middleofsomewhere | So Familiar a Gleam: Start

So Familiar a Gleam: Start

JINNJAR CITY

"Welcome to Jinnjar City! A city famed as the central power of all of Diagad, and where the magic happens. It has a big history: the birthplace of the first Heroes Association that led to the creation of the Interstellar Justice Alliance, the protectors of the universe. Compared to other places, Diagad's what many people call a superheroes world, but that isn't true. A lot of us don't have the crazy powers that some of the popular folks have! And people like me? We don't care about saving the world! I'm just trying to make it through school, hang out with friends. Live my life!

People tell thousands of stories about us though, and that I can be proud of. When other planets call for help, it's us that comes running to their aid. Our heroes put their lives on the line for anyone who needs a hand, and sure, I don't count myself one of them... but I want to share their story anyway.

Well, I don't need to be telling you about this city, do I? You're a part of it! Always have been, just like me. So I should talk about some funny stuff that's been going on lately instead…”

A TL;DR notes version of days/prompts: (click to show)

EVENT BASICS: Un-apped AU characters were taken 1 week before the event from their own worlds, their minds altered to believe they were always from Jinnjar, Diagad. They have a superpower because of this and a new life either living alone or with family (other NPCs or PCs). Go to the OOC post for more info.

DAYS ONE-TWO:

Strange streams of colour in the sky have appeared, and looking at them for too long causes strange headaches. At this point you’re not sure what they’re about, but you can investigate them. However, trying to get right close to them is impossible. You will never get high enough. Regardless, let us know if characters will be investigating anything!
Voidtreckers arrive, be on the lookout. People are excited about finding these infamous criminals, and may be bothering those wearing peculiar watches, or the colours of Blue, Red, Purple, or Orange. You might be one of them: the bothered, or botheree. Many games or movie criminals are some adaptation of these Voidtreckers. A lot of people are worried they’re behind the phoenonem in the sky.
Nevertheless, people will still have their own lives to deal with, regardless of worrying events. Play around with what job your character has, if they’re in school, what work they do; if they’re drawn to a night life or just hanging around wherever they like. Characters not used to technology in-canon may find themselves having trouble with this world (despite believing they’ve always lived here).
Some of the Voidtreckers who are most resistant to illusions and mind control will be breaking out by the end of the first day. They will have to lay low and plot in secret, figure out how to make contact with others. The SCA comms do not work.
Other Voidtreckers might begin having dreams about their past by day 2-3.

DAYS THREE-FOUR:

Those who have been brought to the world begin to dream of their real and past lives, if just in very small and confusing snippets. Some of those dreams may bleed into reality, and people may start to recognise absolute strangers, but don't quite always know why. This is stronger for Voidtreckers than 4th wallers.
Random electronics seem to be glitching in odd ways, particularly the training centres, which lock people in together, even random strangers. Mostly it's harmless and more of a pain. People also swear they think they see the tops of buildings 'glitching' or colouring out. People have been speaking about pets going missing on walks, though the zoos and such are mostly fine, save for some of the higher up bird sanctuaries.
More of the Voidtreckers and some of the more resilient guests will begin realising the reality of the place they find themselves in. That this is not their own world at all.
The propaganda of the city starts to escalate, warnings about the dangerous voidtreckers and reminding people of how great the city is.

DAYS ONE & TWO: SLICES OF LIFE

"This is an emergency broadcast to everyone in Jinnjar City. At 08:00 today, a breach into the city was attempted by the invading force known as the Voidtreckers, who have tried countless times before to take over Diagad for themselves.

While it's believed the group was resisted, citizen are advised to watch out for anyone acting suspiciously in the city, and to watch out for this emblem. Please call the D-F-O-R-C-E hotline if you see anyone you suspect of being an intruder!

Remember to keep low altitudes while we deal with the phenomenon above."

[ RAINBOW SKIES. ] "Everyone's been speculating about what's been going on up above. About a week ago, these long streams of twisting colours suddenly spread through the purple skies of Diagad, rainbow colours inking the clouds. They've been growing out, like merging with the sky itself, and news broadcasts have been telling people not to worry. But what even are they? They say that looking at them for too long causes headaches, while some swear up and down they've seen things in them! I've heard a couple of friends talking about investigating them, but I dunno..."

