[1] Instant Crush: Life On Mars?

[hellohello]

"Serveuse? Oh, serveuse?," a customer called out to whoever was nearest, shaking a coffee cup in his hand. A small automated trolley rolled up to his table with a fresh pot of coffee, creamer, and everything else that you could want. The customer smiled and grabbed what they wanted, knocking over some creamer in the process. They turned back to their screen, not even attempting to clean up their mess. The robot gave out a little jingle and rolled away. It passed by the rows upon rows of computers and TVs, through the kitchen, and into the back of the building. Adrianne was sitting with her legs propped up on the desk, listening to the radio. When the robot rolled in, she turned the radio down and pushed her chair over to it. "Dammit, again. I don't know why people think they have the excuse to be such slobs just because everything's on auto-pilot," she thought, grabbing a rag from the maintenance shelf. She scrubbed the surface of the machine until she thought it was clean enough, turned it around, and set it back on it's automated path. The back room was dedicated to general maintenance, keeping the internet and all the machines running. That's where Adrianne and about five others worked. It wasn't a particularly hard job, and it paid well, so Adrianne liked it quite a bit. Her watch gave off a sudden beep, indicating that her shift was over. She waved goodbye to her coworkers and headed down the street to her apartment. She would usually going to her second job at the repair place down the street, but her boss had canceled work today because of the festivities. She'd take a quick nap and then get ready to head over. 

[siegwardofcatarina]

Derek Schulz finished his morning exercises as the song began on the radio. "25 years..." thought the older German man "Has it really been that long?" He remembered the day he willing turned himself in, one of the few people to do so. "Still, celebrating the anniversary of being exiled seems like bad manners." Despite that thought, he knew that all the Earth-Government personnel weren't all that bad. Hell, some of the local peace-keeping force served with or under him back on Earth and they've helped him out from time to time.

As he went to shave, Derek thought about his plans for today. Most businesses were closed and he had finished all his customer's requests the day before. "Guess I'll head to festival, but why did it have to be in the mines." he moaned.

As he put on his trench coat and boots, he decided that he would leave his pistol at home today. After all, bringing a weapon to a public event was improper. Besides, the heavy-duty flashlight was just as effective.

Derek picked up the plain officer's cap and snugly put it on his head. He walked out of his small abode and immediately frowned at the chill in the air. "At least it's sunny today" he thought. Even though the sun was much further away and slightly dimmer than it was on Earth.

Derek sighed, he had made his peace long ago and he didn't hate the cold or the dim sun as much as he did when he first arrived 25 years ago.

With that Derek began to make his way to the festival.

[Jib]

Josh shouted "Let me GO, alrea-," but was quickly struck in the head by the guard restraining him. The metallic ding rang out. "Shut up, dirt! Your kind isn't fit for Earth," he remarks as he spits on Josh. Keeping his anger in was a task, but he managed to pull through. Finally, he reached the checkpoint and was released. Josh had lost all his fame, his money, and his reputation. He had only a beam sabre, his derringer, and a few spare bullets in a chest compartment he kept locked up and secret. As, he took out the inactive beam sabre, he heard a voice in his head, "You should have let me take over! Why do I even listen to you? We could have DESTROYED them!"

"Shut up, you idiot," Josh replied, "Do you want to get executed for killing escort guards? I'm the greatest fencer in all of the lands. I refuse to die with such a pathetic excuse as 'I didn't want to be held for 5 seconds'" Out of the blue, Josh's arm came swinging towards his face. "You're annoying," remarked Go Robot. The checkpoint the two were dropped off at was a crowded area, and it seemed rather odd for a cyborg, or anyone for that matter, to be punching themselves. Josh quickly rushed out of the building he was released from, fleeing from the stares. It was bad enough to be a full cyborg, but that was embarrassing.

Josh walked swiftly. Clothes were his first thought. Something that would hide his identity as a cyborg. He spotted a small shop on a corner and headed in. The owner asked, "What is a robot doing in a clothes shop?" "I'm trying to hide my identity, sir. I'm getting quite a few looks." The owner beckoned him to the back of the shop, "I know what you must be going through. Here, nobody buys these clothes because they're uncomfortable to wear, though you could make good use of them. Cyborgs don't feel, right?" Go Robot turned Josh's head towards a long, purple trench coat. "Let's get this! Please? It looks cool and hip." Josh walked over to the piece of clothing. "This is just flashy. What the hell, man," he said in mind-talk to Go Robot. Suddenly, his limbs lost control, and he saw himself putting on the coat. "I hate you," remarked Josh. The owner looked to Josh and remarked, "That looks strangely fitting on you. It doesn't hide the fact that you are a cyborg, but you don't stick out as much. It even had a hood!"

