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  1. #1
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    Default Oblitus Magia: Verse 1 - Fateful Encounter in the City of Fools

    Survivor Side
    With a sudder, the docking clamps slide in place. The solid floor trembles a moment before the engine dies down...leaving only the confused murmuring, banging metal and the occasional scream of some confused or maddened soul. The sound sends a chill down the spine, triggering memory deep within the ruin fog that smothers your mind...but alas, to no avail. You know not how you got here, perhaps no more then all the others, but you know WHY you are here.

    A-9 has fallen to ruin. Your home is no more...

    You and your fellow survivors are ushered, or perhaps a better word would be shepherded, into single file and led through dimly lit metallic hallways flanked by armed solders. The feeling is oppressive...one would be forgiven in assuming by look alone that this was a prison transfer more then the survivors of some disaster. Shouts far in the back and far to the front of the line announce the intentions of others in seeking their loved ones...and are met with strict command from the guards to stay in line, and stricter punishment...if the crack of bone somewhere nearby was any indication.

    The process takes well over 20 minutes, but slowly you and the others are brought blinded and blinking into the sunlight outside.



    You've very little time to admire the vessel that bore you here....save for noting the unloading of human and cargo alike. Another plank further down bares what appears to be a much more traditional prisoners, several chained and secured to various degrees.

    Single file, you continue on.

    "Welcome to Urban Center A-11, One of...if not the oldest, of the great sheltered cities of Earth." You hear some insipid greeter announce proudly to someone ahead in the line.

    "Halt." A cold voice orders. "You've been selected for express screening and debriefing.....please exit the line and follow me." A rather gruff looking solder takes you by the shoulder....and the heavy footsteps of two others remind you that obedience is mandatory. Now flanked, you are led off down a side and placed with several others who appear to be waiting for their own 'debriefing'.

    Prisoner Side

    A level below the docking platform, the holding Administration holding cells are abuzz with chatter as a row of heavily guarded men and women are led down from top side.

    However you ended up here, this is the most action you've likely seen in days....assuming you've been in there that long. Nonetheless, several guards are now standing outside each cell giving the contents very dirty side glances as the row of prisoners are led through and placed in their own cells.

    There is, however, two exceptions. Firstly, A man in what can only be described as a full body restraint and flanked by heavily armed guards. The man had a neutral expression, but cast quick glances at each cell as he was pushed pash....seemingly sizing up their contents.

    Behind him was another prisoner.....or rather, a cell on lift. Save for their eyes, the prisoner in the rear was completely enclosed in restrains and secured in a small mobile containment cell......anyone with a remote inkling of Administratum security would know it was the type of cell reserved for particularly high risk threats.

    "Whoa, steady.....Steady with that." The guard waved as the moved the cell into position. "....I wasn't told we'd be getting this many guests...."

    "Ruin Conspirators." One of the escort guards responded. "We've received special authorization from Administrator Gretel to hold them here until she arrives...." He approaches the guard on duty and hands him a missive. "Witch support will be joining you soon."

    The guard on duty cringed. "....surely we don't..."

    "Its not up to us...order from the top. You know the drill..." The escort guard smiled grimly. "Don't give them an excuse and do your damn job."

    "Yes......What about that one." The guard pointed to the cage, and the escort responded with a shake of his head. "That one is a Witch Killer.....The Administrator wants some time with it before it is sent to Einsberg......and more importantly...." The escort led the guard to the side and whispered something in his ear, eyeing the cells nearby. The guard nodded and mouthed something just barely audible.

    "Right....no witnesses."

    Returning to his post, the guard waves the escort through and then begins organizing the remaining guards as the heavily guarded man and the "witch killer" are both escorted to a cell at the end of the row.

    Citizen Start
    With all bad news....it began with that damnable chime.

    On every TV, every slum issues public monitor(that wasn't vandalized), every loudspeaker. The chime meant two things......an important announcement, or the public relations arm of the administratum was gearing up for another round of pubic ego stroking. In either event, the average citizen knew nothing good ever came from it......

