Luministi

[After Xion succeeds in unlocking the door to Lab #3--and once Filippo leaves them all with an ominous warning (as well as taking his office scheme with him)--the door to Lab #3 opens to reveal...the interior of Lab #3, a silver, cylindrical room with a small observation room on the other side of the central cylinder chamber. The observation room is walled off with glass. But unlike the last time a number of residents saw this room, Dr. Caligin is not inside waiting for them. The room is quite empty, actually.

On the other side of the room, Nathan suddenly appears again, donning a dark suit. Like before, he sounds slightly strained, like he's exerting a great deal of energy to keep moving but is trying to keep that fact hidden. He greets them with a small smile before immediately heading over to pick up the picture frames that had fallen onto the ground.]

Sorry, I just need...hold on. [he takes a moment to finish picking them up, clutching the frames to his chest] Sorry about that. These are--never mind. [he adjusts his hold on them] Anyway, you found the lab! I had a feeling it was here, and boy, I'm glad you were able to find that key. Audrey had left it in my care when--oh, I need to get her once I get you home. She should be okay resting in the clinic for a while longer...

[he hurries over to the messy desk, carefully depositing the frames and hastily arranging them somewhat neatly. but then he looks up, a somewhat grave look in his tired, dark eyes] But there is a problem. I need to find Filippo Resarci. He's my only connection to finding the person ultimately responsible for everything you've gone through. If I don't find either of them, there's a possibility you will be pulled from your homes yet again. I know many of you wish to go home, but with Audrey in her current state, I can't risk using her again for the time being and... I guess what I'm trying to say is that I need someone to stay behind. It'll be temporary, and I promise I will get you home, just...not as soon as the others.

If you wish to go home, I've turned the life support back on in the town so you can go get your belongings. Well, I guess that goes for those who wish to stay, too. And I think I've finally got things reconfigured so the proper layout of the lab is back in place. [he looks at the lab door; a bit sheepishly] Er, with one exception, but I'll fix that later. You just need to go out these door and all the way down the hallway to the elevator. It'll bring you back to the observation deck and you can go back into town the normal way.

Just to warn you, though...I did encounter some problems in town, too. For some reason, certain things are still in town and around the spacestation, like this giant windmill and a temple. I don't exactly know why they're still there, but I think if you go home, they should go with you. I think. That's my theory, anyway...

But yes. [he shifts, wincing a bit] Um, I'll give you some time to think about things amongst yourselves. We have some time. Come back here once you're ready to go home or if you want to stay. I'll be waiting.

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[surprisingly, a private text message is sent not to the device Nathan left behind but to all of the residents' CATs. it reads:]

Get to the nearest door and wait. When the alarm sounds, immediately go through the door and await the next signal.

[surely such a text is confusing, but the sender hopes those words are heeded. ten minutes after it's sent, all vidscreens in the town begin to flash red, and a wailing siren breaks the din. the only word that flashes on screen is:]

EVACUATE

[similarly, back in the spacestation, red flashing lights drop down from the ceiling and a constant, beeping alarm begins to ring. over this, a pleasant and feminine automated voice says:]

Please find the nearest exit and evacuate the station via escape pod. A distress signal has been sent to the closest galactic space authority. Those with small children are asked to--[but this message is interrupted with another]

Life support systems in sectors A through L are at 80%--65%--50%. Life support failure in sectors A through L is imminent. Warning, please evacuate sectors A through L immediately. Warning...

[the automated voice continues with warnings about those sectors--but oddly enough, nothing is wrong in the spacestation itself. no one is evacuating, and in fact, no one can be seen fleeing from the town. the only people who should be in the station are the residents, if they all heeded the text message's warning and went through their respective doors at the right time. all doors brought everyone back to the observation deck, near the first hallway that used to lead to the Mayor's house.

suddenly, Nathan's device begins to chime and an audio message from him begins to play. (oddly enough, the automated voice's warning messages soften, like the volume's been turned down.]

