the veil is thin . . .

[thespaceopera]

[ 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!]

Comments

[bryces_pup]

They're going to have to. Ugh.

[She keeps an eye out for the patriarch to return.]

Perhaps I shouldn't complain. Most here have been understanding and cooperative. But there always have to be a few. They need to understand how lucky they are they even have warning. No one got to warn Denerim the Archdemon was coming with its army.

[apurrstate]

People often don't realize how bad it is until it's too late. If you'd simply abandoned them, they'd only have regretted their choices once we'd left.

[He reached to her, his hand coming to rest on her arm as a quick burst of healing magic fled through her. Something to keep her going and keep her head clear. They weren't nearly done yet.]

I'm only helping down here for a little longer and then I'll be going up to the station to tend to anyone who wasn't careful in their evacuation. Is there anything you'll need before I go?

[He wanted nothing more than to stay down here and make sure his friends and loved ones made it off the surface in time, but it wasn't where he was needed.]

[bryces_pup]

All too true. And I can't abandon them, as much as they're driving me crazy. They'll die if they stay and worry about their things. Things can be replaced. I just... I understand it's a lot to take in, but they're things for Maker's sake.

[She smiles in thanks for the magic. The boost is needed.]

I don't suppose you have a strong drink tucked away in there somewhere, do you?

[apurrstate]

I know. It's why they're lucky to have you to look after them. Just promise them their stuff will be on the next shuttle and then lie to them, they'll get over it.

[He laughed and shook his head.]

Sadly, no. Perhaps I ought to carry some with me, sometimes that's the best remedy. How about when all this is done, we'll go to one of the bars, my treat.

[bryces_pup]

Easy for you to say. If I don't manage to ditch them before they find out, it'll be my head snapped off.

[That gets a little smile out of her.]

I think we'll both need it after this mess. Deal. Just make sure You Know Who doesn't find out. He's such a stickler about drinking.

[apurrstate]

[He practically groans when she mentions Justice and his tone doesn't falter from the playfulness as he continues.]

I was stone-sober for ten years, Riona. He wouldn't let me get drunk no matter how much I tried.

[It was truly awful.]

[bryces_pup]

I weep for you, my friend. But I'm also no surprised at all. He's such a teetotaler.

[somehow, someday, they'll get him to come around on alcohol.]

[apurrstate]

I weep for myself as well.

Until later, my liege.

[He flashes her a grin as farewell before turning to head back into the bustling crowd and continue helping where he can.]