lone-starlight

[lone-starlight]

[Star nods along with Eight's reasoning for absndoning their project, understanding very well the difficulty of that kinda thing. They get it – they've tried modifying the jacket, like removing the Showfall Logo, but it's still there. It's faded and faint, but it's still there no matter how hard they tried to get it off. Not to mention the gloves are... some patchy work, especially on the inside. Had it been for anything else, maybe they'd have asked Niki to help sew in the taser components... but all things considered they don't think she'd have approved]

[At the instructions, they pace a little, trying to mimic the gait of a drone; stance straight, arms moving back and forth, their head scanning their surroundings, some robotic movements. They don't feel like they're quite getting it right, but with the drones all being... the way they are right now, who even knows anymore?]

Well... If it... does attack me, I made these gloves to... basically tase him. I don't want to – I mean, that's my fucking father in there! – but uh... if I have to, I will. It should release enough volts to at the very least short-circuit it upon impact...

[They don't mention that they haven't exactly had a chance to test this. Not on something living at least, they did use it on a small cancelled project of theirs and it... definitely did the trick...]

[They can only hope that it doesn't come to that]

... any tips on how to be a drone? Just so I know I'm... ya know, not fucking it up

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[lone-starlight]

[By the time Star gets to the closet turned hideout, they're exhausted with the frustration that is taking directions from someone else. As they look around, they take this as a small moment of respite, slipping a hand under the mask and sighing]

... Are you talking about my house or MT's- you know what, I don't care enough right now.

[Moving further into the closet, Star looks for... well they don't exactly know what. They're just looking honestly. The work in progress hoodie catches their attention, so they carefully pick it up, examining it while being mindful of any loose thread or the pins still holding the infinity symbol in place]

... Better than what I could do. My thing's with wires and metal, not thread and cloth.

[Star thinks back to the stuffed star they got from Niki for Christmas... she'd know more about this. Maybe she could-]

[Nope, none of that right now. Focus, Aster. They sigh, and gently place the cropped hoodie back where they found it]

So... what now?

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[lone-starlight]

[Star stares at the camera, hoping they get their scathing look across despite the mask]

Would it really kill you to say one nice thing about... well anything? Like, seriously?

[They shake their head. Aside from their voice, the way Eight talks sometimes sounds... childish. Like a teenager going through their rebellious phase. It's... it gives Star a bit of pause... it makes them think back to Diamond. The two are by no means the same, or even in the same situation... but if there's anything they regret (which is a lot, frankly), it's treating D the way they did in the beginning]

[They aren't gonna be perfect – they're snappish, especially under stress – but they're still gonna treat Eight with sympathy]

[With another deep breath, look away from the camera and face the hall forward]

Alright. Forward, right, left.

[They move, onward through the labyrinth that is Showfall, in search of their father, and guided by someone they shouldn't trust]

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[lone-starlight]

[Just as they were about to give a rebuttal, glaringaring at the camera, Star's eyes widen, their scowl drops as their face visibly pales]

Ah, suka!

[They scramble to search through their bag, moving things around and checking pockets until... they slump over, sighing in relief as their hand catches on the smooth plastic]

Fukh... Got it.

[They straighten up and glance around again, eyes landing on the camera once, before turning away from it and taking out the mask to examine it, turning it over in their hands. Call them egotistical, but they think they got it pretty close to perfect, considering they avoided the original mechanics as much as possible. The most this thing has in terms of electronics is a small light feigning activation and a couple of wires. They hold back a smile as they think back to the fake Polaris. It isn't much, but they can't help but feel proud. Suck on that HETCH]

[With just a bit of hesitation, they pull the mask over their face, making sure it's secure before they turn back to Eight's camera, splaying their hands out by their head in a "Ta-Da!" kind of motion]

Now, where to?

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[lone-starlight]

[Star pauses for a moment, processing what was said... and the voice that said it. Good god, they sound even younger than Diamond. They have just a bit more empathy towards the teen now, just hearing their voice...]

[Not enough to hold back their snark, apparently. They roll their eyes at Eight's bluntness]

Not even a hello, huh? What am I, chopped liver?

[Star looks around, then back at the map they were just given, trying to remember the instructions they were just given and trying to apply it to their surroundings... but no dice]

Okay, well, I'm gonna need a bit more instruction, man, because, call me stupid, but I am not good with directions. Especially when they're being given to me all at once.

[There's a bit of bite in their tone, but god damn it, they do not want to be here, and just getting in was difficult enough for them. They just want to try to see their... to see SecuriTV and hopefully not die a horrible gruesome death involving claws and wire- okay, stopping that thought right there]

[They take a deep breath in... and out.]

Just... tell me where to go from here, and guide me along the way. You can see me, right?

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[lone-starlight]

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[lone-starlight]

How long have you been standing out there?

It can't be more than a couple of hours.

Whatever, I sent you the map of how to get to the back entrance that I need you at and which areas to avoid.