Oh good, you made it out safe! I didn't think that person would...[he trails off] Anyway! I've had a bit of help and I think I can finally get you out of there. I'm sorry though, but I can't get you back into town. I had to shut off life support there to distract those in charge, but I also managed to open up access to the lower level. I can't find the staircases, but the elevator should be working now, so you'll have to use that. This is your chance, everyone! Find the one responsible for this mess and find Lab #3. Contact me if you need me.

[the audio transmission ends. a moment later, there's a soft "ding" as the elevator set behind the Maintenance door in the nearby hallway opens, ready for occupants to board it.

shame it won't be a simple elevator ride.]

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( Plot Objectives List )

[the device Nathan left behind finally turns on with a text message on the screen that reads: "Please make sure you're in a quiet, private area in the next five minutes and be prepared to broadcast this message to your friends on a private channel." once the five minutes pass, an audio message begins, Nathan's voice clear and far less strained than it was previously.]

Thanks to your preliminary investigations I've been able to crack into some of the laboratory's systems and should...[he sounds distracted]...be able to have them open in a moment now that I'm fully connected. Now just...know that I'm not entirely sure what doors I'm opening. I'm working with an outdated schematic and even with knowing there's some funny business going on with the--[there's a faint sound of a key being hit and he lets out a victorious little "hah!"] There we go! I'm hoping these will open up some of the labs--at least in theory anyway. I can't see what I've unlocked, but I don't think I've been lucky enough to hit upon Lab #3. No one is that--

[he stops speaking suddenly, and a split-second later, the flurry of keys can be heard. after a moment, he finally starts to speak again, the typing of keys continuing] I--I don't believe it, but--why doesn't she respond?! What's--okay, I'm patching this through. Whoever has this, press record to save this video on the device, all right? Going in three--two--one--

[once he's done counting down, the device lights up with a somewhat grainy video of a now familiar minimalist room with expensive furniture. only this time, there's only one occupant in the room moving about somewhat aimlessly. he's talking on what appears to be a small headset resting in his ear and from his voice, he should be recognizable as the young man Proctor has argued with in the past]

--es sir, we're starting in just a few minutes. [he sits in a chair facing the multitude of screens on the wall, then stands, swivelling his chair a bit before he sits again and stretches, propping his feet up on the empty one next to his. he seems quite pleased with this arrangement] Oh, that? No, no, no...I have something far more interesting planned. Call it...a stroke of genius. They're going to love this far more than the other stunt we had planned.

[his tone shifts slightly; it's less cocky and more on the casually sinister side] After all, once they figured out how to turn the life supports back on, then they'd know what to do every time after that--and besides, they'd die relatively around the same time, and we can't afford that break in the programming. Oh sure, it'd cause a certain amount of distress and sorrow amongst those still alive to see their friends die, but it'd be short-lived! [he gestures with one hand absently] These days, the people want to see the suffering and the struggle and the bickering--and get their money's worth while they're at it, so it's got to be one hell of a show each and every time. People live for that type of real-life painful drama, the sick bastards. So I'm going to give them what they want--and I think you'll be more than pleased.

[he nods, pausing for a second to listen to someone else on the other line] No, I don't need his approval. That's always been more of a...formality. He likes to think he's in control of such things. [another pause and sets a data pad on the arm of his chair, a smirk on his lips] No. Not anymore.

[the video ends just as the young man taps something into a data pad. the screen of the device goes black and Nathan doesn't come back on]

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[a musical cue begins to play suddenly on both vidscreens and CATs, and soon the picture shifts from the normal town montage to a picture of the always smiling Mayor Caligin]

Greetings, Luministi! As you can see our technicians have finally straightened out all the bugs and kinks in the system and everything should be as great as things were before the unfortunate system downtime.

