etcelsior | WHO WAS THAT MASKED MAN

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test drive

WHO WAS THAT MASKED MAN

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 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.

Unfortunately, tragedy has struck today. It seems like the entire Heropa PD is parked out of a local, popular grocery chain. A huge crowd is amassed in the parking lot despite the best efforts of officers to get them to leave. They whisper about excitement and shame, and you don't have to ask if you just listen in a bit...

"What do you think he'll do to the employees? He sounded so serious..." "He really wants that pussy, huh?" "If I left my man for cheating on me, I'd take the damn cat, too!" "How does he think taking her and her coworkers hostage is gonna make her change her mind about him being a bad boyfriend?" "My wife is pregnant, please - if I don't get her favorite deli sub I might as well not go home!"

Domestic disputes! Tragic. The police aren't too sure how to handle this hostage situation, claiming the man only has a box cutter and isn't actually waving it around at the moment, but...are you an imPort? They'd really appreciate the help, okay. Get in there and counsel the unhappy couple. Or not!

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! Synthetic wonder! Whatever you might be, those words have meaning here. 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.

Today in De Chima, there's the unveiling of a brand new invention in the convention centre park! With a simple scan, it will print out your Closest Love Match of the other individuals present, along with your percentage of compatibility and a free coupon to get lunch with your new date if you match 90% or higher!

A little odd that it seems that nearly every couple has 90% or higher, isn't it? What's the probability that the scanner is broken?

03. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania has carried a reputation for ups and downs ever since imPorts began reappearing again, just those few years prior. Several imPort heroes have put focused efforts into cleaning up the streets of this somewhat infamous city, while a handful of others had swooped in to help the criminal industry thrive. 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. Everything from the classic bank heist to brutal bloodbaths can happen around the corner. You have to keep your eyes open and your mind sharp when you live in Maurtia Falls, and hostility against imPorts can spike. The emergence of locals with superpowers is hardly helping...

Despite the lack of gratitude that's in it for you, you may want to step in once you see a very, very sad supervillain wandering Maurtia Falls' streets. Dressed in a cape that appears to be a large swath of fabric purchased from a nearby sewing store, galaxy-themed leggings and no shirt is a man who runs right into your vicinity before striking a pose and yelling, "Everyone, stop before me and my wrath! I am Mister Mars, and provided you give me what I ask for, nobody needs to get hurt!"

At which point Mister Mars snatches an old woman's purse, loudly laughs in her face, and begins to float upwards. By the time he reaches the height of the tallest building in the area, he's beginning to look slightly panicked as he fails to really be able to move anywhere but up. Meanwhile, the old woman has begun shaking her cane at him and screaming quite an assortment of alarming expletives.

Maybe you should help one or the other out? If not, just lean back and enjoy the show.

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.

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.

Despite the weird constant hum and the creepy cultish bingo, Jeopardy is usually a pretty calm place. A safe place. But not today. Today, someone has released a couple hundred tiny praying-mantis-like robots into the city, and the place is in chaos. Shops are closed up early because though these little destructive creatures don't have bullets, they do have some weird arm appendages that like to just crunch everything in existence. Like a locus swarm of cockatoos, anything made of wood or plastic is being crunched up and left for scrap. But at less than six inches high apiece, rounding them up is proving extremely difficult. Luckily, the mayor in her wisdom is giving out titanium nets to any imPort who wants to help round up the trouble makers. And, in the spirit of the city, she's offering the imPort that catches the most robots a free meal for two in the swanky Radiation Galley - Jeopardy's top tier, five star restaurant.

Get catchin', imPorts!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Years?

[His question should definitely raise flags, right? Rude shakes his head and crosses his arms over his chest. This may be his boss, now, but he can't just stand by and let this mistake stand.]

Sir, Elena is a trainee. There are only three Turks on active duty. Active being provisional, since Reno got hurt in our business with the Sector Seven Plate.

