Mao Mao

Mao Mao's Rambling Concepts

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SSV NORMANDY SR-2

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Serving as the successor to the SR-1, the Normandy SR-2 first entered service in 2185 as part of Cerberus' efforts to investigate and stop abductions of human colonists. Billions of credits were spent by the terrorist organization to construct the starship for Commander Shepard's personal use on said mission. But a year into service, after its mission was complete, the commander defected from Cerberus and turned it over to the Systems Alliance for refurbishment. The Normandy was recommissioned as an Alliance vessel and given Alliance colors to distance itself from its rather controversial past. Then the Reapers began their cycle of extinction on the whole galaxy.

For two years, the SSV Normandy SR-2 served as the mobile command center to rally the galaxy's forces together in the hopes of defeating the Reapers. It was the first starship that led the change for Earth in the final battle. But it never made it to the rendezvous point upon the activation of the Crucible. Unbeknownst to everyone, the Normandy was hit by a wave of energy while it entered the mass relay, causing the starship to end up in uncharted space.

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Home Universe

Mass Effect (Destruction Ending)

Ship Class

Frigate

Role

Reconnaissance/Command ship

Physical Size

216 metres (long) x 96 metres (wide) x 24 metres (deep)

Armaments

Javelin Disruptor Torpedoes
Thanix Cannon
Kinetic Barriers
Heavy Ship Armor
GARDIAN Lasers

Antiproton Thrusters
Fusion Plant
Tantalus Drive Core
Extended Fuel Cells

Sensors
Stealth Systems
Reaper IFF

Unique Technology

Omni-gel
Medi-gel

Omni-tools
Tech Armor
Biotic Amps
Kinetic Barriers
Quantum Entanglement Communicators (QECs)

UT-47A

Notable Crew

Commanding Officer - Sullivan Shepard
Executive Officer - Garrus Vakarian
Gunnery Officer - Ashley Williams
Chief Engineer - Tali'Zorah vas Normandy
Armory Chief - James Vega
Science Officer - Liara T'Soni
Chief Medical Officer - Karin Chakwas

Helmsman - Jeff "Joker" Moreau
Shuttle Pilot - Steve Cortez
Artificial Intelligence - EDI
Second Engineer - Greg Adams
Yeoman - Kelly Chambers
Communications Specialist - Samantha Traynor
War Correspondent - Diana Allers

Squadmate - Urdnot Wrex
Squadmate - Miranda Lawson
Squadmate - Kasumi Goto
Squadmate - Javik

Crew Size

50 (100 max)

Faction/Operator/Owner

Systems Alliance (formerly Cerberus)

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Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

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_{Location: Northern Cove, PRCU - Western Canada}

The Homecoming Trials #2.27: Consequences

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_{Interaction(s): Haleigh Crawford @Kuro, Katja Kruger @Zoldyck}

Previously: The Choice

"Enough, Iñigo. Drop the act. You know she's saying what we're all thinking."

Of course, Haleigh had to intrude on the matter at hand. As if she haphazardly appointed herself team leader. She even got up from her wheelchair to make her case for unity. To remain on board the team with an apparent death wish still in mind. It would've been quite an admirable, even impressive, move if it wasn't so absurd. Haleigh really did not want anyone to leave the team if she was willing to embarrass herself like that, made worse by her simply standing there with her hand out. Iñigo was insulted and angry at her for the stunt she just pulled off. It was like she didn't respect the choice to leave at all. And he was more than willing to reaffirm his choice with her if not for Rory interfering.

But to his credit, Rory spoke up in defense of him and the others. He didn't have to say anything, given it was undoubtedly the unpopular stance to have on the team, but he did it anyway. And for that, Iñigo appreciated the support and the bittersweet farewell.

Then, naturally, someone else decided to chime in ever so eagerly. Katja Kruger was also angry, made evident by her trembling steps. But she was mad at Rory, chastising him for assuming as if she wasn't doing it herself. And then joined in the guilt-tripping with Haleigh. "We're all brothers and sisters after all, and what kind of big sis would I be if I didn't stand up for you?" Iñigo was fuming at this point. How dare she act like that, pretending the team was suddenly family to her. They were still nothing more than strangers that met only a week ago. Tragedy might've brought everyone together, but that didn't mean they were close in the slightest. Iñigo needed to speak up before someone else decided to intervene, even if it was such a reckless move on his part.

