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

OPEN

[wisecracked]

[Warning bells are ringing in her head the moment that file is in her hands. Everything from there just gets weirder, she's suddenly reminded of when she first met Bo and how all that went down. Choose to work with these people or go on her own. The benefits are great, she wouldn't have to worry about much of anything. It's tempting but it's not what Bo would do. But, yet again, Bo isn't here and Kenzi is left to do whatever she wants. Take the easy way or fend for herself? She's spent years fending for herself and it was miserable. At least she has time to think about it...

Sir Apple, her pet fairy dragon, rests on top of Kenzi's head as she flips through her file for the umpteenth time, thinking it'll give her some kind of answer.] What do you say? Do we trust these guys?

[Naturally the little dragon doesn't seem to care one way or the other he's now more interested in the file. Is it food? When he tries to nibble on a corner of the file Kenzi bops him on the head with it and laughs.] Yeah, I'm hungry too. Think we get free food?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Should you be talking aloud to that thing? [Chilton, having noticed Kenzi and -- more peculiarly -- her dragon companion, had been following at a very safe distance. He wasn't interested in bringing a glaring spotlight to himself, but the evidence was undeniable: she was an imPort. Alive, healthy, apparently hungry.

And he needed something familiar.

He cleared his throat, approaching.]

Do you think the monetary tender here's the same? I still have my wallet.

[wisecracked]

[Chilton receives a stare for a moment as if she's trying to decide if he's worth even talking to. He looks the nervous sort, someone who might be fun to mess with when she's in the right mood for it.

After the moment of silent scrutinizing staring she shrugs as she reaches up to scratch under Sir Apple's chin.] How else is he supposed to hear me? Besides, he understands what I'm saying even if he doesn't particularly care.

[She glances toward one of the nearest restaurants and shrugs again.] No clue.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I meant, do you think it's a good move right now? Drawing attention to you -- to us? ImPorts?

[His glance towards her was casual enough, but he didn't commit to it; he was soon walking onward, directing towards that nearest restaurant Kenzi had caught sight of.]

Let's try to avoid spectacle, how does that sound? At least until we know we can achieve some kind of lunch -- I suppose I'm paying.

[wisecracked]

It's not like I'm using my powers. Trust me, those would cause more of a spectacle. [She would prove her point but he makes a good point about staying as low key as possible. It was something she'd given up on back in the City and even with all the welcome signs it's still suspicious. But...] He's out in the open, so talking to him isn't going to draw any more attention that he already is.

Normally I wouldn't even have him with me... [But they don't have a home just yet.

At least the mention of food and lunch being on him stops her from rambling any further for the time being.] Sounds great!

[slightlyoffchilt]

Is that so? [His mouth quirked with inquisition, though he doesn't ask for a demonstration of her powers. Another time, perhaps, because it's statements like such that inspire questions on the psychology behind greatly empowered people.]

I suppose they couldn't just think he was a highly developed artificial intelligence? We've got a few of those. [Chilton grants Kenzi a sidelong glance, wondering if she's acquainted with Danger. A potentially riling topic (at least on his side), so he eases off.] Maybe I'm giving the natives here too little credit -- oh.

[As they neared, he could make out the sign.]

What are your feelings on seafood? No doubt there are dozens of the same, but this one is the closest...

[wisecracked]

[Kenzi simply grins and gives a little nod. She's cocky and telekinetic, two things that don't really go together.]

That's assuming anyone in this world has managed to build anything like that. As best he might come off as some kids toy...although he's not good at the obeying thing. [Then again, what would one expect from a wild dragon that's in Kenzi's care. He'd be too fat to fly if it weren't for other people making sure she doesn't let him eat whatever he wants.]

I'm usually more the pizza sort but at this point I think I'd eat just about anything.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Dare I even ask how you came across it -- ah, him?

[He was almost afraid to get the details, truly. Maybe one more bizarre thing would push him over the edge -- who knew? Chilton had been forced to abandon a significant amount of preconceived notions about the nature of the universe, and he was reluctant to keep the trend continuing.]

But -- to the topic at hand. [He opened the door for her, his habits ingrained in tidewater gentlemanners.] I doubt they have decent crab. [Maryland prejudice was a bold thing, in the rare times it reared.]

I guess it's gratifying enough that we're on a world with familiar terrain at all. Is -- or was -- your original universe on parallel to the City? Or what was the City.

[wisecracked]

Asthenoa, he flew into me and somehow he ended up tagging along when we left. [Lucky for him that's about as detailed as she needs to get with that explanation.

Kenzi starts to slip in ahead of him and pauses when she catches sight of her reflection in the glass.] Oh my God, my hair. [She quickly starts trying to smooth it down as she continues on inside, all the while she mutters in a mix of Russian and English about the humidity.

However, it's a losing battle she soon gives up on.] My original universe had a New York, yeah, but that's not where I was from.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I must have missed that one. [He had heard of it, of course, the references had appeared sprinkled in Network talk. But Chilton was still relatively freshly torn from his natural world, and had learned of most events only secondhand.

It was easy to dwell on the timing, to wonder what could have been different if his chronological coming had been skewed -- but his investment in the hypothetical was soon shattered by the harried reaction to that mirror.]

You, ah, you look fine. Really. [Chilton shifted awkwardly, unsure of the propriety that this moment called for. Should he wax poetic, or...]

It's a nice, modern look.

[He shrugged, offering a halfway smile.]

But yes, likewise in terms of the parallels -- I had a New York City, but I lived and worked in Baltimore. Never made it around to the -- to whatever the City's world's Baltimore was like. Bit of a mouthful.

