bumfuckidaho | TEST DRIVE MEME, APRIL 2017.

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TEST DRIVE MEME, APRIL 2017.

TEST DRIVE MEME

There was an accident. That's basically the only thing you know for certain. Maybe a car wreck - metal and broken glass everywhere, and the sirens and the screaming. Or maybe there was an explosion. Maybe your bike hit a rock and you careened uncontrollably off a mountain path. You can't can't quite make out the details, not who was at fault or why. Try as you might, the chaos is all you can remember.

It's also the last thing you remember from before you wake up here.

When you open your eyes, the accident is gone. Instead, you're in a hospital bed – the nursing staff greets you with a cheerful smile.

Welcome to Wayward Pines, they tell you. You'll make a full recovery here.

option one
WELCOME TO WAYWARD PINES

The hospital staff had seemed very friendly, but ultimately unhelpful when it came to answering your questions, insisting you shouldn't worry about such things, and that it was smarter to just rest until you'd fully recovered.

That was some time ago. You've since managed to leave the hospital – either via escape, or simply by waiting patiently and filling out paperwork until they finally agreed to release you. Now you've found yourself in the small but hearty town of Wayward Pines, Idaho. It's a charming little place, and the people there are all friendly enough, more than willing to greet you on the street, or give you directions if you need them.

Unless you're asking for directions out of town, of course.

Some will simply smile and give you a hearty pat on the shoulder and ask why you'd ever want to do a thing like that? Others will get quiet for a moment, and direct you to the nearest sign posted near the doorway of every building.

Don't bother taking the road, either. Whether you walk or get your hands on a vehicle, you won't get anywhere. The road simply takes you away from town for a short while before looping around and bringing you right back in.

There's no use questioning things, and it seems pretty useless to try to leave. So really, why not stay a while? Everyone's convinced that you'll find something to love in Wayward Pines.

(For the purposes of this test drive, you're welcome to handwave the existence of basically any local business or activity.)

option two
INTO THE WOODS

You've just heard a scream from the woods.

I mean, it could've been an animal. There's bound to be some kind of wildlife amongst the trees, right? But then again, it did sound awfully... human.

Though all of the locals nearby conceal a flinch at the sound, they'll assure you it's nothing, if you ask them. Why, you're probably just hearing things! (But with an anxious undertone of stop asking questions.) If you're curious, though, and brave enough to go see, they won't make any move to stop you from going into the wooded area surrounding the town.

The trees are tall, and their branches are thick enough to block out a significant amount of sunlight from breaking through the canopy, leaving the forest floor a little dimmer and cooler than the streets of town.

Whatever the source of the scream was, you won't be able to find it out here. An experienced hunter might notice some signs of a struggle, and a few faint boot prints, but they don't really seem to lead anywhere in particular.

What you will find, if you walk far enough, is a fence. A big one - at least 30 feet tall, made of metal and concrete. It goes on quite a ways in either direction as well; follow the wall far enough, and you'll see that it connects with the steep, sheer cliffs that surround the rest of Wayward Pines, effectively boxing the town in.

In actuality, you'll probably feel it before you see it. A full 500 yards from the wall, when it's hardly a shadowy smudge through the trees, you start to feel a little bit tired, a little bit weak. Trouble is, the closer you get, the weaker you feel - like the wall itself is sapping the strength out of you, and the closer you get, the worse it feels. Any powers you may have had grow weaker in kind as you make your way to the fence, but even ordinary humans will find their strength sapping away. By the time you're close enough to read the signs and to feel the crackle of electricity radiating from the thick wires criss-crossing the wall's metal surface, you're too weak to stand.

Do you crawl closer still and risk electrocution, or do you crawl away and assess the situation once you're far enough from the fence to be able to stand?

option three
PTA BAKE SALE

It's that time of year again. The time when everyone digs into their wallet, ignores their diet, and spends a little time supporting the local school bake fair. You know, for the good of the children. And it doesn't hurt that Linda's Blondie recipe is honestly to die for. The school PTA has pulled out all the stops this year in the hopes of encouraging a good community turn out, posters advertising the sale plastering every street corner and stuffed into every mailbox for a solid week leading up to the event, and today is finally the day.

