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(no subject)

WHO: Everyone!
WHERE: Jeopardy -> Heropa
WHEN: Nov. 19
WHAT: A resolution and a swear-in
WARNINGS: Please label threads

Somewhere, in a place that is and is not Jeopardy, time has passed. To some, it may have felt like mere hours; to others, days. For time doesn't truly touch this place. Only fate exists here, for imPorts to change or allow to proceed as it will.

Somewhere, the sisters look into the hearts of those with the power to decide the fate of this entire world and know their choice. A blinding light grows, forcing even the strongest to close their eyes, and as they do so, a vision of what could have happened appears in their minds. A world wreathed in flames, fire and screams echoing ceaselessly as they depart; a peaceful world, healed and whole and well—and a certainty that another world has paid a heavy price.

And then there's the sensation of three powerful forces leaving, two taking an unwilling third with them to wherever they are going. This world will be left as it is now, and its future will be whatever the people here make of it.

MEANWHILE, IN HEROPA

One week into the mysterious storm that has enveloped much of Jeopardy, citizens across the nation are losing hope. The government continues to monitor the situation at a safe distance, but cannot enter the affected part of the city, though one SEAL team did make an attempt, only to become lost in the wind for hours before emerging without ever making it through. While the storm hasn't grown, neither has it shown any sign of changing.

The heroes who bravely charged into the storm have not officially been given up for lost, but with no news coming from Jeopardy, few believe they will emerge unscathed. To honor their sacrifice (?) and offer sorrowful natives a means of coping, a candlelight vigil kicks off outside Heropa City Hall at 4:30 PM EST.

Speeches are given. Commemorative t-shirts are sold. It is at this point that a large portal of light opens up in front of the building and deposits all imPorts who entered the storm, as well as a confused but unharmed Layla and Sally Clapp. A stunned silence falls over the crowd — followed shortly by an eruption of cheers.

Organized chaos quickly reigns over the occasion. Medical personnel are quickly called in to aid any imPorts who might need it, and government officials quickly descend, one thing on their mind: what the heck happened, heroes?! ImPorts are asked to state, for the record, exactly what they experienced — which leaves a lot of room open for the more creative among them. Just what each imPorts is willing to confess to or lie about is up to them, but there are other imPorts at hand to refute or support all statements.

While imPorts are technically free to go, all are encouraged to enter the building for a debriefing with government officials. Those who care to share their story begin to paint a picture of what happened, and a flurry of transportation begins to move between City Hall and the local porter outpost, as Jeopardy will certainly require some aid now that it is fully accessible. Reports begin to filter back that while there have been some casualties and collateral damage to the city, it is far less of a disaster than the government anticipated during the storm, no doubt due to imPorts' efforts. Additionally, news from other porter cities begins to arrive; with the dissipation of the Jeopardy storm, all dimensional anomalies elsewhere have ceased.

Following the briefings, ImPorts may go home and get some rest, although they may have trouble shaking off the crowds — which are largely ecstatic that the people who apparently saved the world are in front of them.

While imPorts were occupied with the post-disaster debriefings, locals have used the time to launch an impromptu celebration of their defense of this world. Local restaurants, breweries and nanas have hustled their finest wares over, and free food and drink are flowing for the homecoming heroes. A local party & events organizing company has strung up some lights and tents in the park across the street from City Hall, lending a festive atmosphere to the area. T-shirts being sold to honor the assumed-fallen heroes have been 'edited' with permanent marker, going from 'FALLED HEROES' (there was an error in the print run, given the notice of less than a week) to 'RISEN HEROES' and are, regretfully, being given away for free.

For those who stay, an impromptu party breaks out, and the occasion quickly becomes the latest swear-in, albeit with a more casual emphasis on the actual swearing-in than usual; a card table is set up with the usual seals and documents, but it's a bit haphazard.

Along with tasty libations, local musicians start jamming on acoustic guitars in the park's gazebo, setting up some cheerful background music—or maybe you're not too tired to dance? A local physical therapy school has rolled in multiple portable massage tables, with free sessions for sore heroes!

The locals who haven't dispersed yet are also around, likely to seek autographs from the world savers, while podcasters, BlueTubers and regular nosy nellies might lean in with a recording device, asking for the real story of what happened. For imPorts who become too intoxicated or exhausted to porter home, many locals are offering couches to crash on — although the pillows they use may later show up on ePay.

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[ah...

that's grim.

but still...]

