MISSION 007

[etrayamods]

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: January 24th - ???
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The Quantum Rail
NOTES\WARNINGS: Class warfare, potential death.

⏵ the quantum rail ⏴ The morning of January 24th dawns with a sharp chill in the air, under a pale, overcast sky. Characters are all summoned to arrive to the new train station perched at the edge of the South Eastern island right on the edge of Etraya's barrier. The station itself feels like an artifact from another time - polished steel and worn brass glint beneath the pale light. Beyond the barrier, the tracks stretch out impossibly, gliding over dead earth and extending beyond the curve of the planet's edge into the space beyond. No explanation is given for how the rails defy gravity, or why it's placed as such. Only the train may cross the barrier safely, and everyone must be inside of it before it begins it's trek. Aurora is present at the train station to see off everyone, and to remind them that they either need to take any companion animals along with them, or leave them in her direct care so she can bring them into the hospital where they will be safe until everyone returns. No one is allowed to stay behind, and any organic matter left outside of the hospital may not be the same when the citizens of Etraya return. The train itself pulls through the barrier with little problem: some may notice the paneling of the barrier sliding out of the way to allow it to come through, and how some of the more liquid elements of the barrier stick to a few areas outside the train as it pulls up - an element that looks misplaced on the seemingly ancient train. Aurora, along with her companion bots, direct the crowds to the correct carriages they'll need to board. The Elites are brought to carriages towards the front of the train, whereas everyone else is brought lower. Neons are dropped off to the beginning of their carriages, and Sprawls and Dregs are directed to board along with them. With the train stopped where it is, the only accessible carriages are those who belong to the upper class: the lower classes will have to travel backwards to get to their living quarters. Every Dreg is given a special pass, excusing their presence in areas of the train they may not usually be allowed, due to them assisting with an unspecified "mechanical issue". They will discover why upon boarding: it quickly becomes apparent that those already aboard were entirely unaware the train had stopped at all. It's been running ceaselessly for generations, the rhythmic hum of it's machinery woven into the very fabric of life aboard. Stories of a world before the train only linger in fragments - passed down as legends from the ancestors of those who currently reside on the train. Their world had been dying, they were told, and the only way to survive was to remain aboard the train as it sped along the Quantum Rail, drawing infinite power from the energy of it's movement. No one truly understands the mechanisms that keep it in motion, but everyone understands that stepping off the train means certain death. To survive, it must continue, and so must the passengers residing within it. ⏵ life on the train ⏴ Life on the train is dictated by the class one is born into. This does not change, unless an Elite takes pity on one of those below them. However, not even Elites have ultimate power! They are allowed to request to keep someone of lower ranking along with them, but cannot grant them any power. They may not take in more individuals than they can house, and any actions taken by those under their care become the Elite's responsibility—including crimes. But why would any Elites take advantage of this? Their lives are perfect, pristine, they want for nothing, and they have all the companions here that they could ever need. Their lifestyles show their status: their days are filled with elaborate social events, from masquerade balls to massive feasts and fun theater performances. Their carriages are lavish, with gold-inlaid floors, crystal chandeliers, and suites that look like miniature mansions all on their own. Elites live disconnected from the workings of the train, viewing it as a luxury liner rather than the lifeboat that it is. They may squabble between one another - Lady Lyra and Sir Grey have been known to fail to keep their quarrels on the quite side, and rumors of their affairs are often whispered between other socialites. But everything else? Well. The lower classes are there for their benefit, clearly. Why would they need to worry about anything? The Neons thrive on structure and order. Their carriages feature a minimalist design, focusing on productivity. Their children follow a strict school schedule, and are often and are often assigned to their future roles based on observed skills. Their schooling is then based wholly around what role they will be given. There is limited choice among the Neons, and it becomes obvious from a very young age. They are assigned life partners among other Neons, are expected to reproduce just enough to replace their numbers and no more. Doctors make their rounds, teachers hold their lessons for Elites, Neons, and Sprawls alike, and administrators enforce policies. Those who defy the regimented structure are quietly removed from their carriages and left with the Dregs, if they don't vanish entirely without explanation. Given this, not many are willing to step out of line, and most keep to themselves and their small family units. In the carriages just beyond, the Sprawls lead lives of steady labor. Their areas are a blend of workshops and homes, where families may share compact spaces surrounded by tools, the smell of grease, and half-finished projects that are never entirely put away. Their shared kitchens and small gardens provide a sense of community, where individuals get together to eat their meals between projects. The devices they create and projects they're given are solely meant to replace broken parts and keep the train moving and nothing more. Given the limited amount of materials available, their inventory is carefully guarded. Life isn't glamorous, but they have freedom to choose their spouses - or choose to not have one. If the number of Sprawls begins getting too low, a few children are selected from the Dregs to move up the ranks. While they are more free to make their own choices, they also seem to only have enough to go around; if famine hits, life among the Sprawls quickly turns awry. Food shortages may cause them to need to sacrifice one or two