driftfleet | the veil is thin . . .

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the veil is thin . . .

[ On the night of the 16th, the feeling of tension and horrid anticipation comes to a head. Everything stops when the sun goes down-- even the ever-present music in the hoppingest part of the city center. One by one, everyone turns their eyes to the skies. The young and old alike pour out of their houses, some in bare feet, and they point to the velvety blanket of stars.

It takes a second to find it, especially if one is unaccustomed to the starscape. But even a casual observer can see it.

A brightly-shining star, larger than the others, and growing larger.

An announcement cuts across all communication channels that encourages people to evacuate to the space station, but it’s clear that these are just people and they’ll need some help. Supplies, equipment, organization, there’s something for everyone to do.

Civilization is disrupted by a panicked stampede of people vying for limited seats aboard spacefaring craft. Within hours, there will be crushed glass, looting, and chaos.

The clock is ticking. Will you help? Or would you rather watch the dying gasps of a Singing Planet from a safe distance? ]

[OOC: Please see this post for plot details. Phase two has begun! Feel free to use this post as a reaction post, mingle, etc. or make your own!]

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[A: Cargo]

[While it was something she traditionally viewed as beneath her, it was undeniable her strength was an asset that would be of tremendous help in a situation where time was of the essence. Heavy equipment could be allocated elsewhere or used to just speed up the process of loading the evacuation ships if Looma was around to help out.

Which, she was, even if she was being somewhat impatient and surly about it. She was hard to miss at the best of times, but anyone near the departure area would have an even harder time ignoring her. Just look for the giant red alien carrying entire cargo containers and heavy equipment over her head. And angrily shouting at anyone in her way. While not unmanageable, these things were heavy dammit, and she didn't want to be setting them down and picking them up again. Not to mention everyone was in a bit of a hurry.

Still, despite being more irritable than usual, she was acting much more helpful than usual. If she wasn't in the middle of hauling something, she tended to help with whatever was asked of her. Getting her to help out was quicker than waiting for a forklift or any other equipment to be brought over if something big got stuck or broke down.]

[Crowd Control]

[Fear was an excellent motivator. Maybe not the moral high ground of motivational devices, but it worked all the same. And Looma was really good at it.

She wasn't threatening to dismember anyone or anything, but she was helping bark out evacuation orders and other directions to keep things moving. Anyone caught taking too long or slacking off was going to get an earful and a visit from a not-so-jolly giant.

Tensions were, understandably, running a bit high among the evacuees though- arguments and fights were inevitable. She was good at resolving those too. Her gentle approach usually involved grabbing hold of everyone involved and hoisting them off their feet, then smacking their heads together before releasing them. Because she could. Also, yelling. Lots of yelling.]

"You may settle your petty squabbles later, fools! Get moving!"

[Honestly if they were in such a hurry to die, there were faster ways that didn't involve tying up the evacuation process for everyone else involved. And when it wasn't tempers flaring among the evacuees, it was the occasional bout of panic that tended to come and go in waves. For the most part, any potential stampedes in her vicinity could be cut off before they posed a problem just by stomping a foot on the ground or leaping over the crowds to land in front of the rush. No one ever seemed to be in any particular hurry to push their way past the giant armored woman putting holes in the ground, after all.

Either way, the sheer scale of everything involved meant that she was starting to wear herself down. A temporary reprieve would probably go a long way, wouldn't it?]

[C: Wild Card]

[She's going to be running herself ragged trying to handle as many things as possible to speed the process along. From rounding up stragglers, to helping unload some of the ships up on the station, even taking one of the Bishop's shuttles out to make sure things were running smoothly outside the city itself. Chances are if you're helping out with any part of the process, you'll come across her at some point. Go nuts!]

[Chekov takes a break from logistics and strategy and teleportation efforts to assess the state of things among the crowds attempting to evacuate the planet. He quickly concludes that things are not so good.

He is also quick to find Looma who is, somehow, even louder and more noticeable than usual.]

Looma! While your methods are effective, I believe they may be having a negative impact on morale.

[Chekov, she likes you, but there is a time and place. Looma turns her attention to him quickly enough, and surprise surprise, the anger's still 100% present as she leans down to shout right in his tiny human face]

As if I care about morale! These people will perish unless they can put aside their pathetic squabbling until they have left this miserable planet! They may perish in the impending cataclysm or by my hand, I do not care which!