▷ Twisting streams of colour are becoming exposed in the sky, and indeed, those who look too long high up will find themselves receiving headaches and dizziness. They’ll fade once you look away, but those who do decide to investigate by getting close will experience a tug, as if something yearns to take them somewhere. There will be patrolling Heroes - this world's equivalent of police - keeping an eye on things. Maybe your character is one of them, or posing as one. Maybe your character wants to learn more about what these are. Regardless, they won’t be able to get significantly close to the streams no matter how high they aim.

[ THE VOIDTRECKERS. ] "Gossip is HOT about these Voidtreckers. I remember seeing a movie about them once, based on something that happened years ago. They tried hacking their way into taking over a dyson sphere being built - like a giant structure around a star. There's other stories about them too, but are they really the ones behind this? Who are we even meant to be on the lookout for? I don't know... I'm kinda spooked. But do they seriously ride around in a flying train?"

▷ You've heard about the Voidtreckers, whether you remember stories about them or not. Are you bothered about them? The news broadcasts say they got rid of them - then why are they asking people to look out? And what are you supposed to look out for? On top of the emblem, there's chatter going on about watching out for people wearing strange devices on their wrists, and wearing colours of Blue, Red, Purple, and Orange.

Will you defend your city from these mysterious foes? Be smart about it, or rash? Or maybe you're interested to know more for your own deeds… whether or not they’re the Voidtreckers of tale, they may have resources for furthering your own goals.

[ LIVING YOUR LIFE. ] “But nevermind all that! Life’s about having fun and hanging out with your friends too. I work part time, but I’ve got plans after my shift’s done! Doing some shopping, going to see a movie. I can’t stress out about the funny stuff going on. And I heard the new waiter in my favourite cafe is suuuper cute!”

▷ Despite the few anomalies going on, you still have a life part of Jinnjar City. You have a job filled with devices that you’ve been surrounded by all your life, or certainly longer than a week or, so you know how to work a coffee machine, right? You know how to drive an air taxi!

And where would you take one to? To anywhere: to the gym, one of the training centres, a spa, to the movies - normal things that everyone around the city have always been around. Meet up with some friends for fruit smoothies, or watch one of the shadow displays held by the Georgi’s Gang around every street, putting on shows to mesmerise and delight the kids.

Or how about buying your groceries to take back to your apartment or house? You know what all these fruits are! Right? Right?

… … maybe it’s produce from another planet.

DAYS THREE & FOUR: JUST ANOTHER NORMAL DAY

[ DREAMS. ] “Dreams are just dreams, but a lot of people have been talking about them. Like, really being disturbed by them? Not in a creepy ohhh a monster’s coming for me! way, but like, they say they see worlds they swear they’ve been to before. Or see people? I wouldn’t really think about it except, there’s this guy… not like a super cute guy, but someone I think I knew…”

▷ Talk about dreams have been popular lately, though not everyone has them - or, not right away. Sometimes people may be at work, in school, doing nothing in particular when a name (important to their real self) appears in their mind, a flash of scenery. Coming as quickly as it goes. They don’t know what it means, if it isn’t just a symptom of the latest weird gossip influencing them.

But it sticks with you, something you can’t completely dismiss. But surely it’s nothing - right?

[ ANOMALIES. ] ”Just what we need! My friend’s dog’s gotten lost! She was taking him for a walk, and then she just says he went running ahead, and poof! Disappeared! Maybe he saw a cat? He’s always been a lazy chubby thing, but even dogs can’t help themselves, I guess…”

▷ The colours in the sky seem brighter today, closer...but it’s difficult to say for some, unless you’re actively studying them. Sometimes when you look above, you might catch - if just for a second - the tops of roofs glitching out, corners or streaks erased, colours meshing with the walls. You think it might be the light or your eyes, as it never lasts long, and even standing around waiting to see it happen again won’t give you what you want.

You may have other things to worry about than tricks of the light. Animals have simply been...disappearing, and always the ones owned, or particularly birds that fly around freely. People will ask you for help, and it’s weird they need to. Most owners have a tracker chip and app, and either apps show a blank map, or show them just standing in place...a place that when you get there, is nothing, no one.

[ TRAINING CENTRE. ]
“Really though, other than the weird sky business and how jumpy the news has made everyone about the Voidtreckers, the only odd thing that’s been up is some weird stuff happening at the training gyms. Even I saw it! I was just doing my warm-ups for the day when the field I set it to, the sky...these shapes suddenly appeared, dark and looming. It seriously creeped me out. But it’s just a glitch, right?”

▷ Young or old, the training centres around the central district are a popular spot for everyone to give their powers a safe space to be unleashed. While there’s basic simulations that’s free for everyone to use, people can be personal trainers, or even run group sessions in the bigger rooms.