[Well, if that doesn't pinpoint things down a bit temporally, nothing will.]

Sector 7? That was over two years ago for me.

[Rufus's head was already swimming from trying to process everything that had happened in the last few hours. His confrontation with Kadaj, finding himself in this new world, and now Rude didn't seem to remember the last couple of years.]

A lot has happened since the plate fell. I'm sure I look older than you remember then.

[Two years? Rude stares, mouth just short of gaping open, not sure how to process that.]

Yes sir, you look a touch older. And tired. That... was less than two days ago for me. The plate. Reno and I just flew you in to the tower, on Tseng's orders.

[In fact, he's only just learned that Rufus's father died and the man is now the President. So for him, there's a lot of gap time he needs filled in with. Including whether or not they defeated Avalanche. What the rumored return of Sephiroth meant. Whether they found the 'Promised Land' and if they did, whether it mattered. Granted, he wasn't about to order his superior into a debrief for his own sake. Obedience, that was more important.]

I presumed that I hadn't gotten a good look at you.

We should wait until we get to your apartment. There is a lot to go over.

[He gave a wry smile at Rude's observation that he looked tired. He was, to say the least. There was nothing more he wanted to do was get some sleep but he owed Rude answers before he would allow himself to.

He was quiet for a moment as he thought back to that night. He remembered how exhilarated he had felt stepping off the chopper and onto the roof. He had finally ascended to the throne of the Shinra empire, something he had waited for so many years.

And now it was gone. Now he had to start over.]

And I'll tell you as much as I can.

[Well, that might be a while, because Rude does not know his way around this place. But he still nods as an acceptance of the implied command before going to continue walking. It should be just another street or two. Has to wonder if the place is already furnished. He'd hate to just have the President sleep on the floor.]

That isn't necessary sir. We'll get you there and settled. I'll find food.

[And anything else the Shinra needs. Because when it comes right down two it, he might not have the two years, but he has the loyalty to Rufus, far more than he ever had to the man's father.]

Food. Food sounds good, thank you, Rude.

[He realized he didn't know the last time he had actually eaten anything. He had been running on adrenaline and sheer stubbornness at this point.

He looked up at the apartment complex they approached. It was fairly non-descript but he didn't care.]

[Adrenaline and sheer stubbornness. Sounds like Reno's diet. Rude does not recommend it. Leads to too much sass.

Rude too evaluates the complex and double checks the street address against the one on his paper and nods.]

They label streets strangely here. Midgar is more sensible. S7 W10 is a perfect descriptor of location.

[Rude misses his carefully regimented city streets.]

Midgar was certainly more well-planned out.

[He didn't notice the accidental past-tense referring to the city since his focus was following Rude to the apartment that he had been assigned. He leaned against the wall as Rude unlocked the door.]

Hopefully, there is a map on the devices we were given. None of the street names or layouts have any kind of pattern to them. I would rather not get lost again.

[Past tense? Well, to Rude it makes sense. Or his brain tries to justify it away. Reeve had been planning those streets for years. So that is clearly what Rufus means. It was well planned out. It is being well executed. Rude cannot fathom anything else but walking into the apartment, up a staircase slowly enough to make sure Rufus stays with him, and then producing keys.

And when he opens the door he breathes a sigh of relief. It's furnished. Even in a more modern style, like he likes. Leather and glass and metal. But the couch still looks decadently comfortable.]

The phones seem a bit pedestrian. But I've heard people talking about 'apps' for things like that. I expect that's like the Midgar Locational Data system on our phones.

I saw a road earlier that curved back on itself. Twice. Like Costa all over again.

[That said he moves further into the apartment, opening doors. Bathroom, check. Smaller bedroom clearly converted to an office? Check. Bedroom with a double bed? Perfect.]

Seems this place is moderately appointed.

[As soon as Rude opens the door he stepped in but he didn't look around too much as he was winded from the stairs. Instead, he sank on the couch, catching his breath. This was ridiculous. Geostigma had taken more out of him than he realized.

