JANUARY SWEAR-IN: DEATH ISLAND

[ghoulking]

WHO: Everyone!
WHERE: Death Sacrifice Island, New Zealand
WHEN: 13th January
WHAT: SWEARING-IN TIME, on the beautiful Island of New Zealand, Sacrifice Island.
WARNINGS: None so far

Welcome everyone to Sacrifice Island, once known as “Death Island” (and still called so by many). Located in the beautiful country of New Zealand, and under their government’s jurisdiction, Sacrifice Island is a place where investigation and scientific development happens: it’s the headquarters for Onward Research Station, laboratories that hope to learn how to neutralize the effects on humans/animals of chemical/biological weapons.

But this island holds dark history as well. It was in this very same place that seven young imPorts permanently lost their lives on October 3rd 2008. This tragedy deeply marked the history of United States and all Heroes of the nation, and is remembered with heavy heart. With hopes to never forget these painful events but to also look for a brighter future, United States of America and New Zealand both joined their hands and decided to raise a memorial for the lives lost at the island.

This memorial will be inaugurated on the 13th January along with the Swearing-In ceremony for the new heroes who have arrived this month. Media has been invited as well as this is too a political event to strengthen relationships between New Zealand and USA. Old and new imPorts are all welcome to come and pay their respects to the Heroes who are gone, swear their allegiance to the US government (or not), forge relations with a foreign country or simply show their presences during this event. Whatever reason one has, they will be welcomed.


TRAVEL

Thanks to the interest of many, an airbus has been generously loaned for free in order to fly the imPorts to Death Sacrifice Island. The airbus includes a dining area and each imPort has their own little cubicle, with chairs that can be converted into a bed. The trip will take a while for sure, so the travelers are welcome to mingle while they are on air, meet the new faces, and try some delicious airplane food. Or they can try sleeping, if other imPorts are quiet enough.

Because it's a long flight, there will be many movies to choose from: there is a strangely big collection of Adam Sandler movies, and apparently the big hit has both Adam Sandler AND Jerry Seinfeld and tells the story of a Wasp that falls in love with a Human, while it leads a rebellion against the humankind. If you aren't into Wasp movies, well- good luck picking something else that isn't as amazing.

ISLAND

Miss the hot summer weather? Well, New Zealand certainly has a lot of it to offer. The weather is the kind that would invite anyone for a swim, even though it’s not one of the activities offered during the Swear-In; in fact, the island has no beaches as it’s surrounded by cliffs. The island itself is beautiful, with a lot of greenery indigenous to the country, forming large forests through the island’s surface and surrounding the research center. There are no animals roaming around, with the exception of some birds (do not expect Kiwis, though), but imPorts are warned not to go too deep into the island’s forests or they might get lost.

At the east area of the island, stands the top of the art Onward Research Station, near the only beach the island offers. The airbus will land not too far away, in a small flight track that crosses the green forest, and imPorts will be directed to the center where they will be greeted by scientists, politicians and, of course, a lot of media.

Onward Research Station is white, clean, and shiny. Everything looks like it has been double or triple sterilized and visitors can almost see their reflections on every surface. The technology is probably the best you’d find in the entire nation: quick silent hoover carts that transport people and objects from a section to another, trays that hoover with food, snacks and drinks, and holograms of several scientists that made a difference while working at the Research Station can be found on specific marked areas. ImPorts that wish to know a bit more about the place will have the chance to press a button for a holographic guide who will tell them the story of the Center, their researches and hopes for the future.

However, since Onward focus on chemical and biological weapon studies, much of the area is very much Off Limits to prevent accidental contamination. There will be security (physical and electronically) to stop people from snooping around and causing huge accidents.

The center has allowed local tourism to be part of this. New Zealand certainly wishes to show their own culture, and thus there will be many who are eager to share it with the new comers. Talks of their fauna and flora, their national bird as well, history of Maori who voyaged across the Pacific, good old Rugby, and of course mentions of certain really popular fantasy movies that have been filmed there – one can certainly become immerse in this lovely world. Not so far away, there is also a buffet area with a lot of variety, all typical New Zealand dishes, including Maori dishes naturally. Try Hangi, or lamb, or delicious sea food, and end your meal with good wine and cheese.

Photographers, journalists, paparazzi will be everywhere. Not just for US ImPort Heroes, but due to the political connotations this meeting has as well. It’s no surprise that apart from “who are you wearing”, heavier and much more serious questions will be asked, involving politics, past events, current political feelings, where and for whom imPorts stand for.

