⇨ THE MATRIX

[ringleaders]

Who: EVERYONE!
When: S1:D22 - S1:D??
Where: Visiting the Matrix.
What: The carnival arrives at its next location, as outlined here. This is a general mingling log for convenience purposes, but players are welcome to make as many other logs for this purpose as desired.
Warnings: Could be a lot of things.

THE MATRIX↴ "What IS the Matrix? The Matrix is a system, Neo. That system is our enemy. But when you're inside, you look around, what do you see? Businessmen, teachers, lawyers, carpenters. The very minds of the people we are trying to save. But until we do, these people are still a part of that system and that makes them our enemy. You have to understand, most of these people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system, that they will fight to protect it." ► INSIDE: On the inside, it all seems so normal. Beyond what you know of the reality you've stepped in, every bit of this place feels just as real as it did back in the carnival. If you were to forget where you'd just come from, would you know any different? The simulation of Chicago is identical to how it would have been in the early days of the new millenia, to anyone who comes from a similar Earth. Humans bustle around you, oblivious to the world outside of the Matrix that they were born into. One bright side to it all is that this hyper realism means the coffee tastes just as good as it does in real life. Anything you could do in real Chicago you can do here - and perhaps even more. ► WHITE ROOM: But before that, you were here. The White Room is a loading program, intended to port objects and people into the Matrix. You arrive as a reconstruction of your true physical form, but common sense suggests that for some of you, entering the mundane world looking like yourself isn't the best idea. It's in this empty world that you will be able to load in whatever physical objects you are, and change the way you present your own body to the system. Changes can be little, or big, but whatever you do, the body has to be able to function according to Earth's physical laws. Don't forget, if you die here, you die in the carnival too. ► DEJA VU: It doesn't matter what you're doing, but at some point you'll notice it - something around you has repeated itself, like a line on a skipping record. Maybe it's the same person bumping into you twice in a row, or the same cab driver yelling at you to get out of the way. It's like reality has rewound and repeated itself, and after the fact you have no proof of it happening beyond the memory of what you saw. You don't know what it means, but something about it is chilling. It may be a good time to find a buddy. ► THE ONE: It won't necessarily come naturally, but in a moment of need you may find yourself bending the world of the Matrix through sheer belief and force of need. How you bend it will always stay without the rules of the universe, at least for now, but when it comes to enhancing your own physical characteristics, just about anything is possible. It will not be easily reproducible, not now, but it could be your first view into the window of what's possible.

Comments

[pipers_son]

[He does have to admit it’s pretty amazing how fast she’s adapted. But that’s not Joker concern right now.]

Thank ya kindly. Now how ta put this…

[He taps his fingers together sharply.]

It’s not that yer an unnattractive type as a zebra, but this is really somethin' else! Really, where did ya get the idea ta look like that from?

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

['Fast'? This comes after months of hard work and effort put into her spell and learning. Make no mistake, Zecora has earned what she shows here.]

I did not make changes which
Are more detailed than flipping a switch.
Aside from the clothes that I wear
This is how I look as a human mare.

[pipers_son]

And I suppose that includes cloak and all for a little mystery
But have ya thought about dressin’ up a bit more classy?
It seems a shame with how ya are ta not look yer best
Especially when ya might not fit in with the rest.

[Catching back onto the rhyming bit, he grins at her as he makes an actual sensible point.]

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

Clothing is wrapping that doesn't change what's inside.
I often wonder why humans feel they have something to hide.
But I'll put to the test
Anything you suggest.

[pipers_son]

[Uh oh. Now he’s looking excited.]

I swear that I’ll find the perfect fit
Ya really don’t have a problem with it?

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

If change I must
Then you have my trust.

[Really, Joker. Why would she not trust you?]

[pipers_son]

[Because he’s a huge dork, but then, that’s not necessarily anything against his fashion sense.]

[In quite the good mood, he bounces around her, thinking hard. His automatic go-tos are all flash and color, but Zecora is classy, or at least he’s always thought she would be. She deserves something good and well thought out. Besides, that line of thinking is for the glitz and glamor of the spotlight. They need to blend in.]

[After a few minutes, with a bit of matrix fiddling, he sets out an entire wardrobe for her to choose from, looking quite pleased with himself.]

Alright, I think I’ve got a few nice things picked out! What do ya think about some of these ta start with?