"And neither of you should be shaming us for our choice." Iñigo said firmly, crossing his arms mid-sentence. His attention was first on Katja, who made her way back to the Blackjack line. "You act like we're just a big happy family in the middle of a heated argument and not a bunch of strangers confined to this island. Having a shared tragedy doesn't automatically make us family or even friends. So don't act like you're the big sister when you hardly know me and everyone else on the team." Then, Iñigo turned to Haleigh and made his way to her. His anger somewhat subsided and was replaced by discontent with essentially everything that had transpired in the last five months of his wretched life.

Iñigo was staring directly at Haleigh when he spoke up in the exact tone she had used on him earlier. "I don't think you truly understand why I chose to leave this group. I will give you a little hint: it's the so-called "different opinion." Because, yes, I don't want to die in this, quite frankly, suicide mission you're pushing for. I understand your anger, but this desire for revenge will only come crawling back to haunt you. And if you don't understand that, I am more than willing to remind you of its cost." Iñigo was firm in his thinly veiled threat, prepared to use his power if it could knock some sense into her (and everyone else on her side). And if his actions today prevented another senseless death tomorrow, then it would've been all worth it—no matter the consequences.

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Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

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_{Location: Northern Cove, PRCU - Western Canada}

The Homecoming Trials #2.27: The Choice

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_{Interaction(s): Suzanna Poots @Kuro}

Previously: Starting Afresh

It wasn't long before the ceremony commenced with a lengthy speech by the chancellor. He made sure to emphasize that it wasn't the students' responsibility to bring down "those who violated the sanctity," an obvious message directed at the Blackjacks. One that seeming was destinated to fall on deaf ears. Iñigo knew his teammates were now driven by vengeance. Nothing, not even the chancellor, could change their minds. Each one of them was keen on revenge on Hyperion; not comprehending such an action would ultimately change nothing. And this path to justice would inherently evolve into a death march, where the drums of war were pulsing toward damnation. It was made more apparent after the whistle.

No one from Blackjacks moved from their spots. Instead, the armbands of the other teams were tossed to the ground without any thought. Iñigo glanced over at Haleigh, still determined more than ever, and frowned at the sight. Then, to his surprise (and delight), Trace stepped forward and didn't look back. Everyone else was caught off-guard, to say the least. Katja looked as if she was about to break down on the spot. Rory stared rudely at him and Makenna, almost anticipating one (or both) of them to step forward. Iñigo was more annoyed than offended, raising an eyebrow back at him. There was no doubt that some would consider her choice to be cowardice. But was it really a coward's move to do the right thing?

Iñigo didn't think so.

Taking off the Blackjacks armband, Iñigo weighed his decision to abandon his comrades at their lowest point. "We need to be there for her and each other during this difficult time." But, unfortunately, his words chose to haunt him at that moment, making it more difficult to let go. Iñigo took a small step forward, slowly losing grip on the armband. It wasn't his job to be a grief counselor for a team hellbent on getting themselves killed. Iñigo took another small step. He had to keep on living for those that were still living. His friends. His family. Iñigo looked back at everyone for the last time, letting the armband fall to the ground. Those people before him were already dead the moment Cass was sent out to sea. They just didn't know it yet.

Iñigo grabbed the armband of Eclipse with his right hand while using his left to reach for the armband of Firebird. He heard the transfer student, Suzanna Poots, voicing her thoughts on Trace's choice. Makenna, who also left behind the team, told her to shut up in the nicest way possible. Iñigo was too exhausted to be that considerate, directing his misplaced frustration toward the transferee instead. "She can think for herself, y'know. Keep your two cents out of our business and make your choice already."

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OBLIVION

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Lucas was more than content with keeping his business out of affairs. He didn't say anything when Ivory excused herself to the bathroom, and then a drunken Hannah followed suit. Likewise, he didn't answer CJ's question knowing full well it would've given her ammo to use cleverly in her smear campaign. So it was fortunate that the class president was ready to open up the capsule at the field. With the glass of non-alcoholic cocktail and a tray of breadsticks empty, Lucas followed everyone and got into the teal SUV parked outside the bar. He made sure to note the capsule was in the back, knowing well enough that the only man in the group would be carrying it towards the field. Seeing Ritman High for the first time in five years was... underwhelming, to say the least. Lucas had expected to be somewhat nostalgic for the brick facade while painful memories of high school played on repeat. But instead, there was nothing. It didn't necessarily concern him, mainly because he was already tired and yearning for a comfortable bed to rest in. Hell, he was more surprised than anything that the capsule was easier to carry. Not that Lucas was going to complain. By the time everyone else made it to the field, Lucas placed the time capsule on the ground and waited for Ivory to open it. But, of course, she had a rather brief speech prepared for this moment. What he didn't expect was for her to apologize. He thought it was unwarranted since she was also a student. The adults were to blame for failing to uphold their responsibility to the students, not the class president. And he was going to make it clear whether she wanted to hear it or not. "I've learned that blaming your teenage self isn't going to help. And believe it or not, you aren't to blame. The faculty failed their students, not the class president and her student body." ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

