#SalientRecollectionDoc

[mosneakers]

Coraleye: Wait, Erwin! Slow down! It's hard running in these heels! Erwin: We have to hurry. They're already setting up. Erwin leads Coraleye around the building’s exterior to the circular section of the rooftop balcony, where a single podium and various equipment are set up for Jill Smith’s speech. Between surveillance and drone footage, every movement's tracked.

Erwin: They can take any form they want, Cor—the aliens. Shapeshifters, ok? They could be your roommate, your best friend, even a lover— and you'd never suspect a thing. Coraleye suddenly becomes hyperaware of the balcony's height. She forces a queasy smile, trying to pacify his nerves. Coraleye: [Soft, soothing tone] Erwin, honey, maybe we shouldn't be so close to the railing, huh? Let's go find somewhere to sit down... She softly reaches for his hand, holding it firmly. Erwin: Just— just let me finish, ok? And if you ever did find out? They'd completely wipe your memory. Instantly. They control the whole narrative. They're horrible to simkind; they abduct, experiment, impregnate, and even kill, Coraleye.

Camera crews, security, and staff begin to trickle in, preparing for the media coverage. Coraleye’s eyes well up with tears, her body trembling. Coraleye: They're not all like that, though! Rorie? She's just an innocent baby... Erwin: That's because the Big Greys up there? [Points to the sky] Their goal is to blend human and alien DNA over generations. Seems like they're trying to create the ideal beings. Halflings like Rorie are part of this process, but their ultimate plans? Well we can only speculate. Coraleye: How did you figure all this out?

Erwin: [Takes a deep breath] Well, Darling, I have reason to believe they've infiltrated our lives. I've been quietly stashing evidence, and the evidence has been piling up.

Coraleye: Erwin...I... Erwin: Anyone you know who seems just too perfect? Like suspiciously flawless? The Big Greys—they’ve got these emissaries here on Earth, born and raised for the job. Planted here to reproduce with humans... essentially breeders.

Coraleye: No, no, no...

Erwin: Think about it, Corie. Haven't you noticed? There's always something a little bit off about Coni. Remember that time when we— [voice trails off]

Coraleye: When we... Erwin? That time when we what, Erwin?

Erwin: In Britechester... —my ears... they’re... they're ringing...

Coraleye: Erwin! Are you okay?

Erwin: Coraleye, I think... —GET BACK! NOW!

Coraleye: What? Why? Erwin? Please! WHAT'S GOING ON? ERWIN!

[mosneakers]

4 Months After Election

Filmmaker: So forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn here, but now that everything's pretty much said and done, what's left to hide?

Tycho pauses, breaking from his dazed stare, and looks up at the filmmaker quizzically. Filmmaker: You know… what's the purpose of your disguise now? Doesn't pretty much everyone know the secret at this point?

Tycho: [Shrugs] Yeah, Alex, guess you got me there.

Alex: There's been somewhat of a movement going on amongst the extraterrestrial community; an advocacy to reveal their true identities, since the election. You know— live freely? Have you—

Tycho: ...Considered removing my disguise? Actually, Alex, yes, I have. For good. I've… I've considered it a lot. Hiding who I am has cost me everything.

Alex: Well, this doc seems like as good a time as any, if you ask me.[Quietly, off to the side] Cam, are you getting this?

Cameron nods silently, while swiftly adjusting the lens and checking over the sound levels, his attention locked in. Alex: I know this isn't easy, but sharing your true self could be a real turning point for so many others like you. So if you're comfortable, we're here to support you every step of the way. Whenever you're ready.

Silence fills the studio as Tycho anticipates a reaction from the documentarian, but there is no sign of shock or a gasp from him, only an enthusiastic air of rehearsed professionalism.

Alex: I want to thank you for your vulnerability, Tycho. I know just how incredibly difficult this whole ordeal must be for you.

Tycho takes a deep breath and exhales slowly.

Tycho: Yeah, well, I don't really have anything left to lose anyway.

