said after all, but truth is he did think of that. Truth is playing house or super hero never made sense and it among the first of his first thoughts. It is also one of his thoughts that they can't do anything about it 'til they know what it is they're dealing with, so, that didn't leave any him choice but to start with what he could do.

He tenses up when Luke forward in his old anger.]

Okay... Say I believe you for a second. We're going to have to set some ground rules.

Like personal space, just to start with. I didn't sign up for anything just to get into a fight with you.

[timeshares]

["Say I believe you for a second." He didn't need years of manipulation under his belt to know an impending cave when he heard one. He didn't smile, just dropped back against the railing, lifting both hands in casual surrender.]

If I wanted a fight, it'd be over by now. How about another ground rule: You go your way, I go mine. We leave each other alone.

[seawaves]

[For Luke's years of manipulation, couldn't he have picked better words than "it'd be over by now"? Percy definitely thinks it wouldn't be that easy for him anymore, not with all the things he's been through, but . . . okay, taking a breath out. He tries not to let it show that it bothers him. Just focusing on how they seem to have an agreement.

He falters before, yes, actually caving to his own agreement.]

Good. If you do what you say you're doing, you won't have me getting in your way.

But no funny business. Just do your school stuff or whatever. [Did Luke say what he was doing exactly? Percy wasn't exactly paying attention.]

[timeshares]

[On the contrary... Luke expects the outcome would be the opposite. Luke didn't have Achilles Curse anymore, and the last HE remembers, Percy survived the end of all that mess. He's a practical person - it's why Percy WAS a fear that drove him near the end.]

Or whatever. [He lifts a hand and drops it in an empty gesture.] I think I can stick to that.