repeter | JANUARY 2018 TDM

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JANUARY 2018 TDM

TEST DRIVE

JANUARY TEST DRIVE
The city of Recollé...

What do you mean the city's behaving for once?

I.
The large opaque dome enveloping the entire city continues to stand tall and firm, though this may be the first time you've noticed the dome itself rather than believe it's simply an eclipse effect. Faintly reflective in appearance but blocking the outside world, the dome still allows the warmth of the weak winter sunlight to seep through. It isn't hard to breathe, and the flora and fauna seem to be responding just as naturally as always. But the city of Recollé is pitch black except for the light citizens shine themselves.

The dome stretches incredibly high over the city, but anyone who can get close enough to it will find that they can briefly see themselves in the surface. Upon touching the dome, it appears to be smooth and almost rubbery in texture despite a shell-like shield appearance. Soundproof and unable to provide clues to what's happening outside of the city the dome is also harmless for those who wish to touch it and examine it, causing it to bounce a few times under light impact. However, do be careful not to trigger its defense mode! Should anyone attempt to damage the dome itself, it will light up with a bright, sickening blue color for three seconds before delivering a shock to its attacker and rendering them unconscious for an hour. Perhaps you'll get lucky and you'll only deal with the too-hot-to-touch surface that self-activates when the dome is threatened, or the spikes that appear at the source of impact. The dome seems to have a temperament of its own. It may be best to treat it the way you want to be treated.

II.
Going about your normal day, the darkness seems endless aside from whatever light can be shed via flashlights, cell phones and interior lights inside buildings. However, as you wander the streets of the city, under your feet a swirl of yellow light appears before darting ahead, bouncing and bobbing its way over snow and concrete to create a clear path for you. It's a little convenient to have a guide to follow, but you're not the only one. Others around you are following their own lights and they all seem to gather right at the entrance of the old subway station. Perpetually under construction for as long as you can remember, the station appears to be wide open for anyone who ventures in.

The light will guide you for roughly twenty-five feet before it dies down again. You're allowed to turn back, of course. There's nothing stopping you...except for the vine that suddenly snakes along the ground and wraps around your ankle, hooking onto you and beginning to drag you further into the tunnels. Now would be a good time to start calling for help.

III.

Back in the city itself, it's hard to say who, exactly, is to blame for the first hit. People are minding their own business and moving on as if everything is perfectly natural as usual. However, in addition to the hustle and bustle small barrels appear on every street corner with an assortment of colored guns. The moment you step up to investigate one of these barrels it becomes a little more clear what, exactly, is happening here.

A bright red, green, or blue dot appears on your skin as the laser light hones in on you. Someone's decided to make you their next target in a city-wide game of laser tag and you have precisely ten seconds to run. For anyone tagged by the guns, a confetti-effect of red green and blue dots will appear all over you lasting for up to fifteen minutes before you're back in the game.

Will you grab your weapons and join the game? Or will you dodge as long as you can?

IV.
As the evening sets in, there's a smell in the air. It's not the usual winter-y scent of peppermint or warm soup or anything like that. No, you soon realize that the smell is buttered popcorn and now instead of the barrels of laser tag guns there are carts containing popcorn machines, bottles of soda, candy and more. These carts don't move and they do not seem to be manned by anybody so feel free to take as much as you'd like! At precisely 7pm, the street lights dim a little and the dome above you starts to...glow? It glows and a picture stretches all the way across the sky as a movie begins to play for your enjoyment. Maybe it's the first of the Galaxy Fights series, or it could be that crazy archaeologist turned fortune-hunter Kentucky Smith. The movies will rotate one after the other for the rest of the evening until 7am when the street lamps come on, but for now grab some blankets and a good seat. There's always time for a movie with some friends.

BONUS.
Of course communication to people outside of the city is still out of the question. Of course it is. There are absolutely no signs of that changing anytime soon no matter how many times you call or text or email. Snail mail is nearly impossible and don't even think about videochatting.

On the other hand, it seems as though the powerlines above are beginning to spark, pulsing in patterns of a bright blue color visible to the naked eye. What's up with that? Trying to get a closer look will only reveal a thick, crackling sort of energy that is surely not dangerous in the slightest and is nothing to worry about.

The energy won't leave the powerlines at all, but instead the next time you use your phone for anything a song activates instead. It's loud and it can't be shut down, but once it ends you may find yourself in a video chat with a fellow Retrospec user. Say hi!

Welcome to the

recolle test drive meme! All characters will be begin in-game AU'd as Recollé residents. You may use any of the above prompts for ideas or make up your own depicting your Recollé AU! Prompts do not have to be set in the districts listed above. You can review our list of locations for what's available. Please note that TDM threads can be used as samples, can be kept as game canon, and can also be used for bonus points for future item regains. Share a few minor details of your AU, tag around, and have fun!

For current players, please remember that TDM threads can only be used for bonus points, not regains.

Please note: you will need a reserve to apply, and current characters must have full AC posted at the time of their reservation.