Alex: Walk me through that. What happened the night of the election?

[mosneakers]

[suspenseful synthwave music playing]

[mosneakers]

The Spot - San Myshuno, Election Night

[mosneakers]

Coraleye: [Hands clasped together, grinning excitedly] You guys, I'm gonna say it... this kind of feels like old times, with the gang back together like this! Mira: —Well, almost back together, that is. We're still missing a couple. Coraleye: [Frowns] I know. I tried to get Glo to come, he just... [shrugs] wasn't really ready.

Tycho: [Eyes narrowing slightly] Speaking of missing parties, has anyone seen from Erwin? He told me he was tagging along with Coni, but I haven't heard from him since. Coni at Tycho, and raises an eyebrow, with a flicker of concern.

Coni: Interesting. He assured me he'd be with you... Unease creeps in, and Tycho, attempting a separate private conversation with Coni through widened eye contact, feels his mind begin to race. Tycho: Wait, what? He told you he'd be with me? Are you sure?

Starling: [Melodramatic sigh] I'm really starting to regret leaving the last party. This conversation is such a flop. We were having so much fun before, I think we should go back. Tatiana promised dinner! Coni, if you want, you're more than welcome to join us. I can't imagine anyone would rather play hide-and-seek with a full-grown unmedicated adult. Mira: [Sharp, reprimanding tone] Starling. Enough. Starling: What? Sorry! Mira: I should get her out of here. I think she's just getting hangry.

Coni: [soft, nervous chuckle] It's okay. I should really stay with Corie and Tycho to try to find Erwin. You two go ahead. We'll have to get together sometime soon, though.

Starling: [Flashes a dazzling smile at Coni] Yes girl, we'll be in touch! Mira: [Softly] Keep us updated.

Morgyn: [Watching the group closely] I suppose that's my cue. I'm on security duty tonight along with Niko. But if you need me, I can stay… Tycho buries his hands deeper into his pants pockets. Tycho: We've got it from here, Morgyn, thanks. Morgyn gives Tycho a single placating nod, but looks straight through him and directly at Coraleye. Morgyn: Hey... you've got this. Coraleye gives Morgyn a cordial nod and a smile, then laces her fingers through Tycho’s. She then directs her attention back to Coni. She looks forward to spending the rest of the night catching up with her, there’s so much to talk about.

[mosneakers]

Ophelia: Tyke, you seem just as stressed out about this as Jill is about the votes. It's going to be okay. Johnny: Yeah kid, chill out a little. You're overthinking it. She's gonna take it just fine. She doesn't give off the vibe that she's got any issue with aliens. No shot she won't accept you.

Tycho smiles politely at the bartender as he requests another cocktail. Tycho: It's not that she wouldn't accept me. It's that I lied to her for so long. And erased her memory! Several times, mind you. Johnny: Well... we all mess up, bud. Just be honest with her and it'll be fine.

Ophelia: Mhm. 'Cause the longer you keep putting it off, the worse things are gonna get.

Tycho: I know, I know. Tonight's the night. No matter what happens.

Ophelia: ...And do we have a strategy for this "Mission Rectify-a-Lie"?

Tycho: [Sigh] A vague one, maybe. I haven't seen her in a while, and tonight could be my last chance with her. So when she gets here, I'll set everything aside and just enjoy our time together. We were planning on getting a hotel here in San Myshuno tonight, so that's probably when I'll tell her. But I'm not entirely sure, I'll just go with the flow. I'm sure the tone of the night will be determined by whether or not Jill wins.

Johnny: Well, you better figure it out soon. [nods head in the direction of the staircase] Looks like your darling is making her grand entrance.

[mosneakers]

6 Months After Election

Alex: Thanks for being so open with me, Erwin. So, I’m guessing it’s safe to say you miss him, right? Erwin pauses momentarily, taking a deep breath. Erwin: Some days are easier than others; but yeah, I guess I miss him. We'd grown pretty close over the years. We all did. Alex: That must've made the events that happened even more difficult to process.