    "Citizens of A-11, this is a public service announcement." The collective sigh of relief at it not being the latter nearly drowned out the announcers voice. "Please give your attention to the following message from A-11 Administrator Gretel."

    There was a pause, then the monitors lit up with the figure of a regal young woman in uniform, arms folded behind her back.

    "My Dear Citizens.....It is with my deepest regret, that I bare news of another city.....Our sister city, A-9, has fallen to ruin." Gretels stoic gaze, combined with her words, brings a halt to activity all over the city. "As I speak, transport ships bearing the survivors are arriving with news of what has transpired.....241 brave souls, spared by the Nephilims will. 241.....out of 23,011."

    Her gaze grows sharp. "Once more humanity has been tested by the ruin....and we are left to bare witness to the horrifying results of failure. Humans who undermine the authority of the Administratum and consort with ruin once more bring it to our doorstep. I ask you....citizens of A-11, to share a moment of silence in memory and contemplation. To remember...always....that ruin cannot force its way in, it must be let in. A lapse in will, a seditious whisper, a loss of faith.....these are the cracks that allow it in."

    Gretel lowers her head, and for a few moments allows an air of silence to take hold of the city.

    "......Today, I grieve for our loss.....but justice will be served. The instigators and their leader have been captured and are awaiting transport....I assure all of you, they will be punished.....publicly." Her gaze seemed to soften, and something barely registering as a smile appeared. "Welcome our new friends with open arms.....and remember, we are all equal under the Nephilim."

    The feed cuts, replaced with the Administratum Sigil.

    Those close enough to the southern skyport at the border between the middle sector and slums, will see massive ships pulling in high above.....preparing to unload their precious cargo.

    Perhaps...it'll be something worth seeing close up.
    Last edited by MrSandman; 07-04-2020 at 08:38 PM.

  2. #2
    This Isn't Home Yun Lao's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MrSandman View Post
    Survivor Side
    It's been a while since I was last able to write. I remember how jittery and anxious I felt without a diary... or maybe it wasn't just because I didn't have a literary option to vent my feelings.

    Everything was a haze the day that A-9 fell to ruin. I remember coming to inside that blimp, hearing the others mutter, cry, and shout and I can't help but admit that I was frightened, not knowing what became of my family. It didn't help that we prodded off the ship into the lukewarm arms of people who seemed to be going through the motions when greeting people who just survived what we did.

    Not me, though...

    Some mean-looking soldier yanked me out of line, something about an express line...

    "W-where's my family?" The girl asked, struggling to match the massive soldier's pace as she was pushed and pulled by the soldiers until suddenly stopping, tripping over her own two feet across the floor. Wincing, she got to her feet and found herself surrounded by others like herself and despite the throbbing pain of her knee and wrist, chose to admire the simplicity of the floor.

    It didn't take a genius to realize that her rescue was not because of the kindness of one's heart.

  3. #3
    Invincible Jersey Ninja Tami's Avatar
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    Prisoner Side

    Luck isn't always by chance, sometimes you have to work hard for it. Keeping a low profile, staying out of sight of the authorities, leaving no trail or trace of his existence. For nearly 25 years he had survived this way, until now.

    It happens, though rarely. A city falls, most die or are lost, some survive and are transported to the next nearest city. It happens, though rarely, rare enough to finally let down his defenses and give in to his curiosity.

    He had only a moment to observe the new arrivals before being surrounded. The temptation to make a run for it was strong, but he knew it would only make things worse.

    That was only a short time ago. And now here he is, sitting on this hard bench/bed, staring at the cell bars, awaiting his fate.

    Looking out past his cell, listening, he could hear and see others being herded into their own respected cells, he could see the one who was already en-celled as they passed by his. It was but a moment's diversion as he again pondered his own situation.

    Did his luck finally run out? Or is this just another obstacle to overcome? Only time will tell.
    Last edited by Tami; 07-05-2020 at 05:05 AM.
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  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by MrSandman View Post
    Survivor Side
    With a sudder, the docking clamps slide in place. The solid floor trembles a moment before the engine dies down...leaving only the confused murmuring, banging metal and the occasional scream of some confused or maddened soul. The sound sends a chill down the spine, triggering memory deep within the ruin fog that smothers your mind...but alas, to no avail. You know not how you got here, perhaps no more then all the others, but you know WHY you are here.

