Boys and girls of every age, Wouldn't you like to see something strange

[exsithstential]

WHO: Imports
WHERE: Helix Station, Maurtia Falls
WHEN: Evening of 10/16
WHAT: Swear-In Ceremony, with a bonus Haunted House!
WARNINGS: Violence and other spoopy stuff.





The Festival


An orange moon slowly burns into life as the sun begins the last few moment's of it's descent, washing the sky in beautiful splashes of fading twilight hues. The white walls the Helix Station glow in the warm autumn light as throngs of costumed children and their families parade through the large front gate and into the festively decorated courtyard within.

Laughter and squeals of anticipation and delight ring out from the gaggle of children in a never ending chorus as their attentions dance between the kitsch decorations of gremlins and skeletons, to the ImPort Heroes in attendance. But at least the parents and guardians seem to be doing a good job of keeping the beaming or bashful kids from bothering ImPorts too much as you make your way into the facility. Though do be prepared for an autograph request or three. Unlike some of the previous Swear-Ins, this is no media circus. While there may be a reporter or two in the crowd, asking for a few quick shots with imports and their adoring fans, this gathering is for you and your new rosy cheeked best friends. Just a bit of seasonal fun and the added benefit of helping a local children's hospital by contributing to their charity.

STALLS

Colorfully decorated stalls line the exterior of the courtyard, offering the attendees a wide variety of activities, entertainment, and gifts. While most of the stalls are managed by groups or individual imports contributing with their time and goodwill (mostly), several also offer refreshments and snacks manned by droids or volunteers from the hospital staff or children's family.

A few honorable mentions of ImPort run stalls:

-Hazel and the Doctor's Face Paintings
-Kanaya and Helena's Fangtastic Bobbing for Apples
-Manolo and Sabriel's Performance Cake Walk
-Stan's Photo Booth of Terror (And extortion)
-Lucifer's Mystic Magic Mirror of Mystery
-Fraiser and Kowalski's Totally Scary Puppy Petting Zoo

And of course there's also a stall with informative pamphlets and a chipper Government representative ready to register any willing imports and talk about the benefits inherent to doing so.

There are also plenty of open stalls if you want to add to festivities!

HAUNTED HOUSE

Just inside the main building, the lobby area and adjacent rooms open into the main area of the Haunted House. Despite the spooky imagery and haunting ambiance, this floor is rather tame. There may be a few motion sensor activated skeletons that pop up and startling the careless, but otherwise it's all kid friendly.

This however is NOT the case with the upper floors. Which prohibit native participation completely. If that doesn't chill your blood then the fact that you have to stop by a booth near the elevator to "check in" and received a warning that only those that are seeking a true test of terror should enter, might.

However the droid representative will NOT offer any additional information to imports, save that all participants will be given thirty minutes to escape before "time is up". They will NOT be telling anyone that:

-Immediately upon exiting the elevator, you will find yourself seeped in power dampening fog, leaving you de-powered.
-That the upper floors are inhabited by wandering animatronics with monstrous appearances that are programmed to hunt the imports trying to find their way out.
-As the thiry minutes tick by, the animatronics will become faster and hunt the imports with more tenacity and ever increasing perception. Early in the hunt it's possible to hide or avoid most animatronics. This becomes less effective as time goes by.
-Any imports that are unable to escape the animatronics will NOT be hurt. When an import is captured they will be hauled to a secret exit which ends in a shoot that deposits the character outside, near Stan's Photo booth. (Who might just have a series of photos depicting your character in various compromising states of terror.) However the participating imports will be unaware of the lack of danger they are in until this happens. Which means you might even see some imports being hauled off kicking and screaming into the darkness.

Imports that manage to evade the animatronics long enough to find their way out of the maze of corridors and rooms will find themselves in the haunted house lobby, where they will be presented with a plush version of one of the monsters that had been hunting them. Not so scary now, huh?

