etcelsior | now don't be rude

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now don't be rude

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 anyone's thread, either!

And remember to have fun!

01. Your memory is hazy and you might feel increasingly frustrated or anxious, or maybe you're excited as soldiers march past, barely glimpsing you. One second you're somewhere underground, the next you're enveloped in blue light, and suddenly you find yourself directly under Flordia sun's bright and burning glare. A female soldier steps toward you with a wide smile on her face and directs you to a car, ready to debrief you. You realize you are not the only one, surrounded by equally confused or eager faces... and you're all sporting a digital tattoo on your wrist.

02. Welcome to Cape Canaveral, where the smell of the ocean is in the air and locals are more than pleased to see new imPorts roaming their streets. They wave, they cheer, they ask for pictures as politely as they can. The more inhuman you look, or if you're wearing a costume, the more likely locals are to approach. Hey, enjoy the moment! The popular malt shop is offering you a free drink if you need it.

03. The technology in this world is certainly something. The cars are clearly modeled after popular 50s cars, but they hover several feet above the ground as they drive down the street. There are digital jukeboxes in restaurants, motorcycles also hover through traffic, advertisements can be seen on a digital projector on the taller buildings. Even kids on skateboards appear to drift a safe ten feet off the ground while playing!

04. Wherever you are, you can hear the loud revving of an engine, distance at first before you finally see it: a hovercar bursting around the corner, going beyond the maximum speed limit and just barely making its sharp turn. It doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon, not with two police cars trailing it... and uh oh. Those skateboarding kids don't have much time to get out of the way as the car comes speeding down the road. You've been brought here for a reason Hero — so you better act fast.

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[Balthazar smirked and shrugged.]

A few. Though it's clear you're not from the same parts we are.

[His head tilts, considering the other angel, still smiling his knowing smile.]

So... Who are you?

[A few? That doesn't sound promising at all. Though more interestingly he seems to think they're different. How different is certainly the question. It'd be extremely bad if he ended up out-classed in this world, by his own kin at that. That would definitely put a wrench in his plans. More angels like Michael, or worse, STRONGER than Michael, to deal with sounds like a headache already.

He offers the other a warm smile, though something seems off in his expression, perhaps it's not quite reaching his eyes. He's glad to meet one of his brothers though and he offers the other his hand for a shake.]

I am the Archangel Gabriel. And you are?

[Gabriel. Another Gabriel, just wonderful. He doubted this one was as amusing as his elder brother was. Still he accepts the hand and shakes it like there was no reason to be intimidated by the Archangel. None at all.

Not like he was outclassed or anything.]

Balthazar. pleasure, I'm sure.

[Pulling his hand back, the angel stepped around the other, looking at the wings. They seemed similar enough to his own, perhaps Gabriel could see a shadow of them behind him, folded neatly back.]

now I don't know about you but I'd like to get out of this ghastly heat. Drink?

Balthazar. [He lets the name roll off his tongue. He turns to watch as the other roams around him, noting the shadow of wings at his back. He cocks his head slightly and boldly reaches to brush his hand through the folded primaries as he walks past. A light gesture, like letting a stream run over your fingers.

He wonders briefly why he keeps them in such a state. Why not proudly wear them for all to see? Though if their wings are more vulnerable, it would make sense.]

That is the best offer I've had all day. Lead the way, brother.

[He fills the touch, turning abruptly. So he could see his wings. Fair enough, but just touching them like that? Rude. He hasn't even bought him dinner yet. This other Gabriel was something to be considered. Watched maybe until Balthazar could get a read on him.]

Just up the street. Not a bad place, for Florida. [He gestures for the other to walk with him, hands slipping into his pockets, ignoring the occasional ImPort groupie as he'd come to call them.]

[Even in his world touching another angel's wings without permission was considered rude. However, he never really paid much attention to etiquette.]

Ah, I wouldn't know. Florida doesn't have much left in the way of civilization where I'm from.

[It's and odd thought. Angels from other realities, other cosmos and worlds. Well, not entirely hard to believe considering he was thrown into one of those alternates. It'll take some adjusting but he can better wrap his mind around such an existence easier than a mortal might.

He walks along casually beside Balthazar, hands clasped behind his back.]

It's... strange, though don't get me wrong I'm delighted to meet another Angel, but I never thought there would be a different breed. Is our father still with you?

[There's an amused snort.]

But did it ever?

[If he could, there were other places he'd much rather be. Parts of Europe, moving from city to city, spending some time in Paris, then Nice, towards Italy with a brief stint in one of the many Catholic Churches. Got to keep the clergy on their feet after all. but he made due. there were amusements here.]

Well, if it helps you're the third, maybe fourth variation upon the same theme. Strange but I wouldn't put it past Dad to try different variations.

[There's a soft sigh and Balthazar gives Gabriel a wry look.]

Left you too, hmm? We don't know when He left, but when He did... It didn't end well.

[He mirrors that amused noise and shakes his head. Yes, joking about the failure that is humanity. Though speaking further of the variations he isn't all that surprised to hear the news.]