There's at least two dozen different tables set up with all manner of delectable treats, even one or two offering vegan alternatives for those inclined, not to mention a few others catering to some of the townspeople's more... unique palates.

Maybe you've got your own table set up with your wares, or maybe you were simply lured to the park today by the appetizing scents wafting through the air. Either way it seems like the whole town has come out to show their support today and why wouldn't they? Children are our future, aren't they? Or maybe it's just Linda's Blondie recipe.

Yeah, that's probably it.

option four
ON THE NETWORK

Though it's not as high-tech as you might be used to (or hell, maybe you're ren faire and it's centuries beyond anything you've seen), but Wayward Pines does in fact have a network to accommodate its citizens.

Go ahead, post a network post! Just note that the network currently has two basic functions. The first is audio-only and can be accessed from the telephones in each character's home. If an audio-based medium doesn't suit your needs (or aesthetics), be sure to take advantage of the Wayward Pines Message Board from your brand new laptop for the chance to communicate with your fellow townspeople in a text-based format instead!

( a few notes )

Welcome to our third test drive here in The Pines! Just one important thing to note:

Upon arrival in Wayward Pines, characters find themselves struggling to remember entirely who they were or where they came from. Memories return progressively over the next two weeks. You're welcome to play with this mechanic in any of these prompts, but it's definitely not mandatory! For more details on this temporary memory loss, see our FAQ.

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do they have Advil here?

better yet some ambrosia?

if I can just get some of that maybe

I'll be okay

[ He does just that, heading for the bar and making his way to the small back corner he likes because it lets him see the room. Usually, he's here to people watch. ]

"Yeah." She smiled at Izzy. "Everyone is a bit shaken I think."

Clary didn't know for sure. Waking up here had been such a shock. She hadn't even realized that she had an aunt until she'd accidentally hit Pepper in the head with a crumbled up piece of a paper. Drawing was something she knew, it resonated deep with in her soul. She didn't always understand what she knew but it let her get the images and feelings out of her head. At times, she wondered if her mind was trying to tell her something but when she thought about it too long it sounded very silly.

"I will look forward to it. That and who doesn't want to sit around and give all of their attention to a bunch of cats." She smiled down at the cats around her only to lean over and scratch a tabby of them affectionately beneath the chin.

At Isabelle's praise Clary's smile grew. She didn't understand why but it felt good to get that sort of reaction out of the dark haired girl. "I'm glad! I haven't tried them all yet but it's on a lengthy to do list of mine." She laughed and shook her head. "You know. That list of stuff to do before you die." Clary was pretty sure that everyone had one.

[ she can't read his mind, despite how much easier it would probably make everything. despite how much better she'd probably feel. it would save her countless questions, answer things she hasn't yet thought to ask.

but in that same thought, there's this feeling that she doesn't have to. he says exactly, almost like he's surprised she knew, and annabeth can't help the small smile that pulls at her lips.

of course she knew what he was thinking.

( why 'of course'? ) ]

Yeah, well- [ she almost says 'it wasn't hard to pick up on', but she stops herself, not sure where that thought came from. after a second, annabeth just shrugs. ] It just kind of came to me.

[ mentions of his mother have her pausing, feeling some weird mix of familiarity and also a bit...sad. she can't figure out why, so she tries not to think about it too much. ]

That sounds like her. [ why she would know that, she doesn't know, but the smile is still there - still gentle. even more so when he says her name like that, curling around in her chest.

but then she stops, something he said catching her attention. ]

You said Gods. [ objectively, she catches on to that, even if her first reaction is to believe that's the correct use. ] Isn't that... [ incorrect? she ends up biting her lower lip, her forehead creasing with the thought. ]

Gods. [ she said it too. ] I can't figure it out.

What's ambrosia?

Yeah. She liked you a lot. [ Wait. What? ] Would like you. [ How would he know that? ] Maybe. I don't know.