Your January TDM directory is here, and your AU workshop is here! Our mod questions thread for this TDM is over here!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I only see them for a couple hours a week. I think I can get away with it.

[If anything it gets her to smile just a little more.]

They were using the humans for some kind of energy source as well but you're right. In the end it does seem to just speak to the ego of man.

[It actually was a surprise.] I wouldn't dream of such a thing. If I did I doubt I'd would be getting any more.

So you say. I don't think I have it in me to teach others... gift advice now and again, but actively teach? No. I am not the sort of person who can do that. To that end, I'll trust your expertise.

[ And he peppers in a compliment or two. ]

Right? In the end, it says that even if it is using mankind as energy sources, the world cannot live without us.

[ He points at her, a small gesture that she is right. ] I would have to deny it and then there would be no more secret menu. [ And he finishes his "threat" by placing chopsticks on top of the bowl. ]

[She taps the bowl with the chopsticks.]

Ah, you're such a flatterer.

[Not really but she appreciates it. The apathy alliance is still going strong, after all.]

The egotism of humanity is endless. The concept that there's something hidden underneath what seems to be the mundane might be relevant to our current situation.

That is why I'll never say that I've had ramen here.

Edited 2018-01-21 08:39 (UTC)

[ Kei gives a half-laugh before he leaves to retrieve a glass of water for her. ]

You aren't wrong, however. I've heard a few unfortunate stories here and there. [ A koister is produced from underneath the counter before he sets the glass down. ]

It's good that there are some things that can remain the same. I have a feeling that a lot is going to change for us. But for how long and how severe... I suppose that we should feel lucky that our emotions are what they are.

[She takes a sip before tasting the ramen. Good, as always. Spicy but not as spicy as previous dishes. She gives a hum of approval before taking another drink.]

I that sort of feeling, too. It's the sort of feeling I had before telling the family that I dropped out of university. [A normal person might feel anxiety. Fear. That moment had been tense but...] Though, I suppose a better metaphor would be the feeling someone gets when they stand at the edge of a diving board.

[A small laugh.] We're the lucky ones, for once. At least there's others like us in the city. Perhaps it's our chance to shine?

Anticipation, then?

[ He breathes out a laugh. ]

It may very well be. At the very least, you're one that looks after children... you'll be able to give some good lessons to those that are stumbling now.

[ As for himself, he feels like he wants to observe things. ] Indeed, we are the lucky ones, so we finally get to decide what we do with our luck.

Something like that.

[It probably was. Anticipation. A wonderful feeling.]

I only teach piano on weekends. [She gives a hollow laugh.] I'm hardly the mentoring type. Judging by the reactions some of the parents have I doubt my advice will be accepted.

[Parents being annoyed by the piano teacher telling kids that the world is detestable? How shocking.] That's the question now, isn't it? One that I'm not sure I have an answer to.

Interesting, isn't it? That even if they cannot fully see the world that they still have an idea of what is right and wrong. Society and how it functions continues to be very fascinating to me.

[ At the very least, he holds zero malice toward anyone. He means what he says -- he finds it interesting. Those that cannot see the dome still would respond negatively to a twisted world view. ]

Well, it's not one that you have to give an answer to yet, either. But as someone who enjoys giving advice to help others, I will say that it's something to think about from time to time. [ A slight pause. ] We're finally part of society, after all. That may be where all the anticipation is coming from... that we're part of it.

Unlike our city, the population that is within this society is smaller... we cannot blend and fade away to the background. I don't think that it will be allowed. And so, to now be part of a selected part of humanity, we can decide something for ourselves... and for others. Even allow ourselves to be egotistical for once.

Yet they still decide to keep me on despite of it. They have an idea of it but is too much bother to try to change what things are? I don't know. It's interesting, like you say.

[She herself doesn't have any malice towards them. Maybe an ex-boyfriend or two but they have long since been taken care of and forgotten. Even if she shares her worldview with some of her students it's not to harm them or to spite their protective parents. Maybe it was bored or maybe she just wanted to say things that no one bothered to say to her at their age.]

Yes. Someone turned on a spotlight suddenly. I think that's exactly where this anticipation is from--the fog that's shadowed our world is finally breaking. [She could have been in society more if she wanted to. She was good at hiding those feelings and despite her dislike of the piano she was good at it.]

Mm, no, it won't. I doubt that most of the ones already awakened will let anyone just slide back into the background. All for one and all that. [She hummed idly.] Speaking of egotistical... I do hate to change the subject but another thing is changing. I've been trying to be a foster parent for a while. Things are almost finished but the day I noticed the dome something happened.

[There's a shake of her head as she takes another bite.] That girl showed up on my doorstep. Beyond any world changing awakenings that was surprising.