█ #1.01 WAY DOWN WE GO as it was — harry styles p. johnson's ▸ ritman high football field interacting with: ivory/@salsa verde ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

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It was relatively easy to deceive someone if one had enough confidence in themselves. But deceiving a group of professional nurses and doctors was quite the challenge. Iñigo found themselves having to rely on knowledge obtained from medical dramas their mother watched too often for her own good. It was fortunate that the infirmary was still overwhelmed by Hyperion's attack to scrutinize a fellow nurse for a slip-up or two. Or several. And it wasn't like they would remain in that form for a while, just long enough to visit a certain someone. Iñigo had no idea what awaited them on the other side, but they had to be prepared for every possibility. So after a deep breath, they entered the patient's room with a facade ready for use.

Nurse Alistair Quinn immediately noticed the patient lying on the medical bed and couldn't look away. Seeing him breathing without a tube shoved down his throat was remarkable. And based on the information acquired from the clipboard on the bed railing, the road to recovery was rough but achievable. Unfortunately, he was too distracted to notice the patient waking up groggy, exhausted, and thirsty. Not enough time to slip away undetected, dammit. "What's up, Doc?" the patient said, his grin widening as the doctor looked at him. Alistair secured the clipboard back in place and made his way over to him with the intent to respond. Then he noticed the empty insulated mug on the bed table, choosing to instead refill it.

It didn't take long for Alistair to return with the refilled mug in hand. He handed it over to the patient and said tenderly, "Making sure you're receiving the best care possible."

"Yeah, well, cheers for the room temperature water." the patient raised the mug with a weak smirk before taking a rather long sip through the flexible straw. "A 2023 vintage Tap, if I'm not mistaken... with fruity notes and just a hint of fluoride."

Banjo was still such a wise ass, a very good sign that the incident hadn't completely changed him. Alistair couldn't contain his smile for some reason. "Your throat will appreciate it in the long run, trust me. Soon enough, you'll be able to drink iced cold water and eat all the tim tams you want. Speaking of food, I know you've been placed on a diet to account for your numerous injuries, right? Well, the latest readings show you're on the right path. And I might be able to sweet talk my way to reward your progress with something... delightful. Like, say, cinnamon biscuit bites? It doesn't sound much, but, again, your throat will relish something soft and moderately sweet after the hell it's been through."

"Hoo-bloody-ray." the patient smiled weakly but then abruptly asked with a frown in its place. "Any idea when I'll be up and about again, Doc?"

Alistair didn't know what to say to such a heartbreaking question. Iñigo was completely fazed by the sudden unexpected display of despair and didn't know what to say next. Did he ask because of the funeral tomorrow? If so, there was no way Banjo would be able to attend in his current state. Not even with nurses on standby. So what was the best course? Lie and come up with some half-assed excuse or be honest to a grieving, injured person? They had to say something either way. He took a deep breath and pulled a chair beside the bed, close enough to provide some comfort. "I am afraid that your injuries are too severe to take any chances at this time, even if we put you in a wheelchair. So you won't be able to attend your friend's funeral if that's what you're wondering."

"Oh." the patient went quiet for a moment. "I'll at least get visitors though, right?"

"Very soon, I guarantee." Alistair smiled softly. "For now, though, you have to be content with me and the other nurses."

"So I'm trapped with you and the cast of G.P. for the time bein', huh? Well that's just great." the patient chuckled and then looked at the window. "Can you gimme a cheeky five minutes alone, Doc?"

"Of course." Alistair nodded and began putting the chair back in its original spot. Iñigo wanted to remain for a few more minutes even if it jeopardized their cover. But it wasn't the right thing to do. Banjo needed to mourn too. But just before walking out, the patient called out to him with a single word: "Doc?" Alistair turned to look back, hand barely on the doorknob. "I get that I'm probably not the easiest patient to deal with, I just wanna say 'Ta' for dealing with it all anyway."