[ He rubs his face again, breathing out through his nose. ]

This place, it's doing something to us, isn't it? [ With their memories, with their feelings for other people, there's some kind of ... block. It feels like something Hera would do.

But.

What does that even mean? ] This is going to sound crazy but I know we know each other somehow. [ The words come out automatically, just like so much of their conversation right now. ] Now would be a good time for one of your plans.

i. Chic Little Open House

[Believe it or not, Solo did make a conscious effort to be aware, if unable to be in control, of where he was going to wake up. There were a handful of times this had not worked out in his favor, but only just. This was not the worst awakening, by far. But it was one of the most jarring.

He couldn't remember where he'd been before, what he'd been drugged with to get here, or... much of anything. He knew enough to know that was not normal, and the overly warm smiles did nothing to settle the churning in his stomach. This shouldn't be normal. The “just another day in the office” feeling only served to unnerve.

At least his ID gave him a name. Saying it to himself made it familiar and accepted, and while Napoleon seemed less common, Solo felt natural. Solo it is.

Until he remembers a little bit more, more than how to smile just right to set anyone at ease, more than how easy it is to just play along and keep his thoughts to himself, how to ask questions without really asking them... well, he decides to make himself at home in the charming little place they've provided for him.

He even throws a house party to get to know the neighbors and see if anything can jar his brain out of the fog.

Come on by and say hi, bring a dish, preferably a bottle of wine, and meet the New Guy.]

ii. What's your cover?

[Honestly, does he really look like an outdoorsman to you? The answer is no. He'd like to keep that impression so when he finally does go exploring, no one will be the wiser, thank you.]

iii. Just desserts?

[Was there really a better way to network and glean information than soccer moms on ridiculous diets surrounded by sugar? Well, there were probably safer ways, but he didn't have that kind of time. And he was hardly going to pass up the opportunity to maybe show off just a teensy bit.

Solo has a table of his own, with a small assortment of cupcakes and a French press or two of complementing coffee just in case one would rather indulge on the spot instead of taking their treats home and risking thievery, of a sorts.

He's maybe overdressed in his three-piece suit, but he's abandoned the jacket to a chair for now, and might even be caught browsing the ~~competition~~ variety of other wares for sale. No, he did not steal that vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, hope-and-joy-free cookie, but if he did, he should be given an award for sparing someone that kind of misery.]

[Izzy's given up on her muffins. You can't market baked goods as weapons, no matter how amusing the imagery is; muffins are meant for mouths...and not in the knocking out someone's teeth sort of way. She damn near cracked the table tapping one on it...she doesn't want to imagine the other sorts of damage one of them might do.

After dumping her horrendous baked goods, Izzy finds herself wandering to look at the various other tables. It's not exactly easy to fight away the jealousy, or the pout that is trying to work it's way to her face. She really didn't think her bakking would turn out bad.

It's the cupcakes that catch her eye first; they're gorgeous...and not only in comparison to her's, but to everyones.] You know, I'm pretty sure that everyone here can bake except me and it's giving me the urge to smash some cupcakes. [Iz notes conversationally with a bit of a pout, but the uplift of the corners of her mouth show that it's no more than a joke, mostly. She wouldn't actually follow through with it, anyway.

The man manning the table she notes just afterward, offering him a smile after her probably lame joke.] These are particularly stylish, though. [She points at the dainty treats.] Did you make them or are you the handsome face selling them for someone else?

Edited 2017-05-03 03:30 (UTC)

huh

that's a good question

I don't know why I said that

isn't it like food for the gods?

[ The gods ... hmm. ]

[Izzy's a little hard to miss, she seems to draw Solo's attention without even meaning to. There's something about that one. But he bides his time, noticing she's making the rounds a little methodically, and though his smile is pretty neutral when she first turns up, he actually laughs a little at her assessment.

He somehow manages to sound completely sincere.]

I'm flattered you think so. I like to cook, thought I'd try my hand at baking. But don't judge them til you've tried one.

[His smile is absolute confidence as he picks up one of the more fancily wrapped tiramisu cupcakes and offers it to her.]

