interstellar404 | TEST DRIVE MEME: SECOND STAGE

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test drive

TEST DRIVE MEME: SECOND STAGE

☆WELCOME TO INTERSTELLAR

And welcome to our second TDM! We've got two types of prompts to use this time around: the first takes place while your character is in the process of being captured, and the second is during their first brainwashed rockstar networking gig. The former is designed to be considered 100% game canon if you make it in officially, while the later is more speculative and will only work if you get lucky during label and band selection.

☆THE TALENT SEARCH
These prompts are design to be kept as game canon after acceptance, and can be used as the official story of how your character was captured. Importantly, the kidnappers entering your timeline causes massive time distortions, which means that the outcome of this scenario will stagger and replay itself multiple times before settling on an outcome. This means that after the fact, you character may remember being captured multiple ways, or going in more than one direction, before the timeline settled on a final path. Or at least, they'll remember this until their memories are wiped shortly afterwards, but that's okay! That's what memory regains are for. Read this page for more specifics on this situation. Any powers the characters have will be weakened and prone to malfunction to the point of uselessness.

►A1) THE SEARCH: It always starts out this way, doesn't it? At some point in your life, you were just doing your thing, wherever you call home. Then, all at once, it's like you've been torn from your dimension by the roots. Time and space displace, and it's like you've been shifted one layer of reality to the left - like some kind of subspace where you can see your reality through it, like a rainbow surrealist image of your home. Even if you can see this ghost image of where you were, you can't interact with it meaningfully. Any friends or family are somewhere else. As you begin to wander, without any other options, you'll find that the scenery gradually shifts to ghost images of other places, other worlds. If you wander long enough, you'll even find other people, lost just like you are. But you probably won't have much time - you've been brought here for a reason, after all.

►A2) THE HUNT: It could happen almost immediately, or it could happen hours later - but, at some point, your dimensional kidnappers start to do their sweep. Space Men in black body suits and gas masks pursue you on foot and in small spaceships, trying to sweep you and the other displaced up like fish in a net. Their guns contain a weird pink gas that will knock out most with only a single breath - and for those more enduring, they have the heavy artillery, like electrical nets and guns. The fallen will be sealed up into stasis pods for transport and loaded onto the ships, which seem like the only way to get out of this place by choice. This is where it ends, but are you going to put up a fight?

NOTE: Characters already in game can't really tag into these sections, so try to tag around to other first time character tests if you can!

☆WELCOME HOME
By default, these prompts aren't considered canon, but if after you are accepted and sorted they can be tweaked into working for you, it'll be totally okay to keep them as a part of your rockstar's personal history. This occurrence is something that will be happening around November 15th game time, but of course, what remains canon and what doesn't will be subject to who is accepted and where they are placed. This takes place after being kidnapped and brainwashed, as your character is first joining their new label. As usual, this is celebrated with a party.

►B1) PLAY IT STRAIGHT: It just another large scale soiree, something typical to the high music society of Vista City - but maybe it's not yet typical to you. For a number of the freshly signed on newbies, this is their first real taste of what their new label has to offer - either Virgo or Pride - and the sheer glamour of it may be intoxicating. Industry big wigs scatter the floor, as do performers of all the tops labels and bands. Maybe you feel intimidated. Maybe you want to make your mark. Or maybe you're not quite as new as some, and are just trying to get through the evening. Either way, they is plenty of booze available if you need some liquid courage. And is that a hookah pipe corner over there? Probably.

►B2) TOTALLY NORMAL: The signs of it are small, at first. Glasses you set down seeming out of place, stuff that almost looks like words written in the condensation on your glass. These little hauntings only get more and more persistent as the night continues, almost like some otherworldly presence is following you. You can feel them lurking nearby at times, like an unusual spot of cold or warmth in the air. None of the higher ups seem to notice but...to some of your new peers, this feels like old news. Eventually the signs become bolder, and at some point in the evening you'll hear it whispered in your ear or written on the bathroom mirror: "Remember."

►B3) REMEMBER: And you do. It strikes you suddenly, a feeling like a foreign presence straying through your mind. You remember something of your past, pertaining to the emotional affinity Love, Duty, Passion, or Hope - whichever feeling describes the person you used to be best. Except you know nothing of that life now, nothing except this single, strange thought in a room full strangers.