Josh insisted on picking out a tracksuit to wear underneath the trench coat, but Go Robot stopped Josh's body every time he tried to approach them. "No, stop being Russian, Josh. This is Mars." Giving up on the tracksuit, he approached a barrel of masks. "For Christ's sake, don't take damn a mask," exclaimed Go Robot, but Josh insisted. He found a white mask with strikes forming a beautiful pattern on the right side. It had a large slot for the eyes and allowed Josh to use his enhanced vision without interruptions. Shortly after picking out his outfit consisting of white gloves, a purple trench coat, a mask, and standard boots, he walked up to the owner and asked, "How much for this outfit?" The owner asserted that the clothes Josh picked out would never sell and told him to take it, no charge. Josh shook his head and said thanks, as he walked out the shop.

Feeling like a new man, Josh turned on the radio. "I wonder if there are any strong opponents I can duel with, eh Go?" Go Robot exclaimed, "Don't get ahead of yourself. This is stand territory. We may be invincible, but the people here are no joke." After listening to the radio for a while, whilst walking about the town, he heard the news of the festival. "Huh, maybe this festival'll have some strong people to duel. But right now, we need some money." Josh's mind wandered.

Shortly after, Go Robot takes over and beats a guy up for his wallet.

[Midshade]

Ajay tossed around in his bed as he lazily awoke to the radio broadcast. He heard the door to his room swing wide open, his father stood in the doorway with a bright smile on his face.

"Good morning sleepy! I'm on my way to the festival. Try not to be late. Ok?" His father said.

"I won't dad, give me 5 more minutes" Ajay replied in a muffled tone under his bedsheets.

After his father left Ajay got out of bed and prepared for the day ahead of him.

"Festivals are fun; its better than being bored". He said to himself as he left the house.

[Deleted]

Festivities? Down at the mines? 

Nico buried her head in her pillow, her excited screams muffled by the fabric. The conditions couldn't have been more ideal for pickpocketing. An appearance from Princess Chloe herself was sure to draw crowds, as well. What more could she ask for? The extra pickings would be sure to cover the various debts she'd picked up lately.  Today was her lucky day. 

That is, if she managed to get out of bed in the first place.

Nico propelled herself off the mattress with a groan and rolled onto the wooden boards, forcing herself to jump up and get to her feet as she did so. No time for slacking. Stretching, she lumbered over to the chipped dressing table - and froze when she felt something scamper over her foot. Fuck. Rats? 

The tiny woman crouched down and surveyed the ground for droppings, crumbs, anything. Bingo! There was something in the corner: tiny little pellets.   

She heaved a sigh of relief, safe in the knowledge that it wasn't rats. It was only to be expected that this dingy, crowded little tenement would be infested with something, but better cockroaches - that had to be it, those pellets were so tiny - than rats. Those squicked her out. 

After the usual 20 minutes it took to get herself prepped, makeup'd and ready to go, it was time for the lucky morning ritual. 

With a practised movement she unfastened the golden chain necklace around her neck. Setting herself down, legs crossed, she dropped the necklace into a glittery pile and clasped her hands together. 

"Please, Lord... don't let me get caught," she murmured, keeping her eyes fixed on the pile. "Let me scoop a lotta valuables... A whole load. Just enough to cover the debts. And maybe some extra funds too. Please... I barely escaped last time and I can't get caught again... I'll stop soon, I promise." 

The ritual completed, Nico refastened the necklace and clambered down the steps to the bottom floor. Daydreaming of the riches to come, she set out outside on the dusty red trail. 