    A-9 has fallen to ruin. Your home is no more...

    You and your fellow survivors are ushered, or perhaps a better word would be shepherded, into single file and led through dimly lit metallic hallways flanked by armed solders. The feeling is oppressive...one would be forgiven in assuming by look alone that this was a prison transfer more then the survivors of some disaster. Shouts far in the back and far to the front of the line announce the intentions of others in seeking their loved ones...and are met with strict command from the guards to stay in line, and stricter punishment...if the crack of bone somewhere nearby was any indication.

    The process takes well over 20 minutes, but slowly you and the others are brought blinded and blinking into the sunlight outside.



    You've very little time to admire the vessel that bore you here....save for noting the unloading of human and cargo alike. Another plank further down bares what appears to be a much more traditional prisoners, several chained and secured to various degrees.

    Single file, you continue on.

    "Welcome to Urban Center A-11, One of...if not the oldest, of the great sheltered cities of Earth." You hear some insipid greeter announce proudly to someone ahead in the line.

    "Halt." A cold voice orders. "You've been selected for express screening and debriefing.....please exit the line and follow me." A rather gruff looking solder takes you by the shoulder....and the heavy footsteps of two others remind you that obedience is mandatory. Now flanked, you are led off down a side and placed with several others who appear to be waiting for their own 'debriefing'.
    Selma scowled at the feeling of the hand on her shoulder, "guiding" her somewhere for express screening and debriefing. She had more important things to than deal with a bunch of gun-toting jack-booted thugs who want to try and intimidate her. Like finding out if any of her family survived... whatever happened to A-9. Her hand gripped the strap of her guitar as she walked, each thud of the heavy footsteps following her causing her ire to rise.

    'I have to play nice. I have to play nice. I have to play nice.' Selma repeated mentally, knowing that nothing good would come from attacking these soldiers or using Shadow Sneak to try and escape them. She had no choice but to play along until she could get free and begin her hunt for surviving family members.

    'Please, I beg of you, let them have survived. Or at least let my little siblings have made it.' Selma thought, eyes forward as she walked with the others chosen for this nonsense.
    Critics who treat adult as a term of approval, instead of as a merely descriptive term, cannot be adult themselves. To be concerned about being grown up, to admire the grown up because it is grown up, to blush at the suspicion of being childish; these things are the marks of childhood and adolescence.
    - C.S. Lewis

  5. #5
    Voice of the Authorities Cleric of Hell’s Brigade's Avatar
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    Owen watches as the ships start making their way in, sighing at the loss of so many people. He watches, leaning against his umbrella, gazing out as the ships dock and start disgorging their precious cargo.
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  6. #6
    Lin Kuei Grandmaster Sub-Zero MKA's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MrSandman View Post
    Prisoner Side
    A level below the city itself, the atmosphere was grim and dank. People in handcuffs were led single file down a nondescript hall with open cell doors lining each side of the hall. Other than the faint whispers of the guards leading a mysterious person inside a metal box and the equally faint murmurs of the despondent and guilty, there was nothing but silence. One by one, people were placed inside the cells, resigned to nothing but the grim fate of awaiting their judgment.

    She was placed inside her cell. Her fate was sealed. Jumping from one Urban Center to another was strictly illegal. She had little doubt that whatever punishment the Administratum had in store for her was going to be unpleasant.

    Fan Xia had went her entire childhood doing her best to avoid trouble. All it took was a few short years as an adult to find herself exactly where she feared she would end up. "..."
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  7. #7
    Astonishing Member KingofPie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MrSandman View Post
    Prisoner Side
    From within a darkened cell, it's occupant's eyes opened to the sounds of footsteps. Moreso than usual. Made far more clamor this time around. Must be someone important for them to be so especially damn noisy.

    A level below the docking platform, the holding Administration holding cells are abuzz with chatter as a row of heavily guarded men and women are led down from top side.