You're right, that sounds like something he'd do. Multiple prototypes to see which one gets it right. If he's gone I guess we failed.

[It was a sore spot, extremely sore, though he hid it well. There might be a tinge of some regret or pain in the half smile he gives the other. It's not false, that feeling, something he's certain the other may share if they had any sort of relationship with Him as he did. And he had every intention of finding a way to bring him back. Or he had. If he were trapped here now... well. He's gone this long dealing with an absent father. Even if being helpless to get home and finish what he started would drive him to the brink of insanity. It's tough pill to swallow but, there was a part of him that already accepted that he'd never see their father again. He fought anyway. Always had hope. Not much left now, was there?]

So, perhaps we'll both be needing that drink. I wouldn't mind hearing your version.

[Balthazar was a watcher. Humans had their good and bad in his eyes. The man that gave his body to be Balthazar's vessel had been one of the better, loving, passionate, an exceptional craftsman, but also lonely and dying. One amongst millions and more that took what their father gave them and made something brilliant.]

Maybe not failed. Maybe bored. Maybe testing us. I've heard all the theories.

I don't think there's any real way of knowing unless He returns.

[It was sore for the both of them, God's absence tearing his family apart and driving them to slaughter each other. Soldiers, good soldiers were sacrificed to bring the apocalypse to fruition, just to bring Him home. Some had thought maybe if they were good enough, obeyed every word He'd return. He didn't and there were so few of them left. It broke his heart, a sullen ache that vibrated through him.]

I'll trade you one for another.

[He leads Gabriel to a pub, a place made of polished wood and the like. Out of place maybe but it was one of the better drinking holes he'd found.]

What's your poison, then?

[He nods, those theories definitely sounded much more appealing to him. Gabriel was convinced he knew exactly how to do that. Of course, he'd be keeping that opinion to himself for the time being. Can't let it slip that he wants to destroy all of humanity. Not just yet.]

Sounds fair.

[He relaxes some as he moves through the bar, eyes sweeping over the decor and taking in the atmosphere. He liked Balthazar's taste, that's for sure. He moves to take a seat in a comfortable booth and turns to look up at the wall of bottles.]

It's all good in my opinion, I typically enjoy Scotch or Bourbon, a good glass of wine on occasion.

[He shrugs then.]

Surprise me.

[While Gabriel get's comfortable, Balthazar grins.]

Ooh, man after my own heart. Be right back.

[And then he's gone, at the bar making an order. He wasn't entirely sold on this fellow yet, distrustful of most Archangels out of habit by now after the delightful show that tore Heaven apart. When the drinks are served, he returns in the same method, wings flexing and then suddenly he was there setting glasses down before slipping in across from Gabriel. A pair of shot glasses with clear liquid, a particularly strong vodka and a pair of tumblers, each with two fingers of a 20 year, single malt scotch. He picks up one of the shot glasses.]

Cheers. [And down the hatch it goes.]

[There's that soft flutter of wings, a light pulse of air and the man was gone. That one will take a little getting used to and he's almost a bit miffed at his father that they didn't get a handy ability like that. Don't get him wrong he loves his wings and wouldn't give them up for the world, but if travel were that fast with them AND they could remain luxurious, strong, deadly and physical in every way?

No. He supposes that would be too perfect even for an angel.

He smiles when the other returns in the same way and gladly picks up that shot glass to throw the liquid into the back of his throat. He winces slightly with the burn but makes an expression of pleasure as it warms it's way down. It was exquisite.]

I am curious about the differences in our worlds. [Picking up the other glass, giving the amber liquid a swirl and breathing it in lightly. He's impressed with Balthazar's taste in liquor to say the least, quite happy that this one found him first. His mind wondering a moment to whether or not his brother was here as well.]

Though if it's a touchy subject I'll leave it rest. You did say it didn't end well when your Father left. [And taking a sip of the Scotch letting it roll over his tongue to get every subtle nuance of the smooth flavor before swallowing with a pleased hum.]

[It was easy to move like that for Balthazar. In his true form he was a pure manifestation of celestial intent, a vibrating wavelength of great size and grandeur. What Gabriel saw, it was just a vessel, a way to be perceived safely by those made of flesh.

And they could be fun. Still, he'd like to able to show off his wings once in a while. It took so much effort to make them visible.

Settling back in his seat, Balthazar savours his first sip of scotch, considering this other Gabriel.]

As am I. And since I bought the drinks, you can go first.

[There's a small grin as he takes another sip.]
What I will say is this, it's interesting seeing another archangel.

I take it you approve of my selection?

Edited 2014-07-27 15:31 (UTC)

[ He did find it odd and somewhat of a downgrade in his opinion. After all, in his world, the physical human body was a gift given to them. Higher angels such as himself and what Balthazar seemed to be, was given the ability to make themselves appear human, they didn't need a host. Unlike the lowest ranks, the 8-balls. Gabriel could barely remember his own form when he was still in heaven, long before he took a human one to go to war and do as his father ordered.]

