☆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

[lightthedarkness]

"Ah and then... then tomorrow we have to find a new place and everything else. I think I should get a job, to help I mean. I even gave it some thought on the way over here. What if I got a job in a flower shop? I could send secret messages in the bouquets to others, and who knows! Maybe even send bouquets with messages to Rei and the other kidnapped people. I still remember a lot of what Makoto-chan would tell me and it's not anything too dangerous."

Which she knew would be a plus to get Haruka and Minako to agree.

"I never had a job before," except saving the world. "And I'm old enough no one would question why I'm not in school. What... what do you think?" without her disguise pen, she would have to do everything as herself and if she were herself, she couldn't be in anything too crazy.

[actsmagnificent]

Silence again. Haruka had been so focused on their ultimate objective that she hadn't begun plotting out the day-to-day steps that would get them closer to Rei, or how Usagi and Minako would be spending their time until the confrontation. She's not sure she likes the idea of Usagi working, but there's more pressing objections than just that.

"Go to sleep," she replies: there's no point, is there? There's no point to highlighting that they're in enemy territory, that they can't pick and choose what jobs they want, only what jobs will take them; that Usagi has to treat every person she meets except those whose faces she recognizes from the ship as an enemy. Usagi is going to get excited. Usagi is going to dream big. Usagi is probably going to befriend everybody wherever she ends up, if anyplace will even hire her without anything to her name but an ID. That's who she is. That's what Haruka admires about her.

Everywhere except behind the front lines.

[lightthedarkness]

Was Haruka upset with her? But she had thought it was a good idea. Besides, Gold and Silver even said they couldn't approach Rei and the others right away, even though they wanted to. She swallowed. She had never done something like this before but she had thought that it was a pretty solid plan. Besides, they needed to talk, they only got to stay here for the evening.

"Haruka-san... it... is it a bad idea?" she knew Haruka was used to this, having already infiltrated the Infinity campus.

"It, we have to leave tomorrow morning I just thought maybe... just having an idea or something would be the way to go."

[actsmagnificent]

Haruka sighs. Usagi and Minako are all she's got. She can't expect the same things from them that she expects from her usual team. The wind blows over the terrain, not through it. It remains true to itself yet accommodates the landscape.

"When you've got a big test the next morning but the teacher hasn't told you what's going to be on it," she asks, "how do you pick what to study?"

This is the wrong metaphor for this audience and she knows it. But it's something Usagi has experience with, so Haruka will make it work. Somehow.

[lightthedarkness]

"Uuuh," HARUKA WHY WOULD YOU ASK HER THAT?! She panics only for a moment. "Um, m-maybe go back over th-the last few chapters we did in class?" oh no, what if Haruka wanted her to become a student here? Don't make her a student, Haruka!

"I... uh.. ask for help from Ami-chan?" cause she always asked for help from Ami. "You're not going to make me go to school here, are you? A really bad student would attract way more attention, Haruka-san!"

[actsmagnificent]

...That would be what she takes from that. Smirking, Haruka leans her head back. "We'll see what's available tomorrow," she promises - which doesn't directly address the school question, but that doesn't seem to bother her, either.

She reaches back into the ration pack another rescuer had found for her and tosses Usagi a small meal (think fast!): Haruka has taken it upon herself to be the person who doles out the food. For some reason. "Get some sleep."

[lightthedarkness]

Was that what she wasn't supposed to take from it? SHE DOESN'T KNOW she can't read Haruka's mind. Still, she doesn't want to go back into school! She already has Ami pestering her about college and Usagi already knew she'd never get into a fancy or top college like Rei and Ami, but that was okay! Even if Ami insisted otherwise.

When it involves food, Usagi always thinks fast so she catches it with glee because it's food and food is amazing.

"Haruka-san has eaten too, right?" she doesn't want to share, but she will because Haruka not eating is way more of a problem.

[actsmagnificent]

Haruka lifts a second serving of rations out of the pack and raises an eyebrow. She'll join you. And not deprive you.

Except maybe of seconds, or thirds. Midnight snacks are also out of the question until they have a source of income.

Opening her food, she begins to eat in silence. There's not much else to say, really - that she's ready to say. But a lot on her mind.

[lightthedarkness]

She doesn't always need second and thirds, as much as she enjoys them... and pfft, midnight snacks means she would have to get up from sleeping, never, Haruka, never.

Still she's glad Haruka is eating, because in Michiru's stead, she'll have to be the one to take care of her. Even though she knew both Minako and Haruka were worried about her, she was equally worried about them. She couldn't take care of them in certain ways, but she'd do everything she could to excel in what ways she could.

Usagi was lightly picking at her rations, her mind on the girls back home... she pressed her lips together.