NOTE: Current characters definitely go to this party on November 15th, but it isn't required play. Besides the haunting and meeting new characters, it is considered business as usual.

☆HELPFUL INFO
► Follow the mod plurk for updates: interstellar5555
► Check out the game NAVIGATION
► Reserves open on November 6th at 12:01AM EDT
► Applications open on November 11th at 12:01AM EDT

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Maki is put slightly more at ease by Kerra's words. her shoulders relax and she finally smiles, though it's a small one. almost barely there, as though she were afraid of giving away too much. she is Virgo's new princess, and she has to act like it, cordial without being too overly friendly]

It's a nice dress, though. Maybe next time you can pick your own clothes.

Maybe. Who knows, in this business.

[Kerra continued her congenial routine, offering a gloved hand almost daintily, or as daintily as she could manage. Her arms were strong, obviously so, with layers of obvious athlete's muscle and that didn't exactly lend itself well to timidity and lady-like demeanor. She's attempting, though.]

I'm Kerra Westen, guitarist for the Grand Republic. Who might you be?

[If Maki was familiar with the other Virgo bands, she might have heard of Kerra. A virtuoso rhythm guitarist and singer for a big-band and swing ensemble, she'd recently signed on and had a pretty incredible reputation even before taking the job.]

[the name rings a bell! Maki extends her hand out to shake, equally as dainty. but she also notices the arms, and the dress doesn't seem to fit Kerra. she doesn't know why she thinks that]

It's nice to put a face to the name. [when she pulls her hand back, she uses it to finally remove the sunglasses, revealing her sharp, lavender eyes] I'm Maki Nishikino.

[maybe the name is just as familiar. Maki is the lead singer of a new pop group. though when she is onstage, she is a lot more lively than she is now. currently, at this party, she's reserved, but not timid. just minding her own business, not trying to cause a big scene]

[In truth, it probably doesn't fit Kerra very well. She looks more like someone who should be leading the charge in a military operation, or fighting fires or some other occupation where that muscle might be more useful. Still, she's made quite a splash on the music scene, and seems content with that. Maybe she just takes pride in her appearance? Or maybe she's a swimmer? Regardless of any of that, the name does ring a bell.

Kerra's eyes flash with that recognition and she meets Maki's lavender gaze with her own hazel. The drink in her hand rises to her lips and she cocks her head to one side before taking a sip. A roguish grin spreads across her face as she answers.]

A pleasure, Miss Nishikino. Or may I call you Maki? Because you're more than welcome to call me Kerra. One lead to another, and all that.

[Maki tucks her sunglasses into the top of her dress so they hang there, ready to be grabbed if she needs to put them on again. she eyes the drink Kerra has curiously, wondering why it fizzes the way it does. was it some new kind of soda? then her gaze is back on the other woman again.

first names already? that was quite bold. or maybe that was the way it was done in the world of musicians. she thinks about it for a moment before nodding her head once]

I guess that's a fair trade. Maki's fine for now.

[In no universe ever is Kerra not bold. It wouldn't matter where she was, or what she was doing, audacity was a central trait...even if she could hide it. Her attention never wavered, and Maki's interest in the drink was not unnoticed. Inwardly, the scoundrel grins like a caught that caught the canary and she makes any reaction with another sip.]

Heard your new single. Catchy.

[Turning, Kerra made a point of letting her eyes linger on the cutie and gesturing with her drink towards a couple of couches that'd been set up around a table. It was empty, save for that hookah and a bead-curtain that obscured it from all but the most attentive eyes.]

You wanna sit and have a drink? I'm curious about your work, if you're willing to chat.

[it's Maki's turn to smirk inwardly. of course her single was catchy. she wouldn't have recorded it if she didn't believe in what she was singing about. ...she thinks. the princess was picky, and so her lyrics were usually chosen by the most discerning eyes.

and what could Kerra be curious about? her thought-process? her training? maybe she was a rival and wanted to learn all of Maki's secrets. Maki was wise to her games, though. she would be on guard the entire time]

That sounds lovely. [she adjusts the collar of her jacket before turning and heading over to the couch. she's young, maybe 15 or 16, but she continues to move with confidence, sophisticated. on her way over, she plucks a tall glass from a waiter's tray. it's just soda for now. Maki pushes aside the curtain when she gets there, for Kerra, and then lets it fall once both girls have passed it] I wonder why no one's sitting over here. It's, like, the best spot.

