synflux | DOWNTIME MINGLE #3

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DOWNTIME MINGLE #3

DOWNTIME MINGLE #3

CONTENT WARNINGS: natural disaster, forced scenarios.

▶ 001. A JOB WELL DONE.

As Outsiders head back from Okinawa (or, perhaps they are already back, characters were able to leave Okinawa through the dataportal whenever) with plenty of coconut crab and mutated fish, Outsiders can expect to have the cafeteria filled with crab and fish food for the next.. well, undetermined amount of time. The power outages have been restored on the LILITH base, and while Outsiders have been enjoying their change of pace in Okinawa, there has been some celebratory news across the Outsider's ocular implants. It looks like it is a message from the big guy himself! Whoever that is. Wasn't his name.. Eiji something? Elijah?

"I'm not going to waste my time with introductions, because we have more important matters to discuss. First of all, good work. Second, while we have been met with several successes, don't let it get to your head. Third, continue following the lead of Yamakawa. ... This is why I don't do celebratory speeches. CODENAMES MONEYBAGS, DUELWIELD, BUSTERMOVE, CHAINSAW MAN and CURSE... great work. You'll see the rewards of your hard work momentarily. Report to me for a payout."

The announcement won't leave an Outsider's implant until it has been read, but just as the voice said, Outsiders will find a Sampo themed pachinko machine installed by the cafeteria near the vending machines. It looks like it's ready to be played! Why not give it a go? Because who wouldn't want to see this charm willingly.

A lot of toy companies are also wanting their skin in this game and have introduced the set of several actions figures based off Yzak and Dearka's gundams, which can be seen distributed on base. The caveat, however, is that you will need to build them piece-by-piece. Alongside this, there will also be Denji-themed plushies, even if it looks like a cross between a dog and human.

Thanks to Choso, hair care on the base has also gotten a lot better. Due to sponsorships, Outsiders are readily able to access more shampoo and conditioner options. Though, maybe thanks to the pictures on the bottle— buns are now trending.

Maybe give the pachinko machine a spin? Or try Choso's brand of shampoo your team's wing communal shower?

▶ 002. TRADITIONAL TANABATA.

The sun is hot but summer is traditionally festival season in Neo Tokyo; these old traditions have managed to hold up in this gritty society in attempts to keep a positive morale, so some citizens and organizers try to keep the tradition going and lift spirits by celebrating local festivals. Many districts and neighborhoods have their own festivals as well. One day, you might stumble onto a shopping district’s wind chime festival and the next day, you might find flyers for a neighborhood’s morning glory festival.

The largest festival of the month is the Tanabata festival. Since the holiday falls in an odd weekday this year, the main celebration is held the next weekend. Civilians and Outsiders can find various shrines, shopping centers, and community buildings with bamboo branches on display with holographic slips of paper that alternate colors. Characters that pass by may submit their wishes on their implants; a new way to keep the old tradition.

On the weekend, some stalls have been set up for people to celebrate. Attendance is low because of the heat and due to a food shortage, the options are lacking. However, there are plenty of games such as a toy shooting range with laser guns and kaiju targets. There are also goldfish catching games where people can catch a cheap goldfish drone that can “swim” in the air and water and shoot bubbles. As a bonus, LILITH will provide Outsiders with an outfit upgrade to help lift spirits. The outfit consists of a traditional summer yukata or jinbei.

Fireworks have gone out of style due to attracting kaiju attention. However, at the festival’s end, there is a drone light show. Hundreds of customized hummingbird drones take to the sky and create elaborate illuminations and shapes in the sky while music plays.

▶ 003. DR. RATIO'S RENOVATIONS.

Festival season means LILITH also has to get in on the action, and while a certain Outsider named Dr. Ratio has raised concerns over the stated of the LILITH base Library, LILITH has actually listened to his desperate plea to renovate the library. What a perfect opportunity for LILITH to use the festival as a way of raising funds so they don't have to dip into their kaiju payout funds (and pizza party fund.) It's time for LILITH's annual SUMMER FESTA. Every year, LILITH comes together with local organizations like fire stations, police stations, clinics, and nonprofits to promote public safety and awareness. It's a one day festival where people can get information about what to do to stay safe not only during kaiju attacks but in their daily lives. The funds raised at the festival will go to training, supplies, research, and maintaining services.