He looked at Rude once he had managed to catch his breath once more.]

I haven't looked at the phone I was given yet. I'm not sure what an 'app' Is but the device doesn't seem that complicated to use.

[He fell silent as he thought of what he could say. There was so much that had happened, it was a lot of information to dump all at once.]

I owe you answers.

It's not too far out of line with the standards we were issued at work.

[What do you mean their standard issues are different? Rude wont' even notice. Rude just heads to the kitchen to get a glass and fill it with water. This he offers out to the boss before taking a nearby seat and looking at him.]

You owe me nothing. That isn't how this works.

[He took the glass of water gratefully, taking a long drink before setting it aside. He took a deep breath to steady himself for what he had to say.]

I don't know where to start. What is left of Midgar is mostly rubble and debris now. Shinra as you knew it is gone. All that remains is you, Reno, Elena, Tseng, and myself.

[That was a good place to start, right? He knows Rude is going to have a lot of questions. He's going to make himself stay awake until he can get this all out.]

You best sit down.

[Rubble and... Shinra is... All that remains are... There are no questions, he can't even think in the right frame of reference to form questions. Rude is just staring, open mouthed, trying to process this. When he sits, it's heavily, the chair groaning a little in protest under him.]

That's... not possible.

I would agree with you if I hadn't witnessed it.

[Rude's reaction is understandable. He's only barely just gotten started so this was going to take awhile. He took another long drink of water.]

I'll start from the beginning. Or at least, what you remembered last.

[He settled down, taking a deep breath. As he told Rude how events unfolded since that night his father had been murdered by Sephiroth, there were moments he had to stifle a yawn and gather himself once more. He was determined to get as far as he could.

He stopped just after explaining how Diamond Weapon firing on his office, his voice steady but tired.]

[He listens. If nothing else, Rude was a good listener. And the more he hears, the more he hates Strife and Avalanche. Hates that they provoked all of this. And he hates Shinra somewhat too. That they made Sephiroth into whatever he was. Mostly, though, he hates Hojo. That rat of a man. He did this to them, that's as much as Rude can conclude.

But his face? He keeps his expression schooled to completely non-responsive, non-reactive. He can't. This is too much to process, and he needs time to deal with it. So when Rufus gets to the Weapon attack, Rude raises a hand to stop him.]

That's enough for now, sir. You're tired. You need rest.

[And with no one else around, Rude's responsible for the man. There's an added advantage that if he gets Rufus to sleep, he can try and follow the dots. Try and understand how he could be the sort of man who stood by and let Rufus lead Shinra the way he had. How had he not walked away? Why did he even now want to help this man after he already had so much guilt from the plate?]

No, not yet. There one more thing. I'll keep it brief and I'll get some rest after.

[He wasn't going to get into the gritty details of what happened between Diamond Weapon and where he was now, that was a story he couldn't tell right now.]

After everything that happened, I asked a question of you, Reno, Tseng, and Elena. I'll ask it now and you can think about it and give me an answer later.

[His gaze met Rude's directly.]

I want to ask what you will do now, in this place. Want you want to do now. I ask nothing of you here, Rude. I will never forget that I owe my life to the four of you. Many times over. But you're free to do what you want here, without obligation to me.

[He finally let himself yawn, the last of his strength was gone right now.]

Alright, I'll sleep for now. We'll talk later.

[Talk about a thing to think about. The very fact that Rufus had apparently offered and Rude had still chosen to follow him was all that needed to be said. Answered everything for him, and he thought his answer was thus an obvious one.]

Of course, sir. IF you'd like, I can help you to the bed, then go get something to eat. I'm sure I can find something easy.

[Not like Rude ever picked up kicking as a skill.]

Then I'll think.

[But it won't be for long.]

Edited 2020-04-26 23:23 (UTC)

That sounds like a plan. We'll talk after I get some sleep.

