MISSION 004 WRAP-UP

[etrayamods]

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: August 9th and going forward
WHERE: Returning to Etraya
WHAT: End of Mission 004 Log
NOTES\WARNINGS: N/A

⏵ there's no place like home ⏴ On the morning of August 9th, every Etrayan’s earpiece receives a message from Eos: FAIL or PASS in big, bold letters with no further context. Players are free to choose which response their character gets; if they were able to go through Moorecroft without letting on that they were from Etraya, or another city bubble in general, they will receive a PASS. Those whose identities as Etrayans were spoiled, will get a FAIL. This response has no bearing on whether or not they participated in the midnight breakouts, nor what condition they’ve managed to get themselves into. It wouldn’t be the first time some kids from Moorecroft tore up the town looking for answers, even if it is the first time in a while they’ve managed to get as far as they had and cause as much damage as they have. Regardless, any responses sent to Eos will bounce right back to the original sender, with a RECEIVER UNAVAILABLE error: it seems that, shortly after sending through their results, all of those from Etraya have been disconnected from Eos’ network, and reconnected to Aurora’s by the friendly companion bots stepping through another portal in the middle of Moorecroft’s park. They’ll offer waves of their hands, and usher everyone back to Etraya proper. They’ll offer explanations similar to what Aurora would give to newcomers arriving to those who were dropped in with Eos, as well as offer to assist them in getting settled in Etraya. The companion bots will allow Etrayans to step through the portal with items they can carry, minus the smaller android babies. If they insist, it will be explained to them that, much like the companion bots native to Etraya, these babies are meant to assist newcomers in settling, and they cannot take them from Eos. Welcome home. At the very least, everything looks normal on this side. ⏵ whispered secrets of the night ⏴ Or it seems normal enough. While previous excursions outside of Etraya have featured environmental changes, the city bubble now appears exactly as it had before everyone left. Buildings stand as pristine as ever, animals have been fed and cared for, and everyone is invited to return to their homes for a quick rest. But as you meander through the familiar streets and over bridges, an unsettling stillness clings to the air. The usual sounds of Etraya–the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the chatter from the companion bots– feel slightly off. Shadows stretch a little too long, lingering in the corners of your vision, and the light, although warm, seems to cast an unnatural tint over everything. It’s as if the city itself had been holding its breath in everyone’s absence. As days pass, the eerie stillness begins to ebb. The animals gradually resume their usual activities, and companion bots return to their routines, chatting with Etrayans as they wander the city and help set up new facilities. Yet despite the return of normalcy, a sense of unease lingers. The city feels different as if it’s been touched by something while you were away. There are no curfews on Etraya, unlike Moorecroft, but those who wander in the dark may be unable to help but notice that it almost feels as if something is watching you, waiting for you to let your guard down. Etraya appears to be the same, but something has changed, shifted. And it’s only a matter of time before that change reveals itself. Those who wander outside at night during their first several days back will feel like they are being watched, but will be unable to find what is watching them, regardless of the method they use to try and discern what it is. ⏵ sea la vie ⏴ The unsettling sensation of being watched gradually fades over the next few days. Etraya begins to feel more like the place you remember: slightly empty, but comfortably so. The weather shifts unpredictably, with cool breezes one day and almost stifling warmth the next. The companion bots, seemingly oblivious to any lingering unease, appear to be in full vacation mode. They spend a significant amount of time on the two small, sandy islands that are just south of the hospital, setting up for what looks like the perfect beach day. Chairs are arranged in neat rows, colorful towels are spread out across the sand, and a small shack has been built just off the side of the bridge that offers swimsuits and any other beach-related item that they could need - or most of them! The narrow river means surfboards are out of the question; instead, the bots provide massive tube floaties, perfect for lazily drifting down the currents. ⏵ polaroid pandemonium ⏴ Everyone receives an invitation to Corrine’s Cafe, along with a table number. The invitation may arrive via a companion bot delivering it to them physically, or as a direct message from Aurora via their earpiece. The invitation instructs them to meet at the cafe at a specific time and sit at a designated table. At each table, two envelopes sit in front of two chairs, each containing a collection of photos. These images capture significant moments from your history - events you may have forgotten or ones that have shaped who you are. On the back of each envelope, instructions for the task await: discuss the moment featured in the photo with your partner, and share what it means to you. Whether it’s a memory of a terrible ordeal, or one of your happiest times with your loved ones. The choice to participate is yours; however, Aurora and the companion bots make it clear that your place at the table is pre-reserved whether you show up or not - meaning, your photos may still be viewed by others, even if you decide not to show up. ⏵ NOTES ⏴ This log marks the end of their visit to Moorecroft! Characters return to Etraya on August 9th regardless of what shenanigans they were getting up to within the other city bubble. We'll be following up with the mission: breakout threads, as well as continuing to follow through with NPC threads and provide further information for those still participating in plotting. For any questions relating to the contents of this log, please use the mod queries thread. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ. ⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Comments

rosie | original | ota (just mind the cw's!)

[hasitsthorns]

❥ no place like home.
(cw: nsfw humor)

When Rosie was informed that she could keep items she could carry, it seemed only natural what she should do. Although doubtless she would be able to eventually acquire similar items in Etraya eventually, why pass up such a good opportunity? Domestic life on Moorecraft had provided some much needed stress relief. She wasn't about ready to let that go, so...

She stuffs a cute purse full of 'adult' toys and all the accessories she might need. Easily carried and no one needs to be any the wiser. Now, excuse her as she just tries to make a beeline for home. She will, of course, stop for any friendly faces that want to talk after the mission. But if she seems in a hurry or, uh, more anxious than usual- No, she doesn't!