[Kerra’s steps are confident as well, though a different sort. She carries herself with the effortless, lazy grace of a predator, strong and open motions that speak of athleticism and physical power. She wasn’t stalking someone this time, but the image wouldn’t have seemed out of place with her stride, though Kerra seems utterly unaware of it. It’s almost like that bravado is reflexive, a bone-deep part of her that fit right in with her elegant gown and manner of speech.

Kerra’s eyebrow arches ever so slightly as Maki takes a soda, of all things. That’s going to have to change a bit, she thinks to herself, fully intending to be the agent of that change, but all in time. Once the curtain drops, she takes a seat on a couch and pats the cushion beside her. Come sit, kitten. Ms. Westen won’t bite. Much. Unless you like that sort of thing.]

I’ve got no idea. Maybe they’re all too busy bickering with one another or hobnobbing with the execs. [Kerra Westen stayed out of workplace politics. She was here for the applause, and the fun.]

Either way, good for us, eh? Less chance of someone pestering us.

[for now, Maki doesn't notice anything off about Kerra. she can sense the confidence, but that doesn't really scare her. if anything, Kerra's confidence boosts her own. they're both strong, both new musicians. perhaps they could become friends...

...though Maki isn't sure why friendship is so important to her.

she clears her throat to get that silly idea out of her head. no, remember, Maki, you need to be on guard. anything can happen at these parties, and you don't want your reputation to be sullied.

she takes her seat next to Kerra, smoothing her skirt down before crossing one long leg over the other] Indeed. I'm not very enthusiastic about big parties anyway.

[Idly, Kerra leaned back a bit, stretching languidly back against the couch. It's her way, really. And you know, friends are pretty cool, Maki. Getting a few might be beneficial to your career. Not necessarily Kerra, but someone. Everyone needed friends, after all.]

Yeah? I'd have figured you'd probably liked them, Maki. I mean, you got the looks, and it's a great way to make connections.

[Legitimate advice. Kerra's Virgo career got started at a party like this. She'd just picked up a guitar and strode on stage when the lead singer got sick and covered. That story had definitely made the rounds online, and when a recording hit a label's email inbox the rest was history.]

That's how you get ahead, you know? Seize the opportunity, and a place where there's a buncha musicians and execs around is the best place for it.

[not necessarily Kerra...]

They're loud, and sometimes full of obnoxious people. [Maki shrugs, looking away. and that's when she sees the hookah, but she thinks it's a vase. a normal vase with some tube sticking out of it? hm]

[And yet here you are, Maki. You haven't run yet.]

Sometimes. But sometimes there's also good people here.

[Oh-ho! So there is something here that's catching your eye, huh? Kerra didn't normally use stuff like this, but sometimes it was alright. And if she knew Virgo, it was probably the sort that wasn't addictive or all that harmful. Just water vapor. Should be okay.]

You ever used one of these things before, Maki?

[use one of these? one of whats? the vase? sure, you could use a vase, right? to put flowers in...

for some reason, that doesn't seem quite right. so Maki chooses the less stupid response]

I don't even know what it is. [still made her sound naive, but it was better than calling it a vase]

You don't?

[Oh...oh that was precious. It took a concerted effort of will on Kerra's part not to laugh, and it was successful. She did crack a smile though.]

It's a hookah. Kinda like a waterpipe, but pretty much just water vapor.

[Rolling forward, Kerra reached for the hose, tugging it closer. If this was what interested her, then why not give it a shot. It wasn't like it was all that bad.]

Here, let's give it a shot. It feels pretty nice, all things considered.

[oh no. Maki sees that smile, and her whole face becomes red from embarrassment. dammit... she had to save face!]

It feels nice? [she quirks an eyebrow, leaning in closer to Kerra] Like alcohol? [Maki has not had any alcohol yet, but that's what she's heard about it. that some people feel nice after they drink it. others feel angry, or sick after drinking it. Maki isn't sure she wants to find out what kind of a drunk she is, and she's hoping the ~~vase~~ hookah doesn't do anything like that]

[Oh that is just too cute. Kerra leans in conspiratorially and grins just a little bit wider.]