Attack on Helix Station

Just after midnight as the festivities hit full swing, several masked men slip over the wall and into the facility. While mostly concealed, to any ImPorts sharp enough to notice them, it quickly becomes apparent that these men are armed to the teeth and full of bad intentions. Moving with precision, skill before any import can alert the others, the gunmen take up positions to cause as much damage as possible. However as they ready their weapons an alarm blares through out the facility. In that brief moment of confusion the gunmen hesitate. And in the span of that hesitation, several security droids suddenly march out into the facility through side doors hefting snub nosed weapons cradled in their arms.

An electric blue flash suddenly illuminates the courtyard as a blast from one of the droid's stun weapons strikes one of the gunmen, who crumples.

And then chaos erupts.

Seeing them as the clear and present danger the gunmen focus their fire on the advancing security bots, but as several defense turrets pop out from concealed slots in the walls, their position quickly becomes untenable. While strong in numbers, the gunmen scatter into groups through out the facility to take cover. A few of them drop smoke grenades to cover their escape, but the blinding cloud is short lived. As contaminates are detected in the air, several purifiers cleverly disguised within the decorations will activate, drawing in the smoke and laying the terrorists' movements bare.


As the gloom recedes, Revan stalks forward out of the smoke, a sheathed katana clenched in one hand
and his expression blazing as he marches towards the nearest group of soldiers.

"WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!" his voice booms strangely loud, carrying over the entire courtyard with the force and command power of someone used to leading warriors into battle. "IMPORTS!" With a fluid motion he withdraws the sword and tosses the scabbard aside.

Little did these bastards know that they were ready. With a small army of Imports, comprised of RISE and volunteer security forces, at his back Revan gave a flourish of his blade before dashing forward.

"TO ARMS!"

[ooc: More info as well as plotting posts can be found here!]

Comments

Manolo Sanchez | Unsettled | Open!

[matadorable]

A. CAKE WALK
((Note: Either respond to this prompt or drop me a line over here, and I'll randomize a prize for your character!!))

When he heard about the chance to volunteer for charity, Manolo gladly signed up. If he'd had any money or items of value to give, he would have donated them in a heartbeat. As things stood, though, he only had his talents and imagination to offer.

Some natives had suggested musical chairs, but the concept of a Cake Walk appeals to him much more. Music and cake...how could anyone say no to that? Plus winners are decided by the luck of the draw, which means shy or timid participants still have a chance to win delicious prizes!

Thankfully, he isn't running the stall alone. Sabriel, an imPorts who'd called him by mistake during his first day here, had offered her musical expertise. Between the two of them, he feels like they have things handled, even if neither of them knew how to bake. As it turns out, though, local shops were more than happy to offer their goods for the event. How nice was that! The kindness he runs into on a day-to-day basis never ceases to amaze Manolo. It's...good.

As for the music, well...he plays whatever comes to mind and feels appropriate. A spooky tune or two to fit the mood, some strong dance rhythms to get people moving, that sort of thing.

...And though the native kids are certainly having lots of fun, some imPorts who hear him play may feel a strange compulsion to join the fun themselves!

B. Haunted House

...Okay, the haunted house was a pretty cute set-up. The skeletons that pop up at people are an especially nice touch, and Manolo couldn't help but laugh after being startled by one during his break. According to the booth guarding the upper floors, though, only those wanting a "true test of terror" ought to go forward. It kind of sounded like a challenge, but maybe he should have been bothered by the fact natives aren't allowed to join? What was the deal with that, anyway?

Regardless, he'd been curious, which meant he'd wanted to check things out for himself.

This, he realizes now that he's immersed in fog, might have been a mistake. A dark shape wanders in the distance, and Manolo suddenly wishes he had his swords on hand...

C. Attack; Protect the Children!

By now, he's heard horror stories about previous swear-ins gone terribly wrong. Even so, when word of an attack reaches him, Manolo's first thought is of the banditos that terrified the residents of San Angel throughout most of his life.