    However you ended up here, this is the most action you've likely seen in days....assuming you've been in there that long. Nonetheless, several guards are now standing outside each cell giving the contents very dirty side glances as the row of prisoners are led through and placed in their own cells.
    "Special delivery incoming, huh?" A raspy voice called out from the corner of the cell. "Only reason I can figure they got the lot of you lined up here all nice'n'ugly."

    There is, however, two exceptions. Firstly, A man in what can only be described as a full body restraint and flanked by heavily armed guards. The man had a neutral expression, but cast quick glances at each cell as he was pushed pash....seemingly sizing up their contents.

    Behind him was another prisoner.....or rather, a cell on lift. Save for their eyes, the prisoner in the rear was completely enclosed in restrains and secured in a small mobile containment cell......anyone with a remote inkling of Administratum security would know it was the type of cell reserved for particularly high risk threats.

    "Whoa, steady.....Steady with that." The guard waved as the moved the cell into position. "....I wasn't told we'd be getting this many guests...."

    "Ruin Conspirators." One of the escort guards responded. "We've received special authorization from Administrator Gretel to hold them here until she arrives...." He approaches the guard on duty and hands him a missive. "Witch support will be joining you soon."

    The guard on duty cringed. "....surely we don't..."

    "Its not up to us...order from the top. You know the drill..." The escort guard smiled grimly. "Don't give them an excuse and do your damn job."

    "Yes......What about that one." The guard pointed to the cage, and the escort responded with a shake of his head. "That one is a Witch Killer.....The Administrator wants some time with it before it is sent to Einsberg......and more importantly...." The escort led the guard to the side and whispered something in his ear, eyeing the cells nearby. The guard nodded and mouthed something just barely audible.

    "Right....no witnesses."

    Returning to his post, the guard waves the escort through and then begins organizing the remaining guards as the heavily guarded man and the "witch killer" are both escorted to a cell at the end of the row.
    The cell's occupant grew silent quickly and listened. He was sleepy so he wasn't sure if he'd heard right, but if this wasn't the cloud of drowsiness hanging over him, then...

    "Not everyday you see perps get special treatment like this..." he commented to the glaring guards lined in front of the cells. "Must've been hell to nab. How many died to get 'em, I wonder? Way I see it...answer woulda been zero had they thought to hire good 'ol Ōmu..."

  8. #8
    The Undead One The Chou Lives's Avatar
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    Levin was just entertaining his family and his friends with stories, he loved to tell them and write them. They never made any money but was a way to cope with the bleak world. Aside his other not to mentioned hobbies. Cue the chime and the news being presented.

    “ No, not, A-9.” There was a dead silence as he left, his grandfather offers his hand but he walks out. Into the streets and looks to the sky, seeing the ships.

    https://youtu.be/Tt524wGJFqs

    : Cue him reaching into his coat, out being a pocket container that had the pictures of a young attractive woman. Holding a baby boy.

    -

    “ You cannot leave me, not like this. We have something. Stay, please. I will work two jobs, I will apply for vouchers.” He was three years younger, softer. The young woman, in a doctors outfit with a bump in her belly. “ I can’t. I am being assigned, that is my place and I am needed. Besides, he will remind me of you I think. But, my family does not approve of us.”

    “ But, what about you?” Silence

    -

    : Clutches the pocket container so tight his hand glows and it snaps and cracks as tears run down his face. “ Damnit!” 241, only 241. Just what were those odds?:

    He then marches to the port to see what will be going on, he finds the hidden box near the house and shoves his gloves on in quiet. Metallic gloves with strange markings, he would see to this. He will not act out, but see what will be done. One way or another. As he left home with a grim resolve.

  9. #9

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    Citizen Start

    Quote Originally Posted by MrSandman View Post
    With all bad news....it began with that damnable chime.

    On every TV, every slum issues public monitor(that wasn't vandalized), every loudspeaker. The chime meant two things......an important announcement, or the public relations arm of the administratum was gearing up for another round of pubic ego stroking. In either event, the average citizen knew nothing good ever came from it......

    "Citizens of A-11, this is a public service announcement." The collective sigh of relief at it not being the latter nearly drowned out the announcers voice. "Please give your attention to the following message from A-11 Administrator Gretel."

