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

[whatisright]

We should hurry. I believe their parents are attempting to get away from the shuttles to find their children.

[Justice picks up the pace, his feet naturally taking him towards the rest of their family. The boy doesn't seem to be paying attention, leaning on Justice's shoulder and playing with his blanket and crystal, but the girl frowns in concern, her grip tightening on Fenris's hand.]

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris quickens his pace, headsing towards the shuttles, pointing at the child as they arrive. ]

Um. Is this anyone's????

[Because returning a lost child is like returning a lost puppy, right? Right? ]

[whatisright]

[Justice does not have much context to judge by, but he continues to question this mortal's experience with children. Some people look to see what Fenris is pointing at, but none of them light up in recognition. Justice doesn't stop moving, instead making a quick gesture for Fenris to follow as he ducks through the crowd.

Off in the distance, a man and a woman are screaming at a cop keeping them in line. The little girl perks up immediately and waves her arm.] "Mom! Dad!"

[wolfuncaged]

[OH, thank the Maker. He did not want to be stuck with kids for the rest of his days. He turns in the direction Justice is leading them, raising a hand to the parents, to let them know their children have been found. ]

Good. We'll get to your parents and then we can go.

[whatisright]

[The parents see the raised hand, hear the cries of the girl, see their kids--and then they're running like a shot, practically shoving people out of the way. One sweeps the little girl up in their arms, the other takes the boy from Justice's arms (thank goodness). The parents shower kisses on their children, and then the mother, tears in her eyes and saying 'thank you' over and over like a prayer, hugs Justice tightly.

Justice goes rigid, his arms at his sides and his eyes wide with confusion, but she lets go before he has a chance to process what's happened. She's moving to hug Fenris too.]

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris stays to one side, as the parents gush over their children (and Justice- sorry, pal, you didn't move quickly enough). He's glad they're safe- that at least one story here will have a good ending- good, if not especially happy, given everything.

As the mother heads towards Fenris, he raises his arms slowly, taking a step backwards. ]

No. There is no need. I am just glad your children are safe.

End after this?

[whatisright]

[The woman and the man are both crying, and Justice doesn't know what to do with this. They're still choking out thank yous as they take their children away (the mother thankfully taking the hint and not trying to force the hug).

Justice stares after them for a moment, still confused but with the familiar wonderful feeling of having done good welling inside. The world is more comfortable when he feels he's helped others.

He turns to look at the elf, since this victory is just as much the elf's as it is his own.]

I am going back for others. Will you join me or do you wish to assist with the efforts here?

Yee!

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris takes it pretty well, already focusing on the next task. Time to move on.

Plus. Justice is kind of creeping him out. He thinks it best they part ways, for now. ]

I will assist here. Good luck.