[He nodded, holding out a hand so Rude could help him up. He hated needing any kind of help, it had been the worst part of the last two years. He knew it would take time to feel like himself again but it would be a frustrating process. At least he would be able to start healing now.

He kicked his boots off, taking off his outer coat before climbing under the covers, too tired to do anything else at the moment. The bed was comfortable and he pulled the sheets up. He yawned, closing his eyes.]

I just need a couple of hours. You can get us anything you want, I'll eat anything you pick.

[At least Rude doesn't just scoop Rufus up in his arms and carry the man to the bedroom. He respects the boss enough to do that. But he does follow Rufus along and after the man is settled Rude goes to get the glass of water and returns to put it beside the bed for him.]

I'll wake you then. See if I can't do some research, find others.

[Once he leaves, turning the light out of course, and the overhead fan on for good measure. It's a bit of effort on the phone to find places that have food he can get easily with what money he has. After that it's a manner of running out to get some of this 'take-out chinese' and return to put things aside. He even looks into the major 'porter' cities and rereads through his own powers list, testing them out while he waits.

And once two and a half hours, to the dot, have passed, he rises and goes to knock lightly on the bedroom door.]

[Rufus's eyes flew open when he heard the knock on the door. He needed a moment to remember where he was and everything that had happened in the last 24 hours. He quickly checked his hands, needing to ensure that the black marks were really gone.

It hadn't been a dream.]

I'm awake.

[He called out as he sat up. He didn't feel as unsteady on his feet as he had before as he pulled himself out of bed. He wrinkled his nose as he caught sight of himself in the mirror. He would need to get a change of clothes and take a long shower later. But first, food.

He opened the door, stifling a yawn.]

What did you get? It smells really good.

[Sadly clothes was a front that Rude could provide no assistance on. Clearly Rufus's stuff wasn't just a tumble dry low, so the insuite laundry facilities would not serve them. Rude would have to see to same day dry cleaning services.]

Something called Chinese. Seemed like an amalgam of a few things back home. Got several different containers. Don't know how the sauces are.

[He, personally, was banking on the sweet and sour chicken. Smelled like home.]

[He headed out to the kitchen to peer into the containers Rude had gotten. He selected one that looked good, picking up a fork as he sat at the table. He was starving so didn't feel like going through the whole effort of finding a plate or anything like that.]

I take it so far we're the only ones from our world here so far.

[He wasn't going to let his guard down though. He was certain it was only a matter of time before others arrived, he had to be prepared to deal with anything.]

I haven't seen any indication that anyone knows about Shinra so it will make it easier to gather resources and information about this place.

From what I can extrapolate from this 'imPort network', Reno has been around before. Don't know where. No response back yet from him.

[Which wasn't like Reno, so he had to presume it's old data. That the man isn't around anymore. Rude takes the chopsticks and settles down with the container he most wanted.]

Worked the systems best I could. No records of the Shinra company, or any cities we know. Only results for 'mako' are it being a name common to some foreign regions. We're in a different place entirely.

If anyone could track him down, I'm sure you could.

[He was quiet as he ate for a moment, finishing off half the container in short order. The food was actually rather good.]

It will be easier to forge alliances with people who don't know the history of Shinra. I can work on what projects I want without having to go through the effort of hiding what I was doing.

[While he was pleased about with how Edge was turning out and the work of WRO, it was annoying to have to go through the effort of always remaining anonymous.]

[Well Rude just raises an eyebrow a that faith. Which is probably fair. Him and Reno, they were partners and they kept finding each other, no matter what. Rude, at least, is slower with his meal. Thought doesn't burn as much food.]

And what projects are we working on, sir?

[Surely that should be answer enough to Rufus as to what Rude intended. There was nothing else he knew but serving the Shinra family. No one he was loyal to that compared, save for Reno. This man? He was not just his boss. He was family.]

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