unfinishedlibrary | It's a beautiful day in the village

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It's a beautiful day in the village - TAKE A LOAD OFF, LOG 1

Who: Readers and Actors
What: Beta Story Start - At the start of any particular Story, characters will be drawn to a section of the Stacks. Those inclined to resist will find themselves there anyway, through the shifts and changes inherent to the Library's structure. The Story manuscript will be laid out neatly on a side table, its pages lit by a faint aura that draws focus and beckons insistently to the Editors. Touching it will bring them into the Story.
Characters can either voluntarily touch the Story to enter it, or the Librarian will eventually sweep them in. Regardless of how long it takes them to enter, everyone will arrive at the same point in time.
When: November 14- November 27
Where: Woodhurst (UK) and the SS Radiance (in space!), 2019
Content warnings: Please tag warnings in comment headers!

In Woodhurst

It’s another Monday morning in Woodhurst, and as is often the case for the United Kingdom in the fall, it is raining. It is, all in all, a rather typical Monday morning. People shuffle off to work, dropping by the various cafes and shops for their morning caffeine. Polite (if meaningless) greetings are exchanged, vague comments about the weather are made. Heads down, trudging along, just keeping things going.

By midday, it’s clear that this Monday is a little bit… different. There are some people who seem especially cheerful and helpful. Perhaps you’ve just been served a free upsize of your morning coffee. Or a stranger held an umbrella up for you. People keep talking about the benefits of yoga? And it’s not just a bunch of people seeming to be having an especially good day and paying it forward (that would be strange enough). Some of your friends and loved ones aren’t acting like themselves, aside from being remarkably cheerful. They don’t seem to remember basic things, don’t know their normal rituals, and are generally just very off. You think one of them might have blinked sideways? Whatever it is that’s happened, it doesn’t seem right.

As for those ‘friends and loved ones’… The novices from the Interstellar Group are largely inexperienced with such a thing as covert operations. Fresh off the ship and with no frame of reference, their human disguises may have a few significant flaws.

However many fingers it is they have, they’re keen to help - perhaps a little too much so. Whatever it takes to make these human lives easier, whatever they can do to help them relax - the Group are on it! Hopefully they’ll catch on quietly.

On the IMW Group Supply Ship: Radiance

No plan survives contact with the enemy, is how the saying goes. But within the Interstellar Mindfulness & Wellness Group, the concept is usually applied to patients. Patients are, almost entirely across the board, unpredictable creatures - and while the science behind wellness is robust, there’s simply too much individual variation for a standardised approach. That being said, this particular plan seems to be going… rather more poorly than expected. It starts to break down once the word ‘kidnapping’ is brought up. It’s such an ugly word to use. The Group tries to avoid it. But in some of these cases, the humans need the Group’s own facilities! The idea was to convince the humans to follow them to a very not suspicious space capsule, or to get them to touch this particularly strange teleportation device, and they’d be on their way to recovery. However, most if not all the humans seem to be reacting… quite negatively to that. It’s almost like they don’t understand that this is for their benefit!

The ship is very nice, and perfectly designed to relax and comfort (--for the species the Group are familiar with, at least). Soothing music plays along the spaceship’s halls, which are lit in a soft violet glow. Potted plants are artfully displayed, though none of them are recognisable as any species found on Earth. For those with a sensitive nose, the flowers give off a bright, delicate scent; not unlike that of lavender and lemon myrtle. An entire stretch of glass is dedicated to the view outside, the Earth looking so serene from this distance; stars shining in the space around it.

For those Aliens aboard the mothership, maybe you’re delivering this hour’s yoga session. Maybe you’re leading a group chant or meditation. Are you perhaps talking humans into resting in the healing spa, or - for those so inclined - are you delving deeper, forming a connection, and really getting to know these humans? For the humans… well, at least the spa looks really nice, right?

[Space Spa Features:
Yoga - you’ve been herded into a room where a flexible alien encourages you to breathe deeply; holding it in your stomach and feeling your heart beat before letting it out in a big sigh. The routine is not very different to yoga on Earth, except… well, if you can’t find your proboscis, maybe that particular pose won’t work for you.
Sauna - the heat promotes circulation, but the temperature in here seems to be a little off.
Spa - you know what a spa is. Or, you thought you did. It looks like the aliens aren’t quite on the same page. Where there would normally be cucumbers, there’s a strange pink fruit. Where you’d expect water, there’s… a viscous fluid, gently rotating through a myriad of colours, that seems to soften and soothe your muscles as you soak in it.
And Others - the aliens have no shortage of remedies for what ails you! Since this is their first time experiencing humans, results may vary.]

Optional prompts (player-run):
An alien adrift, unsure what task to complete? Seek guidance from your leader.