"Well, that's my job." Iñigo said sincerely. Alistair said nonchalantly and then left the room, making sure that the patient was getting those biscuit bites for dinner.

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_{Location: Northern Cove, PRCU - Western Canada}

The Homecoming Trials #2.27: Awkwardly in Place

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_{Interaction(s): N/A}

Previously: Rude Awakening

What a fucking mess. Iñigo shook his head, trying to figure out what would happen now. It was too apparent that the team was divided on what to do with Hyperion. But they all shared the exact same grief from losing a teammate. Everyone left the courtyard to find solace in their rooms or the ICU to see Banjo for the first time since the incident. But in all honestly, Iñigo didn't know what to do next. He had already visited him yesterday after his check-up with Dr. Hosni Mansour. And he for sure did not want to spend any more time in the intake housing to wait for the ceremony. So all there was left to do was to just stand there awkwardly. Or sit awkwardly... which sounded slightly more comfortable.

Iñigo didn't say anything to the other remaining teammate, but he made sure to awkwardly wave at her before departing from the courtyard. There was nothing left to say out loud anyhow.

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Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

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Everything seemed to have happened in an instant without any warning. The rain falling in the middle of the night, the masked individual preaching about a better world for all hyperhumans, Banjo foolishly standing up against them and getting tossed away towards the stars. Cass's brutal death. And once the dust settled, no words or actions could've properly conveyed the sheer confusion Iñigo was experiencing. There wasn't enough time to process everything once help finally arrived. He, and everyone else on the grounds, were ushered away to campus for safety. But was there anywhere safe from the roaring storm outside? Iñigo spent the night figuring out an answer.

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_{Location: Northern Cove, PRCU - Western Canada}

The Homecoming Trials #2.18: Rude Awakening

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_{Interaction(s): Team 21 - Blackjack}

Previously: A Slight Correction

Seven days ago, a masked individual (now known as Hyperion) shattered the illusion of security with a simple thunderstorm. They were ruthless and cunning enough to kill someone and then persuade a group to join their cause. It was... impressive. Iñigo spent the days weighing the words spoken on that night. Their words conveyed frustration toward a world that actively restrained those slightly different from everyone else. He understood it; hell, he was a victim of its oppressive nature for five months. Not to mention how it even ruined his whole life. So yeah, Iñigo might have been slightly sympathetic to Hyperion. Not that he was planning on expressing it to everyone on campus, of course. Unless he was yearning to re-experience life inside a detention center again.

Which wasn't on his bucket list, to be clear.

At least the funeral was lovely. Iñigo stood in silence alongside his fellow teammates out of respect more than anything. By the time the eulogies concluded and the small boat was set aflame, he glanced at the rest of the Blackjacks converging for some sort of comfort in the courtyard. It was evident that everyone was still upset, grieving in their own way. Of course, some desired immediate retaliation on Hyperion for killing one of their own. While others wanted answers before vengeance, which would soon become a very unpopular sentiment among the team. Iñigo was not going to intrude upon someone's grief for a fallen comrade nor cast judgment on their remarks. He was taught better. But admittedly, he wasn't ready for Luce's anguished outburst toward everyone.

Iñigo listened from afar, empathetic to her pain and anger at everything. He remained quiet the whole time Luce spoke and then watched as she walked away from the group, shaking uncontrollably from her intense emotions. Iñigo considered going after her but chose against it, realizing she needed to be alone. He didn't know what to do afterward, still digesting the words spoken aloud mere moments ago. And yet, he felt the urge to say something before it was all too late. So that's what he did, directed at everyone in the team. "She is coping with... everything that happened on that night in her own way. Just like everyone else here. We need to be there for her and each other during this difficult time. But to do that, I think all of us should take a breather to collect ourselves."

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Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

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_{Location: PRCU - Western Canada}

The Homecoming Trials #1.111: A Slight Correction

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_{Interaction(s): Banjo @Hound55}

Previously: Campfire Contrition

Banjo obviously didn't know the difference between a detention center and a prison. And he was plainly speaking in jest. So why, then, did Iñigo feel tense? Perhaps it had something to do with their assumption not only being correct but getting mistaken as an inmate rather quickly. It was somewhat fortunate that some of the teammates had left the campfire site earlier; otherwise, they would have had to deal with more people staring at them. Nevertheless, Iñigo felt the urge to correct Banjo while the opportunity was still there. But they didn't want to straight up revert back to being crude. So they decided not to let their emotions get the better of them. Iñigo cleared his throat and softly said, "I didn't spend time in prison."

