☆TRACK VI: THE NEW AMERICANA

[interdimanagers]

Who: All the rescuers...and DAFT PUNK.
What: The rescuers enter Vista City for the first time.
When: January 20th, 2055
Where: The ship, the coast, and outer Vista City.
Warnings: Could basically be anything.

“Viral mess turned dreams into an empire. Self-made success now she rolls with Rockefellers. Survival of the richest, the city's ours until the fall. But we don't feel like outsiders at all.” ☆THE NEW AMERICANA Your arrival on Tera doesn’t exactly happen with a bang – though maybe that’s a good thing, given that this is supposedly a stealth operation. The ship firsts touches down somewhere in the ocean, at which point it hovers above the waves for a few hours while Shep “touches base” with some “contacts.” This is your time to get ready, to collect any gear you’ve been assigned, and to talk over initial plans with your new teammates. You’ve been given a rough outline of what to expect upon reaching actual land. You’re going to be dropped off in the ring of forested land outside of the city, at which point you are to access a hidden stash of supplies that has been planted there for you and head into the city, where a second stash of supplies will be waiting for you in the outer ring of the city. It will probably be a long walk. From the onboard supplies everyone will be given the following: ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING: if your character doesn’t already speak English, they will be given some time with a crown like technological device that seems the be able to psychically teach people languages at a rapid pace. Whatever has been enabling communication so far won’t cover you once you enter the city, so it’s important that you’re prepared. How easily a person’s brain accepts this information will vary based on unseen neurological factors, and can range from perfect fluency to an uneasy second language. (On an OOC level, whether or not your character struggles with picking up English is completely up to you.) Most of this training will be done on the trip to Tera. THEIR DESIGNATED TOOLS: any items your character was designated on your application will be given to them now. They’ll have some degree of choice in what they get, but everything is limited in supply. There are manuals for everything, but how much you can be fucked to read them will vary. Also, some of them aren’t in English or anything else even remotely recognizable. COMMUNICATION DEVICES: Everybody will get a communicator, which are worn around the back of your ear and project a holographic field over your eyes when activated. The device itself must be manually switched on with your fingers, and from there on out your exact method of controlling it depends on the settings. Some of the more basic functions can be manipulated with “brain waves” (though nothing very complicated) and the rest is mostly voice or touch activated, though you can also set it up to be controlled with blinking and eye movement if you are a “pro”. Its functions include voice, voice-to-text, and a sort of janky manual text mode that you have to touch the screen to use. Video chat is not available, though it is capable of recording video from your POV to be shared manually after the fact. It can also share still images. Various channels can be set up and accessed, both private and public, much like a Teamspeak server is used in gaming. HOLO EMITTERS (LIMITED): The amount of these available are limited by “plot convenience.” Do you want your character to have to struggle with their alien appearance to get by constantly? Then imagine there wasn’t enough of them to go around and your character was unlikely or benevolent enough to not receive one. Would you rather they have access to one? Then you can have one. A holo emitter is capable of projecting a holographic image around your character and disguising their appearance, the complexity of which is entirely up to you. The major problems with it are that 1) it can’t conceal things that the hologram doesn’t actually touch – cow horns could be covered in a hologram to look like a hat, but it couldn’t make them look as if there is nothing there at all, and 2) the holograms have no mass, and so if anyone tries to touch them they’ll realize they are just light projections. Also, like most of the equipment, they only work for a few hours before running out of power. ☆STASH NUMBER ONE: THE FOREST Once Shep has made sure things are prepared and everyone has their stuff, the ship will very briefly skirt close enough to the shore for people to disembark. The beach seems totally free of witnesses, and once you’ve hit land it’s a short run to the tree line. A few random people will have map information uploaded into their communicators (Usagi, Saitama, Reborn, Pearl, and Sparks Nevada are the lucky winners) and will be put in charge of making sure everyone navigates to the first stash correctly, and then into the outskirts of the city where a meet-up point and a second stash of equipment is located. The directions are not complicated, but it’s a lot of people to shepherd around incognito. How everybody handles this is completely up to the characters. Meanwhile, Shep is piloting the ship back off into the ocean to hide it somewhere. He says he’ll meet you in the city at some point, and that he’ll keep in contact via the communicators. Stay safe, and good luck! The first stash is about a twenty minute walk into the forest, and should be found with relative ease. It is basically just a few large, plastic tubs buried beneath soil and moss, and has to be dug up like treasure. Inside of it lies the following: AMERICANA DISGUISES: Clothing, make up, the works – everything the average joe needs to pass themselves off as a resident of Vista City. Outfits are perhaps a bit more eccentric and flashy than you’re used to...or maybe a bit less, depending where you come from. Either way, it’s a specific look, and there should be enough here to accommodate new outfits for all the humanoids. If you’re a horse, you’re sort of on your own. What your character ends up with is up to you, though “space rave” is a good way to describe common aesthetics. There are also a lot of hooded coats, hats, and other articles that would be good for hiding inhuman characteristics. RATIONS: Enough food at water, tightly compact, to last everyone for a few days. It’s going to start to run out quickly, though, so the group is going to need some breadwinners sooner rather than later. A WELCOME CARD: A welcome message from these two with their selfie printed on the front. Written inside are the following messages: “Glad you could make It! ♥ –Gold” and ”Welcome to hell. ☺ -Silver”. They are both in the same handwriting. From there, the maps only lead further into the city. ☆STASH NUMBER TWO: CITY BOUND You'll quickly notice that Vista City comes with multiple levels - the ground level, that actually touches the earth, and then a second level of streets and walkways that occurs halfway up the mountainous buildings. Cars streak down both sets of speedways, and the signs of life scatter every inch of the towers surrounding you. At the same time, though, a city of this magnitude leaves a lot of nooks and crannies left frequently unseen - something you'll definitely have to take advantage of. In the outer ring of the city the population is less dense than it gets towards the center, so at the least it gives you the opportunity to get your bearings. You'll find that there is no shortage of people stalking around in the darkness, even as the sun sets and night totally takes hold. A lot of them are dressed pretty funny, too, and any insecurities you had about looking ridiculous can tentatively be put aside. The costumes you were left do allow you to blend in about as well as you could hope. If the navigation team holds true, you'll be able to make it to the next stash in good time. You've been advised to avoid talking to locals as much as possible, at least until you've figured things out better. There is a notable absence of homeless people on the streets, which could mean any number of things. The place you end up at is, unsurprisingly, a warehouse. One of the few entirely flat buildings in the cityscape, the maps will lead into the center of the building. You try the door. It opens. When you go inside, you aren't alone. The floor is littered in blankets and what passes for foam mattresses. Waiting with them is the silver helmeted figure from the welcome card earlier. They usher you in hastily and ask you some cursory questions about whether you've been followed. When they seem satisfied, they'll tell you that you can spend the night here. "This is the first and last time you can stay here," they'll say, gesturing around. "This was Gold and I's launchpad for the last little while, and we're junking it after this. I recommend you follow our example. Don't stay any one place too long, and don't travel in one huge group. If you do that, one bad night will pin you all down." Silver will pass out what is apparently enough fake IDs for everyone in the ship - complete with each individual's image (or a human approximation) and a made up name. It's enough info to get a job with, they'll explain, if you can manage it. Avoid pushing the forgery's limits, though, if you can. They made them themselves so they expect they are excellent quality, but you can never be too careful. "...Most importantly," they'll finish. "Don't go looking for the prisoners right now, as much as you might want to. If you fuck that up, you'll fuck this up for everyone - and I'll tell you right now, other people have already invested a lot more blood and tears into this than you have. Respect that." Silver will stay for a few more hours, and then Gold will appear to take over, bringing snacks and hot chocolate with them. Get a good sleep, you'll need it. “We are the new Americana. High on legal marijuana, Raised on Biggie and Nirvana. We are the new Americana.”