[MrDandy]

Through the porthole, red ground rose through orange skies. The world was alien, fascinatingly so; captivating in how strange it was. Guy sat entranced, hands folded politely on his lap as he tried to ignore the numerous guns pointed at him. Surprisingly, he wasn't finding it that difficult! Imagining them as cameras or microphones almost made the young man feel like an adored celebrity, and that helped. Some. For all his fantasies of emerging from a luxurious limousine, it was hard to escape the reality of his predicament. Earth was now a shadow in his memory, a home left behind in the wind. The roaring rush of rockets, punctuated by a heavy clunk of metal on concrete sealed his fate. Guy was imprisoned upon this red rock of Mars.

The next few moments passed in a blur. Roughly tugged to his feet, escorted down sterile corridors, Guy was the only one of his kind on this rocket. Not the only human, the guards had that covered, but certainly the only Stand user. An entire ship just for him, the dream of fame crossed his though as the outer airlock began its crunching opening. This could work, he thought to himself. A spaceship for a limo, and an entire rusty planet as his red carpet. It would be hard, but as the faint light of the sun wove through the opening door, Guy found himself excited. He was like the others here, he would fit in. He could adapt, and he would survive. After all, he had overheard one of the guards talking about some festival for the "freaks". That could work, parties were fine for Guy. The door opened and its catwalk extended down to the dusty launchpad below. A guard moved to shove Guy out, but the young man stepped forward willingly. He flashed a smile and a little wave back at his supervisor, only to be met with a stern glare. That was rough, but he shook his head and pressed on. Down the catwalk, hands at his side, diary clutched in a fist. He paused for a moment at the edge, and stepped off onto a harsh new world. Looking out on the colony, Guy uttered the first words of this new life...

"Oh Jesus fuck it's cold!"

[Nat]

Natalie hummed a nameless tune as she battled with her boot laces. She really should stop tying them into hard knots. Or just get a pair with velcro instead. Once she saves up enough. She glanced at the clock on the kitchen table.

Aaaand now she is late to work - because she can’t put on her boots. Because she is dumb and can’t tie her laces properly.

With her free hand, Natalie dipped her bread, cold and stale and rock hard, into the bowl of soup to soften up. Her other hand finally succeeded in stuffing a well-socked foot into her boot. She rubbed the fingers, now slight red from the chafing, on the nape of her neck, softening it up with the heat like the piece of bread, which is almost gone by now.

‘Hey dad, do you think we can take mom to the celebration later?’ She acknowledged her father as he made his way into the kitchen. He peered into the pot of mystery soup, calculated his chances of food poisoning, then grabbed a bowl from the counter.

‘Mmm, I’m not sure if mom’s wheelchair can get around the mines.’ Natalie’s father sat down on the other end of the table. ‘We can just watch the live from her room. Do you want to go?’

‘Kinda.’ Natalie put her dishes away, then grabbed her jacket and satchel. ‘I can bring some souvenirs if you guys want.’ She quickly counted her savings in her head. Hopefully she can get some extra tips today.

‘Sure.’ Her father made a “shoo” gesture with his hand. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be on your way already?’

‘I blame whoever taught me this stupid knot.’ Natalie retorted. ‘I’ll see you guys later tonight then.’

—

‘Alright,’ Natalie pulled her arms up for a quick stretch, eyeing the road ahead. ‘Time for a morning run.’ She hopped a few times, then broke off into a run-- 

Well.

Her right foot tapped silently on the ground, and she was propelled in a forward arch that spanned at least 5 meters from where she started. She repositioned in the air and landed on her right foot again without so much as a buckle while the ground rumbled, then repeated the whole routine by taking off with her left foot.

This is the lovely ability of her Stand, Magic Blue Van, who excels at trading away sound for extra force of impact (and vice versa). Whether she could get to work on time all came down to the perfect execution of this ability.

…And traffic.

Let there be green light.

Pls.

Natalie dialed up the volume with a light gesture over her earbuds and put on some music, vaguely in tune to what she was humming before.

[BlacKnightZero]

"Nice job out there today, Walker. Here's your pay." Alan opened his hand and accepted the cash given to him. Not a lot considering the job's scale, but it was enough. Maybe next time he'll get hired to blow something up, those jobs usually pay well. Mercenary work in general is pretty inconsistent when it comes to how much money is on the line. Though, it's hard for Alan to expect something from such a sketchy office like this one. It made him wish the didn't have to resort to doing stuff like this, or at least that there were better places that gave out mercenary work.