As usual, LILITH is raising money for disaster relief supplies and renovation projects across Neo Tokyo. Per request, LILITH has agreed to set aside some funds to help renovate the facilities on base, including the library. However, they will task the Outsiders with raising the money.

It's a festival so how they raise the money is both up up to them or they may take the suggestions according to their team placement below. Either way, Outsiders are required to work with other people on their same team but they're encouraged to make it fun. Set up game stalls, sell food, do performances, and ask for donations to raise as much money as possible for their projects. The team that raises the most money is promised a prize while the losers will be punished. Here are the team suggestions below and some of them may have some new, modern twists:

Everlight: Kingyo-sukui, which is goldfish catching with a paper scoop. Managing the takoyaki stands.
Revelation: Yoyo-tsuri, fishing for water-filled balloons with a “fishing pole” with a paper string. Managing the mask stands.
Brimstone: Shateki, shooting at targets for prizes. Managing the sparklers stands.. sparklers shouldn't catch kaiju attention, right?
Redemption: Wanage, ring toss. Managing the onigiri stands.

Outsiders will be given a week to prepare for the festival and they only have a single day to raise funds. In the evening, the winning team is announced: Revelation. All team members will receive can badges and a pizza party. A special donation will also be made to the library on their behalf: A stack full of self help books, yes, REAL books and not holograms or digital books, such as "Overcoming Your Depression for Dummies" and "How to Make Friends 101." Thank you for your effort, Team Revelation!

As for the losers, they will be given options: Sign up or the final fundraising event of the night or help clean up at the end of the festival. The final fundraiser is a punishment game where volunteers from each organization are dunked in tubs of water or pied in the face. It seems like a certain person (Seok Dang) was supposed to be LILITH’s tribute but he is nowhere to be found… maybe one of the other losers will step up and take his place to be dunked in water or pied in the face? Characters may also sign up a loser character without their consent. Come on, be a good sport!

▶ 004. MONSOON SEASON.

Despite the celebrations and attempts to raise morale, the heatwave persists in Neo Tokyo and with it, the problems from the beginning of the month. Food continues to go bad quickly and while fundraising attempts have provided some relief, the city is huge and shelf stable supplies begin to run low again. The energy crisis improves slightly with blackouts occurring less frequently as emergency personnel attempt to intervene. Though the weather is dreary, the renovations must press on! Fortunately, most of the things to do around the Library consist of staying inside. Dr. Ratio has given the following orders which Outsiders may help with in the Library:

- Install better lighting.
- Organize and add more books.
- Set up and secure tables and chairs.
- Add couches to once section of the library to convert it into a lounging area.

Characters may work together to help, or maybe they prefer to laze around and give the newly renovated Library a test run!

After a few days, finally, the rain meteorologists have promised arrives. The skies darken and heavy rain falls on the city which brings much cooler temperatures. People stay inside more often as it becomes too inconvenient to go out when the rain and wind are so strong. The rainstorms grow stronger and eventually become fully fledged storms. The ground shakes from thunder and lightning strikes light up the sky.

Everyone’s ocular implants will frequently give warnings about the weather. LILITH will task Outsiders with assisting across the city. Help evacuate citizens to higher ground during flash floods. After the storms subside, help clear the streets of debris and trees. Some neighborhoods will lose power because of lightning strikes and need their generators restored. However, every time they finish their tasks, a new storm will occur a few days later and they’ll have to repeat.