Comments

[determinate]

Frisk brightens as they notice Mammon and come over. They don't quite make it to their side, though; on the way, they get distracted and end up crouching down my the heater to look at Fantasma. She really does look better! Mammon was pretty smart to bring her along. They sort of wish they had a friend from home too...

They make an aborted motion for their pocket, then pause and reach up to activate their new communicator instead. They should really learn how to use this. Soon everyone's going to be separated; they'll need to text all their new friends! Their home doesn't have technology like this, so there's a moment while they fiddle with it. All the numbers look like they're programmed in already. That's good.

I'm glad she's feeling better! She's a pretty frog

[avidita]

What Frisk might recall as the 'thank you' croak is made again, and Fantasma waddles around to get a better look at the child. Frog's do not make for very emotive creatures, but her squinting isn't negative. It's just... her.

"She is," they agree, no small amount of pride in their words. Reborn can shut up. As far as they're concerned, Fantasma is by far the best out of everyone's companions. "She's my partner, and we work together. She's still a bit worn out... But when she recovers, things will be much easier for the two of us."

[determinate]

Frisk is experienced enough with frogs not to take any squinting askance. That's just kind of a thing they do. Monsters have all kinds of body types, and of course body language; they don't tend to assume much anymore. They smile down at Fantasma and sign a You're welcome, then glance up at Mammon through their bangs.

What kind of work do you do?

[avidita]

Mafia assassin is the honest answer, but Mammon is a private person even without giving a damn about Omerta. The answer they do give, however, isn't a lie. "Illusionist." More of that pride. "I'm the best in the business. When she feels better, Fantasma helps me."

That's a bit of a problem, of course, but they've been together for decades now. Mammon won't ditch her just because of this little roadblock.

Leaning back, they sigh. "I'd give you more of a show, but I don't want to waste too much of my energy while things are still so uncertain. We can't be too reckless here."

[determinate]

Frisk nods. That makes sense. They don't need to just start using magic all the time, especially not things that might draw attention. Besides, it might be harder without Fantasma's help, and she really needs her rest.

That'll be good for sneaking around. It sounds like that's most of what they'll be doing, at least for the foreseeable future. Shep made a good choice bringing Mammon! Most humans can't use magic at home. That's a monster thing. I just know how to do this. They don't really gesture, but a glowing red heart appears floating a few inches in front of their chest. They look down at it.

