driftfleet | 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!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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.

[...well, she will do him this one small favor. His efforts might have been met with failure at first, but there's a sudden change not long after. Seemingly out of nowhere, the unruly crowd begins to behave themselves and carry on in a calmer, more orderly fashion. Just ignore the occasional frightened look sent your way, Sokka. It has nothing to do with a certain giant alien princess behind you, glowering and baring her teeth at the assembled masses as she makes a show of cracking her knuckles.

She will, of course, quickly pretend she was doing no such thing the moment he turns back to her. For, well, reasons. That are best left complicated and unaddressed.]

[He appreciates this deeply wonderful favour you have done for him, Looma- even if he will never realise you did it. He smiles, clearly because whatever he's doing seems to have some kind of effect on the populace. He turns to give Looma a wide grin, oblivious to her input. ]

Hey! My negotiating skill are better than I thought!

Perhaps they simply grew too accustomed to my approach, and were unprepared for a new one!

[Because that makes sense, right? It's totally plausible.]

Although it is certainly debatable just how long it will last. Still, I am grateful for the reprieve.

You know, maybe you're right. They just needed a different touch.

[You're the best, Looma. ]

Yeah, even if it's just a little while, it's enough to herd them somewhere away from each other. So they can't fight each other so much.

Of course!

[Ugh, well intentioned or not she's going to be feeling guilt over this deception for the next several hours at least.]

Would it be too much if I were to ask you to kindly check with the local authorities when the next evacuation shuttle is expected to return? I will do what I can to maintain order in your absence, of course!

[Or, more accurately, ensure that no one in the landing area dares breathe a word to him over what really calmed them down.]

[She's a GOOD PERSON. He smiles, yaaaaaaaaay he's being USEFUL!!!]

Sure, I can do that! Hang tight, I won't be long!

[And off he goooooes~]

the veil is thin . . .

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