In Woodhurst, unnerved and skeptical? Drop in at your local seedy bookshop to chat with some alien enthusiasts.

[Have a plan to drive the Story direction? Let us know, and we’ll add it to the list!

Info post can be found here.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The other teen's leg does connect - and Shadow, as his balance is failing, makes to grab that scarf and yank on it hard. Between that and the fistful of jacket he's got, if he's going down; he's set on bringing the other teen with him.]

[And he's going down with the other. But he ain't going down without fighting back. The other is going to feel immediate pain from the forehead, and maybe see some lights. Zarnex had smashed his head into the other in hopes of throwing them off enough to free himself. Even if also rings a numbing pain to his own head.

The imagery starts to glitch, the other possibly catching something very not human beneath that facade for just a milisecond.]

[They've got a similar idea about not going down easy, except Shadow's goal was to drive a knee into the other. A movement that still goes ahead, aiming for nothing except 'to hit', even as his head erupts in pain from the headbutt.]

Asshole-- [It's practically snarled out as he reels back momentarily, not letting go. Are those stars in his vision or did his twin's face just glitch out? With a splitting headache, eyes squinted and teeth grit, he's determined to win this grapple- shoving with force to try to pin the other beneath him. If successful, then using that grip on the scarf to yank the other up and raise a fist ready to punch him.]

[A gasp escapes him, heaving from getting kneed in the stomach by the other. This kid is really living up to the "rebellious teenager" category he's read about. He feels the other try to get get him the slip and put him against the floor. Not happening.

He's going to keep the momentum going, grabbing a hold of their jacket and pushing against them. To the point that they'll just start rolling around on the floor. Both refusing to allow the other to pin them down. He can out last the human, probably. He might have to go with plan B. The challenge is keeping himself in the fight while trying to reach for something in his pants pocket.]

[He can't notice the other trying to grab something out of their pocket while they're rolling on the floor like this. But the second there's any give, he's going to shove his knee up in between them; trying to use the momentum of the next roll and just gravity to press his weight harshly down onto his knee and into the other. That should do it--]

[And just as it seem like the other managed to pin this one down, it's right when he manages to pull something from his pocket. Doesn't know which or what he grabbed, but he's going to use it.

And quite suddenly there was a flash of light, even brighter than the anything a flashlight could muster. Similar properties to a flashbang almost. Hopefully it's enough to disorientate the other so he can either kick or push them off and get himself up and maybe out of this place.]

[He gets no time at all to feel like he's gained some ground before that intense light flashes. It'd probably be blinding at a good time, but given how dark it is it's super effective. The way he flinches from it, a strangled noise in his throat, is pure instinct - one hand flying up to his stinging eyes.

There's no control now over the amount of his weight - spoilers, it's all of it - pressing down through his knee in that moment after the light goes off. Which means it's a stupidly easy feat to throw him off-balance, the combination of blindness and movement having a dizzying effect. He doesn't give up that easily though; grasping for any part of the other teen to seize onto. If the other insists on getting up, he'll find himself dragging Shadow's weight with him; and as soon as he's got a foot underneath him, Shadow will be aiming to stamp the hard roller heel of his shoe into the other's foot or ankle. (--that's gonna hurt Shadow too, but. with his head stinging from the headbutt, squinting through the starbursts in his eyes, and overall pissed off, he's not exactly thinking it through.)

[The sound of the other making a noise from the flash of light, was his cue to act. He twists his body in a way to force the other off balance and hit the ground beside him. He doesn't wait, he scrambles to get back onto his feet.

For a moment, he thought he was going to finally escape, but he feels a sudden weight grabbing onto his leg. He doesn't fall back down thankfully, but this was still as problem.] Let go! [Hope Shadow was ready to have his fingers or arm stepped on. That moment's pause to get the other off is enough for them to swing their leg into his. A yelp escapes him as he goes back onto the ground.

Damn, that really stung. His leg felt like noodle that he couldn't put any weight on it.]

[He jerks reflexively when the other steps on his arm, a pained noise coming - but he heard that yelp, the one that didn't come from him, and good. Now they're both hurting.

He, for one, needs a moment of recovery now they're both back on the ground. Despite everything, he really hasn't gotten into many fights in his life - and definitely nothing like this. His own heel hurts from how hard he'd slammed that wheel into his twin, and he can only hope that the other is starting to get worn out.]

Just stay down. [He's not letting go of the leg he's got. But also--trying to shift some of his weight onto his twin's legs to pin them, because he's not keen on taking a kick to the face.]

Absolutely not! [He's hurting, more than he's ever hurt, but he's not calling it quits yet. The human image glitches once more, fighting to hold shape. He wiggles and worms along the ground, making it difficult for the other to get a grip and actually pin him. He's rummaging through his pockets once more. He can't get free, but he's still got gadgets and gizmos aplenty.