Alan stepped outside, finished with his business for the day. It was cold outside, just every single day on Mars. Not that it really bothered him, what with him being a cyborg and all. It's been a few years since he was turned into such, and he still wasn't really used to it. Unfortunately for him, there probably isn't a way to turn him back into human, and he hasn't even found the ones that did this to him. There was really nothing to be done, so Alan just kept moving on with his life.

Some time later, Alan made it back to his home. He settled in before turning on the radio, curious about anything new happening on this shithole planet. He listened to the announcement all the way through and turned the radio back off.

"So it's been 25 years already, huh...?" Alan mumbled to himself. Normally a celebration like this wouldn't interest him, but at such a big event there could be some info that he can use to get off of Mars. "...This might be worth going to after all."

[dere]

Mickey pulled off the road onto a small lot designated for workers in the mines. It was distinguished by four wooden poles stuck into the ground at four corners, with cars spilling out far beyond what was intended. Right next to the lot was a large red rock formation that jutted out of the orange dirt underfoot. Mickey and Lily jumped out of the pickup truck and approached the entrance carved out in front of the rock formation. It proudly displayed "Fourth Planet Mining Company" with a picture of a cartoon dolphin to it's left.

"Kind of weird they'd have the celebrations down in the mines... I guess it is warmer down there, though," Mickey remarked. "I wonder how we get there, though..." He shivered slightly. "The individual standing forty five degrees to our left might be able to give us information," Lily said flatly. She pointed to a man wearing heavy winter clothing and a helmet, drinking cheap coffee that most likely tasted like rotten dirt.

"Hey, buddy, we're going to the celebration, could you give us directions?"

The miner didn't even look up when responding. "Left elevator, ten floors down."

"Ah... thanks, I guess..." Mickey and Lily briskly walked past the miner into the mines, and the temperature became noticeably more bearable. Wooden beams supported the somewhat thin hallway, and to the left, a rickety looking elevator made of steel beams could be seen. "I don't know if that's safe... what do you think Lily?"

"... Analysis inconclusive."

"Ah." The two carefully got onto the elevator and pressed the 10 button, which sent the elevator moving down at speeds that were rather uncomfortable. It came to a stop suddenly at the tenth floor down, which looked much nicer than the rest of the mines. It seemed to be some sort of gathering hall, wooden floors, plastic chairs, various foods and refreshments laid out on tables with white tablecloths, and balloons tied to random spots. Hanging from the roof was a large banner proclaiming "25 YEARS!" with the same cartoon dolphin smiling with a large, dumb, annoying grin. The far side of the hall was some sort of stage with a red curtain drawn, likely where Princess Chloe was going to make her speech later. However, currently, there were only a few sparse individuals making small talk in the room.

"Hmmm... Well, maybe we're early, Lily. Let's hope some more people show up."

[killeroftheminge]

As the mines slowly came into view, Simon breathed a heavy sigh of relief, his face caked with so much dust that anyone seeing the child would be astonished that he could see through the clouded goggles he wore on his face. Stopping by all the parked vehicles, Simon manages to take a look at himself in the reflection of a motorcycle, taking particular note that his once green hair had been turned into a bright red. 

"Tch, I should've worn a mask or something, I can't go in like this!"

Grimacing once more at his appearance, Simon sits down and pulls out a water bottle from his backpack. Looking all around him to make sure noone could see, his body gave off a blue glow before a diamond like object appeared before him, through which he dropped the bottle of water through. As it fell, four different bottles passed through the other side, thumping against the ground.

"That's more like it," Simon smiled brightly, uncapping the first bottle and proceeding to wash himself down. After about 7 minutes, he looked back into the motorcycle. Sure, he was damp now, but he figured he'd dry off as he walked around the party. "Okay...well, here goes...just gonna...head in..." Simon whispered, looking to the entrance again to see several people walking inside. He grabbed at his throat as his heart beat harder and harder, in some futile attempt to quiet the dread building in the back of his mind.

There's nothing to be afraid of...they're just people, they won't...they're not gonna bite or anything...Oh, man I can't even move my feet...


Simon wringed his hands and paced back and forth for about 20 minutes before he finally built up the courage to take the first step. He took a deep breath, and started walking before he could exhale, just in case he lost the courage to walk ahead. Keeping his head down, he managed to make it past a few people before bumping into a lady exiting the cavern, his eyes widening at the contact as he looked up to see who he had ran into.