You can get going between 5 and 6 pm. I'll deactivate the cameras.

-🎱

Mmmmmmm..... good question. Feels like aaaages, but... yeah, I've been skirting the place for around an hour and a half or so.

Ah, there's the map. Sweet jesus, what is this, the fucking Tardis??? It's big enough on the outside, why the fuck does it look bigger on the inside?????

Thank you. I'll head in then

[lone-starlight]

Ugh. Eight, c'mon. There's only so long I can stay out here.

[lone-starlight]

Hey, the internet connection here is absolute fucking dogshit. Either that or my phone's finally giving out on me. So that probably means this post will be delayed, along with anything I post afterwards...

I just wanted to say I've made it to the outskirts of the mall. It's so much bigger than I thought it was... If Eight decides they won't help me while I'm in there, I'll be fucking stranded.

[lone-starlight]

[The yellow PT Cruiser pulls up to a small gravel lot just outside of a forest - not just any forest, but the forest surrounding the repurposed mall. Star steps out of the driver's side, opens the trunk, pulls out their duffel bag, and straps it over their shoulder]

[Turning to the woods, they feel their heart catch in their throat knowing what lies just beyond the trees. With a deep breath, they pull out a pair of strange gloves - really they look more like lightweight electronic gauntlets - and pulls them on their hands. They open and tightly close their fists and sparks emerge from the knuckles]

[Star nods and looks at the forest once again. They take one last shaky breath, letting it out with a sigh]

Okay... here- here I go.

[lone-starlight]

"clearly", eh?

Sure. That's an assumption I'm willing to upkeep.

You ain't too far off.

And I will be ready, don't worry.

The keys you're searching for are under the table btw. You knocked them off about five minutes ago.

-🎱

Buh?

... Ugh, I hate that you can just. Do that. I still hate that everyone can see me...

[lone-starlight]

I do feel more comfortable being antagonised, yes. The mind games that come with pretending to care are unnecessary.

"Kindness" is unpredictable.

Hatred and anger isn't.

I'm tired of making it seem like that's not the case.

I don't know why you all seem that keen on playing a role, maybe leftover habits from a previous work position, but I'm not foolish enough to fall for it.

Also, it's bold of you to assume my thoughts and feelings about you while knowing me for a grand total of a couple of days, but sure, hon.

-🎱

Well clearly, you don't care about anyone unless they're useful to you.

Also, I've known of you for much longer. You've antagonized my friends, my family, and for what? For a kick?

God, it was a joke before, but you really must have been stuck there your whole life. You need some serious therapy.

[lone-starlight]

I am content with the dynamic we have had and have no significant reason to try and change it.

If I'm an ass and you're a little shit then we're on equal footing, are we not?

I don't see why you'd want to treat me decently if I'm treating you like shit.

You're going to come and I'm going to aid you either way, why would we confuse ourselves by pretending to be anything more than temporary allies.

-🎱

Oh idk, maybe because it'd be nice? To be treated nicely? What, do you like being hated? Do you like being treated like shit? Because I sure fucking don't.

... But you're right. It doesn't matter, does it? As things are, we're just using each other as tools for our own gain, huh?

... I hate depending on someone like this. Especially someone who only gives a shit if I die since it'd ruin their image.

[lone-starlight]

Have you considered wearing a streaming device that updates only when you hit a switch? That way Showfall can’t use it but others with the same idea as you can. I wish you luck.

Mm... that feels. Too similar to the actual devices for comfort... not a bad idea, but not one I'm comfortable with putting on

Thank you though... I'm gonna need all the luck I can get

[lone-starlight]

Don't you think a person ought to know what others say about them behind their back?

I never denied being an asshole, but you still seem to be clinging onto your morality, so I reckon you'd like to avoid being one.

In any case.

I can always take my offer back, and you can yours, so if you want to miss out on your only chance, then sure, continue.

-🎱

I- no I'm... I'm just... Ugh... I hate this.

Do you really expect me to take this manipulation tactic bullshit laying down? Stop talking to me like I'm lower and maybe I'll be a bit more cooperative.

Until then, yes I'm gonna be a little shit, because you're an asshole and frankly I'm terrified out of my fucking mind.

I'm only agreeing to this because it's an opportunity I can't pass up. That does not mean I'm gonna be nice to you when you're talking to me like I'm scum beneath your foot

Last person who talked to me like that was punched in the face.

The first one was... well, he wasn't someone you'd wanna be compared to, I don't think.

[lone-starlight]

Hypocrite.

Aren't you the one constantly watching everybody's accounts?

I'm ready as soon as you stop being an ass.

-🎱

See the difference is. The blogs are public. That was supposed to be a private conversation between me and my brother.

Also, takes an ass to know one, don't it?

[lone-starlight]

I can fucking hear you two.

-🎱

Creep.

Anyways, I'll be on my way as soon as your ready, Mx. Holier-than-thou