Sessions aren’t always linked, since getting private training is allowed. However, lately, people keep getting jumped into other’s sessions, and can’t get out until they finish the routine. Sometimes they’re simple, where you need to destroy building block-esque cubes, or superspeed through courses twenty times. But then there’s also story modes, such as…

Castle Defence: Help protect the castle of Erna from the tricky Voidtreckers! They’re trying to storm the castle, and the world needs your power to help keep them away. Difficulty is based on the amount of people present, and speed of the individual. Do you turn things green? Then turning a Voidtrecker green will make them pop! Good job!

Kama Aid: Floating spheres have been lured inside a giant 3-tiered labyrinth ball. You must help the spheres - come in optional people-shaped or even cute animals - be released back outside where the air is fresh. Use telekinesis to tilt the tiers like a ball tilting game, or use super-strength to destroy the different tiers!

Dia Mysteries: A theft, vandalism, maybe even a murder. The crime scene is locked down, and something is afoot. Use your telepathy to gain information from the suspects, sneak into a secure area under invisibility... the solution is yours to find in this investigative simulation.

[ A PSA or Six. ] ”Stay vigilant citizens of Diagad. Please report any suspicious behavior to the DFORCE force.”

Announcements blare from speakers on public transport. Adverts pop up as they scroll through Diagnet. All remind citizens to be on their guard, report strange or disturbing behaviour and keep a look out for any of the symbols or colours of the Voidtreckers.

"Heroes don't keep secrets! If you have suspicions about any dangerous people in our midst, let your local DFORCE force know. Speak the Truth. Save the World."

▷ Billboards are plastered with bold posters reminding citizens to keep an eye out for the Voidtreckers or anyone who they might have tried to sway to their side. For those beginning to glimpse that this city might not be what they once had thought, this could be dangerous especially if their families and friends believe the city truly is under threat.

credits: text box - city banner - city side - coloured sky by benjamin0000

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Day One - Proceeding (With a nod to Sir Terry Pratchett)

The key thing, she always felt, was getting out and about. If you're going to guard, be seen to guard. Technically, given her rank with the defense forces, she didn't have to, but...it was good to be there, regardless. The citizens should know you, you should be amongst them - how else to protect them if you're just some faceless, armed person to them?

She walked the same beat every day, the same one she'd walked since she was a cadet - she knew everyone's name, and most of them knew hers. A number had picked up enough sign language over the year that they could fluently communicate.

You proceeded, you didn't walk. A swinging of the leg, letting momentum do the work for you - it carried you all day. In this case, it carried her from an excellent breakfast on her rounds. Maybe there was a new shop, or maybe a crime to be pursued.

A passing low-ranker handed her the latest broadsheet with a salute. She read it, rolled her eyes, and deposited it in the nearest trash. Ugh, she hated propaganda. Nothing much she could do about it, but she wasn't going to harass random citizens over whatever paranoia upstairs was feeling.

Day Two - All Work, No Play (F/F for this option, if trying for a date.)

She had, finally, bitten the bullet. The precinct secretary had set her up with speed dating. She didn't much like it, but...it'd be nice to meet someone, wouldn't it? Well, ok, fine, she did as part of her daily work, but not that way, and meeting someone was...difficult.

She was, after all, deaf and though she was proud of who she was, there were plenty of others who didn't react nearly as well as they ought to, in her book. But more than that - she was a professional woman. She was very fit, very dedicated and...well, there were also plenty of people who didn't like those things, either. But, here she was. Because when Amaya did something, she did it right. She'd selected a blue dress that didn't hide who she was, but wasn't too daring either.

She sat, nervously poking at an olive in her drink with a toothpick.

[Open to this going great, hilariously badly, or hey, your character is just there and there's a meet-cute, whatever!]

Day Three/Four - Defying Orders

She didn't like what was coming down from headquarters. So, since the orders were clearly stupid and required violating every law she believed in, she'd opted to defy them.

And she had enough deputies who would follow her rather than the orders of the state so that her corner of the city would be a relative safe-haven for Voidtreckers. 'Heroes don't keep secrets', her rear end. When the state is screaming you're the enemy - without any proof whatsoever, which she rather required - she felt they had every darn right to keep a secret.

Which is why she stood outside a small building, leaning against it - and when she saw someone who certainly looked like they were on the run from other, less...intelligent members of DFORCE, she waved at them, frantically, gesturing towards the door.