At first, it seems like the typical summer storm season but meteorologists become concerned when more storms begin to happen without following clear weather patterns and even the locals remark the season seems very active this year… could it be another kaiju? The last time Neo Tokyo had floods, it was sea water, but this is caused by heavy rain. Like clockwork, LILITH's investigating team is on the lookout for energy from a rift or any leads to what could be causing all of the heavy rain. Outsiders are instructed to keep an eye out for any emergency messages.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our third downtime mingle! While we would typically have a texting prompt, we instead have player plots for this event! Thank you Abbel and Eski for the Tanabata and festival player prompt and Sky for the Library renovations plot! We appreciate Eski for spending 500 bonus points to provide everyone with something to wear for Tanabata. For the character-run stalls as part of the renovation prompt, players are not limited to the suggestions given by the mods and are free to come up with their own stall ideas. Additionally, for characters signing up other characters for the dunk tank, please make sure you get OOC permission from their players first.

Please note also we have added new rewards: the Poison Dagger, Cat Ear Visor, and the Elemental Swords now come in the models Ice and Lightning. Please see the REWARDS page for more information.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points.

EVENT BREAKDOWN (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. A JOB WELL DONE: The kaiju heavy hitters get recognition with.. a pachinko machine and shampoo sponsorship? Outsiders can react to their fellow colleagues about this development, or maybe even talk to the winners themselves around the base.

2. TRADITIONAL TANABATA: It's Tanabata season, even in a post-apocalyptic world! Put on some old, traditional attire with your friends and enjoy a drone show.

3. DR. RATIO'S RENOVATIONS: LILITH has teamed up with the local safety personnel to get in on the festival season. Characters are encouraged to fundraise for renovations at the LILITH base Library. Teams may also visit other teams events and stands to donate, partake in, and.. maybe deliver some competitive harassment.

4. MONSOON SEASON: With the weather being hot and renovations needing done, LILITH works together to improve the Library. A few days later, the weather gets suspiciously intense and Outsiders are instructed to help civilians with power outages, flash flooding, debris from heavy wind and rain.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ oh! so he's the one who ordered the books for kaiju study. to help the earth recover from the kaiju's destruction...

she's been afraid to ask how bad it is. the less you know, the easier it is to maintain hope. at the same time? the more you know, the better prepared you are. hiyori's carefully been walking that line. ]

That's a hefty undertaking. [ she says softly, a small smile on her face. not to intimidate, but to appreciate and recognize what a colossal endeavor that will be. ]

You're not doing it on your own, are you? [ she pauses, glancing over. ]

[ Understanding the bleak reality of the world can be crushing, but he has always detested being ignorant. However, he's more than aware that his capabilities afford him more options even in dire circumstances. He cannot wholly fault the mediocre for their desire to remain unknowing of the bleak reality of the world. ]

At the moment, yes. LILITH does not select for Outsiders based on their capacity for research, so to the extent of my knowledge, I am the sole person with that specialization on base. LILITH's researchers have focused their efforts on analyzing the kaiju, so it behooves me to focus on the planet instead.

[ MEDIOCRE......

well, not wrong. hiyori is woefully normal compared to some people here. like, physically AND mentally. besides a (small) violent streak. ]

Still, that's - [ a HUGE project for one person. for two. you would need a team of people.

he says LILITH doesn't select Outsiders based on their research ability, but that's something she DOES have. ]

... If you'd let me, I'd like to help you. I wouldn't call it a specialization, but I've done a lot of research over the years. From high school to medical school.

[ It's not a personal attack on Hiyori, Ratio regards a majority of people as mediocre. But it's precisely why he understands her concern. It is a huge undertaking—not one he'd want to work on by his lonesome, if he had a choice. For as incompetent as some of his fellow researchers might be, the support they provide is still appreciated.

He peers down at her curiously, trying to assess her age. ]

I would certainly welcome the assistance, but I will need to know more to determine what kind of guidance you will need to work effectively. Have you already completed your schooling? What is your medical specialization?

[ and not an immediate rejection! that's promising. if he needs her to prove herself and declare her credentials, that's fine. her shoulders go straight and she folds her hands in front of her. of course, he would need to know more.

she's more or less a stranger to him. this is research, too, in a way. researching HER. how diligent. ]

I have, yes. I focused on family medicine for my education. It's one of the most versatile specializations and useful in multiple areas. [ maybe... she should... return the favor. ]

If you'll forgive me for asking, I'm a bit curious myself but... do you happen to have experience with environmental sustainability and preserving ecosystems?