It's just as well that everything is back in working order. The final leg of planning for the 701st Luministi Founder's Day Festival is underway and if anyone is looking for some last-minute volunteering, there is certainly plenty to do as various booths are slowly set up in the town square and pavilion in preparation of the big day. [Caligin's smile broadens] And there are plenty of other surprises in store. I am practically bursting at the seams to tell you all, but that would spoil all the fun!

For now, if anyone is interested in volunteering, contact--

( [the sound suddenly cuts off...] )

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[a little before 3 p.m., two voices can be heard arguing over the CAT, though their words are slightly distorted as the random connection isn't the best. the voices belong to the two mysterious figures, though this is the first time anyone's able to hear them.]

--not going to stop this. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?

[the older sounding of the two voices sounds resigned] You've made your mind up already--[the connection goes out a little, making his words unintelligible]--know what I'd rather do to find them.

Live a little--[static builds suddenly]--sides, this way is far more fun. Everyone loves a little conflic--

[and just then, the clock ticks over to 3 p.m., and all power to the CATs instantly cuts out, simultaneously cutting the connection to that exchange. they are completely unresponsive and are frozen in whichever mode they were in before the outage. not too long after, those in their homes will hear the doorbell ring, but no one will be outside when the door is open. an envelope addressed to each resident is left outside lying on the stoop. those out and about will randomly be handed the same kind of envelope from a passer-by, but that person, too, will also disappear once it's done. inside each envelope is a letter that reads as follows:]

Dear citizens of Luministi,

It regrets me to inform you that continued issues to the town’s communications systems have led to the temporary shutdown of the entire network. This means that both the CATs and vidscreens are now down. It is an inconvenience to me as well, but the software issues must be taken care of while the system is inactive. I trust you all will understand.

This does, however, raise the issue about how you will be able to pay for your purchases at any of our grand shops and restaurants in town. As the system is down for the unforeseeable future, you will be asked to simply sign in with proprietors of each establishment. That is all! Your purchases will be attributed to your account at the end of each day, and the best part of it all is you will not have to do any of the work.

As an added safety measure, I am going to institute a temporary town curfew for 9 p.m., effect immediately. There is no punishment for being found out beyond curfew at this time. The sheriff and his deputies will be around town patrolling the area, and if found breaking curfew, they will escort you to your homes. This is merely for your safety while our communications systems are down. Please be aware that obstinacy and resistance will not be met favorably.

Thank you for your understanding in this time of distress.

[look inside the envelope again and included with the letter is a special business card-sized note that reads, on one side, "For your eyes only!" and on the other side, well...]

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[somewhere in a cold, forbidding yet lavish room sit two men. the vast screen in front of them is divided up into many sections, but the pair don't appear to be paying attention to the mayhem being displayed]

[the older man shifts in his seat, leaning forward] It's not too late to reconsider this.

What is there to reconsider? [the younger man lazily waves a hand at the screen] This is already far better than I envisioned! Why would I stop now? Did you see how--?

[in a fit of pique, the older man suddenly stands] That doesn't matter! We were warned. We still don't know where they are or how those--!

[the younger man doesn't appear fazed by the outburst] I wouldn't worry about it. I trust her. She won't disappoint us.

-------------------------

[meanwhile, back in town, the last of the pies are finally being used for comedic purposes, and once they are gone, half the tables and mess disappear. curiously, the rest remains right where it is, and it isn't until another five minutes pass that the rest finally goes away. once it does, music begins to play, and the familiar montage of clips from around the town also start to play on the CATs and vidscreens. however, after only a few seconds, the vidscreens all go completely blank and shut off. the smiling Mayor appears none the wiser of this.]

Good afternoon, citizens of Luministi! I hope you have enjoyed our recent festivities! The recent bake sale was a complete hit and all proceeds will go towards the purchase of a new equipment and materials for the town. I would like to thank the Janus Theatre and Luministi Bakery for coordinating the week-long event, and at the same time, I would like to express my displeasure at whomever was littering around town. You know who you are and I believe that is punishment enough. We are fortunate there were no accidents.