A little. Less prone to mood swings, more relaxed. [Giving the hose another tug, she holds it near her lips and raises an eyebrow.] Wanna try? I haven't used one much myself, but we're pretty screened in, here. Just us. I guess that's what the beads are for. Privacy. Not that there's anything wrong with it, it's pretty normal.

[ah, right. perhaps this was what the curtain was for. that made sense. Maki's eyes flick out to gaze at the crowd briefly, and then they're back on the hookah.

she doesn't want to be seen as cute. that would be humiliating, so she tries to look as detached and cool as she can muster, reaching for the hose]

I guess I'll give it a go, then. [you're supposed to inhale it, right? she puts her lips to the nozzle and then sucks in.

...and just as quickly coughs out the vapors. maybe it's not actually tobacco, but it tastes like this. and Maki was definitely not ready for it]

[Hah! And in trying not to look cute, you've managed only to look cuter. Kerra doesn't call her out on that though, instead she just reaches for the hose and shakes her head.]

Not like that. Slower. Don't gulp it or suck on it like a straw. Otherwise it'll takes like crud and make you sick.

[Kerra takes a languid breath, not too deep, and holds the vapor in her mouth for a half second. Then she pulls her mouth away and slowly exhales, steam rolling out.]

Like that.

[Maki's looking a little green around the gills thanks to her failure. she doesn't feel relaxed at all. that stuff made her stomach and head hurt. a part of her wants to excuse herself from this whole ordeal, but her pride won't let her yet.

so instead, she watches Kerra take in the vapor before expelling it. a thin trail of smoke sails past her lips, like a dragon, Maki thinks. at least that part was cool]

... [she nods wordlessly before reaching for the pipe again. she would do it this time! she had to. otherwise she would look stupid. Maki takes a few deep breaths to clear her lungs, then sucks from the nozzle slowly. she tries to mimic Kerra, holding the vapors in her mouth before letting them out.

at least she was a fast learner]

[She was, and Kerra took the hose back and went for a second, studying Maki out of the corner of her eye. How was that going over? Because she certainly didn't seem stupid, not at all. A little prideful, perhaps, but definitely not stupid.

Letting out her own breath, Kerra finally spoke up, the vapors billowing free of her lips like clouds.]

Better that time? [It was a sweet, cherry-tasting solution, she guessed. Possibly strawberries, and definitely alright with her. Heh...this whole thing was pretty alright.]

[Maki's still not so sure she approves of the taste, but she really likes when the smoke comes out. now she is the dragon. they both are!

Maki still believes in things like dragons. and Santa Claus]

Yes. [she tries to sound confident, bringing forward a lock to twist around her finger again. is she relaxed yet? not really, but she doesn't want to show her naivety again] How is it for you?

[Kerra nods back. She too believes in dragons and Santa Claus, but likely for entirely different reasons. She's not naive, she's not innocent, she just wants to. So, she does. What's the world without a little fantasy?

The nervous tic returning though, is a clue that Maki's definitely not relaxed.]

It's fine for me. [She offers the hose over to the other girl, her free hand reaching for her champagne glass.] Not as relaxing as this, but it's nice.

[by the third inhale, Maki starts feeling sleepy. not exhausted, but just a soft haze, and she closes her eyes as she expels the smoke. she feels it now, the calming wave, lightheaded.

it's kind of nice, actually.

she leans back into the couch, forgetting that she wanted to stay alert]

Hmmmm... [she was going to say something, but then forgot what it was. good job, Maki]

[Ah, good, that was more or less the way Kerra'd hoped that Maki would end up. She leans back as well, looking up at the ceiling.]

Feels nice, huh.

[Tipping back her glass, she finishes the cup and not a moment later a server just seems to appear out of nowhere. This time Kerra takes two cups, and sets them down before turning on her side to study the hazy girl.]

Pretty mellow, kinda like being a little tipsy but not quite. It'll pass in a moment, though maybe you should take it easy with this for now.

Edited 2015-11-07 09:04 (UTC)

[Maki nods in agreement and opens her eyes lazily. yes, that was enough for now. it really worked, took the edge off. now she is not quite as wound up, studying Kerra through the haze.

she is an attractive woman, Maki thinks. not delicate, but kind of cool]

I wasn't expecting it to do anything, honestly. [her voice is a bit softer, deeper now] You said it was just water vapor, so I was thinking I wouldn't taste anything.

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