"I spent time in a detention center because..." Iñigo sighed, kicking a rock into the fire, and then continued speaking. "... I am undocumented. And before anyone asks, I don't want to talk about it with a bunch of strangers. No offense, but my time there wasn't exactly a pleasant experience worth telling. So yeah... I just going to head for my tent now. See you guys tomorrow. Oh yeah, my power allows me to copy someone's appearance very well, I guess..."

"Or that's what a doctor told me once while getting my inhibitor fitted." Iñigo mumbled before leaving for their tent, suddenly too tired to bid goodnight to everyone. That memory of wearing an inhibitor for the first time was still too raw to relive. From the throbbing headache to the burning in the back of their throat after vomiting for the first time in a long while, those sensations still haunt Iñigo to this very day—even as they arrived at the tent and laid down on the sleeping pad. They pulled out a photo of their family from their pocket and stared at it to find some sort of comfort. But all that did was cause more pain within. Iñigo shoved the photo back into their pocket and closed their eyes shut, hoping to fall fast asleep and forget for a few measly hours in oblivion.

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Mass Effect: Harpocrates

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▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ For such a confidential assignment, one would assume that an interstellar company like ExoGeni would've paid for better bunks. It wasn't like they didn't have the credits to spend. Antelmo Águila-Paiva struggled to get a decent night's sleep due to the relatively small mattress provided to him. So that explained why he was already at the cafeteria when the helmsman announced that they had arrived at their destination: a barren, frozen hellscape known as Faringor. There wasn't much to note about the planet other than it being the location used in the gothic horror classic, Starless. A tiny part of Antelmo had secretly hoped the assignment would take them to the well-preserved sets on the planet's icy surface. Then, the helmsman made sure to mention that Laine was waiting for everyone at operations. Antelmo didn't know what to make out of the other human. Other than the fact that the old man had a closet of secrets for being N7. And that included his time on Anhur during the revolt, undoubtedly laboring for the Alliance and their interests abroad. Nobody with such experience in the art of warfare would've helped some industrial planet out of the kindness of their heart. No, they only got involved because it crippled batarian investments in the long run. Antelmo pondered whether the Alliance would have intervened if the oppressors were turian or asari. But of course, he found out the answer a long time ago. Antelmo made sure to gear up for landfall, examining his rifle and submachine gun to ensure they were ready for action. Then, he changed into simple garments meant to be worn under armor. And by the time he emerged from the armory, the well-worn partisan armor brought forth much-needed color within the vessel. Antelmo arrived just in time to hear the XO complain about never being sent somewhere nice. He made his way over to one of the empty chairs in the room and decided to answer her question in a rather cheeky manner, "I've learned recently that if an assignment involves going to some backwater planet, the pay's higher. But given we're gonna be on the planet used in Starless, our pay will be shit." ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ █ BÚHO ARPÍA // SSV SURRENDER // FT. MARIVEA @Starlance // ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

OBLIVION

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Opening up a time capsule was quite honestly more intriguing than drinking up at the local bar. Certainly worth the two-hour bus ride across state lines and the night at a cheap motel. Lucas couldn't remember what his younger self put inside, but it was probably dorky in an adorable way. At least someone else dug it up; otherwise, he would've been volunteered instead (and there was a reason he never joined sports during high school). And when the waiter came back to the table, he quickly asked for a refill of his drink while listening to the chatter. Then CJ asked sarcastically if he remembered what was buried inside the capsule. Her attempt at a killer conversation starter. It was refreshing to see that some things haven't changed at all. Hanna, clearly tipsy from the drinks, vaguely stood up for him against CJ. Lucas appreciated the gesture, but he was more than capable of responding on his own. And that's what he did... sort of. "I'd like to think that my young depressed self won't have put something that nostalgic inside. But quite honestly, I can't remember what I put in the case. So it will be a surprise for everyone, me included." Lucas answered, eagerly waiting for his glass of non-alcoholic goodness to arrive. CJ still had the tendency to strike at the raw nerves of anyone who came across her, which was an everyday occurrence from folks like him. By the time the waiter arrived with his drink, Lucas had taken it and began to drink. ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

█ #1.01 WAY DOWN WE GO cheers (drink to that) — rihanna p. johnson's [interior] ▸ interacting with: cj markowitz/@TGM ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

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_{Location: PRCU - Western Canada}

