[Open] Oh, Worm?

[codicies]

Who: Everyone who wants to get in on Worm Plot related things
What: There's a bug going around, and it might be a little more literal than you realize!
When: Backdated from the start of April through May
Where: Central City
Notes: Relevant context: April Confluence, May Confluence, and Mechanica's announcement.

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01. Hivemind Shenanigans (CLOSED)

(For any of Dylan's close friends who received a bit of symbiote goop from him get to be part of a little mental groupchat while this plot lasts. Keep in mind:

• Your character can shut the groupchat out at any time.
  
• Your character can choose not to project thoughts.
  
• If you want to have them accidentally project thoughts and emotions, that's cool too.
  
• Even if we didn't thread out your character getting a bit of Dylan Ooze, as long as they're close friends, we can handwave it and let them join the hive.
  
• This isn't permanent! Dylan will be collecting pieces of himself from the others once either the vaccine is developed and/or the worm plot ends. )

---

02. Interacting with the Infected

Many citizens of Central City seem... off. Some are exhausted, with fuzzy memories, and powers on the fritz. It seems like they're wasting away.

Then, suddenly... they're back to normal, as if nothing ever changed. Sick? When were they sick?

The symptoms are explained in detail during the April Confluence Post. Do your characters try to help the sick? Make them remember when they were sick?

Or did a firm handshake from the formerly-sick acquaintance leave you with a creepy-crawly feeling you're unsure how to explain?

---

03.Vaccine Development (Location: Broadmoor Hospital)

Any science-y types who want to help with Pete Ross' attempt at making a vaccine will be directed to Broadmoor Hospital. Knowing that Dylan is immune to the disease, he'll be closely inspecting samples of Dylan's symbiote matter to isolate the biomarkers that repel the worms.

---

04. Wildcard

Is there another way you want to engage with the Worm Plot? Are you stuck in Central City when you just want to get back home to Sunset Falls? Are you loudly complaining about the Society's secrecy regarding the whole matter?

Comments

Re: 01C

[codicies]

That's why I brought Nico and Hunter, whose powers make them difficult to contain.

Re: 01C

[definecat]

So it's fine to just endanger them, too. You're not even a full symbiote. We don't know what you can't do that I can.

They're worried, Dylan. You can't just decide to do shit like this.

Re: 01C

[codicies]

Sleeper, please. I need this worm thing to go well. If this goes sideways, and suddenly the whole public decides that Starfallen who can take host bodies are dangerous...

I'm going to do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn't happen.

Re: 01C

[definecat]

You're basically using one kind of parasite to ward off another. I know we're not actually parasites, but...in this case, well, you know how thin the line is between symbiotic and parasitic.

You could end up with us being just as hunted...

[codicies]

Oh no, Sleeper, you're breaking up, I'm going into a tunnel.

[definecat]

Do not make me bite you.

But if Dylan's not going to listen...

[demigoth]

We aren’t in a tunnel and gods you two are loud.

[definecat]

If your idiot brother had just announced they were going to let bits of them be dissected for science, would you be restrained about it? I'm tempted to track you down and do this in person where he can't run.

[demigoth]

I told him to be careful because what if they decide he has enough goo for them and their friends.

[definecat]

Is he listening to you any better than me?

[demigoth]

If he was listening, I wouldn’t be here.

[definecat]

Would you like backup?

[demigoth]

Hunter and me ARE the backup.

[definecat]

I meant more. I am perfectly capable of knocking the idiot unconscious and throwing him over my shoulder.

And they aren't bothering to shield the conversation from the idiot in question.

[demigoth]

Am I allowed to do that?

[definecat]

I leave it to your judgement and willingness to deal with the consequences. You're sensible enough, and properly paranoid.

[codicies]

I CAN HEAR YOU BOTH

[demigoth]

[ Nico waves at him. ]

You did this to me.

[definecat]

And I meant you to hear if you were smart enough to listen.

[codicies]

Do you really think I don't know this is dangerous? Do you think I'm not scared?

If there's any chance of a peaceful resolution with these things, I have to find it.

If the government decides parasitic Starfallen don't get rights, how long until the Alliance decides you're too dangerous to keep around?

I'm sick and tired of losing family!

[definecat]

The fact that you purposefully did this without talking to me or inviting me alone says plenty.

They aren't happy, but would have been beside their brother if asked.

[demigoth]

No, that one’s okay. You don’t invite people on bad ideas.

[badbutsadboy]

Maybe it just says he's capable of being a better person than you.

[Whoops, he would've probably worded that differently if he was saying it out loud, but no filter.]

If something isn't done, these things might kill everyone in this world, including other Starfallen. And if they're alive themselves, and don't understand what they're doing, it makes sense why he wants to save them.

I know you're worried. He's your brother. But he's doing a good thing because he's a good person. We can plan ahead and be ready to protect him in case it goes wrong without treating him like an idiot.

[codicies]

[ As the conversation has been going on, Dylan's frustration and anxiety has been spiking. He was already emotional enough from the stress of everything these past couple months, between loved ones disappearing, new & unresolved trauma, and now the worm thing happening. All of that, combined with the anxiety surrounding the vaccine research, it's all condensed into a huge knot burning just behind his sternum. He's anxious and frustrated and angry but has been able to mostly keep a lid on it until now.

But it's feeling like he's reached a boiling point. This whole time he's just wanted to do the right thing, but now he feels like he's getting shouted down and attacked for it. And he's trying to explain himself but no one is listening!

Dylan's been keeping his negative emotions tamped down both physically and mentally. But now the pressure's getting to be too much. He's shaking just slightly, scared that he's about to lash out to try and defend himself.

But Hunter jumps in suddenly to Dylan's defense, and it's like he found a release valve. Dylan feels himself relax just slightly, enough for him to keep composure, and he lets out a shaky breath. This is fine. He can maintain this.

He doesn't say anything but smiles gratefully at Hunter. ]