[ Family medicine... certainly a practice that requires lateral thinking and research when necessary. Not that other disciplines of medicine and health care didn't, but for the Outsiders, her wide breadth of knowledge would be useful. ]

Are you in residency, or have you completed that as well?

[ The interview goes both ways. That she even thinks to ask about his credentials is a sign that she can use her brain, at bare minimum. He smiles subtly with approval. ]

It is not my specialization, no. I am only passingly familiar with the subject out of personal interest, which is why I must refresh my knowledge on the discipline.

[ is she surprised he knows what steps someone has to take to be a doctor? nah, not really. ] I've just completed my residency — three years at my family's hospital. My father and brother have been practicing as well. My grandfather before them.

[ when ratio smiles, she lets herself relax an inch. right choice, then. a scholar through and through. someone who appreciates someone else as hungry for knowledge. or someone a bit nosey.... ]

Mm. Well, the planet's largest water source is a great place to start, if I can say so.

[ while marine science isn't TECHNICALLY an interest of hers, helping where she can is. ]

And passion is a great place to find your motivation. What first drew you to it?

I see. As I said earlier, LILITH selects on the basis of combat prowess, so there is a lack of support-oriented individuals among us. Your knowledge and experience will be invaluable.

[ The ocean does comprise of most of this planet's surface, which is why he'd been thinking of tackling it first. Though it did help that someone else requested that he look into it a while ago.

He hums in thought, recalling when he first took an interest in the subject. ]

I once visited a beautiful, verdant planet that was suffering from a host of environmental issues, some self-inflicted by their population's activities. There had been a forum on the topic occurring in the room next to the conference I was meant to attend at a later time of the day, so I'd sat in out of curiosity. The resulting discussion was prompted me to research the topic at length, and eventually led me to discover an endangered plant species with unique medicinal properties unlike any the scientific community had seen before. It then became a matter of importance to preserve the plant and environment they originated from for further study.

[ Since then, he's kept himself somewhat informed on the subject, when time allowed him to be (unfortunately, not often). ]

[ combat prowess? her?? that can't be right. sure, she was into MMA fighting enough to practice the moves of her favorite fighter, touno. sure, she MAYBE considered (once) not going into the medical field and being an athlete to take over the world but she was a teenager.

it makes sense that LILITH would choose her based on her support capabilities. her face goes a bit pink at ratio saying her knowledge and experience will be invaluable. it must be really... bad... if he's saying that. there's a lot of work cut out for her. ]

That must mean you're tough in a fight, then. [ since he's here, too. he's been Chosen.

as hiyori listens to his story, relating somewhat to wanting to sit in on a neighboring forum, she startles. he wasn't kidding when he said he was a researching. he's The Researcher, going out into the field and making ground-breaking discoveries. ]

Wow. [ hiyori is appropriately AWED that he might've single-handedly saved an entire ecosystem by one plant. ] They were lucky you were there to- [ ... gasp. ] Oh, gosh! I didn't even ask your name before all of this. Some researcher I am. I'm sorry, I'm Hiyori Iki.

[ For the most part, he means. It's very likely Hiyori was selected for support, but it's true that most Outsiders are capable of fighting. That isn't a coincidence. ]

Compared to other individuals on base, I am lacking. I am certainly capable of handling myself against the average person, as well as smaller creatures and entities, but I have little recourse in a fight against the kaiju. Their destructive power is something I would have trouble defending myself against.

[ He could snipe the creature from a distance, but he is slow to react against attacks. Without any protective shields, it's not likely he'd be able to take even a single hit from a kaiju.

Don't be too impressed, Hiyori. That isn't even the tip of the iceberg in terms of his accomplishments. ]

Veritas Ratio. You may address me as Dr. Ratio.

[ stares at her love of mma fighting..... ]

We're alike in that. [ she angles a smile at him. knowing your limits isn't a weakness, though. meeting someone who is in a similar position gives her some hope.

too late, she's Impressed. not that he struck her as a layabout sort. ]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Rat... io. [ about those accomplishments.

he's the one thAT GOT THEM ALL THESE BOOKS, TOO. wow, yeah, not someone who is idle at all. ]

You were also in charge of the renovations for the library! [ it's all coming together, kronk. ]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Dr. Iki.