Erwin: [Nods] Ya know, there wasn't a whole lot that Sunglo, Tycho, and myself could all three agree on, but I do remember one thing standing out to me—and I told Coraleye about this.

Coraleye, standing near the camera man, flashes an affectionate grin off camera.

Alex: Yeah? And what was that? Erwin: You know in movies, or comic books, whatever your drug of choice is— Alex: Mhm...

Erwin: We all agreed the best ending for a character is a heroic death. A happy ending is cool and all... But once the ending comes, the reader moves on with their lives. If they're gonna remember the character, they're gonna remember them by a good death. One that really means something, ya know?

Alex cocks his head to the side as he ponders Erwin's words. Alex: That's beautiful, man.

[After a long pause] So election night... Walk me through your perspective...

[mosneakers]

Coni: Okay Cor— you're gonna break my ribs.

Coraleye: [Still hugging tightly] Well I I wouldn't have to squeeze you so hard if you didn't have to go and ghost us! We've all been so worried about you.

Tycho: You had Coraleye especially worried, Coni. Coni: I'm sorry for how I handled things. I just got overwhelmed and I needed space. I just didn't think anyone would want to see my face again after what went down between Sunglo and I.

Coraleye: [Grabs Coni’s hands] Are you kidding? Don't be silly. You’ll always have a place in our family, Con— no matter what happens between you and my brother. Coni: You're right. I should've known you'd be forgiving.

Coni shoots Tycho a subtle, almost undetectable glance, as Coraleye's attention is diverted by a text on her phone.

Coraleye: [Gasps] Oh my... It's Erwin. He says he's here. Coni and Tycho let out a synchronized sigh of relief.

Coraleye: He says he wants to talk to me... alone. Is it alright if I step away for a moment? Tycho: I don't know, what could he possibly have— Coni: Tycho. Relax, okay? Please, go ahead. He's fine. You're fine, aren't you Tycho. [Eyes shooting daggers] Tycho: [Deep contemplative breath] Yeah, she's right. I'll be fine. You go ahead. I... I love you.

═════════════════════════════════════════

Despite immediately picking up on his jittery demeanor, Coraleye greeted Erwin with her usual warmth as she made her way up the stairs. Coraleye: Hey you!

Erwin: [Eyes shifting nervously] Hey Eyelash! Over here— [motions closer] I tried to find a quiet place to meet but this place is buzzing with activity. Wow... you look fantastic.

Coraleye: Oh, ha, thanks! You look great too; I love the suit. So what'd you want to talk to me about? Is everything alright?

Erwin: This stays between just us, right?

Coraleye: Yes, of course, Erwin... this is me you're talking to. I won't tell a soul. Not even Tycho. Erwin: Especially not Tycho... [Concerned expression]

Coraleye: [Reflects expression] Yeah, Erwin. What is it? You're starting to freak me out...

Erwin: I don’t have all the pieces yet, but you can bet that's all changing tonight. Smith should not be president. Aliens are far more dangerous than the media’s letting on—think shapeshifting, mind control, memory manipulation—

Coraleye: Erwin— Erwin: And I have proof that Curious has been hiding things from you Cor, he knows a lot more about this than he's letting on.

Coraleye: What? What are you saying? Erwin: In about fifteen minutes, Jill Smith will be making her speech on the rooftop; either the concession or acceptance. The media will be covering it live. That’ll be my only chance to expose the truth about aliens. I have the evidence, but there's security everywhere, I need your magic to get away. We have to move quickly.

Coraleye: Well then... take me away.

[mosneakers]

Upon entering the bustling lounge, Coraleye is surrounded by a gathering of prestigious guests, each handpicked by the potential president-elect herself. Many are close relatives of Jill Smith, and thus also of Tycho, which Coraleye finds comforting.

She soon spots Tycho's cousin, Nova Curious, with her boyfriend, Lewis, dancing and laughing with a lively group of friends. Nova gleefully introduced Coraleye to each of them.