among them, and malfunctions of the more essential train pieces can cause significant stress on them and their numbers. Further down, the Dregs endure the harshest conditions. They are crowded into dim, rust-lined carriages near the end of the train. Their bed frames, crafted from scrap metal, are stacked tightly to conserve space. The air smells faintly of oil and stale water, and leaves an unpleasant taste on one's tongue. Food arrives in ration packets, each block made of bugs that are harvested from the Dregs themselves at the far end of the train. Previous years have seen their bug supply die off rapidly due to disease, leaving them desperate and starving while slowly regrowing their population using the spares kept in the Sprawls carriages. They are sent in to cover the jobs no one else on the train will do willingly. Children of the Dregs are sent to fill in empty space among the Sprawls when necessary, and they fill their days by cleaning the space between carriages, making sure the train continues it's trek without interruption. Some Dregs have gathered into small gangs, who fight each other for control of their supplies. Some secretly hoard parts scavenged from t he train, believing they might one day be able to use them to seize control and escape from their less than ideal circumstances. ⏵ connection interrupted ⏴ Once they've settled into their temporary lives among the train inhabitants, Accelerator gets the opportunity to utilize his Esper abilities. Though normally connected to Aurora's network, Accelerator's attempt to draw more power while on the train causes a system-wide outage. Everyone's earpieces will suddenly make a loud, shrill noise, before their access to the HUD and the rest of the network's functions cuts off entirely. For roughly ten minutes on Sunday, January 26th, the network will remain unavailable for everyone. Hopefully, no one was in the middle of an important conversation! If they were - well, there are always the letter carriers among the Sprawls who deliver important messages, but do you really want to try to communicate with someone else through a train native? ⏵ a gathering ⏴ There are not many parties that are open to multiple classes, but on Friday, January 31st, entertainment coordinators have managed to put together a massive get-together for the Elites, Neons, and Sprawls. Tables are set up in the Neons' common areas, each with name placards dedicated to specific individuals and large tea pots settled towards the center. The name placards are moved around between events, allowing individuals who may not normally socialize a chance to get to get to know new people. While many Sprawls and a few Neons are working, they are also given shifts so they can enjoy the gathering while others overtake their job duties. Now, the party itself has multiple sections set aside for everyone's enjoyment! The first, is a play, based on the legend of the ancient god Abdastartos and his lover, Salka Hannes. Abdastartos had fallen deeply, madly in love with one of his temple keepers, Salka. Salka had dedicated herself to taking care of the temple, spending every waking moment scrubbing marble clean and ensuring that all of those within the temple were well-cared for. She was truly a follower of Abdastartos' cause: peace, serenity, and healing. Her devotion and beautiful voice caught his attention. Abdastartos, who often descended to the mortal realm in disguise to be among his followers, would spend his time assisting her in caring for the temple. It is said that her kindness softened the very marble of the temple, and her touch was so gentle that flowers would bloom where her hands had lingered. The god, unable to resist his feelings, revealed himself to her one evening. He was not a towering figure, but a man of simple beauty who radiated calm like the dawn after a storm. Together, the two of them lived a beautiful but simple life within the temple. But their relationship was frowned upon by the other deities. Teo, the god of strife and discord, became enraged when he learned his brother had taken a mortal as his lover. He sought out Salka, and imprisoned her heart in embers of the temple's fires, thus destroying her mortal body. Abdastartos was not able to reverse Teo's actions, but he did have one consolation: the bright flames were fueled by Salka's love for Abdastartos, and as long as the flame remained lit, he knew her feelings for him remained strong. At the end of the play, they are given some time to discuss what they've watched, and meet with the actors playing the various parts from the play. The second segment was planned by event coordinator Fabian Seacaster. With newly developed technology, he introduces holographic displays of various animals! Partygoers are instructed to sit at their small tables which now feature small cages housing holographic birds. The smell of the outdoors is filtered into the carriages, allowing those who attend to feel like they're enjoying the birds in something close to their natural habitat. A third segment was also planned by Fabian Seacaster. Every attending individual is given a mask. As they all put on their masks, they are told about the mysterious King, and how one of the individuals wearing the mask must be the King. There are a few other mysteries that they are instructed to solve, making a game out of the segment. The fourth is simply for sitting and socializing towards the end of the night, giving them time to relax and enjoy their evening. ⏵ diversion ⏴ Using his position as a resource manager, Silco has been aiming to stoke the rebellion and get them up in arms. Unfortunately for many, it doesn't take much effort at all to get the Dregs in the mood for a good riot. Many of them have been waiting for the opportunity to get back at the upper classes who refuse to share the wealth. They take advantage of the party. While a significant portion of the train is out enjoying their night, the lower classes begin fighting the guards meant to ensure they stay in line. With dangerously low ammo and limited weapons, the guards quickly find themselves outmatched as the fighting escalates. Innocents become stuck in the cross fire, and before the Dregs and rebelling Sprawls have even managed to push through the Sprawls determined to protect their homes, many lives are lost. War is never pretty, and this is no different. ⏵ NOTES ⏴ For all questions relating to this mission, please refer to the plotting post. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ. ⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Comments