Her suit of armor might well instill confidence, or the way that any DFORCE members approaching her will damn well do so warily once they figure out who she is - but safe haven might be just around the corner...

Edited 2021-07-08 21:57 (UTC)

[Masumi wasn’t as careful as she’d like to be, and ended up being chased by several DFORCE members. Desperate to get away and avoid capture, she takes the first opportunity and ducks through the indicated door, barely noticing the person who had helped her in the first place.]

Thanks, they would have caught me otherwise…

[It’s only now that she notices the armor this other person is wearing and realizes that this is another one of them.]

Crap…

[She makes a cutting gesture, emphatically, across her throat - universal for 'quiet'. There's not much time. For now, she simply shuts the door as the sound of moving feet indicate that Masumi's pursuers are catching up. Then there is the sound of shuffling, and voices. But only of her pursuers, all of whom know how to interpret Amaya by now.]

'Oh, General, sorry, didn't see you - we're in pursuit of a suspect. Woman, about so high? Did she pass by here?'

[There was a note in their voices. They were on her patch, and knew it. Knew how protective she was of her section of the city and ran it like a private fiefdom. And so free of crime these days that HQ didn't say boo to her. And then there's swearing as, unseen, she points across and upwards.]

'Shit, the roofs? Dammit, ok, we'll...we're ok to pursue on your beat then? ... Thank you, General.'

[And after about a minute or so, the door opens again and Amaya steps through, closing it behind her.]

[She takes the hint and goes quiet, listening to the proceedings outside as she hopes she won't just be turned over. Then her pursuers leave and the woman comes back in, and while Masumi is still uncertain she breathes a sigh of relief anyways.

After all, she could have easily been handed over, and yet she wasn't. That has to count for something, right?

...Thanks again. I thought they were going to catch me out there.

[Her hands move in sign, slowed down just in case she knows, but isn't practiced at it.]

They will be going the wrong direction for a while. Sit tight, and we can get you out of here.

[Normally Masumi wouldn't understand sign that well, but thankfully she's wearing an SCA that translates it for her. Handy.]

Alright. Who are you, by the way? Aren't you working with them? [After a moment, she pulls out a pad of paper and pencil she's been using for note taking purposes, flips to an unused page, and writes out what she just said just in case the other would be more comfortable that way.]

[She nods at the gesture but signs again.]

I can read lips.

[Her hands keep moving, keeping to a slow, steady pace.]

Amaya. This is my precinct. But I'm not going to be going after people without evidence - I can't speak for all my fellow officers, but this is a safehouse for now.

[Not much to it, really. A fireplace, some chairs and couches, all clearly scrounged - but not bad for short notice.]

[Masumi nods, puts away the pad for now. By the sounds of it she’s not in immediate danger, but even so she won’t give Amaya any evidence to prove she’s a Voidtrecker.]

I’m Masumi. They’re getting desperate out there with all the messaging about reporting any suspected Voidtreckers and not keeping secrets. It’s making it hard to not be accused. [And harder to get anything done.]

[She nodded, signing again.]

Funny thing. They never explained how being a Voidtrecker is a crime or in any way illegal.

[The sign for voidtrecker is strange, of course. More like 'vast empty walker', until she thinks of something better.]

That would be illegal detention and holding without a charge. And I...

[A pregnant pause if ever there was one.]

Just happen to be an every day citizen who just happens not to have their documents. Probably had them stolen and just haven't gotten new copies mailed out yet from Central Records.

[Hint. Hint. The coaching has, essentially, begun.]

[That's an interesting view. One that Masumi's not going to argue with at the moment, given the situation and the fact that the Voidtreckers haven't done anything wrong here as far as she knows. Besides allegedly invading, but she doesn't even recall the train ever arriving at the world.

She can also take a hint, and nods in response to the story about the documents.]

Me too. I haven't got new copies of my documents yet, which is terrible timing with what's happening. [Horrible timing, really. Can't even prove she's not a Voidtrecker.]

[Funny enough, Masumi does not look like part of an invading army to her.]

[But she nods, slowly.]

They can check that, but it takes days - and they can't hold you that long - so even if they take you in, that should get you out.

That being said, not getting caught in the first place is the better idea.

[Loki's in his usual professional suit that Heroes wear at the station when not in uniform, though he doesn't have his badge out. At least not until he spots the woman in uniform and armor sitting at a cafe. He waves his badge at her in a friendly acknowledging way as he approaches.]

