DANCING WITH MY HAPPY FEET

[maskormods]

T E S T D R I V E M E M E

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 ON THE TEST DRIVE MEME!

01.The city of Heropa, Florida 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?

They are, however, in the middle of some awfully hot weather, so some good samaritans have gained the approval of the government to close off a few of the streets for some good old-fashioned fun. They've equipped everyone who steps in with water guns of varying quality, and there's also access to water balloons, a slip n' slide, and more! Why don't you grab an ice cream cone, watch the festivities, and cool off? But you'd better be careful - there's always a munchkin or two here to spray any unsuspecting onlookers they may find.

02. De Chima, Virginia, is a large city with a healthy economy, with large numbers of citizens waiting to be awed by 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 remains high here, and you may find yourself cornered by overzealous imPort fans, media wannabes and opportunists alike, shoving cameras in your face. Their questions are likely to be fairly mundane, however; get ready for an interview about your taste in romantic partners, personal underwear choices, favorite foods, and more!

On this lazy summer day, the biggest buzz comes from a group of teens and tweens who are all taking part in a massive scavenger hunt spread via social media! What are they gathering? You! ImPorts are likely to be targeted and asked to pose for pictures in which they demonstrate their powers, video clips in which they share fun facts and secrets about their home worlds, and much more! If you're not interested, you better hurry home -- they're persistent!

03. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania has had its ups and downs since imPorts started disappearing. The city's political core now gutted with its mayor and supreme ambassador exported out, the streets have returned to the hands of the local people -- and incidental, the local criminal element. More so here than the streets of any other imPort city, the battle between good and evil looks more like a war of escalation than a heroic tale.

As your character walks down the street, they may find themselves thrust within what appears to be an organized protest and a smaller counter-protest. There's shouting, there are chants. You pick up rhythmic beats of THE END IS NEAR, GET THEM OUT OF HERE clashing against the clumsier counter-chants of IMPORTS ARE PART OF US. You probably don't know why, but there are sects of people who believe your kind is bringing about the end of the universe. You'll probably learn why, in due time. But given the scorching tension of the situation you have found yourself in, it's probably a good idea NOT to use your powers.

But even keeping your powers on the down low, you're of keen eye, or at least today you are, as fate would have it. You see a boring looking man, perhaps in his mid-20s, with a cluster of boring looking companions (three or four at most) wearing backpacks as they all uniformly step back and don black masks. The protests are crossing the street ahead of First National Bank. These men beeline towards the bank.

They are going to rob it, and people are going to get hurt, you're sure of that. They're probably armed, given their backpacks. What do you do?

04. Nonah, North Carolina, is the liveliest of all cities; loud, busy and there's always 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

Today there's a big lemonade stand on one busy sidewalk, staffed by a group of industrious kids. Aww, isn't it sweet? Wait...is that a cookie stand a little ways down, also run by elementary-to-middle schoolers? Heck, the entire block is full of kid-run mini-businesses — a gathering of pint-sized entrepreneurs! And they have their eyes on you, hero, because as a celebrity imPort, your pockets are full of $$$, right?

05. Jeopardy, Nevada by all rights shouldn't exist. A glowing neon city smack in the middle of the desert, the only reason it's still here is that the central nuclear power plant has tapped half a mile down into a subterranean lake for its water supply. So though the desert around it may be barren, the occupants of this small city are happily self sufficient. Those weird figures you see out of the corner of your eyes? Don't worry too much. Probably just weird radiation after effects. Jeopardy has a lot of those.

What's that sound? Why, the Church of the Ancient Web Mistress's choir is putting on a performance! A sizable contingent of the congregation's musically-minded members has gathered downtown, attempting to forge a spiritual connection through the power of song. Sure, these hymns sound a little spooky to your ears, but the sincerity is what matters, right? And the churchgoers, who are also handing out lyric sheets to interested participants, are sincerely interested in getting some imPorts to join in as temporary members of the choir. Never hurts to get a little more press and tithes, right?

Comments

[made_up_names]

What, like Transformers?

[ He gladly swings himself into the booth, settling all his awkward limbs mostly in place. ]

Honestly, I'll eat almost anything on a pizza. Except pineapple. That's just a crime against nature.

[thepowerofthor]

They do transform, yes.

[ Thor nods, grinning, glad to see the happiness in his friend's face. ]

I have not had that yet, but I will try it sometime. In that case...

[ And Thor orders six large pizzas of various kinds, from combination to supreme to one with all the meats. ]

[made_up_names]

[ That. Is a lot of pizza. Even for Peter, who can eat. But more importantly-- ]

Uh - can we afford all of this? I don't have any money on me.

[thepowerofthor]

Yes, we can. I work some, and make things, also, and people here tend to want to pay us for pictures and for our signatures on pictures.

[ He shrugs, because people are weird. ]

At first I thought it weird, but so many like it, that I feel it is almost hard to say no.

[ Thor nods. ]

[made_up_names]

[ That's. A complicated subject for Peter now. He gladly takes his soda when it comes, using it as an excuse not to talk for a second. ]

I mean, I can vouch for it being genuinely amazing. I'd've about killed for a Tony Stark autograph when I was a kid.

[ He says, still being a kid. But. Details. ]

But is it all stuff like that? The fun part of being famous?

[thepowerofthor]

Of course not. They are bothersome, and sometimes stick cameras and microphones at us asking invasive questions. Some companies want our words, or us likeness to sell something, others want to hire us just to use our name, and still others are afraid of us or hate us.

[ He speaks gently, but he speaks. There is irritation in his voice, and frustration, but also resignation. ]

And they know us. Our names, our powers, or some portion of it, or so it seems. There is no escaping it, here, no secret place. Only the havens we craft for ourselves.