As much as he wants to join the others in defending the people here, however, he's now an Unsettled imPort, which means his place isn't on the front lines. You're not a fighter, Joaquin had told him the other day, so don't feel like you gotta force yourself to be one. This place...it seems like it could be kinder to you than home was.

And though he knows his friend has a point, he still wishes he could feel completely at peace with his choice.

Now isn't the time to second guess himself, though. He has a group of frightened children to look after, and they're currently huddled together, mostly tucked out of sight behind a stall on the first floor. Although Manolo has faith that the people fighting will get things under control, he's fully prepared to defend the young ones with his bare hands if necessary.

But sitting there with a clenched jaw and furrowed eyebrows only serves to make them more anxious, and soon enough Manolo starts quietly picking out a simple tune on his guitar, softly humming along with the chords. His mother singing to him was one of the few precious memories he had of her before she'd died, and that lullaby had been a source of comfort to him whenever he wanted to feel her immense love for him.

Miraculously, the tired and frightened children seem to grow still and quiet, and anyone else who's listening may suddenly feel a warmth in their chest, the sort of warmth that comes from a loving, protective embrace.

Even if you're unaffected, though, no one will say no to an extra pair of eyes watching out for danger -- or, better yet, help in getting everyone out to safety now that the children are calm.

D. Wildcard

[I'm open for anything else you might have in mind!]

C. I'm sorry

[heartofwar]

It's not the best place to hide, but it'll have to do. Albert's got his arms full with two more children, and seeing the others huddled down together, lets them down to join them. They don't look as frightened as he'd expected, and that puzzles him for a moment until he catches sight of the man strumming a soft tune in the middle of the chaos.

Albert's seized by a feeling he hasn't felt in either ten years or fifty, and he leans hard against the stall to catch his breath as bittersweet memories threaten to drop him right there and then. A hand clutches his chest, cradling the ring underneath, and he probably looks close to some kind of anxiety attack.

"Hilda."

C. DON'T BE <3

[matadorable]

Manolo lowers his guitar, turning to look at the other man with a concerned gaze. "Señor," he quietly says, mindful to keep his tone even for the children's sake. "Are you alright?"

His music was supposed to help people feel better, so why does this man seem almost ill?

"Who is Hilda?" he asks, worried that she's either a young child or a fellow imPort who's gone missing. If that's the case, they'll need to send someone to go find her.

[heartofwar]

Slowly the feeling fades, and Albert misses it just as much as he's relieved. They're in the middle of a battleground and he can't afford to be distracted. Taking a deep breath, the cyborg shakes his head and straightens.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry about that." He manages a smile for the kids, who are starting to look on with some concern of their own. "I actually came over here to help. Hunker down and stand guard type deal til the situation's under control."

Neatly avoiding that other question for now.

a

[glitterateur]

[She doesn't even need the extra compulsion to join in. It's a game! A game about winning cake! Who doesn't need a spare cake around? Since it's more about luck than anything Mabel doesn't even feel that competitive edge start to creep in. She just plays for a couple of rounds, horsing around with the other kids and enjoying the music.

Once she's sufficiently wiped (all that sugar's not great for long term endurance runs, who knew?) Mabel waves goodbye to some of the other kids before hopping over to hang by Manolo. When he's definitely in between songs Mabel pipes up.]

You're really good! And believe me, I know good music.

[matadorable]

[His eyes light up when he sees one of the younger imPorts playing with the other kids. And as luck would have it, Mabel ends up winning this adorable cupcake and her choice of one spooky cookie from a larger set.

The compliment catches him off guard, but he offers a warm smile nonetheless, and gives a small bow.] Thank you for your kind words, señorita. I am happy you think so.

[glitterateur]

[The cookie gets inhaled in seconds, but she's carrying the cupcake carefully in one hand to preserve the frosting. Saving baked goods for Dipper is a tough job, but she's willing to do it.

It helps that she's distracted. Spanish! This guy, clearly not a merman, must be from Australia or something. That means that chances are extra high that he's Good People.]