Nova: Coraleye, this is my best friend, Katydid. K, this is Coraleye. You're gonna love her. She'd be my new bestie if it weren't for you.

[Mutual laughter]

Katydid: Hey girlie! Oh my mod, you look INCREDIBLE! Here I am, blinged out in fifteen pounds of jewels like I robbed a damn jewelry store, and I still don't outshine you! Nova: Don't mind her, she's always so self-deprecating, despite me constantly reminding her she's literally perfect in every way.

Coraleye: Well, you both look beautiful too. I love your dress!

Katydid: Oh, this damn thing? [Scoffs] Girl, let me tell you. I ordered it online, aiming for Golden Bejeweled Goddess, like in the pictures, but when I got it in the mail, it's giving Ugly Pee-Yellow!

Coraleye: Well I happen to prefer it this way. Yellow is a very special color to me. [Smiles] Katydid: Yeah? [Glances down] Well maybe it's not so bad after all. You got me changing my mind over here! But it's still not attracting cute strangers like yours is... I think you might have an admirer, girl! [Winks and subtly gestures behind Coraleye]

Tycho: Excuse me, miss? Coraleye: Huh? Oh! Hello...

Tycho: Pardon the interruption, but I just had to tell you. When you walked in, you seemed to have taken my breath away, and I don't take kindly to thieves. I'm going to need that back.

Lewis, excited to see Tycho, greets him with a hearty tap on the shoulder. Tycho politely but swiftly acknowledges Lewis with a smile, his attention still on Coraleye as he twirls her around.

Coraleye: [Giggles] You are so corny. Tycho: Something like that...

Nova notices the confusion on Katydid's face as she tries to interpret the interaction in front of her. Nova: Don't worry, he's not actually a stranger. That's my cousin, Tycho. He's attempting to do a bit.

Tycho: Mind if I steal you away for a moment? I've missed you so much. Coraleye: I don't know, I... I don't really take kindly to thieves. Tycho: I don't expect you to be kind tonight.

Coraleye: Well then... take me away.

[mosneakers]

Alex: [Nudges Cameron] Hey Cam, who is that? Cameron's gaze flicks toward Alex's subject of attention before snapping back to his task operating the camera. He shakes his head and chuckles lightly. Cameron: I don't know, but we got a job to do. Stay focused, brother.

Alex: Who said I'm not focused? [Snaps photo] We do need get some interviews lined up anyway. Maybe she has something interesting to say? Cameron: She probably has nothing to do with Smith. Alex: Everyone here's connected to Jill Smith in some way. She made the guest list herself. Why not just introduce ourselves and dig a little deeper? Cameron: [Rolls eyes] Fine, but can we at least finish filming the important stuff first?

Alex: Deal.

[mosneakers]

A jazzy love song fills the venue, Tycho wraps Coraleye tightly in his arms, as their bodies sway to the rhythm. The room's dim lighting casts a pink glow over them, and the energy feels electric.

Coraleye: How is life going in Strangerville? Tycho: Aside from painfully missing you? Not too bad, I guess. I’ve been swamped between working fulltime and helping Glo rebuild Cecilia. You don't know how bad I've needed this. Coraleye: [Nestles closer] Mmm, I've missed you too. It's only been a few days, but after spending pretty much every single day together, a few days feels like forever. Tycho: I know baby, trust me, I know.

Coraleye sighs lovingly and gently pulls away, gazing into his eyes while tightly holding his hand.

Coraleye: ...But I think it’s wonderful what you’re doing for my brother. He’s been feeling so lost lately. I’m so grateful he has you.

Tycho: Please don't thank me, okay? Truly, it's the least I could do after everything... [Voice trails off]

Coraleye: What do you mean after everything? None of it was your fault!

Tycho: Just... I... I don't know, My mind is just a little preoccupied at the moment. I don't know what I'm saying.

Coraleye gently kisses him on the cheek, then takes a seat nearby, patting the spot beside her invitingly. Tycho follows closely, settling next to her.