    There was a pause, then the monitors lit up with the figure of a regal woman in uniform, hands folded neatly behind her back.
    Urban blight.

    From the spray-painted telescreens trilling over the urine-soaked streets, the A-11 slums were a picture of misery. A wasteland teeming with all sorts, scratching at surfaces and clawing at each other, desperate to leave a mark.

    But there were bright spots if you were able to overturn the debris to find them.

    The crowds paused as the chime sounded, and all turned their heads, saved two. The street vendor knew what it meant, but he was slave to his craft first. The sheer volume of birds he'd carved up had hardly sated his only customer of the day. Hunched over a low table seated upon a plastic stool, her figure was huddled under strange vestment, and the white face of a porcelain mask leaned back so far as if it contorted upwards.

    Unblinking eyes stared emptily at telescreen, and the sharp-angled brunette in all her administrative regalia.

    It's not her.

    "My Dear Citizens.....It is with my deepest regret, that I bare news of another city.....Our sister city, A-9, has fallen to ruin." Gretels stoic gaze, combined with her words, brings a halt to activity all over the city. "As I speak, transport ships bearing the survivors are arriving with news of what has transpired.....241 brave souls, spared by the Nephilims will. 241.....out of 23,011."

    Her gaze grows sharp. "Once more humanity has been tested by the ruin....and we are left to bare witness to the horrifying results of failure. Humans who undermine the authority of the Administratum and consort with ruin once more bring it to our doorstep. I ask you....citizens of A-11, to share a moment of silence in memory and contemplation. To remember...always....that ruin cannot force its way in, it must be let in. A lapse in will, a seditious whisper, a loss of faith.....these are the cracks that allow it in."

    Gretel lowers her head, and for a few moments allows an air of silence to take hold of the city.

    "......Today, I grieve for our loss.....but justice will be served. The instigators and their leader have been captured and are awaiting transport....I assure all of you, they will be punished.....publicly." Her gaze seemed to soften, and something barely registering as a smile appeared. "Welcome our new friends with open arms.....and remember, we are all equal under the Nephilim."

    The feed cuts, replaced with the Administratum Sigil.

    Those close enough to the southern skyport at the border between the middle sector and slums, will see massive ships pulling in high above.....preparing to unload their precious cargo.

    Perhaps...it'll be something worth seeing close up.
    The expressionless mask jerked and shifted in spurts of movement, hollow pinholes staring at Administrator Gretel as she spoke; a short distance below its chin, cruel, gnashing teeth snapped rich roasted fowl down to the bones.

    It's not her.

    She stopped chewing for a moment, gnarled red lips spread viciously beneath the facade. The empty eyes continued to stare to the sky of screens even as the announcement ceased.

    Kinu's attention, however, was elsewhere, as taut skin split under her mandibles.

    As the last bites made their way down, she affixed her mask over her face as she slowly stood. Lengths of wild furs and mismatched fabrics fell a weighty train behind her, the distal ends of this wild garment blackening under the urban grime. Kinu stopped a short distance and turned her head, and a silent smile loomed over the vendor.

    "Fat birds never leave the cage."

    She raised her arm, the fan of a wild peacock. A small hand emerged from the sleeve carrying a bunched fistful of dollar bills.

    "That's because they're the easiest ones to roast."

    Brusquely slamming down a stack of that funny-coloured paper - well in excess or well short - Kinu tore her stride forward, her pace wide and lazy.

    Humanity tested by the ruin...?

    Could it be, even now, that this was no accident?

    Then...They...must wanna see the results.

    The airships began to descend, and so Kinu began to strut toward the skyport, seemingly deaf to anything but the rhythm in her own heart.
    Last edited by grampagen; 07-05-2020 at 01:32 AM.

  10. #10
    Archmanifestation of YOLO Noldere's Avatar
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    Survivor Start

    "A debriefing? On what?"

    By the time Lucifer could begin to think even once- much less twice- about what he was saying, the words had already slipped from his lips- a combination of exhaustion and frustration marinading within him for hours making him reasonably compliant yet also unreasonably complainant towards his escorts' demand. "A-9 just got f****d over, and we remnants need to be initiated into our new city's ways and integrated into its general population. What part of that requires a special debriefing?"
    This signature intentionally left blank.