I do. You have impeccable taste.

[He considers for a moment where to start and if there would be any danger in what sort of details he gave. He saw no reason not to though. First things first however...]

Another Archangel? Who else is here? [Perhaps Michael had followed after all.]

[Semantics. Balthazar was what he was and he was comfortable in that.]

Well thank you.

[A sly smile.]

Aside from another Gabriel? That would be telling.

[Judging by how Gabriels expression changes to one of definite interest it's obvious that tid-bit is telling enough. Another Gabriel. He almost outright says that's impossible but stops himself at that thought. It could be possible considering there are different angels here, different worlds everyone is being pulled from, alternate realities that their father created, or so that was the theory. A second Gabriel... perhaps... a better, more powerful Gabriel. That alone has him seeing green but doing his best not to let his blood boil with jealousy.

No. HE was all there was and even if there was another Archangel by the same name HE was not HIM in anyway...he couldn't be.]

As... curious as that is, I'm more interested in knowing if my brother came here as well. You'll know Michael when you see him, I'm sure.

[Balthazar watches the play of emotions pass over the other angels face, sensing the others presence fluctuate with the revelation. He's got his comm in hand beneath the table, quietly texting said Gabriel and others. He flicks over to a conversation with someone else before turning the screen off.

Gabriel, his brother Gabriel was every bit the archangel he looked up to as a fledgling, and more. Then there was Lucifer, but no telling how that brother would react. Especially if there was another Michael in the mix.]

Let me guess, matching wings? I'll keep an eye out. So far though, you're the newcomer.

Sadly yes, and he's not nearly as handsome. [A smirk at that.]

It may be somewhat disappointing really, he hasn't nearly the amount of personality either. It always amused me considering he spent more time with the humans than I have.

[A shrug, just another of his brothers interesting quirks.]

So then, anything a newcomer should know?

[Balthazar chuckles around the rim of his glass. This one had a sense of humour at least. That was something.]

Those are certainly some accusations. Then again, lack of personality is sadly... Common.

[His shoulders lift in a shrug.]

Well, I wouldn't advise trying to leave the country without permission. Do it enough and they'll clip your wings as it were. [Something in his expression hardens, clearly the thought alone deeply infuriating.]

They can and will remove our ability to use our natural gifts. How? I have no bloody idea but it's possible.

[Gabriel finishes his glass and sets it down, mulling this new information over with a furrow of his brow. That... was indeed concerning. That these humans would have such power over them to take such things away with ease? To control them and keep them caged to this country alone is truly worrisome.]

That... is very troubling news my brother. How dare they think themselves of a higher authority, to keep us here and punish us like children if we disobey.

[He shakes his head, they didn't have the right. It's hard to hide his disgust at the thought, finger tapping out an agitated rhythm on his empty glass.]

Who are the they that you speak of?

They are the bloody one's that gave you your neat little folder. That set up the brandings and everything else.

[He downs his drink and gestures across the room for another round.]

And yes, they do. Bunch of skeptics. You won't many folks here with faith in Us. We're just another in a long line of imPorts.

Ah, right, that's no surprise. [Noted for sure, at least he'll know where to strike first if/when he manages to gather up power enough to do so. He'll need more information that's for sure. It's even more disturbing they knew so much about him as well.]

Infuriating how easily we've been reduced to common mutations. We helped raise them to become what they are and here they are, acting like it didn't happen.

[His rage is hard to keep under wraps but he manages, glad when another glass of alcohol is set before him. He drinks heavily, betrayed and disgusted all over again. In a new world no less! So what? These bastard children created themselves is it? Came up with all of this on their own? Ungrateful and worthless creatures humanity. He'll be glad when he can lay this world to waste. His anger stems from hurt, but he'll deny it till he's blue.]

No wonder father left this world too. [Half spat, taking another sip.]

[This anger is... Well familiar. It was a common theme amongst his siblings to look down upon humanity as inferior, naught but mud monkeys, and sometimes Balthazar agreed. ]

Only in their eyes, and does it matter? Free Will allows them to make their own mistakes, let's them forget us. It's hardly fair, but have you seen what they do when we think we stand at their backs?

[His head cocks as he accepts his new drink with a charming smile to the waitress.]

If he was ever here. There are worlds where we never were.

[There's a pause to consider such a world followed by a slight sneer of disgust and a shudder.]

A world where they exist and we don't? Sounds dreadfully primitive and volatile. What a sorry sack of dirt that would be.

[Just shaking his head and drinking some more.]

So they've forgotten all about us, that stings. [Even if he's grown to harbor a strong hatred for the humans, having been completely forgotten still hurt.]

Edited 2014-08-07 17:08 (UTC)

[A shrug.]

From what I hear it's much the same. Other powers that be, just no us. At least we've never shown our faces.

[Balthazar sighs and takes a long drink. He savours the taste of it before swallowing.]

Some of them. Many deny it. There's still millions more that do believe. Wholeheartedly.

[He makes a face.] They pray so very loudly.

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now don't be rude

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