Or they may put aside their foolish pride for ten minutes and get off this doomed planet like sensible beings!

[Instead of shrinking back, he stands up a little straighter. Not that it helps. She's still gigantic.]

Making these people feel attacked or afraid will not encourage them to behave more sensibly.

It has been all morning.

[Admittedly, not so much "encouraging" good behavior as "enforcing" it, but she's not about to sweat the details here. Of course, there's no real way for her to keep her eyes on everyone, something that has not gone unnoticed. It isn't that anyone here was really foolish enough to be actively causing problems, but with tensions running high, all it really takes is one snide remark or unflattering allegation too many for things to escalate.

Like, say, what was going on two lines over, where someone felt that a more esteemed family history meant they should be further ahead than the gentleman in front of them. Who in turn, was levying allegations of a history of poor decisions made by said lineage had culminated in this very situation after the bad luck accrued became too much and now everyone had to pay for it.

Looma spared the two A Look, but then returned her attention to Chekov.]

By all means, Pavel Chekov. Handle it your way.

[Despite the sheer smugness in her voice- not to mention her actions, seeing as how she was showing him the way with all four arms- she actually was going to let him try to handle this one with a different approach. If it worked, fine- she could use the help. If it didn't, well, she could always intervene and keep him or anyone else from getting too badly hurt.]

I will remain here and observe.

Very well, I will.

[Chekov makes his way over to the troublemakers and (politely, respectfully) explains how minimal the difference in their arrival times to the space station will be regardless of the order in which they leave and, not to belittle the importance of both heritage and luck in this culture, such things are irrelevant in a shared struggle such as the imminent destruction of their planet.

As anyone who doesn't have as much misplaced faith in people as Chekov could have predicted, the two fellows resist this appeal to rationality and disregard him entirely. The Russian puts himself between them and (politely, patiently) informs them both that, if their argument is so important that they absolutely must have it right now, they will need to step aside to allow everyone who isn't behaving idiotically to board.

On one hand, they notice him this time and find it in their hearts to set aside their differences for the sake of a common goal.

On the other hand, that common goal involves shoving Chekov aside and saying rather rude things about his lineage.

Because Chekov is just as tired and tense as everyone else on this planet, he chooses to hold his ground. It doesn't look like his third attempt at reasoning with them (still politely, but with an undercurrent of keep pushing me and I, in true Russian fashion, will fight you aggressively and with no regard for my personal well-being until one of us is incapacitated) is going to be any more successful than the last two.

Will Looma continue observing?]

[She can't say any of it was proceeding unexpectedly so far. He was given a few points for effort, but as far as results went, he had nothing to show for it.

Still, she'd given him a chance, so the least she planned on doing was allowing him to fully see it through. Though, admittedly, she had moved herself a few steps away from the line closest to her. It'd be easier to make a clear leap to Chekov's current position if things got any more physical than they already had. She was allowing enough time to be wasted humoring him as it was, she wasn't going to tolerate a full-blown fight breaking out.

That, and however misguided she thought he was, his heart was in the right place and he stood by his convictions. That alone meant she wasn't going to let him get roughed up too badly.]

[This is an extremely inefficient (and ineffectual) means of maintaining order. As much as Chekov would like to see the situation handled in a way that is slightly gentler and less terrifying than Looma's, these are not Starfleet officers who are willing to conduct themselves in a calm and professional manner in a time of stress.

The current situation continues to unfold as might be expected: the two gentlemen are no more impressed with Chekov's reasoning the third time than they were the other two times; one of them shoves him again; the Russian warns him against repeating that particular action; the shove-er finally throws a punch that catches Chekov's jaw.

Chekov is neither a violent person nor quick to anger, but this is ridiculous and the only response he can come up with is a retaliatory punch.

Tensions are high and this has the potential to get ugly.]

[For better or worse, Looma's not leaving Chekov to his own devices. once things turn physical she's already on high alert- once the punches get thrown, she is quite literally leaping into action.

She lands next to the poor fool once he readies a second blow, catching his wrist in one hand and hoisting him off his feet with a wordless snarl. Chekov might do well to ignore the nauseating chorus of muffled pops that ring out- Looma, for her part, exercises some measure of caution and covers the man's mouth with another hand as she looks down to Chekov with the closest thing to concern she can muster.]