Think so? I totally know so! I've spent a ton of time around boy bands, I'm kind of an expert. It's not your superpower, right?

a

[ursawhiner]

[A cakewalk makes Dipper kind of nostalgic for the school festivals back home. He runs around gamely, stopping Mabel from crashing when her sugar high inevitably wears off.

When he's done a few rounds, he wanders over to Manolo.]

That was really fun! Thanks, man.

[matadorable]

[Dipper is lucky enough to win an appropriately spooky ginger bread house, which has been carefully boxed up for him to take home. Not a cake in the literal sense, but still just as sweet and delectable, right?]

Hey, it was my pleasure! I'm really happy you enjoyed it.

[Really, playing music is Manolo's favorite thing ever, so he feels like everyone else is doing him a huge favor by indulging him for awhile.]

[ursawhiner]

The music really made it. Usually it's just some recorded stuff.

[This guy feels sort of familiar...]

A

[kingofthetvworld]

[Music soothes the savage beast, something something he wants cake. There are no strange compulsions here, this so called "Cake Walk" is pretty much everything he loves all rolled up into one. Although why anyone would want to walk on cakes is completely beyond him. Thankfully, it looks like the good people have decided to skip that step, cakes are spared, and- Okay, he has no idea how this game works.

So before he jumps in and has a chance to ruin anything, Teddie can only stare longingly, drooling slightly as he runs his giant paws down his face.]

Lemme get this straight, you can win a whole cake?

[matadorable]

[Oh, he's pretty sure he's seen this...bear (??) on the network before, although this is the first time Manolo's gotten a chance to talk to him. He greets the newcomer with a welcoming smile.]

That's the idea, amigo! [Look, they've even got the Grand Prize on display!] We've got a lot of smaller prizes that are just as tasty, too! Why don't you give it a shot? It's for a good cause!

[kingofthetvworld]

[Do you hear that? The choir of angels? Because that's exactly what he hears when he sees that cake. And if that good cause is anything close to feeding the bears, then he has no reason to not do it.

...There's just one problem. Hesitantly, Teddie looks from the cake, to the game, back to his flashy game host.]

Erm... About that. Do I have to shoot someone? Bearcause no offense or anything, but that sounds kinda...mean.

A

[tadeadshi]

[With everything going on, Tadashi hasn't paid much attention to the network for new faces, but this guy? Definitely new and honestly... seems really okay. He's not sure he's seen something as innocent as a cake walk in years, since Hiro was only a few years old. It's cute! And honestly it sounds fun, he almost joins in but the thought of taking a spot from one of the kids stops him.

He waits until a round is over and they take a break before stepping up.]

Looks like you had a great idea here.

[matadorable]

Oh! [Manolo sets his guitar down and gives the stranger a lopsided smile.] Well, I can't take all the credit. I wanted to do something with music, so I asked around for suggestions.

[They didn't have this game back in San Angel, so Manolo isn't sure he would have been able to come up with it on his own.]

A

[bindsthedead]

[Sabriel's brought a small electronic keyboard and some handbells- both of which she plays with skill, though her musical selection is a little dated. But she's happy to follow along with the tunes Manolo picks out, and the event seems to be going well.]

I'll pick the next song, all right?

[matadorable]

[Sabriel makes for an excellent music partner, and Manolo can't help but be equally fascinated by the electronic keyboard and handbells, albeit for different reasons.

When she suggests picking the next song, Manolo's face lights up.]

Please do!

A

[thelimitdoesnotexist]

[Mewtwo found little to get excited about in general and commotions aren't ordinarily his thing. But something else is his thing: cake. From the looks of it, it reminds him of Pokepuffs he hasn't seen long ago.

He walks over in, quietly observing the game, trying to make sense of the rules as seen by his hand motions. Humans and their games, man.]

[matadorable]

[After a couple of rounds, Manolo notices the stranger observing them, although he doesn't seem to be making any moves to join the fun. Once they're between songs, Manolo tries to make eye contact with him.]