  11. #11

    Default

    Prisoner Side

    A level below the docking platform, the holding Administration holding cells are abuzz with chatter as a row of heavily guarded men and women are led down from top side.

    However you ended up here, this is the most action you've likely seen in days....assuming you've been in there that long. Nonetheless, several guards are now standing outside each cell giving the contents very dirty side glances as the row of prisoners are led through and placed in their own cells.

    There is, however, two exceptions. Firstly, A man in what can only be described as a full body restraint and flanked by heavily armed guards. The man had a neutral expression, but cast quick glances at each cell as he was pushed pash....seemingly sizing up their contents.

    Behind him was another prisoner.....or rather, a cell on lift. Save for their eyes, the prisoner in the rear was completely enclosed in restrains and secured in a small mobile containment cell......anyone with a remote inkling of Administratum security would know it was the type of cell reserved for particularly high risk threats.

    "Whoa, steady.....Steady with that." The guard waved as the moved the cell into position. "....I wasn't told we'd be getting this many guests...."

    "Ruin Conspirators." One of the escort guards responded. "We've received special authorization from Administrator Gretel to hold them here until she arrives...." He approaches the guard on duty and hands him a missive. "Witch support will be joining you soon."

    The guard on duty cringed. "....surely we don't..."

    "Its not up to us...order from the top. You know the drill..." The escort guard smiled grimly. "Don't give them an excuse and do your damn job."

    "Yes......What about that one." The guard pointed to the cage, and the escort responded with a shake of his head. "That one is a Witch Killer.....The Administrator wants some time with it before it is sent to Einsberg......and more importantly...." The escort led the guard to the side and whispered something in his ear, eyeing the cells nearby. The guard nodded and mouthed something just barely audible.
    In a cell is a grizzled middle-aged man with a bitter look on his face. This man looks at a locket that's around his neck and grumbles. He looks past his cell and listens to the other inmates. As he looked and listen, he had a hunch of the fates that await him and his fellow inmates.

    This grizzled middle-aged man knew that based on his record. The only punishment that awaits him from the Administratum is death. However, he was not about to accept that fate.
    Last edited by bruceleegreyhulk; 07-05-2020 at 07:41 AM.
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  12. #12
    Incredible Member Sol_M's Avatar
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    Survivor Start

    So warm.

    Warm, wet, soft. The sound of waves gently lapping over the shore filled her ears.

    The stench filled her nose, her mouth, her throat, and the nausea swelled up in response.

    She knelt on all fours, on a beach of flesh, with an ocean of blood as far as the eyes could see. Head bowed, as she heaved and retched till she was spent.

    Her mouth opened, her lips forming words, but the words she spoke were not hers.

    Chest heaving, as she struggled and failed not to shout, the words resounded across the shoreline

    "Ph'athg shugg hai 'bthnk haioth ebunma, ilyaa nahupadgh s'uhn hrii!"

    The entire world seemed to shudder in response as thunder roared across the sky and the screams began, the very ground she was on moved as though it was awakening.

    And so Irriana was jolted awake.

    ________________________


    Was the ground fleshy? No, it was metal.

    Was she awake? Probably.

    Why was there still rumbling and screaming?

    It took her a second to figure out what the sounds were, and where she was.

    Footsteps. Harsh, cold, voices. Were they speaking to her?

    Fingers pointed, giving directions, and sharp words cut through her daze as her feet struggled to keep pace as she joined the line with the others.

    Her mind wandered, barely registering what was happening as she struggled to remember how she arrived here.

    She wasn't a stranger to knowing why she was at a certain place without any memory of how she got there, but something about all of this worried her, perhaps because she had no idea what lay in store for her.

    ____________________________

    After what felt like forever, there was sunlight. Far too much sunlight. How long had it been since she'd seen the sun?

    She could barely see the city that lay before her, or the vessel that brought her here, as she scrunched up her face against the brightness.

    The announcer welcomed them into the city, but before they could proceed, a voice called out to them, ordering them to halt.