"Goddammit, watch where you're going kid!"

"I'm...I'm, uh....I'm really-"

"Just move, retard!"

He practically jumped out of the way as she stormed past, his face going scarlet as he looked back down at the ground. He continued making the trek inside, this time with almost cement-like feet as he had to drag his legs behind him. The word 'retard' ran through his head a few times, each reverberation tightening his chest as trudged forward. He wanted to slink away, he wanted to die, he wanted to do anything but stay here with all of these people. He'd never forgive himself, however, for giving up yet again; so, against better judgement, Simon pressed on.

[siegwardofcatarina]

Derek arrived at the mines on a bus a little later that morning. He never liked the mines, he hated dark cramped spaces in general. It was one of the reasons he took odd jobs on the surface. As he got off the bus he spotted the four wooden poles that marked the mines. He walked towards the sign that said "Fourth Planet Mining Company" and spotted a miner standing to the side, probably on his break. Derek approached the man but as soon as he began to open his mouth the miner said "Left elevator, tenth floor." without even acknowledging him. Derek stood silently for a second and then went into the slightly warmer but darker mines.

His hand went to the flashlight in his pocket making sure it was still there, just in case. "I need to calm down." Derek thought "The princess will be here, the possibility of an attack or disaster with her here is low." Derek found himself questioning that thought as the rickety elevator came into view and creaked as he stepped on it. With one hand Derek pressed the 10 button while keeping his other hand near his flash light

Derek relaxed as he entered the gathering hall, it was much nicer than the mine tunnels and much more brightly lit. He must have arrived early as the hall was quite empty. People were gathered into small groups sprinkled around the hall, and there was one nervous looking kid who seemed to not want to be there.

Derek's attention turned to the older man with the anchor tattoo. He heard about the fellow repairman around town but couldn't remember his name "What was it?" he pondered "Micky, Mickey, Michael, something with an M." The repairman was with a young girl, but something seemed off about her. But, Derek couldn't put his finger on why the girl was off-putting. Derek shrugged and took a seat not far from the repairman and his companion.

[MrDandy]

Guy pulled his shirt closer around himself, a small comfort against the biting winds. All the same, he looked towards the lights on the horizon with eagerness on his mind. Eagerness, and dreams of getting a better coat. The chill only served to hurry him along, probably good considering the rocket behind him. Teeth chattering minutes passed as the young man bustled down the road. He was about halfway to the colony as a distinct roar rumbled up from behind him. Stopping, Guy looked back. A little grin crossed his lips; another day not turning into a pillar of salt was a good day indeed. Still, as he watched the craft set sail, burning bright into the orange sky, a pang of loneliness struck him. Perhaps biblical judgement wouldn't be so bad...

Eventually, the rocket was just a point in the sky, and shrinking even still. As it faded, Guy resumed his walk, less excited than before. The reality of his situation was creeping in upon him, and no dreams of glory came to fight back its chill hand. Gritting his teeth, he forged onward towards the lights.

The effort paid off, though Guy's legs were hurting something fierce. At last, he found himself in the colony. The streets were worn down, dusted in that red sand that he was already growing cross with. It painted his cheeks and tinted his hair, streaking his clothes with rust. He was annoyed that he'd have to immediately start on laundry, but at least that was a distraction from his growing awareness of isolation.

"Alriiiight, party thing, party thing..." He mumbled to himself, looking about for any signs of life. Guy found them, but they didn't exactly seem too friendly. This was a hard land, and its people reflected that, something the young man quickly gleaned. Fortunately, what little words he could pry from the locals were enough to point him in the right direction. Ignoring the ache in his legs, Guy hurried down the roads like he had lived there for years, easily recounting every twist and turn the cynical citizens provided. Steadily, more and more people meandered into the same road as him, seemingly going to the same place. As he saw more, Guy found himself in disbelief. All these people were more than likely Stand users, an incredible and terrifying thought! And so it was that he held back in saying hello... Nerves that he hadn't experienced in years firing away in his gut.

