Universal Remote [Open to All]

[applesaucemod]

Here's an interesting scene: the dreamers of Manhattan are on a pirate ship. Or perhaps they're standing in a busy ER, wearing scrubs and holding a scalpel they may or may not know how to use. Or perhaps they've found themselves in the middle of a world cup championship game, or an old-fashioned highway robbery, or an interstellar dogfight, or a dramatic, 'unscripted' showdown between arguably attractive people they've never seen before in their lives.

Whatever the situation, rest assured: it probably won't last long.

Maybe the Rift is bored. That might explain why the dream keeps changing, as if someone were idly flicking through the channels and switching up the genre. The poor dreamers are just along for the ride, the only constant amidst a shifting array of scenery, clothing, and overall mood. Perhaps, if things are sufficiently interesting, the dream might settle a little to see how things play out. But given the Rift's definition of 'interesting,' that might not be a good thing for whoever is providing the entertainment.

[OOC: the usual dream party rules apply. All are welcome, regardless of whether they're in the game or not. Dreamers can remember or forget the events of the dream at the players' discretion. Dreamers' clothes may change to reflect whatever scene they're in, but their memories and personalities will remain intact... though the overall mood of the setting might influence their mood, as well. Feel free to throw NPCs into whatever scene you find yourself in, with bonus points added if said characters treat the dreamers as if they're established parts of the 'canon.']

Comments

[peacefulexplorer]

"That's a good question," he admits, rubbing the back of his neck as he shoots a nervous look over one shoulder. The cop doesn't seem to have noticed the 'detective' has slipped away yet. "I have no idea, um. Are you - did someone put you in there?"

He stares at her, aghast. There's some context that's flying right over his head, such as why he's catching a glimmer of familiarity in her eyes - and he remembers, with a twinge of despair, that it's completely possible he knows her. Or, more specifically, knew her.

He looks at her helplessly, shoulders dropping. He hates having to cover this every time he meets someone new, but no sooner has he opened his mouth then a bright flash blinds him for a moment and his hands fly to his face.

He gapes at the source of light, blinking furiously to clear his vision of the brilliant-colored spots winking in and out.

It's a camera. No, cameras, plural.

Oh, good. Apparently the news has arrived on scene.

[all_the_gifts]

"I don't--" Melanie begins, but before she can say 'remember,' she's interrupted by the flash of cameras. Dread grips her; it's one thing for her to be spotted - Aziraphale will keep her safe - and another for Daniel to be seen with her. ROMAC might be gone, but there are people out there who remember what she is, and know how dangerous she can be. They might still be looking for her, and Daniel isn't as well-hidden as she is.

"Let's go," she says, taking his hand and tugging him away from the cameras. She doesn't recognize the neighborhood. Their building could be across the island or a mere block away. It doesn't matter; she can pray for help, just as soon as they're far enough from all the bustle. She definitely doesn't want her angel showing up on camera with her, too. What if Lucifer's watching?

There's a narrow, dark alleyway that looks suitably deserted, and Melanie pulls Daniel toward it with a hushed, "This way." But once she steps through, everything changes. The alleyway is gone, replaced by a bright, broad avenue. Everything looks clean and tidy, almost impossibly so. This neighborhood feels as far removed from Manhattan as Manhattan does from her universe's ruins of London. Melanie stills, taking it all in with wide eyes. She won't even have to worry about watching her step, here. Even the road is spotless.

"Oh!" Melanie turns to look up at Daniel. "We're dreaming, aren't we?" That would explain everything (and be an enormous relief).

A muffled, indignant, "Hey!" draws her attention to a nearby trashcan, and Melanie blinks as the lid lifts, revealing a large, shaggy, green head. A pair of bulbous eyes glares at both of them, and the creature opens its unnaturally wide mouth and snaps, "Can you keep it down out here? I'm trying to take a nap."

[peacefulexplorer]

Whoever she is, she's strong, tugging him along without nearly as much effort as it should take for someone her size. Daniel stumbles after her and doesn't look back. He's not eager to see his face plastered on any news report, especially once someone figures out that he's really not a detective, not the least bit qualified to be. They cut a sharp turn into an alley, away from the blaring sirens and red-and-blue lights, and the next thing he knows, they're somewhere else entirely. The contrast between the shadowed slash of alleyway and the unnaturally bright colors of the new, much neater road is overwhelming, and Daniel has to blink furiously for his vision to adjust.

He searches out a cartoonishly large street sign. He reads slowly, his brow crimping into a puzzled frown.

SESAME STREET
"I really hope it's a dream," he mutters, and lurches in alarm when something green and hairy emerges from an aluminum trashcan to - to scold them.

"Uh," stammers Daniel. "Sorry, um. We're, uh - we're new."