[banworthy]

[ Closing the door after he enters, Vincent feels that warm sensation a person gets when they know that they're right. This sort of preparedness makes her perfect to be a member of the Order that he is attempting to create -- furthermore, thanks to how he understands her universe, she doesn't know much about religious orders.

In his mind, he drops a few more shares into the investment that he sees in her. And he walks forward to look over the papers that she's brought, pleased with what she's gathered thus far. ]

There is no guarantee, you're right. But something might be odd enough to stick out for us. [ He nods along. ] I have a little more freedom than you would... so consider this cabin like a safehouse.

[ Another sharper nod, as he agrees with himself. ] Yes, yes, I don't see anything wrong with giving you free reign of this room to use as you please.

[clavesregni]

[She gives him a grateful little smile, glad to have a friend who's able to make such an offer.]

I won't trouble you unduly. It's just... I can't think in the room I've been assigned. I can barely stretch out.

[She's got the first dozen or so pages laid out. It's a bit messy, but she's taking care to keep everything labelled so she doesn't accidentally get anything out of order.]

[banworthy]

It's fine. This benefits me, as well, after all.

[ It saves on some work that he has to do, too. All he'll be needed for is a safe place and an echo chamber to figure out the identity of the King. Perhaps, with what is gathered, he could figure out something - or poke the right people to do the sleuthing. Either way, it's a good benefit to him. ]

You really are quite efficient when it comes to this sort of thing. Have you had to hunt down many people in the world that you came from?

[clavesregni]

Yes, I—

[She hesitates for only a moment. It's complicated, having Silco here, and having made a tentative alliance with him for the sake of collectively saving their world. She's warned Vincent about him, but she isn't sure how many details she should give now that she and Silco are, technically, more or less, for now, on something resembling the same side.]

I was a detective.

[She was a police officer whose usual duties involved directing traffic. But she wanted to be a detective. And if she borrowed case files from the precinct and worked on them on her own time... Well, she was doing the work of a detective. And she'd only been officially disciplined for it once.]

There were a series of seemingly unrelated crimes that I tied to the same person. Silco, actually. [Surely that isn't saying anything that Vincent couldn't guess, based on what she's already told him.] I had been gathering evidence on his crimes for months before I arrived in Etraya. I finally had all the proof I needed to tie him to his crimes, but the Council. The rulers of the city. They declined to have him arrested.

[banworthy]

Given all that you've uncovered so far, I think we can say that you're still a detective.

[ The words "well-done" wrap around his words snuggly as he looks over the papers. Granted, he wouldn't have written anything down if he was looking into anything. It's simply his way; too many prying eyes. But that's what paranoia and living in a religious organization gets a person - and that's what he hopes to gift Caitlyn.

Her abilities will only increase and be enhanced under such oppression. It'll feel comfortable and all for a greater purpose. He is selling himself on this idea more and more but pauses as he listens to what else she has to say. ]

It sounds like some internal politics must have been at play. [ The only answer really that he can come up with. ] It's a shame that you got outplayed in that way.

[clavesregni]

[A little smidgen of pride swells in Caitlyn's chest at being called a detective, and she glances up from the papers to give him a slight smile. She rarely got any sort of praise for her work at home; most people in her life would have been happy to see her leave it behind.]

There were... complications.