The Homecoming Trials #1.98: Realization

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_{Interaction(s): Lucille Calder @Roman, Banjo @Hound55}

Previously: A Nice First Meal

It didn't take long before finishing up the second helping of kabab, which was still as delicious as the first. Iñigo was ecstatic for a third serving when they observed Banjo introducing himself to the others. That certainly caught their attention, and they were eager to witness another slaughter. But something in the air changed when he was brought up being an orphan for his whole life. It caused Iñigo to think of their little brother, who was all alone in the foster care system, probably wondering what had happened to his parents and older brother. And it also forced them to reflect on their unwarranted, cruel remark about someone who was only introducing himself to strangers in a rather cheeky (and somewhat obnoxious) manner...

Suddenly, Iñigo lost all interest in having that third serving.

Their mother would've been ashamed if she had seen her oldest son's conduct towards Banjo. He did not deserve to be called an "obnoxious tourist." ¿Por qué soy tan bastardo? Iñigo buried their hands into their face in great shame for their behavior, which was definitely deserving of being flipped off. Hell, they would've done the same exact thing. But realizing how despicable they were acting wasn't going to magically fix such an enormous mistake. Iñigo had to apologize, but they didn't know where to begin. So they sought out some much-needed advice from the faculty advisor, the one person they spent the whole day avoiding. Karma was such a fucking cruel mistress.

As Iñigo approached Jim, the older man held up a hand to Tad, excusing himself from their conversation. Turning to Iñigo, Jim motioned for the student to follow him, walking away from both Tad and the rest of the team.

"What can I do you for, Iñigo?"

Iñigo was admittedly still intimidated by him, given he acted like the guards back at the dentation center. It caused them to struggle with their words, afraid of being subjected to verbal abuse they've been accustomed to. "I... I coul- would like some guidance, sir."

"Oh?" Jim raised an amused eyebrow, clearly Iñigo's attempts to avoid him hadn't gone unnoticed. "What's eatin' at ya?"

Iñigo cleared their throat and answered the question without a second thought. "Well, i-its about owning up to my mistake. I know what I must do; I just don't know how to express it adequately, sir."

"Just don't do it expectin' forgiveness, the most adequate way to express something is to just come out and say it. Ain't no need to make it fancy, just mean your words and be done with it."

"I know that, and I'm not expecting it, sir." Iñigo asserted to the advisor and then kicked a small rock, sending it flying into the woods out of frustration. "I simply want it to be genuine, and the only way that's going to happen is if..."

"Stop dancing around it." Jim folded his arms.

"Respectfully, that's easier said than done in my case." Iñigo said in a solemn tone as he looked down at the ground with a frown. They went quiet, desperately searching for the right words to use. Then, they spoke up after a near minute of silence, their voice full of sadness. "I want to at least have a few days of serenity before everyone else on this island finds out. And that especially includes this team."

"You wouldn't be the first student to arrive here in orange, I doubt you'll be the last either."

Iñigo stared back at Jim, clearly irritated with his words of comfort, as they muttered under their breath, "I wasn't wearing orange, sir." Then, they crossed their arms and hung their head low in defeat. "And that's precisely why I've been keeping it a secret. Most people don't know or care about the difference between detainees and inmates. All they will think of is me wearing that jumpsuit and then wonder what "terrible crimes" I've committed to earn the attire."

"Then don't let them wonder," Jim firmly replied, "Perception is like a ship, if you let the waves guide it, you don't know where you'll end up. You have to take the helm."

Iñigo gave his advice some thought. "I can do that."

"One more thing, Iñigo," Jim said, stopping the student from leaving. Iñigo froze in place out of fear more than respect, slightly afraid of being reprimanded for their tone and attitude earlier. "You know that you can come to me, or Tad, if anyone starts to give you hell about your former attire. Tad's a lot tougher than he looks and a far more sound mind than I. He'll be running this school one day, mark my words."

"I will think about it, s-sir." Iñigo replied and dismissed themselves rather quickly, heading back to the tree to strategize on a plan. But that didn't last long on account of being interrupted. Surprisingly, the person responsible was the woman that vomited in front of Banjo earlier. She invited them over to the campfire, providing the ideal opportunity to join the rest of the group. Way better rather than awkwardly inserting themselves. But rather than introducing themselves right away, Iñigo turned their sights over to Banjo, ready to apologize for their behavior. "Before I introduce myself to everyone, I'd like to say something to Banjo about earlier. We can talk about it here or somewhere more private, whatever you want to do."

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