Are you unharmed, Chekov?

[He may have been clocked in the face, but hey, that's life. She just wants to make sure he still has his wits about him- he doesn't seem to be the sort used to physical confrontation, after all.]

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candothat - 2017-10-08 03:09 (UTC) - Expand

[Matt hasn't had much opportunity to meet all of his crew, though he did a cursory introduction to the captain when he had a chance. It was barely a hello before he was already gone, so when he finally has had enough of pretending he can't do anything to help, he doesn't think anything of it as he tries to wedge around her admittedly gigantic form, feeling around to slip between a couple crates. The less people who see (and care about) him leaving, the better.]

[Frankly, she wasn't really too focused on watching over her own crew right now, as she'd believed- erroneously, apparently- that she would only need to keep eyes on the locals. But then she catches sight of the back of Matt's head as he disappears behind some crates awaiting transport offworld. It doesn't make her happy. And fortunately when she drops what she's doing, that doesn't involve an actual cargo container dropping to the ground. At least he'd picked a good moment to pull this stunt.

She doesn't really chase after him- she's not suited for any pursuit that doesn't involve a straight line and barreling through anything in her path- but she's not about to let him go wander off either. His only warning he'd been spotted would be the heavy footsteps headed his way, but he'd be in for a disappointment if he'd been expecting her to just follow him.

Instead some of those crates are sent sliding across the ground as they are quite literally brushed aside, revealing a less than pleased alien princess.]

Matt Murdock.

[She can be just a little overprotective of the people on her crew she doesn't know happen to be fighty, Matt. And right now she's in full Angry Mom mode. Good luck.]

[Ugh. He'd been hoping the giant alien woman thundering around the ship and bossing people around would be too busy bossing other people around to notice a newbie slipping out, but apparently she's more observant than he'd thought. Hoped. Whatever.

Matthew tilts his head back and sighs before turning around, leaning some weight on his cane as he holds the grip with both hands. To keep himself from getting too mad, probably; it's a good stress ball.] Yes Captain, what can I do for you?

[She is only giving you the benefit of the doubt here because she's convinced you don't have dolphin-vision, Matt]

It is far too dangerous for you to wander freely. Return to the ship at once- if you wish to be of assistance, I have no doubt Jack or Sayid will have use of you.

[She's not really lying, either- they may be able to use the ship's teleporter, but there would be the matter of making sure the people and cargo ended up moved to the proper place to make room for more. She just doesn't want to see you getting lost and meteor'd out here, Matt.]

[Matt laughs a little bit.] Okay, I can- I appreciate the practicality you're going for here. [Sorta] But I promise, I can look after myself, and can likewise get out of the way as necessary. You don't need to worry about it. So... [Just gonna try and slip past her again. She can't possibly be thinking of keeping him here against his will, right?]

Edited 2017-10-05 03:33 (UTC)

[Sokka is getting pretty damn tired himself. It's a lot of work, and there are times this seems like an impossible task for all of them. Still, he manages a weak smile as he sees Looma being...Looma. He knows there's no changing her (nor would he ever expect her to change) but he'll head over anyway.]

Well. You're an effective barrier if anything. How're you holding up?

[She's not short on energy just yet, but the entire thing's exhausting to say the least. Plus, she can be a little more open with Sokka, since he's actually earned it- even if that means venting a bit.

Which is surprisingly mellow in this situation, all things considered. Looma lets out an exasperated sigh and relaxes a bit once things seem to be operating smoothly. For once.]

I am managing. But it is as if these people want to perish!

[Of course, over his shoulder she sees another squabble at risk of breaking out. Nothing serious yet, just shoving and some obviously agitated shouting. The latter of which is quickly eclipsed by Looma's own idea of how to properly shout at someone, so pardon the momentary interruption, Sokka.]

YOU TWO- KNOCK IT OFF! IF YOU INSIST ON FIGHTING I WILL BE THE ONE TO END IT!

[...well she's effective, if lacking a delicate touch. But at least she doesn't have to march over there- there have been enough displays already that most people know full well she will intervene, and the two troublemakers are quick to grudgingly table their dispute for later. Looma meanwhile, just pinches at her brow and lets out another sigh that could be easily mistaken for actual growling.]