[Jinx. The gemstone. But still...

She shakes her head.]

The important thing now is finding the King. I'll worry about Silco once I get home.

[Though she may not have to for long, since – according to Sevika – he will die one day in her future.]

[banworthy]

In life, there always are.

[ When are things ever easy? ]

Wise and fair decision on your part -- and, as I said, all this is a good starting point.

[ Still - still, he has his own schemes that he's fixated on that has nothing to do with finding the King. ]

That said... I hope to take this time to also talk about you some more.

[ Vincent did think about finishing lamely like saying that he would like to talk about the Lord and Savior, the Holy Woman, but even he has limits to how he can talk about Her. ]

[clavesregni]

[Caitlyn glances up from the papers, surprised.]

About me?

[It's not the first time he's shown interest, but it still is new to her, having people around her who want to learn more about her and listen to her talk about her passions.]

[banworthy]

That's right.

[ Can't fully manipulate a person without understanding them. ]

I feel like I have some broad brushstrokes of who you are, but was hoping to take the time to learn more.

[ He scratches the side of his face. ] There is a ticking clock going on this mission but right now... it feels like we have time to just have a chat. [ A beat. ] I feel it would do you some good, too.

You know... having someone know you as you want to be known versus how people believe they understand and know you. [ Like those from her world. The best way to convert someone is make them feel well and truly alone even when surrounded by hundreds of people. He likes Caitlyn, though; he thinks well of her - and doesn't think "outsiders" should be allowed to hold onto such a high-valued investment. ]

[clavesregni]

[Chatting, particularly while working, isn't something she's used to. Caitlyn tends to laser-focus on whatever she's doing, at the expense of anything resembling social interaction. Not that very many people make the effort.

She smiles wryly.]

Most people make assumptions about me before they even meet me. [Telling people she's a Councilor's daughter, even mentioning her mother's surname, is not something she's willing to do, precisely because she fears anyone who learns about that will judge her for it. Make assumptions. Never take her as her own person rather than an extension of her family.] My mother is... well-known. Our family name carries a certain weight.

[banworthy]

That, so?

[ It's more of a filler question than anything else. He wonders why they would have assumptions, but he can come up with his answers: a lovely woman who seems to be a crack shot; there is a determination and sense of justice about her. It's just at first blush that he's getting these opinions, but her response after gives him pause. ]

Oh... it must be nice then to be your own person here. No one knows of your mother or your family so... you're just yourself. And I think the person that I'm coming to know is one that I'd hedge most of my bets on. [ It's a sentiment that he's said before but it bears repeating. ]

[clavesregni]

[Flattery isn't something Caitlyn's looking for. If anything, empty flattery exhausts her; she's seen far too much of it leveled at her mother over years of watching her work. But Caitlyn does want to be taken seriously. She wants her capabilities acknowledged, not dismissed or belittled because she's young and privileged. And when Vincent says he'd hedge his bets on her, it feels like exactly what she's always wanted to hear.

He also happens to be exactly correct about how nice it is to be her own person here, out from under the shadow of her family name.]

Yes. At home, nearly everyone I met knew who I was. My co-workers always treated me like some delicate thing who couldn't possibly be a real police officer. Even my parents felt that way. I don't think any of them ever bothered to even wonder why I'd want to join the force. [Even Jayce had treated her that way at times.]

[banworthy]

Well, I know that you're capable of more than being treated delicately.

[ Does he? No. But everyone can be wielded to become much more than what they are. Could he? Well, he is attempting to train his body - so that he can run away faster than the person next to him. In any case, he doesn't count - he might as well be a noncombatant.

But Caitlyn has so much potential. It would be a waste.

However, there is a silver lining to the scheming he's doing; it's what he tells himself whenever he is set on manipulating someone, anyway. He's willing to exert as much effort as they're exerting on his behalf. It makes it fair, in his eyes. If he's asking them to do something life-threatening, he should be willing to offer his services and capabilities to the same amount. ]

In fact, I probably will be needing to hide behind you every so often.

[clavesregni]

[She's not sure whether he's being humourous or not, but she gives him a little smile anyway.]

Part of my job description, I believe, is to let other people hide behind me.

[It's why she wanted to become an enforcer, after all: to protect people.]

wrapping this one up!

[banworthy]

I'll take you up on that, then. Every so often.

[ A cheerful little joke before making a small gesture with his hand. ]

I'll let you get back to your thoughts and hunches, detective.

[ He acquired what he needed to manipulate her later. ]