[ Thor gently touches Peter's shoulder. ]

But we are not alone, and we can survive it and make lives here.

[made_up_names]

[ Make lives here, Thor says. The thought is comforting and horrifying all in the same breath. So is the thought that so many people know their powers. (Is there any point to keeping a secret identity? He's going to be wrestling for a while with that question.)

He takes in a deep breath, trying to stop his brain from whirling around too much. ]

How long have you been here?

[ He could ask about the rest, but it all really leads up to that one question. ]

[thepowerofthor]

A month only, my friend. And half way through the Death Star showed up, which, you can see, sort of disrupted everything. I've been up there a lot, busting droids and exploring.

There are comfy bunks and there is food up there. And so... sometimes I stay there a little.

[ Thor likes the station, even as he does not approve why it was built. ]

[made_up_names]

[ A month. That still seems like a hell of a long time to Peter. Best not to tell him that some people have been here years. ]

That's - okay, that's still incredibly cool and I need to do that, like, immediately. But that's still a long time.

[thepowerofthor]

I know. It is not so much for me, but I do understand how life is for mortals.

[ He sighs. ]

I do not know how to make this easier for you, Peter Parker, but I will be here, if you need aid.

[ Then he grins. ]

Or for pizza runs.

[ He snaps his fingers ]

There is another. Wanda is here, also.

[made_up_names]

[ He can't help but laugh a little at that. Which is enough to break through the shock he's feeling right now. ]

I feel kinda weird asking the god of thunder for a pizza run. But that might actually be the best thing.

[ Peter can always eat, and pizza is always cheering. ]

Oh man, I haven't seen her since the funeral. How's she doing?

[thepowerofthor]

You would not be asking the God of Thunder. You would be asking your friend.

[ He nods, smiling. He misses the Avengers, and Wanda being here, and an alternate Tony, well, this place is weird. ]

She seems to be well, if showing the signs of grief, but also still good.

[ He thinks. What does Thor know? ]

[made_up_names]

[ He pinks a little at that, ducking his head. He's technically been an Avenger for almost a year now - but minus most of the rest of the team, so. Super not used to it. ]

Friend, huh. Even though we don't really know each other that well?

[ He's glad to hear it about Wanda at least; he relaxes a little. ]

[thepowerofthor]

We fought a war together, Peter. And you risk your life for others al the time. How much more do I need to know?

[ Thor's smile is lopsided, and gentle. He likes this kid, this man who is just learning what it is to be a man, and he thinks that he wishes he had known him when he, himself, was young. He might have been a much different man, much sooner, if so. ]

There is, however, someone I should... warn you about. There is a Tony Stark here. [ His voice holds warning, as do his eyes. ]

[made_up_names]

[ That head dips lower, his ears turning red. His response coming out as a mumble. ]

It still wasn't much. We've never really hung out, or ...

[ He could go on, but Thor abruptly has his entire and undivided attention. His head snaps back up as he stares at Thor, eyes wide. Hopeful? Afraid? A little of both. Why would Thor warn him about Tony Stark? ]

He's - but how? Is it time travel? Or -

[ He can't bring himself to ask if Tony is a zombie; Mysterio's illusion threatens to rise up and choke him if he so much as touches that memory. ]

[thepowerofthor]

He is not our Tony.

He is not, repeat, not, the man you know.

[ Thor wags his finger at Peter. ]

Listen.

He is from another universe, and I do not know if I trust him.

[made_up_names]

[ Peter swallows hard, his expression stricken. Tony as a topic in general is a fraught one, but this? This is just painful to contemplate. Especially given his own recent experience with "multiple universes." ]

Why? How do you know? Did something happen?

[thepowerofthor]

[ Thor sighs. ]

He speaks... oddly. he feels... different.

I have not met with him, yet. We spoke over the network, but... he did not sound or look quite right.

[ He fixes Peter with a stern eye. ]

Alternate universes are a thing, here,. and one from which people come, who are not the people you know, despite looking much like them.

[made_up_names]

[ That's it. Death Star or no Death Star, he distinctly doesn't like this place. He's not even sure how to approach this, if he wants to approach this. He's spent so long mourning Tony and trying to figure out how to move forward with his life. Tony's legacy, his own path.

He looks very small and frightened for a moment. Just a kid caught up in something too big for him to handle. ]

I - I'll keep that in mind. Whenever I talk to him.

[ He already knows he can't avoid the man. There's no way. ]

[thepowerofthor]

[ Thor gently squeezes Peter's shoulder. ]

I am sorry, my friend. I thought it wise to warn you before you happened on him. He may be an ally, and a good man, but you were close to Stark as few were.

[ Thor is not always wise, but he is also not stupid, or unobservant. ]

[made_up_names]

[ And that relationship was - well. Obvious. He'd been right next to Pepper when Tony had died. Peter sucks in a slow breath, trying to calm himself down. Mostly, he looks like he might cry. ]

No, I - I really appreciate that. This would've been way worse if I met him randomly.

[thepowerofthor]

[ Seeing that, Thor lifts his axe, and faint lightning swirls around the booth, bringing privacy for the lad. ]

There is no shame in crying for one who was like a father to you. He was my brother, too. [ Thor's voice is gentle, and kind, as he speaks. ]

[made_up_names]

[ Well that's a hell of a way to do it. It's enough to startle Peter away from the verge of tears, although he still surreptitiously wipes at his face. Breathe, Peter. Don't cry in front of freakin' Thor. ]

I've cried enough. It's been a long ten months without him.

[thepowerofthor]

As you wish.

[ The curtain of energy vanishes, and Thor sits back. ]

And even just these few months, for me, I miss him.

[made_up_names]

[ He looks up again at that. Still swiping at his face every now and then. ]

Yeah? How d'you cope with that?