As you can see.

I think they're just scared and panicked. It makes people do some...really crazy things.

[But hey, at least she;s preventing more of it. Kind of. It's better than if she wasn't here. ]

You're at least here to break it up, that's good, right? You need a hand?

[She won't admit it outright, but she'll concede that point to Sokka. The annoyed huff she gives is more than proof enough that she's willing to back down on that front, but it's all the confirmation he'll be getting.]

Any assistance would be welcome, though I cannot say how successful your efforts will be.

You are quite small, and they are likely unaware of your martial skill. They may prove unwilling to show you the same courtesy I do.

I-

[Sokka pauses for a moment, before raising a finger, bro furrowed. ]

Thaaaaanks? For what I think might be a compliment??? Maybe?

Anyway, I can give it a try. I'll just be less...punchy about it.

And I will be here in the event that is necessary!

[Because she is so helpful, Sokka.]

[She is so helpful, wow. He is so very lucky to have her here. He steps forward, raising his hands.]

Heeeey! Hey people! You wanna settle down? We all want you to get to safety, and that's not gonna happen with you guys screaming at each other. Soooo how about we form a nice orderly line and-

[Yeah, the group are ignoring him completely, they're going back to jostling around like frightened cats.]

Ooooooor you can just do the opposite of that.

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tough_love - 2017-09-28 07:52 (UTC) - Expand

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alwayscomeback - 2017-09-28 14:03 (UTC) - Expand

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tough_love - 2017-09-28 21:40 (UTC) - Expand

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alwayscomeback - 2017-09-28 23:06 (UTC) - Expand

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tough_love - 2017-10-04 06:18 (UTC) - Expand

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alwayscomeback - 2017-10-05 21:13 (UTC) - Expand

[She will find another cargo container coming up behind her with seemingly no one to justify it's floating in mid-air until Mantis comes up next to her. His arms are spread out reflexively and he looks up at his captain with a slight tilt to the head. Lack of ability to lift heavy weights physically is generally made up by all the other strange things he can make happen.]

Where do they need these to go?

[She would be more surprised by this, except she remembers him playing around with the cup on the bridge. If anything she's just grateful this means his ability is useful for more than just moving dishes around. It's even better to see someone from her own crew rising to the challenge.

She'll take one hand off the container overhead and point out one of the larger vessels in the area, then resume her march after she's secured her grip again.]

The military vessels have been tasked with transporting much of the cargo. I cannot speak to their combat effectiveness, though the crews insist on completing the loading themselves.

[Which she can understand, really. She wouldn't let just anyone march around one of her warships either.]

[Kurt had stepped away, reluctantly, after setting a young mother's arm. His tail had been shaking slightly, not even enough for the baby he'd been holding in it to feel (then again, the child had been too busy gumming whatever he could put in his mouth to be concerned about much), but still. Time for some water.

At least he'd gotten a mouthful of water before he heard the shouting. As he continued to drain the bottle, Kurt teleported onto a stack of boxes in an explosion of brimstone and purple smoke, crouching low. It only took a moment to assess the situation, his tail lashing behind him in irritation. This wasn't the time to squabble.

Clearing his throat, he pitched his voice to carry.] Furthermore, anyone injured as a result of fighting among themselves or against a member of the evacuation team will not receive medical attention for their wounds! ['From me,' he left unsaid; doubtful one of the healers would be tender-hearted enough to help them anyway.]

[Good on you Kurt, this is an approach she can get behind. While she's certainly surprised by his...well, everything, especially the BAMFing, Looma takes it all in stride. She even makes a nice show out of turning her attention back to the assembled crowd with a wicked grin, slamming two fists into her palms with enough force that it sounds like a thunderstorm's rolling in. That seems to settle things down quickly enough, giving her a much needed breather.

Might as well spend it socializing with the fuzzy blue interloper, right?]

You have my thanks, blue one. They were beginning to grow unmanageable.

[That was pretty much shorthand for "impossible to control without actually maiming someone," but hey, whatever gets results, right?]

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the veil is thin . . .

Looma Red Wind | OTA, any time up until the last day

[Crowd Control]

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C - sneaking out

Matt, you're grounded

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Crowd Control

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[Cargo] Hello captain!

Hello support!

Crowd Control

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