Mind your business!

❥ polaroid pandemoinum.

Going to the cafe to stroll down memory lane isn't quite what Rosie expected to do today. It's not that she minds, really. At least, not the first envelope. That one has a happy set of memories.

The second one though is a bit more bittersweet.

First Envelope

❥ Each photo of Rosie in this set has her playing a guitar. The places, people, and details are always different in each picture. The only consistency seems to be her presence and music.

Second Envelope

❥ The first photo starts off innocuous enough. It's a picture of Rosie in the arms of a large, tanned man bridal style and posing with flair. On either of his side, he's flanked by a serious-looking man and another tall, lithe androgynous blond. They all have the same green eyes.

❥ The second photo is of her - dressed to the nines - and a redheaded man in a three-piece suit. Despite the way they smile at each other in the photograph, it feels off somehow. Wrong. Colder than it should be, maybe, for what's supposed to be an intimate moment.

( cw: sex work, sexual abuse )

❥ The third and following photos though are the ones that unsettle her the most. As soon as she sees one, she's turning it over quickly and stuffing it back inside the envelope so only an edge peaks out. Her head is dipped forward to continue looking over the two she has laid out thoughtfully.

But the true reason is so that her hair curtains her face and hides her misty eyes and pained expression. Clients taking pictures wasn't new so she actually isn't surprised that Aurora managed to get some; yet, it was one thing to live what she did but another to have the worst of it highlighted and made possible for all to see.

❥ wildcard/plot with me.

(( hi hello shows up two weeks late w/time horton's. anyway! here's rosie and her fucked up memories for you all. mind the cw's if you wanna' engage with that last photo prompt because it will get heavy in terms of the themes listed! if you have any other ideas or wanna' talk things out tho lmk @ tentamenace on discord/plurk! ))

☽ Polaroid Pandemonium - envelope 2

[hauntedsnowfall]

Dimitri was uncertain what he was in for when he got the summons to the Cafe. He's heard rumors about missions being more difficult than the one he arrived during, but upon entering Corrine’s Cafe he is admittedly a little disappointed. It appears to be just a regular facility one could obtain a warm beverage at. Which he will still acquire even if this isn't what he was hoping fore.

The nights in Etraya have been both easier and harder on Dimitri. It doesn't sound like his ghosts are ripping at the walls here, but also he's given exponentially more free time to do... nothing. Nothing but think. So, Dimitri has taken to preoccupying himself with trying to hunt that which seems to be watching in the night. Something is out there, and he isn't the only one who feels it. It feels dangerous which makes for a perfect task for Dimitri.

Rather than this assigned seating tea party, or whatever it is. Once Dimitri has a mug- a far sturdier cup to drink from of tea he makes his way towards the table he has been assigned. He doesn't recognize most of the faces in there, however he lucks out when finds Rosie there with her head bowed. Does she have a headache? Should I have gotten her tea? Regardless he is here now and it seems she isn't looking up.

Tapping the table twice with his finger, Dimitri tilts his head and asks, "Would you like me to get you anything to drink?" Thankfully he doesn't have to be the one to prepare the tea here. He wasn't the most skilled at it, being unable to tell with the drink had reached it's peak flavor.

[hasitsthorns]

Rosie, too, had thought her first mission would be something more daunting. Peter Parker had spoken to dolls coming alive and trying to kill people, after all. By comparison, an easy jaunt in a domestic little town seemed... easy. Yet, she'd failed. She's trying to not let that get to her, honestly, and though the cafe summons would help.

The tap to the table draws her attention with a small start. She sniffles harshly to try and keep the glassy sheen to her eyes just that and not actually cry. Embarrassing, right? Ugh. "Oh, uhm," she speaks, finally, voice quieter than she means. The blond gives a light cough before picking her head back up and doing her best to smile like always.

"No! Thanks, that's sweet, but I'm. I'm alright, I think." Said just as much to reassure herself as him, perhaps. "I was just lost in thought."

[hauntedsnowfall]

Definitely not a headache. Well, it's possible there is one afflicting her as well, but that clearly isn't the primary reason her head is down. Very concerning, he knows a lot of people are not comfortable being emotionally compromised in a public setting, himself included. Dimitri gives a quick glance around the shop, mostly to ensure no one was staring at Rosie, then pulls out the chair and sits down.

"This is probably something you would rather hear from a friend, but you do not need to pretend all is fine as your soul bleeds. Has something happened?" There is genuine concern in his eye as he says this quietly, so as not to draw unwanted attention from the other patrons. While he may not know her well she had been kind and helpful back in Moorecroft. He wants to help if he can.

Dimitri's attention hasn't strayed from Rosie since sitting down, which means he hasn't registered his own envelope in front of him. Nor has he taken the time to see that it appears to be the activity of everyone else seated in the cafe.

[hasitsthorns]

It is, actually, what she needs to be drawn out of her own glum mental state. While it's not that she doesn't take his words to heart, it is also just... comical. What he says seems so intense for the unexpected emotional jab these pictures caused; yet, she knows he means it. Part of her isn't sure if that makes it funnier or not. "Hey, that's- Friend or no, I appreciate it."

She does. Truly. And while her instinct is to shake her head and say nothing happened, she would be alright, well- Isn't that what he just advised her not to do? It's a little scary to be honest about it. Why should he care? Why should anyone? It's not like she was the only one, probably, dealing with shitty memories thrust at her unexpectedly.

"It's just, uhm. The pictures. Some of them are a little difficult to look at is all. For me, I mean. I'm not surprised to see them, just... I didn't want, uh, those parts of my job before here to, like, upset anyone."