On the house. Or as payment for your protection of my fragile cupcakes from rogue smashing. [That might have been a wink.]

"Damn it!"

The first physical sign that there's another human being on the other side of the trunk she kicked at comes in the form of a pointed fingertip, jutting forth with attempted authority.

"I..." He peeks around the corner and looks down at her.

Huh. Young and pouty was not what he expected.

"Look, there's no way out. No way up and no way out."

"Thanks," Ash says, and proceeds to cram the brownie into his mouth, sucking the coffee down right afterwards in a manner that's...less than couth, to put it simply.

"Couple of days ago," he shrugs. "They didn't tell me what happened to old righty. I guess it was an accident or something."

He swallows, then burps. Loudly. "How about you? When'd you get out?"

What gods?

[ dutch likes the spot because it means having her back to the wall and a good view of the room's exits. ]

Well, then. Go buy me a drink, handsome. Let's see if you still know what I like.

[His cupcakes aren't the only stylish thing. Izzy can't quite help but note the three-piece suit (an impeccable one at that); it's far different from the ensembles that she's seen of others. In fact,his handsome guy might be able to give Magnus just a bit of a run for his money....then again, Magnus' style is definitely a bit more...colorful.]

I'll reserve a little bit of judgement. [Izzy winks, playfully.] But as far as visual appeal when I'm walking by to shop...you've definitely got a leg up here.

[The laugh escapes before she can bother to hold it back.] I guess I should have threatened more baked goods if it gets me free cupcakes as payment. [The mirth is written all over her voice as she reaches for the offered cupcake and takes it gently.] I'm Isabelle, by the way.

Edited (html fail lol) 2017-05-03 23:57 (UTC)

Ladies and gentlemen of Wayward Pines, good evening. [ The voice that carries across the phone lines is smooth received pronunciation, every syllable a crisp purr. ] If I might encroach upon just a moment of your time, I come to you today with a question for all.

For many comfortable years, Wayward Pines has been under the leadership of our esteemed Mayor. Now, I should be the first to sing praises for the safety and stability we have since enjoyed. But, [ of course there's a but, ] In the natural course of every life, individual or collective, there comes a time when change becomes as vital as oxygen -- when one cannot hope to reach one's full potential without it.

I submit to you, our beloved town is due for such a change. And whomsoever rises to that occasion- [ for example, him, ] -cannot hope to succeed without the support and involvement of the population as a whole.

[ Recent "accident" victims and long-term residents both. ]

So I ask of you, what would you see changed? What improvements do you find our town... lacking?

[ Free will, for example. ]

And most importantly, in the months or years ahead, what would you see Wayward Pines become?

the ... Greek ones

yeah I guess that makes sense

I forgot I was a demigod for a second that's weird

not that you need to see me actually think aloud over text

I'm sure someone will be along to demand transparency from our esteemed Sheriff's officers sooner or later.

I'm certain you are correct, Mr. -- Andor, yes? Do you imagine they will get it?

Yes, Cassian Andor.

No, of course not.

I didn't know that. I didn't even know there were demigods.

Well, okay then. Look he's not going to judge. Better things to do with his time.

"About two months ago." A shrug. Here, dude, have a napkin. "Sorry about your arm. Did you get your things from the Sheriff's?"

[Katherine listens to the message with a curious interest. Sounds like somebody has Big Plans of his own, if you ask her. Not that she thinks that's necessarily a bad thing.]

For the people, by the people? How very diplomatic of you.

You know, there's really got t' be a better way of collecting answers to these questions. Doing a call-in radio programme, that's a bit outdated.

[just saying.]

Edited (spacing, dude) 2017-05-04 21:58 (UTC)

[ As soon as he saw the lights go on in a certain house, Kal was putting together something for the two of them to eat and making his way over. He's been here long enough to doubt some of the memories he has, but after spending so much time with his strange 'nephews', he can't help wanting to keep a hold of these people, and the memories that just that light coming on bring up for him. that's why he'll show up at the door with a bottle of wine and a basket of dinner and hoping that the man inside will want to spend some time with dinner. ]

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