Cozied up close against Coraleye, Tycho traces small circles on her back in an attempt to mask his anxious sense of urgency.

Tycho: What's on your mind, honey?

Coraleye: [A small, self-soothing smile tugs at the corner of her lips] Well... Coni said she'd try to make it here tonight. I don't have high hopes that I could ever get her and Glo back together or anything, but I still miss her a lot. Do you think she'll show? Tycho: I sure hope she does. Erwin told me he'd be tagging along with her. They're supposed to arrive together.

Coraleye's smile seamlessly fades into a frown.

Coraleye: [Sigh] We used to be such tight-knit friends, all of us. I feel like our little group is falling apart

Tycho: Coraleye, no. Don’t say that. We’re not falling apart; we’re just growing. You keep us together. Before Coraleye could thank Tycho for his words of encouragement, Tycho's gaze is redirected, and Coraleye follows it, leading to the central staircase in the middle of the room. A soft gasp escapes.

Tycho: Well... Looks like Coni made it. Alone—seemingly.

Coraleye: [Eyes twinkling] It's really her!

[mosneakers]

Coni stands before Jill Smith, who pensively scans over a document Coni has presented to her. as Jill gently bobs to soothe Levi, her infant son strapped to her torso. Jill tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and nods as she concludes the letter.

Jill: I see. Coni, first and foremost, I'd like to thank you for being so vulnerable and for sharing this information with me. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to keep these things to yourself around those closest to you. Your story is exactly why I'm driven to make a change.

Coni: Right. Thank you for your time Mrs. Smith. Jill: You know, for what it's worth, my father and the rest of our family were close friends with Bella Goth— or at least with who we perceived to be Bella at the time. Even if it turns out it wasn't the real Bella my father befriended, I still want to do everything in my power to make things right for the horrors inflicted on the original, Coni.

Coni stares blankly into the abyss that is the infant's black eyes, as he coos and wiggles his toes.

Coni: From now on, please call me Belladonna. It's how Bella would have wanted it.

[mosneakers]

Any typical paranoid conspiracy theorist wouldn’t even dream of snagging a coveted invite to Jill Smith's exclusive election party. But Erwin is lucky. His best friend, Tycho Curious, just happens to be the potential president-elect's cousin, and Tycho really went out of his way to ensure Erwin gets in.

The ground-level entrance to The Spot is heavily guarded with high-profile security and helicopters swarming overhead.

Appearing disheveled and visibly anxious, Erwin approaches the entrance, fumbling through his wrinkled suit jacket to find the pass for entry. Despite assuring Tycho he'd be arriving with Coni, he approaches the building alone. Focused on his quest, he’s about to face his first obstacle.

Sydney: PRIES! There you are. Blocking his path, the Mother In Red Association (or M.I.R.A)—rival cult group to Erwin's conspiracy club—gathers around with a mission of their own.

Erwin: Oh... it's you.

Sydney: We've been waiting out here for you, hoping to catch you before you went in.

Erwin: [Still searching for the pass] What? Why? How did you know I’d be here?

Sydney: We track Strangerville rental car records and saw your name come up in the database. Narrowed it down from there.

Erwin: Of course. So why did you feel the need to follow me?

Sydney: [Leans in and lowers voice] Ongoing Bella Goth investigation. We're following a lead... it's confidential. Erwin: [Frustrated sigh] Look, I don't have time for this, okay? There's something very important I need to do. And it's time sensitive.

Sydney narrows her eyes at Erwin, studying his frantic demeanor. Sydney: Okay, fine. If you help us get in, we’ll disclose to you what we’re after.

Erwin: [Scoffs, finally locating pass and softly waving it around] No chance. I barely got myself in because of my connection to Tycho.

I... I just got lucky. Sydney: Damn it! You sure there's not anything you can do? Erwin: Sorry. [Shrugs] But if I were you, I'd get out of here. Tune into the news, if everything goes according to plan— Bella Goth will only be a small fraction of the story.