Everybody wants to rule the world

[maskormods]

WHO: YOU.
WHERE: Downtown Cape Canaveral
WHEN: Wednesday January 15th, around 5 PM EST
WHAT: Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome.
WARNINGS: None anticipated; let us know if this should be edited.

Cape Canaveral. It's no longer the heat of the day and in January the temperatures will be livable; not too hot and not too cold, either. A pleasant change from the City, perhaps. The sun is on its way to setting but the last light of the day still fills the sky, bursting the city into color. The air smells like ocean.

The locals are friendly and smile and wave, looking on at you in awe. They'll approach if you ask for help, or a question, but they don't want to interfere, either; if you want to be left alone you probably will be. American flags can be seen in many windows and restaurants are rolling out their dinner menus. There's no parade, no big banners, but many storefronts have handmade signs and posters that read:

Welcome, imPorts! We love you!

The woman at the Porter told you what to expect: You know what your tattoo means, you've been given your file, and you know in a few hours they're going to be here to answer more of your questions and see if you'll stand with them or if you'll go off on your own. "It's your decision," one of them had said, but you were already told what you get if you agree and what you don't if you don't. After that's done, she told you, you'll be driven to your new homes.

In the meantime, enjoy the area, or try to. It may not be what you're used to, but after the apocalypse even Florida might seem like an improvement.

Comments

[glassbox]

[ if a familiar face doesn't find her first.

there's no hesitation -- the moment lil spots renee's familiar silhouette, her body is compelled to move towards her, to put her arms around her without warning and squeeze. her embrace is filled with relief, like her voice when she exhales her friend's name. ]

Renee.

[glassbox]

[ lil's embrace is probably a little too tight -- she's distracted from her own strength by the relief of seeing her friend. it might be a lucky thing that she pulls back to get a better look at renee, to make sure everything is as it should be. ]

Y'made it. This goddamn place just got ten times better.

[glassbox]

[ it's true -- lil seems to be giving renee a lot of hugs recently. but the times have called for it. it's been a rough few days. she's reluctant to let go, but she has to let the other woman breathe. ]

Y'settled in yet? Decided what you're gonna do?

[glassbox]

I'm signin' up. [ she answers without hesitation. ] It ain't my first time at the rodeo. Workin' for the government an' all.

[ a brief pause before she goes on: ]

What aren't y'sure about, hon?

[glassbox]

[ it's true. and lil's been burned by a government operation before. but she thinks she's wised up enough to avoid it, or at least to see the signs -- maybe. ]

Probably can't trust 'em. But it's hard startin' fresh. [ another light pause before she continues: ] If y'decide not to sign up, y'better promise t'let me help you.

[glassbox]

[ that question makes a wry half-smile pull at lil's mouth, as if she finds something a little humorous in the answer. ]

They gave me "supermodel." [ she makes quotes in the air with her fingers. ] What about you, hon? Y'get somethin' good?

[gevurah]

[ She spots Renee from the other end of the street, but Renee's already disappeared around the corner. Kate pivots on her heel and sprints forward, pushing past locals and apologizing as she tears through the small crowd in pursuit of Renee. ]

Renee... Renee!

[ Desperation strains her voice as she calls for the other, panting heavily while she burns underneath the hot, Florida sun. ]

Renee?

[gevurah]

[ Kate quells her own impulsive actions, but she grips Renee's arms, genuinely afraid to let go just yet lest the city begin to fall apart once more and rip them from each other. ]

Renee... you're here. You're okay?

[ She examines her up and down, but injuries don't appear to be the case.

Her heart is still racing, keeping her senses hyper vigilant so she can confirm this isn't some intense hallucination. ]

[gevurah]

I'm glad.

[ She doesn't disguise her immense relief, not before Renee. She's one of the rare few Kate is willing to let her walls down before in times like this. ]

Did they...

[ She lifts her wrist, showcasing her digital tattoo. ]

[gevurah]

[ She glances at Renee, inspecting it closely. There's nothing to indicate it's any different from Kate's, earning a dark scowl from her before she lets her arm rest at her side. ]

Could be tracking us already. Nanotech under the skin?

[gevurah]

Rick and Felicia so far. They're alright.

[ She rubs at her wrist for a moment, like scratching at the surface will somehow remove whatever is implanted underneath their flesh. It's a revolting feeling, something invading her body like that. ]

Have you seen Nill?

[gevurah]

[ Kate is touched, but apprehensive, something else weighing on her mind. ]

If you need to find anyone you know...

[ She would understand. ]