It doesn't do anything. Not now, at least.

[avidita]

"That's the plan." Even moreso now that they're here and have an idea of how the situation is. They have zero interest in getting a mundane job here after the lifestyle they've gotten used to.

At the appearance of the heart, Mammon leans closer a bit in curiosity because they've never quite seen anything like that. Curious. They'll have to ask more about that later. "I see." Shifting back, they tap their fingers in thought. "If that doesn't do anything, you could come with me when everyone parts ways tomorrow. You'll have to earn your keep, of course." Frisk being a child changes nothing about that.

[determinate]

Frisk shifts a little, but doesn't quite lean back as Mammon leans in to look at their soul. They were just worried they'd try to touch it for a second there - they suspect only magic attacks would really hurt, but they still don't care for the idea of people touching it. They don't, though, so Frisk relaxes.

The offer's intriguing. They put their soul back, the heart disappearing easily under their fingers, before tapping out a response. How? They're not sure they're old enough to get a job. Maybe that's why the fake ID says they're thirteen. They've never really had a job, of course, but they're willing to do it if they need to. Money probably won't come from befriending people who attack them, here.

[avidita]

How indeed. Fortunately, Mammon already has an idea of the answer to that question, considering the amused quirk to their lips.

"Have you ever gambled before?"

[determinate]

Frisk considers the question, then shakes their head in the negative. They haven't gambled with money, no.

I don't know any of those games. What they don't say, not yet, is that it would be a lot harder now without being able to just see what happens and then reset. They'd never thought to use resets that way; under ordinary circumstances, it's too petty a thing to even really consider. But right now, their mission is to save everyone. They're not going to do that if they can't even get enough money to keep themselves fed.

[avidita]

"I can teach you." Another small shrug. "If it's for a purpose, I can spare such a minor use of power to make a deck for that. Luck is only a small part of what it takes to win. If you're with me, I can also make an illusion so that your age isn't a problem."

Simple, as far as they're concerned.

[determinate]

It does sound simple enough. Frisk shrugs, then nods. May as well.

I'm not that lucky. Either that, or they're incredibly lucky? They think their successes have been far more the result of determination than luck. But I can learn fast.

[avidita]

"That's the main thing. Alright, let's start with Texas Hold 'Em." Rearranging themself so they're sitting cross legged, Mammon waits for Fantasma to waddle into position as well. Of course the frog is taking part in this lesson. "It's a version of Poker."

They press their fingers against the empty space of floor in front of the before sweeping their hand to the side. Cards seem to flip into existence in the twisting dust, as pristine as anything. "With most decks, you have four 'suites'- spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs." They tap their finger along each type of card as they mention it by name.

"With the four different suites added together, you have 52 cards. Clear enough, right?"

[determinate]

Frisk imitates Mammon's position, crossing their legs and leaning their elbows on their knees. Fantasma joining the party doesn't seem to strike them as anything odd. They prop their face up on both palms and watch intently as Mammon works their magic. It's simple enough; no threat to it, and no particular color they can detect.

The cards are basically like any deck they've seen before. While they don't play regularly, they're familiar enough. Frisk nods, looking up at Mammon expectantly.

[avidita]

Nodding in satisfaction, Mammon shifts one suit from highest to lowest. "Deuce is worth the least, and ace the highest. That's important to know when you're figuring out the ranking of your hand. Because one like this..."

Another shift of the cards into a full hand: clubs deuce, spade seven, clubs Queen, eight hearts, and spades deuce.

"For something like that, you can only hope the other person also has a hand full of nothing." Beneath the first hand, they arrange another one just as bad is it is. "And that your highest card is better than theirs. Better than this is a pair." A tap to the eight hearts makes it a Queen.

Patiently, they go up through everything- two pairs and how a kicker plays into it, trips, a straight where Ace can be low, a flush, a full house, quads, straight flush, and royal flush.

When they finish showing everything and explaining it all, Mammon leans back. "Easy enough to remember that, right?"

[determinate]

Frisk tilts their head, watching intently as Mammon explains. There's a lot of rules to this game, aren't there? But they're good at memorizing things, and they'll practice it before they gamble for real. It actually makes them feel a little better about it. They aren't especially conflicted to begin with - you've gotta do what you've gotta do, and it doesn't really hurt anybody. Being brand-new and still winning would feel nice though.

Shrugging slightly, they nod their assent.

[avidita]

"Good." No time wasted, just how they like it. Mammon gathers up the illusionary cards once again, putting them all into a deck. "Then we'll do a hands on learning for what's called Texas Hold 'Em where I'm from. Fantasma will be your opponent."

Fantasma gives a croak to Frisk. She's a fair player, don't worry. At least, that's probably the intent behind it.

Dealing out the cards, Mammon continues explaining. "The goal is to make the best five card hand out of seven. Five are shown to everyone and are for the use of all those playing, but two you keep to yourself. Those are your holes." Another sly smile. "That's where the phrase 'ace in the hole' came from."