Hands, the hands are a problem right now, so-

Shadow is going to feel something cold, and slimy in texture, creeping down his hands. Zarnex had gotten himself sitting slightly upright and administers something almost gelatinous from a vial, onto Shadow's hands. They make it harder for him to keep his grip as it spreads to cover his hands, making the surface slippery. Good luck trying to get it off, cause it'll stay stuck to him.]

[There's that glitch again -- Shadow's going through it right now, but he's pretty sure he's not imagining that.

He grits his teeth, scrabbling along with his twin as the other tries to squirm away. He manages to get as far as getting a grip on the other's waist - practically straddling him with knees knocking hard into the other. He's got a fistful of fabric, but before he can do anything about it - there's something cold and slimy squelching over his hands, like oil mixed with cornflour.

He immediately makes a disgusted noise, and at this proximity he will let go of the other (not that he has much of a choice, the way his grip is sliding) -- only to shove his hand hard into the other's face, aiming for his nose with it (as much as he can, why is this so slippery) while trying to get the right angle to pin him with his other forearm pressed over his neck. Trying to serve two purposes. One - is that some sort of mask or something, why and how does it keep glitching out. Two - a fuck you if ever there was one. Shadow's not going to lose sleep over it now if he breaks his nose or smothers the guy a bit.]

[Each time the other would hit him, the image would glitch. He had to leave, now. Just as he thought the slime would finally be enough to get the other off, he felt their hand come right up to his face.

It seems to knock something on the fritz, causing the disguise to fully drop. Shadow is now coming face to face with not a twin, but also not human. They are human in shape, but their features are more stretched out. Pointed ears and a set of antannaes were on it's round head, intense crimson eyes staring back at the other. His limbs are longer and more nimble, but still strong enough to fend off a human teenager. There are also patterns along his pale skin, red streaks that weren't too far off from highlights he had in his human hair.] Ugh, enough!

[He manages to pull a small baton-like device from his pocket. Could have use this way earlier! Damn the rules of not using it this on humans, they already saw too much. There's a click, and the next moment, Shadow is going to feel a strange tingling sensation. Like a limb that's been sleeping for too long, only it's all over his body. And he'll realize he won't be able to move at all, the device effectively freezing them in place.]

[Shock rings throughout him, freezing Shadow in place as he takes in the inhuman features of the other. Instead of hair, his slime-covered hand has tried to find purchase on an antenna; the physicality of it leaving no room for doubt about what he's seeing.

His mouth has gone dry, there's a buzz under his skin - and climbing steadily over that shock is something that can only be described as an aggressive vindication, an 'I told you so' to the world. A gleam comes into his eyes, determined now more than ever to get some answers, underlit by sparking excitement and something that is undoubtedly hope.

Except. His mouth won't move. That buzz under his skin is lingering even as the shock fades, and there's a sense of alarm creeping up on him.

A deep breath - as deep as his chest can take it - cements that he is frozen not by surprise, but something else entirely. He's still on top of the other, pinning him; but it looks like that's not going to be the case for much longer. A trickle of trepidation comes then. Not fear of the alien itself, but the thought of it leaving.]

What. [he breathes it out slowly, the enunciation muddled by stillness] Did you do.

[The antannae twitches slightly in the other's hand, slowly removing itself from their loose grasp. The stasis sticks, allowing him to gradually wiggle himself free from the other, grumbling while he does so. What a mess. The council will not be happy about this. Then again, this one shouldn't even be here.

Leaving the other laying there, he finally stands upright, almost a foot taller from the human.] Stasis beam. Harmless, you'll be fine once I deactivate it.

[Which he is definitely not doing right this instant. He brushes the dust and debris from his clothes that had changed as well. Loose clothing with various embroideries decorating the gown-like attire. It looked almost ethereal when the light hits it a certain way. With the other unable to do anything, he turns his back to him, doing something out of Shadow's view. In the next moment, the human disguise returns and once he's certain it will not break again, he turns to face the human once more. A hand on his hip, he lifts the wand-like device, turning a dial on it and the stasis mode drops, but only for his head.]

[And he can do nothing but watch as the alien - the actual, real life alien extricates itself. A hopeless feeling seizes in his chest, frustration clenching in his throat.

He can only glare down as the other moves, can't even track what he's doing. Can't even take in the details of that robe, because of how stupidly dark the room is.]

Who are you? [Each word is stubbornly breathed out, these motionless moments spent seething. And then - suddenly his jaw can work again, and Shadow sucks in a surprised gasp; not losing a second before turning his head to look at the alien. Who, disappointingly, just looks like him again. The scowl that takes his face is instant.] Why are you bothering with that disguise? I've already seen you.