[ Oh, it's been a while since he's received an awestruck look from a younger individual. He used to get them all the time from new students and junior researchers who were meeting him for the first time. It's not like he's been away from home for that long, but it amuses him all the same, though it doesn't show outwardly. ]

That is correct. The library was dilapidated, bereft of educational books and unsuitable as a place of study and leisure before the renovation. I'd intended to renovate the library on my own and simply informed LILITH of my intention, but it seems they agreed with me, thus the fundraising.

[ being called dr. iki by someone of prestige like dr. ratio just hits different. she's flattered. her chest surges with pride.

that is points in LILITH's favor. more in ratio's, too. ]

... Are you used to doing things on your own? I mean. [ hm. ] There's a lot to be said for getting the job done with your own fists [ here, she smiles to herself. thanks, touno-sama. ] and I respect your immense impetus, but... is it a choice to not ask for help? Or -

[ fill in the blank ]

[ A reasonable question. While it is more efficient to work on his own, it is far better that an initiative meant to benefit the base as a whole is funded by everyone. His reasoning, then, was— ]

I did not believe LILITH would sponsor the renovation. They have not always been cooperative with us, and they could not be faulted if they suggested their funds were better allocated towards more important projects. However, I had intended to solicit donations from our colleagues through the ocular network.

[ So, not entirely alone. He just would have shouldered most of the burden, because it was his desire that the library be fixed up. ]

[ this is news to her. generally, she hasn't heard much about LILITH. they're an enigma aside from some very basic knowledge: they're the reason they are all here and their intent is to use those chosen to save humanity. ]

Do you think they would help with your environmental recovery efforts? That seems like a good project to allocate funds to.

They are an organization whose primary task is to eliminate the kaiju. Any discoveries they make that would aid environmental restoration would likely be incidental in their search to understand the creatures. That is why the task must be left to us, if not the regional governments on this planet.

[ He does not expect LILITH to contribute to such projects because their resources are better used to discover more about the kaiju. It is of paramount importance that those creatures be eliminated entirely if the planet is to hope for salvation. ]

[ hiyori's eyes narrow a bit. pretty much what she was under the assumption of lately. LILITH is more of a military operation than anything else. they're the soldiers. with their soldier suits at their soldier base. some of them? super soldiers. ]

I see.

[ she sighs and nods. turning toward that pile of books she brought in, she picks up one and hefts it onto her shoulder. ]

In that case, I'll start studying up on marine life myself. Whether or not you think I'm qualified, I'm here if you ever want someone to brainstorm with. Or want to throw project ideas at, Doctor.

Your assistance is appreciated, but do not neglect your primary specialization. I will be satisfied with what you can offer in your spare time.

[ He has a lot of ideas brewing, but there are still a few things he wants to confirm before bringing them up to Hiyori or any other Outsider he believes will have an interest in such a project. ]

I will extend an invitation to the makeshift laboratory I've set up on another day. We must complete this renovation first.

Wouldn't dream of it.

[ she can only hope she left a good enough impression that he would want to reach out to her in the future. working with someone like that would be eye-opening.

clutching the book to her chest, she beams a bit brighter. and there it is. an invitation! ]

Ah, right, yeah. One thing at a time. I'll go see if there's another batch of books but if I don't come back [ hiyori gives him a respectful, little bow. ]

It's been a pleasure talking to and meeting you, Dr. Ratio. Thank you for all your hard work. [ straightening up, she aims another smile and then kind of bounds away! there she goes. ]

Edited (i forgor) 2024-09-17 11:35 (UTC)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

DOWNTIME MINGLE #3

▶ 001. A JOB WELL DONE.

▶ 002. TRADITIONAL TANABATA.

▶ 003. DR. RATIO'S RENOVATIONS.

▶ 004. MONSOON SEASON.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

is it ok if i save myself for tagging u on kaiju log? qwq

sureeee

<3

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