The nearby beach isn’t amazing, but they worked really hard to change that. The whole area was cleaned as well, with new, white and shiny pavement that leads visitors to a special area: the memorial. There is a huge marble wall with the names of those imPorts who’ve lost their lives; there is a screen as well, and whenever someone touches one of the names said screen will activate show a video of the selected imPort while a voice tells the visitors a little about their life and death. Nearly, there is another holographic guide who, when activated, will tell the story of Death Island.

MEMORIAL

Anyone can access this history by checking out the Memorial, but in the afternoon, everyone will be invited to the beach. Here, imPorts and everyone else will be taught the dark history of the island by a spokeswoman dressed in white, while the screen on the Memorial Marble wall shows the lost imPorts.

“A scientist who held hatred for the imPorts used this island as his private base of operations, where he built a deadly ray and threatened to use this weapon against the United States. Seven imPorts heroically followed to investigate, only to find this ray permanently end their lives. These heroes and their tragic deaths are today remembered by us all, a memory of a dark and sad past – but we too hold on to hope, hope their deaths were not in vain, and hope we can rebuild and move forward.”

The speech is met with solemn nods and soft applause, while the names of the Heroes show on the screen:
DAVID GREEN; Chosen, age 19
MAGENTA MOVELLO; Mauve Avenger, age 17
IRA BRAUNSTEIN; Power Prince, age 21
JUDE BYEON; Bludgeon, age 17
CAROL "CARRIE" KING; Reign, age 18
MASON LOCKLEAR; Entropy, age 16
MALIK ISAIAH MARCHETTI; Journey, age 40

After, the woman will give stand to few more people who will give their own words about the memorial and the events of Death Island, including a New Zealand Minister and also an imPort: Tohru Adachi.

Once speeches have been spoken, people are welcomed to leave white flowers near the marble wall and learn more about the personal lives of each lost hero by touching their names and watching the movie about each. For those who don’t wish to stick around, the buffet area is always open, and people are more than welcome to return to their activities.

RETURN

The event will be over late night, and all imPorts will be brought back to the airbus. Since there are records who came on the airbus, it’s better not to try to stay behind – as welcoming as they were, those who work at Sacrifice Island have no plans to accommodate everyone more than necessary.

Media will be the first to leave, followed by imPorts and finally every politician involved. Once up in the air, the airplane lights will be turned to minimum, to allow imPorts some well needed rest. That is, if they want. Sorry if your neighbor is noisy.

Comments

[patchricide]

[... honestly, this was getting on her nerves as well. And it was taking a risk, but... what kind of paparazzi would chase after a mouse, anyway? So, if he won't say it...]


Just the two of us? That sounds wonderful.

Honestly, I wish I could as well. These events are nothing short of suffocating, and it's not as if we can complain about it given the circumstances.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[It was reassuring to know she found this stifling as well. He tries to hide the smile it brings by bringing a hand up to his chin, as if he were lost in somber thought.]

Are you kidding? I've been watching you the whole time. You've charmed every person you've met and you make it look easy. I froze up when I was asked something more complicated than 'Can I freshen your drink?'

[If she's going to be that daring, then he might as well tip his own hand that he's been watching her and marveling at how easy she makes this look.]

[patchricide]

You don't want to know how long I've had to practice this kind of social etiquette.

Besides, I think you're doing better than you realize. I saw you doing well with that reporter, earlier.


[Is this getting too specific? Naaaaah, lots of them have been talking to reporters, right?]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Keeping an ear out to make sure I don't embarrass myself? I don't blame you.

[Wait, she was watching him with reporters? Crap, that answer he gave before was totally off the cuff. He didn't think anyone important would be watching!]

[patchricide]

You truly underestimate yourself. You are far better spoken than you realize.


[In fact, it's strange to see him being quiet for a change...?]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I'm just trying not to embarrass anyone that might be seen with me.

[He feels the blush rushing to his face and he quickly moves to run his hand over it. If she were to spare a glance his way, she'd see him struggling to hide it.]

[The memorial service continues on and Darin is struggling to keep himself from unbuttoning the top button of his shirt and loosening his tie. Luckily, one of the mice were nearby, and he offers a note to bring Allura's way.]

When the ceremony is over, I'm heading out for some air.

[patchricide]

[She seems to be studying it carefully, considering her response for a while.]


Is that an invitation for some company?


[Would they even be able to manage that without drawing notice? By that point, the commotion should have died down a bit, and... the reporters must know that they know each other, right??]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He doesn't want to outright invite her, just in case someone's been spying on their little conversation over their shoulders, so he waits until she spares him a glance and gives a small nod.]