[ Kei keeps to himself if what is breaking up the fog is a "good" thing, or not. What will happen if they realize that there is no happiness for them? Within the fog of their old selves, or this new day? What if there is nothing? He finds himself not discouraged by this -- and realizes how troubling it is to be so accepting. ]

Don't apologize. I should have asked you sooner about what else was going on in your life. It was wrong of me to assume that everything remains as static as it does in my world. [ He lightly waves his hand to dismiss the idea that she should feel troubled for changing the subject. It probably was for the best it changed. ]

Is that so? Your foster child, hm? Congratulations. To commemorate, I'll make your meal free today, but just for today. [ Isn't he kind? ] Well? What is her name? How old is she? I'm giving you the freedom to praise and cheer about the child that has come into your life, so please take advantage of it.

[That is a problem for another day. Happiness or grief mattered in the moment. She'd figure out all that later.]

I distracted myself, it seems. [Most of her life is rather static. This change is one she was holding close to her chest after all.]

You're being generous--well. She's Luna. Thirteen and seems to be quite a troublemaker already. Turning up unexpected like that without her rep. With a cat in her backpack, too!

And I think that's wonderful. [ And in his own way, he does. ]

She's lucky that you have no allergies to cats. I would hate to think of how that would be upsetting for a first meeting. [ But he thinks that such a distraction added to her life will be for the best. ] Luna, hm? Thirteen, hm?

[ Kei mulls over a few things before offering a smile. ] Your static days are really over. I wish you the best of luck, and this place as a sanctuary for you two when things become too hectic.

[She understands. This whole fostering affair is something that she tried to just see if it suited her. She thought it wouldn't, like many things. Knowing her luck she would have been stuck with boring child.]

I'm a dog person, myself, but it's a minor complaint. [Most people would have turned Luna away as soon as they heard the literal cat in the bag.]

I'll have to take you up on the offer. [Though...] I have to say, that I still can't say that anything else moves me. Things are changing yet is it strange that I don't care how it ends?

[Maybe this flash of normality is just that. A flash.]

Please do.

[ He lifts his chin a little at her confession. ] You can't expect two miracles to happen one after the other. [ His tone is light, but he feels the same, of course. ] As I said, I have no intention to do more than just observe what happens. I claim it is because of my shop and clinic, but really... it is that I see no reason to get involved more than I need to be involved.

[ "Need to be" is to offer aid to others, because that is what is morally right to do. But he has no other motivation. ] There is nothing strange in not minding how it ends. So long as you feel something while it is happening, that is more than enough. [ So he has told himself over the years. ]

You felt something when you saw Luna, did you not? Even if it was fleeting, some emotion came to you?

[Of course he's right. Merely because she feels something about this whole affair doesn't mean she's 'cured'. It just meant that, perhaps, she just was waiting for the right person. Fate, maybe, or maybe just a latent maternal instinct? Who knows.]

I see... that is understandable. [She only was more in the spotlight than he because it was expected of her. She was somewhat skilled at piano even as an adult and so, prompted by musically inclined relatives, was forced into teaching others. It was socially expected. Maybe wanting a child was part of that.] It's the journey not the destination that matters, yes? [Perhaps there was some truth to it.]

I did. Something about the fact that she decided to seek me out before we could formally be introduced... It was something I can't quite put into words.

For us, I would say that's how it is. We're never going to be happy at the destination, but we can enjoy the walk when we get to wherever it is that we're headed.

[ Kei says that but he understands also that he's hoping that will always be the case. He supposes, in a way, that he's cursing one of his few friends to always be lost and wandering as he is. His eyes close as he hides his embarrassment for being so petty. ]

You don't have to put it into words yet. I'd say that you should keep walking with her and perhaps, what is felt will eventually come to you. Like noticing the scenery of your path is a little different than usual. It won't change much in terms of the walk itself, but it might make it more enjoyable.

[Perhaps she should wish that one of the few people that shared her apathy to find something similar. That he, too, could finally have a destination in mind. Maybe he will. ]

Mm, it's likely true. [Even if it's a curse she knows it's likely one that will be true whether he thought it or not. After all, foster care was fickle. She might lose Luna or perhaps Luna's sisters will want to take her away. It's possible.] Even if there's tragedy at the end every moment of the path is worth it. Ah--mm, I wonder maybe I should have tried getting a child of my own sooner...

[She's not a pet.]

It certainly is still in the cards.

[ He rests his chin on his hand as he gestures with his other. ] If you are chosen for to be a foster parent, you could easily choose to later adopt. [ A hum. ] I often thought of how it might be worth attempting to try out marriage. However, I ultimately couldn't bring myself to force anyone into that predicament with me.

[ His eyes close as he takes back his pettiness moments before by offering a blessing instead. ] However, your personality isn't as abysmal as my own. You could very well have a nice set up such as that.

[Her? Married? She shook her head.] No, I don't think I'm cut out for that, either.

[Children were one thing. She could understand a child and give them what they needed. A significant other, though, was a totally different matter.] Children are quite different than adults.

Mm.

[ It's half-agreeing, half-disagreeing sound. Children and adults are viewed about the same to him. Because it isn't so much as understanding what they need as it is how he would respond to them. It's why he considers his personality so abysmal, since he recognizes that what his companion says is more correct than his views. ]

I suppose so. But still... if this works out for you, it's another path that you hadn't thought of to walk down, hm?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

JANUARY 2018 TDM

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