Surviving & Thriving -- Monday -- Second Period.

[atreideslioness]

Students met in the Danger Shop this week, which was set-up to resemble a regular classroom. "You've made it back," Ghanima said, looking over the class as people arrived. "Today we're going to go a bit more complex than last week; we'll be looking at what makes Fandom different from most other schools. Namely, the prevalence of parallel universes, the school's propensity for being invaded by hostile entities, and our mascot, the Gremlin."

If she shot Algren an amused glance on that last part, it was purely the class's overactive imagination.

"You may have realized over the last week that there are students here from the past, from the future, and some that look familiar but are not quite who you think they are. A friend, perhaps, but slightly different from the person you know, or a complete doppelgänger wearing a familiar face, but with a different name, different personality, and from another world altogether. These are not uncommon occurrences, and can be blamed on the fact that Fandom High acts as a multiversal nexus, connecting with several parallel universes."

"Parallel universe or alternative reality is a self-contained separate reality coexisting with one's own. While the terms "parallel universe" and "alternative reality" are generally synonymous and can be used interchangeably in most cases, there is sometimes an additional connotation implied with the term "alternative reality" that implies that the reality is a variant of our own. The term "parallel universe" is more general, without any connotations implying a relationship, or lack of relationship, with our own universe. A universe where the very laws of nature are different – for example, one in which there are no relativistic limitations and the speed of light can be exceeded – would in general count as a parallel universe but not an alternative reality. The correct quantum mechanical definition of parallel universes is "universes that are separated from each other by a single quantum event." Ghanima quirked a slight smile. "Which is a headache trying to sort out, so we'll stick with using them interchangeably for this class, unless anyone has objections."

Algren was smirking a little as he stepped forward, possibly because if he attempted to look pleasant, it would hide his (still obvious) distaste at the subject matter that he was about to discuss.

"Another aspect of the island that you may or may not already have some experience with would be the local wildlife," he stated. "Last week saw a newcomer to the island in the form of those... hairy buffalo-dog things." Alots, Captain. Alots. "You might have also heard about the teal deer, which are, as their name suggests, deer. Deer that happen to be teal. But the one creature that calls Fandom Island home that you'll most certainly hear the most about would be the gremlin. They're more than just our school mascot. They're a relatively sentient species that lives wherever it can find shelter, and they've come to the island's aid more than a few times. They're really quite harmless, when you get right down to it, and they're possibly the most beneficial creature to call this island home once you take into consideration their role in saving us on more than one occasion, from zombies, and even from other gremlins."

A beat, and then he couldn't help but wrinkle his nose in distaste.

"They're also absurdly annoying. Their bite contains a highly hallucinogenic venom, and they use it when they feel threatened, aggressive, or just plain bored. If you happen to see somebody parading around, convinced that they're somebody they're not and acting altogether insane, look for a gremlin bite. And pull out a camera. The venom's effects will wear off before too long, of course, but the humiliation that it causes can be lasting."

And he should know.

"Just be aware that if you document it for the yearbook, your classmates may do the same to you," Ghanima pointed out.

"The last subject we'll touch on today is Fandom's history of invasions," she continued. "From time-to-time, hostile forces have attempted to claim the island for their own. Or worse yet, sometimes the enemy has been one that has no soldiers to fight; a plague, or a magical happening."

"Some of the island's invasions have been a result of parallel realities," Algren added. "A rival island looking to overtake this one for its own purposes, a sleeping sickness that pulled the consciousness of a good many of our population over to another, parallel Fandom. There's a ring of statues in the preserve that abducted people and rocketed them back in time. Some seem less serious at a glance, like simple monster attacks, or even hungry vegetables, but all have been dangerous. When the island is being afflicted with an invasion, your best bet is to stay inside the dorms, the school, Caritas, or the clinic, which are all considered safe places. And, if you're not the sort to hide inside," because he knew the island's population better than that, "then make absolutely certain you don't travel alone, and you treat whatever invading force you encounter with the utmost caution."

"Today, for your practical, we'll be combining parts of what we've talked about today," Ghanima said. "We are playing a game of Tag against a special guest.. Please stand."

[OOC: OCD up! Tag in!]

Comments

Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[atreideslioness]

Once the students were up, she pushed a button on the Danger Shop remote, changing the setting to a sunny day outside in a large field. Standing beside Ghanima was now a gremlin. Or rather, an approximation of a gremlin, when programmed by an individual like Algren, who had all the technological knowhow of a peanut when it came to anything with a patent date set after 1877. Or Ghanima, who still muttered nasty things about Thinking Machines after three years of teaching.

"This little fellow," Algren said, gesturing toward the sort of... doodly, eerily happy looking gremlin, "is Frank. Our invading force for the day. All you have to do is avoid him, and you'll be in the clear. But he's small, quick, and wily, and if he catches you, you're it." He glanced at the gremlin, who now ran up to him and prodded him on the ankle with one wee gremlin finger. There was a bit of a shudder in the air around Algren as the Danger Shop did its thing, and left standing in his place was... Well, a similarly approximate representation of a zombie, who grinned at them and continued to speak in Algren's voice. "The Danger Shop will cover you in one of these illusions, and it will be your job as newly turned zombies to catch your classmates and hold them down, so that Frank can continue his hostile takeover. Please try to refrain from actually chewing on your classmates. The scenario will end when everyone is turned, or when the class is over. Think you can handle that?"