[With the memorial service ended, Darin stays to the side. Luckily there were much more prominent imPorts, new and old alike, for the media circus to mob, and despite his shockingly blue hair, he manages to slip outside without anyone stopping him to ask too many question.]

[He's not sure how long Allura will be kept by the media. After all, she was a princess, and with a knock out get-up like she's got on, I'm sure more than one person would be looking to chat her up.]

[So, he waits away from the service, away from the buffet, taking a perch on a large rock down the beach. He's loosened his tie and unbuttoned three buttons of his stupid dress shirt and lays back, listening to the waves.]

[...She's probably getting mobbed. What he wouldn't give to just push his way through the crowd and pull her to freedom.]

[patchricide]

[It does take a bit longer than it ought to for Allura to come and meet him outside, away from prying eyes. However, the reason why will be plainly obvious: She had to change into another dress. One that's far less formal and conspicuous, though nonetheless quite nice for the occasion.]

[For the record, this is at least the third different dress she's worn today.]

[Despite her heels, she doesn't seem to have much trouble climbing down to join him on the rocks.]

At least there's some nice scenery to be seen around here.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...You changed?

[He arches an eyebrow.]

Did something happen?

[patchricide]

Yes. I received an invitation to a location where I didn't want to be spotted from halfway across the island.

[She takes a seat near him. Not as close as she would like, but close enough to talk.]

Honestly, I needed the excuse to change out of it after the ceremony, regardless.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[It literally takes a minute for him to realize that she was talking about him. In fact, the look on his face is questioning, as if he was about to say 'what are you doing here then? Go to your appointment!']

[She can literally see the moment it dawns on him.]

It was a pretty extravagant dress. I had a hard time not staring at you.

Not that you don't look amazing now. I mean. You always look amazing.

Um.

[This idiot.]

[patchricide]

[Oh, Darin. She can't help but laugh a little at him — it's fine, she's charmed by this!]

Thank you. But yes, it was, wasn't it? And because of that, it's not the sort I have all that many opportunities to wear. But at least it's appropriate for a service like this one.

[Isn't it? Why wouldn't a big pink dress be appropriate??]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

You really stood out though, considering all of the formal attire. What made you go with pink?

[patchricide]

The same reason I wear it on my armor: Alteans wear pink to honor the fallen.

[She says this rather matter-of-factly, like she doesn't quite understand why it would be anything else.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...I find it alarming that one of the colors that looks best on you is one paying homage to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.

It's a shame though, because seeing you our there in all of that black and grey, it was like looking at a flower bloom in a field of ash.

[patchricide]

It makes it easier to keep the memory of my people alive.

[This is how you look on the bright side, correct???]

But I think you've touched upon why we don't use a color such as black or gray or white. Rather than pay tribute to their death, we honor their life. It... well, beyond that, it may be difficult to understand.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Celebrate the life they brought into our lives rather than mourn the absence of it.

I get it. It's a wonderful notion, honestly. I know that when I'm gone, I'd hate to have a ton of people crying over me. I'd rather they all laugh at my exploits so they're never forgotten.

[patchricide]

Me, too.

[But, since he probably won't like the subject of her ever dying, she doesn't elaborate on that. Instead...]

We'll both have to continue living wonderful lives. That way, no one will be sad that we were taken too soon.

[Something that certainly came up during this memorial. The imPorts who died were mostly very young...]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Hey, that's all I can do, right now.

[He wants to say more, but he really doesn't know who might be listening in.]

...How are your feet?

[patchricide]

They're doing better! These are much shorter heels than before.

[She shows them off, briefly.]

How about you? Is your suit still bothering you? You seem about ready to tear it off.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

If you really want them to feel better, you should take those heels off and walk in the surf. I think you'd like it.

[He makes a dramatic sigh and flops backward, almost tumbling off the rock.]

Gods, you have no idea. If there weren't reporters everywhere I'd probably just tear the damn thing off right here!

[patchricide]

... that's tempting.

[The surf idea, not Darin putting on a strip show. Shhhh, nothing to report here!]

Are we allowed to go swimming on this beach? I wasn't sure if it was discouraged because this island is almost entirely cliffs, or for other reasons.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I...have no idea. But just listening to the ocean is making me want to. I haven't been swimming in ages.

[patchricide]

Perhaps when we get back home to Heropa, we ought to have a beach day?

It's still incredibly cold for an outing like that... not like here, where the weather couldn't be better, but...

[This is more depressing than the memorial service. Let them swim!]