[wisecracked]

As far as alternate universes go it was kind of interesting. Although I was nearly killed by giant plant dogs and a headless flaming chiken [It was a terrifying experience...

She gives a flat stare as she tugs at the ends of her hair.] It's going all curly, it's such a pain when it's curly.

Yeah, a bit. I actually didn't get around to doing much exploring back there. Maybe I can here. Would be nice to travel.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[He winced, his reaction drawn from sympathy. Hazardous situatons didn't really suit Chilton's palate, but evidently Kenzi had made it out all right -- it was something he'd just have to take in stride.]

I wouldn't mind exiting Florida, at any rate. I don't think the atmosphere suits me. [He was already concerned about the summer time humidity, whatever weather horror that might prove. But the problem was the back-up plan: what would he do? How would he live, by what means?

When the hostess led them to a table, Chilton forcibly pushed back these anxieties. He was hungry, the rest only added to his stress.]

I'm fond of curly hair.

[As if she had asked for his opinion.]

[wisecracked]

[Fortunately Kenzi is somewhat used to hazardous situations, it helps that she lives with a hazard-prone succubus back home. Unfortunately she's not used to dealing with the really out there situations on her own, powers or not.]

I could enjoy the sunshine and beaches and hot boys running around half naked but I really don't think I can live with the heat. [It's not even that hot and it already feels too hot for her. On the way to the table she has to keep a hold on her little dragon, he smells food and he would be more than happy to take some off someone's plate.

Chilton's comment receives a raised brow.] Then you've obviously never had to deal with it.

[corviform]

[ His head is swimming — no, drowning — in questions that gnaw at his very core. He simultaneously wonders about Sharon's whereabouts, where they are, why they are here, and if the City and its inhabitants have been restored.

His thoughts are abruptly interrupted catching a glimpse of the fairy dragon resting atop of familiar, sheen hair. He takes a step forward, trying to find his voice. ]

Kenzi. [ There's no doubt in his mind — it is her. The bizarre fairy dragon confirms that much for him. His stomach leaps. ] Kenzi!

[wisecracked]

[Kenzi jumps up on so fast that Sir Apple is sent into the air along with her file. Despite the urge to rush over and squeeze Gil in a killer hug she quickly gathers up her file. Sir Apple on the other hand flies over to make an attempt to nestle into Gil's hair.

Without the little dragon on her head it's easy to see what the humidity is doing to her usually straight hair.]

Gil! Thank God.

[corviform]

It hurts and he groans quietly when Kenzi pulls him into a hug. He freezes immediately, wondering what to do in return as her body presses against his. It's warm and not entirely wanted, but...

Well, it doesn't matter too much. She's here and she's safe. That's important, too. ]

Are you alright? [ He pulls back from her to check her over himself. ] Kenzi, have you seen Sharon? I must have gotten separated from her when we were ported here... but I haven't been able to find her.

[wisecracked]

[She's so glad to see someone familiar.

Once she pulls back she smooths her hair down and nods.] As alright as I'm gonna be. You?

[When Sharon is mentioned she shakes her head.] No, sorry. I'm sure she's around somewhere though.

[corviform]

[ He rubs the joint of his arm, where it aches the most. He can't rest until he's found Sharon and ascertained she's alright. ]

Fine... [ He shakes his head now. ] R-Right... she shouldn't be difficult to spot in these surroundings.

[wisecracked]

[She frowns, not quite believing him but also not willing to pry.]

Yeah... Sir Apple can help, can't you buddy? [The dragon is immediately interested and no longer trying to perch on Gil.] You remember what Sharon looks like right? Think you can find her? [Even if he understands he settles on Kenzi's head.] So not helpful.

I'm sure we'll find her, I'll help you look.

[corviform]

[ He stares for a moment at the dragon, bewildered that it managed to come along.

Of all the things, really? What a strange turn of events... ]

Thank you.

[ A measured pause. ]

This is still the United States, isn't it? They call this place Florida, but the flags are the same as the ones I've seen in the City.

[wisecracked]

[He's apparently a clingy thing.]

No problem. [She smiles, a smile that only grows wider.] Yup! Isn't it great! Beaches and sunshine! I can so, like, work on my tan and relax on the beach and watch high guys in surf! Although...it's doing terrible things to my hair...

[corviform]

[ He looks both surprised and confused to see how readily accepting Kenzi is of their current situation. ]

Lachesis never sends us anywhere without an objective in mind. Then what... [ Gold eyes flick over the locals passing by and the ones who point excitedly toward him and Kenzi. ] What are we to do here?

[wisecracked]

[Kenzi tries to roll with the punches despite the doubts and worries in her mind.]

True... And the last time we ended up in a world where they were ready for us like this... [They were treated like animals and she died. But that's going unsaid. Her voice lowers as she continues speaking, well aware of the attention they're receiving.] I'm more worried about if we can trust our new friends. [Sure, they haven't corralled everyone together and forced them through any kind of evaluations or anything but she's sure they're keeping an eye on everyone.]

As far as what we're to do here...I guess keep living? The City is gone and I'm guessing Lachesis is too.

[corviform]

I'm not sure I understand them either.

[ He lifts his arm, pulling back his sleeve to look at the strange tattoo on his wrist. He rubs at it, but it remains where it is; embedded deep within the skin.

He bristles listening to the words "the City is gone". ]

Do you really think so?

[wisecracked]

[She frowns at him.] How can you think it's still there, it was eaten up by the same... [She pauses as she tries to think of how to refer to Lachesis' sister. She was far more than just a transporter or an AI tied to one, she made that much clear.]entity I talked about us trying to find.