[Caligin flashes a smile at the camera before he glances down, shuffling papers on his desk before his expression softens into a more serious one] It has come to my attention that many of our newer residents have tried to come visit me recently. I do have to apologize for my unavailability. Running a great and fine town like this one often keeps me extremely busy at all hours of the day and I am afraid I will continue to be scarce for visitors for a while. If you have a pressing matter that you feel warrants my attention, please contact Miss Osculia and she will pass that information on to me.

One last brief announcement. [he reaches for a piece of paper being handed to him just beyond the view of the camera and scans it quickly] I have just received notice that the vidscreens around town will be shut down for maintenance purposes. Several software and hardware upgrades are needed. Our trusty vidscreen expert, Mister Mendes, will be visiting you all at some point, so be sure to say hello and let him go about his business. He is one of the best in town and will be out of your hair in no time. Unfortunately, this maintenance period means that the Janus Theatre has also been effected, so until further notice, the summer film festivals have been put on hold. Please call or head on over to see which films are still being presented on the theatre's older equipment.

[he grins broadly again] That is all I have for today. Have a wonderful day, Luministi. [the transmission flickers oddly, inverting the picture for a second before it finally ends]

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[the picturesque town with all of its refineries is quiet and still; the air stagnant as though a single breath of wind hasn't blown through in a while. and indeed, there hasn't; not a single person or animal can be seen in the town either.

then, as if with the snap of someone's finger, the town is suddenly filled with townspeople going to and fro, and the air is sweet with the aroma of newly bloomed spring flowers and the wafting smell of freshly baked bread from the Luministi Bakery. an early morning sun gradually rises in the sky towards its zenith. there's not a single cloud in the sky, though there is a lovely breeze sweeping through the town. also, at that very moment, select homes in Luministi Greens East and West find themselves occupied, some with new residents and some with ones who have seen the insides of the places they didn't exactly call home the last time they were there. Mayor Caligin's tried and true official greeting plays for each and every person in those homes immediately upon their appearance there.

not five minutes later, on every single CAT device and vidscreen around town, a musical montage starts to play, accompanied by a visual one comprised of a few images around town before the image on-screen focuses in on the town hall, and then fades to show Mayor Caligin again, his grayscale visage smiling eagerly. he is every bit the image of a happy man concerned only with pleasing every citizen of his town.]

Good morning, citizens of Luministi! It is my pleasure to announce the arrival of several new citizens to our wonderful town. In their honor, several of our finest restaurants and our famous malt shop are offering coupons to all of our newcomers, as well as current residents so get out there and welcome your fellow citizen! [his smile somehow grows even broader--almost even prouder in a way.] Those coupons can be procured from our own darling town crier, Verita, in the town square.

Now I believe that is--[he stops abruptly as a sheet of paper and a hand belonging to Miss Osculia comes into view.] Ah yes, I knew there was something else I wished to announce. [he smiles at Miss Osculia off-screen and--is that a wink? hmmm, could be a trick of the sunlight coming into the mayoral office.] Two more short announcements. As part of our Luministi Revival Program and the influx of new residents, Sheriff Iussus has teamed up with our office to install a handful of new security cameras around town so the Sheriff's Office can better protect all citizens and act on any brewing trouble before it gets a chance to harm anyone. Do not forget, if you need any help at any time from the Sheriff, his CAT code and that of the Sheriff's Office is located in your town directory.

And on a lighter--much lighter!--note, the Janus Theatre has announced the first of its new film festivals. For the next two weeks, it will be celebrating a variety of the finest in classical vintage comedic feature-length films and short films in history. From the list I have in front of me, you are in for a treat! Now, all films will be shown within the theatre proper as well as our outdoor area located behind the Janus Theatre. I look forward to seeing everyone out enjoying themselves!

[and just as the CATs and vidscreens shut off, there is a curious little sound, like that of an old television set turning off...]

( OOC: Plot Details )