    Express screening and debriefing? What did that even mean? Did they know? She hadn't done anything in months, how could they know?

    What if they knew?

    The weight of a hand landed on her shoulder, steering her away from the line she was in. She was failing to quell the panic. Her head throbbed, like the beginnings of a migraine.

    She didn't know what happened before she got here, she didn't know what to expect.

    "Okay, fine.", she muttered. "Hope you know more about this than I do."
    Last edited by Sol_M; 07-05-2020 at 09:12 AM.

  13. #13
    She/Her Cthulhu_of_R'lyeh's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MrSandman View Post
    "Right....no witnesses."

    Returning to his post, the guard waves the escort through and then begins organizing the remaining guards as the heavily guarded man and the "witch killer" are both escorted to a cell at the end of the row.
    As it passed the cells, something stirred within the depths of the 'Coffin'. Two eyes peered out, lost... fearful. At odds with the trappings of steel, and rune warding: a plaintive whisper trickled out from the Coffin's slight opening.

    "H... help me. Please... they're going to kill me..."
    Yeah, but if you... man, we're getting into weird analogy territory, like if you disintegrated Superman's arms he wouldn't be able to go "fool! Little did you know that my arms and I are one and can be remade from me!" and will his arms back into being from pure nothingness. - Pendaran

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  14. #14
    Retired Overlord
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    Survivor Side

    Quote Originally Posted by Yun Lao View Post
    "W-where's my family?" The girl asked, struggling to match the massive soldier's pace as she was pushed and pulled by the soldiers until suddenly stopping, tripping over her own two feet across the floor. Wincing, she got to her feet and found herself surrounded by others like herself and despite the throbbing pain of her knee and wrist, chose to admire the simplicity of the floor.

    It didn't take a genius to realize that her rescue was not because of the kindness of one's heart.
    "You'll join your family shortly." The Guard said in kinda of friendly voice that raises the hair on ones back. His grip on her shoulder was hard, seemingly used to pulling people much larger then her....in comparison she was akin to carrying a twig. Perhaps that was why she ended up so unceremoniously lobbed into the cell.

    Or maybe the guard was a dick.....either or.

    As for the floor.....white, hard and covered in skuff marks.....and a smell that one couldn't put into words.

    Quote Originally Posted by Noldere View Post
    Survivor Start

    "A debriefing? On what?"

    By the time Lucifer could begin to think even once- much less twice- about what he was saying, the words had already slipped from his lips- a combination of exhaustion and frustration marinading within him for hours making him reasonably compliant yet also unreasonably complainant towards his escorts' demand. "A-9 just got f****d over, and we remnants need to be initiated into our new city's ways and integrated into its general population. What part of that requires a special debriefing?"
    "This way mister Remdire." The Guard referred to him by name...sort of, but didn't skip out on the shoulder leading in directing him to the side. "Luxweave representatives have already been alerted of your arrival...please cooperate for the time being while we sort out your debriefing."

    The guard led him to the cell and give him a curtsy push inside.

    Quote Originally Posted by The Dog View Post
    Selma scowled at the feeling of the hand on her shoulder, "guiding" her somewhere for express screening and debriefing. She had more important things to than deal with a bunch of gun-toting jack-booted thugs who want to try and intimidate her. Like finding out if any of her family survived... whatever happened to A-9. Her hand gripped the strap of her guitar as she walked, each thud of the heavy footsteps following her causing her ire to rise.

    'I have to play nice. I have to play nice. I have to play nice.' Selma repeated mentally, knowing that nothing good would come from attacking these soldiers or using Shadow Sneak to try and escape them. She had no choice but to play along until she could get free and begin her hunt for surviving family members.

    'Please, I beg of you, let them have survived. Or at least let my little siblings have made it.' Selma thought, eyes forward as she walked with the others chosen for this nonsense.
    Quote Originally Posted by Sol_M View Post
    The weight of a hand landed on her shoulder, steering her away from the line she was in. She was failing to quell the panic. Her head throbbed, like the beginnings of a migraine.

    She didn't know what happened before she got here, she didn't know what to expect.