At last, the sign he was looking for stood above him. And it was exactly as obnoxious as the people had said. Guy wasn't a fan of sea life, especially not such disgustingly caricatured ones. All the same, this mine was the right spot, and what a place to start on your first day. Something quickly caught his eye, and thank god it wasn't another cartoon dolphin. Rather, a bush of bright green hair bobbed just a few meters ahead, nested atop a timid looking man. A little grin graced Guy's visage, perhaps he wasn't the only newcomer here. Seeing opportunity ahead, he jogged forward after the other.

"Hey, green hair dude!" Guy called, panting a bit. He was exhausted, but there would be time to rest at the party! Catching up with the other, he flashed him a smile, surprised by how young this other man was. "Uh, is this where that festival is? I'm really rather new around here."

[BlacKnightZero]

Alan showed up at the festival, keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. Not surprisingly, there weren't that many people even there to begin with. Nobody there was even that suspicious to begin with, but you can never be certain in a place like this. He didn't even have an idea of when the princess was supposed to show, so he'd just have to wait it out and see what happens.

[BizarrePairOfGlasses]

How convenient it was her club being so close to the mines, because of this she didn't take a vehicle it was roughly a 15 minute walk. It's funny she had never been to this place before, she passed by it every now and again from she spot she got her "awesome" glowing tattoo. Even now, it lit up like a lighthouse and died down to a plain blue ink on her arm and then it would do the same over and over. When she had finally made it to the mines she hadn't paid much attention to the outer decor of place though the dolphin decal had been cute. She made her way into the mines and had gotten on the elevator the next time it came up. She had shared her smile with every person she seemed to pass by, and why wouldn't she? Next to celebrating the day her mother had been sent to this planet she had also been quite interested other people, probably why she had run a club. 

When she had made it down to the floor where it seemed to be the happening spot she took her first step out out of the elevator her eyes widened for a moment, she had been curious...not many people here seemed to be too concentrated on their stands, then again it was more than likely not everyone here had a stand with a mind of its own like hers. With that said she decided to let Radicals breath, releasing it from her consciousness and let it free. It didn't drift too far from her and stayed rather close, like always its cheeks had been flustered and red, looking around at the people who had been around already.

It wasn't until Willow had gotten distracted by a boy with green hair who seemed to be a bit shy around others seemed to have had a bit of trouble with a few other people calling him out of his name and the like. She shook her head, 'some people are just assholes' a saying her mother used to practice, it wasn't until another individual had approached the boy, but unlike the others he had been much more...welcoming. She would simply smile and decide to let the two get acquainted with each other without interfering herself. In the mean time she had looked to where her stand had been, as usual it would shrivel up and stick near a corner in the wall, nervously looking over other people at the festival.

"Typical Radicals..."

"Stare...stare...glance...stare..." Radicals seemed to be repeating to itself.

[killeroftheminge]

Simon had finally made it to the actual party, but was more surprised by the fact that there was so few people that had shown up. Was it early? Did people just decide not to come? That seemed more depressing to think about, if people didn't even want to celebrate the 25th anniversary of being abandoned on Ma-and slowly he realized why not a lot of people had shown up. In all honesty, though, he couldn't help but brighten up at the lack of people so far. Crippling shyness and large groups wasn't the best combination, so maybe he could actually make an attempt to break out. Maybe he'd meet some people, share a few laughs, actually share a moment with others like him. Maybe, just maybe, he could finally-

"Hey, green hair dude! Uh, is this where that festival is? I'm really rather new around here."

Simon's hair stood on end as jumped a little by the sudden voice, twisting around quickly to see someone else approaching him, panting as he did. Simon looked all around, seeing if maybe there was some other green haired dude that this guy was calling to; there'd be nothing worse than responding and finding out he wasn't even talking to him. Seeing noone else, Simon turned back to the man, his eyes wide as he tried to speak.

Just speak! Yes, this is the party! Just say it, it's literally nothing, come on! JUST. SAY. SOMETHING!!!


"Ye...yes...I mean, yeah, I think so, it's...you know it's hard to tell there's not a l-lot of people here. More like a dinner party, right, heheh...heh...uh..."

What was that?! What the hell was that, a dinner party?! How is that even a joke, why did you tell a joke?!? 


Luckily for him, a loud commotion started happening in the middle of the room where some guy...wait is he a cyborg? A cyborg was wrestling with himself and causing a rather huge ruckus.  Simon breathes a sigh; maybe the commotion would distract this guy from that crappy joke he made.