Hello! Loki Odinson, call me Loki. Recent transfer to Jinnjar City to help assist the regular forces. You're one of the department heads, yes? That would make me at your disposal, and I would like to know a little my superiors personally as well as professionally.

[She is immediately a bit on guard, though she doesn't show it. For a couple of reasons. Recent transfers were often...unfortunately keen. And just as often a political plant. But those ones were competent and often malleable. It took a lot more work with the keen ones. She puts on her best department head face, a combination of parent and distant god, and nods.]

[She starts to sign, taking it slowly.]

Officer Odinson. Welcome to the City. I'm General Amaya.

[Loki's brows knit in confusion when she starts signing, then he remembers one detail of the overview of officers he received when he arrived. One was deaf. His face falls and then reddens with embarrassment.]

Ah, you must be General Amaya! I- my apologies. [He starts to reach for his phone, but stops, slows down his words and enunciates, and waits until he's finished talking to look away. Once he has it along with a pad of paper and an old-fashioned looking pen, he writes out a note and starts consulting a sign language translation app.]

"I didn't recognize you. Unfortunately my old superiors forgot to tell me to study sign language, so my skill is less than rudimentary. I apologize for any problems."

[She makes a thumbs up gesture at the pad to say thank you, but waves it away.]

I can read lips. You're doing fine.

[It's a gentle way to try to get him to calm down a bit - two apologies in as many sentences, after all.]

So what duty do they have you on?

[He hates being rude unintentionally, and he knows enough about communicating with deaf people to know he was fairly rude. But he settles down and nods.]

Bear with me as I translate?

[He gives a nonchalant shrug.]

Right now, familiarizing myself with Jinnjar, while being ready to assist with a big investigation when the need arises.

[While he's talking, he's also checking something on his phone during the pauses. After he finishes, he gives the phone a good look, then tries to sign something. One word. Void.]

[Well, she can at least give him points for politeness on this - most of the keeners bungled this part rather terribly.]

You're doing fine. And yes, 'void.'

[She shakes her head.]

Curious, isn't it. People from beyond. Who are supposedly criminals. Yet not one statute cited.

[Test time. Time to to sort out whether he's a political or one that thinks. And if he has the brains to hedge his bets with a superior he doesn't know well. A skill the politicals never developed.]

[Loki's right hand is holding the phone so he can translate, but whenever he's not using it, his other hand drums restlessly on the table. He tries to answer in a whisper while still making his words clear for lip-reading, but he probably slips a lot.]

Criminals or not, they are disrupting life here. The ribbons in the sky that cause headaches, and after that, the strange thoughts... We have not been told so, or at least I have not, but I think they may be messing with our minds. Perhaps they do not know the negative effects they are having, but that does not mean we should ignore them and the problems they are causing.

[Drum drum drum go his fingers. The sound would probably cover his voice if she could hear.]

I must trust that the specialists know what to do to protect us. That they know more than we do. But I do not like how we know barely more than the citizens. It makes it hard to reassure them, which is what is most needed now. Paranoia about others helps nobody but enemies.

[It's a well-thought out argument at least, though it strikes her as...well, definitely one he wouldn't hold in the years to come. It took significant time for the jaundice with 'specialists' and 'superiors' to sink in.]

Best way is to wear out the leather on your boots. They see us, they see the calm? They'll be calm, too. Come on, let's walk a beat. I'll show you the precinct.

[He gives a genuine smile.]

I have been out and about and getting to know people as much as I can. If the General Amaya is offering to show me around, how can I refuse?

[She arched an eyebrow at him, shaking her head.]

Well, can't say you don't have the art of flattery down. How many has that worked on around here?

It has always been a talent of mine, even before I started receiving flattery of my own. Practically a second power. And I have already made some friends here, so it must work well enough.

[Oof. He'll be running up the ladder swiftly indeed, with abilities like that.]

How's your street experience?

Fairly good, I would say. I started on the streets, and even after promotions, having that connection to the people on the ground has always been part of my charm as a beloved Hero.

[She laughs, silently. He'd actually said that out loud, seriously. Ok. Maybe not a political. They couldn't carry off that sincerity.]

Ok then, let's see what you've got. Read the street for me.

[Signed as they exit out into the world, strange skies above.]

So Familiar a Gleam: Start

General Amaya | The Dragon Prince | Fourth Wall Adventures?

Defying Orders

Hope this works!

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Day One

Re: Day One

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With a nod at Sir Terry Pratchett for this one.

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