    "Okay, fine.", she muttered. "Hope you know more about this than I do."
    At this point, the "debriefing" cell is slowly getting more and more crowded.....and so far nobody has actually be taken out of it for the actual debriefing. The two guards at the door ignore any questions about what is happening or how long they are planning to stay there.

    Looking around inside, there doesn't appear to be any rhyme or reason to the selection process. In the corner an older lady in deep though, a man in a business suit, two sisters - a younger and an older, a girl in trendy clothes - clearly from a well off family, and a gruff looking older man with a facial tatoo.

  15. #15
    Retired Overlord
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    Prisoner Side


    Quote Originally Posted by Tami View Post
    That was only a short time ago. And now here he is, sitting on this hard bench/bed, staring at the cell bars, awaiting his fate.

    Looking out past his cell, listening, he could hear and see others being herded into their own respected cells, he could see the one who was already en-celled as they passed by his. It was but a moment's diversion as he again pondered his own situation.

    Did his luck finally run out? Or is this just another obstacle to overcome? Only time will tell.
    Quote Originally Posted by Sub-Zero MKA View Post
    A level below the city itself, the atmosphere was grim and dank. People in handcuffs were led single file down a nondescript hall with open cell doors lining each side of the hall. Other than the faint whispers of the guards leading a mysterious person inside a metal box and the equally faint murmurs of the despondent and guilty, there was nothing but silence. One by one, people were placed inside the cells, resigned to nothing but the grim fate of awaiting their judgment.

    She was placed inside her cell. Her fate was sealed. Jumping from one Urban Center to another was strictly illegal. She had little doubt that whatever punishment the Administratum had in store for her was going to be unpleasant.

    Fan Xia had went her entire childhood doing her best to avoid trouble. All it took was a few short years as an adult to find herself exactly where she feared she would end up. "..."
    Quote Originally Posted by bruceleegreyhulk View Post
    In a cell is a grizzled middle-aged man with a bitter look on his face. This man looks at a locket that's around his neck and grumbles. He looks past his cell and listens to the other inmates. As he looked and listen, he had a hunch of the fates that await him and his fellow inmates.

    This grizzled middle-aged man knew that based on his record. The only punishment that awaits him from the Administratum is death. However, he was not about to accept that fate.
    Quote Originally Posted by KingofPie View Post
    From within a darkened cell, it's occupant's eyes opened to the sounds of footsteps. Moreso than usual. Made far more clamor this time around. Must be someone important for them to be so especially damn noisy.



    "Special delivery incoming, huh?" A raspy voice called out from the corner of the cell. "Only reason I can figure they got the lot of you lined up here all nice'n'ugly."



    The cell's occupant grew silent quickly and listened. He was sleepy so he wasn't sure if he'd heard right, but if this wasn't the cloud of drowsiness hanging over him, then...

    "Not everyday you see perps get special treatment like this..." he commented to the glaring guards lined in front of the cells. "Must've been hell to nab. How many died to get 'em, I wonder? Way I see it...answer woulda been zero had they thought to hire good 'ol Ōmu..."
    The guard in front of Omu's cell rolled his eyes under his face shield. "Not everyday you get to watch it from inside a cell either Omu.....****** enjoy it, might be the last show you get to watch."

    "No talking to the prisoner....especially not that one." The head guard quickly barked, putting the guard at attention.

    Quote Originally Posted by Cthulhu_of_R'lyeh View Post
    As it passed the cells, something stirred within the depths of the 'Coffin'. Two eyes peered out, lost... fearful. At odds with the trappings of steel, and rune warding: a plaintive whisper trickled out from the Coffin's slight opening.

    "H... help me. Please... they're going to kill me..."
    A sudden hard crack again the side of her unit sent a painful vibration through the prisoners ears. "Can it Murderer....." The escort guard growled. "Count yourself lucky, in any other situation we'd be taking our time.....but we got a bigger fish to flay today."

    After another moment, her cell is pushed into the corner and sealed in along with the heavily secured man....leaving the two seal and alone in the rear cell.

    The man gives her cell an unassuming glance, then twitches his nose. ".......damn....."

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