That was kind of everyone. Pouring out feelings like that...I wouldn't be surprised if that sort of good will helped tip the scales in our favor.

I'd like to think it did. Sometimes it's... hard to think of something useful to do when you're not able to help with the fighting.

[she smiles with sympathy.]

It's not a good feeling, feeling useless...but we're always holding ourselves to standards higher than others. It actually helps, knowing so many were out of harm's way, knowing they had us all on their thoughts.

After all, fighting doesn't go on forever...and those of us who are only good at it...aren't good at things like cooking, for example.

Uh-huh. I try not to compare myself to other people, since I never had any practice with powers or combat or anything, and the powers I DID get aren't much use in a fight. But I guess as an imPort... sometimes I feel like I should be doing more. Even though that's silly because nobody expects that of me.

[Tina pokes at the burger patty with her spatula before turning it over.]

I just tell myself things like that, yeah. What I have to give is still useful.

What you say is true. I hope you'll keep that in mind, and not berate yourself too much for not taking up a sword. [her expression softens a bit.] Those of us who have them...fight so that those who don't...never need them.

[she says, swordless, now that Falchion is gone with the goddesses. that still stings.]

It's a feeling I've been living with for a while, but most of the time I'm OK just being the person waiting with a hot meal when the heroes come home. I guess... this time it's harder to shake off because what happened was so big and affected so many people.

[She blows out a sigh, admitting:]

People have offered to help me learn how to fight before, but I'm not sure that's a line I'm willing to cross. It'll change me, and I won't be able to take it back, so to speak.

You're right. [she exhales softly, closing her eyes.] Learning to defend one's self is a worthwhile endeavor, Tina. Learning to fight others... It's not the same. You need not be a warrior in this world. Not one with swords or guns or the like.

It'd be a lot of hard work for something I know I'm not suited for, too. [Tina sprinkles some seasoning on the burger patty.] I mean, I don't know what I want to do with the rest of my life yet, but I know it's not... that. I have things I'm good at doing. And secretly... I kinda like being protected.

[that gets a small smile from her.]

A secret I'll keep. I think you've got the right frame of mind of things, doubts and all. You'll do just fine.

Thank you. And I hope so... I'm trying to think of things in terms of being here for a while, since it looks more and more like that's going to be the case.

Well, if your cooking's anything to go by, I'd say you've got plenty of options. [because now that she can smell it, her stomach's really growling.]

[Tina checks the patty, turning it over again; it will be done soon.]

I've thought about being a full-time cook... kinda like going into the family business, since my dad owns a restaurant. But I'd love to work with horses, too.

I don't see why you couldn't do both. [because she has no idea what goes into owning a business or horses. and because she's too tired to think critically about it, but hey.]

You have the time to consider it now, at least...without a threat hanging overhead.

Uh-huh. Because until you all started coming back, I wasn't sure I'd HAVE a future in this world. ... so I'm glad you all made it. And that things seem to be intact.

Yes, I'm...glad, too.

[and more aware of how exhausted she is now. while she waits, she rubs at her neck, grimacing a bit. she ought to find Archie after eating...]

[Tina notices the grimace, looking at her with concern.]

Did you hurt yourself? There's gotta be a healer around someplace...

Yes, I'll... I saw Archie about. I'll find him after I eat. Don't worry yourself.

Okay.

[FUSS FUSS. But Tina's not going to press the matter; Lucina's burger is done, and so it's a matter of moments for Tina to assemble it and offer it to her on a paper plate with a little flourish.]

Here, I hope this helps a little.

[she nods her thanks, picking the burger up and going immediately at it. no feedback right away except the fact that a good portion is gone before Lucina can even find the means to speak up.]

Mmh-- [she wipes at the corner of her mouth.] Gods, Tina. This is wonderful...!

[it helps that it's the first thing of substance she's had in days.]

Thank you.

[Tina ducks her head, still pleased when her cooking gets a compliment, even if part of her does feel a bit like she's cheating, thanks to her powers.]

Want another one? I can make as many as you can eat.

That's quite encouraging, thank you. But I think one will suffice for now. [even if she's already pulverized a good three-fourths of it.] If I overdo it, I may regret it...

Good point. I am glad I could help you, though, in some small way.

You did me a great kindness, Tina. Thank you.

[once she's wiped her mouth, she gets up slowly, rubbing her neck. with a sigh:] Right, then... Archie...

[she looks about, then smiles at Tina with a small wave.]

Farewell for now.

You're welcome- and please take care of yourself.

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