❧ It's all fun and games...

[luministimods]

[if anyone is near the town square, they might just notice the cloud of gas begin to dissipate. moments after it's gone, all CATs and vidscreens turn on, showing the black and white image of the mayor, but the smile on his face doesn't even come close to reaching his tired eyes. in the background, one can hear this song playing faintly.]

Greetings, citizens of Luministi. I have a few announcements I'd like to make this lovely Saturday afternoon on behalf of our very own Verita. First of all, our other dear friend, Dr. Resarci, is still on a leave of absence after what seems to be a horrible, stubborn cold struck him sometime last week. And during his well-deserved vacation, even! Probably all for the best he was unavailable and missed former Deputy Drew's execution late last night. My condolences to the families of his victims as well as to his own. Let us observe a moment of silence for our lost citizens.

[he bows his head, the music in the background ceasing while a moment passes in silence. as he looks up again, the music resumes playing]

Secondly, it seems the strange fog that has been hanging about the town has finally decided to move on, and just in time too! Our very own Janus Theatre will be showing double features on its outside screen every night for the next week as part of the celebration of the opening of its new arcade wing. Might want to bundle up, though. I have been informed that we are expecting an unusual cold front to be coming in. Might even see some frost on those lawns in the early morning if we are lucky. Highly unusual for this time of year! Why, I cannot remember--

[in the middle of his speech about the weather, the transmission on only the new residents' CATs cuts out suddenly, leaving the vidscreens still broadcasting the Mayor's rather boring announcement. a moment later, however, a new transmission begins with the Mayor yet again--but something seems wrong, from the disheveled state of his normally perfectly coiffed hair to the buttons of his shirt left undone, even the dark circles under his eyes that are normally covered with a judicious application of make-up. he isn't looking at the camera, nor does he have his normal piece of music on. instead, his eyes are focused on just below the sightline of the camera.]

This is one step too far... I knew hiring him would be a risk, but now this?! [he covers his face with one hand] Oh my poor little girl... I never should have--no, I'll make this right somehow. I never thought it would go like this. This isn't what I wanted! [he clutches a ragdoll of sorts to his chest]

[he falls silent for a long moment, and when he speaks again, his voice is calm and evenly measured] We need to find him. We need to tell--[he notices the camera is on at last]--has that been recording this entire--

[the new transmission cuts out only to be replaced with yet another. a third, but brief, transmission begins, showing the flickering image of what appears to be a grab machine or rather, a whole row of them. a voice exactly like the one heard in the phone booth before its destruction speaks:]

Find it before it's too late.

[and finally, both transmissions cease altogether just as the Mayor is wishing everyone a great day.]

( OOC: Plot Details )