[He gives him an unimpressed look.] Well since this building isn't as abandoned as I thought it was, I rather stick with this look.

[Who knows who else is going to wander in here. Which means he should probably wrap this up sooner than later. Relocate. He sighs, turning his back to the other once more. There's a dim light coming from whatever he's facing, the sounds of static and beeping. A holographic screen, with various data scrolling across.

Why has this one not been taken yet...? He leaves the other hanging as he doesn't answer their first question.]

[That light is mocking him. There's clearly something the other is doing, and Shadow wants to know what it is. But no matter how much he strains, he can't move his head enough to get a good view of it.]

You need a secure space to work in. [That's the obvious conclusion. Why else would he be hiding out in the back room of an abandoned store? Shadow's quickly running over the night's schedule in his head. Randy shouldn't be home tonight, and they never take visitors at the house; they're always at the shop. He's desperate to learn more, clutching at straws to keep the alien from going.] I have a house. Nobody will be there. I could take you there.

[He's never had a good sense of self-preservation. A normal person would probably not make this next point. A normal person would probably be far more concerned about the implications of an alien that's choosing to disguise itself as them.]

...And if you're going to be posing as me, you'll need to know where it is anyway.

[Needless to say, Shadow is not a normal person.]

[Were his antennaes visible, they be twitching right now, puzzled by the words the other was saying. They were offering their home...? The dim light disappears as he turns back to look at the other. Curious. He doesn't sense fear or concern from the other. Panic, confusion? Things he would expect from these humans.]

You're strangely cooperative. [He presses a hand against his jawline. Despite Zarnex's relatively calm demeanor, he's feeling the pain from their little tussle.]

[Mostly it's an intense determination that he'll feel from Shadow now. That wasn't a 'no' from the alien.]

So? That benefits you, doesn't it?

[He probably should be worried. But Shadow has all the confidence of youth. The thought that this could end badly for him is, for the moment, an acceptable price to pay as long as it means he gets to know the truth of everything first.]

My cards. My ID. You'll need all of it. I can give them to you.

[He slowly...tilts his head.] Why? [Their behavior is illogical. So let's turn this around onto them.] What is it that you think I'm trying to do?

[Not about what the alien's trying to do, and more about what Shadow's trying to stop him from doing - which is leaving.

He'd rather gamble his identity than let on about his motivations. So the 'why' is ignored completely, a muscle in his jaw tensing as he disregards that question.]

Your disguise can't be a coincidence. There has to be a reason why you look like me. The only thing that makes sense is that you're trying to take my place. [His muscles are starting to cramp from holding position this long, that numb buzzing preventing any shifting. It's annoying, and the bruises settling in are starting to ache with no more squabbling to distract him. But that all drives home a further point:] You wouldn't have bothered with this if you wanted me dead. So you either still need something from me, or you just don't know what you're supposed to do now.

[His eyes narrow. He's in no position (literally) to make demands and yet--]

Let me go.

Edited 2025-11-23 12:28 (UTC)

[Well good news for Shadow, he's not leaving them anytime soon. Not after what they've accidentally seen.]

...That's most of it. [All the more reason their behavior and williness is confusing to him.] Are you not concern about yourself and what will happen to you?

[At the other's requests to be freed, that gets a shaking of his head and sound that could be have been a short amused laugh.] Do you take me for a fool?

[He scoffs in answer to the question about being concerned. He clearly is not. And then a shallow, irritated exhale at the other's refusal to release him from this - frankly, stupid - pose.]

At least tell me your name.

[Again, they don't answer about themselves.] Do you want to die? [It wasn't asked like a threat, more out of curiousity. Technically the question can be considered part of the assessment of humanity's wellbeing?]

...In your tongue, you may call me Zarnex. [He rummages through his pocket once more, pulling out two silver disk-like objects. Flinging them both to the side, they activate some sort of dimensional portal together. With his wand, he waves at the statued Shadow and they proceed to head for the portal. Or at least, he's limping his way toward's it.]

[It turns out that no matter how curiously you ask that question, "do you want to die" is still something a human will balk at hearing. And when it's coupled with a portal being opened, it's something that will get even a reckless teen's heart pounding.]

Not particularly. [His throat has gone abruptly dry, and though he tries to strain, he's still locked in position. It looks like now is when some hint of survival instinct starts to grow in the teen, the reality of a portal to the unknown - which he can't help but be thrilled about, he wants to know more about it - sinking in.]

--Wait! [It's only when they're inches away from it that there's actually trepidation in his eyes. Hard to tell if the clamminess of his hands is sweat or slime. If the alien was trying to call the cool kid's bluff, it's working.] Put me down. I won't try anything. [He hates, hateshateshates to profess anything about himself, but--] I'll go wherever it is you're taking me -- just let me walk.

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