Mao Mao

Post-P.R.C.U. Pitch Platter

Honestly, I am vibing more with number 6 than everything else (besides number 2).

Shelter: A Zombie Survival Story

I would also like to know.

OBLIVION

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There was no logical means of explaining what had occurred mere hours ago. But upon waking on the field in broad daylight in pain, it was obvious something was wrong. Lucas struggled for a moment to get up from the ground; his head was throbbing in and out while the sounds of sirens played in the distance. He scarcely heard Ivory tell everyone to get in the car, which he tried to heed until something strange happened... It was a brief, sudden sharp shock in his head. An undefined still image had been burned into his mind. But there wasn't any time to process such a perplexing moment as the sirens got louder. The authorities were going to help. They were coming for him and his companions. It was a quick, instant searing shock in his head. An unfamiliar still photo was etched into his head. There wasn't any time to process such a traumatic experience as the sirens were getting closer. The authorities weren't going to help. They were coming for him and his former classmates. Lucas was awake once more but more aware of his surroundings than earlier. Something bad had happened here, and with the police almost here, it was high time to leave the scene. He wasn't sure if anyone, well alone him, could even explain what the hell transpired here. Getting off the ground was the easy part, but walking across the uneven football field was quite the challenge. Lucas carefully made his way over to the intact parking lot and found himself relatively alright. There were no obvious injuries to report besides the pesky headache and a bruise on his forehead above the right eye. But his ability to walk and talk was still somehow intact. Just before approaching the vehicle, Lucas noticed something sticking out underneath his boot. He moved his foot off of it to reveal a lone card on the asphalt. Only the back side was displayed, with the front still against the ground. Curiosity got the better of him as he bent over to pick the card up and flip it over. On the front side was an ancient illustration of a man standing on the edge of a cliff with a bindle resting on his shoulder and grasping a white rose with his hand. A white dog was sitting behind, awaiting orders from her owner to obey without question. He was a man without a care for his surroundings or the blood dripping from the hand with the rose. Realizing that everyone was still on the field, Lucas turned around to yell something out loud, but not before shoving the card into his pants pocket. "Does anyone need help getting into the car?" ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

█ #1.02 CAUGHT IN THE CLUTCHES who are you, really? — mikky ekko ritman high football field ▸ interacting with: everyone ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

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

The Homecoming Trials #2.72: More Consequences

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_{Interaction(s): N/A}

Previously: Consequences

Iñigo remained unfazed while the former teammates were berating him for daring to express one's thoughts. It was like they were trying to get out the final word at the heartless fiend who abandoned his team while at rock bottom. Undoubtedly, everyone seated above was enjoying the spectacle below. Hell, even some of the participants had thoughts on the outburst. Makenna made her thoughts clear with a clever jab at him, earning a slight chuckle on his end. Iñigo did not care what some spoiled rich wise-ass had to say, but she did raise a decent point. Whatever chance of "making better first impressions" vanished the second he chose to say his piece. But that wasn't his reason for leaving Blackjacks behind. It was an act of self-perseverance from a dangerous situation.

By the time tensions subsided, the team swap and color ceremony ended with the faculty advisors introducing themselves to the newcomers. Aaron Matthews, the faculty advisor for Eclipse, seemed different enough (in a good way) based on his rather brief greeting before the chancellor interrupted to remind them of their house choices. Iñigo glanced over at his new teammates, who were mostly strangers to him, and felt sheer annoyance emitting from Suzanne Poots. It was clear someone was already not happy about the swap. He awkwardly waved at her and then focused on the envelope provided to him earlier. Inside were three invitations provided by three Houses, who saw enough potential to invite him for whatever reason. And when he tore the envelope up...

...invites from House Alces, House Ursus, and House Gulo fell into his hand. Honor, altruism, and...

Iñigo tossed away the House Gulo letter upon reading their reason for the invite, assuming it was some kind of cruel joke. He was indifferent to his remaining choices between the moose and the bear. House Alces and House Ursus, both of which he only learned about on the initiation packet provided to him while in the dentation center. But from what he had managed to remember, the former choice was reserved for "kind-hearted souls" while the latter was seemingly perfect for students who wanted to be lawyers or politicians. Both options did not make any sense to him; and yet, there was no arguing with their reason behind the choice laid in front of him. Otherwise, the administration would have no doubt made the choice for him instead. Iñigo did not want that to happen.

So, he dropped the House Alces invitation and went over to the podium with the letter from House Ursus in hand.

On his way there, Iñigo noticed that a lot of people were joining House Ursus, including a certain former team member who now hated his guts. Calliope de León would be an absolute pain to deal with even if she retained a sense of professionalism toward him out of obligation. No matter what, though, things were about to get even more awkward. When it was time, Iñigo held out the invitation for the House Ursus representatives to see. It became immediately apparent that his presence alone was enough of a controversy. Some of them stared at the invite and then at him as if a mistake had been made while a small group of students (ones that carried the bear crest on their blazers) were more or less displeased with his membership to their cherished House.

Iñigo attempted to ignore them and spoke with feigned confidence, "Iñigo Giménez-Pozo. I am here to accept your invitation if you still want me in your house, of course."

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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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