[OOC: Ping off each other! Go wild! If you would like to be chased by an NPC Frank, poke us in the appropriate OCD. Not Dirty. Otherwise, feel free to mod Frank!]

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[boho-to-be.livejournal.com]

Christian had absolutely no idea what was going on. He stood there, squinting dumbly down at the green hook where his hand was supposed to be.

He was no doubt easy prey for Frank and other zombies alike.

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

Rilla would just be over here, then. Hiding behind Christian.

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[boho-to-be.livejournal.com]

Christian glanced back at her, eyebrow raised. Rilla thought he looked like protection?

Then his shoulders squared, and he shifted to shield her. She thought he looked like protection, so protection he'd be. Even if ...

"I'm still not sure what we're supposed to do if the green blobby thing actually comes after us," he whispered.

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

"Shriek and run?" Rilla suggested nervously.

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[boho-to-be.livejournal.com]

"Please," Christian said, trying very hard to look like someone who would never shriek and (almost) succeeding. "I'd ... throw a shoe to distract it."

He was hardcore.

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

"Mine would have to be unlaced first," Rilla said. "Perhaps a hat pin instead?"

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[boho-to-be.livejournal.com]

"If one comes within jabbing distance," Christian said, stepping back away from one who was shambling towards them. "Or we could sing. Isn't music meant to sooth the savage beast?"

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

"It is," Rilla agreed nervously, wielding her twelve-inch hatpin before her like a really, really skinny sword. "And I've never seen anything so savage. Or smelly."

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[trigons_child]

Raven really wasn't sure about this game, either. At least it wasn't a blatant representation of violence, biting aside, but still. She was just going to teleport to safety if the happy gremlin or a zombified classmate got near her.

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[nothornlessrose.livejournal.com]

Cassidy had stared at the creature for a little bit and then was standing next to Raven. "What is that thing?"

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[trigons_child]

"I believe it is supposed to be a gremlin," Raven said, tilting her head and staring at the creature. "But they do not usually look like that. They are more...scaley. And sharper teeth. And they do not smile like that."

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[nothornlessrose.livejournal.com]

Cassidy shook her head. "He looks rather unpleasant no matter what he is," she observed. "I can only imagine how much scarier he would look with scales and lots of teeth."

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[trigons_child]

"As Lady Ghanima explained, you must be careful to not let one bite you," Raven said. "It can be...embarrassing." Like making you dance around in your underwear singing about murdering husbands, but Raven knew nothing about that, really.

She took her eyes off the "gremlin" to study Cassidy. "You said last week during introductions that you are from Kaeleer, did you not? I have recently visited there. Karla is a dear friend to me, have you met her? I am Raven."

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[nothornlessrose.livejournal.com]

Cassidy nodded, stuudying the Gremlin for a moment. "It would be cheating if I shielded myself from it since this is a classroom activity, then?" Cassidy turned to Raven and her eyes had lit up. "Oh yes. I met Karla at the picnic and it was so nice to meet a Sister here. It's nice to meet you, Raven. I'm Cassidy and I'm from Dharo."

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[trigons_child]

"It is very nice to meet you as well, Cassidy," Raven said with a smile. "As I said, Karla is very dear to me. She is as a sister to me as well. And using whatever gifts to protect yourself would not be cheating, at least I do not think so. The point of the exercise is not to be bitten."

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[nothornlessrose.livejournal.com]

Cassidy looked relieved and pulled up a shield around herself. "That's good to know. I'm not very fond of being bitten by anything." She smiled and nodded. "Karla is a very good person." Her eyes were full of fondness and relief at meeting someone who understood. "I am relieved that this place has so many good people here. It's not been as frightening as I was worried that it would be."

Recognition suddenly filled her eyes and she almost bounced in place. "Oh. I remember now. You help lead the reserves. I saw you there last week."

Sorry, Raven. Cassidy gets excited about meeting people that hold positions of respect.

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[oops-mbad.livejournal.com]

Diana studied Frank and the zombie (and noted that that would be an awesome name for a band) and pondered her options. Sha veguely considered getting caught by the happy gremlin just so that she would get to be a zombie.

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[nyotauhura101.livejournal.com]

Uhura sidled up to her classmate. What was her name? Diana!

"Diana, have you ever played tag with a gremlin before?" Uhura stared at the little green thing. It was kinda cute if you crossed your eyes.

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[oops-mbad.livejournal.com]

"Only if you count that weird kid in the third grade." Diana informed her. "You?"

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[nyotauhura101.livejournal.com]

Uhura snorted. "Do little brothers count?" She cocked her head. "Why do you think he's staring at us?"

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[oops-mbad.livejournal.com]

"Usually, I'd say yes. But probably not in this case." Diana said. "Maybe he's deciding which one of us looks tastier?"

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[nyotauhura101.livejournal.com]

"Or which one would make a more entertaining zombie? Being a zombie might be fun."

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[oops-mbad.livejournal.com]

"That's what I was thinking." Diana admitted. "Gr..argh...braaains." She did a passable zombie impression.

Re: Activity! : Tag! You're It!

[dontvotemeout]

Jason blinked a little as the gremlin turned their teacher into a zombie. That so wasn't what Sookie said was supposed to happen with gremlins, but getting to turn and catch the others sounded like fun enough that he was wondering whether or not to run. Algren had said it was just an illusion, after all.