You're more than welcome to play. It's easy, I promise!

C!

[medalsome]

[Joaquin had managed to be only semi-effective during the attack as distracted as he had been just trying to find Manolo and finding lots of glowing lights and skeletons instead. Damn this happening during a Día de las Brujas event! He could hardly tell what was real and what was fake!

But enough was enough. Joaquin had neutralized a few threats and now it was time to find his friend. Hunkering down behind a booth, he stopped and breathed and just concentrated on finding Manolo. He didn't understand how this eye power was supposed to work but he supposedly could do it. Staring at the ground didn't seem to be helping and in his frustration Joaquin screwed his working eye shut, and everything went dark.

Then he saw something, just a flicker at first, then a bit more clear. A vision of about a dozen huddled children. Then a dark canvas ceiling. Then a sign not far away that looked familiar...

With a gasp Joaquin was on his feet, shaking and trying to regain his bearings as he blinked his eye open again. He had some landmarks, and now to find the right booth. He ran, trying to remember what sign he had seen and where he remembered seeing it last. Things were different now that the festival had become a battlefield. The sound of shrieks and laughter had turned into yells, crying and music. Music...]

Manolo! Manolo!

[He could see the sign now, and from the angle he had glimpsed it before in his vision... There! That booth had to be where the music was coming from!]

[matadorable]

[He was doing his best to stay out of sight, albeit more for the children's sake than his own. For that reason, he was shocked to hear a familiar voice calling his name, and his hand abruptly stilled over the guitar's strings.]

Joaquin...?

[Peering over the table now, he tried to keep a low profile (with mixed success, given his hair's pronounced Sanchez curl), and scanned the area for the source of that voice. It didn't take long to pick Joaquin's bright blue uniform out of the remnants of tonight's party -- and the soldier was headed straight for him.

After hesitating a moment (he didn't want to draw too much attention to their hiding spot), he briefly waved to signal his location.]

B!

[khajidont]

Jaime's not really the sort for haunted houses. It's not that he's typically too scared by them - or at least he doesn't think he is, considering most of them just have silly plastic skeletons and rubber rodents - but this? A place that's just for imPorts? Jaime's always been a little too curious for his own good. He ventures in on his own, laughing a little at the cheesy lower floor before he finds his way to the top floor.

He sees that someone's already gone in here - whoever it is moves in a way that's a little too human to actually be an indication of someone waiting to pop out at him - so he cheerfully calls out, "See anything spooky yet?"

[matadorable]

When Jaime's voice reaches his ears, Manolo lets out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. And to think he was actually scared a second ago...

"Not unless you count all this fog," he replies with a snort. "But hey, it definitely adds to the atmosphere, though, right?"

cake walk!

[sweetarts]

[ Wherever the compulsion to join into the festivities comes from, though Bubblegum is sure it's the music, she doesn't fight it. She sets down her giant viking cap, but her viking costume is the same, sans her crown. She plays a round or two, and a few of the kids seem happy to play with an entirely pink candy-lady too, before deciding to pay her respects to the maestro when he finds downtime. ]

Your playing is the bomb! Ever think about recording anything?

[matadorable]

[As luck would have it, she is the winner of one cookie of her choice out of one of the several sets donated by a local bakery, as well as a cinnamon caramel apple pumpkin! Thank you for playing, Bubblegum!!

Manolo noticed how well she got along with the children, and he's outwardly pleased when she approaches him after one of his sets. He's never heard that bomb phrase before, but he's assuming it's a compliment, so he'll accept it with a gracious smile.] Thank you for your kind words, señorita. I am happy you enjoyed it.

[The other thing, though...Manolo finds himself both intrigued and a bit shy about it. Despite all the music he's been eagerly sampling like a child in a candy store, it hasn't occurred to him to try getting his own songs out there. He's just happy to play for anyone who's willing to indulge him, and sometimes he even just plays for himself.]

Recording? You think people would really listen to it if I did?