[To start wi- Joker calm down.]

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

[Zecora stares at the sudden glut of choices for a long second, before she staggers back a step, overwhelmed. She regains her balance quickly, looking at Joker in a mix of shock and sardonic amusement.]

Forgive me, I did not see
That you aren't Joker, but Rarity.

[pipers_son]

[His eyes are glittering in amusement of his own as he flashes a grin at her.]

Isn’t it normal ta go all out when yer dressin’ a friend?
And anyway, I’ll admit this is for my own end
See, I’m gonna be doin’ the Ringmaster a favor
But it needs a bit more finesse than basic labor

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

I admit these new options are not thin--
But now I do not know where to begin!

[She waves a hand at the assemblage in faint consternation.]

[pipers_son]

[Joker prrrrrobably shouldn't laugh like he is, but... he is.]

So would ya care for a little assistance
Somethin' like this, for instance?

[And he gestures to an outfit to the side.]

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

[Oh yes, pick on the poor zebra. She trusted you!]

[Zecora edits the outfit onto her with a little gesture, then looks down at herself. It looks good in principle, but she doesn't seem to wear it quite right... maybe an attitude thing, or perhaps she just doesn't feel comfortable in it?]

[pipers_son]

[And he’s pulling through! Just not without a little laughter.]

No good, huh? What about… this?

[And he offers a coat to hold up against her.]

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

It seems a bit tight
I wonder if you might
Be less concerned if I'm warm
And more looking at my form.

[More noting with amusement than complaining, Zecora shrugs the garment on, then spreads her hands slightly. Well? Give her an opinion!]

[pipers_son]

[He delicately places a hand against his chest, playing aghast.]

Never! Well, alright, perhaps just a tad
But I’d like ta think it’s not that bad
Anyway, I think in all of them ya look beautiful
But if ya want more loose, it's all for yer perusal

[And he drapes a coat over her shoulders with a flourish and a laugh to complete the look.]

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

[Zecora lets out a little huff as she rolls her eyes, but the smile never vanishes.]

I said I would trust
So I shall, I must.
Though I'm hardly so appealing
As to send you reeling
I'll settle for blending
And not visually offending.

[pipers_son]

Still, what kinda friend would I be
If I didn’t listen ta yer preferentiality?
And besides, I think yer understimatin’ how ya look
Passin’ by, ya would surely rob hearts like a crook

[He’s having too much fun with this as he steps back and grins at her.]

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

Anypony, girls or guys,
Gets long looks from your eyes.

[Really, Joker, after all this time you think Zecora doesn't know that? She flashes him a wry look as she slides her arms into the sleeves of the coat.]

[pipers_son]

[He can’t even pretend to be sheepish, just shrugging with a laugh.]

It’s not my fault that I have a fine appreciation
For the folks we see in our constant migration

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

[No, he can't. That's just how he is, so Zecora has no problem teasing him when they both know it's fond.]

Your eyes like all that you seek
So don't pretend I am unique.

[pipers_son]

But aren’t we some of the closest of friends~?
I think that changes it a tad at the end!

[Laughing, he leans back on his feet.]

So, what plans do ya have for explorin’ this place?

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

We are friends so I should thank
You for staring at my flank?

[Never change, Joker. Zecora rolls her eyes fondly, then tugs at the jacket to settle it better on her shoulders. Thinking about her zebra form always makes a human one feel stranger; better to just forget and go with the flow.]

No plans except to see
Everything new to me.

[pipers_son]

Now ain’t that a way ta be rude!
Would ya really say I’m that crude?

[More shameless dramatics and false swooning before he lets the rest of the wardrobe vanish. What an interesting little place this is- it’d make wardrobe a lot easier, he has to say.]

With all the places we’ve traveled
I wonder what more there is ta unravel?

[Bowing, he lets her take the first step, so to speak, into the new world.]

[zebrarhyme_everytime]

The universe is huge and wide
And in it many secrets hide.
We could wander ten thousand years
And never lack new treats for our eyes and ears.

['Entering' take an effort of will she is unaccustomed to, which means her abrupt appearance in an alley leaves her stumbling into a wall with the suddenness of the transition.]

[pipers_son]

[Joker shows up just a second later, and he immediately goes over to her when he sees her position.]

Zecora! Ya alright?