"Haruka-san... do you think... if we needed to, we could have the others join us here?" Since Setsuna was reborn, she didn't have to guard the gate for all of eternity now, and there was Makoto and Ami's brilliance, Michiru, and even little Hotaru could help.

Her own heart ached for Mamoru, but he was needed to keep Earth safe, as wielder of the Golden Crystal.

"I don't know if..." if she was enough. If they were enough.

sorry about the deleted comment; i looked at it and went "wow she is *not* this good of a person"

[actsmagnificent]

....This is probably the most awkward point in the whole conversation for Haruka's serious demeanor to crack, but she can't help the smile that bursts across her face - one part fondness, one part laughing at herself. She even settles down on the ground next to Usagi, arm propped up against one knee to continue eating.

"You are really something else," she remarks, but instead of chiding, she sounds impossibly fond of the other girl (and quite a bit amused). The exact opposite reaction. They are having the exact opposite reaction to this situation.

Given that the alternative is starting to fear for the success of the Mission, Haruka finds that rather entertaining. And endearing.

"Tomorrow's going to be busy," she promises - for this is her way. She can't reassure. She can't fix what can't be helped. And she can't take the place of the people Usagi's missing, especially since she's trying to force herself not to feel off about her own missing piece. But she can move towards the future even when Usagi wavers, so that when Usagi stands strong, they'll be ready. "That's why I need you to sleep well tonight."

Also the harping about sleep. That is probably going to keep happening until she gets results. The Soldier of the Sky can be a bit rockheaded.

[lightthedarkness]

Usagi was almost about to look hurt, only to blink in confusion instead at Haruka's comment about her. She thought that she was going to be teased, but was instead rewarded with an open and honest look of amusement on Haruka's face.

She offered a smile in return as she looked down at her food, nearly finished now and gave a small nod.

"Yeah, we have to find jobs and a place to stay. We have to work on getting close to the managers and finding Rei." She closed her eyes. She was too anxious to sleep, but she knew she should, and truly they both knew she'd eventually pass out. She leaned her head on Haruka's shoulder.

"I'm really glad you decided to come, Haruka," she would want all of her senshi to be here, but she knew someone had to stay and protect earth and their loved ones. She was leaving her precious star in very capable hands, but she was leaving it all the same.

She took some last few bites and set the rations aside.

"You have to get some rest as well, okay? Don't go running yourself ragged."

[actsmagnificent]

Haruka blinks at the contact - she can hardly stand guard if she's a pillow - but she doesn't move away. Instead she just stays put. Just for tonight. If it helps Usagi sleep, then....just for tonight.

"Needy princess," she remarks, but there's no venom behind it. Feel free to fall asleep against her. She'll stay right here for you until you do.

[lightthedarkness]

She didn't say anything as her arms crept through the crook of Haruka's arm and she hugged on tight, if only for the moment. She'd put on a brave face tomorrow. She'd face the day properly with a smile and the determination of Eternal Sailor Moon, champion of love and justice, tomorrow.

But right now? She could be incredibly worried. This wasn't anything she was used to. Yes, kidnapping was something she knew about, having been kidnapped and having to save her loved ones who had faced it, but this was... so different. Rei wouldn't even remember her. She wouldn't know any of the senshi, she would think this was home and Usagi would need to convince her that it wasn't. Rei would think her a monster trying to destroy her world.

Usagi would be brave and ready and positive... tomorrow.

Tonight? Right now, with Haruka keeping watch?

She closed her eyes and the smile fell as she hid her face in Haruka's shoulder and took in a shaky breath. It never got any easier, no matter how many times she went through this, that the senshi dealt with this. It never got better.

But even if Rei was taken, she was safer than it had been before, in a sense. A prison yes, but alive and well with people around her to love her... hopefully.

Usagi didn't want Rei to think they were monsters.

[actsmagnificent]

Haruka keeps her own breathing steady, letting Usagi hold onto her - again, just for tonight. Usagi has a lot to work through, she knows. She's strong in ways Haruka can never be, but also vulnerable. Sometimes her very vulnerability turns into her strength.

Although she keeps her senses on alert, Haruka closes her own eyes, feeling Usagi needing her. This is also a duty of a soldier, it seems.

Those kidnappers are going to pay.

[lightthedarkness]

Eventually, though how long it was she didn't know, but eventually, Usagi was able to fall asleep. She was breathing more evenly and deeply. She had been considerate enough to let go of Haruka, though, if only to let the older woman get some sleep as well.

[actsmagnificent]

Whether Haruka sleeps or not is a mystery known only to her. But when Usagi wakes up, she'll find a jacket spread over her that wasn't there when she'd fallen asleep.

Don't mention it.

(Seriously.

Don't.)